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Articles by Wes Woods
SLO City Council doesn’t listen to residents
If tone deaf were an Olympic sport, San Luis Obispo City Hall would be on the medal stand. Raise parking fees, then partially walk them back. Promise to protect an oak tree, then approve cutting it down. Reject every grand jury finding while the problem with unruly fraternities rages on. Announce a commitment to equity while reducing recreation space in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. Residents keep speaking. The City Council keeps proving it isn’t listening.
40th anniversary edition
In the last 40 years, the way that New Times gets put together may have changed, but our mission has remained constant. The vision of our late founder, Steve Moss, still drives us. As Moss put it: “Assisting readers so they can better comprehend the community in which they live is our main role. There’s…
Live: Sandy fire in Simi Valley grows to 180 acres, evacuation orders issued
Cheri Carlson, Tom Kisken and Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star A fire spreading "dangerously fast" in the Simi Valley area had reached 180 acres as flames quickly threatened neighborhoods on May 18. Authorities issued evacuation orders shortly after crews responded to the blaze initially reported near the 600 block of Sandy Drive around 10:15 a.m. The initial personnel on scene described the blaze, dubbed the Sandy Fire, as at least an acre, with flames pushed by gusty winds.
Community leaders support changes after Santa Paula police audit
City leaders in Santa Paula are optimistic on changes the police department led by Police Chief Don Aguilar has made after an audit revealed long-running problems with the investigators' unit. We will work together with Chief Aguilar to overcome the current failure of our investigators and supervision concerns, said Santa Paula Mayor Carlos Juarez in an email on Jan. 27.
Ventura Fire Department interim chief gets permanent job
The city of Ventura didnt have to look far for its new fire chief. Interim Chief Kris McDonald will take the permanent job leading the Ventura Fire Department on Jan. 31, according to a Jan. 26 news release from the city of Ventura. McDonald, who joined the Ventura Fire Department in 2002 as a lateral firefighter and paramedic, took over for former Fire Chief David Endaya, who retired in December 2025.
Car-free downtown Ventura, city leader deaths top 2025 government news
Editor's note: This is story is the sixth in a series for The Star's annual year in review and focuses on government news in Ventura County. Deaths, closures and construction were among the biggest topics in government news in 2025. Simi Valley Mayor Fred Thomas died in late January and former Thousand Oaks Councilmember and Ventura County Board of Supervisors Supervisor Ed Jones also died in late January. In late May, former Oxnard mayor Tom Holden died.
Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya to retire later this year
(This story has been updated to include additional information including comments from Endaya.) Venturas fire chief since 2014 will retire in December. The city announced David Endaya's decision in a Nov. 3 news release.The longtime fire chief said he is proud of the Ventura Fire Departments accomplishments during his tenure. Serving the city of Ventura as fire chief has been one of the greatest honors of my career, he said in the statement.
Power lines and wildfires: Experts say communities can be better protected, at a high cost
Power lines and wildfires: Experts say communities can be better protected, at a high cost By Janet Wilson and Wes Woods Redding Record Searchlight January 18, 2025 Category: Forestry As California residents grapple for answers in the wake of a massive firestorm event in which two major blazes ravaged parts of Los Angeles — the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire —power lines are once again at the center of debate. It’s no wonder.
High winds forecasted as firefighters battle Post Fire in Southern California
High winds forecasted as firefighters battle Post Fire in Southern California By Wes Woods and Kathleen Wilson Ventura County Star June 17, 2024 Category: Forest Fires Region: United States, US West A brush fire off Interstate 5 near Gorman that grew to 15,610 acres Monday morning and burned hundreds of acres in Ventura County was 8% contained, officials said.
Paid Editorial: The Heart of Toyota
I began my career at a non-Toyota automotive manufacturer at 19 years old as a production team member. Aside from the layoffs often caused by a cyclical business, it was an incredible company. That’s when I learned the importance of a continuous improvement mindset and empowering people. I lived these values at work every day until the plant eventually closed. Hoping to find a more stable and secure future for my wife and three young children, I applied for a position at Toyota in my hometown.
