With the recent heavy downpours and flooding CAL FIRE’s firefighters and crews have responded to a large number of storm-related emergencies and rescues. In fact between Saturday, December 18 and Tuesday December 20, CAL FIRE dispatched and responded to nearly 4,000 emergencies and calls for service statewide including:

Over 450 Traffic collisions
Over 100 Flooding incidents
Over 20 Water Rescues

In the past few days, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego have been some of the hardest hit counties by the heavy downpours. This morning alone, CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire Department responded to over a dozen additional water rescues and over 50 new flooding incidents. In San Bernardino, CAL FIRE / City of Highland Fire Department have been busy with major flooding and mudslides in southeast Highland.

As heavy rainfall continues in many parts of the state, CAL FIRE engine companies, fire crews, and personnel continue to be on high alert for additional flooding calls and rescues. CAL FIRE’s inmate fire crews often play a large role in flooding incidents since they are also trained in sandbagging and debris removal. Each crew consists of 15-17 inmates that are supervised by a CAL FIRE Captain. CAL FIRE has 196 inmate fire crews across the state.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving on flooded roadways and obey road closure barricades. These are in place for driver safety and the safety of emergency responders. Prior to traveling, motorists are encouraged to check on current weather and road conditions.

For more information on flooding and winter weather safety visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo and Tulare counties due to extreme weather and storm conditions.

The full text of the proclamation is below:

PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS on December 18, 2010, a series of severe rainstorms began to sweep across California, bringing high winds and significant amounts of precipitation; and

WHEREAS these severe storms are causing harm to people and property, flooding homes and infrastructure, damaging public and private facilities, closing roads and highways, and requiring emergency response and debris clean-up; and

WHEREAS flood conditions caused by these storms are causing the evacuation of residents and the opening of emergency shelters; and

WHEREAS the weather forecast is for extraordinary and continuing rainfall, which will pose a continued threat of flooding in urban areas and small streams and rock slides and debris flow in the recent wildfire areas, damage to flood control systems, slope failure, erosion, and in coastal regions the potential for harbor damage and tidal surge; and

WHEREAS on December 18, 2010, Orange County proclaimed a local emergency; and

WHEREAS on December 19, 2010, Kern County proclaimed a local emergency and reiterated this proclamation on December 21, 2010; and

WHEREAS on December 20, 2010, Tulare County proclaimed a local emergency; and

WHEREAS on December 21, 2010, the counties of Riverside and San Luis Obispo proclaimed local emergencies; and

WHEREAS San Bernardino County is expected to declare a local emergency; and

WHEREAS the circumstances of these storms, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single county, city and county, or city and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the storm conditions in the counties of Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo and Tulare.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the state Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, and Tulare counties.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of my California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and the State Emergency Plan, and that Cal EMA provide local government assistance under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 21st day of December 2010.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California

ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The County of Ventura continues to get battered by recent storm activity. As these storms move through our area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation-Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind all residents of the dangers that accompany this type of weather.

As the local mountains and hillsides reach their saturation points, the chances for flash floods, mudslides, and large amounts of storm run-off in the local drainage channels increases dramatically. Last winter’s storm activity and the related calls for service can serve as a reminder:

• During last winter’s storms, hikers in the Ventura County back country ventured into the wilderness knowing of the approaching storm systems. These individuals were subsequently overcome by a flash flood and mudslide, and had to be evacuated by a Sheriff’s helicopter and rescue crew.

• Also, two young children entered a drainage channel in the Thousand Oaks area. Both children subsequently ended up in the fast moving and potentially deadly water. Luckily, one child was able to pull both herself and her brother out of danger.

• And finally, a man in the Thousand Oaks area entered Wildwood Park during the heavy rains. While trying to cross a swollen creek he was washed down stream and perished.

The Ventura County back country is a beautiful place. However, during heavy storms the creeks rise quickly and without warning. Mud and rockslides occur frequently during these heavy rain events. Please refrain from entering the backcountry until after the storms have long passed, and always notify a friend or loved one of your plans and location when entering the wilderness.

Please do not attempt to cross moving water - either on foot or in vehicles. Normally shallow water crossings become very hazardous during heavy rains as the water flows increase suddenly and without warning.

The increased water flows in the local drainage channels can be very attractive and luring to kids and young adults. A simple slip and fall into this fast moving water often proves to be fatal, even to the best of swimmers. Please ensure that your children are admonished on the dangers of the fast moving water and told not enter any of these areas.

Increased surf activity at the local beaches is another hazard that draws people to the shoreline to view the large waves and heavy surf. Please do not enter the water or venture out onto the jetties or rocks along the local beaches.

Please report any dangerous activity on or around waterways and beaches over the upcoming days. Prevention and early detection is key to avoiding tragedies.

Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: 12/21/2010 at 1400 hrs
Unit Responsible: Aviation-Search and Rescue Unit
Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Shane Matthews
Follow-up Contact: Sheriff’s Aviation - S.A.R. Unit (805) 388-4212
Date of Release: 12/21/2010
Approved by: Captain Dave Kenney

FILLMORE, CA. - On 12/19/2010 at approximately 1:30AM the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 923 Third Street in the City of Fillmore.

Upon arriving on scene, firefighters observed heavy smoke and fire from the rear of an 800 square foot residential structure. Upon closer examination, it was determined that the fire had self ventilated through the kitchen windows and rooftop. Fire personnel were able to launch an aggressive attack on the fire however damage throughout the home was significant. An abundance of stacked clothing material and other household items were leading factors to the significant spread and growth of the fire. The fire was knocked down 1:50AM approximately 20 minutes of aggressive firefighting.

The structure was occupied at the time of the incident however all persons were able to escape the blaze without injury. Seven occupants including three children and four adults were left homeless following the fire. The American Red Cross promptly responded to the incident a provided temporary shelter to those displaced.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation however it appears to be accidental and due in part to a malfunctioning appliance.

Donations (with enclosed note) for the family can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 West Ventura St., Fillmore, CA 93015. Checks may also be brought to the church with a note “For Displaced Family” enclosed in an envelope with a check.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

An unidentified man passed a note demanding cash during the robbery of a Thousand Oaks bank Monday morning.

The suspect, dubbed the “Bad Elf Bandit” by the FBI, left the Bank of the West after receiving money from a teller. No one was injured during the robbery, and the suspect did not display a weapon.

The suspect was described as a black male in his 20’s. He was clean-shaven and was approximately 5’6” to 5’8” and weighed approximately 165 pounds. The man wore a baseball cap and dark sunglasses with gold frames. He was wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

The suspect was last seen walking northbound on Moorpark Road from the bank.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers at (805)494-8222 or Special Agent Patrick Conley of the FBI at (310)629-9553. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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).

Location: Bank of the West, 180 N. Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks
Date & Time/ RB#: Dec. 20, 2010 @ 10:53 a.m. / 10-30646
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Bureau
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow
Follow-up Contact: Detective Eric Buschow (805)494-8226 / (805)947-8129
Date of Release: Dec. 20, 2010
Approved By: Capt. Bruce Watlington

Bert Rapp
City of Fillmore, Public Works Director

Bert Rapp, Fillmore's long time Public Works Director, has resigned from the City of Fillmore. Below is his resignation letter:

December 16, 2010

Yvonne Quiring, City Manager
City of Fillmore 250 Central Avenue Fillmore CA, 93015

Dear Yvonne;

I am submitting my resignation as the Public Works Director for the City of Fillmore, I request that my last day of employment with the City be February 25, 2011 and I plan to take vacation days from January 24,2011 to February 25th. I am honored to have served the greatest City in all of Ventura County as its City Engineer/Public Works Director for the last 19.5 years. I have accepted an offer of employment with the Ventura River County Water District as their General Manager, they are a small water district serving about half as many customers as the City of Fillmore water enterprise.

What I will miss most about Fiilmore are the wonderful people, individuals that give of themselves for the betterment of the community. People tike Gene Wren who faithfully led young boys to manhood through the Boy Scouts or Scott Klittich who continues Gene's work today. And Sara Hansen who tirelessly works to keep Fillmore clean and beautiful. When Rotary donated the beautiful clock for Central Avenue, Sara Hansen, Bill Dewey and Linda Nunes helped pick rocks to protect the clock and directed how they should be placed so they would look nice. And within a month those rocks saved the clock from a runaway car!

On the west side of town people like Doug Wilhelm work tirelessly clean up litter and graffiti. There are dozens more of these dedicated persons who have adopted their corners of the City and keep them clean and take care of them. In North Fillmore Max Pina works at the police store front bringing peace, stability and hope to the residents. Ralf Reese never stops serving and just recently restored a beautiful 1800's buggy and is helping preserve and restore Rancho Camulus. Can anyone's life be the same once they knew Chappy Morris Senior? He was a very special person. For every person I have mentioned there are a 100 more that are equally special. Fillmore would be a poorer community without the contributions of these faithful volunteers.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Fiilmore is to walk the tree lined streets and greet the people working in their front yard or relaxing on their front porch. But you better watch out for the traffic jam on the bike paths on warm summer evenings as moms and dads push their baby strollers in the refreshing westerly trade winds that make life so pleasant in Fillmore.

Fillmore has rivers and mountains that physically restrict the size of the town and will help keep it the last best small town in California with beautiful vistas of the mountains and agriculture. I will miss the hard working employees at the City and Fillmore's wonderful citizens.

Very Truly Yours
Bert J. Rapp, P.E.

Raelene Chaney from Grad Night Live addressed the Council in regards to an evection notice sent out by Fillmore City Manager Yvonne Quiring.
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The December 14th City Council meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency was standing room only and with the meeting continuing past midnight as item after item was presented. The scheduled agenda included; the use of the Fillmore High School track to Fillmore residents, the bids on the Two Rivers Park baseball diamonds, the swearing in of the new City Council members, the vote by the new Council for mayor and mayor pro-tem, recognition of the outgoing Council Member, Grad Night Live storage space, and the El Dorado Mobile Home Park conversion.

The many in attendance were the El Dorado MHP residents who came to voice their opposition to the proposed Parks conversion. Also a number of the residence objected to the Park becoming an all age park.

