California has released a new surveillance, prevention and care plan designed to dramatically reduce new HIV infections in the state, with the goal of eventually getting that number to zero. The “Getting to Zero” plan is a blueprint for state and local health departments and community organizations working to achieve a more coordinated statewide response to HIV.

“Thanks to better treatment and prevention options, new testing technology and better access to health care, California has reached a point where we can begin to envision the possibility of zero new HIV infections,” said California Department of Public Health Director State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “In a state as large as ours, it will take an incredible amount of coordination, innovation and work to make this vision a reality. This report lays the foundation for achieving our goals.”

The “Getting to Zero” plan was developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in coordination with local health officials, other state departments, medical and non-medical providers, and HIV community organizations and planning bodies. The report set four goals to be achieved by 2021. The four goals are to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care, reduce disparities in underserved communities and achieve a more coordinated statewide response to the HIV epidemic.

To achieve those goals, the report outlines 15 strategies and 12 key objectives that will be monitored on an annual basis by CDPH’s Office of AIDS. Some of the strategies include improving HIV testing and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization, enhancing availability of HIV care and increasing community collaboration and involvement.

“This comprehensive plan reinforces the state’s ongoing commitment to address the HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Karen Mark, Chief of the Office of AIDS at CDPH. “This commitment includes supporting people living with HIV, reducing the rate of new infections, and recognizing that not all communities have been equally impacted by this epidemic, and making those most at risk a high priority.”

The full Laying a Foundation for Getting to Zero: California’s Integrated HIV Surveillance, Prevention and Care Plan report and Executive Summary are available on CDPH’s website.

www.cdph.ca.gov

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The Ventura County Sheriff Explorer Van was sponsored by Rotary Club of Fillmore, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, and many others.
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The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958 was reactivated in 2010, by Deputy Leo Vazquez, Commander Tim Hagel, and Captain Dave Wareham, with only 6 interested Explores. Fast forward 6 years later and the Post has 32 Explorers enrolled and continues to grow.

The Explorers are tasked with community events in the city of Fillmore, unincorporated areas of Ventura County and other cities within the County of Ventura. Some of the community events are: Fillmore and Piru Christmas Parades, Fillmore High School Parades, toy drives and giveaways, Shop with a Cop in Camarillo, Camarillo Air Show, and Moorpark Safety Days at Underwood Farms, just to name a few. These events stress the importance of planning, teamwork, and coordination of resources.

In order for the Post to attend all of the community events, the Post has had to carpool in privately owned vehicles. Up to 5 vehicles may have been needed when attending any Explorer function, and it was often overwhelming trying to find a ride for everyone. Some of our Explorers come from low income families and it's amazing to find a program where students/explorers can gain so much knowledge, guidance, and self-confidence without worrying about burdening their parents’ financial situations.

The Post is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that depends on donations in order to be successful. This past year, the Post has been planning to purchase a passenger van. Being able to purchase a van would be a great asset to the Post, as it would help transport Explorers to community events, meetings, and training events, both within the county and out of state. The Post held multiple fundraisers and received donations from various organizations within the city of Fillmore and County of Ventura. With the hard work and dedication of the Post Advisors, they were able to purchase a passenger van for the Post.

The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958 would like to thank the following organizations for their generous donations and making this purchase possible: Fillmore Rotary Club, Bank of the Sierra, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, Ventura County Sheriff's Foundation, Fillmore Women's Club, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and SBR Signs for the van wrap.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer program consists of young men and women, 14 (and completed 8th grade) to 21, who have an interest in learning more about a career in Law Enforcement. The Explorer program provides law enforcement experiences, leadership opportunities, educational training, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens in their communities and the nation.

If you would like more information about the Law Enforcement Explorer program, please contact your local Police Department.

Fillmore Police Department 805-524-2233
Camarillo Police Department 805-388-5100
Moorpark Police Department 805-532-2700
Headquarters Patrol Station 805-654-2890
Ojai Police Department 805-646-1414
Thousand Oaks Police Department 805-494-8200

City Manager David Rowlands presenting 3 Beacon Awards to Fillmore Mayor Diane McCall.

The Fillmore City Council received 3 Beacon awards last night from the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative. The City was recognized for energy savings with a platinum award, and a gold for Best Practices Activities, and a silver award for greenhouse gasses reduction.

Dave Smallwood discussed the city's serious drought problem and the continued importance of water conservation.

The Council also approved an ordinance adding requirements for personal cultivation of marijuana in the event Proposition 64 (recreational use of marijuana) should pass on November 8.

A letter to CalTrans opposing the proposal for a round-about on Highway 126 was approved. It is thought that such a project would unduly and dangerously congest the flow of traffic at that location.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Monday, October 31, is Halloween. Most children will be out wearing their favorite costume and visiting homes in your neighborhood. Please remember there are issues when children in costumes are mixed with darkness and vehicles.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to offer the following safety tips to keep your children safe:
For Parents and Children:

• Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

• Children should never enter homes to get candy or go near a vehicle offering candy.

