[Nathan Oseguera , 27of Fillmore, was sentenced on July 7 to 13-years in prison for participating in a gang related home invasion robbery]

Our family has finally decided to break our silence on the horrible ordeal involving our son/brother/nephew/grandson/friend, Nathan Oseguera. Most importantly, we would like to express our greatest and most sincere condolences to the family of Bret Godfrey. Please know that we have and will continue to keep your family in our prayers. Although we would have preferred to keep this a private family matter, we have heard numerous lies, assumptions, and accusations made about our family as a whole. We have tried to ignore the Fillmore "trash-talk", but it seems that this "trash-talk" has now been accepted as fact by many. We are in no way condoning the actions of this crime; we know and accept the punishment for it. Our family's name has been dragged through the mud. Those of us who have known Nathan's parents all of our lives know that they have been amazing parents, making every sacrifice possible to help their children, family, and friends. Nathan's sisters are both college graduates; one a Special Education Elementary School teacher; the other a Registered Nurse. Our family is active in our communities, churches, and schools. This incident should not be a reflection of our family as a whole. We would really like to try to bring more attention to the problem of methamphetamines in our community. This has been a prime example of how this drug is destroying our cities, our kids, and entire families. This drug turns your loved ones into people you don't know. It leaves you feeling helpless as you watch it destroy your children. It is a dangerous, powerful, highly addicting drug. It is overtaking our country, and has hit Fillmore especially hard. The drug does not discriminate; white, brown, rich, poor, good parenting, bad parenting; it can be ANY our children. Please urge your police department, city leaders, school districts, to put more resources into this fight. They can do more. We must demand it. We cannot continue to pretend we live in a perfect little town. What good is it to have this cute, picturesque town, if our kids are being destroyed. We do not take this seriously or acknowledge the severity of the problem until it hits us personally and is too late. We pray that no other family will have to go through the nightmare we and all involved have had to the past year. He is now paying his debt to society and we hope that people will accept that, do everything to keep your kids safe, rather than "trash-talk." Please respect the fact that no matter what, this is our son and brother who we love dearly and are trying to deal with him being gone on a daily basis. We remember the sensitive, loving, extremely giving person before the drugs, who was loved by his family, friends, teachers, coaches, and friends. His daughter and nieces continue to ask for him. So, please, while we make no excuses, know that there are no winners in this all. Thank you to all our family, friends, and strangers, who have been so supportive. Once again, please put pressure on anyone who will listen about the seriousness of drugs in our community. FORCE them to invest in recreation and safe-alternatives for children.
Sincerely,
The Oseguera Family

Conway Spitler

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; he, who loses faith, loses all. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me..you brought another friends and then there were three. We started our group..our circle of friends and like that circle there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, today is a gift.

County Supervisor Kathy Long, 3rd District would like to announce to all residents of Ventura County that the next Santa Paula Tattoo Removal Clinic will be held on Saturday July 26, 2008 from 8:30 am – 12 noon, no appointments necessary. Orientation for first time participants will be at 9 am located at 1334 E. Main St. the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic. Due to overwhelming response, spaces will be limited.
County Supervisor Kathy Long spearheaded this clinic in collaboration with the following agencies: Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Family Care Clinic, Interface Children Family Services, and CalWORKS.
The clinic not only welcomes participants but volunteers to run the clinic. If you have any questions, or would like to find out how you can help, please call the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic at (805) 933-1242.

C.E.R.T. is about readiness, CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage their utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and, if they desire, assist their community by joining the Fillmore CERT Team.

There is no cost for the training.

WHEN: 7 Wednesdays, 7-9 pm
Beginning August 6th 2008

WHERE: El Dorado Club House

WHO: Adults

HOW TO REGISTER: Attend class

Santa Paula, CA - The 4th Annual Labor Day Parade is held Monday, September 1, 2008 at 10 AM on Main Street in Santa Paula. Entries of all kinds are welcome. Entries representing occupations and workers are especially welcome. Entry deadline is August 22, 2008. Parade entry forms are available online at http://www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us/docs/2008labordayparade.pdf or at Santa Paula City Hall and the Santa Paula Times, 944 E. Main Street. For further information call 933-0701. The Parade is sponsored by the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade Committee, the Rotary Club of Santa Paula and the City of Santa Paula.

