NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 7, 2022

SUBJECT: Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal | (805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Motorists to Expect Delays for the 2022 Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

The 15th annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon is scheduled for this Sunday morning, December 11th. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. in front of Santa on Ventura Boulevard and travels through the City of Oxnard where it ends at the Marine Emporium Landing located at 3600 South Harbor Boulevard.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be handling the traffic control along the race course and motorists should expect significant delays at several intersections throughout the city. These intersections include:

Rice Avenue at Sturgis Road
Rose Avenue at Camino Del Sol
Fifth Street at Hobson Way
Ventura Road at Ninth Street
Wooley Road at Patterson Road
Victoria Avenue at Wooley Road
Harbor Boulevard at Wooley Road

Motorists wishing to travel northbound and southbound in the city are encouraged to use Oxnard Boulevard as it will not be affected by the race. Rice Avenue and Rose Avenue are expected to be re-opened by 9:30 a.m. All other roadways are expected to be re-opened by 10:30 a.m.

For any questions related to the race or the traffic plan for this event, please contact Corporal Mike Wood at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at Mike.Wood@Oxnardpd.org.

NR 120722.png

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 1, 2022

SUBJECT: 2022 Oxnard Downtown Christmas Parade

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

On December 3, 2022, the Oxnard Downtowners Association will be hosting its annual Downtown Holiday Parade themed “A Blast from the Past.” The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 12:00 p.m.

The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site. Traffic delays should be expected beginning at 9:00 a.m. The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic:

A Street from Wooley Road to Fifth Street
Ninth Street from A Street to C Street
Fifth Street from A Street to C Street
C Street from Sixth Street to First Street
Second Street from D Street to A Street
B Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street and First Street to Second Street
A Street from First Street to Second Street

Parking will be restricted along the parade route and some surrounding streets. The recommended parking area for people attending the parade is the free public parking structure located at Third Street and B Street.

These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.

For any questions related to the parade, please contact Corporal Mike Wood at (805) 385-7749 or via email at Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 8, 2022

SUBJECT: Winter DUI Mobilization Campaign

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Stick to a “Go Safely” Game Plan: Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 14

With a commitment to keeping the community safe, the Oxnard Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From Dec. 14 through New Year’s Day, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 21, 2022, 10:12 A.M.

SUBJECT: Investigators Seek The Public’s Help In Bank Robbery

LOCATION: 1700 East Gonzales Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: Wells Fargo Bank

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291 | ricardo.vega@Oxnardpd.org

On November 21, 2022 at approximately 10:12 A.M., the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank branch, located at 1700 East Gonzales Road. The suspect entered the bank and demanded money from a teller. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing the bank on a bicycle in a northbound direction towards Gonzales Road.

Responding officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 40’s, approximately 5’6” tall, wearing a grey and black beanie, white t-shirt, and black shorts. No injuries were reported during the robbery and no further information is available at this time. Investigators are requesting anyone who witnessed the robbery or was in the area of the Rose Ranch Shopping Center during the time of the robbery and observed suspicious activity, contact Detective Ricardo Vega at 805-385-8291 or ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org.

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnard.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 28, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: 2022 Oxnard Police Department Pink Patch Campaign

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

For the fifth consecutive year, the Oxnard Police Department joined other law enforcement agencies across the country in October's “Pink Patch” campaign to raise funds and spread awareness for the battle against breast cancer. This year, Oxnard P.D. partnered with the Oxnard Police Community Foundation, Starbucks, Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Inc., and other local sponsors to raise funds through community “pop-up” fundraisers hosted at the Oxnard Police Station, Oxnard Starbucks locations, and the Channel Islands Harbor Farmer’s Market. These efforts raised a total of $8,000.00 for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that provides support to breast cancer patients and survivors across Ventura County.

Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager Paul Carganilla spearheaded the campaign, and noted, “There are so many great charities doing important work for cancer treatment and research. We selected Ribbons of Life as this year’s recipients because their services stay local and specifically benefit breast cancer patients and survivors who reside in Ventura County. We’ve developed a great relationship with the Ribbons of Life staff and we are able to see, firsthand, the great work they are doing for breast cancer patients and survivors right here in Oxnard.”

Upon receiving the donation at a presentation on November 16th, Ribbons of Life President Sylvia Rosolek stated, “We truly appreciate being supported by the Oxnard Police Department. It means so much to have your faith in our organization and your support in the community by raising awareness. This donation will allow us to continue our mission to educate, advocate and meet the social and emotional needs of Ventura County women and their families facing breast cancer. We are so grateful.”

Throughout the course of the Oxnard Police Department’s five-year participation in the Pink Patch campaign, the department has raised over $73,000.00 for breast cancer treatment, awareness, and research. According to Oxnard Chief of Police Jason Benites, these efforts stem from the department’s fundamental goal of making a positive impact in our community. Benites stated, "Our officers and staff have shown continued dedication to promoting this cause for several years, as we believe that it is very important for us to help others."

“The Team at Stacy Miller Public Affairs is very proud to be a Pick Patch title sponsor”, said Stacy Miller, President & CEO of Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Inc. “We recognize the invaluable partnership between the Oxnard Police Department and the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation and their joint role in breast cancer education and prevention.”

