Ventura County supervisors adopt mountain‑fire fee waivers, back Thousand Oaks for East County Family Justice Center, receive ambulance procurement plan and OKs

Ventura County supervisors on Dec. 17 approved a suite of immediate financial and permitting measures for people who lost homes and structures in the mountain fire, received a recommendation to place a new East County Family Justice Center in Thousand Oaks, heard a revised draft of a countywide competitive request‑for‑proposals (RFP) to select an exclusive ambulance provider, and approved several land‑use and housing‑code changes.

The board voted unanimously to adopt resolutions waiving Resource Management Agency, Building & Safety, Public Works and Fire Protection District fees for structures damaged or destroyed in the mountain fire, and directed agencies to prioritize and streamline plan review for rebuilding. Resource Management Agency Deputy Director Jennifer Roscoe told the board the fee waivers would be in place through the end of 2026 and that staff expected the first wave of rebuilding impacts on agency revenue in the 2025–26 fiscal year. She estimated the total value of the fee waivers at roughly $4.9 million and said staff will work with the CEO’s office on any necessary mid‑year adjustments.

Why it matters: County staff emphasized the waivers both reduce up‑front costs for survivors and allow staff to focus on fast, coordinated plan review. The board and county agencies also stressed that the waivers are focused on property owners who held title at the time of the fire, not on later buyers.

Ventura County Community Foundation: the board also paused for a proclamation and a public recognition of the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) for relief work after the mountain fire. VCCF CEO Vanessa Bechtel and board members described $950,000 raised so far and grants already distributed to immediate needs such as temporary housing, vet bills, and emergency supports. AT&T presented a $50,000 donation and the Islamic Center of Conejo Valley contributed a $5,000 gift during the board’s recognition of the foundation’s relief work.

Family Justice Center regionalization — Thousand Oaks recommended: The board received and filed a staff presentation and recommendation from District Attorney Eric Nacerenco to locate the third Family Justice Center serving East County in Thousand Oaks. The DA’s office, which led the regional planning effort, cited call‑for‑service data showing higher domestic‑violence and child‑abuse call volumes in the Thousand Oaks area than in Simi Valley, along with the city of Thousand Oaks’ commitment of $2 million and Simi Valley’s $1 million pledge to cost‑share a facility purchase. The board voted to receive the report; staff will return with property acquisition recommendations at a later meeting.

Why it matters: The Family Justice Center network provides coordinated on‑site services — restraining‑order assistance, forensic interviews, and wraparound support — and the DA’s office said siting a center in Thousand Oaks will shorten travel times for East County survivors and…