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

 
(l-r) (top row) Gerardo Vargas, Enrique Navarette, Osvaldo Medina, (middle row) Gilberto Vargas, Maria Vargas, Raul Hernandez, (bottom row) Gilberto Gomez, Alfred Estrada, Jessie Rodriguez.
(l-r) (top row) Gerardo Vargas, Enrique Navarette, Osvaldo Medina, (middle row) Gilberto Vargas, Maria Vargas, Raul Hernandez, (bottom row) Gilberto Gomez, Alfred Estrada, Jessie Rodriguez.
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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

 
Chad Hansen
Chad Hansen

Chad Hansen, was pretty much ignored as he began the football season in Idaho State. After catching 45 passes as a freshman at Idaho State in Pocatello things have greatly changed. Chad is now recognized as the nation’s leader in receptions.

Chad grew up on his parents’ Bardsdale ranch and spent his high school years in Moorpark. Little interest in his football talents was shown until his parents diligently started to contact as many colleges as possible. He finally got his start at Idaho State and quickly made his mark.

He then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley where he is now recognized as the nation’s leader in receptions. “A player who didn’t field a single FBS offer coming out of high school - and whose only offer from Idaho State only came because one of the Bengals’ recruits signed elsewhere at the last minute - now has his name popping up on some early NFL Draft watch lists.”

With 50 catches in the first 4 games Chad has a very bright future to look forward to.

 
Steve McClary
Steve McClary

“I was inspired to begin my career in City government thanks to the my start at the Fillmore Gazette. I started covering city council meetings at age 21 and I got hooked, watching the staff and council interact with the Council to work out issues. I never imagined at that point that at one day I would become a city manager. Moving from the paper to city government felt like a natural transition for me. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity in Ojai and to be able to stay close to my family and friends. Ojai certainly is keeping me busy, but I miss all my old friends in Fillmore. Fortunately Fillmore has a great city manager in Mr. Rowlands.” - Steve McClary

 
Approximately 7:30am 10/05/2016 Fillmore fire department responded to traffic collision in front of El Dorado Mobile Home Park. Upon arrival, found two vehicles, one in the center divider one on the right shoulder. Both drivers were transported to local hospitals. Traffic collision is being investigated by Fillmore Police Department. Photos by Sebastian Ramirez.
Approximately 7:30am 10/05/2016 Fillmore fire department responded to traffic collision in front of El Dorado Mobile Home Park. Upon arrival, found two vehicles, one in the center divider one on the right shoulder. Both drivers were transported to local hospitals. Traffic collision is being investigated by Fillmore Police Department. Photos by Sebastian Ramirez.
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Fillmore Fire gather to help extract a victim from on of the vehicles.
Fillmore Fire gather to help extract a victim from on of the vehicles.
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American Red Cross of Ventura County
American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and other patients during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

More than 1.6 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and 246,600 of them will be invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Mary Kay Huppert was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. “I was a nurse for 40 years. I saw blood transfusions save a lot of lives.” She received two transfusions herself while being treated for breast cancer.

The Red Cross must collect about 14,000 blood donations every day to help patients, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed.

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 County

Oak Park
10/19/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oak Park High School, 899 North Kanan Road

Oxnard
10/25/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
10/28/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community, 5005 E Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
10/19/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/24/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/28/2016: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thousand Oaks High School, 2323 N Moorpark Rd

Ventura
10/18/2016: 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.

 

The League of Women Voters and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are hosting a forum this Wednesday evening October 5th. Although two parts are related to Santa Paula, the first forum at 6:30 PM is with the two candidates for Ventura County Supervisor district #3.

 
Fillmore Varsity player #50 Milo Leighton and Santa Paula Varsity player #44 Angel Segovia showed great sportsmanship congratulating each other on a great game by shaking hands and exchanging jersey’s for a photo.
Fillmore Varsity player #50 Milo Leighton and Santa Paula Varsity player #44 Angel Segovia showed great sportsmanship congratulating each other on a great game by shaking hands and exchanging jersey’s for a photo.
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A letter sent to Fillmore High School Athletic Director:

Good Morning A.D. Tafoya,
My name is Margaret Lopez I am the Specialized Health Care Tech./LVN at Santa Paula High and the grandmother to Angel Segovia #44. First, I want to commend your athletes on a well-played game on Friday and let you know what an amazing gesture of good sportsmanship occurred immediately following the game.

