Sacramento, CA – Starting July 1, 2011 new legislation will go into effect requiring homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in every California home; a move CAL FIRE officials say will save lives. “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “And sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation.”

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and many types of appliances and cooking devices. The best way for homeowners to stay protected from CO is to have a carbon monoxide detector installed on every floor and outside each sleeping area. A recent study found that nearly nine in 10 California households did not have a CO detector. “Having a CO detector is a small investment that really can help save your life and the lives of your family,” said Chief Hoover.

To help educate homeowners about the new law and to encourage them to install a carbon monoxide detector, CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal is teaming up with fire departments across the state, the Home Safety Council, First Alert and Lowe’s to host “CO Saturday” on June 4. “CO Saturday” will be a special day-long safety celebration to teach families how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Though previous laws only required newly-constructed homes to have CO alarms, the state’s new Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires owners of all existing single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install CO alarm devices within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

For more information on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. For more information on “CO Saturday”, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Western Casino Night at the historic Glen Tavern Inn, 134 N. Mill St., Santa Paula on Saturday, June 18 .5pm. This informal evening begins with cocktails, western appetizers and live music by the 9 piece Studio C musicians. BBq, produce by Lairs Meats, Wood Ranch and Enzio's served 5:30 on the lovely front yard of Glen Tavern Inn. Gaming begins at 5:45,with Celebrity Dealers as well as professional for serious players. There will also be a Wheel of Fortune for those who just want to enjoy delicious supper, visiting and good music.

Tickets are $5o ($65 at door) and include one courtesy beer, wine or soda, dinner, raffle ticket am $75 Play Money.'

Tickets available at Minstar and Up in Arms in Fillmore. also at Santa Paula Times(944 E. Main, Chamber of commerce(old train depot) Glen Tavern Inn and S.UP. Health & Fitness Center(847 E. Main) and Brownie's Basement(866 E. Main) In Venture, Lautzenhiser's Hallmark.((1730 S. Victoria Ave.)

Proceeds will benefit Santa Clara Valley Hospice/ Home Support Group,, a non profit organization servicing the Santa Clara Valley. Please call 525-1333 for more information.

Ventura County Library will be conducting a computer systems upgrade that will impact all online access and computer use at the Ventura County Libraries.

Starting early June 21 through June 22, 2011, all online services will be unavailable. This includes the online catalog, express checkouts, wireless and database access. All public internet labs will be closed.

Access to the Ventura County Library website, www.vencolibrary.org will not be interrupted, but the online catalog and databases will be unavailable.

While online services will be interrupted, Ventura County Libraries will remain open and library staff will be available to assist during the downtime. The libraries impacted by this are: Avenue, Fillmore, E.P. Foster, Meiners Oaks, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Piru, Ray D. Prueter, Saticoy, Simi Valley and Soliz-El Rio.

This letter is addressed to the residences of the Santa Clara River Valley and especially those from the City of Fillmore and the Bardsdale area. We, who attended Monday’s 2011 Memorial Day Service at Bardsdale Cemetery were privileged to witnessed a wonderful event. In addition to the usual grand programmed items that took place such as the fly-over, color guard, singing of our national anthem, speech and prayers a formal dedication took place. That dedication of the WALK OF HONOR is what has prompted me to write. Soon to be made, Eagle Scout, Sean Chandler conceived, planned, and constructed this magnificent 3' X 200' (est)red brick walkway. Many of the “bricks” are inscribed with the names of military members, both past and present, who have served in America’s armed forces. Quite a few are waiting inscription. One could be yours! Over the course of 7 months this fine young man has brought to fruition this honorable tribute, with it’s granite monument and in the center a new flag pole which will stand FOREVER. It will be a LASTING memorial to anyone who wants a military person recognized for the service they have given to America. It really is wonderful! I know Mr. and Mrs. Chandler are very proud of their son. And we who got to meet Sean are as well. The parent’s know that they have raised a leader and a man who will be a success at whatever he puts his mind to accomplishing. As a footnote, anyone who wants to recognize a member (past or present) of America’s armed forces and wants to have a “brick” inscribed can do so by contacting the Manager of the Bardsdale Cemetery. The only cost is $50.00 and the Cemetery will handle all the arrangements. Do it, you’ll be pleased you did. Thanks again Sean Chandler. You live up to the very best of the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America. Charles & Alyce Richardson, Fillmore.

