Board directs county counsel to draft ordinance targeting unlawful possession of catalytic converters

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on April 29 directed county counsel to draft an ordinance targeting unlawful possession of catalytic converters in the county’s unincorporated areas.

Supervisor Katy Long introduced the measure, saying catalytic-converter thefts have imposed financial hardship on victims and created enforcement challenges because converters lack serial numbers and the state’s framework limits local enforcement. "We need to equip law enforcement to hold offenders accountable and reduce thefts," she said.

Daryl Terrell, a regional advocate who has pressed similar legislation in other counties, told the board that current state rules make it difficult to prosecute possession of stolen catalytic converters and urged local action to hold offenders accountable. Sheriff Jim Freihoff and District Attorney Eric Nasirenko were consulted during development of the requested ordinance, officials said.

The board voted unanimously to direct county counsel to work with the Sheriff’s Office on draft ordinance language. The item does not itself adopt an ordinance but begins the drafting and stakeholder consultation process.

Why it matters: Catalytic converter theft has spiked across many California communities in recent years. Local ordinances that regulate purchase and possession, and require scrap‑metal dealers to keep records, are among tools counties and cities have used to deter theft. The board’s request signals an intent to pursue stronger local enforcement in unincorporated areas.