Fridays game was extremely competitive for both teams (as it is every year) and during the game all athletes were focused on doing their jobs to the best of their ability and while doing so there is an amazing respect they have for one another as in this case. I have worked at the high school for 22 years and have been present during many of the Fillmore vs SP games in which my two sons played when they attend SPHS and there have been many times when players have been so, competitive they lose sight of just how talented they all are. Mr. Leighton should be commended for appreciating the talent of the opposing teams players and for showing that appreciation. Mr. Leighton sought out my grandson Angel after the game and came over to shake his hand and commend Angel on playing a great game, Angel returned that complement right back to Mr. Leighton. Both boys decided to exchange jerseys for a picture and congratulate each other on playing a tough game. Angel commented that Mr. Leighton played hard and even though they had their game faces on during the game Angel was very impressed with Mr. Leighton’s talent. Angel stated that “guys like #50 will have a great future with his attitude alone”.

Mr. Leighton and Angel showed great sportsmanship that night and I hope that other athletes can take away from this game what these two young men saw in one another. Although, both schools are rivals there is respect for each player who gives all they can during the game and as long as they do their job to the best of their ability, they should all be respected and commended for their performance.

Great Job Mr. Leighton and Angel!

Margaret Lopez
Specialized Health Care Tech/LVN
Santa Paula High School

 

A Camarillo woman was sentenced Tuesday to 300 days in Ventura County jail in connection with a double fatality vehicle last year just outside Moorpark. Rachael Hill, 27, will report to the jail November 4 to start her sentence. Hill pleaded no contest last month to two counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. The conviction stems from a September 12, 2015, crash on Moorpark Road south of Tierra Rejada Road. The California Highway Patrol said Hill was driving south on Moorpark Road at 5:19 p.m. when her vehicle swerved to the right and hit Maciek Malish, 53, as he was riding a bicycle on the shoulder. Hill then overcorrected and turned the vehicle into the northbound lanes, where it hit Jesse Cushman, 43, who was riding a motorcycle. Malish, of Simi Valley, and Cushman, of Fillmore, were both wearing helmets but died at the scene. Patrol officials said Hill was "distracted by a portable electronic device" in her vehicle at the time of the incident. (information provided by Ventura
County Star.)

 

A man with a gunshot wound drove to the Fillmore fire station after an apparent shooting nearby according to the
Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The victim showed up at the fire station around 3:30 p.m. after driving himself and was later transported to Ventura County Medical Center by paramedics.

Although the man appeared in Fillmore, the shooting is believed to have taken place in Bardsdale.

(information provided by Ventura County Star)

 
Wednesday September 21 at about 5:15pm, there was an accident on Ventura St. and Central Ave., no Injuries were reported.
Wednesday September 21 at about 5:15pm, there was an accident on Ventura St. and Central Ave., no Injuries were reported.
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Rip-rapping the Pole Creek flood basin is a big job. Rock is being placed along the face of the basin to avoid erosion.
Rip-rapping the Pole Creek flood basin is a big job. Rock is being placed along the face of the basin to avoid erosion.
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Rains Can Lead to More Mosquitoes

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today called on the people of California to help reduce the number of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water, especially in areas that have recently had rain and continue to experience warm temperatures.

“Rainy weather can create new breeding grounds for mosquitoes if water is allowed to pool and remain stagnant,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Mosquito season in California peaks in October, making it critically important that Californians take action to empty even small amounts of water from our gardens and yards.”

To help control mosquitoes, check your yard weekly for water-filled containers. Clean and scrub bird baths and pet watering dishes weekly, and dump the water from dishes under potted plants. Contact your local vector control agency if you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes or you are being bitten during the day.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, an aggressive mosquito that bites during the day, has been detected in 12 California counties. This black-and-white striped mosquito has the potential to transmit Zika and other diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. While the mosquito is especially active two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset, it can also bite during the day. These mosquitoes often enter buildings through unscreened windows and doors and bite people indoors.

While there has been no local transmission of Zika in California, as of September 23, 302 travel-associated cases have been reported in the state.

Zika symptoms typically include a fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Most people infected with the Zika virus will not have symptoms, but Zika is a major concern in pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects. In addition to Zika, West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness, continues to concern public health officials.

