Fillmore Family Coalition in partnership with the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Education Program is excited to announce its completion of the tobacco merchant education campaign for retailers in the City of Fillmore. With support from the Fillmore City Council and Fillmore Sheriff’s Department, Fillmore Family Coalition members along with Tobacco Education Program staff visited all tobacco retailers in Fillmore and Piru.

Did you know? According to Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (2012) 90% of smokers began at or before the age of 18. Given current smoking rates, 596,000 youth alive in California will ultimately die from smoking*. The best way to prevent this is to limit the access youth have to tobacco products. Regardless of the fact that for over 100 years it has been illegal to sell tobacco products to minors, youth still state they find it easy to purchase tobacco products.

These educational visits CONTINUED »

Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee presented a certificate of appreciation to Kennedy Smith for participating in our Central Avenue planter refurbishing project.

Kennedy is a senior at Fillmore High School where she also participates in playing softball on a team. She plays both catcher position and outfield.

She already knows that she will be attending Colorado State University at Pueblo in the fall where she will continue to play softball and major in psychology.

As vice president for her Piru 4 H group, Kennedy said she focuses on community service projects rather than raising animals and this fit perfectly with her response to the question, “Why did you want to be involved with this Central replanting project?”

Her answer, “I think it is important for the community to come together and take pride in how it looks!” displays this focus.

Fillmore is fortunate to have young people like Kennedy putting their studies and ideals into action with community service projects.

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

Fillmore High School is raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation on May 21, 2013! We encourage the community of Fillmore to come support. It will be held on the Fillmore High School track from 8am-5:30pm. There will be face painting there for $0.50, bracelets for $1, and t-shirts for $12 to help raise money for the make a wish foundation. Also any donations are accepted!
Jordyn Vassaur and Savannah Bullard

Fillmore FFA is holding its annual May festival Pancake Breakfast. Fillmore FFA 2nd annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday parade day May 18th, 7:00am - 9:30am. Fillmore Veterans Memorial Bldg. $5.00 donation.

Greetings Farm Watch Readers, I was asked by Commander Tim Hagel to share this information with you reference a telephone scam:

Utility Customers Being Targeted by Phone Scam

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating several cases involving Southern California Edison customers who have been the targets of a telephone bill payment scam. The suspects have been calling SCE customers telling them they must make immediate payment on past due bills or have their electric service disconnected. The callers are also demanding that payment be made through a prepaid cash card, such as a PayPal or Green Dot card.

SCE officials have confirmed there have been similar reports from customers throughout Southern California, and they are working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify the suspects.

The primary targets have been minority-owned small businesses.

“We ask our customers to CONTINUED »

On a quiet Saturday morning, before the Fillmore Library opens to the public, members of the Artists Guild of Fillmore were waiting at the doors. Their purpose for being there was to mount a new mini-show of art works. They were catching up with each others news when the doors opened. Carrying one painting, each one turned to enter the building. This event occurs four times each year in order to decorate the Library walls. It also gives the public an opportunity to consider owning and hanging an original piece of art in their own home. All the artists live in Fillmore and meet together monthly.

Painting titles from the top row, left, "Edge of Town - Rothenburg, Germany" by Luanne Hebner Perez; "Walk in Beauty" by Lady Jan Faulkner; "Autumn Afternoon" by Karen Scott Browdy, "Intent" by Joanne King; and the bottom row: "Sheep in Orchard Sun" by Virginia Neuman; "Flora and Fauna" by Lois Freemen Fox; "Santa Inez Oak" by Judy Dressler; and Untitled by Wana Klasen.

Livingston Hospice conducts several adult bereavement support groups to help those who have experienced a loss. Explore and express feeling, understand the grief process and receive emotional support. Open to the public, free of charge, all are welcome. The groups are held at

The First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Drive, Oxnard; Every Wednesday, (May 15, 22, 29); from 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Livingston Memorial VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave (#112), Ventura; Every Wednesday, (April 15, 22, 29); from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Help of Ojai, 370 Baldwin Road, Ojai; On 2nd & 4th Tuesday, (May 14 & 28); from 10:30 am – 12 noon

Call 642-1608 for more information.