• Stay in a well-lit and well populated area.

• Set a time for your children to be home and have them check in frequently.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk; don't run, across the street.

For Drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.

• Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Costumes and Treats

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility.

• Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup.

• Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers.

• Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.

On average, twice as many kids are killed or injured while walking on Halloween as compared to any other day of the year. This year let’s not make your child one of them.

Nature of Incident: Halloween Safety
Location: Citywide
Date & Time: October 31, 2016
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: October 25, 2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
(805) 947-8255 – tim.lohman@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain James Fryhoff

Decorative contact lense

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses.

“Wearing any kind of contact lens, including decorative lenses, without proper consultation of an eye care professional can cause serious injury,” Dr. Smith said. “The risks include infection, ulcers, decreased vision, cuts or scratches to the surface of the eye, itchiness or redness. If these conditions are left untreated, the injuries can progress rapidly. In severe cases, blindness and eye loss can occur.”

The sale of contact lenses without a prescription is illegal. Only Board of Optometry licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists are authorized to prescribe and dispense prescription contact lenses. Medical Board of California registered opticians and optical shops are authorized to fill contact lens prescriptions.

Decorative contact lenses are intended to temporarily change the appearance of the eye, but do not correct vision. Advertised as color, cosmetic, fashion and theatrical contact lenses, they are especially popular around Halloween. Decorative contact lenses are typically sold at beauty supply and novelty stores.

Consumers who have experienced any injury or illness with decorative contact lenses should contact their health care provider. Consumers can report the illegal sale of decorative contact lenses without a prescription to CDPH’s Food and Drug Branch Hotline at 1-800-495-3232 to initiate an investigation.

www.cdph.ca.gov

American Red Cross of Ventura County

Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

For blood donor Katie Osorio, giving a little bit of time is worth it because she’s giving someone a chance at life. “Someone’s mother, brother, sister, father or the love of someone’s life has been given back to their loved ones all because I gave something that I could. It takes so little from me and gives a world back to another.”

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). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Ventura

Moorpark
11/2/2016: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road

Simi Valley
11/3/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Apollo High School, 3150 School Street
11/11/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
11/7/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
11/10/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road

Ventura
11/15/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., EP Foster Library, 651 E Main Street

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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

City of Fillmore

The Fillmore City Council has approved a rate hike on water-sewer rates which, on average, will cost consumers more than $100 per month in 2017.

Homeowners have 45 days to object to the rate hike before they go into effect next year and stay in effect for the next 5 years. Notifications of the increase will be sent to homeowners by mail and will include instructions on how to formally object to the action. Prior to a final vote by the Council, hearings will be held in December and January. It is reported that "The rate for standard residential sewer service will rise 12 percent in 2017 and 5 percent per year from 2018 through 2021. The current rate is $92.29 per month. Water rates for residential customers are scheduled to increase 2 percent in 2017, and 5 percent per year from 2018 through 2021".

The rate hike is due to the city's having to pay-off its new, mandated, sewer plant bonds. Reports state the city council explained that the steep rate hike is due to the fact that the city has put off increases until recently. The rate must increase to handle the bond load. If the bonds are not paid according to contract bond rates will rise as well.

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Hello Fillmore Unified School District community and Flashes Alumni! Who loves a Parade? Especially the Fillmore High Homecoming Parade. This is the best, small town, 20 minute parade this side of the Mississippi. Downtown Fillmore will be closed to traffic on Central from Sespe Avenue to Main Street starting at 5:00pm so food vendors can set up. Vendors include Oh My Gosh Hot Dogs, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Amici Pizza, and El Pescador Resturant. Tables and chairs will be placed in front of vendors so all can sit and eat. This all starts at 6:00pm. The parade starts at 6:45 at 2nd Street and Central and ends at Main Street. The Floats will stop on Central near the Town Theater and stay there for everyone to view. Event ends at 9:00pm. Our High School Alma Mater is over 100 years old. Let's Celebrate! Go Flashes!!

Sergio Torres, Sebastian Pujols and Bobby Santarosa. Not pictured John Stines.
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According to the “Fillmore Herald” Newspaper, published December 28, 1923, a new garden club was organized that would function as a County wide garden club. The mission would be, “to promote interest in the subject of gardening and to foster community beautification through district projects.”

This Ventura County Garden Club has continued to function and serve out its purpose by providing labor, funds or items each year to the communities represented by its membership. These communities include Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ventura, Oak View, Ojai, Camarillo, Oxnard and Somis in rotation. This time Fillmore is the recipient of $200 + dollars and Teresa Reese, vice president for the club’s 2015-2016 term chose to purchase plants for a butterfly garden at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley-Fillmore site on First Street and a smaller project at the One Step A La Vez location.

Three different types of lavender, celosia, rosemary, alyssum and native milkweed have been planted with the boys providing the labor.

Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee contributed $25 to purchase rails for completing a bench that was donated by Teresa Reese, so the young people could have a place to sit and enjoy their garden. “We are fortunate to have the support of so many groups and citizens in the community. Thank you to the Ventura County Garden Club for the wonderful donation. The children were excited to help with the planting.” stated Ari Larson, board president of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (serving the cities of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula). For more information on the Ventura County Garden Club and/or the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley please call Linda Nunes at 805.302.7527 and 805.525.7910 respectively.

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard is searching for three possible missing boaters near Santa Cruz Island, Wednesday.
At 8 p.m., Tuesday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor received a call from a woman, reporting that her husband had left out of Ventura Harbor with two other boaters, the owner/operator and his wife, Saturday, October 8, 2016. She reported that they were heading to Santa Cruz Island in the 35-foot sailing vessel, Tenacious and were scheduled to return Tuesday.

The Coast Guard Command Center in Los Angeles – Long Beach immediately launched a HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Forward Operating Base Point Mugu, along with the Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, homeported in Channel Islands Harbor to search for the missing boaters.

The passenger was last in contact with his wife on Sunday around 4:30 p.m.

If anyone has any information, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Command Center at (310) 521-3805.

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today published its newest Top 500 Delinquent Taxpayers list, which includes individuals and businesses that collectively owe the state more than $394 million in income tax.

In August, FTB sent letters to taxpayers scheduled to appear on the list. Of these taxpayers, 96 made arrangements to pay their tax debt. Another 296 individuals and 108 businesses did not pay, resulting in their inclusion on the list.

The Top 500 list is published in April and in October. Since the list’s inception in 2007, FTB has collected more than $582 million through the program. Delinquent taxpayers on the list face an array of consequences:

• A professional or occupational license may be suspended until the tax bill is resolved (licenses are noted on the FTB list).
• The driver's license of the taxpayer may be suspended until the tax bill is resolved.
• The taxpayer is prohibited from entering into contracts with state agencies for the acquisition of goods or services.
• The names and titles of principal corporate officers are published on the FTB list.

FTB removes a name from the list once the debt is paid, or once the taxpayer agrees to make payments under an approved agreement or compromise. Tax liabilities for which the persons liable have filed for bankruptcy protection are not included on the FTB list.

Individual taxpayers on the list can call 888.426.8555 to resolve their accounts. Business taxpayers can call 888.426.8751.

The Board of Equalization has a similar list of the state’s top sales and use tax debtors, which is updated quarterly.

FTB administers two of California's major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. FTB also administers other non tax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. Annually, FTB’s tax programs collect more than 70 percent of the state’s general fund. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit taxes.ca.gov.

For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit: taxes.ca.gov

On September 28th, 2016, investigators concluded a month long investigation into a gang-related conspiracy to sell methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin throughout Ventura County. As a result of the investigation, nine subjects were arrested for various charges, including narcotics and weapons related offenses.

In September of 2016, investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oxnard Police Department learned that Gerardo Vargas, a Fillmore gang member with Mexican Mafia ties, and Alfred Estrada, a Ventura gang member, were involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin for the benefit of the Mexican Mafia. Investigators discovered Vargas sold the drugs to lower-level drug dealers, who sold the drugs to drug users in Ventura County.

As a result of the information discovered during the investigation, detectives authored several search warrants for locations in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. During the execution of those search warrants, investigators seized nearly four pounds of methamphetamine, over one pound of cocaine, over four ounces of heroin, four firearms, including two assault weapons, and two ballistic vests.

The following arrests were made during the investigation:

• Gerardo Vargas – Conspiracy, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, sale of a controlled substance, possession for sale of a controlled substance and participation in a street gang.

• Enrique Navarette – Conspiracy, possession for sale of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

• Osvaldo Medina – Conspiracy and transportation/sale of a controlled substance.

• Gilberto Vargas – Possession for sale of a controlled substance.

• Maria Vargas – Possession for sale of a controlled substance.

• Raul Hernandez – Conspiracy • Gilberto Gomez – Conspiracy and transportation/sale of a controlled substance

• Alfred Estrada – Conspiracy, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and participation in a street gang.

• Jessie Rodriguez – Conspiracy and transportation/sale of a controlled substance.

All of the subjects were booked at the Main Jail and are awaiting further criminal proceedings in the Ventura County Superior Court.

Nature of Incident: Gang Members Arrested for Narcotics Trafficking / Weapons Possession
Report Number: Various
Location: Various Locations Throughout Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
Date & Time: September 28, 2016
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Oxnard Police Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Redidence   Age 
Gerardo Vargas, Fillmore, 34
Enrique Navarette, Fillmore, 48 
Osvaldo Medina, Fillmore, 29
Gilberto Vargas, Fillmore, 50 
Maria Vargas, Fillmore, 56
Raul Hernandez, Fillmore, 49 
Gilberto Gomez, Fillmore, 56
Alfred Estrada, Ventura, 44
Jessie Rodriguez, Los Angeles, 36
Prepared by: Sergeant Eric Tennessen
News Release Date: October 3, 2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Jeremy Bramlette 805-384-4771
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas