On July 5, 2016, at approximately 12:43 AM, a traffic collision occurred resulting in a fatality in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, on State Route (SR)126, west of Hopper Canyon Road.

Richard Jay Gutman, 53 years old, of Leona Valley, was driving a 2013 Nissan Sentra with two passengers. The Nissan was traveling eastbound in the #2 lane of SR-126 west of Hopper Canyon Road. Mr. Pedro Santiagolemus, 26 years old, of Arvin, was driving a 2008, Hino two axle box truck attempting to merge onto eastbound SR-126 from northbound SS&J Road (farming road approximately .3 miles west of Hopper Canyon). For reasons still under investigation, the Hino box truck turned right (eastbound) from northbound SS&J Road into the #2 lane of eastbound SR-126, directly into the path of the Nissan. The right front passenger side of the Nissan struck the left rear of the Hino box truck, partially collapsing the passenger compartment. The right front passenger, Mrs. Audrey Gutman, 52 years old, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Mrs. Gutman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The two other occupants of the Nissan, Mr. Gutman and Thomas Belsheim, 53 years old, of Canoga Park, sustained minor injuries consisting of abrasions to their collar bone area from their seat belts. Mr. Gutman and Mr. Belsheim were treated on scene by Ventura County Fire Paramedics and were released on scene. Mr. Santiagolemus was treated and released by Paramedics on scene without injuries.

This incident resulted in the closure of the #1 and #2 eastbound lanes and the #1 westbound lane of SR-126 for approximately three and a half hours. The #2 westbound lane of SR-126 was used to alternate traffic through the scene. The Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and assisted with traffic control.

This collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Moorpark Area Office. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP's Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.

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There were seven classes in the CERT course and each class lasted about 2 ½ hours with a total of 20 hours of training. The topics covered included: Introduction to CERT, General Emergency Preparedness and Earthquake Awareness, Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, two sessions of Disaster Medical Operations and preparing for Multi-Casualty Incidents, Light Search and Rescue Techniques and Operations, Team Organization and Management, Disaster Psychology and a Course Review and Disaster Simulation. The course also includes basic first aid, small fire extinguishment, and Hands-only CPR.

The CERT system developed from the need for a well-trained community emergency work force. The training program provides course graduates with self-sufficiency through the development of a wide range of skills. The graduates will be able to use the skills taught during emergencies and disasters in their homes, neighborhoods, at school and at the work place. The skills learned will be a lifelong asset.

The free training is intended for adults 18 years and older but youth were able to attend with their parent or guardians. The CERT training was in English. A Spanish CERT class may be offered at a later date.

CERT is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is Homeland Security’s grassroots effort that localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training and participate in community exercises and support local first responders.

This year, Fillmore’s fireworks sales have lost a few old vendors and gained a few new ones. The fireworks sales are the biggest fundraiser of the year for many Fillmore clubs and organizations. Below are the gross receipts, booth expenses and net proceeds for the participating 2015 vendors, along with locations for this year.
Chamber of Commerce at 513 Ventura St., gross receipts $14,460, booth expenses $9,923, 2015 net proceeds $4,537; Christian Praise Assembly by Starbucks, gross receipts $60,432, booth expenses $42,643, 2015 net proceeds 17,788; Fillmore Citizen Patrol by Dollar Tree, gross receipts $45,779, booth expenses $31,017, 2015 net proceeds $14,761; Fillmore Flashes Regiment Band Booster Club, Inc. near Margaret’s Cocina, gross receipts $30,251, booth expenses $20,338, 2015 net proceeds $9,913; Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters near Burger King, gross receipts $33,367, booth expenses $28,060, 2015 net proceeds $5,306; Fillmore Historical Museum near Super A Foods Center, gross receipts $47,121, booth expenses $32,825, 2015 net proceeds $14,296; Fillmore Little League at SWC of Ventura St & C, new vendors; Fillmore Youth Agriculture, new vendor; Fillmore Raiders Football at 460 Ventura St., gross receipts $19,981, booth expenses $16,209, 2015 net proceeds $3,772; Fillmore Rotary Club at SW corner of E St. & Main, gross receipts $56,724, booth expenses $36,597, 2015 net proceeds $20,127; Fillmore Senior Center Inc. at 251 E. Telegraph Rd, gross receipts $52,293, booth expenses $28,171, 2015 net proceeds $24,121; Fillmore Union HS Scholarship Foundation Alumni Association at Ventura & C, new vendor; First Assembly of God Church near Yanni’s, gross receipts $33,351, booth expenses $23,190, 2015 net proceeds $10,161; Future Farmers of America Boosters Club at Lot #14 E. Telegraph Rd/126, $32,121, booth expenses $56,010, 2015 net proceeds $36,111; Girl Softball at 251 E. Telegraph Rd., gross receipts $38,067, booth expenses $21,774, 2015 net proceeds $16,293; Heritage Valley Blazers near Rite Aid, gross receipts $66,454, booth expenses $48,966, 2015 net proceeds $17,487; Lions Club at W of SWC of Ventura & D St., gross receipts $49,733, booth expenses $28,523, 2015 net proceeds $21,210; Roping Club, new vendor; One Step A La Vez at NWC Olive & Ventura, new vendor; Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society near park east of Pole Creek, gross receipts $25,118, booth expenses $14,920, 2015 net proceeds $10,198; Santa Clara Valley Grange at NEC of B St. & Ventura, gross receipts $20,871, booth expenses $12,290, 2015 net proceeds $8,581; Search & Rescue at NW corner of Los Serenos & Ventura St./126 hwy., gross receipts $61,290, booth expenses $40,195, 2015 net proceeds $21,095; So Cal Youth Football, new vendor; Saint Francis of Assisi Church at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., gross receipts $53,830, booth expenses $29,902, 2015 net proceeds $23,928; Veterans of Foreign Wars at Wm. L. Morris, gross receipts $36,476, booth expenses $23,707, 2015 net proceeds $12,769; Victory Outreach Lot E. of 1149 Ventura St., gross receipts $40,700, booth expenses $29,328, 2015 net proceeds $11,372; Women’s Service Club at W. of SW corner of Ventura St. & C St., gross receipts $32,210, booth expenses $24,980, 2015 net proceeds $7,230.

Sacramento – Today begins the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks in nearly 300 communities across California, which has CAL FIRE reminding everyone to do their part to prevent fires caused by fireworks this Fourth of July. Over the past five years, more than 2,500 structure and wildfires have been sparked by fireworks, burning thousands of acres, causing countless injuries and costing millions in property loss.

“Illegal fireworks, or even the unsafe use of 'Sane and Sane' fireworks, are a major problem every year,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, California’s state fire marshal. “We have a zero tolerance towards the possession, sale or use of illegal fireworks and our officers will be patrolling the streets and internet this week.”

Fire and law enforcement officers across the State are working together to confiscate illegal fireworks off the streets. Earlier this month, CAL FIRE joined a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation in San Bernardino County. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks, 51 misdemeanor citations were issued, as well as two felony arrests. In Placer County, a similar multi-agency operation occurred at the agricultural inspection station in Truckee. More than 1,882 pounds of fireworks were confiscated resulting in 20 misdemeanor citations and seven felony arrests.

“Wildfire activity has significantly increased during the last several weeks and California continues to experience explosive fire conditions as a result of five years of drought," said Chief Ken Pimott, CAL FIRE director. "Everyone needs to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. Any person who starts a fire from fireworks – even accidentally – can be held liable for the fire-fighting costs as well as property damage costs.”

The State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved state-wide. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local laws and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

Here are a few tips to help you be safe this 4th of July:
• If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Buy only State Fire Marshal-approved (Safe and Sane) fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
• Always read directions and have an adult present.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
• Use common sense and keep a safe distance.
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.

Visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org for tips on how to prevent a wildfire this Fourth of July.

VENTURA – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to close eastbound lanes of Highway 126 (the Santa Paula Freeway) in the city of Ventura on the nights of June 28, 29 and 30 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights) for a pavement repair project.

The full closure involves all eastbound lanes between Highway 101 and Victoria Avenue, and also between Kimball Road and Wells Road (State Route 118), starting at 9 p.m. each night.

All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. the next morning (6 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The closures are not expected to affect the westbound lanes of Highway 126.

Detour signs will be posted. Motorists should expect delays. People in the vicinity may experience noise associated with the work, including grinding of the concrete road surface at several locations in the project area.

The scheduled closures are as follows:
Eastbound State Route 126 from US Highway 101 to Victoria Avenue.
The connectors from north- and southbound US 101 to eastbound SR-126.
Eastbound SR-126 from Kimball Road to Wells Road (State Route 118).

