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Oxnard, CA — On Saturday, September 15, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will celebrate the completion of its 55th and 56th new homes. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. with introductions and opening remarks, followed by a formal house dedication and blessing, house tour, photos, and refreshments. The homes are located at 271 and 281 W. Stroube Street, Oxnard CA, 93036 (corner of Stroube Street and Detroit Drive).

Habitat offers a “hand up”. At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone everywhere deserves a decent place to live, and we empower families who are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams of homeownership. First-time homeowners, Blanca Cuellar and Maria Deciga have worked hard to achieve homeownership and stability for their children, each completing more than 250 hours building their home and attending financial management and home maintenance workshops.

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'Purple Corridor of Mystery' by Carmelita Miranda
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The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) just completed their 2012 International Image Competition and KSSP Photographic Studios' photographer Carmelita Miranda was honored by having her image, entitled 'Window Dressing,' selected for the PPA's General Collection. In this competition, one does not compete against other photographers, but rather against a standard of excellent set by the PPA and its judges. Being selected in such a competition gives the photographer a merit towards becoming a Master Photographer.

Carmelita was also named Architecture Photographer of the Year for 2011 by the Channel Islands Professional Photographers Association (CIPPA). Her image, Purple Corridor of Mystery, was one of eight CIPPA images that won first place in the recent Professional Photographers of California Affiliate Display Competition.

Carmelita also has award winning images of high school seniors and other subjects.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris, who is a Certified Professional Photographer. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in high school senior, family, children and pet photography. KSSP Photographic Studios is the school photographer for Fillmore High School. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com

Fillmore High Alumni Association

Nine graduates of Fillmore High who are continuing their education at colleges and universities throughout California will each receive $1000 Continuation grants from the Alumni Scholarship Foundation for the 2012-2013 school year. The recipients are:

Sean Chandler, '11 who is attending U. C. San Diego, majoring in History, also is interested in flying, and through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, he hopes to be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force upon graduating from college.

Karlie Chessani '09 is in her last year at U. C. Berkeley where she has majored in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. She is working as a tutor to teach K-8 students how to read and improve their reading skills.

Amy De La Piedra '93 continues to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She is attending Moorpark College in their Registered Nursing program.

Kelsey MacDonald '10 is CONTINUED »

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, Sept. 3. As a result, Fillmore city residential customers will have their trash and green waste collected on Saturday, Sept. 8, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Cal Fire

Sacramento, CA - California’s increased fire activity, coupled with the current weather forecast for continued heightened fire danger, has prompted CAL FIRE to suspend all burning permits and open fire within the State Responsibility Area of California. The Burn Ban suspends all residential burn permits, forest management, hazard abatement, and other industrial-type permitted burning within the 31 million acres of State Responsibility Area.

“Over 8,000 CAL FIRE, local and federal firefighters are on the frontlines of nearly a dozen major wildfires that are burning across California,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “With conditions being so dry, we need to take every step possible to prevent new wildfires from starting.”

Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property are allowed if they are in a designated campfire site that prevents fire from spreading outside the site. The burning suspension will remain in effect until there is a significant change in weather conditions or until the end of fire season.

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The Ventura County Fair Parade marched down Ventura’s Main St. this morning for a crowd of thousands of parade-goers and participants who came out to enjoy the fresh air and fun. The parade, produced by Ventura Elks Lodge #1430, was a celebration announcing the 2012 Ventura County Fair, “Rides, Ribbons & Rodeos.”

Judging the 88 enthusiastic entries were Ventura County Supervisor 5th District John C. Zaragoza, Nan Drake of Harrison Industries and Leticia Austin of United Way.

