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By Anonymous — Thursday, November 3rd, 2016
California has released a new surveillance, prevention and care plan designed to dramatically reduce new HIV infections in the state, with the goal of eventually getting that number to zero. The “Getting to Zero” plan is a blueprint for state and local health departments and community organizations working to achieve a more coordinated statewide response to HIV. “Thanks to better treatment and prevention options, new testing technology and better access to health care, California has reached a point where we can begin to envision the possibility of zero new HIV infections,” said California Department of Public Health Director State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “In a state as large as ours, it will take an incredible amount of coordination, innovation and work to make this vision a reality. This report lays the foundation for achieving our goals.” The “Getting to Zero” plan was developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in coordination with local health officials, other state departments, medical and non-medical providers, and HIV community organizations and planning bodies. The report set four goals to be achieved by 2021. The four goals are to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care, reduce disparities in underserved communities and achieve a more coordinated statewide response to the HIV epidemic. To achieve those goals, the report outlines 15 strategies and 12 key objectives that will be monitored on an annual basis by CDPH’s Office of AIDS. Some of the strategies include improving HIV testing and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization, enhancing availability of HIV care and increasing community collaboration and involvement. “This comprehensive plan reinforces the state’s ongoing commitment to address the HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Karen Mark, Chief of the Office of AIDS at CDPH. “This commitment includes supporting people living with HIV, reducing the rate of new infections, and recognizing that not all communities have been equally impacted by this epidemic, and making those most at risk a high priority.” The full Laying a Foundation for Getting to Zero: California’s Integrated HIV Surveillance, Prevention and Care Plan report and Executive Summary are available on CDPH’s website. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 26th, 2016
 On Wednesday October 19th approximately 8:30 pm Fillmore Fire responded a report of a stabbing victim. Upon their arrival, they found one victim with a stab wound to his arm. The victim was transported to VCMC with minor to moderate injuries. The incident was taken over by Fillmore police department. Photo by Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 26th, 2016
 Fillmore Fire respond to a accidental gun shot wound on Saturday outside of IHOP. Photo by Sebastian Ramirez. Saturday morning October 22 Fillmore Fire and Fillmore Police respond to a shooting victim in the IHOP parking lot on Ventura Street. Upon arrival they located a male in his vehicle with a single gun shot wound to his leg. Victim advised fire personal that he was holstering his weapon at the local shooting range when his weapon accidently discharged injuring himself. Enlarge Photo  The victim was then transported to the local hospital for treatment and Fillmore Police will be investigating the incident. Enlarge Photo |
 Explorers pose with their new van which was purchased to help transport the young men and women, 14 to 21, who have an interest in learning more about a career in Law Enforcement, to community events, meetings, and training events, both within the county and out of state. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 26th, 2016
 The Ventura County Sheriff Explorer Van was sponsored by Rotary Club of Fillmore, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, and many others. Enlarge Photo The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958 was reactivated in 2010, by Deputy Leo Vazquez, Commander Tim Hagel, and Captain Dave Wareham, with only 6 interested Explores. Fast forward 6 years later and the Post has 32 Explorers enrolled and continues to grow. The Explorers are tasked with community events in the city of Fillmore, unincorporated areas of Ventura County and other cities within the County of Ventura. Some of the community events are: Fillmore and Piru Christmas Parades, Fillmore High School Parades, toy drives and giveaways, Shop with a Cop in Camarillo, Camarillo Air Show, and Moorpark Safety Days at Underwood Farms, just to name a few. These events stress the importance of planning, teamwork, and coordination of resources. In order for the Post to attend all of the community events, the Post has had to carpool in privately owned vehicles. Up to 5 vehicles may have been needed when attending any Explorer function, and it was often overwhelming trying to find a ride for everyone. Some of our Explorers come from low income families and it's amazing to find a program where students/explorers can gain so much knowledge, guidance, and self-confidence without worrying about burdening their parents’ financial situations. The Post is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that depends on donations in order to be successful. This past year, the Post has been planning to purchase a passenger van. Being able to purchase a van would be a great asset to the Post, as it would help transport Explorers to community events, meetings, and training events, both within the county and out of state. The Post held multiple fundraisers and received donations from various organizations within the city of Fillmore and County of Ventura. With the hard work and dedication of the Post Advisors, they were able to purchase a passenger van for the Post. The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958 would like to thank the following organizations for their generous donations and making this purchase possible: Fillmore Rotary Club, Bank of the Sierra, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, Ventura County Sheriff's Foundation, Fillmore Women's Club, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and SBR Signs for the van wrap. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer program consists of young men and women, 14 (and completed 8th grade) to 21, who have an interest in learning more about a career in Law Enforcement. The Explorer program provides law enforcement experiences, leadership opportunities, educational training, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens in their communities and the nation. If you would like more information about the Law Enforcement Explorer program, please contact your local Police Department. Fillmore Police Department 805-524-2233 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 26th, 2016
 City Manager David Rowlands presenting 3 Beacon Awards to Fillmore Mayor Diane McCall. The Fillmore City Council received 3 Beacon awards last night from the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative. The City was recognized for energy savings with a platinum award, and a gold for Best Practices Activities, and a silver award for greenhouse gasses reduction. Dave Smallwood discussed the city's serious drought problem and the continued importance of water conservation. The Council also approved an ordinance adding requirements for personal cultivation of marijuana in the event Proposition 64 (recreational use of marijuana) should pass on November 8. A letter to CalTrans opposing the proposal for a round-about on Highway 126 was approved. It is thought that such a project would unduly and dangerously congest the flow of traffic at that location. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, October 25th, 2016
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Monday, October 31, is Halloween. Most children will be out wearing their favorite costume and visiting homes in your neighborhood. Please remember there are issues when children in costumes are mixed with darkness and vehicles. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to offer the following safety tips to keep your children safe: • Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult. • Children should never enter homes to get candy or go near a vehicle offering candy. • Stay in a well-lit and well populated area. • Set a time for your children to be home and have them check in frequently. • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up. • Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk; don't run, across the street. For Drivers: • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. • Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances. • Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle. • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility. • Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup. • Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects. • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers. • Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped. On average, twice as many kids are killed or injured while walking on Halloween as compared to any other day of the year. This year let’s not make your child one of them. Nature of Incident: Halloween Safety |
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By Anonymous — Monday, October 24th, 2016
 Decorative contact lense California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses. “Wearing any kind of contact lens, including decorative lenses, without proper consultation of an eye care professional can cause serious injury,” Dr. Smith said. “The risks include infection, ulcers, decreased vision, cuts or scratches to the surface of the eye, itchiness or redness. If these conditions are left untreated, the injuries can progress rapidly. In severe cases, blindness and eye loss can occur.” The sale of contact lenses without a prescription is illegal. Only Board of Optometry licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists are authorized to prescribe and dispense prescription contact lenses. Medical Board of California registered opticians and optical shops are authorized to fill contact lens prescriptions. Decorative contact lenses are intended to temporarily change the appearance of the eye, but do not correct vision. Advertised as color, cosmetic, fashion and theatrical contact lenses, they are especially popular around Halloween. Decorative contact lenses are typically sold at beauty supply and novelty stores. Consumers who have experienced any injury or illness with decorative contact lenses should contact their health care provider. Consumers can report the illegal sale of decorative contact lenses without a prescription to CDPH’s Food and Drug Branch Hotline at 1-800-495-3232 to initiate an investigation. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, October 24th, 2016
 American Red Cross of Ventura County Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months. For blood donor Katie Osorio, giving a little bit of time is worth it because she’s giving someone a chance at life. “Someone’s mother, brother, sister, father or the love of someone’s life has been given back to their loved ones all because I gave something that I could. It takes so little from me and gives a world back to another.” To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating. Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Ventura Moorpark Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood 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 |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, October 20th, 2016
Homeowners have 45 days to object to the rate hike before it goes into effect next year
 City of Fillmore The Fillmore City Council has approved a rate hike on water-sewer rates which, on average, will cost consumers more than $100 per month in 2017. Homeowners have 45 days to object to the rate hike before they go into effect next year and stay in effect for the next 5 years. Notifications of the increase will be sent to homeowners by mail and will include instructions on how to formally object to the action. Prior to a final vote by the Council, hearings will be held in December and January. It is reported that "The rate for standard residential sewer service will rise 12 percent in 2017 and 5 percent per year from 2018 through 2021. The current rate is $92.29 per month. Water rates for residential customers are scheduled to increase 2 percent in 2017, and 5 percent per year from 2018 through 2021". The rate hike is due to the city's having to pay-off its new, mandated, sewer plant bonds. Reports state the city council explained that the steep rate hike is due to the fact that the city has put off increases until recently. The rate must increase to handle the bond load. If the bonds are not paid according to contract bond rates will rise as well. |
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By Mark Ortega — Thursday, October 20th, 2016
Measure V on November ballot will improve all schools
 Hello to all Fillmore Flashes Alumni. Last week our Superintendent of Schools, Adrian Palazuelos led a group of Alumni and community members on a tour of the aging and deteriorating Fillmore High School gym and industrial arts building. Although it was a nice to see and take this walk down Memory lane, it also was an eye opener for most to see the conditions that these buildings are in. The District has placed a Measure on the November ballot called Measure V to improve the school facilities. There was a discussion after he tour about how this measure will upgrade and modernize the High School as well as other schools in the District. Enlarge Photo |
