The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that CDPH has received the first report of an influenza-associated fatality in a person under the age of 65 for the 2017-2018 flu season. The person had chronic conditions and the death occurred in Yolo County.

“As this unfortunate case illustrates, the flu can be deadly. People with chronic health conditions are among those at greatest risk for severe flu illness and complications such as heart attacks and pneumonia,” CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said. “Vaccination is the best protection against flu, and is a critical part of caring for people with medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.”

Each year in California, influenza is estimated to cause millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.

To reduce this risk, CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. In addition to the groups mentioned above, other people at high risk of developing flu-related complications include pregnant women, children under 2 years of age, adults aged 65 and older and nursing home residents.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, you should also:
 Stay home when sick
 Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or a sleeve and properly dispose of used tissue
 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity is usually highest between December and February. CDPH encourages people to contact their health care providers, clinics or pharmacies about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDPH influenza web page. To find a flu vaccine location near you, visit the Flu Vaccine Finder.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Maia Yasmine James, 20, Palmdale.

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Maia Yasmine James, 20-years old of Palmdale, was arrested on Suspicion of Felony Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated-DUI Alcohol/Drugs with Bodily Injury, for the fatal collision which occurred this past Friday evening. One person was killed and five others were injured.

On Friday, October, 13th at 7:20pm, four vehicles were involved in a collision on Highway 126 near Spalding Drive, west of Fillmore. James was traveling westbound, crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a vehicle driven by a Fillmore woman, and her passenger, a 2 year-old boy. The vehicle continued and struck a second vehicle driven by a 62 year-old man from Ojai and his passenger.

Two people were trapped in their vehicle and had to be extricated. The Ojai man, his passenger, and the 2-year old boy had minor injuries. The Fillmore woman suffered major injuries--all were sent to various hospitals.

Ornella Liandra Jones, 20-years old of Palmdale, a passenger in the vehicle driven by James, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead on scene. James is in Ventura County Jail on $250,000 bail and is due in court Tuesday.

Roger Campbell

Courtesy Former Fillmore City Manager Roy Payne.

The City of Fillmore just lost one of its strongest and most dedicated advocates for the city he loved. I am speaking of Roger Campbell who passed away, just this week.

I first met Roger in 1989 when I was first hired as City Manager of Fillmore. I had the honor of knowing and working with Roger for many years and came to appreciate and respect him both as a councilperson and as a friend.

Roger served on the Fillmore City Council for 16-years and was the Mayor of Fillmore in the mid 1990’s. His name is engraved on the plaque at the entrance to Fillmore City Hall. Roger also served proudly as a long-time member of the volunteer Fillmore Fire Department. He followed in the footsteps of his father George Campbell who was the Fillmore Fire Chief. His brother-in-law, Pat Askren also served as Fillmore Fire Chief and Pat’s son, Patrick is a member of the L.A. County fire department. A proud family heritage indeed!

Roger’s home on Kensington Drive was destroyed by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. However, five-minutes after the earthquake, Roger in his passion and dedication to the City was on his way to the Fillmore fire station to help those who he felt were more in need from the devastation of the earthquake. With the help of his friends in the community, Roger and his family were able to move back into their rebuilt home and Roger’s home was the first home to be rebuilt after the earthquake. This is just a small example of who Roger was. He loved his family and his community.

It is my understanding that there will be a gathering of friends and family on Saturday, October 21 in front of City Hall. Regretfully, I cannot be there. However, I hope those who gather there will remember and honor the many positive things Roger accomplished in his journey on this earth.

God Speed Roger.

Sunday afternoon, around 2:00pm, a 21-year-old woman and her 12-year-old sister were swimming near the Ventura Harbor and were caught in a rip current. Fortunately, 60 year-old Chris Woodard of Fillmore was walking his dog and noticed they were in distress. Woodard jumped into the ocean and swam toward the 12-year-old, who was able to break away from the current and swim back to shore.

Woodard then swam to the older sister; she had been unconscious and face down in the water. Woodard got her to shallow water and began resuscitation. Once they got to shore paramedics began resuscitation. The 21-year-old regained semi-consciousness and was taken to the hospital in serious condition. The 12-year-old was sent to the hospital as a precaution.
Much thanks is due Woodard for his heroic act.

During the months of May 2017 through September 2017, the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotics Team in conjunction with the United States Forest Service, the California Department of Justice, the California Department of Fish and Wild Life, and the California National Guard Counter Drug Task Force conducted marijuana eradications on illicit marijuana gardens in the Los Padres National Forest. These marijuana gardens are structured and organized by illegal drug trafficking organizations (DTO’s), who’s members live in and manage the gardens during the summer growing season.

A total of fourteen marijuana eradication operations were conducted during this time period throughout the Los Padres National Forest, which resulted in the seizure and destruction of approximately 130,000 illegally grown marijuana plants. This is an approximate 28,000 plant increase from the previous year. In addition to the marijuana plants, several tons of trash, food, waste, encampment items, firearms, and fertilizers were removed from the forest lands along with miles of plastic irrigation lines. In every marijuana garden eradicated, plastic irrigation water lines were encountered. Many of these water lines ran for miles to a natural water source. Several of the natural flowing water ways had been artificially dammed, altering the water flow and habitat to native fish, plant and wild life.

The value of the seized marijuana plants have a conservative whole value of $130,000,000 and an approximate street value of $585,000,000.

The C.A.M.P program consists of personnel from the United States Forest Service, California Department of Justice, California Department of Fish and Wild Life and the California National Guard. The West County Street Team consists of Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department.

Bob Crum

Ever have the feeling that your brain knows what you want to communicate but the fingers on the keyboard aren't getting the message? The fingers are poised ready to type but the compendium of ideas are stuck in an abstract quagmire.

Dedicated readers know my passion for photography rests in its multitude of opportunities to create photographs. Attempts to convey that creative essence is difficult at best... mostly impossible. I'm often stymied.

Then serendipitously to my rescue, photographer extraordinaire Russ Burden pens his photo tip of the week: “We're not gonna TAKE it!

Like Burden, I too would be rich if I had a dime every time someone asked: 'Could you TAKE my picture?' The reason TAKE is in bold, Burden explains, is because he takes exception to that word with regards to photography. Instead he prefers the word MAKE vs. take. I agree!

It's logical, not mere semantics. Burden asks isn't it more accurate and appropriate to make a work of art as opposed to take a work of art? A sculptor doesn't 'take' a statute, he 'makes' it says Burden. An oil painter doesn't take a framed masterpiece, he makes it. So why is the word TAKE relegated to a photographer? To make a photograph implies it's creative, deserves greater status, and it's an art piece. Hallelujah! This validates my incessant preaching that a photo should be made, not merely taken. I have touted the creative aspects of photography since column one!

Last week I mentioned that arriving at a photo op, I'll take a moment to first peruse it's photographic potential. Visualize the compositional options. From where and how can I capture the most compelling composition? I may need to get to a better position... get lower or higher... to eliminate distractions from my subject. I make this happen... not take this happen. I'm doing more than simply lifting the camera and taking a snapshot.

Light is paramount. Generally, the golden hours around sunrise and sunset are prime. But even overcast skies present creative opportunities. Perhaps a moody scene? Although the sun isn't casting it's warm glow on the topography, make the photo, don't just take it.

I often revisit an exemplary scene because the light is never the same. Many times I visit a place for the first time and greeted with unexpected circumstances. For example, one day I traveled up to Montaña de Oro State Park just south of Los Osos. This park features many geographical features like secluded sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. There are rock outcroppings extending out into the ocean. On an incoming tide, the crashing waves are spectacular photo ups.

I checked the tide charts and picked a day for an incoming tide from approximately noon onward. It was sunny all the way to Los Osos where.. oh no!... fog! Ugh! Undaunted, I went on to Montaña de Oro . After a short hike to the coast, sure enough I was greeted with fog thicker then sea poop, er, pea soup! In spite of the conditions, I made several interesting photos such as this week's photo of the week. I like the fog blending in with the ocean. (check website for better image) It took several camera adjustments to make this photo. Notice the surfer? The only disappointment was that the gorgeous Montaña de Oro mermaids were nowhere to be found.

Yell with me: I am not going to TAKE it anymore! Heretofore, you are going to MAKE exquisite, compelling, award-winning photographs because you are creative. Instead of picture taker, be the photographer!

Send your comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

Cal Fire

In the past week, over 245,000 acres have burned across California. More than 11,000 firefighters continue making progress on 12 large wildfires burning in the State. The death toll remains at 41, and more than 5,700 structures destroyed.

As containment figures continue to increase, many of the evacuations across the fires in Northern California have been lifted. Over 34,000 people remain evacuated, but many of the evacuation orders are being reevaluated. Residents returning home are urged to be cautious as hazardous conditions may remain. Learn more tips on how to return home after a wildfire at www.fire.ca.gov.

The weather today will be warm with low humidity, which will continue to challenge firefighters, but only light winds are forecast. A chance of precipitation is expected to arrive later in the week, bringing relief from the dry conditions.
Fires of Interest:

**CAL FIRE Incidents**

CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX (4 fires)
▪ In unified command with Santa Rosa Fire Department & Sonoma County Sheriff
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned
▪ 22 civilian fatalities & 1 private water tender operator

Tubbs Fire, Sonoma and Napa Counties (more info…)
Between Calistoga and Santa Rosa
▪ 36,432 acres, 82% contained
▪ Significant number of structures destroyed

Pocket Fire, Sonoma County (more info…)
North of Geyserville
▪ 12,430 acres, 58% contained

Nuns Fire, Sonoma County (more info…)
East of Hwy 12 from east Santa Rosa to east of Sonoma
▪ 52,894 acres, 68% contained

Oakmont Fire, Sonoma County
Near Oakmont
▪ 1,029 acres, 27% contained

SOUTHERN LNU COMPLEX (1 fire)
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned

Atlas Fire, Napa & Solano Counties (more info…)
South of Lake Berryessa and northeast of Napa
▪ 51,064 acres, 77% contained
▪ 6 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant structures destroyed

MENDOCINO-LAKE COMPLEX (2 fires)
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned

Redwood Valley, Mendocino County (more info…)
North of Hwy 20 in Potter Valley and Redwood Valley
▪ 35,800 acres, 60% contained
▪ 8 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant structures destroyed

Sulphur Fire, Lake County (more info…)
Clearlake Oaks
▪ 2,207 acres, 92% contained

WIND COMPLEX (3 fires)

Cascade Fire, Yuba County (more info…)
Loma Rica area
▪ 9,989 acres, 98% contained
▪ 4 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant number of structures destroyed

Lobo Fire, Nevada County (more info…)
Rough and Ready area
▪ 821 acres, 97% contained
▪ Multiple structures destroyed

LaPorte Fire, Butte County (more info…)
Bangor area
▪ 6,151 acres, 98% contained

OTHER FIRES

Bear Fire, Santa Cruz County (more info…) **NEW**
Bear Creek Canyon Rd, northeast of Boulder Creek
▪ 125 acres timber and brush, 0% contained

Wilson Fire, San Diego County FINAL
Wilson Road at Rancho Feliz Ranch, Warner Springs
25 acres, 100% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**

Canyon 2 Fire, Orange County (more info…) FINAL
Hwy 91 & Gypsum Canyon Rd, Anaheim City
▪ 9,217 acres, 100% contained

**Local Incidents**

York Fire, Monterey County FINAL
York Road & S Boundary Rd, southwest of Fort Ord
▪ 40 acres grass and brush, 100% contained

**Federal Incidents**

River Fire, Trinity County
Community of Mad River
US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest
▪ 148 acres, 85% contained

California Governor Edmund G Brown Jr. today declared a state of emergency to help control the state’s hepatitis A outbreak and increase the supply of adult hepatitis A vaccines to meet current needs.

“Vaccinating people at risk of exposure is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of hepatitis A infection during an outbreak,” said California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

To help combat the outbreak, CDPH has already distributed nearly 80,000 doses of the vaccine that were obtained through the federal vaccine program, but those supplies must be increased to continue to address the outbreak. Today’s declaration allows CDPH to immediately purchase additional vaccines directly from manufacturers and coordinate distribution to people at greatest risk in affected areas.

The adult hepatitis A vaccine is different than the one given to children, of which there is ample supply.

The risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene and is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and drink or through direct contact with an infectious person. The current outbreak has largely impacted people experiencing homelessness and some illicit drug users. The virus can live for months in a contaminated environment, particularly in the absence of good sanitation.

To control this outbreak and prevent further spread, CDPH recommends the vaccination of people in affected areas who are homeless or using illicit drugs. CDPH also recommends vaccination of people who have frequent, close contact with at-risk populations in affected areas. CDPH is working with impacted counties to monitor the outbreak and implement vaccination efforts and is also providing guidance on improving sanitation, including access to handwashing facilities and toilets, to lessen the spread of the virus.

“Local public health officials are working hard to offer vaccines to people who are at the most at risk of infection, including homeless Californians,” said Dr. Smith. “Today’s order will help ensure communities can continue to deliver the vaccines where they are needed most.”

Hepatitis A infection typically causes fever, a general ill feeling with lack of appetite and nausea, and, later in the course of the infection, yellowness of the skin and eyes. Severe hepatitis A infection is rare but does occur in people with underlying liver disease and can cause the liver to fail, potentially leading to death.

For more information about hepatitis A, review our frequently asked questions and visit CDPH’s website. www.cdph.ca.gov

American Red Cross of Ventura County

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others.

Mary Alice Donofrio gave blood for the first time in memory of her mother who received several blood transfusions while being treated for breast cancer. “I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was very easy and quite rewarding. Ever since then, I try and give blood as often as I can, and every time it gives me a good feeling in my heart. It is so nice to know that taking just an hour or so out of my day can help save the lives of others.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 253,000 women expected to be diagnosed in 2017. Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31
Ventura

Oak Park
10/25/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oak Park High School, 899 North Kanan Road
10/26/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Oak Hills Elementary, 1010 Kanan Rd

Oxnard
10/24/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave
10/24/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
10/21/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
10/26/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran Street
10/27/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community, 5005 E Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
10/18/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/23/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/25/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/27/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thousand Oaks High School, 2323 N Moorpark Rd

Ventura
10/17/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
10/31/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

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 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.