California Highway Patrol

A Santa Paula woman was killed on Thursday, May 14th in a two-vehicle traffic collision between El Rio and Saticoy. An 85-year old Fillmore woman was injured in the crash. The accident occurred before 4:30pm on Vineyard Avenue, near Highway 118.

The 30-year old woman was driving a Mustang southbound on Vineyard, when she drifted into the northbound lanes, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Fillmore resident, driving a Buick, was unable to avoid the collision and was trapped in her car. She had to be extricated by firefighters, and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center with a broken sternum.

Alcohol consumption by the deceased may have been a factor, according to the CHP.

Vineyard was shut down for about two hours.

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25th at 11AM. Featured speaker this year is Ed W. Campbell who is the President of the Resident’s Allied Council at the Veterans Home in Ventura. Mr. Campbell started his Military career with the US Navy Reserve in Santa Barbara, took his Basic SeamanTraining in San Diego in 1956 and USS Sioux Fleet Tug Seaman Training in San Diego in 1958. From 1958 until 1962 he served in the USAir Force taking his Basic Training at Lackland AFB in Texas in 1958, served in Portugal 1960-61 doing Management Analysis and was a Civil Engineering Draftsman in 1962 at Edwards Air Force Base. Mr. Campbell then went on to establish a career as an Architect and has designed many projects locally and throughout the United States receiving several awards. He is a Board Member of the Ventura Music Festival and served as Executive Director of the Pierpont Inn. The Rev. Bob Hammond will give the Memorial Service, special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church choir. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May 22nd and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 26th. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this special event.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to help ensure blood is available for patients in need by giving blood in May before the busy summer season kicks in.

Blood and platelet donations often decrease when regular donors are vacationing and school is out of session, but the need for blood is constant. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to summer to help alleviate this seasonal decline.

Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who come to donate blood between May 23 and May 25, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross-branded RuMeR tote bag, while supplies last.

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).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities

Oxnard
5/19/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
5/16/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community,
5005 E Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
5/18/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd
5/26/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Whole Foods, 740 N. Moorpark Road

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.

Fillmore, the Last Best Small Town in Southern California, has been named one of the Safest Cities in California by Safewise.com. Out of the top 50 cities named, Fillmore ranked No. 17. Below is the article at http://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-California-2015/

17. FILLMORE
Situated in the Santa Clara River Valley, “Sunset Magazine” named Fillmore one of “The West’s Best Cities,” a title bestowed on only two dozen communities. Indeed, the unspoiled Southern California town has a lot to offer those looking for small town charm, not the least of which is safe neighborhoods. In fact, only a few cities on our list reported less property crime than Fillmore.

Cool ocean breezes, a landscape dotted with citrus groves and a comfortable average yearly temperature of 78 degrees are more reasons you’ll fall in love with “The last, best small town in Southern California.”
Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.70 - Property Crimes per 1,000: 9.99

With approximately 38 million residents, California is by far the most populated state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean it has a particularly high crime rate. In fact, according to recent FBI Crime Report data, the Golden State’s crime rate is about on par with the national average, reporting 3.96 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 26.65 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The report reveals that the typical American city reported 3.67 violent crimes per 1,000 citizens and 27.30 property crimes per 1,000 citizens. As a whole, crime went down in California over the last year. Specifically, violent crime was reduced by seven percent and property crime was lessened by four percent.

When we took a close look at the 50 safest cities in California, we found they reported much lower incidents of crime than the national average. The average violent crime rate among our safest cities was 1.12 per 1,000 people, and the average property crime rate was 11.32 per 1,000 people. That means the average safe city listed below experienced 70 percent less violent crime and 60 percent less property crime than the typical U.S. city. We were particularly impressed to discover that 42 of California’s 50 safest cities (84 percent) reported no murders. And the safest city on our list, Hillsborough, reported no incidents of violent crime whatsoever.

If you’re looking for a safe place to call home in California, start by looking at our list to make sure you’re going somewhere with a good safety record. Once you’ve become familiar with the safest cities in California, you’ll want to explore the security and safety information found in our comprehensive California Safety Directory. In addition to finding the latest information on crime prevention programs, you can explore an interactive map of the most (and least) burglarized counties in the state.

How We Chose the Safest Cities in California
We followed a strict protocol to arrive at the 50 safest cities in California. First, we identified cities with a population of over 10,000 residents in 2013 and evaluated recent FBI Crime Report data. From there, we determined the number of Violent Crimes, which are considered murder, aggravated assault, robbery and forcible rape, as well as Property Crimes, consisting of burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and larceny-theft that were reported in each city. Then, to create a level playing field and make it easy to compare crime rates among several cities, we calculated the chance of these crimes happening out of 1,000 people.

When reviewing the list, you should keep in mind that although the annual FBI Crime Report is considered a premier source for a myriad of crime data, not every city in California reported complete information to the FBI. If you think we overlooked one of the state’s safest cities, it could be because its law enforcement agency did not report complete data to the FBI, and that caused it to be removed from consideration.

If you want to see how your city did in our past report, check out last year’s crime data.

Fillmore athlete, Justin Coert is being honored this year with the 2015 Tri-Valley League Most Outstanding Athlete in Track and Field award. This title, honors him as the top athlete of the league. This season Justin has been a very versatile athlete competing in shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, and occasionally the 100 meter dash. He has proven to be one of Fillmore’s greatest athletes, breaking school records in the discus and earning league titles both in the shot put and the discus. Currently Justin is ranked third in the discus and fourth in the shot put in the Southern Section Division 4.

Joining Justin at the CIF prelims are many other Fillmore Flashes. Junior Lupita Perez earned League Champion in the 3200 meter race and takes second place in the 1600 meter race. She will compete in both events at CIF prelims. Senior Hayden Wright qualifies in both the long jump and the 4x100 meter relay. Hayden took second place at league finals in the long jump. Demitriouz Lozano will be the only Fillmore athlete tripling up in events. Demitriouz will compete in the open 100 meter dash and in both the 4x100 meter and the 4x400 meter relays. This is his second year competing at the CIF prelims. Teammate Aaron Cornejo, a junior, qualified in three events for CIF prelims including the 400 meters and both relays. Carlos Briceno will make his third appearance at CIF prelims, where he will compete in the 110 meter high hurdles. The 4x100 meter relay will include Demitriouz Lozano, Michael Luna, Aaron Cornejo and Hayden Wright. For 4x400 meter relay the athletes include Demitriouz Lozano, Dominick Gonzalez, Aaron Cornejo and Damien Gonzalez. Both Damien, Demitriouz and Dominick are making their second appearance at the CIF prelims in track and field. Our sophomore competitor of the day was Karissa Ibarra in the shot put. She was second at league finals. In addition we have alternates for both relays, which include freshman Enrique Gutierrez, and sophomores Jaime Malagon, and Saul Santa Rosa.

The CIF Prelims will take place this Saturday, May 16th at Carpinteria High School. The throwing events begin at 11:00am and the running events will begin at 12:00pm. The 4x100 meter relay is the first event on the track. We are very proud of our team and wish them the best at the CIF Prelims. Go Flashes!

photo courtesy accuweather.com

The City of Fillmore, like other cities in California, is grappling with the new water restrictions out of Sacramento. A fine for wasting water was approved at the May 12, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting. The meeting also contained a proposed 2015-2016 Budget and approval of four Active Adult Commissioners.

On May 6, 2015, California's state water board approved emergency drought regulations that aim to reduce water usage throughout the state. The new restrictions range from 8% to 36%, depending on the city's or water district's use, to meet an overall 25% reduction statewide. Cities or water districts that do not comply with the new state orders could receive fines as high as $10,000.

Sacramento uses a tiered system to determine a city's or water district's water use. The three highest tiers 7, 8 and 9 and are required to save the most water at 28% to 36%. Fillmore is considered a tier 7 city and thus is required to cut back water use by 28% over the next nine months.

The City's restrictions include prohibiting irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water; directing water suppliers (the City of Fillmore) to develop rate structures, including surcharges, fees, and penalties to maximize water conservation.

Other requirements include the City permanently provide monthly information on water usage, conservation and enforcement; impose restriction requiring reductions in potable water use at commercial, industrial and institutional properties and prohibiting potable water used for irrigation outside of new home construction without drip or micro spray.

Restrictions that everyone must abide by are; not allowing potable water drain or spray on sidewalks, driveways and streets; no use of potable water in fountains that do not recycle; hoses require shut off nozzles when washing a vehicle; not using potable water on landscape within 48 hours after measurable rain; no water served at restaurants without being requested.

The Council, on CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 9, 2015, the Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to Santa Paula Hospital for an assault victim. During the investigation, it was determined the victim was assaulted and robbed of his prescription medication and money. The victim knew both suspects who robbed him. The victim sustained an eye injury and needed five stitches.

As a result of the investigation, Tiffany Limon was arrested several hours later at her residence. There was also probable cause to arrest Fernando Vasquez for the robbery and violating his conditions of parole.

On May 11, 2015, investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and Major Crimes Bureau received information Vasquez was traveling on an Amtrak train back to Madera, California. With the assistance of the Amtrak Police Department, Vasquez was arrested at the Amtrak Hanford train station by the Hanford Police Department. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau responded to Hanford and arrested Vasquez. Vasquez was transported back to Ventura County and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Limon was charged with 211 PC (Robbery), and 11550 (a) H&S (Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance) and Vasquez was charged with 211 PC (Robbery), 245(a)(1) PC (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and 182(a)(1) PC (Conspiracy to Commit a Crime). Vasquez had an additional charge of 3056 PC (Parole Violation). Limon’s bail was set at $55,000 and Vasquez has a no bail hold.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of Robbery Suspects
Report Number: 15-10474
Location: 600 Block of Clay Street, Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: May 11, 2015
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Male Victim, Fillmore, 37
Fernando Vasquez, Madera, CA, 35
Tiffany Limon, Fillmore, 34
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
News Release Date: May 12, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre 805 384-7430 anthony.aguirre@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Melissa Smith

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).