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 »

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.

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

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).

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Last month our Flashback Friday / Alumni Nights at Central Station was Rained out. Can you believe that? Well, no rain in sight for June. Come on out on Friday June 19th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. as Central Ave will be closed for the many beautiful old Cars that will be parked from in and around Fillmore and Ventura County. Our local eateries will be opened for business, and the odies and goodies will be playing outside of Central Station. Thanks Joey Ortiz, Fillmore High Class of '74!.

Speaking of Fillmore High, The F.H.S. Alumni Association will be camped out in front of Central Station with all their goodies. T-shirts, Ball Caps, sweaters, etc. (Perfect Gift Items for an upcoming Birthday for your Favorite Fillmore Flash). Bring your Folding chairs and take in a beautiful summers evening in Downtown Fillmore on Friday June 19th.

Fillmore, CA - Fillmore High School senior, Claudia Moreno, has been named the 2015 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present Moreno with the $1,000 scholarship at a June 3 award ceremony held on campus.

"We are pleased to provide this scholarship to someone who has shown hard work, perseverance and resilience during her high school career," said Michael Torres, "We know that a great teacher can transform the lives of students. Attracting and preparing educators for success in the classroom is a key component to supporting the next generation of leaders in education." The Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers was established in 2013 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.

Moreno has plans to attend California Lutheran University and says she hopes to return to teach at Fillmore Unified School District in the future.

City of Fillmore

The Fillmore City Council approved a name change for the Fillmore Senior Center at the June 9, 2015 meeting along with approval of the Levy Assessments, Landscape and Lighting Maintenance and 2015-2016 Budget.

The name of the Multi-Purpose Center known as the Fillmore Senior Center will now be known as the Active Adult and Community Center. On June 1, 2015 the Active Adult Advisory Commissioners voted to change the name to better recognize the proposed use of the Center. Services for seniors and activities focusing on their needs will continue to be provided along with classes and other options for the community such as renting it out for meetings, school events, service clubs, youth and adult organizations and special events.

The Council also approved a $25 stipend per meeting with a maximum of two meetings per month for the Active Adult Advisory Commissioners starting July 1, 2015. All other Commissions receive the same stipend amounts except the Planning Commissioners who receive $50 per meeting due to the amount of work and time involved.

The Community Services Department is presently looking for a person to fill the newly created position of Active Adult Center Coordinator to aid in the daily running of the Center. The part-time position pays $15 per hour is a commitment of 20 to 25 hours per week.

An agenda item, the CONTINUED »

On Thursday, June 11, 2015, 210 students will be handed their diplomas through the Fillmore Unified School District. The enrollment at Fillmore High School is about 1000 students from 9th through 12th grade. The principal is Tom Ito. Among the class of 2015 there are fourteen valedictorians: Jorge Hurtado, Sara Beylik, David Cadena, Anthony Hurtado, Arlinda Reyes, Kayleigh Thoompson, Victor Prado, Nicholas Liu, Gustavo Magana, Daisy Cota, Rosario Jauregui, Patricia Vasquez Cabrera, Chad Petuoglu, and Hai Tran, and Timothy Klittich is the salutatorian. Fifty-one students are accepted to a four-year university; thirty-eight (38) students earn the CSF recognition; thirty-one (31) students earn the Golden State Seal Merit; twenty-eight (28) students earn the Seal of Biliteracy, and more than $456,000 given in scholarships.

“Plan your work and work your plan.” So goes one of the truisms of successful organizations. Properly planning projects to successfully deliver them involves carefullybalancingconstraints such as size (scope), quality, schedule, budget, and risks. These elements are so closely linked that changing one will always have an impact on one or more of the others. Nowhere is this truer than in planning major information technology (IT) systems, which have become just as important to the working world astelephone, electricity, and plumbing systems.

As a result of public complaints, the 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand initiated an investigation into Ventura County’s methodology and practices for project management, using the county hospitals’ implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system as a case study.

After extensive research and interviews, the Grand Jury found that:
• No countywide policyidentifies required project management standards.
• Project management countywide is inconsistent in its use of “best practices.”
• Based on its cost and its effect on other departments and agencies,the EHR system ranks as an “enterprise” project—a type that requiresa comprehensive, formal risk assessmentbefore the project’sstart-date. This was not done.
• Quantitative project status and “estimate at completion” (EAC) reports are not consistently
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required, which can cause the project-governing group to miss opportunities to identify problems and take corrective action.
• Important categories of expenses within the EHRproject’s total cost—such as labor hours and travel expenses—were not calculated and included when project authorization and funds were sought from thecounty’s Board of Supervisors. The project’s ultimate total costs will soar above the $71 million-plus originally authorized to an amount not yet known.
As a result of its investigation, the grand jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors standardize the use of project management “best practices” and formalize the approval of any deviation from those standards.
The grand jury also recommends that the board assign responsibility for IT project management to the county’s Information Technology Committee, giving the ITC authority to regularly monitor the achievement of stated IT project goals; ensure compliance with the approved project process; enforce the use of quantitative data to measure a project’s progress; identify problems; and assure that prompt corrective action is taken.

