Dear Fillmore USD Residents,

On behalf of the Board of Education and the administration of the Fillmore Unified School District, thank you for your overwhelming support of Measure V. While a few ballots remain to be counted, as of the end of last week Measure V was winning with an overwhelming YES vote of 71.7%. Measure V – a $35 million general obligation bond – will allow us to improve, repair and upgrade classrooms, schools and other educational facilities throughout the District.

Much planning for these projects has already been done through our Long-Range Facilities Master Plan. However, the implementation of the plan including architectural drawings, permits, contractor bids, the sale of the bonds, etc., is a complex and time consuming process. Nevertheless, I want you to know that we are 100% committed to making these projects a reality as soon as possible.

We are also committed to maintaining the highest level of fiscal integrity and making sure solid taxpayer protections are put in place and adhered to as we move through this process. Once again, thank you for your support. We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful students, dedicated employees and a community that cares and believes in our schools.

Respectfully,
Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District

In a continuing effort to help women advance their education, the local Fillmore chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) will be offering financial awards this spring. To be eligible, you must be a woman who attends or has been accepted to an accredited undergraduate degree program or a vocational/skills training program, live within the 93015 Zip code area, and have at least a 3.5 grade point average. Anyone interested should contact the College and Career Center if you are a student at Fillmore or Sierra High School or contact Patricia Morris at morrisp905@gmail.com. The deadline for application is March 6, 2017.

Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday this holiday season, Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash collection schedule in Fillmore both weeks.

As a special holiday feature, residents may put out twice the amount of trash at no extra charge during the two weeks following Christmas. Please make sure the trash is in bags. We will also collect extra recyclables, but please make sure to flatten all boxes.

Also, Harrison is making it easy for their customers to recycle their Christmas trees. All customers need to do is remove the ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails and tree stand, then cut the tree into sections no more than 4 feet long and place in the yard waste barrel on their scheduled pickup day. Flocked trees now also can be recycled.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Fred R. Ponce Sr.

The 39th annual Piru Christmas Parade welcomes all entries, including last minute people! Check-in is at San Salvador Mission on Center Street beginning at 12 p.m. for a 2:00 parade. There is no fee for entry. Post-parade activities in the Piru Train Depot area include the Fillmore High School Band and Mariachi Group, food (of course), pictures with Santa, raffles, and a horseshoe tournament. Piru River Band will begin their set at the depot about 2:30 when FHS bands finish. Celebrate the season with us!

Grand Marshal Fred R. Ponce Sr. Biography
I Grew up in the community of Piru, Graduated from Fillmore High School in 1972. I worked in Aerospace in Santa Clarita for 18 years. On April 3, 1972 at the age of 18 I became a Reserve Firefighter for Ventura County Fire Department working out of Piru sta.28 and Fillmore sta.27. On February 4, 1991 I accomplished my goal and was hired as a full time firefighter for Ventura County Fire Dept. During my career I worked at El Rio sta. 51, Port Hueneme sta. 53, Fillmore sta. 27 and Piru sta.28. I also held other positions as a Public Information Officer, Recruiter, Fire Cadet Coordinator and being involved with the Spark of Love Toy Drive for the Christmas Holidays.

On October 1, 2000 I was promoted to the position of Fire Engineer assigned to Piru sta.28. In 2002 I was selected and recognized, Firefighter of the Year for Battalion 5. The last 15 years of my career I worked at sta. 28 in Piru. I wanted to give back to the community that I grew up in, by being involved with the community and helping the citizens of Piru. I was the Fire Dept liaison working with Piru Neighbor Council; I assisted with organizing and instructing the first Piru Cert Team. On March 28, 2016 I retired with 25 years of service with Ventura County Fire Department.

Now I enjoy traveling with my wife Yvonne, camping, fishing and BBQ’s with family and friends. My parents are Raymond and Elma Ponce of Piru. I have 4 children Daughter Romie Ponce, sons Fred Ponce Jr., Ray Alvarado and Joseph Ponce. Three step children daughters Susie Sandoval and Veronica Stone, step son Antelmo Sandoval and 15 grandkids.

