NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Fillmore, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, will consider adopting the ordinance summarized below:

Ordinance No. 857 Rescinding Ordinance No. 16-856 and Adding Chapter 7.40 and Amending Sections 6.04.1615 and 6.04.1620 of the Fillmore Municipal Code, Imposing an Express Ban on marijuana Cultivation, Marijuana Delivery, and Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries and Finding that such Amendments are not subject to CEQA.

Summary: This ordinance will ban marijuana cultivation, marijuana delivery and mobile marijuana dispensaries in the City.

The complete text of Ordinance No. 857 is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at dianai@ci.fillmore.ca.us or (805) 524-1500 ext. 211, if you have any questions regarding this ordinance. Any and all interested persons may appear and be heard.

Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California 93015, for consideration by the City Council at the meeting. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City of Fillmore does not discriminate against persons with disabilities and is an accessible facility. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation to be able to participate in this meeting is asked to contact the office of the City Clerk at dianai@ci.fillmore.ca.us or 805-524-1500 ext 211, no fewer than two business days prior to the meeting to allow for reasonable arrangements. The City Council Chambers is equipped with a portable microphone for anyone unable to come to the podium. Assisted listening devices are also available upon request.

Dated this 11th day of February, 2016

(l-r) City Manager Rowlands, Council Member Minjares, Mayor Pro Tem Broggie, Mayor McCall, Council Member Tucker and Council Member Neal.
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Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting began with a number of city residents signing up to address the Council during Public Comments. Some came and sat with protest signs held high. One after another spoke on what they considered needs changing in the Council itself. Council Member Douglas Tucker was not in attendance during the Public Comments and arrived at 6:55 p.m., after all the speakers had spoken.

First to speak was Steve McKinnon saying "Words matter" emphasizing the need to be responsible for ones actions and commenting on the pressure and bullying toward the late Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros by members of the Council. McKinnon called for "certain people to resign."

Next to address the Council was former Mayor, Councilmember and 24 years on the Fillmore Fire Department, Roger Campbell. "We lost somebody special" he told the Council. "The fire department was a big part of my life" and continued by thanking three Council Members, Manuel Minjares, Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie, Mayor Diane McCall and City Manager David W. Rowlands "You did what you could." Campbell was noting that those three Council Members were not to blame for what most consider a tragedy in the untimely death of Landeros.

Next was Kenneth Creason a 38-year resident of Fillmore. "A great injustice has been done" Creason began and reminded everyone how Landeros' dedication to duty assured the community that in case of an emergency "Rigo" was there. "The untimely death of Rigo is a tremendous loss to the community......this city does not need or want bullying of city employees." Creason also called for resignations of council members.

Creason made comment on what was said during the January 5, 2016 Fillmore City Council and Successor Agency Special Goal Setting Session Meeting and questioned why it was not being put into the meeting minutes. The question of what was said was later addressed by Minjares and McCall after the Public Comments were over.

Fillmore resident Veronica Levy began, "I didn't know Rigo, I wish I had. I've never seen such an outpouring of grief by a community." She then suggested the street Sespe Place be renamed, Rigo Landeros Street in honor of him.

Former Council Member Brian Sipes addressed the Council stating he was bullied while serving on the Council and that was what lead him to resign May 15, 2013. Sipes stated he had seen "violent temper tantrum outbursts by Tucker.....I have nothing to gain by being here, all I want is the truth."

Jamie Melagon, like many others who addressed the Council, spoke of the pain that has been brought to the community and stated a councilmember needs to resign.

Tim Holmgren, a member of the Planning Commission, stated, "An amazing spirit has left us.....The community is divided which will leave us in turmoil." Holmgren spoke of healing and the need to come together and ended with, "To Rigo, I just want to say we miss you."

Former Mayor and Councilmember Patti Walker addressed the Council agreeing with Levy on renaming Sespe Place Rigo Landeros Street. She said it would be so appropriate being right in front of the fire station where Rigo loved working.

Last to speak during Public Comments was Ernie Vegas who reiterated what those going before him had stated, ending with "We need to remember Rigo's dedication to the city and the passion he had."

The comments speaker Creason referred to at the January 5, 2016 Fillmore City Council and Successor Agency Special Goal Setting Session Meeting did not have any audio or video recording and there were only three people in attendance, besides the Council Members and city staff.

The City Staff and Council who were in attendance were Council Member Tucker and Rick Neal, Minjares, Broggie, McCall and City Staff Rowlands, Financial Director Gaylynn Brien, Police Chief Dave Wareham, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney, Human Resource Director/Deputy City Clerk Diana Impeartrice, Community Services Supervisor Annette Cardona and the last meeting that Chief Landeros had attended.

During the meeting there was a short back and forth between Neal and Landeros. Neal questioned Landeros about some Fillmore Fire Foundation funds and asked if they were suppose to go to the City, to which Landeros responded affirmatively. In a January 11th email exchange with Rowlands, when asked why Landeros would seem to admit that “something was amiss with the funding” by his affirmative answer, Rowlands stated, “Rigo was trying to calm the situation and said the [Fillmore Fire] foundation can provide those funds to the city. However, in talking to him later I said no we are not doing that as nothing improper occurred.”

At the workshop Minjares then interjected, questioning the timing of Neal's question and if the issue was a goal setting issue. He then suggested the issue be addressed at another time. McCall interjected, stating nonprofits have records and they (the Council) could look into the matter later. There were questions of why the comments were not put in the minutes when it was spoken during an official meeting.

During this Tuesday's meeting McCall and Minjares wanted make a clarification to the record on what they remember saying back in January in response to the questioning of Landeros by Neal. Minjares stated he did not feel the question was in the form of a goal, asking Neal if the meeting were the proper place to ask such a question and if it should be part of the goal workshop. McCall remembers stating the question was to a nonprofit and they have records that can be reviewed.

During Tuesday’s meeting McCall brought up the sale of the Fire Chief vehicle, which almost brought her to tears and she needed to compose herself before continuing.

In a related agenda item Rowlands asked for approval in adopting a City Council Code of Conduct toward City Staff. Minjares commented that the resolution would bring clarity on proper conduct once it is in writing. He asked if city staff comments had been taken into consideration and was told "yes" they were part of creating the document. Discussions went back and forth, most agreeing on the merits of the resolution.

Fillmore resident Alex Mollkoy questioned the public clarity of the document stating that most people viewing the meeting on TV or the internet would not have the printed paper in their hands and therefore would not know what the Council was approving. He suggested it be presented to the public, "word for word", what exactly is being proposed or maybe have a presentation on it. Minjares agreed with Mollkoy on presenting it "word for word" and proceeded to read the entire resolution.

What the resolution basically states, beyond the previous Code of Conduct, is a Council Member must discuss problems or issues with the City Manager, Mayor, or City Attorney if it is a legal matter, and not directly with other city staff; basically if puts a distance between the Council and city staff. A vote was taken and all council members approved the new resolution.

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Thursday, February 4th, EVI Emergency Vehicles Incorporated delivered the Fire Department’s new Rescue 91. This vehicle replaces the old rescue that was taken out of service due to mechanical issues about a year ago. Chief Rigo Landeros pushed for this new vehicle to serve not only the citizens of Fillmore but to serve citizens throughout the Santa Clara Valley.

Eighty percent of Rescue 91 was purchase with money from the annual Community Development Block Grant Fund and the other twenty percent is coming from the city’s general fund budget. The CDBG grant program serves the Ventura County area. City staff work together with County staff in planning the use of these funds.

The unit is a heavy duty commercial grade chassis, with a custom box to carry emergency equipment such as the Jaws of Life, over the side rope rescue gear, EMS equipment, back boards, a stokes, building and vehicle stabilization equipment and miscellaneous tools. It will also carry two firefighters along with all the gear they will need for structure and wild land firefighting. Because of the vehicles load capabilities, there is room to acquire and carry additional equipment. The vehicle should last an estimated twenty years.

Santa Paula Police Department

A 17 year old documented gang member was arrested in connection with this incident. At approximately 9:30am the suspect was taken into custody at Ventura County Juvenile Court without incident. After being processed the juvenile was transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall for the charge of 211 PC -Robbery. It should be noted the juvenile was attending court for a case that occurred on January 19, 2016 where the suspect was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle. Below is the original press release from January 19, 2016.

On Saturday, January 16, 2016 at approximately 11:27pm a Hispanic male entered the Circle K gas station location at 765 W. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula. After walking around for several minutes the suspect covered his face with a bandana, brandished a large revolver to the cashier, and demanded money. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money the suspect fled the location eastbound on Harvard Blvd. The cashier and a customer inside the store were not injured during the incident.

The Santa Paula Police Dept. needs the public's assistance in identifying the suspect in the attached photo. If you know who the suspect is do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous. Please contact Sgt. Cody Madison at (805) 525-4474 x 220 or at cmadison@spcity.org. You may remain anonymous.

Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for election in the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election. Lunn stated, “Every election is an opportunity not only for voters to participate in our great democracy, but also for citizens who are interested in running for office.”

Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, as February 15, 2016 falls on a holiday, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016.

COUNTY
County Supervisor, 1st District
County Supervisor, 3rd District
County Supervisor, 5th District

FEDERAL
President
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative in Congress, 24th District
U.S. Representative in Congress, 25th District
U.S. Representative in Congress, 26th District
U.S. Representative in Congress, 30th District

STATE
State Senator, 19th District
State Senator, 27th District
Member of State Assembly, 37th District
Member of State Assembly, 38th District
Member of State Assembly, 44th District
Member of State Assembly, 45th District

JUDICIAL
Superior Court Judge, 11 Offices

Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will accept written comments from the public until March 4 concerning a proposed safety enhancement project on State Route 126 in Ventura County.

Caltrans is formally initiating studies for the project to enhance safety along the highway corridor and reduce the potential for conflicting traffic movements.

The project is located on Highway 126 between Hallock Drive in the city of Santa Paula and E Street in the city of Fillmore. Highway 126 provides an east-west connection between US Highway 101 in Ventura County and Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. The project length is approximately 7 miles.

Caltrans is considering options that include a concrete median barrier or a raised median island with visual markers. Possible features include roundabouts, wider road curves, an acceleration/deceleration lane at railroad crossings, retaining walls and improved highway access including driveways at various locations.

Caltrans is soliciting written comments from public agencies, private entities and interested individuals regarding any potential social, economic, community, traffic, safety and environmental issues related to this project.

Information about the project and the environmental process is available online at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/travel/projects/126/

Caltrans held two public scoping meetings on the proposed project and the environmental process on Jan. 27 in Fillmore and Feb. 3 in Santa Paula. Both meetings were attended by members of the public, elected officials and agency representatives.

Caltrans is interested in hearing the point of view of all parties interested in the project, to ensure that all relevant factors are considered.

Comments, suggestions and inquiries can be submitted (postmarked by March 4) to Tami Podesta, Branch Chief; California Department of Transportation; Division of Environmental Planning (SR-126 Safety Enhancement Project); 100 South Main St., Suite 100, MS 16A; Los Angeles CA 90012.

After reading last week's Fillmore Gazette about a recent theft of softball equipment at Shiells Park a Local Rancher stepped up to the plate and donated $2000 to be used to replace the stolen softball equipment.

Donations like this greatly lift some of the heavy financial burden youth organizations struggle with each year; especially when they get unwanted surprises like the recent theft. The cost to equip and to run the leagues increase each year and much of the increase is passed on to the participants and their families. The generosity of this local rancher will not only help to replace all of the equipment that was stolen but it will allow the organization to purchase additional equipment for the kids. Sports is a sanctuary for many kids who have nothing else to do. Participation is important for the growth and development of young people. They learn teamwork, discipline, self-control, self-respect, and it teaches them how to interact with others and understand that their actions affect others around them. All of these are important in the development of young minds and bodies. The Fillmore Youth Softball program would like to thank the Local Ranch for their very generous donation.

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients by giving blood this February.

During the winter months, inclement winter weather and seasonal illnesses can keep regular donors from giving blood. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in their own communities as well as areas where donors were unable to give due to severe winter weather. Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.

Donor Loretta Brandon knows how important it is to have a readily available blood supply. Her late husband required transfusions from generous strangers multiple times for health conditions. She gives blood as often as she can. “Every time I give blood, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all I have and for the fact that I can share with others,” she said.