Walking groups with banners, musical groups, floats, workers riding in work-related vehicles, equestrians, and all groups representing a Labor Day theme are invited to participate. The parade starts at 7th and Main Street and ends at the Gazebo at Santa Barbara and Mill.

Trophies for “Most Original,” “Most Participants,” “Best Overall Use of Theme” and “Most Animated” will be awarded in ceremonies at the conclusion of the parade at the Gazebo. This year’s Grand Marshall is Dr. and Mrs. Carlson. The 2008 theme is “Celebration of Working People.”

For more information, please contact Al Guilin (805) 525-8839.

California Highway Patrol

Motor vehicle collisions nationwide are the leading cause of death for drivers between the ages of teenagers. California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between the ages of 15-20. “This tragic loss of young lives is a concern to us, and we hope this program can reduce the death toll,” stated CHP Officer Mike Untalan.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with local teenagers and their parents/guardians on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 pm at the Ventura CHP office for a program called “Start Smart” specifically geared towards the reduction of collisions and injuries involving teen drivers.

Start Smart addresses traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers. Start Smart speaks directly to the newly licensed drivers and their parents/guardians. This program entails collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, driver responsibilities, and local area traffic collision trends.
Start Smart makes teens and parents aware of the responsibilities they face and teaches what precautions to take to stay safe. For reservations, please contact Officer Mike Untalan at (805) 477-4130.

Fillmore, CA – HANDS-ON Consultations (HOC), Computer Support Services, a Fillmore, Ventura County based company, is pleased to announce their ten (10) year anniversary as a full-time computer support company serving the communities of Ventura County and beyond.
In July of 1988, acquiring a city business license and registering with Ventura County, Harv & Patti Oliver established their computer support services company out of their home on Goodenough Road in Fillmore, CA. In their original business plan, there was never intent for a storefront, but to provide “HANDS ON” services in the field or in their offices as required. Since that time, due to business expansion and requirements, the office has been transitioned and services provided out of their offices in the Gurrola Building at 606 Sespe in Fillmore. Harv provides the lead technical support services and manages the day-to-day operations with Patti’s experience and MBA providing support in appropriate business operations and continuing business development. They’ve also added additional technicians, administrative personnel, and program and web developers to their support staff.
“Providing professional, friendly services, while building mutually beneficial relationships has always been our goal.” stated Harv in noting the decade milestone. “When we started, I asked myself 'how can we separate our services and rise above the multitude of other support services out there?’ In any service industry, providing outstanding customer service and dealing honorably with our clients are the most important factors, in my opinion, and that’s what we’ve always tried to do. We all know you can’t please everyone, but at HANDS-ON Consultations we do our very best and our continuing success in the local communities reflects that. Word of mouth and referrals is the key to success for any business. 10 years and growing stronger speaks louder than any words I can share," Oliver added.
For the past tem years, HOC services have been provided for business and home users alike with a strong focus on providing professional support for current and developing operations in the business world. Ranging from hardware/software troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, computer components, new computer systems to network design, development, & support to web design, development, and hosting to training for Windows and associated applications, and program and database software development. They provide incidents support services, along with scheduled maintenance plans and also are aligned with other vendors in various support contracts. Expansion of services has pushed out to include not only Ventura County, but Los Angeles County and beyond.
“I’d like to thank all the members of the private and business communities of Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and beyond for assisting us in reaching this milestone. Success is many things and we are meeting and achieving the goals we set for ourselves 10 years ago,” acknowledged Oliver. “The number of years we’ve been in business may seem small to some however, surviving each and every year and staying afloat in any kind of business for 10 years is tough and this is something we’re very proud of. We look forward to continuing to assist our friends and associates in this ever-developing and exciting field now, and far into the future.”

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