Conway Spitler

It was interesting to attend the recent special meeting of the Fillmore City Council in the Memorial Building about the storm drains, water softeners and flood zones.!
First, in my opinion, the handling of the special meeting was done in an outstanding manner by our Mayor Steve Conaway. Each and every one--from both sides of the issues--were given an opportunity to express their opinion.
There are so many points of interest that really hit right to the local individuals--costs of water, sewer, and flood control presented by Bert Rapp, Public Works Director. It seems, in my little knowledge of the situation, that State and Federal agencies meet, discuss and without consulting with the local groups, say this is what happens.
It seems the current 100 milligrams per liters of chloride limit by approximately 37 milligrams per liter could be settled by individuals who continue to discharge this chloride should pay the cost as the rest of us do to have the water softener company come and take the tank away monthly. Personally, this has been done by us since we lived in the City of Fillmore.
The "problem" of the FEMA flood map shows that the "governmental" officials are sitting in their seats and don't know what is actually going on in the City of Fillmore.
Other matters have come about--Memorial District, the Senior Center, etc. It appears to me that citizens need to volunteer, as I personally did years ago, to service on these boards. In my opinion we seem to have some lapse in the City administrative structure to oversee these various departments.
These items, along with several others, such as the use of the new stadium will be even more interesting. We need individuals who will meet, get the "rules" together and then enforce these rules without giving in to this or that group within the City! These facilities, committees, boards, etc. are for the public's use--with the actions being done by the know rules!
Let us have some "working" volunteers to assist!

Be WARNED...Where you place your money for safe-keeping and how long you leave it there may be simply preparing to hand it to the State of California!
It happened to me...
Last week I received two bank statements from Bank of America. The quarterly statements that I received for my daughter and son had a different total in their savings account ($0) and under that it read: “Your account has been closed. Account Turned Over to the State of California.”
I was shocked to discover that due to inactivity, the bank reported this to the State Controller’s office and handed my money over to the state! How can this be? This is my children’s money that I placed in a Savings account for safe keeping. I thought the idea was to place money in a savings account and leave it alone! I had no idea that if you leave it alone for more than 3 years, the bank or financial institution will report this to the state for the state to take!
After speaking with Bank of America on the phone waiting almost 30 minutes to speak with a live person, I was given the toll free number to the California Unclaimed Property State Administrators Office 1-800-992-4647. The State Controller’s Office website to reclaim abandoned property is: www.sco.ca.gov I also called the State Controller’s office and was told that it takes about 6 months for the abandoned monies to be recorded before I can begin to reclaim what is mine!
I think it is shameful that the state or any financial institution has the right to take my money simply for the reason that I didn’t touch it often enough. I thought the whole idea of savings was to leave it alone… Evidently not. Bottom line, my money is gone. I was not notified by Bank of America that I needed to deposit or withdraw money in order to keep my account active. They evidently had the right to report the account to the state and the state in fact did take my money. I’m not dead, nor are my children. (Thank God), but the State of California now has my money and I do not. (Granted, there was not much money in the account, but in my opinion whether it is one cent or a million, no one should be able to touch my account without my permission.)
According to the California State Controller’s Office, it is possible to reclaim the money, but now I have to wait for all the paper work to be processed before being able to reclaim it along with having to fill out an official form, copy my driver’s license, and social security number in order to get back is rightfully mine. According to Bank of America, they normally send a courtesy notice to their clients, but I never received anything in the mail. They also have a general statement in their fact booklet that they give to people opening accounts. (Like any of us read all of the small print.)
The irony to this, is the time and all the people I have spoken with in the last few days has cost more than the money I had in the accounts when calculating hours on the phone with employees, as well as, my time and frustration.
I think it is shameful that the state can just take someone’s money without permission or verification that a person has passed away. Be careful where you place your money. It may not be as safe as you think.

Its still not to late to reserve your place. We have extended payment till July 25th. Please call Shelley Boblett at 805-650-8267. We will not take payment at door and you will not be let in unless you pay full price. Classmates of 1987 & 1989 if you are still interested please call me for details. There will not be any invites sent out. It’s by word of mouth only, but we need a head count.