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, May 27. As a result, Fillmore city residential customers will have their trash and green waste collected on Saturday, June 1, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Ventura, CA - May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Community Memorial Health System encourages the community to better understand the risk factors and symptoms of stroke, a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States.

“Time is crucial in the treatment of stroke, as on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke,” said Stephanie Lara-Jenkins, RN, Stroke Coordinator at Community Memorial Hospital. “The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater chance of recovery.”

Strokes occur when CONTINUED »

It all seemed like so much fun! But little did we know how much our parents were sitting home, worried sick, knowing that we were out all night at the after parties to all hours. They prayed until the door opened and you were safely in bed. The things we put our parents threw!

Now! For the big one!! You are the parent sitting at home, your child is getting ready to graduate. They have been invited to a party, which will go on all night! You have heard of the car accidents that have happened in the year since you have graduated, and you think about how lucky you where, and you start to worry about your child. Will they be as lucky as you?

The answer is YES!!! It is called Grad Nite Live! Let us take them for the night. But we need your HELP!! It takes money to rent the buses and the boat. Grad Nite Live is having its yearly Yard Sale this Saturday May 11, 2013. It starts at 8:00am & goes to 3:00pm. We need stuff, and more stuff to sale, we also need people to help! People to help set up, please be at the Fillmore District Office on Sespe Ave at 6:00am.

If your child is a senior you really should be there! If your child is not yet a senior, come help so you will learn what to do when it’s your turn. If your child has grown, then we know at some time you will be a grandparent!!!

GRAD NITE LIVE is for the SENIORS

Please call me if you can help,
Thank you,
Terrie
805-625-2935

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Rancho Camulos Museum
On Saturday May 11th bring your Mom for a unique Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark experience. Bring a picnic and blanket and spend some quality time enjoying the beautiful gardens. The roses are in their prime and the aroma is breathtaking. Docent-led tours will focus on the stories of mothers throughout Camulos history and each touring mother will have an opportunity to select a freshly cut rose from the garden. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children. To make a reservation call 805-521-1501 or send an email to info@ranchocamulos.org. Reservations are not required but are appreciated. Rancho Camulos is on Highway 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles west of the I-5 at Santa Clarita and will be open for tours at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. See www.ranchocamulos.org for more information about the museum.

Rancho Camulos Museum Navajo Rug Charity Drawing
Only 500 tickets at $10 each are being sold in the Rancho Camulos Museum charity drawing for an authentic Navajo rug. You will be supporting the museum’s historic preservation and education efforts and the lucky winner will have a very beautiful and valuable work of art. This authentic Navajo rug which is a Burnham Pictorial with a Rug in a Rug center (60"X83”) by Desbah Shonie from Blue Gap was purchased from the 2012 Hubbell Auction and will be on display in the museum gift shop during opening hours. For details see www.ranchocamulos.org

Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark Volunteers Needed
Become a part of where the history, myth and romance of Old California still linger. Lead tours or volunteer to assist with other activities depending on your interests and availability. Join us as we expand to meet the needs of our new Visitor Center. This is your opportunity to learn more about our local history and how you can make a difference in bringing history alive for others. The museum is located on Highway 126, 10 miles west of the I-5 freeway near Piru. For more information about Rancho Camulos Museum visit www.ranchocamulos.org. Call the museum (805-521-1501) to sign up for volunteer training or to get more information.

Rancho Camulos Museum Contact Information
5164 East Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 308, Piru CA 93040
(805) 521-1501
On Highway 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles West of the I-5 at Santa Clarita
www.ranchocamulos.org
info@ranchocamulos.org

An appeal was filed today to overturn the decision of the Ventura County Planning director to let Mirada Petroleum drill 9 new oil wells and rework two old wells in the Upper Ojai Valley.

"All of the new wells are being approved without modern day environmental review on 100 year old leases " said Marianne Ratcliff, a member of the newly formed Citizens For Responsible Oil and Gas (CFROG). "In addition to the usual environmental issues with standard drilling techniques, Ventura County could suffer serious damage to its water supply when oil companies go after millions of barrels of oil underneath the old oil fields, using unregulated hydraulic fracturing (fracking) techniques."

