Santa Paula farm supply retailer settles pesticide case

An agricultural supply retailer in Santa Paula that sold pesticides to unpermitted buyers will pay $625,000 to settle a civil case brought by state regulators and county prosecutors, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 4. Under state law, certain pesticides can only be sold to and used by people with the proper permits Read More →
Unlicensed Ventura cannabis retailer to pay $75K fine

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced a settlement Oct. 26 that will require Green Bee Collective to pay $75,000 in civil penalties and restitution for operating an unlicensed cannabis delivery business in Ventura from 2014 through 2019. Green Bee Collective was operated by Darius Bryan Behamata and Samantha Paige Harpoff-Alverson, who were also named Read More →
Westlake Village card processing company agrees to $2 million-plus settlement with DA’s office

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced July 9 that it has settled a civil law enforcement action against Westlake Village-based Leaders Merchant Services. The complaint alleged that Leaders violated California laws against unfair competition and misleading advertising when Leaders’ sales personnel didn’t fully disclose the company’s fees while signing customers up for payment card Read More →

Changing of the guard: Totten nears final month as Ventura County District Attorney

After 18 years serving as Ventura County District Attorney, Greg Totten will transition to his new post as CEO for the California District Attorneys Association; Cheryl Temple will serve as a temporary replacement
Totten to retire after 18 years as Ventura County district attorney

Ventura County will get just its third district attorney in the past 42 years next year, when Greg Totten retires from the post he has held since 2003. Totten announced his retirement on Nov. 10. It will take effect Jan. 9 After he leaves office, he will take the job of chief executive for the Read More →
Albertsons fined $3.3M in hazardous waste case
Ventura County officials are set to receive $395,089 as part of a $3.3 million settlement with Albertsons in a case that alleged the grocery chain mishandled hazardous waste.