Guest Commentary: Toyota’s allegiance to Missouri
Toyota Bodine has been proud to call Troy, Missouri home for nearly 30 years. In that time, we’ve grown to become the largest employer in Lincoln County. Our 900 team members are your friends and neighbors that make the cylinder heads for every Toyota vehicle manufactured in North America. We’re hiring at the plant, and we reinforced our commitment to this community with a $62 million investment announced earlier this year.
Toyota continues to prove allegiance to Tennessee | Opinion
Wes Woods, Toyota Bodine Published 7:15 a.m. CT July 19, 2019 Wes Woods, Toyota Bodine (Photo: Submitted) It’s been an incredible year for Toyota in Jackson, Tennessee. Last fall, Toyota Bodine celebrated our 15th year in the Volunteer State with a free community concert in downtown Jackson. In March, we announced a $50 million investment and expansion at our plant. We have 300 talented team members and are actively hiring.
3 adults, 1 child dead after plane goes down in Los Angeles County
Four people died in a private airplane crash along Briggs Road in Agua Dulce on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. (Courtesy, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department) Four people are confirmed dead after a private airplane crashed in Agua Dulce, authorities said. The crash was reported at 10:54 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at 30511 Briggs Road, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Melanie Flores.
Women in California nail salon fight off carjacking suspect - and it’s all on video
A man arrested Wednesday in connection with a Van Nuys carjacking was also captured on video punching three women inside a Sherman Oaks nail salon before they fought back, and he was later arrested. Gustavo Aranda, 25, of Chatsworth was arrested at 12:30 p.m. at the nail salon on the 13600 block of Burbank Boulevard, the Los Angeles Police Department said. Authorities said the case began as a robbery carjacking at 8:25 a.m. near the 14400 block of Gilmore Street in Van Nuys.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former LA Clippers player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in California crash
STUDIO CITY – A former NBA basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his wife were killed Wednesday morning after their Range Rover struck parking meters, a wall and rolled into a parking lot, authorities said. Studio City residents Rasual Butler, 38, and his wife Leah LaBelle, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Former Disney star and girlfriend suspected of armed street robberies in Southern California
Former Disney star Adam Hicks was arrested with his girlfriend Wednesday morning in connection with an eye-catching number of armed street robberies in Burbank, authorities said. “I’d say four street robberies back to back is pretty unusual,” said Burbank Police Department Lt. Claudio Losacco. Burbank residents Hicks, 25, and Danni Tamburo, 23, were arrested in connection with the robberies on Wednesday, the Burbank Police Department said.
Former Disney star and girlfriend suspected of armed street robberies in Southern California
Former Disney star Adam Hicks was arrested with his girlfriend Wednesday morning in connection with an eye-catching number of armed street robberies in Burbank, authorities said. “I’d say four street robberies back to back is pretty unusual,” said Burbank Police Department Lt. Claudio Losacco. Burbank residents Hicks, 25, and Danni Tamburo, 23, were arrested in connection with the robberies on Wednesday, the Burbank Police Department said.
Rapper Fredo Santana dies in Southern California, cause of death yet to be determined
Fredo Santana, seen in an image from his Twitter account, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Reseda. A cause of death has yet to be determined. In October 2017, Santana said he was being treated for liver and kidney failure, according to media reports. Rapper Fredo Santana, 27, died in Reseda on Friday, but a cause of death has yet to be determined, authorities said on Sunday.
Rapper Fredo Santana dies in Southern California, cause of death yet to be determined
Fredo Santana, seen in an image from his Twitter account, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Reseda. A cause of death has yet to be determined. In October 2017, Santana said he was being treated for liver and kidney failure, according to media reports. Rapper Fredo Santana, 27, died in Reseda on Friday, but a cause of death has yet to be determined, authorities said on Sunday.
Homeless man killed, allegedly by 7-Eleven customer he was yelling at
A man was stabbed to death early Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, in this strip-mall parking lot in North Hollywood. A customer at the 7-Eleven is suspected in the slaying. (Google Street View) NORTH HOLLYWOOD — A homeless man was stabbed to death Wednesday outside a 7-Eleven, allegedly by the customer at whom he had been yelling insults and obscenities, a Los Angeles police detective said.