(Ventura, CA) “Kids, Cameras, and Crops” Youth Photography Contest is now accepting entries. The contest, in its second year, is run by Ventura County 4-H and the Ventura County Fair and is looking forward to more great entries this year. The contest is open to Ventura County youth ages 9-18.

“Kids, Cameras, and Crops” encourages youth to look at the agriculture around them in new and interesting ways. All entries will be showcased at this year’s Ventura County Fair, July 30-August 10.

Each entrant may submit one entry for each of 4 categories: Agriculture Products, Agriculture Equipment, Agriculture Places, and Agriculture People. The same image may not be entered in more than one category. Detailed rules and instructions are available on the Fair’s website: www.venturacountyfair.org

Entries must be received by July 18, 2008. Mail entries to “Kids, Cameras, and Crops” Photo Contest, Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001 or hand-deliver entries to Ventura County 4-H Office, 669 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003.

For more information, please contact the Ventura County 4-H Office at (805) 662-6943.

Soon the Ventura County Fairgrounds will be full of pies, jams, table settings, photographs, homegrown fruits and vegetables, sculptures, homemade wines and beers, aquariums, gem & mineral exhibits, rabbits, sheep, and many, many other Fair entries. Make sure the fruits of your labor are on display during the 133rd Annual Ventura County Fair by bringing your entries to the Fairgrounds on the upcoming Entry Weekend.

On July 18, 19, 20 from 10am to 5pm, many departments will be accepting entries for the 2008 Ventura County Fair. Departments accepting entries include Amateur Fine Arts; Hobbies, Models & Collections; Home Arts (Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Textiles, Preserved Foods, and Special Exhibits); Professional Arts; Uncle Leo’s Barn Ag Contest; and Youth Expo & 4-H/Grange. Further information regarding entry dates for other departments can be found at the Fair’s website: www.venturacountyfair.org

With over 5,000 competitive exhibit categories, you are bound to find an exhibit to showcase your talents. There are trophies, ribbons, and over $175,000.00 in cash awards available. Make sure you check out the entry date for the Agriculture Dept.’s new scarecrow contest—cash prizes available in each class for a unique scarecrow. Don’t miss out on your chance to show Ventura County what you can do!

For more detailed information, please see the 2008 Ventura County Fair Entry Guide available at many convenient locations throughout Ventura County and online at www.venturacountyfair.org

Make sure to tell all your friends to “Meet you at the Fair” where they can oooh and aaah over your wonderful entries. For more information, please call (805) 648-3376.

SANTA PAULA, CA. July 11, 2008- Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB:SCVE.OB) today announced its 2008 second quarter financial results.

SCVBank reported that net income was $170,000 in the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 97xx%, XXover the $86,000 of net income reported in the first quarter of 2008. For the six months ending 6/30/08, SCVBank’s net income was $256,000, or $0.23 per share, an increase of 137% compared to $108,000, or $0.10 per share, for the same period a year earlier. SCVBank’s net interest income increased by $233,000 or 10.7% over the same period in 2007. The Bank’s net interest margin remained strong at 4.54% for June.

In 20082007, the Bank’s assets grew to $108.3 million, up from $107.3 million at year-end 2007. Loans grew from $81.6 million at year-end to $84.1 million, or 3.1% at June 30, 2008. The Bank holds $91.82 million in deposits, up from $91.6 million at year-end. Non-interest bearing deposits comprise 32% of total deposits.

The Bank’s loan portfolio continues to perform well. SCVBank continues to have no non-performing loans and delinquencies are minimal. There were no loan charge-offs for the 6th consecutive quarter. During the last twelve quarters, the Bank has charged-off only $1,200. The Bank’s liquidity remains solid, allowing for increases in sound loans. SCVBank has been profitable since 2002.

“Our increasing net income is a testament to the strength and conservative nature of SCVBank,” stated Chairman Guy Cole. “The Board’s oversight and conservative nature continues to ensure our long term success”.

