Steve Michael Stevens, Transient – Ventura County, 30

On June, 22, 2015, video surveillance was released to the public showing a male subject with his family stealing a disabled elderly lady’s wallet. The crime took place at a gas station after the male subject distracted the elderly female and took the wallet out of her purse. The crime was captured on video surveillance.

As a result of the release of the video surveillance, Thousand Oaks Investigators received over 25 phone calls from callers identifying the same male in the video as having stolen or attempted to steal from them. The callers were from both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and the crimes occurred over the past 8 months.

Some callers had very detailed information about the suspect who was identified as Steve Michael Stevens (age 30). This information helped lead to the whereabouts of Stevens and he was subsequently arrested on June, 24, 2015, at about 2:30 pm in the city of Oxnard.

Stevens’ alleged scam involved telling victims he would do body work on their cars to fix minor damage or scratches. Stevens would then appear to do work on the damage and then cover it with a wax type substance. The victims were then told to wipe it off in 24 hours and the damage would be fixed The victims would pay Stevens and would later learn the damage was not fixed and was oftentimes worse.

Stevens seemed to target females and elderly individuals. Stevens was also involved in other scams that involved arrangements to fix damage and ask for money up front. He would say he was leaving to get replacement parts or supplies and not return. Some victims lost over $1000.00 in the theft scams.

Stevens was booked into Ventura County Jail for Grand Theft and Financial Elder abuse charges. His bail was set at $55,000.

Nature of Incident: Public’s help leads to the arrest of suspect who stole elderly disabled female’s wallet
Report Number: 15-13076
Location: Thousand Oaks / Oxnard
Date & Time: 6/24/15 1430
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Investigations
(S)uspects, City of Residence Age
Steve Michael Stevens Transient – Ventura County 30
Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Robarts #2948
Media Release Date: 6/26/15
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jason Robarts #2948 (805) 947-8108
Approved by: Ross Bonfiglio, Captain

FIREWORKS SHOW
On Saturday, July 4 the City of Fillmore in conjunction with TNT Fireworks & Phantom Fireworks will sponsor a professional fireworks display, launched from Fillmore Middle School located at 543 A Street, Fillmore. The show is scheduled to begin at dusk (approximately 9:15 pm) and last approximately 25 minutes .
Where: Fillmore Middle School located 543 A Street in the City of Fillmore. When: 9:15 PM. Who: all ages. How: just show up. Cost: FREE!

FIREWORKS SALES
June 30th, noon to July 4th, 9 pm
Every year certified Fillmore non-profit organizations participate in the “Safe & Sane” fireworks fundraiser. During this time period, “Safe & Sane” fireworks may be purchased from Fillmore firework stands and discharged within the Fillmore City Limits. Fireworks may not be transported outside of the City of Fillmore City Limits.

FIREWORKS SALES
Began on Friday, June 30th, noon through Friday, July 4th @ 9 pm. Please come on by and check out the fireworks at the booth!
Chamber of Commerce, 502 Ventura St; Christian Praise Assembly, 572 W. Ventura St; Fillmore Citizen Patrol, W of 725 W. Ventura St (in front of Dollar Tree); Fillmore Flashes Regiment Booster Club, Inc., 446 Ventura St; Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters, SE Corner Ventura St & A St (Balden Town Plaza); Fillmore Historical Museum, 725 Ventura St (Super A Foods Center); Fillmore Raiders Football, 460 Ventura St; Fillmore Rotary Club, SW Corner of E St & Ventura St; Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., 251 E. Telegraph Rd (Vacant Property); Fillmore Youth Agriculture Center, Inc., 513 Ventura St; First Assembly of God Church, 736 Ventura St; Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster Club, Lot #14 E. Telegraph Rd/126; Girls Softball, 251 Telegraph Rd; Heritage Valley Blazers, E of Sec A St & Ventura St next to Rite Aid; Lions Club, 1462 W. Ventura St; Roping Club, Inc., E of 1149 W Ventura St (East end of empty lot); Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society, 131 E Telegraph Rd; Santa Clara Valley Grange, 847 Ventura St (B St & 126); Search & Rescue, NW Corner of Los Serenos & Ventura St; So Cal Youth Football, 613 Ventura St (Papa Loys); St Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W Ventura St; Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 9637), 1024 Ventura St; Victory Outreach, E of 1149 Ventura St; Women’s Service Club, E of Sec Ventura St & D St.

Fillmore Fire Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will be handing out $1,100.00 citations for those who sell, discharge/possession of non –approved Safe and Sane firework. I have attached a copy of the new postcards each of the booths are handing out with each sale. Keep it Legal, Keep it Safe and Keep it local.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone to stay cool and hydrated as temperatures around the state continue to climb.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect for areas of the state through Friday morning.

“California residents need to prepare themselves for what’s looking like a very hot, dry summer,” Dr. Smith said. “July and August are generally the hottest months of the summer season and we are already seeing very high temperatures. It is important that everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, stay inside and take other precautions to prevent heat-related illness.”

Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities, pregnant women and people who are socially isolated. Heat-related illness includes: cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.

In areas where air quality is poor, people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should reduce or eliminate their outdoor activities. Summer schools and programs with children who have sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases, should conduct activities indoors as much as possible.

Smith offers the following tips to stay safe during this period of excessive heat:

• Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.

• If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center or a public place with air conditioning (such as a shopping mall or library) to cool off for a few hours each day.

• Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun

• Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase likelihood of dehydration.

• To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Get medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, you feel delirious or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

• Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.

Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours – sunscreen may reduce the risk of skin cancer, the number one cancer affecting Californians.

Get more hot weather tips on CDPH’s Preventing Summer Heat Injuries Web page.

Watch CDPH’s video message from Dr. Smith on extreme heat warning signs and tips.

www.cdph.ca.gov

With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “Safe and Sane” fireworks. On Sunday, June 28 “Safe and Sane” Fireworks went on sale in approximately 300 communities throughout California. Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment.

“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “Here in California we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”

There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks. Possession of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year. Even “Safe and Sane” Fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal.

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 ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

“Safe and Sane Fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks. We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”

Fireworks Guidelines:
• First check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use
• Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal
• Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell
• Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site
• Read all instructions before use
• Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks – use only in the manner intended
• Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush

For a full fireworks safety guide visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org or watch this short video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38xe9gjzi8

George Deack
Enlarge Photo

Have you ever had a random contact with someone who just made you smile and feel good? It doesn't have to be up close and personal, or involve touching, or even a word spoken between the two of you! But, no matter what mood your were in, just having that interaction, no matter how slight, lines everything up for you and sets the rest of your day on a positive trend. I have been wondering about a man I see frequently on the bike path along Old Telegraph Rd. He is never without a broad smile and is always enthusiastically waving at passing motorist along Old Telegraph Rd. I decided to quit wondering about him and made up my mind stop to speak to him and shake his hand! Although he was a total stranger to me, George Deack someone who has made my day a little better on most mornings that I travel on Old Telegraph Rd. on my bicycle and I wanted to meet him! He also reminded me of a lost opportunity and someone long ago who did something similar. I wished I had taken the time to talk to him then and I was not going to miss the opportunity to talk with this man.

In the middle and late 1960's, while station at MCAS El Toro, the now closed United States Marine Corps Air Station, in Orange County California, I made frequent trips to Laguna Beach, which was the closest beach to the base. Every time I was in Laguna Beach I would see a shabbily dressed and bearded man standing at the side of the busy Pacific Coast Highway waving and calling out to passing motorist and pedestrians, "Halloo-oo-oo!" he would say to all of us. I later learned, unfortunately, only after his passing in 1975, that his name was Eiler Larsen. I thought then, and even now, how I looked forward to seeing him and hearing him greet all of us visitors to that quaint beach community. Although I thought that it was just a random contact Eiler has with people I later learned that he purposely stood daily at that same location for approximately thirty years waving and calling out, “Halloo-oo-oo!” I never spoke to Eiler, but I wish I would have because I was interested why he did what he did each day.

