VENTURA COUNTY, CA - As previously reported, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has warned consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries sold through Costco stores, and possibly other retail outlets, as they have been linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections. Ventura County now has its first documented case of hepatitis A associated with the frozen berry blend. The affected individual is a male who used the product in preparing a smoothie. He has been ill at home for about 2 weeks and has not required hospitalization.

He is among over 40 cases that are being investigated nationwide. Three of these individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. In California, seven confirmed illnesses in persons who consumed this product have been reported from Humboldt, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino (2), San Diego, and now, Ventura counties.

People who are CONTINUED »

The suspect from the February incident (S1) is described as a Hispanic male, between 35 and 45 years old. He was between 5’8” and 6’0” tall with a large belly. He was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. He was further described as having a round face with “chubby cheeks” and discolored teeth. Sketch “S1” is a depiction of the suspect.
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The suspect from the May incident (S2) was described as a White male, between 20 and 30 years old. He was about 5’7” tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt, and dark sunglasses. Sketch “S2” is a depiction of the suspect.
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On the mornings of February 26, 2013 and May 20, 2013, sexual assaults were reported in the area of Santa Paula Street and Peck Road. Both assaults occurred in the unincorporated area, west of the City of Santa Paula. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying these suspects.

The suspect from the February incident (S1) is described as a Hispanic male, between 35 and 45 years old. He was between 5’8” and 6’0” tall with a large belly. He was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. He was further described as having a round face with “chubby cheeks” and discolored teeth. Sketch “S1” is a depiction of the suspect.

The suspect from the May incident (S2) was described as a White male, between 20 and 30 years old. He was about 5’7” tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt, and dark sunglasses. Sketch “S2” is a depiction of the suspect.

Residents in the area are cautioned to be aware of any suspicious subjects in the area. Anyone having information about the assaults or the possible suspects is urged to contact Detective Christine Rettura (805-384-4741, christine.rettura@ventura.org) or Detective Matt Delahuerta (805-384-4740, matt.delahuerta@ventura.org). In emergency situations, always call 911.

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).

Nature of Incident: UPDATE on Santa Paula Area Sexual Assault Incidents
Report Number: 13-11162
Location: Santa Paula Street at Peck Road, Unincorporated Area of Santa Paula
Date & Time: May 20, 2013
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S1) Unknown Male, 35-45
(S2) Unknown Male, 20-30
Prepared by: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Media Release Date: May 31, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Christine Rettura
(805) 384-4741, christine.rettura@ventura.org
Detective Matt Delahuerta
(805) 384-4740, matt.delahuerta@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

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The Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day 2013 was celebrated by the community of Fillmore on another one of those beautiful days so often enjoyed in the Santa Clara Valley! This Memorial Day was the 148th celebration by Americans since 1865, originally Decorations Day, to honor those Americans that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Memorial Day Ceremony began at 11:00 AM with opening remarks by Trustee Dick Diaz of the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial District. Other Trustees present were Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin and Gabe Asenas, Trustees. President of the Board, Scott Lee was unable to attend.

The American Flag was then raised and lowered to half staff by Fillmore Post 9637 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406 and Cub Scout Troop 3400 who then led the approximate 125 people in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the Bardsdale Church Choir, Pat Morris, Bob Morris, Carolyn Diaz, Barbara Peterson, Lin Thomas, Bill Brunet, Ralph Duchacek and Choir Director Marsha Porter, sang two beautiful songs; America the Beautiful and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The songs were sang, a capella, and those gathered were encouraged to participate.

The Memorial Day Message was presented by the Guest Speaker, Fillmore Resident and active duty United States Army Sergeant Carlos Martinez. Sergeant Martinez is a native of Ventura County, born in Oxnard, raised in Ventura and has lived in Fillmore since 2007. Sergeant Martinez has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Channel Islands in Liberal Studies with a minor in History. He is married to Paige Lenee, originally of Santa Paula and they have three children, Noah, Kylene and Kirah. He is also a member of the Fillmore VFW Post 9637. Sergeant Martinez has been deployed three times; 2007-2008 Baghdad, Iraq, 2008-2009 Kirkuk, Iraq and 2011-2012 Nangahar Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Martinez reminded us that we should remember those who not only have made the “ultimate sacrifice,” but to remember those who have served, or are now serving.

