Over 4,700 firefighters are battling 6 active wildfires in California. Last week alone firefighters responded to over 250 new wildfires across the State. Since January 1, CAL FIRE and local and federal firefighters have responded to nearly 2,100 wildfires that have charred over 32,000 acres. Extreme temperatures this week, along with low humidity and gusty winds in many areas will continue to raise the fire danger level. A Red Flag Warning in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties remains in effect due to high fire danger today.

CAL FIRE recommends that all residents living near wildland areas have an evacuation plan and know what they will take if asked to evacuate. When it comes to wildfires, everyone should remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. “Go” means early evacuation. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Border Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
Hwy 94 & Hwy 188, near Potrero
● 7,500 acres, 5% contained
● Mandatory evacuation orders for the community of Potrero
● Hwy 94 is closed
● CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 assumed command

Camanche, Vegetation Fire, Amador County (more info…)
North of Camanche Reservoir
● 210 acres, 95% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**
Sherpa Fire, Santa Barbara County (more info…)
West of Goleta
Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS and Santa Barbara County Fire
● 7,893 acres, 62% Contained
● Mandatory evacuations to be downgraded Wednesday

Fish Fire, Los Angeles County
North of Durate
Unified Command: USFS & LA County Fire
● 3,000 acres, 0% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Reservoir Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
North of Azusa
US Forest Service - Angeles National Forest
● 2,400 acres, 0% contained

Pony Fire, Siskiyou County (more info…)
15 miles southwest of Happy Camp
US Forest Service - Klamath National Forest
● 2,858 acres, 60% contained

Valley Express, the public bus service which serves Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru, is proud to offer FREE rides on July 4 from 12 pm until the fireworks end. The special service will be on-demand, which means you must request a ride in advance. The phone number to schedule a ride is 805-933-2267. Space is limited, so riders are encouraged to call in ahead of time.

“We want families to be able to relax, leave the driving to us, enjoy the festivities, and to get home safely after the fireworks,” stated Aaron Bonfilio, Program Manager of Transit Services for Ventura County Transportation Commission.

“We’re delighted that Valley Express can take people from their homes directly to these patriotic celebrations,” added Fillmore Councilmember, Manuel Minjares.

During the day, Valley Express will have a booth at the 30th Annual Sespe Creek Car & Cycle Show in Fillmore. Come visit our booth. We’ll have plenty of information to share, and fun giveaways. The show, sponsored by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, is from 9 am to 4 pm. Learn more about the event at www.fillmorechamber.org.

Valley Express service, launched in March 2015, is provided through a cooperative agreement between the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. It is administered by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. After its first year in operation, total ridership for Valley Express fixed-route and dial-a-ride service neared 100,000 riders.

For route and service information, please call 805-933-2267or visit www.valleyexpressbus.org.

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, together with personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department and United States Coast Guard, rescued two divers off the West side of Anacapa Island.

Around 10:20 AM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch requested Air Squad 9 respond to the waters off Anacapa Island. Two divers were unresponsive and suffering from post-dive medical issues onboard the dive boat Spectre. Air Squad 9 departed the Camarillo Airport staffed by Pilot Kim Bergeson, Firefighter/ Paramedic Jeff Golden, Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter, Deputy Lee Chapman, and Paramedic Brian Pugh. The United States Coast Guard launched a Response Boat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands and a MH-65D helicopter from Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Point Mugu.

Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 coordinated a hoist rescue with the United States Coast Guard boatcrew and the Captain from the Spectre. Deputy Chapman hoisted Firefighter/ Paramedic Golden to the stern of the Spectre. A 48 year old male patient and a 47 year old female patient were hoisted into Air Squad 9, followed by Firefighter Paramedic Golden.

Both divers were treated onboard Air Squad 9 and flown to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, in Oxnard, for additional treatment.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard have an outstanding working relationship benefiting the community of Ventura County and surrounding areas. Since May 2016, the United States Coast Guard set up Forward Operating Base Point Mugu to expand their operations and conduct rescues both offshore and onshore. The County of Ventura and surrounding neighbors are grateful to have this resource as we strive to continue the best public service possible for our community.

