Congratulations to Senior Victim Advocate Kellie Tyndall! We’re proud to share that Kellie’s beautiful jewelry art is currently on display in the Hall of Administration outside the Board of ...Supervisors hearing room. Her work is part of the County of Ventura’s 22nd Annual Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Exhibition, presented by the Ventura County Arts Council.
Be sure to stop by and take a look at the creativity and talent our colleague brings to both her advocacy and her art. Way to go, Kellie!
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week in the Assembly Public Safety Committee supporting Assembly Bill 1344, a measure aimed at significantly ...enhancing public safety. This new legislative proposal, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, is designed to empower district attorneys to petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), a crucial tool in preventing gun violence. Laws authorizing GVROs are commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws” and they allow a judge to temporarily prohibit firearm possession by a person who poses a significant danger to themself or others.
“This is a common sense public safety bill with due process protections that will help to save lives,” District Attorney Nasarenko explained in his testimony. “Prosecutors are in the unique position to understand when this restraining order is needed and are able to provide a consistent and thorough approach to gun violence restraining orders. This will free up law enforcement and first responders to handle 911 calls and core investigative functions, rather than be in court where there are often delays.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42GEXZN
As Crime Victims’ Rights Week comes to a close, our commitment to survivors continues with Sexual Assault Awareness Month and throughout the year.
Join us for Denim Day on April 30, ...wearing jeans—and holding denim bags like those featured in our photos—to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.
The Denim Day campaign began over 25 years ago after a shocking ruling by the Italian Supreme Court, which overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The justices claimed she must have helped remove them, implying consent. In response, people around the world began wearing jeans in protest of victim-blaming and to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.
#DenimDay2025 #SAAM #SupportSurvivors #VictimsRights #VCDAOffice
This week, the Board of Supervisors honored County of Ventura employees who have dedicated 25 years or more to public service — including several from the District Attorney’s Office.
...Congratulations to Crime Victims' Assistance Unit Supervisor Elizabeth Elizondo, who was recognized for an exceptional 30 years of service, as well as Clerical Supervisor III Daniel Cruz and Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara, each celebrated for 25 years of commitment.
Their hard work, professionalism, and lasting impact reflect the very best of public service. We are grateful for their dedication and proud to have them on our team. Please join us in celebrating their incredible milestones! 💙
#TeamDA #EmployeeRecognition #PublicService
Today, we gathered at beautiful Kingsmen Park at California Lutheran University to honor the resilience of survivors and the incredible work of those who support them during our annual Crime ...Victims’ Rights Ceremony.
We are deeply thankful to California Lutheran University for hosting us and providing such a meaningful space for reflection, awareness, and community.
A heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 honorees:
• The Sexual Assault Response Team from the Coalition for Family Harmony
• Officer Nicholas Palamino, Thousand Oaks High School Resource Officer
• The Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative team
• Lily Fields, survivor and advocate, for courageously sharing her story
Thank you to everyone who attended, stood with survivors, and committed to raising awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
#CrimeVictimsRights #ThankYouCLU #SexualAssaultAwareness #SupportSurvivors #JusticeForVictims #VCDA
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lucio Sedeno (DOB 11/12/90), of Oxnard, has been charged with assault on a peace officer, resisting a peace officer causing ...serious bodily injury, and failure to update his annual sex offender registration. Sedeno also faces two special allegations, including causing great bodily injury in commission of a felony.
“This case underscores the dangers our law enforcement officers face in the line of duty,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will vigorously prosecute those who threaten our public safety officers and cause harm to members of our community.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42kPkRO
Today’s the day! Join us as we honor victims of crime, survivors, and law enforcement during our annual National Crime Victims’ Day Ceremony. Hosted at California Lutheran University’s Kingsmen... Park, the focus this year will be on Campus Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness.
Earlier this week, County of Ventura - Government Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Chief Deputy DA Mike Jump spoke to the board about the importance of honoring victims and the incredible work our victims advocates do every day.
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, has been held to answer for the first-degree murder of Simi Valley resident Rachel ...Castillo.
Following a two-day preliminary hearing, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman determined there was sufficient evidence to move forward to trial. In addition to the murder charge, Judge Feldman held Ali to answer on multiple special allegations, including the use of a deadly weapon, murder committed for financial gain, and murder committed by means of lying in wait. Ali is also charged with the unlawful mutilation, disinterment, or act of sexual contact upon a human corpse.
“This was a senseless and brutal killing that shocked our community,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We remain committed to securing justice for Rachel Castillo and her loved ones for this horrific crime.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3EgCmwo
Congratulations to our wonderful Human Resources Director Terri Anderson for graduating from the 12th Cohort of the County of Ventura’s Leadership Excellence and Action Program (LEAP).
...This 6-month program is tailored to address the specific requirements of the county, to equip the graduates with essential skills and knowledge to lead effectively in their respective roles.
Way to go, Terri! 🎉 And congratulations to all the other graduates.
#VenturaCountyDA #VenturaCounty