The placing of the wreath was presented by VFW Post 9637 Members Bill Brunet and Vic Westerberg. The Memorial Day Service was presented by the Reverend Bob Hammond of the St. Stephens Anglican Church. Reverend Hammond, also a Veteran, inspired those in attendance with his Memorial Service and personal reflections of what Memorial Day means to him.

The “Reading of the Names of Those Who Have Died in the Service of Country” from the Fillmore-Piru area up to and including the Vietnam War was read by VFW Post 9637 Member Albert Rosette and hand bell tone was announced after the reading of each name by Rita Rudkin. The VFW Post 9637 Gun Volley followed. Taps, as he has for many years at both the Piru and Fillmore Memorial Day Services, was performed by local resident Bob Thompson. At the conclusion of the Ceremony the Release of Doves was conducted by Garcia Mortuary.

The Bardsdale Cemetery Board of Trustees would like to thank the Fillmore Post 9637, Commander Jim Rogers, Members Colin Cranny, Tom Ivey, Al Rosette, Bill Brunet, Vic Westerberg, Jim Mills, John Pressey, Ismael Alonzo, Richard Tansey and Peter Aguirre for their many years of participation in both the Piru and Bardsdale Memorial Day Ceremonies, Bardsdale Church Choir, Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bardsdale 4H for the placing and removing of the American Flags, Fillmore Chapter GY PEO for the home baked cookies. Bardsdale Manager Doug Basolo and his staff for the beautiful setting and maintaining of the Bardsdale Cemetery.

On Sunday night at approximately 6:34 p.m., a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Carlos Pineda 37, Fillmore, was westbound on Old Telegraph Road when it made an unsafe turning movement leaving the roadway and colliding with a raised curb, a drainage culvert, and a tree. Pineda refused medical treatment at the scene. The passenger in Pineda’s vehicle, Olga Rodriguez 45, Fillmore, was transported to the Santa Paula Emergency Room for injuries sustained during to the collision.

Deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to the collision. Their investigation resulted in Pineda being arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Causing Injury. Pineda consented to a blood test and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail.

On Sunday evening at approximately 9:20 p.m., Carlos Perez 44, Los Angeles, was driving a 1982 Datsun 280ZX north on A Street when he failed to stop or slow for the stop signed intersection at First Street and he collided with the rear end of Martha Sandoval’s 49, Santa Paula, 2005 Honda Accord. Prior to the collision, Martha Sandoval was going north on A Street and she was accelerating away from the stop sign at First Street to continue north.

Perez’ Datsun sustained major front end damage from the collision and was no longer operable. He fled the crash scene on foot running south on A Street. Martha Sandoval’s Honda sustained moderate rear end damage, but was still drivable. She pursued Perez in her car while calling 9-1-1 for assistance. Responding deputies from the Fillmore Station captured Perez on Sespe Avenue east of A Street.

The investigation established that Perez had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. A passenger in Martha Sandoval’s Honda was injured as a result of the collision. Joanna Sandoval, 29, Santa Paula, 7 months pregnant, was admitted at the Ventura County Medical Center for observation. Perez was arrested and he completed a blood test. He was then booked at the Sheriff’s Pre Trial Detention Facility for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury and Hit and Run with Injury.

Some 20 lucky Fillmore Middle School boys, ages 12 to 14, will have an exciting adventure this summer at R.M. Pyles Boys Camp. Pyles Boys Camp offers the opportunity to build confidence, instill pride, the value of hard work, and respect for self and others. Many adult Fillmore and Piru men who participated in Pyles in their youth still speak enthusiastically about their own experiences and how they can vividly remember the wilderness, the team competitions, the campsite talks and jokes at night.

The wilderness camp experience provides leadership development opportunities and future college scholarship programs. It focuses on building self-confidence, goal setting, decision making and learning that success comes only through significant personal effort. The boys are exposed to a positive peer group environment as well as successful former campers who are now providing leadership in their community. Some activities include: horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing, archery, ropes and confidence courses, team building, a 4-day backpacking trip in the wilderness and just plain fun! It can truly be a life changing experience.

A physical exam and forms signed by parents are required, but other than that the camp is free. There will be a Pyles Orientation in early June to answer all questions.

For applications to enroll a youth ages 12 to 14 contact: Norma Pérez-Sandford, FMS Counselor at 524-6074 or Fillmore School District School Resource Officer Leonardo Vázquez at 524-6000. Camp spots are filling up fast, so parents are urged to act now.

Scott Carol, Principal of Sespe Elementary, presents Sespe Cafeteria Supervisor Lou Hoover, also known as Grandma Lou, the Classified Employee of the Year.
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Migrant Parent of the Year Maria Ramirez, Ramirez was ill, but her daughter accepted the plaque in her honor.
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Migrant Student of the Year for FHS Senior Eduardo Gomez.
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Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was ceremonious with awards handed out to staff and students. Awards included: Migrant Student of the Year, Migrant Parent of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, Student of the Year, Student Representative Recognition and Celebration of Migrant Speech and Debate Students and Coaches.

FUSD Board Member David Wilde presented Migrant Student of the Year to Fillmore High School (FHS) Senior Eduardo Gomez for his community involvement and exceptional leadership. Gomez, who participates in numerous sports including football, soccer, basketball, track and swimming, is also a member of the Police Explorers. He volunteers during events such as the Speech and Debate Tournament along with participating in activities like Family Conference, Engineering, Science and Technology Conference and State College Day. He is active in his church and does all this while maintaining a high grade point average. He plans to enter college and study Criminology after he graduates.

Migrant Parent of the Year honors went to Maria Ramirez. Ramirez is a member of the Migrant Parent Advisory Committee and Vice President of EIAC along with being a member of the Sespe School Site Council. Ramirez volunteers in her daughter's classroom helping organize supplies and this year she was a judge for the Migrant Speech & Spelling Tournament. Ramirez was ill and could not be there to accept the award. Her daughter accepted the plaque for her.

Administrator of the Year honors went to District Office Director Carol Barringer. Barringer has worked with FUSD for over 33 years starting as a teacher at Piru Elementary for 20 years, then Piru Principal for six years and Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary for three years; and finally District Director for the last six years. Barringer who lives in Santa Paula also has a daughter who also works for FUSD.

Scott Carol, Principal of Sespe Elementary, presented Sespe Cafeteria Supervisor Lou Hoover, also known as Grandma Lou, the Classified Employee of the Year. Each school day Hoover prepares the meals for 550 students and was honored for her ability to get things done.

The outgoing Student CONTINUED »

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 11AM.

Featured speaker this year is Carlos Martinez of Fillmore. Carlos has lived in Fillmore since 2007. He has done 2 tours of Iraq and a tour of Afghanistan. He is a graduate of Santa Clara High School where he played football. He joined the Army in 2004.and is presently a Sergeant, E5, When he is not deployed Carlos volunteers with Boy Scout Troop 406 and has helped them place the flags at the Cemetery.

The Rev. Bob Hammond will give the Memorial Service, special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church choir.

Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May 24th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 28st.

The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this special event.

Stephen R. Stuart and Dave Burkhart discuss sewer bill payment options with council Tuesday night.

The Council is wasting little time in filling the vacant seat left by resigning Council Member Brian Sipes. They will be accepting applications for the City Council seat this week. The deadline to turn them in the application is May 29, 2013 at noon. A staff report will be written up and a decision by the Council will be made at a meeting on Friday, May 31, 2013.

There were less than 10 people in attendance at Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting, a surprise considering an agenda item that could have a big impact on most City residents and businesses. That item was a workshop about placing future sewer service changes as an assessment on the tax roll for collection instead of being billed each month. The Sewer Ad Hoc Committee spent a significant amount of time on possible ways to cut costs and came up with a range of different ideas. The billing change was one idea proposed in an effort to help the City's cash flow and cut the drain on City staff, by eliminating monthly notices or water shut offs, which require City staff work hours. "The big issue," according to Stephen R. Stuart, Fillmore Building Official and Code Enforcement Officer, "is the unpaid service charges are a burden to the rest of the paying customers."

Former Mayor Roger Campbell CONTINUED »

The City Council has reached a legal settlement for the recovery of delinquent water and sewer bills owed from Orange Blossom Villa and Fillmore Convalescent Center---businesses operated by former Council Member Eduardo Gonzalez and his wife. The issue has been one that has frustrated the City Council as Gonzalez continued to face mounting delinquencies on his account, yet the City Council was sensitive to turning off water service to many elderly residents who lived at the facility and over 100 employees who would likely be unemployed if the business were to be shut down due to a lack of water and/or sewer service.

The settlement, agreed to by the City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting, was reached with the owner of the properties, Kenneth Dunton as Trustee of The Kenneth V. Dunton Trust, who in turn, leases the properties to Gonzalez for the businesses. Dunton told the City that he had been unaware of the delinquencies until the City brought it to his attention a few months ago. The agreement calls for Dunton to make an immediate payment to the City of $123,776.08 to cover all City billings that had not been paid by Gonzalez for water and sewer service through April 30, 2013, and that Dunton would accept responsibility for all water and sewer fees from May 1, 2013 for the Trust and for an anticipated new lessee for the property. Dunton had proposed, and the City accepted, that the City waive late penalties and interest accumulated on the account similar to an “amnesty” program that the City provided to all local residents and businesses earlier this year for those who were delinquent and wished to immediately bring their accounts current. For Dunton, this represented a waiver of $80,288.38 in penalties and interest, although all of the City’s “hard costs” are recovered by the City in the agreement. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, Dunton will pay $2500 to the City to recover costs incurred by the City in the collection process.

“The City Council is pleased to have this issue behind us,” stated Mayor Rick Neal on behalf of the Council. “It is an issue which we all felt strongly needed resolution, yet there was a recognition that Mr. Gonzalez did not have the personal resources to fully pay what he owed to the City, and we had a major concern over the possible relocation of some of our most vulnerable residents if we forced the convalescent facilities into a possible bankruptcy. We greatly appreciate Mr. Dunton stepping in to offer a resolution to this dilemma. It brings to a closure one more issue that this City Council has been tackling on our road to economic recovery, and I am hopeful of other financial issues being favorably resolved in the near future.”
Rigo Landeros
Acting City Manager

Grad Nite Live had its 'Giant Yard Sale' which netted us $834 . We now will continue to sell our "Tri-Tip sandwiches, chips and a soda at SUPER 'A' MARKET (available week-ends only) The seniors are selling the tickets now until the 7th of June - Graduation is the 13th of June. We will be having a CAR WASH (watch for the date) also we will be selling LEIS at the Festival. We are $8.000 short, and the checks have to go out by the 25th. help if you can. thanks Mrs Chaney.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

At about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013, a female was walking alone along Santa Paula Street, near Peck Road. A single male suspect confronted her, displayed a knife, and forced her into the nearby orchard. The suspect then sexually assaulted the female victim. The suspect was last seen running westbound on Santa Paula Road, toward Briggs Road.

The victim sustained minor injuries, but did not require medical aid. The suspect was described as a white male, between 20 and 30 years old. He was about 5’7” tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt.

In February, there was a similar incident in the same area. That suspect had been described as a Hispanic male, about 35 to 45 years old, with a large belly. At this point, Sheriff’s detectives have not ruled out the possibility the two incidents could be related.

Residents in the area are cautioned to be aware of any suspicious subjects in the area. Anyone having information about the assault or the possible suspect is urged to contact Detective Matt Delahuerta at 805-384-4740. In emergency situations, always call 911.

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).

Nature of Incident: Sexual Assault
Report Number: 13-11162
Location: Santa Paula Street at Peck Road, Unincorporated Area of Santa Paula
Date & Time: May 20, 2013 @ 9:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Male Unknown 20-30
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Jeff Miller
Media Release Date: May 20, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Matt Delahuerta / 805-384-4740, matt.delahuerta@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Nature of Incident: Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle
Report Number: 13-10557
Location: A Street and Old Telegraph Road, FiIlmore, Ca
Date & Time: May 13, 2013 / 9: 36 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Female Jogger, Fillmore, 68
Male Driver, Fillmoire, 40

On May 13, 2013, at approximately 9:36 A.M., deputies from the Fillmore Patrol Station and Fillmore Fire Department personnel responded to a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in the area of A Street and Old Telegraph Road.

The initial investigation at the scene revealed the female pedestrian was jogging on the Old Telegraph Road bike path and was struck when she crossed A street. All lanes of traffic were shut down while sheriff deputies, paramedics from AMR and the Fillmore Fire Department attended to the scene and victim. The female jogger was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in serious condition. Investigators from the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau assisted with the investigation. Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271.

The Fillmore Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers to pay attention while driving near crosswalks and to actively look for pedestrians crossing the street. Additionally, pay attention for other cars on the roadway that might be slowing or stopping for pedestrians.

Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
Media Release Date: May 13, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Deputy M. Berg 805-494-8271
Approved by: Captain Monica McGrath

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).