On Friday November 9th the Fillmore Women's Service Club, represented by President Michelle Smith, 1st. VP Tobey Bowers, and 2nd VP Valerie Richards (not pictured) recognized the teachers from Fillmore Sierra High School. At a recognition assembly where Students at Sierra High School in Fillmore were presented with achievement awards, Tobey Bowers with Fillmore Women's Service Club presented checks to the teachers for their Teacher Recognition Awards. Each teacher received a letter of recognition and appreciation for outstanding dedication to education along with a check for $100 to purchase classroom materials. This was FWSC's way of saying Thank You to the faculty of Sierra High School for their commitment to students of the Fillmore Unified School District.

WHAT: Troop Real Estate, Inc. holds its 13th Annual “Turkey-A-Thon” to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys with all the trimmings to needy individuals and families in Ventura county. Prospective recipients are certified by local food banks.

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon.

WHERE: Troop Real Estate’s corporate offices, 3200 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (primary venue and largest distribution site), in concert with Care and Share/The Salvation Army.
Concurrently in West County at Troop’s Ventura office, 6128 Telegraph Rd., with Food Share; at the Moorpark Food Panty, 609 Fitch Ave., Moorpark; in Conejo Valley, with Manna, 3020 Crescent Way, Thousand Oaks, and with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley facilities serving Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Ojai.

OUTREACH: This year, Troop’s goal is to provide enough food to feed 3,125 families, or 25,000 people, including an increase to 500 military families.

Troop Real Estate invites your coverage of the event. For information contact Art Ansoorian, Ansoorian and Associates (805) 653-1648, or Alex Gandel, event chairman (805) 522-6788.

Santa will be in town to help the Humane Society of Ventura County raise much needed funds for the animals at the Shelter, including recently rescued horses and dogs. “The Shelter is bursting at the seams with animals recently rescued by our Humane Officers, so the need is greater than ever,” said Shelter Director, Jolene Hoffman. In October, eight horses and 58 dogs were rescued, some from eminent starvation, others from lack of needed health care and grooming, all in need of help. These animals are currently being treated and rehabilitated while awaiting adoption. The Humane Society is Ventura County’s no-kill shelter, so these animals will be cared for until they are adopted, at a great expense to the organization.

Santa will be posing for portraits with Ventura County pets and family members, hoping to help. Photographing “Santa Paws,” will be professional photographer and Brooks Institute Professor Greg Cooper who will donate his services to help the Humane Society feed, spay and neuter, and place these animals in need. Also volunteering his time to help the animals is Chuck Bowman, our favorite “Santa.” Families who don’t celebrate Christmas are welcome to have their holiday portrait taken without Santa as well.

Photo sittings will include several poses with pets and/or their family members. Pets and their family member are encouraged to dress festively for the Holiday Season. The requested donation for “Santa Paws” photo sittings is $25 and includes a CD of your portraits which can be used for holiday cards or gifts. Photos are FREE for anyone adopting an animal from the Humane Society between December 1st and 8th of this year.

Because the Ventura County Humane Society is not affiliated with any other agency or government funding, it relies upon private donations and fundraisers. All proceeds raised by Santa Paws will benefit homeless animals throughout Ventura County awaiting adoption at the Humane Society Shelter and Adoption Center.

The event is first come, first served, no reservations required. Sunday, December 2nd , Santa will be at the Marriott Ventura Beach Hotel at 2055 East Harbor Blvd in Ventura from 10am until 3pm. On Sunday, December 9th, he’ll be at the Humane Society of Ventura County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai. This date will also feature a Holiday Marketplace where local artisans will offer great gifts for the holiday season.

For more information and to view sample photos, visit hsvc.org or call 805 646-6505.

Livingston Visiting Nurse Association will hold Diabetes Classes to introduce basic information regarding diet, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, new developments and common problems. Open to the public and free of charge, no registration is necessary. In Ventura: December 4, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm @Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101.

Spanish Speaking Diabetes Classes are held in Ventura December 10, from 3 – 4:30 pm @ Livingston VNA. In Santa Paula Hospital: November 26 , from 3 – 4:30 pm @ l 825 N. 10th St. Call 642-0239 for information.