Some of you, like me, may have been wondering who is that guy walking down the bike path waving at every car, I mean every car, and in my case bicycle, that travels east or west on Old Telegraph Rd. I have been wondering also and one morning I stopped my bicycle on the bridge that crosses over the Sespe Creek and had a nice chat with George as he made his way on Old Telegraph Rd. to nearly Grand Ave. On the morning I decided to meet George he was alternately waving at cars and tossing small rocks down below into the riverbed. I introduced myself and announced to him that I would like to write a story for the Fillmore Gazette about him and his “Goodwill Ambassador” activity. George listened thoughtfully, looked at me curiously and then he agreed to allow me to write an article.

If you have passed CONTINUED »

Bill Bartels

CAMARILLO, CA - Public policy leader Bill Bartels has been named the Ventura County Film Commission’s interim film liaison, announced Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County, which oversees the county’s film commission. The dedicated liaison position was established in 2013 as an investment in economic growth, by securing an increase in film industry spending, local job retention and creation, and increased positive exposure of Ventura County through film media.

In his new role, Bartels will promote Ventura County as a film industry destination and facilitate communication between industry and location representatives to create well-managed film activity throughout the region.

He will be the point of contact for the film industry, help identify and access film-friendly locations, develop the county’s film infrastructure and partnerships, and market the county to the film industry and media.

“Working with the city of Fillmore, Bill actively promoted the Santa Clara River Valley as a filming destination, so he’s well-versed in the permitting required for filming here and the benefits of shooting here rather than in Los Angeles or in other regions near and far courting the film industry. He also understands the positive economic impact filming brings to our county in terms of jobs and revenue,” said Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC.

Bartels is the principal in a diversified farming, management and organizational development company and an advisor with EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center. A fourth-generation Ventura County farmer, he spent 17 years with the city of Fillmore in various roles, concluding his tenure as deputy city manager. Bartels also served on the Ventura County Planning Commission for 12 years.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Visit www.edc-vc.com, and the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County on Facebook, Twitter (@edc_vc) and LinkedIn.

Christine Schieferle

Santa Paula, CA - The Governing Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District voted unanimously to select Christine Schieferle as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services during a regular board meeting held on Wednesday, June 17. Schieferle will start her new position on July 1, 2015.

Schieferle, a resident of Fillmore, comes to the District from the Ventura County Office of Education where she was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She was responsible for facilitating professional learning to schools and districts throughout Ventura County on a variety of educational topics including Common Core State Standards, California ELD Standards, Educational Leadership, and more. Schieferle also served as the Ventura County liaison for the California Department of Education State and Federal Programs as well as served as the Ventura County lead for Federal Program Monitoring.

“Through my work with VCOE, I have worked with administrators by providing leadership trainings at Santa Paula Unified School District,” said Shieferle. “So now I am excited to actually be part of the team!”

Prior to her work at VCOE, Schieferle was a Principal at San Cayetano Elementary School and Mountain Vista Elementary School in the Fillmore Unified School District as well as the Assistant Principal of Fillmore High School and Principal of Fillmore Continuation High School.

As the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Schieferle will be responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the TK-12 curriculum and for the supervision and evaluation of support services personnel associated with the delivery of Educational Services.

Schieferle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from California State University, Northridge. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CLAD), Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and Tier II Administrative Services Credential – all from CSUN – as well as a Gifted and Talented Education certificate from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

“Christine is committed to supporting professional development and student achievement,” said Alfonso Gamino, Superintendent of the Santa Paula Unified School District. “I feel very privileged to have her join our team.”

About the Santa Paula Unified School District
Santa Paula Unified School District operates an early childhood education program, six K-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school, one continuation high school, and one comprehensive high school. Approximately 535 certificated and classified employees serve 5,500 students.

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Steven Cortez (DOB 03/09/1994), of Santa Paula, was convicted of two counts of attempted murder in violation of Penal Code section 664/187(a) for a December 27, 2014, shooting in which he shot at two young males in the city of Fillmore, striking one of them. Cortez subsequently fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement several miles from the crime scene. The jury also found Cortez guilty of one count of street terrorism in violation of Penal Code section 186.22(a), and two counts of assault with a firearm in violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2). Additionally, the jury found true special allegations that Cortez intentionally discharged a firearm during the commission of the crime, and that the crime was committed in association with a criminal street gang.

Sentencing is set for August 4, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura. Cortez faces a maximum sentence of 51 years 4 months in prison.