“The Bank is in a very strong capital position. We believe that our stock repurchase program has contributed significantly to maintaining the price of the Bank’s common stock, while that of other financial institutions has fallen dramatically,” said CEO Hause. “While we are proud of our credit quality at SCVBank, I want to applaud our loan customers for continuing to honor their loan obligations during these trying times. We appreciate their character and integrity very much”.

Founded in 1998, Santa Clara Valley Bank has offices in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, Santa Clara Valley Bank's stock is traded through Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, McAdams Wright Ragen, Wedbush Morgan Securities and Monroe Securities. The Bank's web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporate Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805-525-7847

What: FOOD Share needs your field and backyard seasonal picks of fruit and produce to feed the hungry.

When: Donations accepted all year long

Where: At gleaning Sites throughout Ventura County and in fields and backyards where there are trees or orchards.

Why: FOOD Share feeds more than 30,000 men, women and children each month. FOOD Share needs the seasonal picks from our agricultural, farming and general community to support our vision to feed and nourish the hungry of Ventura County. Your picks are then distributed to more than 150 community partner agencies and are supplied to those in our community who need it most. Please donate your picks today!

How: Call today to help feed the hungry! Contact Lance Ferguson at 805-983-7100 x135

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On July 12th, 2008, John Stipec Jr., father of Pamela Mueller, was reported missing. Stipec is driving a Dodge pick-up truck that was recently purchased. He occasionally drives to the stores on Wendy Drive in Newbury Park. However, Stipec is unfamiliar with the streets in Thousand Oaks and frequently travels on Lynn Road to get to Newbury Park. Before leaving his house, Stipec threatened to take his own life. Stipec has recently exhibited signs of dementia. Stipec takes medication for high blood pressure and did not take any of his medications with him when he left. Last week, Stipec mentioned to a family friend that he wanted to drive his new truck up to San Francisco.

- John Stipec Jr., 7/22/22
- W/M, 6’1”, 190lbs., White Hair, Hazel Eyes
- Last Known Location: Best Western, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd.
- Address: 6 Magellan St. Thousand Oaks
- Vehicle: Red, Dodge Dakota Pick-Up Truck, Plate: 7X11879

THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Please contact Detective Buschow with any information regarding the whereabouts of Stipec.
Desk: 805.494.8226 Cell: 805.947.8129

Conway Spitler

In the earlier days of the Alumni Association, we were an enthusiastic group of “nuts” who wanted to do more for the students of Fillmore High. Do more for a Hall of Fame! And many other activities along the line to assist graduates of Fillmore High.
Rosie was right in there when work was to be done. Along with her, was her husband. Rosie will be sorely missed by many of us; however, this is one individual who many graduates really felt she was a perfect example of an alumni member of the Fillmore High Alumni Association.
Time will tell what history thinks of us; however, I believe there will be a large paragraph about Rose in the alumni history section of the past years.
For the past week, with a “dead” computer, less work has been accomplished in the office. Computers are great items of “joy” however, they can be great head aches when no working properly. No excuses; however, this is one reason this article is late and may not get into this week’s issue.
This week Betty Ann Kirkpatrick Hawk ’38 will return to review the 70th Anniversary Class Reunion which was just held recently. It is my belief that a few of us will not close the book on the Class of ’38; however, we must realize there are not too many of us left. But, I must add that we have some great children and grandchildren produced by the Class of ’38 members who will go down in history for their interest in their parent’s graduation and reunions held over the years. This means the ’38 flag will still be flying through these children and grandchildren no matter where they are.

Bring the children to meet Itty Bitty, the dachshund, hero of the book “Itty Bitty Saves the Day”. Author Armando N. Garza will read his book on July 10, 2008 at 3 PM, assisted by Itty Bitty, himself, telling a story of how anyone can do big things, even if you’re little.
The free event is sponsored by the Fillmore Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization providing support to the library with funds for books, children’s programs, and adult events. The story telling will be at the library’s 502 Second Street address.