Ventura, CA - Heart disease continues to be the number one killer of American men and women; as a result, Community Memorial Health System is offering free prevention strategy programs presented by leading local experts every third Thursday of the month.

The next prevention strategies program, entitled “Heart Healthy for the Holidays: Cooking Consciously during the Season for Great Taste & Optimal Health,” is set for Thursday, Nov. 15. Jessica McGrath, a local food behaviorist, certified holistic health coach and personal chef, will present the program that will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the CMHS Training Center, located at 2809 Main St. Refreshments will be served.

Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call 805/667-2818 or email healthaware@cmhshealth.org.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 22. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash and recyclables collected on Saturday, Nov. 24, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

New Beginning Belly Dance class added: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. - beginning November 13, 2012

Please bring water and a hipscarf if you have one. Dress Comfortably - fitted clothing is optimal so you/I can see what your body is doing.

FILLMORE BELLYDANCE CLASSES
Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (level 2)
Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (level 1)
$10.00/class

The Wellness Center is located across Fillmore's City Hall and Central Park - just off the 126 and Central Avenue

Fillmore's Health and Wellness Center
448 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA, 93015
A Space for Healing Experiences
805-705-0405
We Help You Feel Better

United by blood and through Music, Hermanos Herrera have established themselves as the future of Regional Mexican music. Youthful exuberance, authenticity, and a refreshing image are the characteristics that will propel Hermanos Herrera and the Regional Mexican genre into new heights. Able to capture various traditional musical styles with remarkable authenticity, Hermanos Herrera are true representatives of Mexico’s rich musical landscape.

Hermanos Herrera is a family group consisting of five brothers and their younger sister. The group plays various styles of traditional Mexican music such as Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and musica Norteña. They perform with an aggressive and energetic style that is both passionate and exhilarating.

Hermanos Herrera have six recordings under the Sonbros Record label. Their latest Norteño CD received strong radio play throughout the U.S. and Mexico with three of their singles reaching various radio markets. Hermanos Herrera further broke new ground with their most recent Son Huasteco recording as it also received commercial
radio play in both the U.S. and Mexico. This groundbreaking achievement was a first for the Son Huasteco genre. For being ambassadors of the Son Huasteco genre, the group was awarded the most prestigious recognition, “Sol Poniente” Lifetime achievement award in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2009. Their discography includes; En Tu Corazón (2009), Huapangueros Para Siempre (2009), Siempre Unidos (2008), Pasión Huasteca (2004), Cruzando al Norte (2004), De Corazón Huasteco (2001), and Sones Huastecos con Los Hermanos Herrera (1998).

Hermanos Herrera have shared their music with a wide audience, performing throughout the U.S. and Mexico. They have performed at world renowned venues, alongside the biggest names in the music industry and have appeared on numerous national and international television programs. They have shared the stage with; Los Tigres del Norte, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Linda Ronstadt, Conjunto Primavera, Los Lobos, Intocable, Julieta Venegas, Ozomatli, Jose Feliciano, Montez de Durango, and Banda el Recodo, among countless other artists.

Beyond music, Hermanos Herrera have established themselves as well-rounded scholars and academics. All 6 members graduated valedictorian of their high school class and were all star athletes in various sports. They have, or continue to attend UCLA, one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. Jorge Andres Herrera is
continuing work on his Ph.D at UCLA. Luis Albino Herrera received his Master’s degree from UCLA. Miguel Antonio Herrera received his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and just started the new semester in the MBA program at USC. Juan Pablo, Jose Marcelino, and Rebeca Isabel all received their degrees from UCLA as well.

In addition to their musical and academic accomplishments, Hermanos Herrera have maintained an active presence in the community. Through their music they have raised over $100,000 for the community and have assisted in countless fundraising and community service events, educating children and assisting those in need.
Hermanos Herrera continue to promote cultural awareness and appreciation of their Mexican heritage with musical presentations and workshops at both the elementary school and collegiate levels. Jorge Andres teaches several Chicana/o music and Mexican history classes in the Chicana/o Studies department at California State University, Fullerton. Luis Albino is finishing a credential program with the hopes of teaching in his hometown of Fillmore. Miguel Antonio decided to further his education by entering in the MBA program at USC. In brief, Hermanos Herrera continue to find ways to give back to their community and preserve their culture through their musical talents and educational interests.

Hermanos Herrera plan on releasing a new Son Jarocho/Son Huasteco album in October, 2012, and their newest Norteño album in November, 2012, that will surely flood the radio waves and be a necessary addition to everyone’s collection.

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WELCOME FARM WATCH READERS!

Detective Ray Dominguez had the following to report for this edition:

"Farm Watch Readers, overall things have been relatively quiet. However, I have seen recent storage container burglaries reported throughout the county. I’ve seen reports coming in from Somis and the unincorporated areas surrounding Ventura and Santa Paula. Items being stolen include generators, chainsaws, fertilizer pumps, bags of fertilizer, and miscellaneous hand tools. At this time, it appears the burglaries are not related and were committed by different suspect(s).

In reviewing some of these reports and talking to victims, I’ve found that in many of these cases the storage containers in question have been attacked before. It cannot be emphasized enough; please check your storage facilities regularly to identify weak points that are susceptible to attack.

For example, one victim was using a storage container constructed primarily of steel, but had a portion made of plywood. The suspect(s) in this case forced entry by cutting through the wood portion of the container creating a hole in the side. The hole was large enough for them to easily remove property from the container and pass it through a chain-link fence they cut adjacent to the container, and into the back of a waiting vehicle. The reality here is that no matter how indestructible the lock is on the front of the storage container, if you have a weaker access point for crooks to use they will find it and exploit it. You need to start thinking like a crook when surveying your site for potential problem areas.

I also suggest you look at what it is you’re trying to store/protect. Please don’t use a $2 lock to protect a $10,000 load of fertilizer. It sounds silly, but I have seen it time and again. Remember when using chains and locks, “The bigger the better.” Use only high quality locks and heavy duty chain that is impervious to an attack with bolt cutters and other common cutting instruments.

When considering where you are going to store/protect property please ask yourself, “Am I storing the item in an area that is convenient, but also more susceptible to theft?” If so, you may want to consider moving the property to a less convenient, but more secure location for peace of mind.

Another thing to consider when selecting the location for a storage area is whether it’s close to a roadway which provides quick and easy access or tucked away on the property, out of sight and harder to get to? Does your facility have lighting and physical barriers such as fencing erected around the perimeter to limit accessibility? Have you considered using surveillance cameras and electronic alarm systems, or even hiring a private patrol company?

Here are some other general crime prevention tips for you to consider:

Perimeter:
-Maintain all fences and keep gates locked.

-Post “No Trespassing Signs” (3 per mile and at entrances to property).

-Make sure your address and Owner Applied Number sign are clearly visible.

-Build barriers using posts sunk in concrete to discourage vehicles from trespassing on roads or crossing property lines. Discourage 4x4 vehicles by digging a ditch or creating high dirt mounds where fences are not used to surround property.

Building Security:
-Secure and lock all windows and doors using hardened locks whenever possible.

-Install motion detector lights around buildings or in areas where there should be no traffic. Motion detectors can also turn on a bell, siren, alarm, pre-recorded messages and other security warning devices.

-Install security alarms.

Central Work Areas:
-Secure all equipment, including vehicles, and store in a visible, well lit area. If equipment will not be used for an extended period of time, bring it in and store it in a locked barn or shed. Install hidden “Kill switches” or render the vehicle inoperable by removing other electronic devices, i.e. distributor caps, batteries, etc. Use locking gas caps for ranch and business vehicles. This will help prevent sabotage. Never leave keys in your equipment.

-Fuel storage areas should have remote shut off switches for electrical power and locked electrical boxes. Lock fuel pumps and storage barrels. Portable fuel storage trailers or “Trap Wagons” should be brought in and securely stored overnight.

-Be aware of and report suspicious persons and vehicles to local Law Enforcement. Encourage employees to help spot strangers who don’t belong on the property and report it to their supervisors.

-Frequently patrol your property.

Employees and Neighbors:
-Know your employees, provide them with I.D. cards and educate them about crime prevention.

-Request prior work history and confirm their work experience.

-Limit employee access to buildings, equipment, chemicals and other valuables. If you have a large number of employees, a sign- in or log-in system may be necessary to limit access to certain areas of your business. Don’t hesitate to restrict areas you feel should be off limits.

