The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is angling for a piece of the off-road pie, courtesy of the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. In a bid to enhance its off-highway vehicle (OHV) patrols, the Lockwood Valley Sheriff's Station is hopeful to secure around $196,000 in grant money from a substantial $6 million funding pot intended for state law enforcement agencies.
The funds, should they roll into the station's budget, are earmarked for use in the expansive reaches of the Lockwood Valley jurisdiction—610 square miles of terrain that includes the rugged contours of Los Padres National Forest and Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. This region is crisscrossed by 300 miles of trails dedicated to recreational OHV use. Deputies overseeing these areas are frequently called out for OHV-related accidents and search and rescue missions.
"The funds being sought will enable deputies to establish dedicated off-highway patrols in an effort to provide information and education, as well as enforcement as needed," noted Senior Deputy Oscar Bautista in a recent news release. The statement further details that the public can get a look at the grant application and toss in their two cents worth on the California State Parks OHV Division website, starting from March 7 to May 1, 2024.
In pursuit to transparency and public engagement, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office invites comments and scrutiny. Local off-roaders, nature enthusiasts, and concerned citizens alike are encouraged to view the application and submit their input before the window closes. For follow-up inquiries, Senior Deputy Bautista remains the point of contact, steering dialogue through his provided email and phone number.