Fearing mudslides, mandatory evacuations ordered in some SoCal fire burn areas, with more anticipated
It was just last month residents in the San Fernando Valley foothills were forced from their homes as wildfires raged. Now, with hillsides ravaged by that fire, residents were once again forced from their homes Monday as rain, mudslides and high winds brought a whole new threat.
LAPD holiday checkpoints and patrols set for San Fernando Valley
The Los Angeles Police Department has set its schedule for DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols starting Saturday and continuing through Dec. 31 in the San Fernando Valley. Saturation patrols are when officers hit the streets to search of motorists who are under the influence. The first batch of driving under the influence and driver’s license checkpoints are Saturday in Sherman Oaks and Studio City.
Would-be Glendale bank robbers are caught on surveillance video, one also suspected in Sherman Oaks heist
Glendale police are looking for two men who tried to rob two banks in that city back in November — and one of the men is suspected in a Sherman Oaks bank robbery a couple of days earlier, authorities said Thursday. “There’s no update,” Glendale Police Department spokeswoman Tahnee Lightfoot said of the men, who are wanted on suspicion of committing two attempted robberies on Nov. 20 in the city. The first attempted robbery, authorities said, occurred at 12:17 p.m. at Citibank at 1201 N. Central Ave.
Would-be Glendale bank robbers are caught on surveillance video, one also suspected in Sherman Oaks heist
Glendale police are looking for two men who tried to rob two banks in that city back in November — and one of the men is suspected in a Sherman Oaks bank robbery a couple of days earlier, authorities said Thursday. “There’s no update,” Glendale Police Department spokeswoman Tahnee Lightfoot said of the men, who are wanted on suspicion of committing two attempted robberies on Nov. 20 in the city. The first attempted robbery, authorities said, occurred at 12:17 p.m. at Citibank at 1201 N. Central Ave.
Glendale man, 57, went missing earlier this month and authorities are trying to find him
A 57-year-old man went missing from Glendale earlier this month, and his family and police are trying to locate him. Ashot Markarians was last seen around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at a relative’s home in Glendale, the Glendale Police Department said. The man is described as Armenian with short white hair and hazel eyes who is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds, authorities said.
Glendale man, 57, went missing earlier this month and authorities are trying to find him
A 57-year-old man went missing from Glendale earlier this month, and his family and police are trying to locate him. Ashot Markarians was last seen around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at a relative’s home in Glendale, the Glendale Police Department said. The man is described as Armenian with short white hair and hazel eyes who is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds, authorities said.
Teen is shot in Arleta, and LAPD is looking for these two men
A 17-year-old was shot in the leg Tuesday afternoon in Arleta, and authorities are trying to find two men wanted in connection with this attempted homicide. Los Angeles Police Department Mission Area officers responded around 1:35 p.m. to a radio call of “ambulance shots fired” at Woodman Avenue and Osborne Street in Arleta, the LAPD said. After officers arrived, authorities said, they learned the teenager was engaged in a verbal argument with two men between the ages of 18 and 20.
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
Homeless man arrested in Burbank after stolen packages are found in his backpack
A transient from the Los Angeles area was arrested last week on suspicion of stealing two packages from porches in Burbank, authorities said on Tuesday. Daronne Davis, 33, was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of stolen property, the Burbank Police Department said. A citizen called around 6:25 p.m. Dec. 14 about a suspicious male who was “casing” the area and possibly trying to break into vehicles on the 4200 block of Woodland Avenue, authorities said.
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
CHP out in force to get speeders, DUI drivers off freeways through Christmas
The California Highway Patrol is putting extra officers on the state’s freeways to focus on speed limit enforcement and watch for all signs of impaired driving starting Friday and continuing through Christmas, authorities said. “It’s all of California,” said CHP Officer Mike Martis in a phone interview from Sacramento. “There’s a focus to each one of these (enforcement efforts).
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