Make an appointment to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:
Oak Park
2/23/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oak Park High School, 899 North Kanan Road

Oxnard
2/24/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Rio Mesa High School, 545 Central Ave

Simi Valley
2/20/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
2/16/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road
2/17/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/22/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/24/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
2/16/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce would like to call for Nominations for the 2015 Citizen of The Year and Lifetime Achievement Citizen of The Year. Nominations may be as simple as a few paragraphs stating the reason you feel the individual should be selected as Citizen of the year and any community involvement and or accomplishments. The individual must be a resident of the City of Fillmore. The Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2016. Please email to fillmorechamberc@gmail.com or mail directly to Fillmore Chamber of Commerce P.O. BOX 815 Fillmore, Ca. 93016 or fax to (805)524-2555.

Suspect 1 - Hispanic Male, balding black hair, 5’5” - 5’8”, 180 - 200 lbs Late 40's
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Suspect 2 - Hispanic Female, shoulder length brown hair, 5’2” - 5’5”, 130 – 150 lbs 40's
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On July 3, 2015, a female victim and her family were having dinner at El Pescador Restaurant in the city of Fillmore. The victim hung her purse on the back rest of her chair and enjoyed her meal. After eating, the victim realized her purse was stolen.

Surveillance footage captured the below pictured subjects entering the restaurant. The female enters the restaurant with her cellphone to her ear and pretends to look for her party. The male subject enters shortly thereafter and walks by the victim. The male grabs the purse and covers it with his black jacket. The male immediately walks out of the restaurant, and the female follows a few seconds later.

Both subjects get into a silver or gray early 2000’s Acura MDX, driven by a third subject, and flee the area, west on Highway 126.

The same male subject stole a purse from a female victim shopping at Smart & Final, in the city of Camarillo. The victim placed her purse in the shopping cart. The victim became distracted and, when she returned to her cart, her purse was gone.

Surveillance footage captured the same male subject using his jacket to cover the victim’s purse as he took it from the cart and walked out of the store. In this case, the suspect was seen working with another unknown male subject who also entered the store and appeared to be the primary subject’s “look out.” Both suspects got into the same vehicle described in the Fillmore incident.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and/or identifying the suspects pictured below. If anyone has information or if you have been victimized, you are encouraged to contact Detective Javier Chavez at the Fillmore Police Station.

Nature of Incident: Organized Purse Thieves
Report Number: 15-14958
Location: 1305 W. Ventura St., Fillmore
Date & Time: July 3, 2015, at 9:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
Suspect 1 - Hispanic Male, balding black hair, 5’5” - 5’8”, 180 -200 lbs Late 40's
Suspect 2 - Hispanic Female, shoulder length brown hair, 5’2” - 5’5”, 130 – 150 lbs 40's
Vehicle:
Silver / gray early 2000’s Acura MDX (SUV)
Prepared by: Detective Javier Chavez
Media Release Date: January 29, 2016
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Javier Chavez, 805-524-2233; Javier.chavez@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

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).

Lynda Miller

Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognition of Lynda Miller, President and Founder of Support for the Kids. Miller has dedicated 20 years to charitable organization work helping children and families. Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos introduced Miller stating, "Lynda Miller has touched a lot of lives here in Fillmore." Fillmore Middle School Principal Scott Carroll referred to her as an angel saying, "She's been a model for giving." Other statements were equally praising Miller's dedication saying, "It is wonderful to know there's someone out there so giving and supportive to kids and families time and time again." Testimonies were given of the wide range of support and offerings Miller has given to the community such as stoves, beds, clothes and more for those in need.

Miller responded stating, "Thank you for the recognition. There is nothing greater than giving someone a helping hand." She continued stating that it would not have been possible without the support of her husband Gary Miller, "Without him nothing could have happened."

The first item discussed was a grant presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrea McNeill. FUSD received $287,513 in grant money which is part of the $500 million in one-time monies called the "Educator Effectiveness Block Grant. School districts may use the funding for specific professional development activities such as beginning teacher and administrator support, coaching, support for improvement, professional development, promoting teacher quality and effectiveness. $137,200 equates to $700 per teacher for preparedness for Common Core, Cooperative Learning, English Language Development and other needs, with the remaining $150,313 being used for Literacy Coaches.

The next item discussed was the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) presented by Director Charice Guerra. AVID is a 501c3 nonprofit established in 1980 that provides strategies for encouraging and promoting a path to college for underrepresented students. Fillmore High School, with 122 students in the program, has had the program for a number of years and Fillmore Middle School, with 64 students in the program, recently reinstated it on its campus.

Fillmore High School senior Luis Landeros, who is part of the program, spoke of his future goals of studying engineering in college through grants and scholarships. Destiny Zavala, an 11th grader and also part of the program, spoke of her college goals majoring in either the medical field or journalism.

The last item discussed was Core/Basic Materials presented by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez. The materials discussed was the need for new textbooks. "We are really very behind," Hernandez told the Board. There are a number of new AP classes that need new textbook and other classes that have outdated textbooks. For the new classes; AP Statistics will be issued "The Practice of Statistics," AP Environmental Science will be issued "Living in the Environment" and AP Psychology will be issued.

Other textbooks that are being replaced; AP US History will be issued (new) "American Pageant," AP European History will be issued "Western Civilization" and Native Speakers 2 will be issued "!Ven conmigo! Nuevas Vistas Curso Dos." The new textbooks will be on display for public viewing in the FUSD Boardroom for 30 days.

In final discussions Palazuelos informed everyone that there are presently three new math programs being piloted at Fillmore Middle School.

An action taken and approved was Board Members Sean Morris and Scott Beylik were appointed to the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee for a term of one year.

In a continuing effort to help women advance their education, the local Fillmore chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) will be offering financial awards this spring. To be eligible, you must be a woman who attends or has been accepted to an accredited undergraduate degree program or a vocational/skills training program, live within the 93015 Zip code area, and have at least a 3.5 grade point average. Anyone interested should contact the College and Career Center if you are a student at Fillmore or Sierra High School or contact Patricia Morris at morrisp905@gmail.com. The deadline for application is March 6, 2016.

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout California with filming scheduled for March.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques--from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles, to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank continue their mission to recycle America by rescuing forgotten relics and giving them a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about American history along the way.

AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your buried treasure. They are on the hunt for characters with interesting and unique items. Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, pre-50’s western gear, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items, and clothing. They are always excited to find things they’ve never seen before and learn the story behind it.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection send us your: name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised that although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in California, people should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary. Californians should also be advised of international travel alerts for the countries where Zika virus is circulating.

“Although no one has contracted Zika virus in California, mosquito bites can still be harmful and the public should take steps to protect themselves,” said Dr. Smith. “Help reduce the risk of mosquito bites by removing standing water from around your home and wearing mosquito repellant when appropriate.”

As of Jan. 29, 2016, there are six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California, all of which were contracted when traveling in other countries with Zika virus outbreaks in 2013 (1), 2014 (3) and 2015 (2). CDPH will continue monitoring for any confirmed cases in California and will provide weekly updates every Friday. To protect patient confidentiality, specific locations of infected patients cannot be disclosed.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that can transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes — which are not native to California — have been identified in 12 California counties, although there are no known cases where the mosquitoes were carrying the Zika virus in this state. The six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California were acquired in other countries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: American Samoa, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

People traveling to these and other countries with known Zika virus risk should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets

The CDC and CDPH have also issued guidance for pregnant women recommending they avoid countries where Zika virus is circulating. Pregnant women who cannot avoid travel to these countries should talk to their health care provider and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The CDC and CDPH have also provided guidance for physicians on the evaluation of pregnant women and infants who may have been exposed to Zika virus.

Most people infected with Zika virus will not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash and eye redness. If you have returned from an affected country and have fever with joint pain, rash within two weeks, or any other symptoms following your return; please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. While there is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease, the best recommendations are supportive care, rest, fluids and fever relief.

There is concern that Zika virus may be transferred from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. Preliminary reports suggest that Zika virus may cause microcephaly (abnormal fetal brain development). This possibility has not been confirmed and is being actively investigated. CDPH has requested that health care providers report suspected Zika virus disease or associated conditions of microcephaly to local health departments. Local health departments will report cases to CDPH, which is coordinating referral of any specimens to CDC for diagnostic testing.

For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit the CDPH Zika virus information webpage. www.cdph.ca.gov