Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Mauricio Chavez, 20 of Fillmore, was arrested on a July 1st Search Warrant at a residence in Fillmore. The charges were possession of a gun by a prohibited person and possession of a Billy Club.

While incarcerated, deputies arrested Chavez for attempted murder and street terrorism in connection with the June 23rd shooting of two victims in Ventura. The shooting took place in the 300 block of West Ramona Street in Ventura.

Just before 4 p.m. officers responded to a shooting call and found a 9-year old girl suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her leg. Shortly after, deputies discovered a second shooting victim, a man in his mid-30’s, in the 300 block of West Park Row. Deputies believed he was shot in the same location as the girl and fled on foot.

Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies are working to identify more suspects.

Attending the police reunion were (l-r) Elmo Sheeran, Paul Glanville, Duke Bradbury, Kim Garret, Tony Morales (arms crossed), Mark Trimble and Max Pina. Organizers of the event were Ernie Gutierrez, Duke Bradbury, Max Pina, Tony Morales. Fillmore Explorers came out to help serve the dinner. What a great event!
Enlarge Photo

A police reunion took place at Brett Park, Piru, on Saturday, July 25th. The reunion has been in the works for about 18 months. Fillmore Police Department was well represented by the following officers: Duke Bradbury, Mark Dominguez, Dave Foster, Paul Glanville, Tom Jones, Larry Matthews, Manuel Martinez, Frank Michael, Tony Morales, Max Pina, Sr., Dwayne Steel, Mark Vest, and Jess Zavala. Dispatchers Nathali Bagaso, Gloria Cardona, Lani Farr, Melinda Little and Maria Rangel also attended. Many FPD members are still working in law enforcement or a related field. Some are retired and 33 have passed away, about six in the last eighteen months. Besides FPD attending, there was Santa Paula PD, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, and CHP from the Ventura office (Fred Baskin who helped get radar enforcement on SR-126 from Santa Paula to Interstate 5). There were about 50 people in attendance, family, associate members, and most important our volunteers who helped with serving BBQ and music. Law enforcement from Oxnard PD, Ventura PD, and Simi Valley PD have showed interested in future reunions. An interesting note is that Larry Carpenter started as a reserve office with Fillmore, then regular officer, reaching a rank of Sergeant. He then transferred to the Ventura County Sheriff’s
Office, where he became the top law enforcement officer in the county.

Cal Fire

While most of California saw a rise in temperatures, firefighters across the State continued to make good progress on the 9 active large wildfires. Today 5,200 firefighters from CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, local fire departments and other federal agencies are on the frontlines of the active fires actively fighting them. Firefighters will once again be bracing today for hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty north winds. In fact a Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevated high fire danger for parts of upper northwest California due to low humidity and strong winds. This warning is expected to last through Wednesday morning.

With the high level of fire activity and the increase in hot and dry temperatures, CAL FIRE is urging everyone to be extra cautious outdoors. On hot and windy days it doesn’t take much for a wildfire to spark so all residents and visitors are urged to be careful. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. For more visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Lowell Fire, Nevada County (more info…)
You Bet area, west of Alta
*2,233 acres – 30% contained
* Evacuations in effect
* 1,800 structures threatened
* Full containment expected on August 1

Wragg Fire, Napa & Solano Counties (more info…)
Off Hwy 128 near Lake Berryessa
*6,591 acres – 80% contained
* All evacuations lifted
* Full containment expected on July 28
Queen Fire, Humboldt County (more info…)
Off Hwy 169, 5 miles southeast of Pecwan
*200 acres – 42% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Willow Fire, Madera County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Sierra National Forest
Southeast of Bass Lake
*1,739 acres – 5% contained
* CAL FIRE continues to assist

Cutca Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
Palomar Mountain
*167 acres – 75% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Kyburz Fire, El Dorado County (more info…)
US Forest Service – El Dorado National Forest
Off Hwy 50 in Kyburz
*75 acres – 98% contained

Pines Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Angeles National Forest
Near Big Pines, northwest of Wrightwood
*200 acres – 85% contained

Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest
south of Big Bear Lake
*31,359 acres – 98% contained

Washington Fire, Alpine County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
South of Markleeville
*17,790 acres – 99% contained

Keeping the trail clean for others to enjoy. DogPots are available along bike path for dog-owner convenience.