Nature of Incident: Dive boat Spectre hoist rescue
Report Number: 16-91047
Location: Anacapa Island
Date & Time: 06/18/2016 @ 10:35 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (Air Squad 9)
Ventura County Fire Department
United States Coast Guard
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
News Release Date: 06/19/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
805-388-4212
Approved by: Sergeant Carl Patterson

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).

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though – every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

“Donating blood helps save lives and can affect people you know and work alongside every day,” said Scott Nethery, whose 7-year-old daughter Audrey requires frequent transfusions. Audrey was born with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare condition where her body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. “I am so appreciative of the individuals whose blood is within my daughter at this very moment. Without blood, my little angel would not be with us today.”

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1-5, 2016, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Camarillo
7/14/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Technicolor, 3233 E Mission Oaks Blvd

Oak Park
7/11/2016: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Stevenson Fitness, 706 Lindero Canyon Rd

Simi Valley
7/1/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tri Stone Cinema Group, 1457 E Los Angeles Ave
7/8/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
7/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
7/13/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive

Thousand Oaks
7/5/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., MB2 Raceway, 1475 Lawrence Dr
7/6/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
7/11/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
7/13/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
7/12/2016: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cal State Parks SB State Bch, 901 San Pedro 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

DATE: JUNE 16, 2016

TO: ALL CITY OF FILLMORE RESIDENTS

FROM: CITY OF FILLMORE – COMMUNITY SERVICES

RE: COOLING CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION

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.

To start off a very long, eventful, and passionate meeting, the City Council called first for public comments. Bill Faith urged the council to pay heavy attention to the danger of Highway 126, and the constant accidents that are occurring. Faith encouraged patrols to be set up when possible to both Highway 126 and the exchange from Highway 23 to Highway 126.

Two items regarding housing were brought to the attention of the council. The council wanted to bring to attention senate bill 1069 which removes all processing requirements for certain dwellings. A letter of protest was suggested for the bill. Another item brought up by the Governor of California that states that if a unit meets zoning requirements, it will not be subject to the discretion of the city or any environmental review. Councilman Manuel Minjares stated that capacity is critical and that the city must find different ways to attack the issue of affordable housing.

The only piece of old business was brought up by Fire Chief Keith Gurrola. The Chief was asking for a delay of the presentation of weed abatement as almost 100% of homes offered participation. Chief Gurrola wants a delay so that the city can achieve 100%. The motion was carried by the council.

The first order of new business involved the approval of Ventura County Transportation (VCTC) measure investment/expenditure program. A representative of the VCTC brought forward this measure as a way to give cities as much jurisdiction as possible when properly using the funds, which would amount to a minimum of $500,000 in sales tax revenue. There would be a committee to ensure proper usage of the funds. As explained by the representative, the VCTC has been very proactive in community outreach, and much of Ventura County has passed this approval. Councilman Rick Neal stated that adding taxes is the least creative solution and it affects the businesses and citizens of Fillmore without many benefits. He goes on to urge Fillmore to maybe focus less on public transit that isn’t being used and more on cops, firefighters, and better infrastructure. Councilman Manuel Minjares believes the tax is the way to go because funding will allow drivers to spend less time on highways and more time with their families. But Councilman Douglas Tucker responded saying that Fillmore is a bedroom community, and a tax would mean paying more for gas, thereby increasing the financial burden of those who have a lengthy commute to work. Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie finished by highlighting the fact that the purpose of this order of business was to get the issue to the voters, not to approve the tax. The motion to adopt getting the approval to the voters was carried.

A concise summary of the CONTINUED »

Frank Hurtado, 46

Approximately one month ago, the victims in this case had a large amount of cash stolen from their residence by an unknown suspect. The crime prompted the victims to install a Wi-Fi enabled motion activated camera system in their home which operates with an application on the victim’s cell phone.

