Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Ventura County Brush Fire Burns 1,200 Acres, Closing Part Of PCH
A brush fire in Ventura County has prompted evacuations and the closing of the 101 Freeway in both directions this morning.
ABC-7 reports the fire started around 10:30 p.m. Friday, and burned about 100 acres in the 3000 block of West Pacific Coast Highway by Solimar Beach, just north of Ventura. Local fire officials said the flames could be seen 150 feet from the sand, and that the fire burned hillsides near the beach, and is threatening nearby oil, gas, and power sources, as well as railroads.
According to the Associated Press, mandatory evacuations were imposed around 2 a.m. for the neighborhood around the fire. Evacuees of the 35 homes that were threatened were told to leave using northern routes. Campers at the Emma Wood State Park were also forced to evacuate. Faria Beach Park campground was under a voluntary evacuation.
More than 600 firefighters from various agencies were working on the blaze, which was 10% contained as of 9:30 a.m.
Support for LAist comes from
If you'll be driving through this area this morning, be forewarned: the detours caused by the 101 closure could cause for some nasty traffic. The 101 Freeway is shut down in both directions, starting from the northbound entrance at State Route 33 and southbound at Bates Road. Ojai residents should use caution while traveling near Highway 150 between Oak View and Carpinteria due to heavy traffic caused by the closures.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Here's a scary video of the fire, taken by a woman who was evacuated from Emma Wood State Park this morning:
just got evacuated from emma woods very scary live embers everywhere
Posted by Jayne Lindstrom-Johnson on Saturday, December 26, 2015
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist