Every second, three people across the world receive a life-changing blood transfusion.

Blood donation saves lives. That’s why United Blood Services is uniting with blood donor organizations across 21 countries to highlight an almost 30 percent international drop in first-time blood donors compared to a decade ago.

Throughout the Missing Type campaign, A’s, B’s and O’s—the letters of the main blood groups—will disappear in everyday and iconic locations. The letters will disappear from famous brands and locations in the U.S., Australia, Japan, Ireland, England and many more countries.

Scott Edward, Director of Donor Recruitment, United Blood Services, this area’s non-profit community blood provider, said, “Volunteer blood donors save lives and transform health for millions across the world. Whether it is patients receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders, after accidents or during surgery, or new moms who lost blood in childbirth, blood is an absolutely essential part of modern healthcare.”

Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at UnitedBloodServices.org or by calling 877-827-4376. Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. It’s at UnitedBloodServices.org.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. For more information, visit UnitedBloodServices.org

United Blood Services is the Central & Southern California Region non-profit community blood provider and serves patients throughout the area. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the AABB.

With the arrival of back-to-school season, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges parents and guardians to ensure their children are current on vaccines. Immunizations protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “If you haven’t done so already, check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs. Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that students are protected against serious and preventable diseases, including measles.”

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for contracting diseases and can also spread diseases to other people, including students in their classrooms and both children and adults within their communities. Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions are especially susceptible.

California law requires students to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed child care centers. Schools and licensed child care centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report student immunization status to CDPH.

Talk to your child’s doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school.

Visit www.ShotsforSchool.org for more information on immunization laws and required vaccinations.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the purchase, acquisition and deployment of body worn cameras in Sheriff jurisdictions, including the contract cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and Ojai.

The Sheriff’s Office began researching body worn camera and storage systems in June 2014. It was a lengthy process; however, body cameras and data storage are costly and the department wanted to invest in the most cost effective option available that would provide the best quality product and meet our needs for data storage.

During the month of July 2016, the Sheriff’s Office began training deputies on the use of the Axon Body – Body Worn Camera manufactured by TASER International. On August 1, 2016, deputies were authorized to begin wearing the cameras while on patrol. The Sheriff’s Office will issue body worn cameras to all personnel working in patrol related assignments, including traffic enforcement and school resource officers.

We live in a world of digital media, and cameras have become commonplace. With the deployment of body worn camera technology in the communities we serve, the Sheriff’s Office looks forward to maintaining an atmosphere of transparency and trust. While the cameras provide an enhanced means of evidence collection, they also provide increased accountability on both sides of the badge.

Prepared by: Cory Rubright, Captain

There was a packed house for the August 9th City Council meeting, and most were there for the issue of whether or not medical marijuana should be banned. The medical marijuana topic would be addressed later on, but not before several other issues were swiftly and efficiently handled by the council.

Police Chief Dave Wareham started off the meeting with a brief presentation about the mid-year crime report for Fillmore. The report detailed the months from January to June, comparing the last three years to the current year. Chief Wareham proudly cited that Fillmore has maintained the low crime rates that made them the 17th safest city in California. Violent crimes have remained low and Wareham believes that is due to the several outreach programs that have benefited Fillmore over the past couple years. Wareham believes that the increase of volunteers has made a lasting impact on the city of Fillmore.

The consent calendar was approved except for the item regarding the seventh amendment to the city manager employment agreement that would extend the city manager’s contract from 2017 to 2019. Councilman Rick Neal believes that there shouldn’t be too many decisions made for the next council, as it takes their voice away. Councilman Manuel Minjares respectfully disagreed, believing that this will be a morale booster for the city of Fillmore as the city manager is doing a tremendous job.

Gaylynn Brien of the CONTINUED »