Voting for Orozco for supervisor
I’m writing in support of Ashley Orozco for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, District 2. She has impressive qualifications, but additionally, I want a board member who’s responsive to constituents rather than special interest groups. Incumbent Jeff Gorell has demonstrated he’s not that person.
One of Ashley Orozco’s stated priorities: “Our open space, clean air, and local economy are irreplaceable, it’s time we safeguard them with purpose.” 100%. In 2025 the VC Supervisors did vote unanimously to oppose new federal offshore oil and gas leasing, but Gorell remains in favor of onshore drilling.
For years, groups have called for changes to the antiquated drilling permits that were issued with no expiration dates, no limits on the number of wells and little, if any, environmental review. During his 2022 campaign, Gorell opposed measures A & B that would have added stricter local regulations, primarily affecting drilling under county permits issued decades ago, some dating back to the late 1940s. I can’t imagine opposing such basic oversight, but Gorell did. Oil interests flooded $6-8 million into the county to oppose the measures, making it one of the costliest local ballot measure campaigns in county history. Primarily funded by Aera Energy (owned by Shell and ExxonMobil) and Chevron, they misled voters with lies, including the claim that the measures would shut down all oil production in the county.
Shortly after taking office in January 2023, Gorell and Janice Parvin spearheaded a move to repeal the county’s existing 20-year-old campaign finance ordinance, allowing more special interest money into our local elections (from $750 per election, now defaulting to state law, $5,900). Over the objection of the vast majority of voters, the board repealed the finance ordinance with a 3-2 vote; that effectively dissolved the county’s Campaign Finance Ethics Commission, too.
Linda Warren, Camarillo
Homeless prevention is critical
“There is no place like home” was the theme of the April 18 Ventura Homeless Prevention community event — a sentiment that deeply resonated with many in attendance.
Victoria Griffin shared her story, thanking donors and the organization for the rental assistance she received one year ago. After a serious illness left her hospitalized and unable to pay her full rent, she feared losing not only her housing but also her sense of security. Having grown up without a safe place to call home, she had worked hard to build both a business and a stable environment for herself. In a moment of crisis, she nearly lost both. Thanks to Ventura Homeless Prevention, she didn’t. Hers was just one of many stories illustrating the organization’s impact over 19 years.
During COVID, I faced a similar challenge. My family needed help covering part of our rent, but we did not qualify for county or other assistance programs. The relief we felt when Ventura Homeless Prevention stepped in was immeasurable. Founded as a private charity, the organization exists to help residents who fall through the cracks of traditional aid. Life can be overwhelming, and it matters to know we are not alone.
That experience is why I return each year for their fundraiser and volunteer my time. I want others to have the same chance to stay housed — because truly, there is no place like home.
Community leaders, including Assemblyman Steve Bennett and emcee Jeff Lambert of Ventura Housing, underscored a key message: preventing homelessness is more humane, more effective, and far less costly than responding after it occurs.
Learn more or donate at venturahomelessprevention.org.
Barbarella West, Oak View
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Orozco qualified for supervisor, homelessness prevention | Letters
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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