The Ventura County Fair is proud to announce the trophy winners of the 2012 Ventura County Fair Parade:
Jr. Color Guard: Cub Scouts 3176
Color Guard 1st –187th Airborne Regimental
Floats-School: 1st—Ventura High School Pep Squad
2nd—Buena High School Pep Squad
3rd—Ventura High School Dance Team
Floats-Commercial: 1st—Totally Local VC
2nd-Carnevale Ventura
3rd- County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
Floats-Adult Club: 1st—“Country Lovers” Western Dance
2nd—VFW Post 1679
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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, the classes are held the first Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm @Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101, Ventura. No registration is necessary; for information call Linda Hampson, RN, MSN @ 805-642-0239, ext 723. Spanish Speaking Diabetes Classes are also being offered the second Monday of the month, 3 – 4:30 pm @ Livingston Memorial plus the fourth Monday of the month, 3 – 4:30 pm @ Santa Paula Hospital, 825 N. 10th St. Call 642-0239 for information.

As the first year of construction comes to a close, the last shoring beams are being installed so that we may excavate the remaining dirt from the site. Once this is completed the final soil enhancement columns will be drilled and filled, setting up the next construction phase of pouring the initial foundation footings of the new hospital.

As part of the final excavation, thirteen electrical “feed” lines supporting the existing hospital were relocated to clear the land for the new hospital.

As this work finishes, we have also permanently removed the east section of the alley-way behind the existing hospital. As the future hospital is built, this area will encompass the “healing garden” and the connecting walkways between the existing hospital and the new hospital.

Camarillo, CA – Studies have shown youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs show improvements in academic, behavioral and socio-emotional outcomes. 83% of children involved in the program agree that having a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor instilled in them positive guiding values and principles. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County will now be able to increase investment in its after-school program, thanks to employees of the Oxnard Monsanto site who nominated the organization for a $20,000 grant.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the largest donor and volunteer supported youth mentoring organization in the United States, is recognized as the #1 non-profit working with at-risk youth. The organization provides meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteer mentors, called Bigs, and children, called Littles, in Ventura County and neighboring communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County will utilize the grant to expand its after-school mentoring program to include more children in the city of Santa Paula, California. The organization serves 1,500 kids and teens through Ventura County by providing quality mentoring programs and services to help youth achieve their full potential in school, work, and life.

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(l-r) District Governor Frank Ortiz, wife Scotty and Club President Tim Hagel.
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The Rotary Clubs of Fillmore were visited recently by District Governor, Frank Ortiz and his wife, Scotty. His theme this year is Ignite and he wants to encourage the members to keep moving forward with relevance in the community, adding more members and increasing future leaders. He was pleased to see how the merger of the two clubs is coming along.

While visiting District Governor Frank presented a Paul Harris Award to deserving member Floyd Griffin. Later the club presented the Ortiz's with a basket of local fruit, veggies, honey and jam.

Performances by the core cast and dancers from the world famous Hemet Ramona Outdoor Play will highlight the fifth annual “Ramona Days” –September 29, 10AM-4PM at Rancho Camulos Museum National Historic Landmark , Piru, CA. Helen Hunt Jackson’s 1884 classic California novel, Ramona, will come to life at the “Home of Ramona” as we celebrate all things Ramona. In addition to seeing vignettes from the play (11:00, 1:00, and 3:00), visitors can watch the 1910 Mary Pickford movie filmed on location at Camulos, view unique memorabilia and historic displays, experience living history and attend presentations by Ramona experts such as “Ramona Memories “ author Dydia DeLyser, Ramona pageant historian Phil Brigandi, and film maker Hugh Munro Neely. Learn the art of flamenco with Sakai Flamenco and Linda “La Matadora“Andrade. There will also be food, music, a used book sale, art and craft sales and demonstrations, original artwork by local artists, museum and garden tours, free children’s activities and more. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and character for a fun experience. View the 2009 event filmed for Roger Martin’s Out and About series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UmGbXwCMao .

In order to encourage wide community participation, admission fees are reasonable with advance tickets for $5, and gate admission $10. Children aged 12 and under will be free. Advance tickets are now available in person at our gift shop, via email, phone, mail, and at will call. Additional details will be posted at www.ranchocamulos.org / 805-521-1501 as available. Vendor, volunteer, and sponsorship opportunities are also available for this unique event. All proceeds benefit the historical preservation, restoration, and educational efforts of this 501(c) 3 museum. Rancho Camulos is located on HWY 126, 2 miles East of Piru / 10 miles west of the I-5 Newhall Ranch Road exit.

