California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone to stay cool and hydrated as temperatures around the state continue to climb.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect for areas of the state through Friday morning.

“California residents need to prepare themselves for what’s looking like a very hot, dry summer,” Dr. Smith said. “July and August are generally the hottest months of the summer season and we are already seeing very high temperatures. It is important that everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, stay inside and take other precautions to prevent heat-related illness.”

Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities, pregnant women and people who are socially isolated. Heat-related illness includes: cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.

In areas where air quality is poor, people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should reduce or eliminate their outdoor activities. Summer schools and programs with children who have sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases, should conduct activities indoors as much as possible.

Smith offers the following tips to stay safe during this period of excessive heat:

• Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.

• If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center or a public place with air conditioning (such as a shopping mall or library) to cool off for a few hours each day.

• Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun

• Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase likelihood of dehydration.

• To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Get medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, you feel delirious or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

• Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.

Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours – sunscreen may reduce the risk of skin cancer, the number one cancer affecting Californians.

Get more hot weather tips on CDPH’s Preventing Summer Heat Injuries Web page.

Watch CDPH’s video message from Dr. Smith on extreme heat warning signs and tips.

www.cdph.ca.gov

With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “Safe and Sane” fireworks. On Sunday, June 28 “Safe and Sane” Fireworks went on sale in approximately 300 communities throughout California. Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment.

“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “Here in California we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”

There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks. Possession of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year. Even “Safe and Sane” Fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal.

The State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved state-wide. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

“Safe and Sane Fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks. We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”

Fireworks Guidelines:
• First check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use
• Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal
• Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell
• Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site
• Read all instructions before use
• Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks – use only in the manner intended
• Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush

For a full fireworks safety guide visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org or watch this short video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38xe9gjzi8

George Deack
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Have you ever had a random contact with someone who just made you smile and feel good? It doesn't have to be up close and personal, or involve touching, or even a word spoken between the two of you! But, no matter what mood your were in, just having that interaction, no matter how slight, lines everything up for you and sets the rest of your day on a positive trend. I have been wondering about a man I see frequently on the bike path along Old Telegraph Rd. He is never without a broad smile and is always enthusiastically waving at passing motorist along Old Telegraph Rd. I decided to quit wondering about him and made up my mind stop to speak to him and shake his hand! Although he was a total stranger to me, George Deack someone who has made my day a little better on most mornings that I travel on Old Telegraph Rd. on my bicycle and I wanted to meet him! He also reminded me of a lost opportunity and someone long ago who did something similar. I wished I had taken the time to talk to him then and I was not going to miss the opportunity to talk with this man.

In the middle and late 1960's, while station at MCAS El Toro, the now closed United States Marine Corps Air Station, in Orange County California, I made frequent trips to Laguna Beach, which was the closest beach to the base. Every time I was in Laguna Beach I would see a shabbily dressed and bearded man standing at the side of the busy Pacific Coast Highway waving and calling out to passing motorist and pedestrians, "Halloo-oo-oo!" he would say to all of us. I later learned, unfortunately, only after his passing in 1975, that his name was Eiler Larsen. I thought then, and even now, how I looked forward to seeing him and hearing him greet all of us visitors to that quaint beach community. Although I thought that it was just a random contact Eiler has with people I later learned that he purposely stood daily at that same location for approximately thirty years waving and calling out, “Halloo-oo-oo!” I never spoke to Eiler, but I wish I would have because I was interested why he did what he did each day.

Some of you, like me, may have been wondering who is that guy walking down the bike path waving at every car, I mean every car, and in my case bicycle, that travels east or west on Old Telegraph Rd. I have been wondering also and one morning I stopped my bicycle on the bridge that crosses over the Sespe Creek and had a nice chat with George as he made his way on Old Telegraph Rd. to nearly Grand Ave. On the morning I decided to meet George he was alternately waving at cars and tossing small rocks down below into the riverbed. I introduced myself and announced to him that I would like to write a story for the Fillmore Gazette about him and his “Goodwill Ambassador” activity. George listened thoughtfully, looked at me curiously and then he agreed to allow me to write an article.

If you have passed CONTINUED »

Bill Bartels

CAMARILLO, CA - Public policy leader Bill Bartels has been named the Ventura County Film Commission’s interim film liaison, announced Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County, which oversees the county’s film commission. The dedicated liaison position was established in 2013 as an investment in economic growth, by securing an increase in film industry spending, local job retention and creation, and increased positive exposure of Ventura County through film media.

In his new role, Bartels will promote Ventura County as a film industry destination and facilitate communication between industry and location representatives to create well-managed film activity throughout the region.