Following a state mandate, the 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury has completed its yearly inspection of all 15 facilities in Ventura County where persons are placed into custody. Its observations and conclusions have just been released in a report that also looks at the impacts of major law enforcement legislation.

Assembly Bill 109 (Realignment), discussed in previous grand jury reports, continues to have a major effect on the county’s law enforcement community. Additionally, the passage of Proposition 47 last November is having significant impacts on the law enforcement environment in the county, including the reclassification of some property and drug-possession crimes that previously required jail time to misdemeanors thatnow only require citations.

The grand jury followed a well-established methodology: touring facilities, taking notes based on visual inspections, asking questions of facilities’ personnel, and documenting the process.During the process, the grand jury observed and documented other factors that might affect the ability of law enforcement agencies to fulfill their responsibilities.

The grand jury’s findings include the following:
• Space limitations of the Oxnard police station have affected the police department’s ability to efficiently carry out its functions and responsibilities.
• The Santa Paula Police Department is operating with an inadequate and deteriorating physical facility.
• The county has made a major effort to cope with the effects of Realignment with measurable success; however, overcrowding at the Main Jail and Todd Road Jail remains a problem.
• The availability of sworn officers in Santa Paula and Port Hueneme isinadequate.
• Proposition 47’s consequences, both intended and unintended, are only beginning to be evaluated. Early indications are that it may be successful in reducing the state’s prison population, but the effects on local law enforcement agencies and communities are yet to be understood.
The grand jury’s recommendations include:
• That the Santa PaulaCity Councilapprovephysical improvements at its police department facility and support an increase in police staffing consistent with that city’s needs;
• That the Oxnard City Council obtain additional space for the Oxnard Police Department;
• That the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office be persistent in their efforts to build the mental health facility at the Todd Road Jail;
• That the Port Hueneme City Council increase police availability consistent with that city’s needs;and
• That the Sheriff’s Office, Probation and city councils closely track and evaluate the impact of Proposition 47 on local law enforcement agencies and communities and report findings to the Board of Supervisors.
The complete report, “Detention Facilities and Related Law Enforcement Issues,” maybe accessed at http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury; click on the “Annual Reports” tab and consult “Fiscal Year 2014-2015.”

On Monday, June 8, the Y will launch its Summer Food Drive to benefit local children and their families. Through Aug. 1, the Y is accepting donations of non-perishable, nutritious, family-friendly food items to benefit The River Community Church Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the Ventura Family YMCA, 3760 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA.

Nationwide, more than 30 million children in low-income families receive meals during the school year, but only 2.3 million of them continue to receive free meals during the summer break. In Ventura, 66% of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals, so initiatives like the Ventura Family YMCA’s Summer Meal Program and Summer Food Drive ensure that children throughout Ventura continue to receive the nutrition they need to be healthy, active and well-nourished over the summer.

The Y is also proud to continue its annual partnership with the Ventura Unified School District as a lunch site for the Summer Meal Program. From June 15 to August 14, Monday through Friday, children 18 years or younger can visit the Y from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to receive a free nutritious lunch provided by the VUSD. Children must remain on site to eat.

For more information on the Ventura Family YMCA Summer Food Drive or Summer Meal Program, please contact Support Services and Development Director, Brie Frank, at brie.frank@ciymca.org or call the Y at 805.642.2131.

Concerned about the health and achievement gaps many children face, particularly during the summer, the Y – a leading nonprofit in youth development – is launching a national campaign, Hop the Gap (www.hopthegap.org), to bring more awareness to the issue and how the Y can help. Locally, the Ventura Family YMCA help kids hop the gap through summer camps, day camps, swimming classes, youth sports, Kid’s Cardio Club, Adventure Guides, 3rd Grade Learn to Swim, Operation Ventura, and family programs such as the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 18, 2015. Please visit ciymca.org/ventura for more details.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs which nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Through its’ Open Doors program, the Y ensures that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay and facility memberships without contracts or join fees makes the Y accessible to all. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Log on to www.ciymca.org/ventura. Learn more about Hop the Gap at www.hopthegap.org.