Grant Phillips Journalist Profile

Articles

UPDATE: Suspect arrested in death of M.O. woman involving knife

1 month ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers |Grant Phillips

Ricardo Ortega Yelotzi, 29, of Oxnard, was arrested on Saturday, March 1, on murder charges in the death of Sandra Alcos Alejo of Meiners Oaks who was killed with a knife, according to a criminal complaint filed by the District Attorney’s Office on March 4. Alcos Alejo was found deceased by Ojai Police Department deputies on Feb. 28 at her home on the 500 block of North La Luna Avenue in Meiners Oaks.
Supervisors seek path forward for alternative to Southern California Edison

Jan 18, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Jan. 14 to direct staff to seek additional information on the feasibility, costs and benefits of establishing a municipal utility district to replace Southern California Edison. The item was proposed by District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell, who represents the city of Thousand Oaks and southern sections of the county. “It’s not a formal policy change, it’s not a budgetary move,” Gorell said of the recommendation.
WATCH: The Weekly Newsreel - Jan. 17, 2025

Jan 18, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

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UPDATE: Auto Fire reaches 100% containment

Jan 17, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

The Auto Fire is at 100% containment and remains at 61 acres, per the latest update from Ventura County Fire Department at 1:39 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Firefighters completed mopping up hot spots and surveyed the entire fire area with IR mapping using VCFD Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Drone pilots. All remaining units have now cleared the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
More sonic booms above Ojai? Vandenberg is seeking public input

Jan 17, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) hosted a public scoping meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Veterans Foreign Wars Post 1679 in Ventura to share information about a potential increase in launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Jan. 14 meeting was an “open forum,” which included charts and project team members from consulting firm Maintech and representatives from the U.S. Space Force, who spoke with residents about the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared.
Auto Fire Update: Jan. 15 - 85% containment, remains at 61 acres

Jan 15, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

A first-alarm brushfire dubbed the "Auto Fire" broke out near the river bottom off North Ventura Blvd. on Jan. 13 around 7 p.m. The fire burned 61 acres and was reported at 85% containment as of Jan. 15 at 5 p.m., according to Ventura County Fire Department. Firefighters are continuing to mop up hot spots within the fire area with support from enhanced infrared (IR) mapping provided by VCFD's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and drone pilots.
Fire Update: Jan. 14: Auto, Palisades, Eaton

Jan 15, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

Fires continued to burn in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Tuesday, Jan. 14. NOTE: This article is provided free. Please subscribe to the Ojai Valley News | Ventura County Sun to help provide this important news reporting. SUBSCRIBE HERE. ____________________________________An evacuation order for the river bottom area was lifted as of 11:34 a.m. on Jan. 14, per the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
WATCH: Auto Fire Update: Ventura videos, 25% containment reported, evacuation order lifted

Jan 14, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

The 55.7 acre fire that broke out in the river bottom area of Ventura remains at 25% containment, per Ventura County Fire Department, despite reports on Watch Duty stating 100% containment. Cal Fire has updated its website to reflect 25% containment as well. An evacuation order for the river bottom area was lifted as of 11:34 a.m. on Jan. 14, per the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Throughout the night, firefighters continued to mop up the burn area, and water drops continued by helicopter.
FIRE UPDATE: 25 dead, more than 38,000 acres burned, local donation centers, and early rebuilding efforts

Jan 14, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

More than 38,000 acres have been burned in fires across Los Angeles and Ventura County, as of Monday, Jan. 13 around 1:13 p.m. According to Cal Fire, At least 25 people have been found dead, including one in the Olivias Fire in Ventura County. An official total remains unknown as the fires in LA County continue to burn. Early estimates show more than 12,000 homes, businesses, schools and other structures have been destroyed by the fires.
"Auto Fire" forward progress stopped before midnight

Jan 14, 2025 | ojaivalleynews.com | Grant Phillips

A first-alarm brushfire dubbed the "Auto Fire" broke out near the river bottom off North Ventura Blvd. According to crews on scene no structures were threatened and the fire was contained to the River Bottom area of the Santa Clara river at Victoria Avenue in Ventura. An evacuation order was issued at 9:11 p.m. for Zone 1, which consists of the river bottom area just south of Buenaventura Golf Course.