The Fillmore lions club has announced that this year contest will be held on Monday February 6, 2017 at the Fillmore scout house at the end of Sespe Avenue by pole creek. The topic will be "Is the right to privacy a threat to our national security?" this topic is very relevant and interesting in light of the events of the past year. The computer hacks, the wiki-leeks, and the NSA phone taps just to mention a few news worthy events. Chair Bill Edmonds states that the total prize money going to the overall winner will be more than 21,000 with the Fillmore winner receiving $100 and the runner ups $25. We can have no more than 6 speakers so get your applications in early. The winner will go on to compete against the other winners from the other lions clubs in zone #8 all high school age youth who live within the boundaries of the Fillmore unified school district regardless of school may enter including home taught, foreign exchange students and students of other high schools may enter.

Students who wish to enter may contact Mr. Edmonds at 524-4839 or Principal Tom Ito at Fillmore High School. Edmonds emphasizes that this public speaking competition will be very worthwhile to the students and very interesting to their parents, and to the community. Public speaking competition will look very good on college applications and resumes. Students should get started early because if takes time to develop and practice a good speech.

Hello Fillmore!
Last year the Christmas Trees on Central came back after a thirty year hiatus...with the help of our great community we hope it will be a yearly tradition to anticipate....if you were a kid in Fillmore way-back-when you would remember the "Christmas Tree Drill" : pick your tree and decorate it with homemade ornaments as a loving gift to our community...no money involved- only your hearts...
But we are doing something different this year as we are using a variety of trees- not just pine- so we can replace trees around town that have died from the drought and beautify public places....and a HUGE thank you to Brightview Nursery for their community spirit in donating the trees! In addition, much gratitude to the Lions Club for their grunt help setting up and tying down the trees on Central. Finally, thanks to all the business', families, classrooms, clubs and organizations, and individuals that will 'adopt' a tree to bring the true spirit of Christmas to our town...and there is nowhere that lives this spirit better then our wonderful community!
The trees will be in place downtown by the evening of Thursday, Dec. 1st. and they need to be decorated by Friday evening (the Christmas Parade-Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 1pm- might complicate your access to the downtown) If we run out of trees, we will place you on the list next year. Interested in a tree? Leave a message ASAP at: reginastehly@gmail.com... Thank you!!!

A light will be shining on the Fillmore/Piru Hospice Tree in Fillmore, for names of loved ones in honor or in memory of, received by November21, 2016 for Fillmore in Memory of:

Myrtie Byrum
Bill Haynes
Coleman Byrum
Olen Core
Dorothy Krieger
Sue Core
Jeanette Foy
Gladys Core
Dad/Grandpa Zeke Hernandez
Nana Lucy Gonzalez
Dino Lavato
in Honor of:
Mom/Mambo Andrea hernandez

Tree Lighting Ceremony Central Park Plaza November 26,2016 at 5:30
Santa Clara Valley Hospice Home Support Group Inc.

It’s hard to believe it, but Thanksgiving is only a week away and that means the Fillmore Lions Club Christmas Parade is right around the corner. This year’s Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 3rd. The parade will begin at 1pm at the intersection of Central Avenue and Second Street and then proceed south on Central to Santa Clara Street. As always, Santa will trade in his sleigh for the afternoon and make his special trip down Central aboard a Fillmore fire truck. At the end of his ride, Santa will make his way to the depot to take photos with the kids, so make sure to bring your camera to take pictures.

Please remember that the parade route will be posted “No Parking” from 11:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm on the day of the parade on Central Avenue from Second Street to Santa Clara. Cooperation from residents is needed in order to keep vehicles off of the parade route during that time for the safety of parade participants and spectators.

The Christmas Parade is open to individuals, businesses, civic organizations, school bands, church groups, car clubs and equestrians. Just about any group or person who wants to celebrate the season with a “themed entry” is welcome and there is no cost to enter the parade. To be a part of the Christmas Parade, send an email to FillmoreChristmasParade@gmail.com and an application will be sent to you. For questions or additional information, please contact Lion Scott Lee at 524-1896.

Although the Fillmore Christmas Parade has a long standing tradition in Fillmore, it was in danger of being cancelled in 2001 when the parade lost its’ sponsor. The late Hank Carrillo suggested the Fillmore Lions Club assume the responsibility for the Christmas Parade as a service to the community and the Lions Club continue to sponsor the Parade in Hank Carrillo’s honor. Fillmore Lions wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you on December 3rd!

With the holiday season approaching, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reminds consumers to use safe food preparation and storage measures to prevent foodborne illness. Bacteria that can be found in foods such as meat and poultry may cause illness if they are insufficiently cooked, inadequately cooled or improperly handled.

“We can help ensure that foodborne illnesses don’t ruin our holidays by properly preparing and handling meat, poultry and other foods,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

About 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths in the U.S. each year are related to foodborne diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Foodborne diseases can be prevented by:
• Washing hands with soap and warm water before and after food preparation, and especially after handling raw foods.
• Cleaning all work surfaces, utensils and dishes with hot soapy water and rinsing them with hot water after each use.
• Cooking food thoroughly and refrigerating adequately between meals.

Symptoms of foodborne disease can include diarrhea, which may be bloody, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. Most infected people recover from foodborne illnesses within a week. Some, however, may develop complications that require hospitalization. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for potentially life-threatening complications.
For more information about preparing and storing food, visit the following CDPH links:
• Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts
• Safe Food Handling Practices
• Controlling Food Allergens
• Foodborne Pathogens and Illnesses

Additional information about food safety is available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Consumers can also access the national Partnership for Food Safety Education’s Fight BAC! website.

www.cdph.ca.gov

A light will be shining on the Fillmore/Piru Hospice Tree in Fillmore, for names of loved ones in honor or in memory of, received by November 7, 2016 for Fillmore in Memory of:

Jeffrey Hansen
Louie C. Garcia
Mary C. Garcia
Frieda Ruiz
Neva DeYoung
Lloyd D. Michel Jr.
Donald DeYoung
Donald Strawn
Ralph Crawford
Paul Smith
Derek DeJarnette
Eva Koch
Trennie Ortiz
Mary Beyerl
Joe Beyerl
Aaron Myers
Gertrude Schleimer
Gerry Schleimer
Melba “Jerry” Schleimer
Samuel Myers
Alice Schmittou
Leland Schmittou
Corinne Schmittou
Clayton Schmittou
William Clark Schmittou
Lucien Schmittou
Harold Michel
Bernice Michel
Vickie Fildes
Vernon Arnold

Santa Clara Valley Hospice Home Support Group Inc.

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 24. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash collected on Saturday, Nov. 26, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414

This November, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give the perfect gift – a blood donation – to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season.

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with family gatherings and travel. However, patients don’t get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Timothy Sheely’s wife received 12 units of blood products during emergency surgery after the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she may not have survived that ordeal, but thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their Mom,” he said. “I can't possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good. Thanks to those who are able to donate and choose to donate!”

The Red Cross encourages donors to start a new holiday tradition and bring family and friends together to donate blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to give this November to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. As a thank you for donating around the Thanksgiving holiday, all those who come to donate Nov. 24-28 will be invited to download a set of recipes from celebrity chefs.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Ventura County

Camarillo
11/23/2016: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Residence Inn, 2912 Petit Street

Newbury Park
11/16/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Alcoa Fastening Systems, 1300 Rancho Conejo Blvd
11/19/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Newbury Park Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, 180 Academy Dr.

Simi Valley
11/25/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
11/23/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
11/28/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
11/29/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.