Pre Fair Tickets Now Available at Convenient Locations

You’re already planning to meet us at the 2008 Ventura County Fair, so why not take advantage of some terrific Pre Fair savings? You’ll be ready for all the fun, food, and festivities the Fair has to offer while saving money in the process.

The Ferris wheel will soon be sitting next to the Pacific Ocean, and you can be one of the first people to ride it. Buy 50 ride tickets for $20 before the Fair. Pre Fair ride tickets allow you to ride more rides for your money, and we know you want to ride as many as possible. Each ride takes 3-7 tickets, and tickets are valid only for the 2008 Fair.

One day at the Fair is not nearly enough to take in all fun and excitement. A Season Ticket allows you to enjoy all 12 days of the 2008 Fair for one convenient price. Don’t forget—Miller Lite Grandstand Arena will host great live entertainment and admission to these events is included in Fair entry. Season tickets are available at $65 for Adults (age 13 and older) and at $44 for youth (6-12) and seniors (62 and older).

This year Weekend Metrolink and Fair Combos are available. A great way to avoid pain at the pump and the hassle of parking, the Metrolink will drop you off right at the Main Gate. On Saturdays and Sundays, August 1 &2 and August 8 & 9, Metrolink will run round trip from Chatsworth with intermediate stops at Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, and Oxnard. Please see www.venturacountyfair.org for Combo pricing or call (805) 648-3376 for more information.

Pre-Fair carnival ride tickets, season tickets, and Metrolink/Fair combos are available at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Administrative Office, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura Monday thru Friday from 8am-5pm. This year pre-fair tickets are also available at the California Welcome Center, 1000 Town Center Dr., Oxnard (Tall Green Bldg. 101 at Oxnard Blvd.). Very conveniently located, the California Welcome Center is a great way to quickly pick up tickets for fairgoers in southern Ventura County.

Please go to www.venturacountyfair.org or call (805) 648-3376 for the latest Fair information.

Rancho Camulos Museum…where the history, myth, and romance of Old California still linger… It is a National Historic Landmark where the early Californio lifestyle is preserved in its original rural environment.
What began as part of the 48,000 acre Mexican land grant, Rancho San Francisco, deeded to Antonio del Valle in 1839 is still a 1,800-acre working ranch.
Rancho Camulos was also the setting for “Ramona,” an 1884 novel by Helen Hunt Jackson that generated national interest Rancho Camulos Museum in the history of Hispanic settlement in California and the impact on Native Americans. The non-profi t museum is a portion of the ranch containing the main adobe, cocina, chapel, schoolhouse, and beautiful grounds. Here the history and culture of the people of Camulos from the Tat avian Indians, through the del Valle family who established the rancho in the mid-1800s, to the Rubel family who purchased the property in 1924 are preserved.
The Museum is located on Highway 126, 10 miles west of the I-5 freeway in Piru. (Next to the first fruit stand on the left) INFO: (805) 521-1501 or www.ranchocamulos.org
Docent led one- hour tours are conducted Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM. The suggested donation is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children and students. Private group and school tours and special events such as weddings can also be arranged.

July 18-20, 2008
Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula, CA 93060
www.santapaulafestival.org

Santa Paula Kiwanis: Bill Grant, (805) 207-0182; Kiwanis, POB 186, Santa Paula, CA 93061
Mary Mata, (805) 616-3719; Kiwanis, POB 186, Santa Paula, CA 93061

City of Santa Paula: Brian Yanez, (805) 933-4226, Santa Paula Community Services Dept
Jeanne Orcutt, (805) 933-0076, Santa Paula Community Services Dept

