Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 07-28-2011, Vintage Oil field workers discovered a large amount of metal missing from an inactive oil pumping site in the 17000 block of South Mountain Road in Santa Paula. Fillmore Station Patrol Deputies were contacted and responded to the scene. During the initial investigation evidence was recovered that indicated (S) Jeffrey Daniel was involved in the theft. Daniel was detained near his residence and several of the stolen oil pump parts were located in his truck. The theft represented approximately $3800.00 in losses of equipment for the victim.

Daniel was arrested for grand theft, a felony, and he was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

This arrest was made possible because of the partnership between the farming community and the Sheriff’s Office and the immediate reporting of the incident by “Farm Watch” members. “Farm Watch” is a county wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to more than 600 farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. In this case, because of “Farm Watch”, the victim knew how to react and treat the crime scene to preserve potential evidence for immediate processing by the deputies of the Sheriff’s Office. In order to get registered on Farm Watch, please e-mail crime.watch@ventura.org.

Location: 17000 Block of South Mountain Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time/ RB#: 07-28-2011 @ 8:15 A.M. / Report # 11-17018
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(V) Vintage Oil
(S) Jeffrey Donald Daniel Santa Paula 46
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Darin Hendren
Follow-up Contact: Detective Darin Hendren
Date of Release: 07-28-2011
Approved By: Captain Monica McGrath

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Courtesy Chief Monica McGrath

Hello everyone and welcome to our Farm Watch for this June / July edition. I hate to sound redundant, but current crime trends for this period in comparison to last year indicate our level of thefts (larcenies) are still increasing. On a good note, however, even though our total crime increased (mainly due to thefts) our arrest rate increased dramatically by a whopping 45%.
The hot ticket for theft is predominantly metal thefts: copper wire and steel. Many crooks like to steel the metal out of most anything and will turn around within hours and take it to a recycling facility for cash. As you know, this has been a trend for several years, but at the rate at which metals are being valued, this is a crucial time to secure as much of your machinery and tools as possible. Another trend that we truly do not want to re-surface is thefts from storage containers. However, we did have a significant one in the county area on Tierra Rejada Road in Moorpark. The locks were cut off the containers and several lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, weed whackers, etc. was taken. The case is being currently investigated with our East end detectives and will update you next edition.
Specific Crime Issues of Note for this edition:
Metal Thefts / County Wide:
Bardsdale area, a barn was burglarized and the thieves took a 7 ft steel rim!
A second ranch in Bardsdale was the victim of a metal theft when thieves took two 6 feet rollers made out of steel (they are designed to be towed behind a tractor).
Also near the Sespe Creek bridges, the suspects walked into a truck yard and stole 4 air cleaners off of 2 trucks. The cleaners were made of polished stainless steel. An alert local recycling company informed police that the possible suspect(s) from the above visited the recycling center and bought an old tractor to have it recycled in Saticoy. The suspect(s) are possibly driving a white Chevy Suburban w/trailer.
In the Oxnard Plains, metal freezer plates and large pallet racks were stolen from this business.
In the 5000 block of Gonzales Road (Oxnard County area), suspects vandalized a water pipe and stripped the copper wiring.
Saddle Thefts / East County:
English riding saddle thefts have sprung up in the Hidden Valley area and into Los Angeles County. The barns in the area south of Ventura County are comparing issues; we will keep you informed on the progress with Los Angeles Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
John Deer Tractor Theft / Saticoy:
A John Deer gator tractor was stolen from a ranch in Saticoy in early July. As of this date, no major leads in this case.
Overall, I want to continue to thank those giving law enforcement assistance in keeping tabs on suspicious vehicles, persons, etc. around our county areas. We all are the key to the success in fighting and deterring crime. As I write this, another area of concern has recently appeared on the radar screen with more regularity is theft of GPS devices from vehicles. The cities and county areas have been hit with vehicle burglaries (mostly sport utility vehicles) where the target has been GPS systems. Also, the third row seats (usually leather) are being taken as well. Two car dealerships were recently hit very hard where the target was GPS systems and 3d row leather seats. Be on the look out and secure your vehicles as best as you possibly can. If practical, document serial numbers, etc. in order for the police to better track down your stolen property.

This week FFA members have been busy preparing for our Showmanship Day which will be held this Saturday July 23rd at the School Farm. Each year this event is hosted by the Fillmore FFA and is open to all FFA, 4-H, Grange and Independent members from throughout the county. This year our judges will be coming from Reedley College to judge the cattle, goat, lamb and swine classes. Throughout the week Fillmore FFA members will spend several afternoons tidying the school farm for the event. The show is to help members prepare for the upcoming Ventura County Fair. The Showmanship Day will start with registration at 8AM and classes will start at 9AM. Fillmore FFA would like to invite the community to come out and watch the show.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

The 2011 Ventura County Fair is finally here, and each year, the 4-H and Grange Show is one of the first events of the Fair. The 4-H and Grange Show is comprised of children of all ages who will compete in a wide variety of equestrian events to showcase their talents.

Who: 4-H & Grange

What: 4-H & Grange Horse Show; Competitions include:

· July 15th: Halter Showmanship, Western Classes (equitation, horsemanship, and trail course), and Drill Team Exhibitions.

· July 16th: English Classes (Equitation, Hunter Hack, Jumpers)

· July 17th: Gymkhana – the fun classes (Poles, speed barrels, cloverleaf barrels, birangle, single stakes)

Where: Morgan Horse Show Arena at the Ventura County Fairgrounds; 10 West Harbor Blvd.

When: Competitions begin on July 15, 2011 and conclude on July 17th, 2011.

The Ventura County Fair is excited for all horse show competitions, because not only are the horse shows filled with great entertainment but it is also a sign that the Fair is here!

For more information about 4-H and Grange Horse Shows and all other competitions at the Fair, please visit our website at www.venturacountyfair.org or call 805-648-3376 x110

FFA members after the 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster's Freedom Breakfast.
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Newly elected officer team, left-right Jennifer Martin, Brandon Pina, Alexus Galassi, Sierra Blankenship, Marc Zavala and Brooke Aguirre.
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Even though school is out, FFA members have been keeping themselves busy. Fourth of July morning found members up bright and early to serve the hungry citizens of Fillmore at our 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster’s Freedom Breakfast. At the breakfast, students served pancakes, sausage, eggs and oranges to almost 500 people.

Surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, people enjoyed friendly conversations and good food to start their busy 4th of July. The Fillmore FFA Chapter honored Active Military and Veterans with a free breakfast in appreciation for their services. While students were busy serving at the breakfast, FFA parents and booster members continued manning the Fillmore FFA Fireworks booth. The Fillmore FFA Chapter and Booster Club would like to thank everyone for their continuous support at the Freedom Breakfast and Fireworks booth.

The newly elected officer team led by President Brandon Pina planted pumpkins at the School Farm on Monday morning. The pumpkins will be harvested in October for the children at Sonshine Preschool. The officer team has also been busy planning future events for the coming year. Our 2011-2012 Fillmore FFA Officers are President Brandon Pina, Vice President Alexus Galassi, Secretary Sierra Blankenship, Treasurer Marc Zavala, Reporter Brooke Aguirre, Sentinel Craig Harvey and Historian Jennifer Martin.

In October, eight Fillmore FFA members will be attending the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indiana. As a fundraiser, they are selling plants and vegetables at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-7pm.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

Welcome to Farm Watch
May 22 – June 18, 2011 Edition
Courtesy Capt. Monica McGrath
Hello everyone and welcome to our Farm Watch for this May/June edition. Current crime trends indicate our level of thefts (larcenies) continue to climb, however, total crime for this period is actually down as compared to this same period last year. The current and most popular trend these days seems to be thefts of metals (all types) for the purpose of selling it to local and some times LA area recycling venues. I have been told the “going rate” for scrap metal at this time is $500 per ton!! Storage Container burglaries continue to be an issue, however, those thefts are literally all over the county. We are tracking them diligently. Also, please note the media release from Thousand Oaks PD reference our burglar that was arrested for numerous vehicle burglaries from vehicles parked at trail heads all over the county. Nice detective work!
Specific Crime Issues of Note for this edition:
• Diesel Fuel Theft Update: In the last Farm Watch I indicated the theft of diesel fuel on ranches. Since then, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies caught 2 male suspects (brothers) stealing 90 gallons of red dye diesel fuel. It was stored in a black plastic unapproved container in the back of their truck. They also had an electrical pump with hoses. The suspects are from Nipomo, however they are very organized and would not hesitate to hit our county. They drove an orange Isuzo Amigo SUV. (Pictures attached) They were dressed in black and had small flashlights with them. Let us know if you have seen this vehicle around your ranches as well.
• Camarillo / Oxnard Plains Tool Thefts:
Dewalt chop saw taken from an unlocked barn on Pancho Rd, then during the same time frame a locked utility truck parked on the 600 block of Cawelti Rd. was broken into where several wrenches, air impact tools, ratchets, grinders, and other miscellaneous tools were stolen. Both thefts occurred over the Memorial Day weekend. Continue to mark your specific equipment with an engraver for better identification.
• Scrap Metal Thefts:
4 TONS of scrap metal were stolen in the county area south of Camarillo near Malibu. The victim had three areas on his 20 acre property where he stored miscellaneous metal parts such as: nuts, bolts, vehicle parts, tire rims, metal excavation buckets, an old 1000 lb. antique welder, and 2 WWII all metal trailers.
• South Mountain Road thefts of Irrigation Pumps:
There were at least 2 instances of thefts of irrigation pumps off S.Mountain Road. The suspects sawed through the PVC pipes connectors and took the pumps. The thefts were in the middle of citrus orchards.
• Sexton Canyon Theft: Bobcat Tractor:
In Mid-June a bobcat tractor was parked on the side of the road on Sexton Canyon and within a day and a half, the tractor was gone! Tracks in the dirt indicate it was loaded onto a trailer of some type.
Continue to be diligent in reporting suspicious activity as your efforts truly assist us in catching theses suspects.
Contacts:
• Fillmore Detective Darin Hendren darin.hendrin@ventura.org or 524-2235
• Ventura Detective Christine Rettura Christine.rettura@ventura.org 662-6770
• Agricultural Crimes Detective, Ray Dominguez at Ray.Dominguez@ventura.org
Once again, I would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown who puts together your maps and digests all the crime data so we can effectively catch and prosecute these criminals.
Be alert and always safe!

Learn about Ventura County agriculture, take home farm fresh produce for your dinner, and have fun at the same time! Join us at the UC Hansen Agricultural Center (UCHAC) for Saturday at the Farm—Harvest Day, July 23rd from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our first Harvest Day program will include: farm fresh produce—you harvest, we provide bag, vegetable cooking demonstration and samples, Faulkner House and farm tours. VC Master Gardeners will also hold a plant sale. Participants are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the farm.

Space is limited, registration required. Please call 805-525-9293 ext. 214 or email sbmiller@ucdavis.edu. Free.
UCHAC is located at 14292 W. Telegraph Rd. (corner of Briggs Rd. and Telegraph Rd.) in Santa Paula. Admission to farm and parking are free. For more information, visit our website at www.uchansentrust.org.

Chamomile tea for your tummy aches, oregano and sweet basil for your tomato sauce, whatever your herb needs, you can find them at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market. You can purchase the herbs you need from ABC Farm.
The ABC Farm is a family owned business. The business began in Santa Paula where they primarily grew rhubarb. In the late 1980’s, they sold their property and moved ABC Farm to thirty one acres in Fillmore where they began growing different varieties of herbs. At the farm they grow oregano, basil, dill, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, the list goes on and on. As I toured the ABC Farm with Albert, the eldest Baltazar son, he explained to me how the business has grown. Years ago, Albert would sell 5 bundles of watercress at each market, but today currently sells over 50 bundles a market. Why the sudden increase in watercress sales? Apparently Dr. Oz had a TV episode on watercress and its health benefits which prompted costumers to ask for more watercress. Other than watercress, their top seller is mint. Albert told me that the herbs they sell are not only used for food but some costumers choose to use herbs like rue, chamomile and aloe vera for their medicinal benefits. To help keep their herbs organic they grow the plants on top of mulch piles instead of the ground. ABC Farm is in the process of being certified organic, they currently do not use any fertilizer or sprays on their plants. It takes approximately four to six years to become certified organic and ABC Farms have about 18 more months until the process is finished. They have a certificate that allows them to sell at farmer’s markets. Each year, an inspector from the Ventura County Agriculture Department comes to the farm to make sure they are growing what they are selling at the farmer’s markets. Albert sells to markets around Ventura County, but his daughter-in-law Sandra helps with the sales at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market. Albert enjoys the farmer’s market because he meets many people of different cultures. Albert’s goal for the next year is to grow more Asian and Persian herbs. In the mean time, stop by for a bundle of Rue, Albert tells me it’s a great natural air freshener. The Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday from 3:30-7pm. Hope to see you there!

