Kimberly Rivers

3 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers

Next fiscal year’s budget, reviewed by the city of Ojai’s Budget and Finance Committee on June 5, will go before Ojai City Council at its regular June 10 meeting. The Budget and Finance Committee met June 5 for the first time since 2023 to review the city’s investment policy and adjustments to the current budget, and to consider staff’s recommended budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Ojai City Manager Ben Harvey said only the budget will go before the City Council at its regular meeting.

3 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers

Angela Phillips, 53, of Oak View, was arrested June 3 in Ojai on charges of credit-card fraud and embezzlement totaling more than $750,000. Phillips is being charged for alleged crimes that took place from 2020 to 2024 at a Carpinteria-based organic food-supplement business. The investigation began in February 2025 when the business suspected embezzlement and contacted authorities. Phillips was involved in a fraud case in 2009. She is in custody on $800,000 bail.

3 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers

A man who has pleaded not guilty to charges that he murdered Sandra Alcos Alejo, 42, of Meiners Oaks in February is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court, Courtroom 12 at 1:30 p.m. on June 16. Alcos Alejo was found deceased at her home on Feb. 28. A man she knew, Ricardo Ortega Yelotzi, 29, of Oxnard was arrested on March 1, on murder charges for her killing. Alcos Alejo was killed with a knife, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s criminal complaint filed March 4.

3 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers

By the time you’re reading this, the legal landscape for environmental protection across the U.S. may be significantly changed. Federal legal protections in place for decades, including the Endangered Species Act signed into law by President Richard Nixon, are slated for review by Congress with the intention to amend or repeal.

3 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Kimberly Rivers

UPDATE: On June 2, Ojai Mayor Andy Gilman notified the Ojai Valley News that the June 3 special sessions were canceled due to a council member being ill. "Tomorrow had three important items that all council members will want to participate in. We will publish the new schedule soon," Gilman told the OVN. Ojai City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 3 for two special closed sessions and one special open session.