Sacramento – Today begins the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks in nearly 300 communities across California, which has CAL FIRE reminding everyone to do their part to prevent fires caused by fireworks this Fourth of July. Over the past five years, more than 2,500 structure and wildfires have been sparked by fireworks, burning thousands of acres, causing countless injuries and costing millions in property loss.

“Illegal fireworks, or even the unsafe use of 'Sane and Sane' fireworks, are a major problem every year,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, California’s state fire marshal. “We have a zero tolerance towards the possession, sale or use of illegal fireworks and our officers will be patrolling the streets and internet this week.”

Fire and law enforcement officers across the State are working together to confiscate illegal fireworks off the streets. Earlier this month, CAL FIRE joined a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation in San Bernardino County. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks, 51 misdemeanor citations were issued, as well as two felony arrests. In Placer County, a similar multi-agency operation occurred at the agricultural inspection station in Truckee. More than 1,882 pounds of fireworks were confiscated resulting in 20 misdemeanor citations and seven felony arrests.

“Wildfire activity has significantly increased during the last several weeks and California continues to experience explosive fire conditions as a result of five years of drought," said Chief Ken Pimott, CAL FIRE director. "Everyone needs to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. Any person who starts a fire from fireworks – even accidentally – can be held liable for the fire-fighting costs as well as property damage costs.”

The State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved state-wide. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local laws and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

Here are a few tips to help you be safe this 4th of July:
• If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Buy only State Fire Marshal-approved (Safe and Sane) fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
• Always read directions and have an adult present.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
• Use common sense and keep a safe distance.
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.

Visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org for tips on how to prevent a wildfire this Fourth of July.

VENTURA – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to close eastbound lanes of Highway 126 (the Santa Paula Freeway) in the city of Ventura on the nights of June 28, 29 and 30 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights) for a pavement repair project.

The full closure involves all eastbound lanes between Highway 101 and Victoria Avenue, and also between Kimball Road and Wells Road (State Route 118), starting at 9 p.m. each night.

All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. the next morning (6 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The closures are not expected to affect the westbound lanes of Highway 126.

Detour signs will be posted. Motorists should expect delays. People in the vicinity may experience noise associated with the work, including grinding of the concrete road surface at several locations in the project area.

The scheduled closures are as follows:
Eastbound State Route 126 from US Highway 101 to Victoria Avenue.
The connectors from north- and southbound US 101 to eastbound SR-126.
Eastbound SR-126 from Kimball Road to Wells Road (State Route 118).

The contractor is RSB Group, Inc. of Lake Forest, Calif., and the dollar amount of the contract is $270,000. The project is funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). Completion of the project is expected in mid-July. When completed, the result will be a smoother riding surface.

The closure schedule will be in effect, weather permitting, and is subject to change. Caltrans reminds travelers to “Be Work Zone Alert.”

The City of Fillmore will be opening the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as a “Cooling Center” beginning Saturday, June 20th at 12:00 p.m. and will be open until 8:00 p.m. The Cooling Center is expected to be open through Wednesday, June 22nd.

The weather forecast is for extreme heat beginning on Saturday. The dates and hours can change depending on the weather but whenever the temperature reaches 94 or above the Cooling Center is opened. Fillmore residents are encouraged to use the center to remove themselves from the heat and drink plenty of cold water provided by the Fillmore Fire Department.

If you have any questions please feel free to call City Hall at (805) 524-1500 or the City Fire Department at (805) 524-0586.

Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore

On Friday, June 17, 2016 at approximately 5:19pm, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic code violations in the 200 block of Warren Avenue, Santa Paula. During the course of the investigation a firearm was found inside the vehicle as well as a machete. Both subjects, Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore, and a Female Juvenile, 17 of Santa Paula, were arrested. Montiel was arrested for convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon inside of a vehicle, gang enhancement and child endangerment. The female juvenile was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Montiel is a documented gang member and was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail. A bail increase was requested to increase his bail to $500,000. The female juvenile was later released to her parents.

Alfred Johnson, 72 of Fillmore, admitted to drug dealing at his senior citizen’s complex. Johnson was arrested five years ago for illegally obtaining prescription drugs — anti-anxiety medications and painkillers — and for selling marijuana. Officials say he has maintained a clean record since his arrest five years ago and because of poor health, Johnson will probably receive no jail time and get probation at his August sentencing.