The contractor is RSB Group, Inc. of Lake Forest, Calif., and the dollar amount of the contract is $270,000. The project is funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). Completion of the project is expected in mid-July. When completed, the result will be a smoother riding surface.

The closure schedule will be in effect, weather permitting, and is subject to change. Caltrans reminds travelers to “Be Work Zone Alert.”

The City of Fillmore will be opening the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as a “Cooling Center” beginning Saturday, June 20th at 12:00 p.m. and will be open until 8:00 p.m. The Cooling Center is expected to be open through Wednesday, June 22nd.

The weather forecast is for extreme heat beginning on Saturday. The dates and hours can change depending on the weather but whenever the temperature reaches 94 or above the Cooling Center is opened. Fillmore residents are encouraged to use the center to remove themselves from the heat and drink plenty of cold water provided by the Fillmore Fire Department.

If you have any questions please feel free to call City Hall at (805) 524-1500 or the City Fire Department at (805) 524-0586.

Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore

On Friday, June 17, 2016 at approximately 5:19pm, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic code violations in the 200 block of Warren Avenue, Santa Paula. During the course of the investigation a firearm was found inside the vehicle as well as a machete. Both subjects, Emilio Montiel, 33 of Fillmore, and a Female Juvenile, 17 of Santa Paula, were arrested. Montiel was arrested for convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon inside of a vehicle, gang enhancement and child endangerment. The female juvenile was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Montiel is a documented gang member and was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail. A bail increase was requested to increase his bail to $500,000. The female juvenile was later released to her parents.

Alfred Johnson, 72 of Fillmore, admitted to drug dealing at his senior citizen’s complex. Johnson was arrested five years ago for illegally obtaining prescription drugs — anti-anxiety medications and painkillers — and for selling marijuana. Officials say he has maintained a clean record since his arrest five years ago and because of poor health, Johnson will probably receive no jail time and get probation at his August sentencing.

Adrian Banales

At approximately 10:25 PM, on June 18, 2016, a deputy on patrol noticed a disturbance in the 500 block of Central Avenue. Upon investigating the circumstances, the deputy learned a resident discovered a male subject peeking in the bathroom window where a juvenile victim was taking a shower. The residents confronted the suspect, who ran away. Additional deputies responded to the area and began a search. Adrian Banales was located nearby and matched the description of the suspect. After further investigation, Banales was identified by witnesses, and significant evidence was found at the scene to link Banales.

Banales was arrested for PC 647(i) / Peeking. Banales was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. His bail was set at $5,000.00.

The Fillmore Police Department suspects similar crimes have occurred in the City of Fillmore over the past few years. Anyone having information related to these crimes is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department.

Over 4,700 firefighters are battling 6 active wildfires in California. Last week alone firefighters responded to over 250 new wildfires across the State. Since January 1, CAL FIRE and local and federal firefighters have responded to nearly 2,100 wildfires that have charred over 32,000 acres. Extreme temperatures this week, along with low humidity and gusty winds in many areas will continue to raise the fire danger level. A Red Flag Warning in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties remains in effect due to high fire danger today.

CAL FIRE recommends that all residents living near wildland areas have an evacuation plan and know what they will take if asked to evacuate. When it comes to wildfires, everyone should remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. “Go” means early evacuation. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Border Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
Hwy 94 & Hwy 188, near Potrero
● 7,500 acres, 5% contained
● Mandatory evacuation orders for the community of Potrero
● Hwy 94 is closed
● CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 assumed command

Camanche, Vegetation Fire, Amador County (more info…)
North of Camanche Reservoir
● 210 acres, 95% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**
Sherpa Fire, Santa Barbara County (more info…)
West of Goleta
Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS and Santa Barbara County Fire
● 7,893 acres, 62% Contained
● Mandatory evacuations to be downgraded Wednesday

Fish Fire, Los Angeles County
North of Durate
Unified Command: USFS & LA County Fire
● 3,000 acres, 0% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Reservoir Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
North of Azusa
US Forest Service - Angeles National Forest
● 2,400 acres, 0% contained

Pony Fire, Siskiyou County (more info…)
15 miles southwest of Happy Camp
US Forest Service - Klamath National Forest
● 2,858 acres, 60% contained

Valley Express, the public bus service which serves Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru, is proud to offer FREE rides on July 4 from 12 pm until the fireworks end. The special service will be on-demand, which means you must request a ride in advance. The phone number to schedule a ride is 805-933-2267. Space is limited, so riders are encouraged to call in ahead of time.

“We want families to be able to relax, leave the driving to us, enjoy the festivities, and to get home safely after the fireworks,” stated Aaron Bonfilio, Program Manager of Transit Services for Ventura County Transportation Commission.

“We’re delighted that Valley Express can take people from their homes directly to these patriotic celebrations,” added Fillmore Councilmember, Manuel Minjares.

During the day, Valley Express will have a booth at the 30th Annual Sespe Creek Car & Cycle Show in Fillmore. Come visit our booth. We’ll have plenty of information to share, and fun giveaways. The show, sponsored by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, is from 9 am to 4 pm. Learn more about the event at www.fillmorechamber.org.

Valley Express service, launched in March 2015, is provided through a cooperative agreement between the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. It is administered by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. After its first year in operation, total ridership for Valley Express fixed-route and dial-a-ride service neared 100,000 riders.

For route and service information, please call 805-933-2267or visit www.valleyexpressbus.org.

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, together with personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department and United States Coast Guard, rescued two divers off the West side of Anacapa Island.

Around 10:20 AM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch requested Air Squad 9 respond to the waters off Anacapa Island. Two divers were unresponsive and suffering from post-dive medical issues onboard the dive boat Spectre. Air Squad 9 departed the Camarillo Airport staffed by Pilot Kim Bergeson, Firefighter/ Paramedic Jeff Golden, Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter, Deputy Lee Chapman, and Paramedic Brian Pugh. The United States Coast Guard launched a Response Boat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands and a MH-65D helicopter from Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Point Mugu.

Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 coordinated a hoist rescue with the United States Coast Guard boatcrew and the Captain from the Spectre. Deputy Chapman hoisted Firefighter/ Paramedic Golden to the stern of the Spectre. A 48 year old male patient and a 47 year old female patient were hoisted into Air Squad 9, followed by Firefighter Paramedic Golden.

Both divers were treated onboard Air Squad 9 and flown to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, in Oxnard, for additional treatment.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard have an outstanding working relationship benefiting the community of Ventura County and surrounding areas. Since May 2016, the United States Coast Guard set up Forward Operating Base Point Mugu to expand their operations and conduct rescues both offshore and onshore. The County of Ventura and surrounding neighbors are grateful to have this resource as we strive to continue the best public service possible for our community.

Nature of Incident: Dive boat Spectre hoist rescue
Report Number: 16-91047
Location: Anacapa Island
Date & Time: 06/18/2016 @ 10:35 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (Air Squad 9)
Ventura County Fire Department
United States Coast Guard
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
News Release Date: 06/19/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
805-388-4212
Approved by: Sergeant Carl Patterson

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).

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though – every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

“Donating blood helps save lives and can affect people you know and work alongside every day,” said Scott Nethery, whose 7-year-old daughter Audrey requires frequent transfusions. Audrey was born with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare condition where her body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. “I am so appreciative of the individuals whose blood is within my daughter at this very moment. Without blood, my little angel would not be with us today.”

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1-5, 2016, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Camarillo
7/14/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Technicolor, 3233 E Mission Oaks Blvd

Oak Park
7/11/2016: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Stevenson Fitness, 706 Lindero Canyon Rd

Simi Valley
7/1/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tri Stone Cinema Group, 1457 E Los Angeles Ave
7/8/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
7/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
7/13/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive

Thousand Oaks
7/5/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., MB2 Raceway, 1475 Lawrence Dr
7/6/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
7/11/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
7/13/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
7/12/2016: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cal State Parks SB State Bch, 901 San Pedro 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.

DATE: JUNE 16, 2016

TO: ALL CITY OF FILLMORE RESIDENTS

FROM: CITY OF FILLMORE – COMMUNITY SERVICES

RE: COOLING CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION

The City of Fillmore will be opening the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as a “Cooling Center” beginning Saturday, June 20th at 12:00 p.m. and will be open until 8:00 p.m. The Cooling Center is expected to be open through Wednesday, June 22nd.

The weather forecast is for extreme heat beginning on Saturday. The dates and hours can change depending on the weather but whenever the temperature reaches 94 or above the Cooling Center is opened. Fillmore residents are encouraged to use the center to remove themselves from the heat and drink plenty of cold water provided by the Fillmore Fire Department.

If you have any questions please feel free to call City Hall at (805) 524-1500 or the City Fire Department at (805) 524-0586.