Good morning, Ventura.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging opened nominations for its LEGACY Awards—recognizing local residents and businesses that support seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers.

Submissions close on Sept. 1 and winners will be announced in November.

After over a decade of rescuing abandoned animals, Paw Works nonprofit at The Oaks mall—350 W.

Hillcrest Dr. in Thousand Oaks—faces closure from unexpected bills and has paused new intakes as staff work to find homes for current animals. A May fundraiser raised about $60,000 but did not cover roughly $120,000 in charges, leaving the rescue with an uncertain future.

Christian Alexandre Hillairet from Ojai was charged with two counts of murder for the May killing of Carolyn Nino De Rivera and the November 3, 2023 death of William Thompson after fleeing to Mexico—he was arrested there and appeared in court on June 6 while remaining in custody without bail.

Angela Liu from Westlake High School won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 26th District and her artwork Get on the Bus will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol complex for one year—entries were received from high schools across the district.

Ventura County’s Class of 2025 is graduating amid political tensions and economic ups and downs — the seniors face challenges from shifting funding and job markets while staying determined to succeed.

Elias Garcia earned a spot at a Naval Academy prep school, Yandel Zarate improved his grades at Phoenix School, and Kateryna Shkil is exploring college options after moving from Ukraine.

California’s FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort for homeowners in high fire risk zones, is nearly out of funds after paying billions for fire claims and seeing a strong policy increase since last fall, which puts Ventura at risk with over 20% of homes in these zones.

Insurers are seeking to recoup extra funds from non-FAIR Plan policyholders as the plan’s proposal moves through the courts + the issue may affect affordable coverage.

Law enforcement officers and Ventura Police Department employees finished the aquatic leg of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Ventura Pier on June 5—handing the ceremonial torch to Ventura Harbor Patrol after a relay that involved state parks lifeguards and Oxnard Police.

Grace School lost 5-4 to Notre Dame in the CIF-SS Division 7 semifinal game (May 27 at Simi Valley Christian High School).

Their season ended with a 14-12-2 overall record (3-5 in the Tri-Valley league).