On July 5, 2016, at approximately 12:43 AM, a traffic collision occurred resulting in a fatality in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, on State Route (SR)126, west of Hopper Canyon Road.

Richard Jay Gutman, 53 years old, of Leona Valley, was driving a 2013 Nissan Sentra with two passengers. The Nissan was traveling eastbound in the #2 lane of SR-126 west of Hopper Canyon Road. Mr. Pedro Santiagolemus, 26 years old, of Arvin, was driving a 2008, Hino two axle box truck attempting to merge onto eastbound SR-126 from northbound SS&J Road (farming road approximately .3 miles west of Hopper Canyon). For reasons still under investigation, the Hino box truck turned right (eastbound) from northbound SS&J Road into the #2 lane of eastbound SR-126, directly into the path of the Nissan. The right front passenger side of the Nissan struck the left rear of the Hino box truck, partially collapsing the passenger compartment. The right front passenger, Mrs. Audrey Gutman, 52 years old, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Mrs. Gutman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The two other occupants of the Nissan, Mr. Gutman and Thomas Belsheim, 53 years old, of Canoga Park, sustained minor injuries consisting of abrasions to their collar bone area from their seat belts. Mr. Gutman and Mr. Belsheim were treated on scene by Ventura County Fire Paramedics and were released on scene. Mr. Santiagolemus was treated and released by Paramedics on scene without injuries.

This incident resulted in the closure of the #1 and #2 eastbound lanes and the #1 westbound lane of SR-126 for approximately three and a half hours. The #2 westbound lane of SR-126 was used to alternate traffic through the scene. The Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and assisted with traffic control.

This collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Moorpark Area Office. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP's Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.

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There were seven classes in the CERT course and each class lasted about 2 ½ hours with a total of 20 hours of training. The topics covered included: Introduction to CERT, General Emergency Preparedness and Earthquake Awareness, Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, two sessions of Disaster Medical Operations and preparing for Multi-Casualty Incidents, Light Search and Rescue Techniques and Operations, Team Organization and Management, Disaster Psychology and a Course Review and Disaster Simulation. The course also includes basic first aid, small fire extinguishment, and Hands-only CPR.

The CERT system developed from the need for a well-trained community emergency work force. The training program provides course graduates with self-sufficiency through the development of a wide range of skills. The graduates will be able to use the skills taught during emergencies and disasters in their homes, neighborhoods, at school and at the work place. The skills learned will be a lifelong asset.

The free training is intended for adults 18 years and older but youth were able to attend with their parent or guardians. The CERT training was in English. A Spanish CERT class may be offered at a later date.

CERT is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is Homeland Security’s grassroots effort that localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training and participate in community exercises and support local first responders.

This year, Fillmore’s fireworks sales have lost a few old vendors and gained a few new ones. The fireworks sales are the biggest fundraiser of the year for many Fillmore clubs and organizations. Below are the gross receipts, booth expenses and net proceeds for the participating 2015 vendors, along with locations for this year.
Chamber of Commerce at 513 Ventura St., gross receipts $14,460, booth expenses $9,923, 2015 net proceeds $4,537; Christian Praise Assembly by Starbucks, gross receipts $60,432, booth expenses $42,643, 2015 net proceeds 17,788; Fillmore Citizen Patrol by Dollar Tree, gross receipts $45,779, booth expenses $31,017, 2015 net proceeds $14,761; Fillmore Flashes Regiment Band Booster Club, Inc. near Margaret’s Cocina, gross receipts $30,251, booth expenses $20,338, 2015 net proceeds $9,913; Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters near Burger King, gross receipts $33,367, booth expenses $28,060, 2015 net proceeds $5,306; Fillmore Historical Museum near Super A Foods Center, gross receipts $47,121, booth expenses $32,825, 2015 net proceeds $14,296; Fillmore Little League at SWC of Ventura St & C, new vendors; Fillmore Youth Agriculture, new vendor; Fillmore Raiders Football at 460 Ventura St., gross receipts $19,981, booth expenses $16,209, 2015 net proceeds $3,772; Fillmore Rotary Club at SW corner of E St. & Main, gross receipts $56,724, booth expenses $36,597, 2015 net proceeds $20,127; Fillmore Senior Center Inc. at 251 E. Telegraph Rd, gross receipts $52,293, booth expenses $28,171, 2015 net proceeds $24,121; Fillmore Union HS Scholarship Foundation Alumni Association at Ventura & C, new vendor; First Assembly of God Church near Yanni’s, gross receipts $33,351, booth expenses $23,190, 2015 net proceeds $10,161; Future Farmers of America Boosters Club at Lot #14 E. Telegraph Rd/126, $32,121, booth expenses $56,010, 2015 net proceeds $36,111; Girl Softball at 251 E. Telegraph Rd., gross receipts $38,067, booth expenses $21,774, 2015 net proceeds $16,293; Heritage Valley Blazers near Rite Aid, gross receipts $66,454, booth expenses $48,966, 2015 net proceeds $17,487; Lions Club at W of SWC of Ventura & D St., gross receipts $49,733, booth expenses $28,523, 2015 net proceeds $21,210; Roping Club, new vendor; One Step A La Vez at NWC Olive & Ventura, new vendor; Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society near park east of Pole Creek, gross receipts $25,118, booth expenses $14,920, 2015 net proceeds $10,198; Santa Clara Valley Grange at NEC of B St. & Ventura, gross receipts $20,871, booth expenses $12,290, 2015 net proceeds $8,581; Search & Rescue at NW corner of Los Serenos & Ventura St./126 hwy., gross receipts $61,290, booth expenses $40,195, 2015 net proceeds $21,095; So Cal Youth Football, new vendor; Saint Francis of Assisi Church at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., gross receipts $53,830, booth expenses $29,902, 2015 net proceeds $23,928; Veterans of Foreign Wars at Wm. L. Morris, gross receipts $36,476, booth expenses $23,707, 2015 net proceeds $12,769; Victory Outreach Lot E. of 1149 Ventura St., gross receipts $40,700, booth expenses $29,328, 2015 net proceeds $11,372; Women’s Service Club at W. of SW corner of Ventura St. & C St., gross receipts $32,210, booth expenses $24,980, 2015 net proceeds $7,230.