American Red Cross of Ventura County

As summer winds down, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give blood and platelets now and help end an emergency summer blood shortage that began last month.

A critical need remains as many regular donors delay giving to take final summer vacations and prepare for school to start. To ensure livesaving treatments remain available for patients in the coming weeks, donations are needed now, especially type O.

In thanks for helping at this urgent time, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to give again. Blood can be safely given every 56 days, and Power Red donations can be given every 16 weeks.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31

Camarillo
8/31/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Avalon, 1571 Flynn Road

Moorpark
8/20/2018: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road
8/22/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road

Oxnard
8/18/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., El Rio Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2670 Alvarado st
8/21/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1150 Gary Dr
8/24/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Document Systems, 300 n Graves, Suite E
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
8/24/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/28/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/31/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
8/20/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/22/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Teen Center, 1375 East Janss Road

Ventura
8/21/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
8/27/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

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.

Norberto Limon

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the Santa Paula Police Detective Unit and Canine Unit executed a Federal Search and Arrest warrant for suspect Norberto Limon. The arrest was the culmination of a narcotics investigation that lasted several months. Santa Paula detectives and FBI agents conducted numerous surveillance and ‘buy’ operations which led to the arrest of Limon.

“Anytime we can take a serious drug dealer of the streets, it’s a good day. We want to send the message that if you’re doing anything illegal in the City of Santa Paula, we will show up on your doorsteps like we did to Mr. Limon this morning. This is not a matter of if, but when,” said Police Chief Steve McLean.

The warrant was executed at Limon's residence located in the City of Fillmore. Limon was located at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Several other occupants were briefly detained however, were found not to be involved and released at the scene. Limon was taken into federal custody on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.

Officer Preparing Press Release:
Detective Dan McCarthy # 1115
Approved by: Commander Scott Varner #1022, Assistant City Manager, Ikani Taumoepeau

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two Fillmore juveniles were arrested Friday afternoon, July 27th, after deputies and investigators determined they were responsible for stealing two vehicles and for rummaging through unlocked vehicles on the west side of Fillmore during the overnight hours.

On the morning of July 27th, 2018, Fillmore deputies responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 400 Block of Mockingbird Lane, where they learned the victim’s pickup was stolen from the street in front of the home. Over the next few hours, deputies also responded to multiple thefts from vehicles parked near the mid-block of Wileman Street and an additional stolen vehicle in the 1000 block of First Street. All of these locations are situated within a few blocks of one another. Both stolen vehicles were recovered near the initial crime locations and returned to their owners.

Deputies and detectives suspected a male juvenile from Fillmore who had previously been arrested for engaging in theft-related crimes in Fillmore. Throughout the day, Fillmore deputies and investigators followed up on several leads and eventually arrested two sixteen-year old male juveniles for the crimes, including the one mentioned above. Both juveniles were lodged at Juvenile Hall.

The Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Office continue to remind residents not to leave ignition keys inside their cars. The city of Fillmore has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles reported this year, and most of the vehicles that were stolen had ignition keys left inside the unlocked vehicles, making them an easy target for thieves. Another common tactic among thieves is to walk the streets in the overnight hours checking for unlocked vehicles from which they can steal. In this instance, the juveniles were observed on surveillance video in the area checking cars parked on the streets for unlocked doors. The juveniles bypassed cars with locked doors, but rummaged through those whose doors were unlocked. Fillmore residents are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles and to lock their vehicle doors when leaving vehicles unattended.

Prepared by: Detective Danielle Delpit
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Cal Fire

Today, nearly 13,000 firefighters are on the lines of 16 large wildfires burning across California. To date, these fires have burned over 320,000 acres and damaged or destroyed over 1,600 structures. 17,000 homes continue to be threatened by these fires, and more than 32,000 residents have been evacuated. The Carr Fire is now the 6th most destructive fire in state history surpassing the 2017 Nuns Fire in Sonoma County. California has received resources from over 16 states.

Cooling temperatures will bring some relief, but winds will increase fire danger in several areas of California. In Northern California, humidity will continue to remain in the single digits with little to no overnight recovery. Winds may pick up today increasing to 20-30 mph. Southern California could see rain in the Riverside and San Diego areas, but temperatures will continue to reach 90 and even triple digits. Humidity will be low in many areas of Southern California reaching as low as 8 to 15% in the afternoons.

You’ve taken steps to keep your family and home fire safe. Don’t forget your pets and livestock. With some advanced planning, you can increase their chances of surviving a wildland fire. Plan for both your small and large pets by visiting our animal evacuation webpage, click here.

Fires of Interest:

Carr Fire, Shasta County (more info…)
Whiskeytown & Redding
• 115,538 acres, 35% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place
• 15,000 residents evacuated, over 2,500 homes threatened
• 1,018 residences destroyed, 181 residences damaged
• Carr is now the 6th most destructive fire and 13th most deadly fire in state history
• Damage assessment is ongoing
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Gouvea) in unified command with Whiskeytown NP (Young)

Mendocino Complex, Mendocino/Lake County
• 90,912 total acres, 24% contained
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Kavanaugh) in command
• 10 residences destroyed, 2 residences damaged
• 14,600 residents evacuated, over 12,000 structures threatened

River Fire (more info…)
Hopland
• 31,898 acres, 38% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ranch Fire (more info…)
Ukiah
• 59,014 acres, 15% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ferguson Fire, Mariposa County (more info…)
Yosemite National Park
• 62,883 acres, 39% contained
• Over 2,800 structures threatened
• Evacuations and road closures in effect
• California Federal Incident Management Team 4 (Kurth) assigned in unified command with CAL FIRE

Steele Fire, Napa County (more info…)
Capell
• 135 acres, 96% contained
• Eight structures destroyed, four damaged

Corner Fire, Shasta County
Hwy 299 E x Hwy 89, 8 mi E of Burney
State DPA, SRA, Shasta - Trinity Unit/ County
• 35 acres, brush, timber, 95% contained

Rock Fire, San Diego County **FINAL**
Fallbrook
• 207 acres, 100% contained

Roxie Fire, Lassen County **FINAL**
West of Susanville
• 167 acres, 100% contained
¬¬
Cranston Fire, Riverside County (more info…)
Hemet
• 13,139 acres, 89% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified Command CAL FIRE and USFS

Whaleback Fire, Lassen County (more info…)
West of Spaulding (Eagle Lake)
• 18,342 acres, 40% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified command USFS NorCal Team 1 (Coots), CAL FIRE (Ferguson)

Eel Fire, Mendocino County (more info…) NEW
East of Covelo
• 865 acres, 0% contained
• Structures threatened
• Evacuations for Mendocino Pass Rd

Butte Fire, Sutter County (more info…) NEW
Northwest of Yuba City
• 900 acres, 20% contained

Georges Fire, Inyo County (more info…)
Lone Pine
• 2,883 acres, 70% contained

Horse Creek Fire, Tulare County (more info…)
John Krebs Wilderness Area
• 34 acres, 90% contained

Valley Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
Yucaipa
• 1,350 acres, 29% contained

Natchez Fire, Del Norte County (more info…)
Southeast of Cave Junction, OR
• 6,174 acres, 15% contained

Eagle Fire, Modoc County (more info…)
South of Cedarville
• 2,100 acres, 95% contained

Owens Fire, Mono County NEW
North of Mammoth Lake
• 312 acres, 0% contained

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced plans to close a lane and multiple ramps in both directions of State Route 126 (Santa Paula Freeway) Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., the following closures will be in place in the cities of Ventura and Santa Paula:

Eastbound SR-126:
• One lane from Wells Road to Hallock Drive
• Palm Avenue on and offramp.
• 10th Street on and offramp.

Westbound SR-126:
• One lane from Hallock Drive to Wells Road
• 10th Street off-ramp
• Palm Avenue on and offramp.

Ramps will not be closed consecutively. The closures are weather permitting and subject to change.

One lane will be closed adjacent to each ramp closure to accommodate construction equipment and crews working at the site.

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to use alternate routes or avoid the area. Additionally, motorists can check traffic conditions before they leave by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap.
"
Caltrans reminds drivers to be “Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone."

Bob Crum

Make no mistake, buying a 'real' camera is akin to winning the PowerBall lottery. Well, almost. It's certainly a big first step on the exciting path of photography.

Photographic expertise evolves in several stages. The fist stage involves the photographer (note the distinction between a 'photographer' and a 'phonetographer') shooting everything and anything. Many will only want to make pictures to have something to remember of birthdays, holidays, vacations and various special events. Others take pictures as a hobby. All fine & dandy! During this stage, the camera is most likely in 'P' mode. (P mode = Program mode not 'Professional' mode.)

Throughout the second stage, the newbie continues to shoot everything and anything: If it's visible it's fair game. At this stage, there is little thought, if any, about composition. Or the camera settings. In fact, the camera is probably still in 'P' mode where everything is automatic and the images processed according to the camera's default settings. Actually, this a OK if it gets the would-be photographer making pictures as if every picture is worthy of a Pulitzer prize. But if the photos stink, of course it's the camera's fault!

At this stage, a typical trait is s/he shoots as if it's a sin not to fill the memory card on every occasion. Obviously 78 pictures of the same donkey is a bit too much. If you must fill the memory card, find a herd of donkeys to photograph. Also at this stage the would-be photographer doesn't ever delete any photos and insists on showing their friends all the photos because of course they are all awesome. Note to would-be photographers: First serve friends strawberry margaritas before the parade of donkey photos!

As the would-be photographer gains experience, s/he advances to the third stage. Here, the photographer arrives at an important turning point. This is the stage where the would-be photographer goes from picture taker (snapshots) to making 'photos'. Meaning begins to 'create' photos of merit. The would-be photographer is now aware that s/he can go from 'P' mode to applying various apertures and/or shutter speeds to create a desired composition. At this juncture, however, the would-be photographer experiences ongoing challenges readily remedied with additional education from either books, tutorials, and/or workshops. Photography is wonderfully replete with unlimited educational opportunities to keep an otherwise idle brain busy. Just sayin'.

The third stage is exhilarating. Gaining knowledge and experience, s/he begins to see a great improvement in their photos. With continued practice, and the application of perpetual learning, creating compelling photos fulfills their desires. They perfect their photographic techniques, and often expand their photo equipment collection. Sometimes even upgrade their gear. They still tend to make a lot of photos but are now able to apply discretion and knows where their computer delete key is and not afraid to use it. They see and learn from their mistakes and continue to improve.

The last stage produces a photographer who now knows how to competently operate the camera. The camera menu is as simple as Arbys. With great expertise, various photographic rules learned are applied to creating marvelous photos. Even the photos of donkeys are now fantabulous! As the photographer's creative itch is wonderfully scratched s/he experiences photographic euphoria! Hallelujah proclaims the ecstatic phonetographer convert! Are you next?

Cameras up! Ventura County Fair has begun. Enjoy tons of photo ops & Fair food! The photo of the week is a young girl fascinated with two stilt walkers at the Fair last year.

Happy photoing!

Email me your comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net