To prevent mosquito bites, apply repellents containing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). During the times mosquitoes are most active you should wear long- sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes. Be sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

More information about Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can be found on the CDPH website and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

www.cdph.ca.gov

 
At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, an eighteen-wheel tractor-trailer (identified belonging to JSA Soil) carrying a load of sawdust, drove into the rear of another tractor-trailer on Hwy.126 across from Taco Bell. Substantial damage was done to both parties.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, an eighteen-wheel tractor-trailer (identified belonging to JSA Soil) carrying a load of sawdust, drove into the rear of another tractor-trailer on Hwy.126 across from Taco Bell. Substantial damage was done to both parties.
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FUTA Vice President Delivers Statement
2016 Ventura County Fair Fillmore FFA Participants were also recognized for their participation at this past years Ventura County Fair. Photo by Bob Crum.
2016 Ventura County Fair Fillmore FFA Participants were also recognized for their participation at this past years Ventura County Fair. Photo by Bob Crum.
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At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, Fillmore Unified recognized Rio Vista’s District Staff as heros for taking action during a flood that occurred at Rio Vista Elementary School. Photo by Bob Crum.
At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, Fillmore Unified recognized Rio Vista’s District Staff as heros for taking action during a flood that occurred at Rio Vista Elementary School. Photo by Bob Crum.
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Brian Ricards. Photo by Bob Crum.
Brian Ricards. Photo by Bob Crum.
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Brian Ricards Statemant:

In the field of education the phrase ‘It’s all for the students’ is often thrown around. It sounds good to the ear and it looks good on paper as well. However when the educators of Fillmore High School step into our classrooms, we often ask ourselves “Is it REALLY all for the students?” And if it is “all for the students,” how do these current conditions of our classrooms benefit the education of these students?

Currently there are 4 teachers at the high school who have class sizes that exceed the 34 student average per class for a total of over 170 students in 5 periods. Our contract states that these teachers will receive $250 for each student, each semester for classrooms that exceed the 170 mark. However, this does not address the daily overcrowding in the classroom which takes away from student learning. In addition to overcrowded classrooms, the lack of resources available to teachers who conduct laboratory activities and projects for over 170 students often leads to costs that far outweigh our compensation. We often have to pay for supplies out of pocket for class activities because our departments have no money to spend on anything that cannot be purchased at Office Depot. For example: having an AP Biology class with 38 students can be extremely costly and time consuming for the teacher to ensure that the students are getting an AP quality education. Also, there are currently 9 periods of classroom instruction at the high school that have student numbers that exceed the 37 students per period cap allowed by our contract. This is a blatant contract violation with no compensation given to the affected teachers. A computer lab with 30 functioning computers becomes much less effective when there are 39 students enrolled in the class. On top of these contract violations, 5 teachers have class size discrepancies of 10 or more students between periods of the same class; another blatant contract violation. When educators such as ourselves live through these conditions every day in the classroom we know that these conditions severely impede the learning of our students. How can having 39 students in a single class be “all for the students?” FUTA has met with the administration at the high school and they have informed us that “This is the best that we can do”.

So I guess the real question we have for the school board and the administration is when will the educational rhetoric match up with the everyday conditions of our classrooms? Because right now there is a huge discrepancy between what is being said in public and what is going on daily in our classrooms. These conditions have existed for many years at the high school with staff members being scared to speak up for fear of retaliation from administrators. Those days are over. So when we see a violation of our teaching contract, especially a violation as important as class size, we will be forced to file a grievance in order to protect our members and most importantly to protect our students if these contract violations are not remedied as soon as possible.

It’s time to back up the educational rhetoric with educational action. Please assist the teachers of Fillmore High School in allowing us to teach in classrooms which create positive learning environments that students need and deserve in order to become productive contributors to our society.

Thank you for your time.
Brian Ricards - Vice President of FUTA

 
20-year-old Isaac Gonzalez of Fillmore was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Hwy. 126. Photo by Sebastian Ramirez.
20-year-old Isaac Gonzalez of Fillmore was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Hwy. 126. Photo by Sebastian Ramirez.
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The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim of last week's crash on Highway 126 as 20-year-old Isaac Gonzalez, of Fillmore.

Gonzalez died as the result of a 3-car collision that occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. Friday, west of Fillmore. His vehicle was headed eastbound when he suddenly veered into the westbound lane and collided with the rear of a westbound pickup, according to the CHP.

The CHP said Gonzalez' vehicle then headed towards the north shoulder of the roadway, causing a broadside collision with a second westbound vehicle. He was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the pickup, his female passenger, and the driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. All three vehicles received major damage.

 
Joey Herrera
Joey Herrera
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Joey Herrera received his award at Elkins Ranch this past weekend.
Joey Herrera received his award at Elkins Ranch this past weekend.

Local Junior Golfer Joey Herrera recently earned 2015/2016 Ventura County Junior Golfer of the Year Honors. The award was presented at the annual awards barbeque during the first golf tournament for the 2016/2017 VCJGA event calendar. Fittingly this event was at Elkins Ranch Gold Course last weekend. Elkins Ranch has been Joey’s home away from home for the last few years. In a recent Fillmore Gazette article Joey said “My first aspiration is to play golf at USC. This was something I wasn’t sure was possible a couple years ago, but I know now that I can get there if I keep working”. If Joey is unable to get a chance at USC, his next goal would be to play Division 1 golf somewhere in the Western United States.

Joey had 10 top 10 finishes during the 2015/2016 campaign, including 4 wins, a second and a fourth place finish. His low tournament score of the year was the Play it Again Sports Tournament at Olivas Park Golf Links where he shot 68-68 for an 8 under par total of 136. Joeys low round for the year was 65 and had an tournament scoring average of 73.2 Joey would once again like to thank the Elkins Ranch Golf Course and staff, especially Joel Pyron and Colby Hartje. He would also like to thank Tierra Rejada Golf Course and their TRAP program and Saticoy Country Club. Last but certainly not least he would like to thank VCJGA’s Mark Wipf for providing him a platform to play in a competitive environment.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday September 17, 2016, at approximately 9:40 PM, a family member contacted the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and reported her mother was overdue from a day hike in the area of Sisar canyon. Patrol resources located the hiker’s vehicle on Sisar Road at the trailhead. The Sheriff’s Aviation unit conducted an aerial search of the area using night vision goggles with negative results. The Upper Ojai and Fillmore Search and Rescue teams were activated and conducted a ground search.

On Sunday, September 18, 2016, at approximately 1:00 PM, the lost hiker was located by two people who were hunting in the area. One of the hunters was able to contact Sheriff’s dispatch and report the lost hiker’s location. The Sheriff’s Aviation unit conducted a hoist operation and transported the hiker to a landing zone where she was released to her family. After speaking with hiker, it was determined she made a wrong turn and became lost. The hiker had minor cuts and scratches but was in good spirits.

The hiker is to be commended for contacting a friend prior to hiking about her planned route and return time. This information assisted patrol resources in quickly locating the hiker’s vehicle and establishing a starting point for the search.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind anyone enjoying the back county to be prepared for even the easiest of hikes. The “Ten Essentials” to take when hiking are Map, GPS, Sunglasses and Sunscreen, Extra Clothing, Flashlight, First-Aid Supplies, Fire Starter, Matches, Knife, and Extra Food and Water. Also file a hiking plan with someone who will be able to contact rescue resources in the event you do not return at your planned time. A hiking plan can be found at www.ojaisar.org

 
Two vehicles collided on Highway 126 in front of Carl's Jr. Minor injuries were reported.
Two vehicles collided on Highway 126 in front of Carl's Jr. Minor injuries were reported.
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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced its Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP) will now screen babies for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive neurological disease found in about 1 in 20,000 newborn boys.

“This new screening program will save children’s lives,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Early diagnosis and treatment can halt the progression of the life-threatening form of the disease, which will have a profound impact on California families.”

Screening for adrenoleukodystrophy (pronounced ah-DREE-no-luke-oh-dis-trow-fee) will begin statewide today. CDPH will retroactively screen newborn blood samples that were received by the laboratory on or after February 16 of this year. The Department estimates that up to 100 California babies each year will be referred for follow-up services based on screening results. With early identification, the disease can be monitored before complications develop and appropriate treatment options can be made available to prevent serious and permanent health problems.

Some boys with ALD will develop a progressive, life-threatening form of the disease and can die without medical intervention within a short time after complications are recognized. ALD also causes adrenal gland dysfunction, which is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, and life-threatening complications. ALD complications typically do not appear until after age 3.

In 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1559, which mandated that CDPH add ALD to the state’s newborn screening panel once the disorder was added to the national guidelines for state newborn screening programs. ALD was added to the national guidelines in February 2016.

"For children born with ALD, the difference between an early diagnosis through infant screening and a late diagnosis when symptoms start showing up, could be life and death,” said Dr. Richard Pan, a pediatrician and Senator representing the Sacramento region who authored AB 1559 in 2014. “I applaud CDPH on the launch of their screening program created through AB 1559 and I am thrilled that California children will suffer less and live longer as a result.”

Newborn screening is a public health service provided to all babies in California in order to identify many serious diseases. If not found and treated early, many of the diseases can cause serious and permanent health problems, developmental delay and even death. Since newborn screening began in 1966, more than 14,000 California babies have been found with various diseases and treated.

www.cdph.ca.gov

 
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