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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
 Building official Michael McGivney and Stephen Stuart from Santa Paula addressed the Council with the most recent edition of the California Building Codes. The March 22, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting continued on until half past eleven as Council grappled with discussions of the next 2011-2012 budget with its projected cuts to services. Also on the agenda were the new State Building Codes, Southern California Association of Governments Integrated Growth Forecasting, installing a side entrance gate for access to Fillmore High School’s running track, and a proposal for a town hall meeting. The Council had their work cut out for them in tackling the midyear budget review and the upcoming Fiscal Year 2012. Some of what the Council can and cannot do pertains to Proposition 26 passed by California voters in November 2010. Proposition 26 changed the requirements when cities attempt to adjust certain fees and charges. Fillmore like most California cities is facing budget problems. Financial Advisor Anita Lawrence, in her last work preformed for the City, presented the Council with the 2010/11 Midyear Budget Review, which was not good news. The bottom line is the General Fund does not have sufficient revenue to support basic Public Safety Services, which means City service levels will have to change. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Contract with the City is expected to cost $3.4 million, an increase of 5%, plus other police Services and Fire Service each costing $800,000, bringing the total for Public Safety Services to $5 million. The current 2010-2011 budget which ends June 30th will have a balance of $1 million to roll over to the next budget which starts July 1st. The debt service payments (money borrowed) are escalating leaving the General Fund with baseline expenditures over $7.4 million and expected revenues coming in to equal less than $4.2 million, resulting in a $3.2 million structural gap. Council Member Steve Conaway told CONTINUED » |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
City of Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros has announced the formation of a Foundation to help with accomplishing the many community service goals he has for the City of Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department. The nearly 100-year old Fire Department has operated primarily as an all Volunteer Fire Department since the Fire Department was established in 1914. Since that time the Fire Department has professionalized and grown to five full-time paid positions and 65 volunteer positions. The Fillmore Volunteer Firefighters Foundation (Foundation) is a newly formed organization with a pending application seeking IRS 501(c) (3) tax exempt non-profit status. The Foundation will be governed by a five member board of directors living within the Fillmore Community. The Foundation's mission is to assist with providing community education of fire prevention and general public safety programs for the residents of Fillmore. The Foundation will also encourage and support community charitable outreach, such as the Annual Christmas Toy Drive and Chicken Dinner, inspecting and installing of smoke detectors and replacement of defective smoke detectors within Fillmore homes and conduct programs such as the Stop! Drop! and Roll! presentations within the Fillmore Unified School District schools. Another program that will be shared with the Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406 will be to foster and encourage patriotism through the donations of United States of America Flags to our schools and assist in the proper disposal of retired United States of America Flags. Following the theme of patriotism the Foundation will participate in the existing grant program for the purchase of the Military Banners that are placed within the Fillmore Community recognizing those Fillmore Military Members that are currently serving. Scott Beylik, Foundation Board President indicates the Foundation has an active agenda planned for the upcoming year. The Foundation will establish an Annual Honorary Member of the Foundation Dinner. There are plans ongoing for recognizing the Ten-Year Anniversary of the tragic events on September 11, 2001 occurring in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.. There will also be a 100-Year celebration of the establishment of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department to be held in 2014 and planning for that celebration is in progress. In conjunction with that celebration there are two historic vehicles the Foundation would like to restore; a 1946 Ford Panel Fire vehicle and a 1953 GMC fire truck. Funding for the Foundation's goals will come from fund-raising, donations, and both public and private grants. Not waiting around for CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
 A small tree on C Street was blown down Saturday during the heavy rain storm. City workers quickly cleared the street. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 15, 2011, at about 10:22 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle for equipment violations. The driver was identified as James Alvarez 24, and his passenger was identified as David Gomez 21. During the traffic stop, deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Alvarez and Gomez were removed from the vehicle for further investigation and a pat-down was conducted of their persons. During the pat-down search, deputies found two loaded handguns concealed in Gomez’ waistband. Gomez and Alvarez are documented gang members from Fillmore. Gomez and Alvarez were both arrested for possession of a loaded handgun and active participation in a criminal street gang. They were both transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Although the cases of identity theft in the United States have decreased in 2010, criminals are still finding new ways to steal information. An example is the use of a credit card skimmer. Skimmers read magnetic stripe on the credit card and store this information in the skimmer. Credit card skimmers are now as small as a quarter. Some of these skimmers are placed on ATM’s and inside gas pumps. Criminals use the information obtained from the credit card skimmer to make new credit cards and then charge hundreds to thousand of dollars on a victim’s stolen credit card. This type of illegal behavior is not unique to Camarillo and has become a worldwide problem. The Camarillo Police Department is incorporating a program to help combat the placement of illegal credit card skimmers at gas station pumps. The Camarillo Police Department has a dedicated group of volunteers who staff our Citizen Patrol Unit who will be periodically checking the gas station pumps at participating gas stations in the City of Camarillo for credit card skimmers. The new program is designed to deter as well as detect the use of illegally placed skimmers at gas station pumps. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Deputy Sean Britt at 805-388-5130. Location: City of Camarillo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 22, 2011, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 20th through March 26th as Tsunami Awareness Week in Ventura County. Tsunami Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to encourage individuals to be prepared for tsunamis through education and awareness. Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, referenced recent events in Japan in her presentation to encourage local residents to be prepared. "Strong ground shaking, a loud ocean roar, or the water receding unusually far and exposing the sea floor are all nature's warnings that a tsunami may be coming," said Hernandez. The County of Ventura also announced that it is currently in the process of obtaining Tsunami Ready certification from the National Weather Service. Part of this process requires that jurisdictions place tsunami-warning signs along the coast within the tsunami hazard areas. “A public comment period will be opened within the next month to address questions or concerns regarding the installation of the tsunami hazard signs along the coast,” said Erin Slack, Alert and Warning Coordinator for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services also will be disseminating tsunami preparedness materials to residents within the potential tsunami inundation zone. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov or the County of Ventura Disaster Information page at www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation. Location: County of Ventura |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
 Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC) When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. As a result, the best method of handling a disaster is not to react to it, but to prepare for it before it occurs. That is the purpose of the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC). Made up of representatives from city, county and local government agencies, along with non-profit and other organizations, the EPC is responsible for coordinating and developing emergency management plans for the county. The recent catastrophic events in Japan are a clear demonstration of the need for this kind of advance planning. Not only does the county need to be prepared for a disaster that occurs here, but also for one that strikes elsewhere and may have an impact on the county. While Ventura County escaped any significant damage from Japan’s earthquake or the tsunami it generated, advance planning by the EPC ensured there were systems in place should the county be affected. Even now, agency members of the EPC are monitoring radiation levels to ensure the county is prepared in the unlikely event that radiation released in Japan reaches dangerous levels here. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) operates three radiation monitors in Southern California for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including one at Fire Station 21 in Ojai. The SCAQMD is posting daily radiation monitoring updates on their website: http://www.aqmd.gov. The Ventura County Health Care Agency is also closely watching radiation levels to determine if any protective actions are necessary. Medical Director Robert M. Levin, M.D., has prepared a radiation fact sheet for Ventura County residents but cautions there is no risk expected for the county. “We urge our county’s residents not to take potassium iodide as a precautionary measure,” he said. “Taken inappropriately, it can have serious side effects. If we become aware of a radiation threat to our county’s residents, we will recommend protective actions.” In addition, local law enforcement and fire agencies, along with city, school and county government organizations have also developed contingency plans in case the need should arise. But, as a group, the EPC reminds residents that preparation is the most effective means of dealing with a disaster. “Preparation begins with you,” said EPC chairwoman Linda Parks. “If everyone does their part to plan for a disaster, the county will be ready if it occurs. The EPC is here to help all our residents to achieve that goal.” Questions regarding the EPC may be referred to Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of Emergency Services, at 805-654-2552. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov or the County of Ventura Disaster Information page at www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation. Administrator Preparing Release: Cynthia Elliott, OES Program Administrator (805) 654-3655 and Bill Nash, Ventura County Fire Public Information and Marketing Officer (805) 389-9746 Date & Time: March 21, 2011 at 8:00 AM |
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By Bob Crum — Monday, March 21st, 2011
Story and photos by Bob Crum