Each morning, Monday thru Friday four friends meet in the parking lot of Shiells Park at around 7:30 and walk together, on the bike path, from Old Telegraph Rd south to the City of Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant and back! A distance of about 3.5-miles. With them are their two dogs, Tasha and Rylee. Now, although they are long-time Fillmore residents, their bond is not that they grew up together, or were they high school classmates, or even lived in the same neighborhood! Their bond grew from the love of the early Fillmore mornings, native birds, wildlife, and the enjoyment of sharing conversations on just about anything, with just about anybody they meet along the way!

During their trek one of them carries wild bird seed to scatter for the many quail, pigeons, sparrows, robins, and a cottontail, or squirrel, who live in this wildlife oasis bordering the Sespe Creek. Conscious that they are visitors to this area the two walking their dogs dutifully pick up deposits left by Tasha and Rylee and carry the baggies back home for disposal.

While walking they have made many acquaintances who travel this same path, by bike, walking, or jogging! Many times it is a simple good morning that is said, but more often than not a hug, or handshake is given and a moment, or two of conversation about family, health, or, I'll admit, even some juicy gossip! There are the two Volkswagen Enthusiast brothers who walk nearly every day, but don't walk together because their pace and distance walked are different. There is George the Fillmore Ambassador endlessly waving at passing motorist. There are the carriage-pushing mother's running at an amazing clip with their sometimes sleeping children. And, there are many other anonymous dog walkers, joggers and an occasional coyote, pond turtle, bullfrog, or abandoned dog all populating this two-mile stretch. All are benefactors of a cheery "Good Morning" from this group of four!

The four consist of Navy Veteran, longtime Fillmore Lion's Club member, and retired business owner of Jack Stethem Painting, who in 40 years of business has painted many homes and commercial buildings in and around Fillmore. Jack, Jack's wife Jolene, who worked for 39 years as the Fillmore High School Principal's Secretary, and is now retired. Jack and Jolene have two sons, Brian 56 of Fillmore, and, Mark, who passed in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Jolene walks her Grand-dog, Tasha, a four year old female Bizsla breed. Susan Wilson (Mitchell), a Fillmore native and co-owner, with her husband Rex, of Mikrex Centerless Grinding in Fillmore. Susan has one daughter, Aubree, 26 years of Fillmore. Susan walks with her eight year old white Labrador Retriever, Rylee; and, Susan Berdahl (Meyers), also a Fillmore native, housewife and Teacher's Aide for the Fillmore Christian Academy. Susan and her husband Duane have four children, Erin 23, Nicholas 20, Rebecca 17, and David 14.

In addition to being passionate about the wildlife seen daily on the trail, each are very concerned about violations of the leash law they see daily and the failure of picking up after your dog while enjoying the bike path. Although they bring their own bags to pick up after Tasha and Rylee, it is evident others do not, or do they use the provided bags located at the entrance to the trail. Currently only one of the containers that provide the bags is still there near the Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant. The others have been damaged, or removed by vandals. Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, State-wide, but is is also for the protection of your dog, other dogs as well as other people using the bicycle path.

On the morning I took this picture it was just another one of the many beautiful mornings we enjoy here in Fillmore! Keep building up those miles Jack, Jolene, Tasha, Susan, Rylee and Susan and sharing your goodwill! I'll look for you again tomorrow!

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Cockfighting event took place in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road, Fillmore on July 18th, at 7 a.m.. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126).

When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. Four subjects were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. They were Fermin Navarro, 32 of Sylmar; Lucio Vasquez-Sanchez, 34 of Ojai; Rodrigo Suarez-Guzman, 28 of Ojai; and Abraham Figueroa, 54 of Piru.

Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred.

Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks

Recent blood usage has been high, and even though blood donations since the July 4th holiday have been strong, donors are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply the rest of the summer. As a special thank you to our summer blood donors, United Blood Services has partnered with Domino’s, to give each volunteer blood donor a certificate for a free 1-topping medium pizza through September 8th.

Your donation is particularly needed in the summer because the supply of blood goes down right when the demand goes up for three main reasons. 1) We don't hold high school drives and we hold very little college blood drives as most kids are out of school for the summer. 2) Family and friends are off vacationing and having fun and forget to donate. 3) The demand for blood goes up as more people are out on the roads and participating in summer activities.

While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative and Type AB (positive or negative) are especially needed, as there is currently a shortage of these blood types. O-negative red cells can be transfused to anyone. O-negative red blood cells are often used to help patients when there is no time to determine the patient’s own blood type. Likewise, type AB plasma can be given to all patients, and is the only plasma used for trauma patients and neonatal babies!

Donations may be made at convenient locations throughout the Central & Southern California Region in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and a number of community blood drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877.UBS.HERO; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored.

Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. Ste. A, Ventura, CA 93003
Santa Barbara Center – 4213 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Santa Maria Center – 1770 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
San Luis Obispo Center – 4119 Broad St., Ste. 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in August and help meet the constant need for blood products by patients.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Despite travel and other activities that may cause some donors to be less available to give, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

With more summer days ahead, every blood donation is important in helping ensure blood is available for patients in need, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those who need it. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer.

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).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Oxnard
8/14/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Document System, 300 N Graves, Suite E

Simi Valley
8/11/2015: 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Simi Valley Adult School, 1880 Blackstock Ave
8/14/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
8/15/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
8/3/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/5/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/10/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/12/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/13/2015: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., MB2 Raceway, 1475 Lawrence Dr

Ventura
8/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Wells Fargo, 2704 E Thompson Blvd

Westlake Village
8/9/2015: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road
8/12/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Guitar Center Corporate Center, 5795 Lindero Canyon Rd.

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.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the first confirmed death in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The deceased person was a senior citizen in Nevada County.

“This death is a tragic reminder of how severe West Nile virus disease can be,” said Dr. Smith. “West Nile virus activity is more widespread in 2015 than in years past. Californians need to be vigilant in protecting themselves.”

WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV. It is possible that the drought has contributed to WNV amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. As birds and mosquitoes seek water, they are coming into closer contact and amplifying the transmission of the virus.

Thirty-three California counties have reported WNV activity so far this year, four more than this time last year and above the five-year average of 22. To date, 497 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, which exceeds the five-year average of 330.

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

www.cdph.ca.gov

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff’s deputies from the Fillmore station received an anonymous tip of a possible Cockfighting event in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road in Fillmore. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126). When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. The four subjects above were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred.

Nature of Incident: Animal Cruelty
Report Number: RB# 152003600
Location: 3000 Block East Telegraph Road Fillmore Ca.
Date & Time: 7-18-2015 @ 0700 hours.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Office, Ventura Animal Services.
Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks
News Release Date: 7-18-2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Det. Greg Cadman, Sheriff’s Agriculture/ Major Crimes Unit. greg.cadman@ventura.org
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Navarro, Fermin Sylmar Ca. 32
(S) Vasquez-Sanchez, Lucio Ojai Ca.34
(S) Suarez-Guzman, Rodrigo Ojai Ca. 28
(S) Figueroa, Abraham Piru Ca. 54
Approved by:
Capt. Dave Wareham

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).

On July 8, 2015, at approximately 1623 hours, Santa Paula Police Officers were dispatched to Martini's Auto Sales at 801 block E. Main St regarding a carjacking that just occurred. The reporting party stated a female, identified as Jaylene Mata,went into the business and requested to test drive a vehicle. While test driving the vehicle, Mata pulled over in the area of 11th and Main St and picked up three males. The salesman from Martini Auto Sales heard what he believed to be someone chambering a round into a handgun from the back seat. One of the males in the back seat told the salesman to get out of the vehicle and threatened to kill him if he told anyone. The four subjects fled in the vehicle east on Main St.

At approximately 1641 hours, Officers located the vehicle traveling north on 8th Street. A high risk traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Jaylene Mata who claims to be a gang member, was found to be driving the vehicle and was arrested for 215(a) PC, Carjacking, 136.1(a) PC, Intimidating a Witness and 182(a) PC, Conspiracy. Guy Olvera, a documented gang member, was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle and was arrested for 215(a) PC, carjacking, 136.1(a) PC Intimidating a Witness and 182(a) PC, Conspiracy. A second female identified as Raylene Juarez, 28-years-old from Santa Paula, was found in the passenger seat. Juarez was arrested for 11550(a) H&S, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. No other persons were found in the vehicle. Both Olvera and Mata were transported to the Ventura County Jail.
Officer Preparing Press Release: Sgt. Ken Clark #1070

Fillmore was shaking, rattling and almost rolling last week but no one seemed to notice.

More than 90 earthquakes swarmed through the area, ranging from 2.0 to 2.8.

The quakes started at 4pm Wednesday, July 8th, with a magniture-2.0 quake, striking 4 miles west of Fillmore. Only two of the quakes measured above a 2.5-magnitude, according to the US Geological Survey. A 2.8-magniture struck at 6:33am Thursday, July 9th, 3 miles west of Fillmore, and amagnitude-2.6 quake hit at 11:04am, Thursday, 4 miles west of Fillmore.

Seismologist Lucy Jones by tweeting “EQ swarms like today’s have occurred in the past in Ventura basin. They start gradually and usually last for several days and then terminate.”

The quakes seem to have dissipated after a couple of days, which Jones said is common.

Fillmore has several faults surrounding it including: the Timber Canyon Fault, the San Cayetano Fault, and the infamous Oak Ridge Fault, which cause considerable damage during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

This year’s Ventura County Fair Poster was presented to Council by Ashley Ruiz and Luke Sylvester from Santa Paula, and Chloe Richardson and Hannah Wishart-Saviers from Fillmore.

The drought continues to plague California as water becomes a scarcer natural resource and Fillmore is no different. Although Fillmore has a sufficient water supply to meet its present demands more water resources are needed for future residential and commercial growth. The July 14, 2015 Fillmore City Council addressed that issue while discussing the North Fillmore Specific Plan (NFSP).

Owners of property located east pf Goodenough Road and south of a future 7th St. in North Fillmore are requesting to move forward with the application process of the NFSP. This same developer submitted an application back in 2008 for review without architectural plans which is contrary to Fillmore Zoning Code. The Council at that time agreed to let the application proceed. In November of that same year Measure I was approved by Fillmore voters which reduced the number of residential units in the North Fillmore Plan to 350, half of the original 700, resulting in a density of 5 units per acre. The next month the applicant responded with a Tentative Track Map, but stopped moving forward with the project in February 2009.

The property is currently a citrus grove of 100 year old trees, which according to the developer are not producing fruit and stated the water lines are aged and will soon need repair He stated his doubts that the City will approve the repairs due to the tearing up of the roadway that it will require. Another problem is the orchards butts up to neighborhoods with bees from the orchard hives. Also there is noise from the pesticide spraying required to kill the Asian Citrus Psyllid.

The developer is prepared to move forward once again with the project which consists of subdividing 2, 10 acre parcels for 85 to 88 single family residential homes with 15% of those being affordable housing.

Ten of the acres CONTINUED »

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40 to 50 years old, about 6’ 00” tall, between 180 to 200 pounds, with short “salt and pepper” hair. He was wearing a black and white plaid shirt, black jeans and black dress shoes.

East County Sex Crimes Investigators are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect who appears to have used his cell phone to take an up-skirt video of a juvenile female.

On June 30, 2015, around 1:00 P.M., a witness saw a male suspect enter Claire’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories at the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks. The witness saw the suspect turn on the video recorder on his cellular telephone. The suspect then squatted down behind the female juvenile victim and placed the cellular phone just below her jean skirt. The female victim was unaware the suspect was recording her. The suspect realized he was being watched by the witness and quickly left the store. The suspect was last seen entering JC Penney before leaving the mall.

The attached photograph shows the suspect shortly after leaving Claire’s.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40 to 50 years old, about 6’ 00” tall, between 180 to 200 pounds, with short “salt and pepper” hair. He was wearing a black and white plaid shirt, black jeans and black dress shoes.

Anyone with information as to the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Tim Lanquist of the East County Sexual Assault Unit, Office: 805-494-8229 or E-mail: Timothy.Lanquist@ventura.org.

Nature of Incident: Public's Help Needed to Identify Oaks Mall Child Annoying Suspect
Report Number: 15-14643
Location: The Oaks Mall, 266 West, Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360
Date & Time: June 30, 2015 @ 1:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Sexual Assault Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedentCity of Residence Age
(V) Juvenile Female Thousand Oaks 10
Prepared by: Detective Tim Lanquist 805-494-8229
timothy.lanquist@ventura.org
Media Release Date: July 13, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Tim Lanquist 805-494-8229
timothy.lanquist@ventura.org
Approved by: Stephen Wade, Captain

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).

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that the level of West Nile virus (WNV) activity is on the rise throughout the state.

“While there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported so far this year, it is only a matter of time before we see the first case,” Dr. Smith said. “As people go outdoors to enjoy the warm weather we’ve been experiencing, we’d like them to be safe and know how to protect themselves against West Nile virus.”

Thirty-one California counties have reported WNV activity so far this year, 10 more than this time last year and above the five-year average of 18. To date, 240 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, six more than last year at this time.

WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV. It is possible that the drought has contributed to West Nile virus amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. As birds and mosquitoes seek water, they are coming into closer contact and amplifying the transmission of the virus.
CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds:”
1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
www.cdph.ca.gov