The proposed conversion will remain a manufactured housing community, with the existing Residents having the right to either buy their lot or remain and rent their space. Residents who do not exercise the option to purchase their lots and instead exercise the option to continue renting their spaces are protected from economic displacement by statutory restrictions on rental rates after the conversion date. Government Code Section 66427.5 (f) limits the amount of rent increases for Residents that can take place upon conversion. For low income households, the monthly rent may only increase to market levels as determined by appraisal, and then only over a period of four years. These conditions did not sit well with the residents and they questioned much of the legal jargon and its true benefits.

The MHP has 302 spaces, 293 of which are CONTINUED »

Looking for a unique Christmas Gift for an active-duty service member or Veteran? Help support an Eagle Scout project and honor those who have given their service to our country with a brick specially engraved with their name and service branch. Each engraved brick will be placed in Bardsdale Cemetery’s “Walk of Honor” as part of Sean’s Chandler’s community service Eagle Project for Troop 406.

To build this Walk of Honor, Sean and the other Scouts will remove the aging asphalt walkway near the flagpole and replace it with bricks, many engraved with the names of veterans from our community. The primary goal of Sean’s project is to give Fillmore area residents the opportunity to honor those who have served our nation. To complete the project, a plaque will be installed at the base of the flagpole honoring all veterans.

Each brick purchased, will be inscribed with the name of the service member to be honored and can also include the emblem of their specific military branch. Any active-duty or retired service member, living or deceased is eligible to be honored. Honorees can be anyone worthy of tribute and need not have been interred at Bardsdale Cemetery nor have been a resident of Fillmore.

Engraved bricks are 4” x 8” and cost $40.00 each. The proceeds from these sales will be used to help cover the expenses of this project. The deadline for ordering bricks is January 15th, 2011, this will allow time for the bricks to be engraved and installed by Memorial Day 2011. To receive order forms or additional information contact Sean Chandler at 524-5058 or email walkofhonor@gmail.com

www.refresheverything.com/sespeauditorium or text 73774 message 104492. Keep on voting!

Enlarge Photo

On 12-15-2010, at about 0618 hours, City of Fillmore patrol units were dispatched to an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Central Ave and Ventura Street (SR-126). Patrol unites arrived a minute later and found that a pedestrian was lying on the eastbound lanes of the highway just east of Central Ave.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1995 silver Buick Regal sedan, driven by Jose Onofre, 27 years old from Oxnard, was driving eastbound on Ventura Street in the #1 lane approaching Central Ave at about 45 M.P.H. The traffic signal was green for east and westbound traffic.

Pedestrian Jason Respo 57-years-old from Fillmore was walking south across in the west Central Ave marked crosswalk with a red traffic signal for north and southbound Central Ave traffic.

Driver Onofre did not see the pedestrian until the collision. The front of the vehicle collided with the left side of the pedestrian. The impact caused fatal injuries to the pedestrian and Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Exact cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Location: Central Ave and Ventura Street (SR-126), Fillmore, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: December 15, 2010 at 0618 hours / RB# 2010-30200
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Traffic Investigation Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(Party #1) Jason Respo Fillmore 57
(Party #2) Jose Onofre Oxnard 27
Officer Preparing Release:
Deputy Jerry Peterson
Approved By:
Deputy Jerry Peterson
805-524-2235

Office Of The District Attorney
County of Ventura, State of California
Gregory D. Totten
District Attorney

December 8, 2010

Laurie Hernandez
Council Member
City of Fillmore
250 Central Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015

Re: Brown Act Issue

Dear Ms. Hernandez:

Through an article in the Ventura County Star, the District Attorney’s Office became aware of the memorandum of October, 6, 2010, from Mayor Patti Walker. The memorandum discusses an article in the Manteca Bulletin that purportedly included statements by you regarding a closed session occurring on September 28, 2010.

Because the District Attorney has authority to enforce provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (public meeting law), I requested and obtained public information on this matter from the city clerk, including agendas, minutes, and recordings of city council meetings, as well as Mayor Walker’s memorandum. The Ventura County Star followed up with two articles stating that the District Attorney’s Office had obtained public documents regarding this matter, and suggesting that we might be conducting an investigation.

I have reviewed the materials I received from the city clerk, along with a copy of the Manteca Bulletin article. While I am aware that City Attorney Theodore Schneider wrote a memorandum to members of the council about this matter, he stated at the meeting of October 26, 2010, that this memorandum is protected by the attorney-client privilege. Accordingly, I have not requested that memorandum and am not aware of its contents.

Of particular relevance to me was the recording of the meeting of October 26, 2010, including your explanation of what you told the Manteca Bulletin reporter, what you were referring to in statements you made, and pointing out factual inaccuracies in the article. The information we have reviewed does not establish that you revealed any confidential information from the September 28 closed session, or that any violation of the Brown Act occurred. Accordingly, the District Attorney’s Office will be taking no action in this matter.

Very truly yours,
Michael D. Schwartz
Special Assistant District Attorney
MDS/ck
pc: Hon. Patti Walker, Mayor
Theodore J. Schneider, City Attorney

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