Another sponsor, Ventura County Credit Union, remarked on the positive impact of the campaign. “At V.C.C.U., we are always looking for ways to help our community live happier, healthier lives,” said Melissa Miller, V.C.C.U.’s Community Partnerships Manager. “We are proud to be a part of this incredible fundraiser for such a worthy cause.”

Additional campaign sponsors included Napalm Inc. Screen Printing, Vogue Sign Company, and the Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association.

Oxnard P.D. Community Affairs Manager Paul Carganilla added, “I’d like to thank everyone in our community who purchased our pink patch merchandise and all who donated in any way toward the cause. I am also grateful to our local Starbucks managers and the staff at the Channel Islands Harbor Farmer’s Market for hosting our pop-up fundraisers again this year. Your hospitality and generosity were vital to this campaign.”

Additional information regarding the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation and their services can be found on their website, www.ribbonsventura.org.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 28, 2022

SUBJECT: Holiday Season – Be Safe and Driver Sober

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Plan Ahead This Holiday Season: Be Safe and Drive Sober

Millions of people will be traveling to visit friends and family over the holidays. The Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate safely and have a holiday game plan that includes a designated sober driver.

During the pre-Christmas and New Year’s holiday season Nov. 28-Dec. 13, The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Drunk driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. During the 2016-2020 December months, there were more than 4,400 people killed in drunk-driving-related crashes.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 29, 2022

SUBJECT:Police warn of an increase in vehicle thefts during the winter months

LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Greg Utter, Auto Theft Task Force | (805) 385-7687 | Greg.Utter@Oxnardpd.org

Traditionally, every winter, the Oxnard Police Department sees an increase of stolen vehicles where keys were left in the ignition with the vehicle running or keys were otherwise available. From November 2021 to March 2022 there were 58 vehicles stolen in the city where keys were available, car doors were left open or unlocked or engines were left running. This accounted for 24% of the stolen vehicles in that time frame.

Oftentimes residents leave their vehicles running and unattended with the misconception there is a need to warm the vehicles. Auto theft suspects use this as an opportunity to steal these vehicles. Many of the vehicles stolen in the City of Oxnard are due to vehicles left running and unattended or leaving spare keys in their vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

Never leave your car unlocked or your keys in the vehicle, not even for a minute.
Don't leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary, it is unsafe and illegal (22515(a) V.C.) and someone can steal your car.
Vehicle theft can also lead to other crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, theft of vehicle parts and vandalism to the vehicles.

Anyone with information about vehicle thefts or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also stay anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477or visiting this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

EVENT:	Funds available for community organizations to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity
DATE/TIME:	November 23, 2022
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Christopher Williams, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Assistant Police Chief christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org (805) 200-5680

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department participates with outside agencies in the investigation and prosecution of narcotics related crimes. Assets seized are proportionately shared among the participating agencies. The California Health & Safety Code requires that a portion of the seized assets “shall be used for the sole purpose of funding programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity…It is the intent of the Legislature to cause the development and continuation of positive intervention programs for high-risk elementary and secondary school age students.”

The Oxnard Police Department invites community-based organizations interested in this funding to visit: https://www.oxnardpd.org/asset-forfeiture-community-funds/ and complete an application for consideration and review. As the City of Oxnard continues to look for viable options to the gang lifestyle for our youth, the Oxnard Police Department is excited for this opportunity to work with the community to provide healthy and productive alternatives.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 23, 2022, 8:00 a.m.

Christopher Williams (click signature for bio)

Assistant Police Chief

Investigative/Administrative Services Bureau

Monday-Thursday 8 am- 6 pm

(805) 200-5680 (office)

(805) 207-7234 (cell)

christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org

(Personal Pronouns: he, him, his)

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 17, 2022

SUBJECT: Motorcycle and Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for

November 20, 2022

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on November 20, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. Additionally, officers will be looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders that are the leading cause of collisions involving motorcyclists. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

The Oxnard Police Department offers steps pedestrians, drivers, or motorcycle riders can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.
Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Motorcyclists

Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Missing Adult

DATE: Friday, November 19, 2022

LOCATION: 3100 Block of Dove Canyon Dr.

MISSING PERSON: Albert Duff, Sr., 87-year-old male

CONTACT: Judy Basco Gilson, Missing Persons Specialist | (805) 342-7909

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on November 19, 2022, Oxnard Police Department officers were dispatched to the 3100 block of Dove Canyon Drive reference a missing adult, Albert Duff, Sr..

Duff was last seen by his spouse when he went to bed last evening at approximately 11:18 p.m. Thursday, November 18, 2022. Upon waking at approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning, his spouse discovered that he was missing, along with the family’s car keys and vehicle.

Upon investigation, officers discovered via community cameras that the vehicle was last seen traveling northbound on East Harbor Boulevard at Schooner Drive in the city of Ventura at 8:00 a.m. this morning. The vehicle is a light blue 2007 Lexus RX350 S.U.V. with a California license plate of 5XKZ442.

Duff is described as an 87-year-old Black male, 5’8”, 190 pounds. He has brown eyes, wears eyeglasses, and is bald with gray hair on the sides of his head. He was last seen wearing a dark blue bathrobe and dark blue sweatpants with a white stripe down the sides of the legs.

Anyone who has seen Albert, or knows his possible whereabouts, is asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

PREPARED BY: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager | (805)385-7631

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/18/22, 1:00 p.m.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030