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By Anonymous — Monday, January 12th, 2015
SACRAMENTO - Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, announced today the first confirmed influenza death of a person under the age of 65 reported for the 2014-2015 season. This fatality of an adult resident of Southern California is a somber reminder that influenza can be a serious and often deadly disease. Influenza activity remains at a regional level in California. “Flu activity is beginning to increase statewide, including reports of hospitalizations and severe disease,” said Dr. Chapman. “We are early on in what could be a severe flu season, and I encourage everyone who has not yet gotten a flu vaccination to do so. The influenza vaccine remains the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu.” Dr. Chapman also notes that in addition to getting vaccinated, it's important to practice good hand washing and other good health habits. People who are ill should take actions to stop the spread of germs such as: Visit a flu vaccine location near you to get immunized. Some local health departments may also offer free or low-cost immunizations. For more information on influenza and other respiratory disease surveillance reports visit: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/statistics/Pages/CISPDataArchive.aspx. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, January 12th, 2015
Sacramento – California Department of Public Health has been notified of seven confirmed cases of measles in patients from five different locations within California it was reported today by Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer. Two Utah resident cases have also been confirmed and three additional California residents are also suspected to have measles and are under investigation. All confirmed and suspect cases reported visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in Orange County, California sometime between December 15th and December 20th, 2014. Based on information from current cases, it is likely that a person infectious with measles was at one of the theme parks on these dates. People can be infectious with measles for 9 days. Measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes and within a few days a red rash appears, usually first on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body. Measles is a highly infectious, airborne disease. “If you have symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed, please contact your health care provider,” said Dr. Chapman. “The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated.” Measles has been eliminated in the United States since 2000. However, large measles outbreaks have occurred in Western Europe, Pakistan, Vietnam and the Philippines in recent years. Travelers to areas where measles is endemic can bring measles back to the U.S., resulting in limited domestic transmission of measles. Disney and other theme parks in California are international attractions and visitors come from many parts of the world, including those where measles is endemic. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR vaccine) are more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles. Measles vaccines have been available in the United States since 1963, and two doses have been recommended since 1989. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your doctor to have a test to check for measles immunity or to receive vaccination. The California confirmed cases reside in five local health jurisdictions (Alameda, Orange, Pasadena, Riverside, and San Diego) and range in age from 8 months to 21 years. Six cases were unvaccinated for measles (2 were too young to be vaccinated), and 1 had received appropriate vaccination (two doses of MMR vaccine). Several large contact investigations are ongoing. Health care providers treating patients with fever and a rash should consider measles, and ask patients about travel to international destinations and domestic venues that are popular with international travelers. More information about measles can be found on the CDPH website. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 On Monday, January 5th, the California Highway Patrol and Ventura County Fire responded to a traffic accident involving a double trailer big-rig carrying kale, and a Toyota Prius. At approximately 6:50pm the truck was coming out of a private driveway and the Toyota struck the first trailer tire. the driver of Toyota was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with moderate to major injuries. Highway 126 at Center Street was shut down for about an hour while the debris from the truck and the blockage was cleared. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Alfonso Vargas, Fillmore, 35 On the evening of New Year’s day, Alfonso Vargas attended a party on the 1100 block of Mockingbird. While at the party, he produced a hand gun and fired 4 to 6 shots into the backyard of the residence. Neighbors reported hearing the gun fire and called for police assistance. Deputies responded and identified Mr. Vargas as the suspect in the illegal shooting. Mr. Vargas was located at the party in possession of a semi-auto hand gun at the time the deputies made contact. Mr. Vargas was arrested and charged with 243.3(a) PC, Negligent Discharge of a Firearm and 30305 (a) (1) PC, A Person Prohibited from Possessing a Firearm. He was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Facility. The public is reminded that firing firearms in celebration of the holidays and other events is a crime and always dangerous. This is especially true in areas with greater population density like our cities and rural communities. Nature of Incident: Recklessly Discharging a Firearm During the Holiday Season 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Monica McGrath Commander Monica McGrath has been selected as the new Chief of Police for the City of Camarillo by City Manager Bruce Feng. McGrath will replace Commander Guy Stewart, who is being promoted to Assistant Sheriff and will lead the Sheriff’s Special Services Division and Detention Services Division. Commander McGrath is a 27-year member of the Sheriff’s Office. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, she attended Trenton State College and earned her bachelor’s degree in Administrative Business Management in 1985. Commander McGrath moved to Ventura in 1986 and joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1987. She spent a majority of her career working in the contract City of Camarillo in various positions such as patrol deputy, youth officer, detective sergeant, and as the captain of the station serving under then Commander Steve DeCesari. McGrath has also served as the Chief of Police in Fillmore. In addition her experience includes working as a sexual assault investigator, academy training officer, internal affairs investigator, property crimes detective sergeant, and overseeing patrol operations as a watch commander. She was promoted to the rank of commander in March 2014 and has been leading the West County Patrol Services Bureau, which includes the contract cities of Fillmore and Ojai, the Lockwood Valley Station, the Headquarters Station, the Sheriff’s Communication Center and the Office of Emergency Services. Throughout her career, Commander McGrath has been involved in many community based organizations including Rotary, Interface Children and Family Services, Executive Board Member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls Club, and serves on the Ventura County Community Commission. Some of her accomplishments involve working closely with the community based organization City Impact of Ventura County. Together, they applied for and were awarded grants to combat gang violence and to utilize intervention efforts to encourage at risk youth to stay away from the gang culture. In 2005, Commander McGrath graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. While assigned to Camarillo and working in various assignments through the rank of captain, she was awarded Rookie of the Year, Kiwanis Officer of the Year, and the Community Hero award from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Nature of Incident: New Chief of Police in the City of Camarillo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 A winter freeze hit much of the Ventura County over the New Year’s weekend, including Fillmore orchards. This orange tree on Grand Avenue show the extent of the damage. A Frost Advisory was announced Thursday, January 1st for 1:00am to 9:00am. Temperatures dipped into the 30s, as snow fell in Ventura’s backcountry. The National Weather Service reported, “With clear skies, light winds, and a cold, dry airmass still in polace, another cold night and morning is on tap for tonight into Friday morning.” Hard freeze warnings were issued “conditions will kill unprotected crops and sensitive vegetation.” Photo Courtesy Fechtner Farm. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 This sedan ended up in a ditch on Highway 23, Chambersburg Road, at Pasadena Avenue in Bardsdale, Monday at 1:30pm. The truck sustained frontend damage on the bumper. An ambulance was on scene. Minor injuries were reported by the CHP. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Fillmore Fire rescue crews responded to a traffic accident at Haines Canyon Road and East Telegraph (eastbound Highway 126), on Wednesday, December 30th, at 6:05pm. CHP reported that a semi-truck lost its side paneling, which may have added to the cause of the accident. A white Toyota Prius and white Honda were involved. Two vehicles sustained moderate damage. One person was trasnported to the hospital. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 5th, 2015
Police asking anyone with information to contact them
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Monday, January 5, 2015, at approximately 3:55 a.m. the Ventura County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a female resident of the location reporting her husband tried to set her on fire. Deputies from the Moorpark Patrol Station and Ventura County Fire Personnel responded and determined a fire occured. The woman suffered significant injuries and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The investigation is continuing. Detectives are actively seeking the suspect identified as Juan Soria Hernandez, described as a Hispanic male, 5'7", 200 lbs., black hair and brown eyes, and facial hair. Soria is believed to be driving a white, 2005 Ford F250 4x4, license 86644S1/CA (see attached photographs of suspect and vehicle). The truck has a white toolbox and fuel tank in the bed and large tires. Suspect has access to firearms. Anybody that sees the suspect or truck is urged to call 911. Anyone with information can contact Detective Peterson at (805) 384-4744. Nature of Incident: Attempt Murder 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). |
 The Fillmore Depot where the orientation will be held as it looked in 1911. Photo credit: Fillmore Historical Museum Archives Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Monday, January 5th, 2015
The Fillmore Historical Museum will be holding an orientation for new volunteers on Saturday, January 10th. Tours will be given beginning at 1 pm with the orientation starting at 2:00 pm in the Depot. Find out about volunteer opportunities at the museum including: docent (regular shift and/or special events), Fillmore history book project, oral history project, accessioning/data entry. gift shop, gardening/grounds upkeep, re-enactments and community outreach/museum in a suitcase. The Museum is located at 340 Main Street, Fillmore. For more information, call Fillmore Historical Museum 805-524-0948. |