12/31/03, Wednesday, 13:00-20:00 Hours
Missing Person
Ojai
The team was called out to assist the VCSAR Upper Ojai team in searching for an elderly Alzheimer subject in the Ojai area. The subject was found in good condition in bushes not too far from her residence.

11/6/03, Thursday, 14:00-16:30 Hours
Missing Child
Moorpark
The team was called out to assist in searching for a 14-year-old boy with low level autism who walked away from his school. The team searched the surrounding neighborhood and hillsides. The child asked for help and was returned to the school.

10/25/03, Saturday – 10/28/03, Tuesday
Simi Fire Incident
Ventura County
The team was activated to assist throughout the Simi Valley and Moorpark areas during the fire storm that swept through the area. The team assisted with evacuations, road closures and extinguishing spot fires. The team also provided patrols to look for flare ups and spot fires. View photos from the fire in the gallery.

08/08/03, Friday, 1600 Hours – 08/11/03, Monday, 1400 Hours
Missing Backpacker
Matterhorn Peak Area, Toiyabe National Forest
A solo 46-year-old backpacker due back on Aug. 4 was reported missing in the Sawtooth range of the Toiyabe National Forest. After several days of searching by the Mono County Search and Rescue team and others, a statewide call was placed for mountain rescue team. Thirteen East Valley team members responded to the search. After driving all night to the search base in Bridgeport, the team was scheduled to fly to the search area by a army blackhawk helicopter. High winds at the search area landing zone forced the team to hike to the search area. The search team set up a bivy site and search the area until dark. At first light the next day the team search their assigned area consisting of large boulders and steep cliffs. The search was suspended at 16:00 hours. View photos from the search in the gallery. UPDATE August 25, 2003: The Mono Co. Sheriff Department officially designated the subject a "missing person".

06/29/03, Sunday, 0100 Hours – 06/30/03, Monday, 1700 Hours
07/12/03, Saturday, 08:00-12:00 Hours
07/16/03, Wednesday, 16:00-20:00 Hours
Missing Elderly Person
Rincon Beach
A 76-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disappeared from her 800-acre ranch on Saturday. The VCSAR Upper Ojai team initiated the search and the East Valley and Canine teams were called in to assist. The steep bluffs surrounding the ranch house and groves were searched. At daylight the VCSAR Fillmore team along with Santa Barbara Search and Rescue and dogs from California Rescue Dog Association. The search expanded to include the beach and nearby communities. Searchers rappelled down to search some the steep bluffs. The search was called for the day at dark on Sunday and resumed at first light on Monday. After a thorough check of the ranch and handing out fliers the main effort of the search was suspended at 17:00 on Monday. Teams are continuing to search selected areas. The subject remains missing at this time. View photos from the search in the gallery.

04/17/03, Thursday, 1900-2200 Hours
Overdue Hiker
Thousand Oaks
A 60-year-old man was overdue from possibly hiking in the nearby hills. The team was called out to search the hills and trails in the area. The subject was spotted walking back home near the command post.

03/29/03, Saturday, 0705-0825 Hours
Vehicle Over the Side
Hwy. 178, Kern River Canyon
While en route to swiftwater rescue training on the Kern River, team members came upon a traffic accident in which a 17-year-old male went over the side of the highway over 80 feet. A member of the East Valley team and a member of the VCSAR dive team were the first on scene and assisted the patient out of the vehicle and performed the initial medical treatment. Other members of the East Valley team arrived 45 minutes later. The East Valley team captain contacted the Kern Co. Fire Dept. battalion chief on scene and offered the team's assistance. The team members set up a rope rescue system and lowered a Kern Co. FD medic over the side. They then lower a litter team consisting of members of the East Valley team. The patient was loaded in to the litter and raised up to the highway and turned over medics from Halls Ambulance. View photos from the rescue in the gallery. See also Letter to the Sheriff.

03/08/03, Saturday, 2300 Hours - 03/09/03, Sunday, 0200 Hours
Missing Hikers
Boney Ridge, Santa Monica Mountains
Two male hikers were reported overdue. The team responded and a crew was flown in by a Ventura Sheriff helicopter to the missing subjects. See the News Article for more information.

02/22/03, Saturday, 2100-2400 Hours
Overdue Mountain Bikers
Sycamore Canyon, Mugu State Park
Two teenage girls failed to return to camp after a mountain bike ride. The team responded to search the park. The girls were found in good condition on a road attempting to find their way back to camp.

02/22/03, Saturday, 0600-1100 Hours
Evidence Search
Simi Valley
The Simi Valley Police Department requested the East Valley team for an evidence search. See the Letter to the Sheriff.

02/20/03, Thursday, 0100-1100 Hours
Overdue Hikers
Pine Mountain, Los Padres National Forest
Two hikers were reported overdue in the Pine Mountain area. The VCSAR East Valley team along with the Upper Ojai team responded. See the News Article for more information. Also see Letter to the Editor.