With delicious food supplied by El Pescador and the comfortable setting of our Senior Center, the Fillmore Women’s Service Club installed our new officers for the coming year. President Mimi Burns is seated in front of her Board Members: Tobey Bowers, Parliamentarian; Dee Rojo & Donna Voelker, Treasurers; Fay Swanson, Recording Sec.; Glenda DeJarnette, Recording Sec.; Susan Banks, 4th Vice Pres.; Dorothy Hunt, 3rd Vice Pres.; Rita Avila, 2nd Vice Pres.; and Marilyn Griffin, 1st Vice Pres.

Who can’t benefit from our motto for the year: The Difference between Ordinary & Extraordinary….is the little Extra we each do.

We all look forward to a successful Fireworks Booth and its profits to donate back into our community. Fillmore Women’s Service Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm – in the Senior Center – please come and joins. For membership information please call Dorothy Hunt at 524- 0767.

Ventura County, CA. — The legal ramifications once someone is diagnosed with dementia are important and can be overwhelming to address. The sooner legal planning can begin, the more the person with dementia may be able to participate in the process.

To address this need, the Alzheimer’s Association will present two free “brown bag” seminars in July addressing the legal aspects of dementia. Interested parties are encouraged to bring their own lunch to either or both seminars, which are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alzheimer’s Association Ventura County office in Camarillo at 80 North Wood Road #302.

Legal Issues: Powers of Attorney and Medi-Cal will be presented by Attorney Michael Williams on Friday, July 8. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

Empower Yourself Through Mediation will be presented by Attorney Brent Rosenbaum on Friday, July 22. He will explain the mediation process and how mediators can guide family members to expert sources, additional resources and options to help resolve and heal differences.

Seating is limited. Reserve a space or get more information by calling the Alzheimer’s Association Ventura County office at (805) 484-6028 or by emailing carol.swinney@alz.org.

About The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. The California Central Coast Chapter of the association covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern counties. alz.org

The California State Library and Califa have partnered with Scholastic to bring our community BookFLIX, an online literacy resource pairing classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to cultivate reading skills and learning.

This resource helps early readers spanning grades Pre K-3 develop and practice essential reading skills. The videos and read aloud resources also provide literacy tools for all ages.

Scholastic BookFLIX is accessed online from any computer with an internet connection through the Ventura County eLibrary at http://157.145.215.81:81/rpa/default/RPA_redr.htm. Click on ebooks and scroll down to BookFLIX.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Ventura, CA. - Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) is proud to announce they will be hosting child birth classes for expectant parents, beginning Wednesday, June 8th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the small conference room off the hospital cafeteria. The hospital is located at 3291 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

The classes will run from June 8th through the 29th, and there is no enrollment fee for VCMC patients. The classes are designed for both the expectant mother who is in her seventh month of pregnancy or more, and her designated support person.

The June ‘Baby Steps’ Child Birth classes will be the first in on-going classes at VCMC. For more information and to register please call 652-6090.

Ventura, CA. - Hyperbaric medicine – use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure to heal problem wounds – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, June 14.

Dr. John Tesman, a local hyperbarics and chronic wound care specialist, will lead the seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 Brent St. in Ventura.

The seminar will provide an introduction to hyperbaric medicine with information on the diagnosis and treatment of difficult wounds. Dr. Tesman also will talk about CMHS’s Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing while explaining:

 What causes non-healing wounds;
 How hyperbaric chambers work and what they treat;
 How wound care centers heal difficult wounds;
 If you are a candidate for specialized wound care.

Dr. Tesman is board certified in emergency medicine, undersea and hyperbaric medicine and is a Fellow of the College of Chronic Wound Care Specialists. He is the medical director for the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine and is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Space is limited, so call 805/652-5436 for reservations, or go to www.cmhshealth.org.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

SACRAMENTO, CA. - Boating and water safety officials held a press conference in Sacramento to warn water enthusiasts to take precautions this summer. This year’s abundant snowfall and spring snowmelt will result in high, swift and cold river flows which create dangerous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers and even hikers cooling off at the water’s edge.

Speakers from the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), Sacramento City Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard shared information on how to improve the chances of an accidental water immersion, pool safety, life jackets laws and the importance of parental supervision. A water rescue demonstration was also held to show proper self rescue positions.

Last year, 570 recreational boating accidents occurred in California that involved 283 injuries and 49 fatalities. Approximately 75% of the drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. Officials stressed that knowing how to swim does not make swimmers drown-proof. A properly fitted life jacket significantly increases the chances of surviving a boating accident. A life jacket can also provide some thermal protection against the onset of hypothermia and keep you afloat until someone else can rescue you.

A number of DBW boating safety programs encouraging life jacket use will be taking place this summer starting with a life jacket trade-in. This event will take place this Friday, May 27 from 4-6 p.m. at select Kohl’s Department Store locations in Sacramento, and from 1-3 p.m. at Sam’s Club locations in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Water enthusiasts are invited to bring their life jackets for inspection by water safety professionals. If a life jacket is found to be outgrown or unserviceable, a new, properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket will be given in exchange. Life jackets will be available at each site while supplies last. Click here for a list of locations.

DBW has also partnered with fire stations across California and the CSU Sacramento Aquatic Center to make life jackets available for the public to loan. An individual or family can check out life jackets for a day or a weekend simply by completing a loan form. Click here for a list of locations.

For more information about life jackets or boating laws, please visit DBW’s Web site.

About the Department of Boating and Waterways
DBW enhances public access to California's waterways and promotes boating and aquatic safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

Swim lesson sign-ups have started at the Aquatic Center. Class’s are set to start on June 6th in both the morning and the afternoon.

This Friday (May 27) marks the beginning of Friday Night Family Nights for the summer. Every Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Admission is $1.00 person.

Saturday (May 28) starts off the Saturday afternoon Rec. Swim! Every Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Admission is $2.00 per person.

Interested in a Jr. Lifeguard class? The sign-up sheet is ready and waiting for your name! This is a six week class to be offered on Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00 am. The price is $30.00.

For further information and questions please call 524-4902.

Ventura County Habitat for Humanity will now begin repairing homes in partnership with qualified, low-income homeowners. The new housing repair program called “Preserve a Home”, is rolling out “A Brush with Kindness”, which is aimed at providing simple exterior (only) repairs such as painting, window, minor siding and trim repair, landscaping and/or clean-up, brush/junk removal to low-income homeowners in need.

Habitat for Humanity’s “A Brush with Kindness” has a goal to serve low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. The work is done by volunteers who use donated materials whenever possible. The homeowner must meet have a demonstrated need, willingness to partner with Habitat and the ability to re-pay a no interest loan. Payments made by the partner family are placed in a revolving fund to help ABWK serve others in need.

“Preserve a Home and its “A Brush with Kindness” is part of our larger Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI). This initiative gives us a great opportunity to help more families in need, as well as have an impact on the entire neighborhood” said John Kistler, Construction Manager, Ventura County Habitat for Humanity. “Helping people repair and maintain their homes fits in seamlessly with Habitat's core mission of making decent, affordable housing available to low-income families.”

A Brush with Kindness is underwritten by a grant from Valspar, Habitat’s National Paint Partner.

In continuing with the two current Habitat full home builds already underway in Piru CA, the first two homes of the “A Brush With Kindness” Program will be completed there as well. And in the coming months, two homes in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo, Fillmore and Simi Valley (for a total of 12), will also be served.

Pre-applications for all 12 locations can be filled out and submitted on-line or are available for download at www.habitatventura.org.

The “Walk of Honor” will be officially unveiled during Bardsdale Cemetery’s Memorial Day Services. Boy Scout Sean Chandler recently completed his Eagle Project at the cemetery. His project included replacing the flagpole’s asphalt walkway with bricks engraved with the names of veterans. This walkway is used each year during the Memorial Day service and is now truly befitting the honor to which veterans deserve. The community is invited to the unveiling on Monday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Bardsdale Cemetery. In recognition of the completion of the “Walk of Honor”, refreshments will be served after the service.

Sean would like to thank the community of Fillmore for supporting his Eagle Project with the purchase of engraved bricks for veterans and to all the volunteers who worked on his project, especially those of Pack 3400 and Troop 406. Special thanks go to Fillmore Rentals, Fillmore Building Supply, Vulcan Materials Company of Oxnard and especially to Santa Barbara Monumental for donating the beautiful granite monument. More importantly, this project could not have proceeded without the encouragement and financial support of the Bardsdale Cemetery Board.

Ventura, CA. - Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is accepting entries and sponsors for its 14th annual NICU Golf Tournament on Monday, July 25, at Saticoy Country Club in Somis, with proceeds benefiting Community Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Funds raised are used to offset the cost of the latest in equipment technology used to save the lives of premature and struggling infants. Community Memorial Hospital’s NICU holds a Level III designation, a certification reflecting the highest quality of comprehensive care.

In addition to golf, the tournament features lunch, prizes, and awards. The tournament’s format is a four-person “Texas Scramble.” The tournament offers a variety of sponsorship packages, starting with the Players Pack that includes green fees, carts, gift packs and dinner for four. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m.

“It’s a tremendous afternoon that raises much needed money for the NICU,” said Tournament Chairman Dan Boughey, vice president of Rabobank. “We appreciate everyone’s participation and support.”

The field will be limited to 144 players. To sponsor this event, enter or for more information visit www.nicugolf.org, or call the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation office at 805/667-2881.

Please join us for an informative presentation on June 2 at 5:00pm at the Santa Paul Chamber of Commerce. Reservations received on that day are entitled to a special discount!

The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce has announced today that it will be visiting stunning city of St. Petersburg, Russia. The Chamber is inviting chamber members, and family and friends of chamber members to join them on this once in a lifetime experience.

Rich in culture and stunning scenery, immerse your-self in culture while in St. Petersburg. One of the world's most beautiful cities, St. Petersburg has all the ingredients for an unforgettable travel experience: high art, lavish architecture, wild nightlife, an extraordinary history and rich cultural traditions that have inspired and nurtured some of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art. From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg charms and entices in every season. During your time in the city you will visit Peter and Paul’s Fortress, an iconic building of the cityscape. See the Palace Square, and the Hermitage Museum one of the greatest museums in the world. It comprises five buildings including Winter Palace, formerly Imperial residence built for Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity to participate in an international journey to Russia, where program participants can experience culture, learn about the business climate, and make new friends,” said one Chamber Traveler.

Space is limited, so act fast. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to visit these stunning countries, exchange ideas with local business representatives, make new friends, and build new memories.

For more information about this amazing trip please call the Ken Brookes at the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce at (805) 525-5561.

Ventura County, CA. — As the Red Cross responds to the latest tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri, it continues its multiple relief operations across the South in response to April’s tornadoes and the continued flooding along the Mississippi River. This spring, more than half of the country has been affected by damaging weather, disrupting people’s lives from North Dakota to the East Coast. Since March 31, more than 10,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of cleanup and comfort kits and served more than 1.8 million meals and snacks.

Across the Central Coast, local Red Cross chapters have already deployed more than 20 volunteers to assist with the response and recovery efforts across the U.S. – doing everything from Public Affairs, to Sheltering, Nursing and Recovery Casework. Jim McGee, Regional CEO, said, “Everyday we have seen heartbreaking images coming from the South and Midwest – to be able to send our volunteers to those locations to help our friends and neighbors in need is truly an honor. Today, our region stands ready to deploy more volunteers if necessary.”

Collectively, this is one of the largest Red Cross disaster relief operations in the history of the organization. The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and wildfires, as well as countless crises at home and around the world. People can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; people can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter:
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, more than half a million volunteers and 30,000 employees helped victims of 70,000 disasters nationwide; and taught lifesaving skills to millions. Locally, the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter provided services to more than 50,000 members of our community and distributed disaster preparedness and health and safety materials to thousands of school children, seniors and community members. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter at (805) 987-1514. You can now follow the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter on Twitter for up to date information: @RedCrossVentura.