NEWS RELEASE:
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko that strengthens wildfire prevention requirements during vegetation Read moreclearing operations and clarifies responsibility for complying with fire safety laws.
Assembly Bill 2075, authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett and sponsored by District Attorney Nasarenko, was introduced in response to the 2024 Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The Mountain Fire burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures after a smaller vegetation fire caused during a brush clearing effort reignited days later due to lingering hot debris.
AB 2075 establishes clear, consistent requirements for fire suppression equipment during vegetation clearing operations. The law requires basic firefighting tools, including shovels and fire extinguishers, to be attached to or carried in a motor vehicle while performing brush clearance. Workers on foot using power tools must also have a fire extinguisher within 25 feet and a sufficient number of shovels readily available.
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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Manuel Alejandro Vasquez (DOB 02/10/78) pled guilty on September 30, 2026, to first-degree murder for the 1998 Read morekilling of Felipe Arambula in Ventura.
“I was glad to see the defendant take responsibility for his role in the murder of Felipe Arambula at an early stage in the proceedings,” Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick said. “The victim’s family has suffered so much since Mr. Arambula’s life was tragically taken from him in June 1998. This conviction won’t replace the time that the defendant and his conspirators stole from Mr. Arambula’s family, but I do hope it will bring them the peace they deserve.”
Vasquez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026, to 25 years to life in state prison. He remains in custody without bail.
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District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined nonprofit, philanthropic, business, government and civic leaders for the launch of the inaugural 2026 Ventura County Nonprofit Sector Report at California Read moreLutheran University.
The report provides a look at the financial health of Ventura County’s nonprofit sector and explores what it will take to build a stronger, more resilient network of organizations serving our community.
Thank you to the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Cal Lutheran for bringing community leaders together for an important conversation about the future of the nonprofit sector in Ventura County.
📸: Jessie Chirinos '30
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Brent William Bischoff (DOB 02/23/89), of Simi Valley, has been charged in two cases involving eight victims, Read morewith multiple human trafficking related charges. Across the two cases, Bischoff now faces seven felony counts of causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, six felony counts of pandering a minor 16 or older, one felony count of pandering a minor under 16, one felony count of pandering by encouraging, and seven misdemeanor counts of child annoyance. He is also charged with felony forgery involving a fictitious or altered bill, note or check.
“These charges involve the exploitation of children, and our office will do everything in its power to prosecute individuals who target vulnerable young people for commercial sex,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Parents and families should know that we are committed to protecting children and vigorously charging those who prey on them.”
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing resources, information and stories to help our community recognize domestic violence and understand Read morewhere survivors and families can turn for support.
We’ll also introduce you to members of our team who work every day to support survivors, hold offenders accountable and help families navigate the criminal justice system.
Domestic violence can affect anyone. Knowing the resources available can make a difference.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four members of a family-run criminal enterprise were convicted by a jury for their involvement in the operationRead more of illicit massage businesses, commercial sex operations and the laundering of proceeds through financial institutions, real estate and other assets.
The jury found Xiangwei Ma (DOB 07/15/70), Xiangdong Ma (DOB 09/10/72), Li Ma (DOB 02/18/66), and Ming Ma (DOB 10/18/85) guilty of several felony offenses related to the operation of the criminal enterprise.
Xiangwei Ma, identified as the head of the organization, was convicted of pimping, mortgage fraud, and nine counts of money laundering. Xiangdong Ma was convicted of pimping and five counts of money laundering. Li Ma was convicted of pimping and one count of money laundering. Ming Ma was convicted of pimping and two counts of money laundering.
“We are deeply grateful to the jurors for the extraordinary time, care, and hard work they devoted to this case,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly. “We also recognize the victim’s courage in testifying despite her fear, and the investigators whose years of persistent work brought this case to justice. Together, they held accountable defendants who believed they could exploit women without consequence.”
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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Derek Hansen Skinner (DOB 02/20/92), of Santa Paula, has been held to answer by a Ventura County Superior Court Read morejudge for a DUI crash that injured his passenger and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. Skinner is charged with DUI of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher and causing injury. He is also charged with special allegations of causing great bodily injury (GBI) in commission of a felony and causing injury to more than one victim.
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Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko was honored to speak at a beautiful event supporting Sherwood Cares and its work helping children and families in our community.
Sherwood Read moreCares supports programs addressing educational, medical, nutrition and safety needs, with a focus on low-income and vulnerable families. We’re grateful to be part of an evening dedicated to strengthening our community and supporting those who need it most.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George James Salas (DOB 12/03/96), of Simi Valley, has been charged with the second-degree murder of his Read more11-month-old child Ariya, who died from fentanyl intoxication. Salas is also charged with one count of child abuse resulting in death, and additional drug related charges. Salas faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the crime involving great violence, the victim being particularly vulnerable and a strike prior.
Karina Lucia Yanes (DOB 02/01/96), of Simi Valley, is also charged in Ariya’s death. Yanes faces one felony count of child abuse with the special allegations of resulting in death of the child, the crime involving great violence and the victim being particularly vulnerable.
“An 11-month-old child lost her life because she was allegedly exposed to a lethal amount of this synthetic drug,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “We have a duty as prosecutors to hold her parents responsible for this completely avoidable and tragic death.”
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