Camarillo woman arrested on firearms charges
A Camarillo woman who allegedly committed a February assault with a deadly weapon was later busted on firearms charges including possession of a .50 caliber “anti-material” rifle, authorities said.
Investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said Jaqueline Randall, 38, was detained in her vehicle on March 11 and her home was searched pursuant to a warrant signed by a judge. Ammunition and a usable amount of methamphetamine were found in her car, and investigators said they found a trove of weapons at her home and a Camarillo storage unit.
A total of 42 firearms were seized during the raid including an “Armalite AR-50 anti-materiel rifle chambered in .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun,” according to a news release. Investigators said the term anti-materiel describes firearms designed and engineered specifically to “engage and destroy vehicles, aircraft, fortifications and other hardened targets which require a high level of penetration and stopping power.”
Other weapons included an Intratec TEC-9 with an attached bayonet and a collapsible stock. Detectives also found several thousand rounds of various caliber ammunition, several hundred rounds of .50 caliber BMG, and hundreds of high-capacity magazines.
Randall was arrested on two charges, possession of a .50 BMG rifle and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Jail records indicate she was released from custody two days after her arrest.
VFD gets LIFEPAK units
Ventura City Fire Department rescuers are now equipped with “next-generation” cardiac monitor defibrillators, considered an important advancement in emergency medical care.
“Deploying the new LIFEPAK 35 units into the field enhances our ability to deliver life-saving care with greater precision,” Fire Chief David Endaya said in a news release. “These advanced tools allow our paramedics to assess, treat and monitor cardiac emergencies faster and more accurately than ever before.”
Officials said VFD is the first fire department in Southern California to implement the technology, further strengthening the department’s advanced life-saving support services. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of bringing this technology to Ventura,” Endaya said.
VFD acquired 20 LIFEPAK devices so every fire unit has one. The Ventura City Council approved spending $1.28 million in July 2024 to support the purchase.
Cruise Night returns
It’s almost time to rev those engines in Downtown Santa Paula.
Santa Paula Cruise Night returns this week and will be held the first Friday of the month through October.
The event sponsored by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce takes place along Main Street between Eighth and 10th streets. Organizers said it attracts thousands of visitors from across Southern California and has been a staple of the community since 1998.
“The Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue the legacy of Cruise Night and keep this beloved event thriving in Santa Paula,” said John Marquez, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce executive director, while thanking the Santa Paula City Council along with local restaurants and businesses for their generous support, “ensuring this tradition remains a highlight for our community and local businesses. We also extend our gratitude to all of our sponsors and volunteers who make Cruise Night possible every year.”
Santa Paula Cruise Night features a display of classic cars, live entertainment and a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, organizers said. It has become a signature event celebrating Santa Paula’s rich history, car culture and vibrant downtown.
Health care training program
A new health care training program for low-and-middle-income Ventura County residents has been launched by the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County.
The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program includes topics such as medical billing, phlebotomy, emergency medical technician training and clinical medical assisting.
“VC Heal is more than just a training program — it’s a pathway to opportunity in the health care field,” said Rebecca Evans, Workforce Development Board executive director. “By providing essential career training and support services, we are not only helping individuals build brighter futures but also strengthening Ventura County’s health care workforce to meet growing demands.”
More information on signing up is available at workforceventuracounty.org/vc-heal/.
Cabrillo Village bike path
Ventura city leaders broke ground March 24 on the Cabrillo Village Multi-Use Path, a Class 1 bike path along the North Bank of the Santa Clara River.
The project is funded by a $1.3 million Caltrans Clean California grant and $500,000 from the Ventura County Transportation Commission’s Transportation Development Act, Article 3, officials said in a news release.
“This project is more than just a bike and pedestrian path — it’s about connectivity, sustainability and enhancing quality of life,” Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios said at the ceremony. “By investing in safer, more accessible transportation options, we’re ensuring that residents can move through our city in ways that support both their well-being and our environment.”
The path will include landscaping with native plants, stormwater infiltration to reduce runoff and improve water quality as well as an entry trailhead. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of summer.