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Ventura, CA - Starting September 1, 2012, VISTA bus riders throughout Ventura County will again be able to pay their fares using VCTC’s popular Go Ventura Smartcard. This will allow riders to once again use one pass for both VISTA and the partner transit providers – Gold Coast Transit, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Camarillo Area Transit, and Moorpark Transit.

“Due to the sudden notice regarding CUSA’s bankruptcy, the Commission was forced to move very quickly to get the Smartcard equipment removed from the prior VISTA vehicles,” noted VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. “After such a great response from our riders about how efficient the Smartcard is, we’re happy to say we’ll be re-installing the equipment in VISTA’s interim fleet during the month of August. We expect every VISTA bus will include the required equipment in time for the September 1 launch date.”

Despite the recent change in operations contractors, VISTA continues to offer the same schedules and fares. The Go Ventura Smartcard allows the user to travel seamlessly on most Ventura County public bus operators.

Sales of the popular cashless Smartcard have now resumed. “If you have a Smartcard, it’s still valid. If you want to buy one, or need a replacement, visit your nearest sales outlet. If you have turned in your Go Ventura Smartcard, you can get a free replacement card. Simply contact the VCTC Transit Office for assistance,” Kettle added.

To locate the Go Ventura sales outlet nearest you, call (800) 438-1112 or visit www.goventura.org.

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The 40-year-old Redwood Tree Memorial honoring hometown hero 1st Lt. Toby R. Gritz, USMC, on Fillmore High School's main campus received a much needed makeover this summer, thanks to a Boy Scout on a special mission.
The popular spot located in the front of the venerable high school is the focus of Boy Scout Troop 406 of Fillmore; namely as an Eagle Scout project by candidate Roberto Munoz. Harold Foy, owner of Fillmore Building Supply, donated materials and hundreds of hours, and served as technical expert throughout the lengthy project.
“The memorial serves as a tribute to a truly great American, and honors and educates new generations about service and sacrifice,” said Bob MacKenzie, brother of Toby Gritz. “Our family wants to thank Eagle Candidate Robert Munoz, Harold Foy, and the many, many members of the community without whose dedication and hard work this day would not be possible.”

The public is invited to the rededication on Saturday, August 18th, 2012, at 2:00 P.M.

Toby's classmates of 1962, friends, family, supporters, Scouts, and others will come together in celebration and remembrance. In addition, the Pasadena-based 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will present the colors at the event.

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A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease changes a family forever.

When that diagnosis occurs, the Alzheimer’s Association is available to provide support and services for the people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, who must deal with the disease and its impact on their lives for years to come.

Each year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. In Ventura County, there are two Walks this year: Saturday, Sept. 15 at Channel Islands Harbor; and Saturday, Sept. 22 at California Lutheran University.

“It’s time to get really serious about ending Alzheimer’s disease,” said Andrew Peake, the 2012 Walk Manager in Ventura County. “Scientists say they are at a tipping point in Alzheimer research, which gives us all hope. Until a prevention, cure or adequate treatment can be found, the Alzheimer’s Association will be here to give families the help they need. That’s what makes the Walk to End Alzheimer’s so very important.”

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Ventura County, CA - The Naval Base Ventura County Surf Contest presented for the first time by the Navy Region South West Sustainable Solid Waste Program will showcase some of the best surfers in Southern California.

The contest, which will be held Aug. 18-19 beginning at 7 a.m. daily is free and open to the public. This is an exciting opportunity for the surfing community to access some of the best waves Southern California has to offer. The event draws international surfing champions from around the globe, and 150 contestants are expected to ride the waves.

The surf contest will feature military competitors from all the armed forces. Military competitors will range the junior enlisted ranks to senior officers. Three-time winner Matt Merel of the U.S. Coast Guard returns to defend his title for a fourth consecutive year. Local Ventura professionals Dane Reynolds and Cory Arrambide, along with aerial innovator Christian Flecher, surfer ambassador Mary Osborne and Surfing Magazine’s 2011 Shaper of the Year Robert Weiner will display their talents at this year’s event.

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