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.

Sacramento – Today begins the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks in nearly 300 communities across California, which has CAL FIRE reminding everyone to do their part to prevent fires caused by fireworks this Fourth of July. Over the past five years, more than 2,500 structure and wildfires have been sparked by fireworks, burning thousands of acres, causing countless injuries and costing millions in property loss.

“Illegal fireworks, or even the unsafe use of 'Sane and Sane' fireworks, are a major problem every year,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, California’s state fire marshal. “We have a zero tolerance towards the possession, sale or use of illegal fireworks and our officers will be patrolling the streets and internet this week.”

Fire and law enforcement officers across the State are working together to confiscate illegal fireworks off the streets. Earlier this month, CAL FIRE joined a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation in San Bernardino County. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks, 51 misdemeanor citations were issued, as well as two felony arrests. In Placer County, a similar multi-agency operation occurred at the agricultural inspection station in Truckee. More than 1,882 pounds of fireworks were confiscated resulting in 20 misdemeanor citations and seven felony arrests.

“Wildfire activity has significantly increased during the last several weeks and California continues to experience explosive fire conditions as a result of five years of drought," said Chief Ken Pimott, CAL FIRE director. "Everyone needs to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. Any person who starts a fire from fireworks – even accidentally – can be held liable for the fire-fighting costs as well as property damage costs.”

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 laws and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

Here are a few tips to help you be safe this 4th of July:
• If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Buy only State Fire Marshal-approved (Safe and Sane) fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
• Always read directions and have an adult present.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
• Use common sense and keep a safe distance.
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.

Visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org for tips on how to prevent a wildfire this Fourth of July.

VENTURA – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to close eastbound lanes of Highway 126 (the Santa Paula Freeway) in the city of Ventura on the nights of June 28, 29 and 30 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights) for a pavement repair project.

The full closure involves all eastbound lanes between Highway 101 and Victoria Avenue, and also between Kimball Road and Wells Road (State Route 118), starting at 9 p.m. each night.

All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. the next morning (6 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The closures are not expected to affect the westbound lanes of Highway 126.

Detour signs will be posted. Motorists should expect delays. People in the vicinity may experience noise associated with the work, including grinding of the concrete road surface at several locations in the project area.

The scheduled closures are as follows:
Eastbound State Route 126 from US Highway 101 to Victoria Avenue.
The connectors from north- and southbound US 101 to eastbound SR-126.
Eastbound SR-126 from Kimball Road to Wells Road (State Route 118).

The contractor is RSB Group, Inc. of Lake Forest, Calif., and the dollar amount of the contract is $270,000. The project is funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). Completion of the project is expected in mid-July. When completed, the result will be a smoother riding surface.

The closure schedule will be in effect, weather permitting, and is subject to change. Caltrans reminds travelers to “Be Work Zone Alert.”

The City of Fillmore will be opening the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as a “Cooling Center” beginning Saturday, June 20th at 12:00 p.m. and will be open until 8:00 p.m. The Cooling Center is expected to be open through Wednesday, June 22nd.

The weather forecast is for extreme heat beginning on Saturday. The dates and hours can change depending on the weather but whenever the temperature reaches 94 or above the Cooling Center is opened. Fillmore residents are encouraged to use the center to remove themselves from the heat and drink plenty of cold water provided by the Fillmore Fire Department.

If you have any questions please feel free to call City Hall at (805) 524-1500 or the City Fire Department at (805) 524-0586.

Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore

On Friday, June 17, 2016 at approximately 5:19pm, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic code violations in the 200 block of Warren Avenue, Santa Paula. During the course of the investigation a firearm was found inside the vehicle as well as a machete. Both subjects, Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore, and a Female Juvenile, 17 of Santa Paula, were arrested. Montiel was arrested for convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon inside of a vehicle, gang enhancement and child endangerment. The female juvenile was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Montiel is a documented gang member and was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail. A bail increase was requested to increase his bail to $500,000. The female juvenile was later released to her parents.

Alfred Johnson, 72 of Fillmore, admitted to drug dealing at his senior citizen’s complex. Johnson was arrested five years ago for illegally obtaining prescription drugs — anti-anxiety medications and painkillers — and for selling marijuana. Officials say he has maintained a clean record since his arrest five years ago and because of poor health, Johnson will probably receive no jail time and get probation at his August sentencing.

Adrian Banales

At approximately 10:25 PM, on June 18, 2016, a deputy on patrol noticed a disturbance in the 500 block of Central Avenue. Upon investigating the circumstances, the deputy learned a resident discovered a male subject peeking in the bathroom window where a juvenile victim was taking a shower. The residents confronted the suspect, who ran away. Additional deputies responded to the area and began a search. Adrian Banales was located nearby and matched the description of the suspect. After further investigation, Banales was identified by witnesses, and significant evidence was found at the scene to link Banales.

Banales was arrested for PC 647(i) / Peeking. Banales was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. His bail was set at $5,000.00.

The Fillmore Police Department suspects similar crimes have occurred in the City of Fillmore over the past few years. Anyone having information related to these crimes is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department.