Although Mirada Petroleum has said it dos not intend to inject dangerous chemicals under high pressure into the oil field on its new wells, there is no such claim being made on the old wells. It can also change its mind later to begin fracking.

CFROG supports efforts in the state legislature and with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors for a fracking moratorium until disclosure, ground water monitoring, waste water disposal and other critical issues are addressed.

For more information contact Marianne Ratcliff
805~625~0508
marianneratcliff@yahoo.com
Citizens For Responsible Oil and Gas
P.O. Box 114
Ojai, CA. 93024

City of Fillmore

Notice is hereby given that on the 23rd day of April, the City Council of the City of Fillmore passed Resolution No. 13-3374 declaring that noxious or dangerous weeds were growing upon or in front of the properties, and that rubbish, refuse, and dirt were upon or in front of properties in Fillmore, and more particularly described in the Resolution, and that they constitute a public nuisance which must be abated by the removal of the weeds, rubbish, refuse, and dirt. Otherwise they will be removed and the nuisance abated by the City and the cost of removal assessed upon the land from or in front of which the weeds, rubbish, refuse, and dirt are removed and will constitute a lien upon such land until paid. Reference is hereby made to Resolution No. 13-3374 further particulars. A copy of said Resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

All property owners having any objections to the proposed removal of the weeds, rubbish, refuse and dirt are hereby notified to attend a meeting of the City Council of Fillmore, to be held on May 14, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., at Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, when their objections will be heard and given due consideration.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2013.
Diana Impeartrice, Deputy City Clerk

Ventura, CA - The public will receive updates on the construction of a new Community Memorial Hospital when President and CEO Gary Wilde gives the 2013 State of the Hospital address on Thursday, May 16.

The address will be held at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura, with light refreshments available at 5:30 p.m.

Wilde will also discuss healthcare reform and how it affects CMH and its patients during his address.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Please visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call 805/652-5385.

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.

Fillmore High School is hosting the Frontier League Swimming Championship Finals at the Fillmore Aquatic Center on Thursday, May 2nd. Meet begins at 2:00 PM and will last until about 5:30 PM.

There are eight teams participating. Come down and watch some exciting swimming! There will be many swimmers qualifying for CIF Div.IV Championships.

The Aquatic Center will be filled with swimmers, families and friends! Don't forget your sunscreen.

SANTA PAULA, CA. – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE) Chairman of the Board, Scott K. Rushing, today announced the Bank's 2013 first quarter results.

Board Chairman Scott Rushing reported that portfolio quality continues to demonstrate solid improvement with a low level of non current loans to total loans of just 1.21% at the end of the first quarter of 2013 just 63% of the loan loss reserve allowance, substantially below a common 100% maximum benchmark ratio. President Cheryl Knight commented that “this improvement will enhance earnings and, coupled with a strong loan loss reserve and continued reduction in classified loans, will enable the bank to focus more resources on the growth of new, good quality loans in our local community.”

SCVBank recorded a net loss from operations of $90,000 for the first quarter of 2013 compared to a net profit of $181,000 for the first quarter of 2012. The increase in expenses in 2013 is primarily due to the hiring of two additional loan officers and additional loan support staff. Chairman Rushing stated that “these results are consistent with the bank’s strategic plan to invest in the future growth of the bank and reflects the Board’s commitment to serve the lending needs of our community by hiring top notch, experienced staff who have the expertise that only a community bank can offer to the local business community.”

Declines in loan balances combined with downward pressure on interest rates for loans and investments have had an industry wide impact on bank earnings. The additional loan staff combined with an aggressive marketing effort planned for 2013 to serve the unique credit needs of our local business community is intended to boost loan balances, which will improve earnings.

SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 10.90%, up from 10.68% at December 31, 2012.

Liquidity continues to be very strong as cash and investments total 48% of total assets at quarter end.
Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, SCVBank’s stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Raymond James & Associates Inc., and Monroe Securities. The Bank’s web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporation Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805 525-1999

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, and the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.