At approximately 0800 hours, on June 6, 2016, the victims received notification that motion was detected inside their home in the 500 block of Kensington Drive, Fillmore. Upon watching the live feed from the camera, the victims immediately recognized their neighbor, Frank Hurtado,46, inside their home. The victim immediately called the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived and determined an additional theft of money occurred.

After an investigation, detectives tracked down and arrested Hurtado for residential burglary on June 6th. Hurtado was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Bail was set at $150,000.00.

This crime may have gone unsolved if not for the use of modern technology which has become more affordable and easy to use. If you have any questions, or would like crime prevention tips, please contact the Fillmore police department.

Prepared by: Detective John Fox

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).

A wrong way driver on Highway 126 near Center Street, Piru, caused a head-on collision which killed him and took the lives of two Fillmore women. On Sunday, June 12th, at about 1:45am, Carlos Sanchez-Romero, 35 of Los Angeles, was driving eastbound in the westbound lane at a reported high rate of speed in a 2015 Kia Optima. He struck head-on a 2012 Toyota driven by Esmeralda Escobedo, 31, and her mother Maria, 53, both of Fillmore. All three were pronounced DOA at the scene. Highway 126 in that area was closed until shortly before 6am for accident investigation. The collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Moorpark Area office. Any possible witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHO Moorpark office at 553-0800.

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) has launched a special Father’s Day promotion of $25 off adoptions of all big dogs (50 lbs. or over,) during the month of June. SPARC has too many large dogs being surrendered by owners and being brought in as strays, and needs to find homes immediately for as many dogs as possible.

“We’ve taken in so many big dogs in recent weeks that we urgently need the public to come and adopt them, as we are running out of space,” said SPARC’s executive director, Nicky Gore-Jones.

As a “No-Kill, No Excuses” shelter, SPARC provides low cost spay and neuter services for only $10 per animal, cat or dog, and urges the public to have their pets spayed or neutered to avoid the pet overpopulation problem currently inundating all shelters in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Anyone who would like to take advantage of the special Father’s Day promotion is encouraged to visit SPARC to meet the big dog of their choice, this week.

SPARC is a non-profit, 501C3 shelter that relies on the public for financial, adoption and volunteer support.

Fillmore, CA – As part of a national one-to-one technology initiative, Apple will soon put the latest iPads, Apple TVs and MacBook Air devices into the hands of every student and staff member at Piru Elementary School in the Fillmore Unified School District. Thanks to a competitive grant awarded in October 2014 by Apple ConnectEd, the oldest school in the District will officially become among the most technologically advanced. Piru Elementary was one of 114 schools nationwide and one of only 11 in the entire state of California to receive funding.

This is cause for celebration when the first of many Apple device rolls outs begins at a gala celebration at Piru Elementary on June 2 at 8 a.m. Local elected officials, administrators, site staff and students and parents will be on hand as Apple gives out MacBook Air devices to teachers and conducts the first of what will be more than 17 days of staff training over the upcoming school year.

“Our participation in the Apple ConnectED initiative will help us extend teaching and learning across every classroom and platform at Piru Elementary School,” said Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, Fillmore District Superintendent. “We are overjoyed to be a partner with Apple in this work and know that it will have tremendous benefit and relevance for our entire school community.”

Apple’s ConnectEd grant provide products, support and opportunities to schools that need them most. Every student at Piru Elementary will receive an iPad that each will use at school and home to integrate classroom learning on a daily basis. Every teacher and administrator will receive an iPad and MacBook Air. All classrooms on campus will be outfitted with upgraded/enhanced connectivity, Apple TVs and supplemental projectors where needed. In addition, Apple will provide all professional services, project management, ongoing professional development and any essential third-party application or component.

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to continue learning beyond the walls of the classroom with free mobile broadband services from AT&T.