-Know your neighbors and encourage them to report suspicious activities.

Mark all valuable property with your Owner Applied Number.
Report all crimes to local Law Enforcement.
Chances are you will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of a theft or burglary if you employ some of these simple practices. Remember that criminals look for easy targets where the risk of detection is slight and the profits are high.

When you cause a criminal to take more time, make more noise, and be more visible as he acts, you may prevent completion of a crime and perhaps even discourage an attempt.

As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me directly at one of the numbers listed below or by email.

The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property:

Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.
Be a good witness
Note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.
If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.
Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.

If you are not sure of how to address the problem or would like additional crime prevention tips please contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation or Detective Ray Dominguez directly at (805) 384-4726 or by email at ray.dominguez@ventura.org.

Contacts:

Camarillo Detective Mark Corriea, mark.corriea@ventura.org

Fillmore Detective John Fox john.fox@ventura.org

Ventura Detective Christine Rettura Christine.rettura@ventura.org

Agricultural Crimes Detective, Ray Dominguez at Ray.Dominguez@ventura.org

As always, we would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown and Det. Ray Dominguez, for this issue’s great crime and alert update.

Be alert and always safe!

Monica (797-6338)

Geoff Dean - Sheriff

John Crombach and Gary Pentis - Assistant Sheriffs

Michele Smith, current president of Fillmore Women’s Service Club accepted an award of appreciation from Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee for their club’s generous support with sponsoring 8 replanted pots along Central Avenue.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club is a unique group which has functioned since the 1960’s.

They are not attached to any other service organization in the United States, but focus their help entirely on the city of Fillmore.

They are pleased to be able to provide approximately $5000 in college scholarships for students that might “fall through the cracks”-middle income students with excellent grades and community service that aren’t eligible for other help.

This group also provides for other community needs such as benches, sponsoring a brick at the Historical Society, and providing each of the 6 teachers at Sierra Vista School with $100. The Equestrian Center also received a donation as a reward for their young people helping at the club’s 4th of July booth.

Fillmore Women’s Service club is a small group of about 20, but Michele said they welcome new members. They meet at the Fillmore Senior Center on Santa Clara Street, the second Wednesday of each month, at 7 pm.

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Riders from Kings Corner Training Stables showed their staying power, by winning Year End Awards for the Meadows of Moorpark. Karen Schott, Bailey Brantley, and Taurie Banks, came home with five of the top honors.

Sunday, Oct 14th, was the last Combined Test Derby to finish off the season. The Year End Awards were presented to those riders who have the most points for competing in each division through out the year.
At each competition, riders are required to compete in Dressage and A Jumping phase.

Dressage is a form of training and is judged by riding a pattern of movements, performed at specific markers in the arena, and are scored on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being perfect. These scores are added together along with scores for the overall impression of the ride, and converted into penalty points. The rider with the lowest score in Dressage is the leader.

The jumping phase at a Derby combines the challenge of Cross Country fences, that are solid and may include a bank, ditch or even water, and Stadium fences, which are the bright colored fences that can fall if the horse knocks them. The object of the jumping phase is to complete the course with no jumping penalties and within the time allowed.

The Dressage score is then added to any penalties from the jumping phase, and the winner is determined by the lowest overall score.

Adult Amateur, Karen CONTINUED »

HAVE YOU JUST REGISTERED TO VOTE? IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME VOTING? OR ARE YOU A LONG TIME VOTER BUT CONFUSED ABOUT THE PROPOSITIONS? Do the ballot initiatives confuse and befuddle you? Then come to the One Step a la Vez Center in the back of the chocolate church (Trinity Episcopal Church) on the corner of 2nd and Saratoga on Monday, November 5th at 5:30 for a discussion about the upcoming election. The pros and cons of each proposition will be discussed in a calm and informational way, describing each proposition, showing both sides of the argument as well as the financial impact of each. Questions? call Lynn at 805-907-6576.