 Preparing to lower the measuring device of Old Telegraph Road bridge into Sespe Creek. Enlarge Photo  (l-r) Matt Melchiorsen and Mike Gaedeke readjusting the Price AA stream flow measuring device above the lead weight. Seeing spots? Relax. Your eyes are OK. The spots are water drops on the lens. It was raining! Enlarge Photo  Graph of stream height measured at monitoring station upstream from Old Telegraph Road. Enlarge Photo Mother Nature roared... poured... and Sespe Creek did rise. And it's flowing a shade of muddy chocolate. Being the biggest rain “event” since 2005, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) dispatched a crew from Santa Maria to measure... and document... the creek stream flow. Scientifically speaking... discharge is the volume of water moving down a stream per unit of time, commonly expressed in cubic feet per second or gallons per day. In general, creek discharge is computed by multiplying the area of water in a channel cross section by the average velocity of the water in that cross section. The method used by the USGS team on Sunday 3/20/11 was the current-meter method. They first tied a string marked in one-foot increments across the Old Telegraph Road bridge. Every eight feet or so... they lowered a Price AA measuring current meter suspended above a heavy lead weight. The Price AA current meter has a wheel of six metal cups that revolve around a vertical axis. An electronic signal is transmitted by the meter on each revolution allowing the revolutions to be counted and timed. Because the rate at which the cups revolve is directly related to the velocity of the water, the times revolutions are used to determine the water velocity. The reading was taken at about every eight feed across the entire width of Sespe Creek. According to Matthew Scrudato of the Santa Maria USGS field office, measurements are taken during major weather events in order to maintain data relative to stream capacity compared to base level flows, stream flow shifts, creek bed shifts and other related data. Scrudato emphasized that the USGS is a data collecting agency – not a managerial agency. The data they collect is used by a several agencies involved in flood stages and control, stream bed shifts and the like. In case you're wondering, the stream flow under the Old Telegraph Road bridge at 5 PM, 3/20/11, measured 35,700 cubic feet per second. That is a lot of water. But not as much as the creek flow of 2005. Use this url to monitor the USGS creek flow monitoring station #11113000 in Fillmore.. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/current/?type=flow&group_key=NONE&sear... |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 21st, 2011
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) OAKLAND, Calif. - With many communities throughout the nation facing threats of spring flooding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are once again joining forces to commemorate Flood Safety Awareness Week March 14 - 18. FEMA and NOAA's National Weather Service are providing tips and information to help individuals and families prepare for flooding dangers during the week and throughout the spring season. The resources can be accessed at the Flood Safety Awareness Week landing page, located at www.ready.gov/floodawareness. "As the nation's most common and expensive natural disaster, floods can strike virtually every community," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "We're encouraging individuals and families to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their property. These include learning about their risk of flooding, having an emergency preparedness kit, storing important documents in a safe place and considering the purchase of flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flooding, and most policies take 30 days to go into effect so it's important to act now." Floods do more than damage property; they can also threaten lives if safety precautions are not followed. "Floods occur somewhere in the United States or its territories nearly every day of the year, killing nearly 100 people on average annually and causing damage in the billions of dollars," said Jack Hayes, Ph.D., director of the National Weather Service. "Awareness, preparedness and action are the key ingredients to protecting lives and property when floods threaten. One essential safety tip is to never cross a road that is covered by water. Remember, Turn Around, Don't Drown." According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding each year, than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. All areas of the country can be at risk for flooding and when such conditions are forecast, important information and life-saving alerts are available at www.weather.gov. More than half of all flood-related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Remember flash flooding can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop. Be prepared to take detours and adjust your route due to road closures if there is standing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Flood water may be much deeper than it appears as theroadbed may be washed out. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. In most cases, standard homeowner's insurance policies don't cover flood damages. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available to renters, homeowners, and business owners through thousands of insurance agents located in nearly 21,000 communities around the nation. Flood coverage can be purchased for properties both in, and outside of, the highest risk areas but should be considered regardless of where you live since 20 percent of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas. The average cost of a policy is $570 a year, and Preferred Risk Policies outside of SFHAs can be as low as $129 a year. Individuals can learn more about seasonal flood risks and what to do to prepare by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) FloodSmart.gov Web site, or by calling 1-800-427-2419. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 21st, 2011
All six Search Dog Foundation teams deployed to Japan return home safely
All six Search Dog Foundation teams deployed to Japan to help with the search efforts returned safely home last night, including local teams Eric & Riley, Linda & Joe This was SDF’s 76th deployment, and the first international deployment for Search Teams Eric Gray & Riley and Linda Tacconelli & Joe. The other four SDF teams deployed to Japan—Ron Horetski & Pearl, Bill Monahan & Hunter, Jasmine Segura & Cadillac, and Gary Durian & Baxter—are veterans of the January 2010 Haiti earthquake deployment where they helped bring 12 people to safety. SDF HANDLER ERIC GRAY: SDF FOUNDER WILMA MELVILLE: |