“This grant is a very exciting opportunity and will have a tremendous impact on our students and community,” said Martha Hernandez, District Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. “This amazing technology will enrich the educational experience for our students by bringing an awareness of new fields of study and career opportunities.”

Not only that, these resources promise to launch students, parents and staff at Piru Elementary to the highest levels of global competence. Teachers and staff will become well-trained facilitators and experts at leveraging their new digital tools, enabling students to create their own knowledge and compete and succeed in an increasingly complex digital world and future economy.

“I am thrilled by this recognition from Apple and excited to embark on our journey to a different level of excellence,” said Diana Vides, Principal of Piru Elementary and author of the school’s ConnectED grant. “This funding will give my students access to the world at their fingertips, a wealth of knowledge and resources to my staff and amazing opportunities for our entire community.”

Visit http://www.apple.com/education/connectED/ to learn more about Apple and ConnectED.

Megan Luna-Baker has been named Fillmore Middle School Employee of the Year. Principal Scott Carroll is pictured with Megan.

My name is Megan Baker and I have been teaching at Fillmore Middle School for four years. I received my credential and Master of Science in Special Education at California Lutheran University. My dream was to come back to the Fillmore Unified School District and give back to the community that helped shape me into the person I am today.

I graduated from Fillmore High School in 2007. I remember during my Freshman orientation for high school that we were asked who do we want to be. My mission in life was to be known for love and compassion that knows no bounds. I thank my principal Scott Carroll and the staff at Fillmore Middle School for recognizing my love, compassion, and commitment to my students and presenting me with employee of the year at Fillmore Middle School. It is an honor to teach at FMS and for the Fillmore Unified School District.

Fillmore High School graduating senior, Alondra Ramos (right) is the recipient of the 2016 Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers. Michael Torres (left) recently presented the award at an on-campus ceremony.

Fillmore, CA — Alondra Ramos, a graduating Fillmore High School senior, has been named the 2016 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present Ramos with the $1,000 scholarship at a June 1 award ceremony held on campus.

“At the center of every effective education system is the classroom teacher,” says Michael Torres. “We congratulate Alondra for her performance in the classroom and the dedication, hard work, and ambition she has demonstrated throughout her high school years. We wish her success as she embarks on her next goal to become part of the future generation of educational leaders.”

The Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers was established three years ago to provide college financial assistance to Fillmore High School graduating seniors with plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education.

Rosie Torres devoted nearly 30 years to teaching in Fillmore Unified School District and touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career as an educator and community volunteer. Along with her family, she established the scholarship program to inspire the next generation of teachers and invest in Fillmore High School students who are committed to improving the lives of children.

Awards are determined based on academic performance, teacher recommendations and a written essay.
Ramos’ future plans are to attend Ventura College and the University of California, Santa Barbara to pursue a teaching credential, with a focus on mathematics.

Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola spoke at the May 10th council meeting on behalf of the acceptance of field inventory of properties requiring weed and rubbish abatement, instruction to the Fire Chief to notify those property owners, and adoption of the City Council resolution NO. 16-3530 declaring said properties to be a public
nuisance and setting a public hearing for abatement on June 14, 2016.

Gurrola acknowledged that weeds and rubbish can cause a nuisance, but more importantly a fire hazard. He brought forth the possible issues of who was on the list, but assured the Council that any misunderstandings would be resolved promptly. The motion to accept the field inventory was carried.

For Supervisor - 3rd District
123 of 123 Precincts Reporting

CARLA CASTILLA 24.52% 6,718
KELLY LONG 22.01% 6,031
KEVIN KILDEE 18.90% 5,178
MIKE MORGAN 16.96% 4,646
MARTIN F. HERNANDEZ 8.88% 2,433
JESUS TORRES 4.54% 1,243
DAN GOLDBERG 3.93% 1,078
WRITE-IN 0.27% 73

A Runoff between Castilla and Long will be on the November 2016 ballot.

Photos and Video by Bob Crum