Known as the “Citrus Capital of the World” because of its expansive lemon and orange orchards, the City of Santa Paula celebrates the fruit of California every year with the popular Kiwanis Citrus Festival. The 41st Annual Kiwanis Citrus Festival is a full weekend of headline entertainment, carnival rides, a downtown parade, car show, citrus and avocado pavilion, specialty foods, arts and crafts vendors, family fun stage, and fruity fun and games. The Festival starts at 5 PM on Friday, July 18, and runs through Sunday, July 20, 2008. The presenting sponsor for the Festival is Limoneira Company, one of Ventura County’s oldest and largest agricultural businesses. All of the attractions and details can be found on the Festival website, www.santapaulafestival.org.
The Citrus Festival features a spectacular lineup of headline entertainment, featuring Brenton Wood, Lakeside, Banda la Limon and La Sonora Dinamita. Other great bands at the festival includes Rico & Mambo, Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, Angela Skeels Band, House Arrest, Anthony Prieto Band, Mariachi Camarillo, Nuestro, Banda Santa Elena Las Potras, Grupo Sismo and Banda Reina del Sur. Music lovers can also enjoy the headline entertainment and DJ music under the trees in the Bud Light Beer Lounge. The entertainment lineup is listed on the festival website, www.SantaPaulaFestival.org.
The Citrus Festival Parade on July 19 is a genuine hometown parade with classic cars, bands, community group floats, an antique fire engine, and local equestrians. The parade starts at 10 AM on Main Street in downtown Santa Paula between 7th and 11th Streets. Classic and antique autos will be on display at the entrance to the Citrus Festival from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, July 19. Entry forms for the parade and car show can be downloaded from the festival website.
The Festival features plenty of the fruit that made Santa Paula famous. Join in the fun as festival-goers of all ages compete in Citrus Contests and entertainment at the Family Fun Stage on Saturday and Sunday. The Citrus Festival is packed with information and displays about the fruit of California, citrus ranching, and our agricultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy the Festival’s fabulous food vendors and the wide selection of arts, crafts, and merchandise through the weekend. The popular carnival rides run all three days as well (5 to 11:00 PM on Friday and noon to 11:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday).
Daily admission to the Citrus Festival is $5 for adults and $1 for children (12 and under). Admission includes all of the daily live music and entertainment. Tickets for the carnival rides are sold separately at the carnival entrance.
The Citrus Festival is centrally located in Ventura County in Santa Paula adjacent to the 126 Freeway and is an easy drive from within the county, or from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The 126 Freeway connects the 101 Freeway in Ventura with the I-5 Freeway in Santa Clarita. Santa Paula is 10 miles east of Ventura and 25 miles west of Santa Clarita.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Paula, like all Kiwanis Clubs, is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The proceeds from the Citrus Festival support many youth organizations and programs in Santa Paula.
The Festival is sponsored by the Santa Paula Kiwanis Club and the Presenting Sponsor for the Citrus Festival is Limoneira Company (Limoneira.com). Other sponsors include City of Santa Paula, Calavo, Ventura County Star, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Santa Paula Development (Adams Canyon Preserve), City National Bank, Bud Light, Santa Paula Times, Time Warner Cable, Santa Clara Valley Bank, Ocean Gateway Inn, Hozy’s Grill, Ventura Coastal, Ford of Santa Paula, Rushing Real Estate, Travis Agriculture, SketchPad, Cumulus Media (103 the Vibe, 100.7 KHAY), 102.9 Radio Lazer, , Troop Real Estate, Party Pleasers, Juan Carlos Ramirez DDS, Santa Paula Super Store, Glen City Medical Group, Soroptimists Int’l of Santa Paula, Ventura County Medical Center/Santa Paula Hospital, Michael Sparkuhl MD, Edwin Beach.

What: The 41st Annual Citrus Festival of Santa Paula
Where: Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula 93060
When: Friday, July 18, 5 – 11:00 PM; Saturday, July 19, Noon – 11:00 PM; Sunday, July 20, Noon – 11:00 PM
Admission: $5 Adults, $1 Children (12 and under); charge for carnival rides
Directions: Proceed west on the Santa Paula Freeway (126) from I-5 (Santa Clarita) or east on the Santa Paula Freeway (126) from the 101 Freeway in Ventura; in Santa Paula take the Palm Avenue or Peck Drive exits and follow signs to festival parking.