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Welcome to Farm Watch!
Captain Tim Hagel is off to greener pastures (Thousand Oaks) and he will be missed by so many. Therefore filling his shoes will be extremely difficult, as he has done a tremendous job in getting the ranching community connected with great informative news on current crime trends and prevention efforts. Since my feet are much smaller, I won’t even try to fill his shoes, but will do my best to keep the communication lines open and informative.
I don’t want to speak prematurely, however, current crime trends in the rural communities across the county are dramatically down in several areas comparing 2010 to 2011. One area that still seems to plague us however is thefts from unlocked vehicles especially where items of value are left in plain sight. Many of these thefts are crimes of opportunity.
Another area of concern is a slight rise in theft of landscaping equipment in the El Rio and Saticoy areas of the county. Items stolen: chain saws, edgers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, and a stump grinder. No witnesses, or suspect vehicle description at this time, however, if we get a lead, I will disseminate ASAP.
Overall, I believe there are definitely more alert and conscientious citizens that call us for suspicious persons / vehicles in an area where they truly have no business to be. As you know, it takes more than just the police to fight crime, as we are a community and rely on you to report suspicious activity.
Specific Crime Issues of Note for the past month:
Diesel Fuel Theft: As was noted in the last Farm Watch, theft of diesel fuel continues: over $17,000 worth of diesel fuel was stolen from a sod farm in the Oxnard Plain. The lock on the tank was cut with possibly a bolt cutter, no witnesses or suspect description at this time.
Landscape Equipment Thefts: As noted above, 3 separate areas in the El Rio and Saticoy area were hit with these thefts, no arrests have been made. Please take the time to document serial numbers of equipment and if possible, mark your specific equipment with an engraver of some kind for better identification in the event we recover your property.
Trail Head Thefts from Vehicles: Continuing thefts from trailheads in the Ojai Valley and adjacent areas. Please secure your wallets and valuables when enjoying the incredible hiking trails our county has to offer.
Interesting information: Did you know that only 2.7% of the population of the U.S. lives on farms or ranches, yet they represent one of the most frequently victimized sectors of society? Research shows at least 90% of rural crimes are property oriented and vandalism tends to be the most frequent crime with larceny second, and burglary the third most frequent.
Remember, so many thieves have been arrested due to alert and informed Farm Watch members, so please continue to contact Detective Darin Hendren at the Fillmore Station darin.hendrin@ventura.org or 524-2235, Detective Christine Rettura in our Ventura Headquarters Station: 662-6770, and of course our Agricultural Crimes Detective, Ray Dominguez at Ray.Dominguez@ventura.org
We cannot catch thieves on our own and being on the Farm Watch Team is crucial to solving and deterring crime in all areas of the county. Although this is a brief report, I’m happy to report these were the biggest areas of concern (crime-wise) that I felt compelled to write about. In the interest of crime prevention, I will send you crime alerts as I get them if there is a surge of crime in the agricultural community that you should be aware. Once again, I would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown who puts together your maps and digests all the crime data so we can effectively catch and prosecute these criminals.
Be alert and always safe!

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Last week’s gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the mood at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market. Shoppers were treated to an abundance of bright vegetables, stone fruit and flowers. Consumers also had a chance to purchase fresh eggs from Shepard Farm.

Shepard Farm is owned and operated by Bob and Barbra Shepard. They are primarily organic citrus growers. In their orchards they do not use chemicals or sprays. A little more than a year ago, the Shepards came up with the idea of using chickens to control the weeds with the added benefit of using the chicken manure to fertilize the trees. The fencing used to contain the chickens around the trees is portable. This enables the Shepards to move the chickens to different locations once the weeds are eaten down. This makes for very happy chickens and healthy eggs for the consumer. The Shepards raise several different varieties of chickens which include Rhode Island Reds and Red Stars that produce brown eggs. You can also purchase blue eggs which are laid by the Americana chickens. The eggs range in size from small to large and can be purchased for $4 to $6 a dozen. Currently the Shepards have 500 laying chickens and 300 chicks on their farm which supply about thirty dozen eggs a day. To be able to sell their eggs at the farmer’s market, the Shepard’s business was approved by an inspector from the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office. The Shepards have a California Certificate of Production to sell their eggs at the markets. When asked why she enjoys the Fillmore Community Farmers Market, Barbara said “The people are very friendly, they are here trying to get the best quality food they can and it’s nice to be apart of that.” The Shepards also sell oranges but their varieties are currently not in season. Besides Fillmore, they also sell at farmer’s markets in Simi Valley, Oak Park and Woodland Hills. The Shepard Farm is located in Bardsdale and is not open to the public, so come visit Shepard Farm every Wednesday from 3:30-7pm on Central and Main St at the Fillmore Community Farmer‘s Market.

When it comes to controlling insects and other agricultural pests, there’s nothing better than using natural enemies to do the job for you. Using beneficial insects as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program helps control infestations while lowering the use of pesticides and preserving the environment. Associates Insectary, located in Santa Paula, is the oldest commercial insectary in the United States and produces over two million beneficial organisms each day.

Join us at the UC Hansen Agricultural Center for another Saturday at the Farm. Speaker, Brett Chandler, President and General Manager of Associates Insectary will present: Beneficial Insects, Big Results—Minimal Impact and lead a garden tour to identify beneficial bugs. Learn about the unique world of rearing insects and their use in agriculture. VC Master Gardener, Leah Haynes, will introduce the University of California IPM website available for home gardeners. Saturday, June 25th, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free. Space is limited, reservations required. Call 805-525-9293 ext. 214 or email: sbmiller@ucdavis.edu.

The Center will be open on June 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Faulkner Farm House will be open for tours and VC Master Gardeners Program will hold a plant sale. If you wish to participate in these activities, no reservation required. For more information visit our website at www.uchansentrust.org. UCHAC is located at 14292 W. Telegraph Rd. in Santa Paula. Admission to farm and parking are free.

Entries from Ventura County Chefs, Produce Growers, and Vintners are sought for this Summertime Fair Competition.

Celebrity Chefs from throughout the county are invited to join the 3rd “Bounty of the County” contest at the 2011 Ventura County Fair. The purpose of the competition is to give local chefs the opportunity to showcase their talents while utilizing the greatest number of Ventura County products. The teams that best represent Ventura County in the most appealing way has the opportunity to win cash prizes up to $750.

Who: Ventura County Chefs

Ventura County Vintners

Ventura Produce Growers

What: Bounty of the County Contest

When: Sunday, August 7

Letter of intent due: Friday, July 1

Entry Deadline: Saturday, July 30, 12 Noon

Where: Ventura County Fair

Agriculture Building

Details: www.venturacountyfair.org

805-648-3376

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Each week, six Fillmore FFA members meet with Mr. Scott Beylik at Beylik Family Farms to plant and take care of different vegetables. The students’ goals are to sell their produce at the Fillmore Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. Last week was Fillmore FFA’s second time selling at the farmer’s market. The students were selling Italian Sweet basil and many different varieties of squash for $2 a plant. These students are working hard to fundraise money in order to attend the 2011 National FFA Convention. These students plan to be selling at the farmer’s market every Wednesday from 3:30-7pm. Next week the members will be selling Italian Sweet basil, different types of squash as well at tomatoes. Come on by and say hi to the students on Wednesday!

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

The last three weeks I have traveled about, taking the pulse of the more forgotten areas of central California. I wanted to witness, even if superficially, what is happening to a state that has the highest sales and income taxes, the most lavish entitlements, the near-worst public schools (based on federal test scores), and the largest number of illegal aliens in the nation, along with an overregulated private sector, a stagnant and shrinking manufacturing base, and an elite environmental ethos that restricts commerce and productivity without curbing consumption.

During this unscientific experiment, three... http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/255320/two-californias-victor-dav...

“Discover your Adventure” That was the theme of the 83rd Annual California State FFA Leadership Conference that was held April 16-19 in Fresno. Fillmore FFA sent 16 students to attend the 4 day convention which was jammed packed with award recognitions, workshops, motivational speakers, a concert, farm tour and the highly anticipated announcement of the 2011-2012 State Officer Team!

The energetic crowd of over 4,0000 members, advisors, guests and alumni filled Selland Arena. During the opening session the 49 names of the 2011-2012 State officer candidates where announced. Over the next four days the candidates would go through numerous interviews, exams and challenges to be narrowed down to just 12. On Monday the delegates, two students chosen from each chapter would vote to elect the 6 individuals who would represent the California FFA in the following year. Mr. Ricards had chosen Riley Wright and Aaron Largen to represent Fillmore FFA as delegates and they were more then ready for the challenge.

While at the convention the attendees listened to motivational speakers Josh Shipp and Brooks Gibbs. Both speakers had powerful messages and encouraged us to overcome obstacles, not feel sorry for ourselves and to always give our best. Sunday we attended educational workshops at Fresno State University. The workshops are designed to teach various leadership skills such as ice breakers, team work, and building self confidence. Fillmore FFA members attended a workshop lead by Fillmore Alumni and current Chico state student Ben Aguirre. The workshop taught teamwork and communication through games. On Monday the students attended a career fair to learn about agricultural colleges and careers. We then attended a farm tour of the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Science Center. The center develops new varieties and technology to enhance fresh fruit quality and safety. That night the members were entertained by country music artists ‘Gloriana”. Tuesday morning found us eagerly awaiting the announcements of the new State Team but not before hearing the emotional retiring addresses from the current State Vice President and State President. Finally the new team was revealed. Fillmore FFA is proud to announce that Kenna Lewis from our own South Coast Region is the 2011-2012 Vice President! Good luck to the 2011-2012 California State FFA Officer Team.

The convention was an amazing experience and Fillmore FFA members returned having leaned valuable lessons and skills to share at the chapter level.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

Davis, CA. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency Davis Regional Office will host several meetings in May to tell growers about the availability and features of the Actual Revenue History Strawberry Insurance Program. Topics to be covered include how the program can work for you, requirements, sales closing dates, and how to purchase crop insurance. Growers interested in attending a session can contact the Sandy Sanchez or Jessica Klaisner at (530) 792-5870 or by e-mail sandy.sanchez@rma.usda.gov, jessica.klaisner@rma.usda.gov.

The meetings will be held on the following dates and locations in English or Spanish:

English Sessions

Santa Maria
May 4, 2011 (2pm -4pm)
Agricultural Commissioner’s Office
624 West Foster Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Ventura
May 5, 2011 (9 am – 11 am)
Cooperative Extension Ventura County 669 County Square Drive, #100 Ventura, CA 93003-5401

Monterey
May 10 (2pm - 4pm)
Cooperative Extension Monterey County 1432 Abbott Street Salinas, CA 93901

Spanish Sessions
Santa Maria
May 4, 2011 (9 am -11am)
Agricultural Commissioner’s Office
624 West Foster Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Ventura
May 5, 2011 (9 am – 11 am)
Cooperative Extension Ventura County 669 County Square Drive, #100 Ventura, CA 93003-5401

Watsonville
May 10 (9 am – 11am)
Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County 1432 Freedom Boulevard Watsonville, CA 95076-2796

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (80) 795-3271 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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Welcome to Farm Watch.

Perfect Storm:
"Two or more events coming together with a disastrous result."

A natural example for our farmers would be the recent combination of wind and freezing temperatures. You can make your own list of perfect storms but being prepared is important.

Rural crime storms are no different. Check this out... I just drove by a gas station and noticed diesel price hovering at $4.60 a gallon. Unrelated, size picked #48 avocados prices are well over $1.30 a pound.

Okay, for me, that means one thing, a perfect storm brewing in rural theft. We can prepare and prevent this scenario from occurring by being vigilant during the next three months when picking Hass and during the summer months picking of Lamb’s. Okay for our non-avocado growers a “Lamb” is type of Hass avocado marketed during the summer.

In addition, evaluate your fueling stations at farms and ranches. Your fuel trailers and tanks should be located in areas where someone can’t just hook up and drive away.

On March 29th a 500 gallon diesel trailer was stolen in the Santa Clara Valley. The fuel trailer has some distinctive markings. I have attached a photo of the actual trailer provided by Detective Darin Hendrin.

Remember, the last time we pursued similar diesel thieves we found them through Farm Watch. Let’s help out! Darin can be contacted at darin.hendrin@ventura.org or 524-2235.

Grocery Cart Bandits:

Okay I know what you think.. Why are we going to talk about thefts at a supermarket? In this case, two bandits brought the supermarket to a South Mountain lemon and avocado orchard. Well they did not really bring the supermarket, but they did bring a supermarket shopping cart to fill with stolen avocados and lemons. The ranch the hit has an owner who is a Farm Watch member and has that farmer, extra-instinct. He noticed the shopping cart hidden down a row of trees. Being quite the detective, the farmer started a search for suspects and sure enough found them hiding face down in some rows.

The two males suspects fled in the orchard. Detective Ramirez responded and with the help of the farmer, they located the suspects fleeing the area. Alejandro Pineda and Adiran Montiel were captured by Detective Ramirez. They both were arrested for Ag-Theft and booked at the Main Jail.

We wish them well on the laundry-detail in jail, where they will have plenty of time for pushing laundry carts.

Fire Thief:

Lets help out our CONTINUED »

Written by Victor Davis Hanson

The last three weeks I have traveled about, taking the pulse of the more forgotten areas of central California. I wanted to witness, even if superficially, what is happening to a state that has the highest sales and income taxes, the most lavish entitlements, the near-worst public schools (based on federal test scores), and the largest number of illegal aliens in the nation, along with an overregulated private sector, a stagnant and shrinking manufacturing base, and an elite environmental ethos that restricts commerce and productivity without curbing consumption.

During this... http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/255320/two-californias-victor-dav...

SOMIS, CA, April 15, 2011 – Dawn Afman, newly appointed District Conservationist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Ventura County, today announced that countywide conservation contracts have been selected for fiscal year 2011. According to Afman, 12 farmers and ranchers are receiving contracts totaling $520,000 under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The projects address a spectrum of resource concerns including water conservation, riparian restoration, erosion control, integrated pest management, fire safety, invasive species and more to protect the soil, water, air, forests and wildlife of Ventura County.
Ventura County has received over $3 million for EQIP conservation projects since 2006. EQIP funding throughout the state of California totals XYZ million for 2011.

Afman says that now is the time to plan projects for the 2012 fall sign ups. “The well-planned projects compete most favorably for funding and ultimately are better able to meet the environmental and economic objectives intended,” she says. Afman may be contacted at 805-386-4489 x 101, dawn.afman@ca.usda.gov or by visiting the office at 3380 Somis Road.

FFA member Marc Zavala donating blood at the annual FFA Blood Drive.
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On March 31st, Fillmore FFA hosted our annual Blood Drive at the Fillmore High School. Students above the age of sixteen were given the opportunity to donate blood at the Blood Drive. Throughout the day, the FFA officer team took shifts in handing out “United Blood Service” T-shirts and waters to those who donated blood. Every year, we get so much support from students at this event. Thank you to all who donated and helped save a life.
It may only be April, but members are already starting their fundraisers in order to attend the 2011 National FFA Convention in October. Last Thursday, five students who are interested in attending the convention planted squash and basil at the Beylik Farms. Although planting seeds may seem like a simple task, with the guidance of Mr. Scott Beylik, we learned the important steps that will give the plant a good start and a yummy finish. The students plan to grow different produce and sell the vegetables at the local farmer’s market.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter