New podcast explains Ventura County's new law on hosting teen parties that include alcohol

Straight Up Ventura County's newest podcast, which explores the Social Host Ordinance being enforced throughout Ventura County, is now online.

Narrated by a Ventura County youth, the podcast features appearances by Ventura County Behavioral Health Department program administrator of prevention services Dan Hicks and Thousand Oaks Police Capt. Randy Pentis. Both discuss the civil fine that's issued to responsible individuals hosting a loud and disruptive party where underage drinking is taking place and the effectiveness of the ordinance since it's taken effect.

Information in the podcast includes the range of fines that vary from city to city, the conditions that need to occur in order for a fine to be issued and statistics on how effective the ordinance has been throughout the county.

"We thought this was a very important issue that parents, as well as teens, should know about," said Katherine Kasmir, director of Straight Up. "The ordinance is in place in every city in the county, and most people aren't aware of it."