He will be the point of contact for the film industry, help identify and access film-friendly locations, develop the county’s film infrastructure and partnerships, and market the county to the film industry and media.

“Working with the city of Fillmore, Bill actively promoted the Santa Clara River Valley as a filming destination, so he’s well-versed in the permitting required for filming here and the benefits of shooting here rather than in Los Angeles or in other regions near and far courting the film industry. He also understands the positive economic impact filming brings to our county in terms of jobs and revenue,” said Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC.

Bartels is the principal in a diversified farming, management and organizational development company and an advisor with EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center. A fourth-generation Ventura County farmer, he spent 17 years with the city of Fillmore in various roles, concluding his tenure as deputy city manager. Bartels also served on the Ventura County Planning Commission for 12 years.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Visit www.edc-vc.com, and the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County on Facebook, Twitter (@edc_vc) and LinkedIn.

Christine Schieferle

Santa Paula, CA - The Governing Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District voted unanimously to select Christine Schieferle as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services during a regular board meeting held on Wednesday, June 17. Schieferle will start her new position on July 1, 2015.

Schieferle, a resident of Fillmore, comes to the District from the Ventura County Office of Education where she was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She was responsible for facilitating professional learning to schools and districts throughout Ventura County on a variety of educational topics including Common Core State Standards, California ELD Standards, Educational Leadership, and more. Schieferle also served as the Ventura County liaison for the California Department of Education State and Federal Programs as well as served as the Ventura County lead for Federal Program Monitoring.

“Through my work with VCOE, I have worked with administrators by providing leadership trainings at Santa Paula Unified School District,” said Shieferle. “So now I am excited to actually be part of the team!”

Prior to her work at VCOE, Schieferle was a Principal at San Cayetano Elementary School and Mountain Vista Elementary School in the Fillmore Unified School District as well as the Assistant Principal of Fillmore High School and Principal of Fillmore Continuation High School.

As the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Schieferle will be responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the TK-12 curriculum and for the supervision and evaluation of support services personnel associated with the delivery of Educational Services.

Schieferle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from California State University, Northridge. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CLAD), Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and Tier II Administrative Services Credential – all from CSUN – as well as a Gifted and Talented Education certificate from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

“Christine is committed to supporting professional development and student achievement,” said Alfonso Gamino, Superintendent of the Santa Paula Unified School District. “I feel very privileged to have her join our team.”

About the Santa Paula Unified School District
Santa Paula Unified School District operates an early childhood education program, six K-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school, one continuation high school, and one comprehensive high school. Approximately 535 certificated and classified employees serve 5,500 students.

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Steven Cortez (DOB 03/09/1994), of Santa Paula, was convicted of two counts of attempted murder in violation of Penal Code section 664/187(a) for a December 27, 2014, shooting in which he shot at two young males in the city of Fillmore, striking one of them. Cortez subsequently fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement several miles from the crime scene. The jury also found Cortez guilty of one count of street terrorism in violation of Penal Code section 186.22(a), and two counts of assault with a firearm in violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2). Additionally, the jury found true special allegations that Cortez intentionally discharged a firearm during the commission of the crime, and that the crime was committed in association with a criminal street gang.

Sentencing is set for August 4, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura. Cortez faces a maximum sentence of 51 years 4 months in prison.

As firefighters continue to make progress on the seven major wildfires burning in California, hot weather is expected to return bringing higher fire danger. This morning approximately 4,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines of the major wildfires.

95 percent of wildfires in CAL FIRE’s jurisdiction are sparked by the activity of people, which means almost every fire is preventable. CAL FIRE is urging the public to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at www.ReadyforWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Corrine Fire, Madera County (more info…)
North of the Community of Auberry
*920 acres – 95% contained
*Evacuations lifted

Park Hill Fire, San Luis Obispo County (more info…)
East of Santa Margarita
*1,800 acres – 90% contained
*Evacuations have been lifted

Red Fire, Madera County
South of O’Neals,
*135 acres - 100% Contained

**Unified Command Fires**
Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service/CAL FIRE/San Bernardino County Fire
*18,875 acres – 38% contained
*Evacuations remain in effect
*500 structures remain threated

**Federal Incidents**
Washington Fire, Alpine County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
South of Markleeville
*16,544 acres – 5% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Sky Fire, Madera County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Sierra National Forest
Community of Calvin Crest
*500 acres – 95% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Saddle Fire, Trinity County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Community of Hyampom
*1,542 acres – 95% contained

**Local Incidents**
River Fire, Ventura County Fire Department (more info…)
Community of Santa Paula
*164 acres - 80% Contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist