Cal Fire

While most of California saw a rise in temperatures, firefighters across the State continued to make good progress on the 9 active large wildfires. Today 5,200 firefighters from CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, local fire departments and other federal agencies are on the frontlines of the active fires actively fighting them. Firefighters will once again be bracing today for hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty north winds. In fact a Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevated high fire danger for parts of upper northwest California due to low humidity and strong winds. This warning is expected to last through Wednesday morning.

With the high level of fire activity and the increase in hot and dry temperatures, CAL FIRE is urging everyone to be extra cautious outdoors. On hot and windy days it doesn’t take much for a wildfire to spark so all residents and visitors are urged to be careful. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. For more visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Lowell Fire, Nevada County (more info…)
You Bet area, west of Alta
*2,233 acres – 30% contained
* Evacuations in effect
* 1,800 structures threatened
* Full containment expected on August 1

Wragg Fire, Napa & Solano Counties (more info…)
Off Hwy 128 near Lake Berryessa
*6,591 acres – 80% contained
* All evacuations lifted
* Full containment expected on July 28
Queen Fire, Humboldt County (more info…)
Off Hwy 169, 5 miles southeast of Pecwan
*200 acres – 42% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Willow Fire, Madera County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Sierra National Forest
Southeast of Bass Lake
*1,739 acres – 5% contained
* CAL FIRE continues to assist

Cutca Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
Palomar Mountain
*167 acres – 75% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Kyburz Fire, El Dorado County (more info…)
US Forest Service – El Dorado National Forest
Off Hwy 50 in Kyburz
*75 acres – 98% contained

Pines Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Angeles National Forest
Near Big Pines, northwest of Wrightwood
*200 acres – 85% contained

Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest
south of Big Bear Lake
*31,359 acres – 98% contained

Washington Fire, Alpine County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
South of Markleeville
*17,790 acres – 99% contained

Keeping the trail clean for others to enjoy. DogPots are available along bike path for dog-owner convenience.

Each morning, Monday thru Friday four friends meet in the parking lot of Shiells Park at around 7:30 and walk together, on the bike path, from Old Telegraph Rd south to the City of Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant and back! A distance of about 3.5-miles. With them are their two dogs, Tasha and Rylee. Now, although they are long-time Fillmore residents, their bond is not that they grew up together, or were they high school classmates, or even lived in the same neighborhood! Their bond grew from the love of the early Fillmore mornings, native birds, wildlife, and the enjoyment of sharing conversations on just about anything, with just about anybody they meet along the way!

During their trek one of them carries wild bird seed to scatter for the many quail, pigeons, sparrows, robins, and a cottontail, or squirrel, who live in this wildlife oasis bordering the Sespe Creek. Conscious that they are visitors to this area the two walking their dogs dutifully pick up deposits left by Tasha and Rylee and carry the baggies back home for disposal.

While walking they have made many acquaintances who travel this same path, by bike, walking, or jogging! Many times it is a simple good morning that is said, but more often than not a hug, or handshake is given and a moment, or two of conversation about family, health, or, I'll admit, even some juicy gossip! There are the two Volkswagen Enthusiast brothers who walk nearly every day, but don't walk together because their pace and distance walked are different. There is George the Fillmore Ambassador endlessly waving at passing motorist. There are the carriage-pushing mother's running at an amazing clip with their sometimes sleeping children. And, there are many other anonymous dog walkers, joggers and an occasional coyote, pond turtle, bullfrog, or abandoned dog all populating this two-mile stretch. All are benefactors of a cheery "Good Morning" from this group of four!

The four consist of Navy Veteran, longtime Fillmore Lion's Club member, and retired business owner of Jack Stethem Painting, who in 40 years of business has painted many homes and commercial buildings in and around Fillmore. Jack, Jack's wife Jolene, who worked for 39 years as the Fillmore High School Principal's Secretary, and is now retired. Jack and Jolene have two sons, Brian 56 of Fillmore, and, Mark, who passed in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Jolene walks her Grand-dog, Tasha, a four year old female Bizsla breed. Susan Wilson (Mitchell), a Fillmore native and co-owner, with her husband Rex, of Mikrex Centerless Grinding in Fillmore. Susan has one daughter, Aubree, 26 years of Fillmore. Susan walks with her eight year old white Labrador Retriever, Rylee; and, Susan Berdahl (Meyers), also a Fillmore native, housewife and Teacher's Aide for the Fillmore Christian Academy. Susan and her husband Duane have four children, Erin 23, Nicholas 20, Rebecca 17, and David 14.

In addition to being passionate about the wildlife seen daily on the trail, each are very concerned about violations of the leash law they see daily and the failure of picking up after your dog while enjoying the bike path. Although they bring their own bags to pick up after Tasha and Rylee, it is evident others do not, or do they use the provided bags located at the entrance to the trail. Currently only one of the containers that provide the bags is still there near the Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant. The others have been damaged, or removed by vandals. Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, State-wide, but is is also for the protection of your dog, other dogs as well as other people using the bicycle path.

On the morning I took this picture it was just another one of the many beautiful mornings we enjoy here in Fillmore! Keep building up those miles Jack, Jolene, Tasha, Susan, Rylee and Susan and sharing your goodwill! I'll look for you again tomorrow!

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Cockfighting event took place in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road, Fillmore on July 18th, at 7 a.m.. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126).

When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. Four subjects were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. They were Fermin Navarro, 32 of Sylmar; Lucio Vasquez-Sanchez, 34 of Ojai; Rodrigo Suarez-Guzman, 28 of Ojai; and Abraham Figueroa, 54 of Piru.

Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred.

Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks

Recent blood usage has been high, and even though blood donations since the July 4th holiday have been strong, donors are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply the rest of the summer. As a special thank you to our summer blood donors, United Blood Services has partnered with Domino’s, to give each volunteer blood donor a certificate for a free 1-topping medium pizza through September 8th.

Your donation is particularly needed in the summer because the supply of blood goes down right when the demand goes up for three main reasons. 1) We don't hold high school drives and we hold very little college blood drives as most kids are out of school for the summer. 2) Family and friends are off vacationing and having fun and forget to donate. 3) The demand for blood goes up as more people are out on the roads and participating in summer activities.

While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative and Type AB (positive or negative) are especially needed, as there is currently a shortage of these blood types. O-negative red cells can be transfused to anyone. O-negative red blood cells are often used to help patients when there is no time to determine the patient’s own blood type. Likewise, type AB plasma can be given to all patients, and is the only plasma used for trauma patients and neonatal babies!

Donations may be made at convenient locations throughout the Central & Southern California Region in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and a number of community blood drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877.UBS.HERO; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored.

Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. Ste. A, Ventura, CA 93003
Santa Barbara Center – 4213 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Santa Maria Center – 1770 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
San Luis Obispo Center – 4119 Broad St., Ste. 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in August and help meet the constant need for blood products by patients.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Despite travel and other activities that may cause some donors to be less available to give, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

With more summer days ahead, every blood donation is important in helping ensure blood is available for patients in need, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those who need it. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer.

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).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Oxnard
8/14/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Document System, 300 N Graves, Suite E

Simi Valley
8/11/2015: 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Simi Valley Adult School, 1880 Blackstock Ave
8/14/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
8/15/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
8/3/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/5/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/10/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/12/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/13/2015: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., MB2 Raceway, 1475 Lawrence Dr

Ventura
8/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Wells Fargo, 2704 E Thompson Blvd

Westlake Village
8/9/2015: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road
8/12/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Guitar Center Corporate Center, 5795 Lindero Canyon Rd.

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.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the first confirmed death in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The deceased person was a senior citizen in Nevada County.

“This death is a tragic reminder of how severe West Nile virus disease can be,” said Dr. Smith. “West Nile virus activity is more widespread in 2015 than in years past. Californians need to be vigilant in protecting themselves.”

WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV. It is possible that the drought has contributed to WNV amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. As birds and mosquitoes seek water, they are coming into closer contact and amplifying the transmission of the virus.

Thirty-three California counties have reported WNV activity so far this year, four more than this time last year and above the five-year average of 22. To date, 497 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, which exceeds the five-year average of 330.

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

www.cdph.ca.gov