Starting Sunday, November 4 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sun Salutations and relaxation - 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pranayama (breath control) and chanting 10-10:45 a.m.
Meditation - 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

$15.00 for 3 hours
$7.50 for 1 1/2 hours

Call Valerie (705-0405) or Janine (524-4856) with questions

Fillmore's Health and Wellness Center
448 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA, 93015
805-705-0405
A Space for Healing Experiences

Chivasskincare.com owners, Donna Johanson and daughter Lauren Johanson, along with employees, Shelly Reiman & Brandy Lengning received their certificate of appreciation from Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee for generously supporting our downtown Central Avenue replanting of the large pots with red, white & blue flowers.

This business which relocated to Fillmore in 2010, began in 2005 when Donna Johanson was raising goats for their milk. The milk supply was so abundant that she soon learned to make cheese & yogurt & then expanded into making lush skin care products like soap & creams. Goat milk has long been noted for its rich moisturizing effect on the skin. These products are available locally at Attractions Spa, The Scented Path and the Fillmore Historical Museum.

When asked why they wanted to be involved with the Central beautification project, Lauren spoke of being new to the community and wanting to support positive projects as well as get acquainted with the local townspeople.

To further this effort, they are sponsoring two upcoming events. Saturday, November 10, will be a Fall open house and Saturday, December 1 will be a holiday party with local vendors invited and food. Please check their website, www.chivasskincare.com, and local newspaper announcements for details or email, Brandy Lengning at brandy@chivasskincare.com for more information. They will also be having school field trips in the spring when the baby goats are born.

We are excited to have this new business in town and to welcome & thank these new owners for their support.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and green waste collection schedule during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11-17.

For more information, call 647-1414.

A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life Tree” at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park Plaza, Fillmore or Piru. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony for Fillmore on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 5:30 PM. or for Piru on Saturday November 17, 2012 5:30 on Center Street, near the Gazebo.

These names were received October 3 to October 24, 2012:
IN MEMORY OF:
Gene Wren
Jessie Dunn
Malcolm Jackson
Irene Horn
William Taylor
Charles Lee Randal
Frank Norris
Sophie Norris
Susan Taylor
The Zermeno Family
The Morones Family
Freda Hoy
Diane Dudley – My Wife
Cleo Chilikas
Mary Bamman
Russell D. Hardison
Philip J. Hardison
Jeff Asenas
Donald P. Musgrave
Marc Morales
Modesto Asenas
Bill Haynes
Olen Core
Sue Core
Diane Dudley
Dick Thompson
Chris Cone
Hank Carrillo
Larry Burch
Louise Williams
Charles Williams Philip Mulberry
IN HONOR OF:
Family & Friends of Fillmore Women’s Service Club
Gloria Mulberry
PIRU: IN MEMORY OF: Julian Rangel

SANTA PAULA, CA. - October 26, 2012 – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE) Chairman of the Board, Scott K. Rushing, today announced the Bank's 2012 third quarter results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit from operations of $157,000 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to a net profit of $140,000 for the third quarter of 2011. Year to date earnings from operations through September 2012 was $534,000 versus $384,000 for the same nine month period in 2012. The improvement in earnings in the third quarter 2012 was largely due to the improvement in non interest income and the reduction of non interest expenses.

A modest provision for loan losses of $75,000 was booked in the third quarter of 2012 to ensure a strong allowance for loan losses.

SCVBank continues to CONTINUED »

Fillmore Residents Join Operation Christmas Child Efforts During National Collection Week; Seek to Reach Over 100 Million Children With Shoe Box Gifts Worldwide Since 1993

VENTURA, CA - While most people in the U.S. are preparing for holiday activities, local volunteers with Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind—are filling shoe box gifts with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children overseas. This year-round project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, is ramping up as local businesses, churches and community groups prepare to collect 14,500 gift-filled shoe boxes during National Collection Week (Nov. 12 – 19).

Anyone can drop off a packed shoe box at the Ventura-area collection site (address and hours below). Then, using whatever means necessary—trucks, trains, boats, bikes and even elephants—the shoe box gifts will be hand-delivered to hurting children in 100 countries around the world.

VENTURA COLLECTION SITE:
Trinity Lutheran Church
196 N Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 353-5949
Operating Hours:
Mon-Fri - Nov 12-16: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sat - Nov 17: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun - Nov 18: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mon - Nov 19: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Additional local collection CONTINUED »