Cal Fire

Sacramento, CA – Expected triple digit temperatures, low humidity and breezy winds have elevated the fire danger over the next several days, prompting CAL FIRE to increase its staffing across many parts of Northern California. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning due to the heightened fire danger starting Friday afternoon and lasting through Saturday evening for parts of Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Lake and Colusa Counties. On Sunday in the higher country, dry thunderstorms and lightning are possible in the Northern, Central and Eastern Sierra Nevadas.

With the increased potential for new fires, CAL FIRE has brought on additional firefighters to staff extra equipment during the high risk days. “While we are hoping we can make it through the next couple of days with minimal fire activity, we are prepared to respond if Mother Nature doesn’t agree,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “With approximately 94 percent of our wildfires being human caused, we are strongly urging the public to be extra careful and to take the proper steps to prevent wildfires.”

Since January 1, CAL FIRE has responded to over 2,100 wildfires across California that have charred over 50,000 acres. Fire activity remains significantly higher than average; typically by this time of year CAL FIRE would have responded to only about 1,100 wildfires with 8,000 acres burned.

During the Red Flag Warning, CAL FIRE urges all Californians to exercise extreme caution outdoors in order to prevent wildfires. A few helpful reminders and fire prevention tips include:

Don’t mow or weed eat dry grass on windy days
Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely
Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass
Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it’s windy
Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters

For more ways to help prevent and prepare for wildfires visit ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.

Mr. Briney may have health problems. He is described as a 66-year-old Caucasian male who stands 5’-5” tall, with grey hair, and blue eyes. Mr. Briney was last seen wearing a black baseball style cap, a black leather jacket, blue jeans, and brown moccasin style shoes.

Missing 66-year-old Fillmore Resident. Mr. Briney was last seen on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at approximately 4:30 P.M. at Henry Mayo Hospital in Valencia. Mr. Briney provided transportation for a friend who was admitted to the hospital. Mr. Briney was expected to drive home in his green 1999 Dodge Neon 2 door sedan (Lic #4HMN849).

Mr. Briney may have health problems. He is described as a 66-year-old Caucasian male who stands 5’-5” tall, with grey hair, and blue eyes. Mr. Briney was last seen wearing a black baseball style cap, a black leather jacket, blue jeans, and brown moccasin style shoes.

If you have seen Mr. Briney, or know his whereabouts, please contact Detective John Fox.

Nature of Incident: Missing Person At Risk
Report Number: 13-12565
Location: City of Fillmore
Date & Time: June 6, 2013 / 4:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol / Investigations Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Gary Carl Briney Fillmore 66
Prepared by: Detective John Fox
Media Release Date: June 8, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Detective John Fox (805) 947-9391. John.fox@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

City of Fillmore

At the City Council meeting of Tuesday, June 11, the City Council will consider the appointment of David Rowlands to the position of City Manager. Rowlands, 45, is currently the City Manager in Clayton, Ohio, where he has served for over twelve years, and was a Deputy City Manager in Novato, California prior to that. Clayton is a City of approximately 14,000 residents with a full-time staff of 32, including its own Police and Fire Departments.

The appointment of Rowlands and the recommended approval will be the culmination of an extensive national search for a permanent City Manager to replace Yvonne Quiring who resigned in September of last year to take an Assistant City Manager position in Northern California. Rigo Landeros, Fillmore's Fire Chief was named Acting City Manager when Quiring left while the City Council undertook a national search for her permanent replacement. Over 60 candidates applied for the position and the City Council was involved in an extensive interview and background process for the top candidates. The City Council has been particularly impressed during the interview and background process with Rowlands' proven record of bringing his community together on issues, his fiscal acumen, and his solid commitment to ethics and open government.

If the contract is approved by the City Council, Rowlands will start in Fillmore on August 12 and will earn a salary of $159,000 annually. He will pay the full employee share of his retirement and social security contributions, and will be subject to a new maximum retirement benefit adopted by the State last year.

Attached to this release is the proposed employment agreement.

Rick Neal, Mayor
City of Fillmore

[Employment Agreement Attachment]
CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CITY OF FILLMORE & DAVID WAYNE ROWLANDS
This City Manager Employment Agreement (“Agreement”), is made and entered into the 11th day of June, 2013 by and between the City of Fillmore of California, a municipal corporation (“City"), and David Wayne Rowlands ("City Manager").

A G R E E M E N T
1.0 EMPLOYMENT & DUTIES; AB1344
1.1 General Terms. City hereby CONTINUED »

VENTURA COUNTY, CA - As previously reported, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has warned consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries sold through Costco stores, and possibly other retail outlets, as they have been linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections. Ventura County now has its first documented case of hepatitis A associated with the frozen berry blend. The affected individual is a male who used the product in preparing a smoothie. He has been ill at home for about 2 weeks and has not required hospitalization.

He is among over 40 cases that are being investigated nationwide. Three of these individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. In California, seven confirmed illnesses in persons who consumed this product have been reported from Humboldt, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino (2), San Diego, and now, Ventura counties.

People who are CONTINUED »

The suspect from the February incident (S1) is described as a Hispanic male, between 35 and 45 years old. He was between 5’8” and 6’0” tall with a large belly. He was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. He was further described as having a round face with “chubby cheeks” and discolored teeth. Sketch “S1” is a depiction of the suspect.
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The suspect from the May incident (S2) was described as a White male, between 20 and 30 years old. He was about 5’7” tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt, and dark sunglasses. Sketch “S2” is a depiction of the suspect.
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On the mornings of February 26, 2013 and May 20, 2013, sexual assaults were reported in the area of Santa Paula Street and Peck Road. Both assaults occurred in the unincorporated area, west of the City of Santa Paula. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying these suspects.

The suspect from the February incident (S1) is described as a Hispanic male, between 35 and 45 years old. He was between 5’8” and 6’0” tall with a large belly. He was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. He was further described as having a round face with “chubby cheeks” and discolored teeth. Sketch “S1” is a depiction of the suspect.

The suspect from the May incident (S2) was described as a White male, between 20 and 30 years old. He was about 5’7” tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt, and dark sunglasses. Sketch “S2” is a depiction of the suspect.

Residents in the area are cautioned to be aware of any suspicious subjects in the area. Anyone having information about the assaults or the possible suspects is urged to contact Detective Christine Rettura (805-384-4741, christine.rettura@ventura.org) or Detective Matt Delahuerta (805-384-4740, matt.delahuerta@ventura.org). In emergency situations, always call 911.

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).

Nature of Incident: UPDATE on Santa Paula Area Sexual Assault Incidents
Report Number: 13-11162
Location: Santa Paula Street at Peck Road, Unincorporated Area of Santa Paula
Date & Time: May 20, 2013
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S1) Unknown Male, 35-45
(S2) Unknown Male, 20-30
Prepared by: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Media Release Date: May 31, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Christine Rettura
(805) 384-4741, christine.rettura@ventura.org
Detective Matt Delahuerta
(805) 384-4740, matt.delahuerta@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

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The Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day 2013 was celebrated by the community of Fillmore on another one of those beautiful days so often enjoyed in the Santa Clara Valley! This Memorial Day was the 148th celebration by Americans since 1865, originally Decorations Day, to honor those Americans that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Memorial Day Ceremony began at 11:00 AM with opening remarks by Trustee Dick Diaz of the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial District. Other Trustees present were Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin and Gabe Asenas, Trustees. President of the Board, Scott Lee was unable to attend.

The American Flag was then raised and lowered to half staff by Fillmore Post 9637 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406 and Cub Scout Troop 3400 who then led the approximate 125 people in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the Bardsdale Church Choir, Pat Morris, Bob Morris, Carolyn Diaz, Barbara Peterson, Lin Thomas, Bill Brunet, Ralph Duchacek and Choir Director Marsha Porter, sang two beautiful songs; America the Beautiful and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The songs were sang, a capella, and those gathered were encouraged to participate.

The Memorial Day Message was presented by the Guest Speaker, Fillmore Resident and active duty United States Army Sergeant Carlos Martinez. Sergeant Martinez is a native of Ventura County, born in Oxnard, raised in Ventura and has lived in Fillmore since 2007. Sergeant Martinez has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Channel Islands in Liberal Studies with a minor in History. He is married to Paige Lenee, originally of Santa Paula and they have three children, Noah, Kylene and Kirah. He is also a member of the Fillmore VFW Post 9637. Sergeant Martinez has been deployed three times; 2007-2008 Baghdad, Iraq, 2008-2009 Kirkuk, Iraq and 2011-2012 Nangahar Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Martinez reminded us that we should remember those who not only have made the “ultimate sacrifice,” but to remember those who have served, or are now serving.

The placing of the wreath was presented by VFW Post 9637 Members Bill Brunet and Vic Westerberg. The Memorial Day Service was presented by the Reverend Bob Hammond of the St. Stephens Anglican Church. Reverend Hammond, also a Veteran, inspired those in attendance with his Memorial Service and personal reflections of what Memorial Day means to him.

The “Reading of the Names of Those Who Have Died in the Service of Country” from the Fillmore-Piru area up to and including the Vietnam War was read by VFW Post 9637 Member Albert Rosette and hand bell tone was announced after the reading of each name by Rita Rudkin. The VFW Post 9637 Gun Volley followed. Taps, as he has for many years at both the Piru and Fillmore Memorial Day Services, was performed by local resident Bob Thompson. At the conclusion of the Ceremony the Release of Doves was conducted by Garcia Mortuary.

The Bardsdale Cemetery Board of Trustees would like to thank the Fillmore Post 9637, Commander Jim Rogers, Members Colin Cranny, Tom Ivey, Al Rosette, Bill Brunet, Vic Westerberg, Jim Mills, John Pressey, Ismael Alonzo, Richard Tansey and Peter Aguirre for their many years of participation in both the Piru and Bardsdale Memorial Day Ceremonies, Bardsdale Church Choir, Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bardsdale 4H for the placing and removing of the American Flags, Fillmore Chapter GY PEO for the home baked cookies. Bardsdale Manager Doug Basolo and his staff for the beautiful setting and maintaining of the Bardsdale Cemetery.