Five former Fillmore Firefighters graduated from a class of 52 Ventura County Fire Deparment in Ventura Academy last week. Top row, Billy Gabriel FLM, Austin Araiza VFD , Russell Skinner VFD, Brian Mulvehill VFD, Ryan Whitebread VCFD, Austin Foulke VFD, Jason Arroyo FLM. Bottom row, Jorge Rivera CalFire, and Ryan Anderson FLM.
Five former Fillmore Firefighters graduated from a class of 52 Ventura County Fire Deparment in Ventura Academy last week. Top row, Billy Gabriel FLM, Austin Araiza VFD , Russell Skinner VFD, Brian Mulvehill VFD, Ryan Whitebread VCFD, Austin Foulke VFD, Jason Arroyo FLM. Bottom row, Jorge Rivera CalFire, and Ryan Anderson FLM.
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What better way to spend a hot day than swimming at the local fishing hole? Fillmore’s Community Swimming Pool was a busy place this week with record breaking heat.
What better way to spend a hot day than swimming at the local fishing hole? Fillmore’s Community Swimming Pool was a busy place this week with record breaking heat.
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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
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.

 
Adrian Banales
Adrian Banales

At approximately 10:25 PM, on June 18, 2016, a deputy on patrol noticed a disturbance in the 500 block of Central Avenue. Upon investigating the circumstances, the deputy learned a resident discovered a male subject peeking in the bathroom window where a juvenile victim was taking a shower. The residents confronted the suspect, who ran away. Additional deputies responded to the area and began a search. Adrian Banales was located nearby and matched the description of the suspect. After further investigation, Banales was identified by witnesses, and significant evidence was found at the scene to link Banales.

Banales was arrested for PC 647(i) / Peeking. Banales was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. His bail was set at $5,000.00.

The Fillmore Police Department suspects similar crimes have occurred in the City of Fillmore over the past few years. Anyone having information related to these crimes is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department.

 
The 5th Annual California Honey Harvest Festival & BBQ Championship was held at Fillmore Central Park on June 11, 2016. In the BBQ Championship. Team “Blazed N’ Glazed”, Josh Weis and his wife, took First Place in pork butt with a near perfect score of 178.32 (180 is perfect). The Weises are from Simi Valley and this was their first win ever. This year’s championship had 27 pit masters, with 18 being Grand Champions at various contests around California. So this is serious bragging rights for the Weises. Presenting the award is Roger Campbell, right.
The 5th Annual California Honey Harvest Festival & BBQ Championship was held at Fillmore Central Park on June 11, 2016. In the BBQ Championship. Team “Blazed N’ Glazed”, Josh Weis and his wife, took First Place in pork butt with a near perfect score of 178.32 (180 is perfect). The Weises are from Simi Valley and this was their first win ever. This year’s championship had 27 pit masters, with 18 being Grand Champions at various contests around California. So this is serious bragging rights for the Weises. Presenting the award is Roger Campbell, right.
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Over 4,700 firefighters are battling 6 active wildfires in California. Last week alone firefighters responded to over 250 new wildfires across the State. Since January 1, CAL FIRE and local and federal firefighters have responded to nearly 2,100 wildfires that have charred over 32,000 acres. Extreme temperatures this week, along with low humidity and gusty winds in many areas will continue to raise the fire danger level. A Red Flag Warning in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties remains in effect due to high fire danger today.

CAL FIRE recommends that all residents living near wildland areas have an evacuation plan and know what they will take if asked to evacuate. When it comes to wildfires, everyone should remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. “Go” means early evacuation. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Border Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
Hwy 94 & Hwy 188, near Potrero
â—Ź 7,500 acres, 5% contained
â—Ź Mandatory evacuation orders for the community of Potrero
â—Ź Hwy 94 is closed
â—Ź CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 assumed command

Camanche, Vegetation Fire, Amador County (more info…)
North of Camanche Reservoir
â—Ź 210 acres, 95% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**
Sherpa Fire, Santa Barbara County (more info…)
West of Goleta
Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS and Santa Barbara County Fire
â—Ź 7,893 acres, 62% Contained
â—Ź Mandatory evacuations to be downgraded Wednesday

Fish Fire, Los Angeles County
North of Durate
Unified Command: USFS & LA County Fire
â—Ź 3,000 acres, 0% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Reservoir Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
North of Azusa
US Forest Service - Angeles National Forest
â—Ź 2,400 acres, 0% contained

Pony Fire, Siskiyou County (more info…)
15 miles southwest of Happy Camp
US Forest Service - Klamath National Forest
â—Ź 2,858 acres, 60% contained

 

Valley Express, the public bus service which serves Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru, is proud to offer FREE rides on July 4 from 12 pm until the fireworks end. The special service will be on-demand, which means you must request a ride in advance. The phone number to schedule a ride is 805-933-2267. Space is limited, so riders are encouraged to call in ahead of time.

“We want families to be able to relax, leave the driving to us, enjoy the festivities, and to get home safely after the fireworks,” stated Aaron Bonfilio, Program Manager of Transit Services for Ventura County Transportation Commission.

“We’re delighted that Valley Express can take people from their homes directly to these patriotic celebrations,” added Fillmore Councilmember, Manuel Minjares.

During the day, Valley Express will have a booth at the 30th Annual Sespe Creek Car & Cycle Show in Fillmore. Come visit our booth. We’ll have plenty of information to share, and fun giveaways. The show, sponsored by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, is from 9 am to 4 pm. Learn more about the event at www.fillmorechamber.org.

Valley Express service, launched in March 2015, is provided through a cooperative agreement between the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. It is administered by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. After its first year in operation, total ridership for Valley Express fixed-route and dial-a-ride service neared 100,000 riders.

For route and service information, please call 805-933-2267or visit www.valleyexpressbus.org.

 

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, together with personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department and United States Coast Guard, rescued two divers off the West side of Anacapa Island.

Around 10:20 AM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch requested Air Squad 9 respond to the waters off Anacapa Island. Two divers were unresponsive and suffering from post-dive medical issues onboard the dive boat Spectre. Air Squad 9 departed the Camarillo Airport staffed by Pilot Kim Bergeson, Firefighter/ Paramedic Jeff Golden, Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter, Deputy Lee Chapman, and Paramedic Brian Pugh. The United States Coast Guard launched a Response Boat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands and a MH-65D helicopter from Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Point Mugu.

Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 coordinated a hoist rescue with the United States Coast Guard boatcrew and the Captain from the Spectre. Deputy Chapman hoisted Firefighter/ Paramedic Golden to the stern of the Spectre. A 48 year old male patient and a 47 year old female patient were hoisted into Air Squad 9, followed by Firefighter Paramedic Golden.

Both divers were treated onboard Air Squad 9 and flown to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, in Oxnard, for additional treatment.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard have an outstanding working relationship benefiting the community of Ventura County and surrounding areas. Since May 2016, the United States Coast Guard set up Forward Operating Base Point Mugu to expand their operations and conduct rescues both offshore and onshore. The County of Ventura and surrounding neighbors are grateful to have this resource as we strive to continue the best public service possible for our community.

Nature of Incident: Dive boat Spectre hoist rescue
Report Number: 16-91047
Location: Anacapa Island
Date & Time: 06/18/2016 @ 10:35 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (Air Squad 9)
Ventura County Fire Department
United States Coast Guard
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
News Release Date: 06/19/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
805-388-4212
Approved by: Sergeant Carl Patterson

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).