Another long holiday is fast approaching which will again put a strain on the local blood supply. Maintaining an ample and steady supply of blood is always difficult in summer, but long summer holidays, such as the 4th of July, make it especially challenging. Each holiday brings an increased need at a time when donations decrease due to holiday plans. While the blood supply is currently sufficient, UBS California blood centers will face a shortage of blood during the July 4th weekend because of increased emergencies. With all the fairs, festivals and vacations, the community’s blood supply can dip dangerously low. We need your help during this critical time by donating before July 4th and after the holiday to replenish the supply.

To keep the blood supply from dipping critically low, the Blood Center has teamed up with local ice cream partners to thank our donors by giving away a coupon for a free pint of ice cream now through July 12th. “We are thrilled to have such great community support with local businesses that are helping us recognize the many heroes in our community who will be saving countless lives,” notes Sergio Coppa, spokesperson for the California Blood Centers. “There is no greater gift than saving a friend or neighbor with your life’s blood.”

We’re looking for whole blood, platelet and plasma donors. Patient’s needs are changing, and how you can help the most is determined by your blood type.
• O blood types, A negative and B negative are encouraged to give the traditional blood donation.
• AB types are universal plasma donors.
• A positive can help with either red cell or plasma.
• All blood types can donate platelets.
• If you’re unsure of your blood type, we will let you know, after you donate.

Donations may be made at convenient locations throughout the Central & Southern California Region in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and a number of community blood drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877.UBS.HERO; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored.

Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. Ste. A, Ventura, CA 93003
Santa Barbara Center – 4213 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Santa Maria Center – 1770 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
San Luis Obispo Center – 4119 Broad St., Ste. 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Cal Fire

Over 4,000 firefighters continue to make good progress battling six major wildfires in California. Since January 1, 2015 CAL FIRE has responded nearly 2,500 wildfires, a 50 percent increase compared to an average year. With dry drought conditions, there were over 270 new wildfires last week alone. The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents 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 – 75% contained
*Evacuations lifted
*CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 assigned

Park Hill Fire, San Luis Obispo County (more info…)
East of San Margarita
*1,800 acres – 60% contained
*Evacuations have been lifted
*Two homes destroyed

Cook Fire, Yuba County (more info…)
Community of Oregon House
*180 acres - 100% contained

**Unified Command Fires**

Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service/CAL FIRE/San Bernardino County Fire
*17,305 acres – 21% contained
*Evacuations remain in effect
*500 structures remain threated

**Federal Incidents**
Washington Fire, Trinity County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest / BLM
South of Markleeville
*8,000 acres – 10% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Sky Fire, Madera County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Sierra National Forest
Community of Calvin Crest
*500 acres – 60% contained
*A Federal Type 2 Incident Management Team assigned
*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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Fillmore patrol deputies have arrested four suspects for auto theft and related charges in the Fillmore / Santa Paula area.

On the evening of June 10, 2015, a Fillmore resident reported her 1997 Saturn stolen from her residence. At approximately 4:00 a.m., on June 11, 2015, an alert Fillmore deputy spotted the stolen Saturn driving in the area of Highway 126 and Old Telegraph Road.

The deputy attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, however the driver sped away and led deputies on a high speed pursuit throughout the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Santa Paula. The Saturn eventually collided with a curb putting an end to the approximately 15 minute pursuit.

All four occupants were taken into custody and charged with crimes including auto theft, felony evading, driving under the influence, participation in a criminal street gang, and being under the influence of controlled substances. No arrestee’s or deputies were injured as a result.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Four Suspects Arrested For Auto Theft
Report Number: 15-13087
Location: Fillmore / Santa Paula
Date & Time: June 11, 2015 / 4:00 a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Deputies / Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Murillo, Angelique Fillmore 18
(S) Covarrubias, Ashley Fillmore 18
(S) Vargas, Guillermo Fillmore 21
(S) Mora, Rudy Santa Paula 22
Prepared by: Detective John Fox
News Release Date: June 11, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective John Fox, (805) 524-2233, john.fox@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham, Chief of Police – City of Fillmore

The June 16, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District Board (FUSD) Meeting began with a heartfelt goodbye to a number of staff and faculty who are retiring. First to be acknowledged was Carol Barringer. Barringer's career in education spans well over 30 years, most recently assisting in the transition to a new administration, providing guidance and historical background along with providing leadership in the afterschool program and obtaining an After School Grant.

Others retiring are John Schaper, a long term FUSD teacher. During his 36 years, mostly as a 3rd grade teacher at Piru Elementary, Schaper was appointed as the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) President and Vice President.

Maureen Speakman served the district as a Special Education teacher for nearly 19 years at Fillmore Middle School and served as an executive Board Member with FUTA.

Pricilla Anderson worked with the district as an elementary teacher for over 16 years at various schools and most recently at San Cayetano Elementary School.

Wayne Bauer taught both elementary and secondary levels along with English and Advanced Placement English at Fillmore High School the majority of the 15 years he was with FUSD.

Ellen Dewey is retiring after many years as a school nurse, six of those years at FUSD. Dewey assisted in the creation of FUSD's Severely Handicapped program implemented a few years ago.

Joanna Michel (could not attend due to illness) provided new teacher support for many years.

Tim Golson has worked for FUSD for 38 years as a custodian, bus driver, grounds keeper and Lead Groundsman. He was known as the historian of utility lines due to his experience on so many projects over the years.

Tony Vega served the district as custodian at various sites for over 9 years.

Patsy Torres served as Migrant Instructional Assistant, Teachers Aide, and Community Liaison with the majority of her time as a clerk typist at both Sespe and Rio Vista Elementary Schools.

Susan Leon has covered many positions during her 21 years with FUSD. She began as a Copy Clerk and Instructional Assistant, then Office Manager of Sespe Elementary and for the past 16 years as Administrative Secretary in the Human Resource Office where she worked with every FUSD employee at least once.

On the agenda was CONTINUED »