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Does the name Joel Roberts Poinsett mean anything to you? It’s a pretty good guess that he had something to do with what is now a Christmas season staple – the poinsettia. Poinsett was from South Carolina and could definitely be considered a polymath - a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning. He had traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and South America and was the confidant of many of the world’s leaders. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. As well as being a diplomat, he was also a physician and a botanist.

It was as a botanist where he became aware of and championed the plant with red and green leaves he saw growing in the wild in Mexico where it was called Flor de Nochebuena, Christmas Eve flower, or Catarina. Poinsett sent samples of the plant to his greenhouses in South Carolina and their popularity soon spread.

In the wild poinsettias are shrubs or small trees. We see that here in Fillmore with the shrubbery gracing the Wayfarer’s Chapel on Central and 3rd Street.

Now you can share a bit of history with your own poinsettia purchased from the Fillmore Historical Museum. The Museum has been selling poinsettias as a fundraiser for over a decade. This year is no exception. You can order beautiful red poinsettias for $15 each and be able to pick them up at the Museum on December 7. Use the form below and mail or drop off at the Museum or order on our Website at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/poinsettia-sale.

VENTURA, Calif. – In recent weeks, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has received reports of county residents being targeted by a specific email scam. The scam is unnerving because the email begins by listing the victim’s name, phone number, home address, and may even include a photo of the victim’s home. The scammers use this tactic to make the victims feel that they have been singled out and to create fear.

The scammers then claim to have hacked into the victim’s computer or smartphone and to be actively monitoring the victim’s browsing habits and websites visited, with references to “porn websites.” The scam email typically threatens, “With just a single click, I can send this filth to all your contacts.” The scammers do this to make the victims feel embarrassed and to create a sense of urgency.

The scammers close the email with an extortion attempt. They present two alternatives to the victim. The scammers claim that if the victim “disregards this email” that they will send embarrassing information “to all your contacts.” The scammers then offer to “wipe everything clean once you come through with a payment.” The payment demand is typically about $2000, payable with “Bitcoins only.”

This current scam uses similar tactics to other sextortion scams that threaten to release embarrassing images or videos unless a payment demand is met. This is a widespread scam using boilerplate language and targeting victims throughout the country. The scammers likely obtained the victims’ personal identifying information from a large-scale data breach, not by hacking the victims’ devices. Images of victims’ homes are easily obtained through open-source searches such as Google Street View, Zillow, or other similar websites. The scammers are often located outside the United States.

“It can be very rattling for an unsuspecting victim to receive one of these threatening emails,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The best defense against these scammers is being aware of their tactics and taking practical steps to avoid becoming a victim.”

Practical steps to protect yourself include:

• Like any other scam, it is important not to reply to the suspects. Communicating with the suspects increases the chances of accidentally disclosing personal information the suspect did not have.

• Never click on attachments or links that come from unknown sources.

• Do not readily share personal identifying information such as your full name, address, or social security number online.

• Use two-factor authentication for all accounts that offer it. This adds an extra layer of security.

• Monitor your online social media, email, and banking accounts for suspicious activity.

• Change your passwords regularly and use a unique password for each account.

• If you paid the extortion, notify your bank or financial institutions. Promptly report any unauthorized transactions so they can block or reverse the payments. Report the crime to your local law enforcement.

• Victims can also report scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). This is a user-friendly, FBI-run website for reporting cyber-enabled crime.

Special Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, November 7, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at City of Fillmore City Hall, Council Chambers 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015

To participate in the Board of Directors meeting via Zoom, please access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89456179606?pwd=EKJ3aKqs3ZgNqHyY74JhvBXWqEPK7F...

Meeting ID:

894 5617 9606

Passcode: Special

To hear just the audio portion of the meeting, phone into: Toll-free number: 877 853 5247 Meeting ID: 894 5617 9606

AGENDA

1.CALL TO ORDER
1A. Pledge of Allegiance 1B. Directors Roll Call
1C. Public Comments
Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Agency) will accept public comment concerning agenda items at the time the item is considered and on any non-agenda item within the jurisdiction of the Board during the agendized Public Comment period. No action will be taken by the Board on any non-agenda item. In accordance with Government Code § 54954.3(b)(1), public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker per issue.
1D. Approval of Agenda
Motion
2.EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
2A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2), one case.
3.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the Board and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member pulls an item from the Calendar. Pulled items will be discussed and acted on separately by the Board. Members of the public who want to comment on a Consent Calendar item should do so under Public Comments. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED)
3A. Approval of Minutes
The Board will consider approving the Minutes from the Board of Directors meeting of September 26, 2024, Special Board meeting.
3B. Approval of Warrants
The Board will consider approving payment of outstanding vendor invoices:
UWCD
$36,503.78
Stillwater Sciences
$10,556.12
Aleshire & Wynder LLP
$4,295.10
DBS&A
$2,458.50
County of Ventura IT Services
$1,293.20
Loree Snyder
$130.41
3C. Monthly Financial Report
The Board will receive the monthly financial report for the Agency.
4.INFORMATION ITEMS
4A.Termination of Executive Orders Requirement for Groundwater Sustainability Agency Well Permit Reviews
Information
The Board will receive a presentation from staff and legal counsel on the Governor’s termination of the drought-related requirement for well permitting agencies to consult with groundwater sustainability agencies prior to the issuance of well permits.
5. FUTURE TOPICS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
6. ADJOURNMENT
The Board will adjourn to the next Special Board Meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2024, or call of the Chair.
Materials, which are non-exempt public records and are provided to the Board of Directors to be used in consideration of the above agenda items, including any documents provided subsequent to the publishing of this agenda, are available for inspection at UWCD’s offices at 1701
N. Lombard Street in Oxnard during normal business hours.
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, the District’s services, programs or activities because of any disability. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, or if you require agenda materials in an alternative format, please contact the UWCD Office at (805) 525-4431 or the City of Fillmore at (805) 524- 1500. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make appropriate arrangements.

Approved:

Board Chair Kelly Long
Posted: (date) November 5, 2024, at: https://www.FPBGSA.org, (time) 4:30 p.m., (attest) Eva Ibarra
Posted: (date) November 5, 2024, At: https://www.facebook.com/FPBGSA, (time) 4:25 p.m., (attest) Eva Ibarra
Posted: (date) November 5, 2024, at: UWCD, 1701 N. Lombard Street, Oxnard, (time) 4:35 p.m., (attest) Eva Ibarra
Posted: (date) November 5, 2024, at: Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA, (time) 4:45 p.m., (attest) Eva Ibarra

Written by Carina Montoya

Fillmore Historical Museum hosted its first “Courtyard Art Exhibition” on Saturday, October 26. Several local artists exhibited original works that included oil paintings, glass engraving, photography, infrared photography, ceramics, art on beach towels, novelty art creations, including bags, children’s books, journals, and more. Tony Recendez provided music for the event, and a nice crowd of out-of-town guests and locals came to browse the art creations of our local talent. Our youngest exhibitor was Andrea Recendez who featured her photography and sold many of her prints. The event was the beginning of what the museum hopes to become Fillmore’s art center where local artists can gather, exhibit original art, and sell their creations. The museum’s next Courtyard Art Exhibition will be on Saturday, November 16, 10:00-2:00 p.m.

Due to limited space in the paper we have only published candidates’ statements. We have posted the candidate endorsement letters online at our website www.FillmoreGazette.com.

Fillmore Unified Candidate Statements below:

Olivia Palacio,

FUSD, Area 3

My name is Olivia Palacio. I am running for re-election for the Fillmore Unified School District School Board, Area 3.
I have been married for 40 years and parent of two Fillmore High School graduates. My experience spans over 30 years in education. I have worked for Rio School District and Fillmore Unified School District. I have been a Health Clerk, Special Education Instructional Aide, and Career Center Technician.

After earning my master’s degree in counseling, I was hired by the UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program. As the FHS site representative, I assisted students planning for their post high school education, college applications, SAT prep, directed a Summer Algebra Academy, and parent workshops. I am well qualified to understand the needs of the students attending our FUSD schools.

As a current FUSD board member, I have served as Board Clerk and two years as School Board President. Striving for educational improvements, the board created strategic goals, and implemented them, which led to academic improvements:
Fillmore High School was awarded a California Distinguished School.
San Cayetano School was recognized as a Promising Practices Pr-ofessional Learning Com-munity at Work for its success in raising student achievement.

I am running for re-election because I care about our schools. The decisions I have made have contributed to the improved academic achievement, and I want to see the improvements continue.
I ask you for your vote for Area 3. I believe we can all work together to make positive changes for our students.

***

Tricia Gradias,

FUSD, Area 4

Over 35 years of experience…I am a lifelong resident of Fillmore, a Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) graduate, and a proud FUSD Parent and Grandparent. I served as an FUSD teacher for 15 years and FUSD administrator for 20 years. I feel deeply connected to the continued success of Fillmore Schools, and I have a record that shows my commitment to positive student outcomes and responsible accountability.

More about me… I was raised by parents who were civic-minded and involved in our community of Fillmore. My father David was an immigrant from Mexico and his first goal after arriving to the United States was to learn English and become a U.S. citizen so that he could fully participate in our democracy. My dad enlisted in the army at the age of 19 and served on the front battle lines of the Korean War. My mom was the eldest of 9 children, and did not have the opportunity to finish her senior year at Fillmore High School because her father needed her to join him as a field worker so that she could pave the way for her younger siblings to finish their education. My parents’ sacrifices sparked my love for education and community engagement. I knew from an early age I wanted to become a teacher who in turn would instill a love of learning and encourage higher education opportunities for my students, many who came from families that often faced generational poverty. After a 35-year career in FUSD schools, an opportunity to run for school board presented itself in 2020, and I knew this would be one of the best ways I could continue to serve my community and the students of the Fillmore community after my retirement.
Education/Experience

BA in Liberal Studies with BCLAD authorization (Bilingual Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development), California State University- Northridge

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, California State University-Northridge/California State University-Channel Islands

Teacher, San Cayetano Elementary (13 Years)

Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School (1 Year)

Principal, Fillmore Middle School (6 Years)

Migrant Education Director, FUSD (3 Years)

Teacher, Mountain Vista Elementary (2 Years)

Principal, San Cayetano Elementary (8 Years)

FUSD School Board -4 years/2 years serving as the Board President, and I am currently in my second term as Vice-President.
LET’S CONTINUE THE OUTSTANDING ACCOMMPLISHMENTS OF THE FUSD BOARD THESE LAST 4 YEARS BY VOTING TRICIA GRADIAS FOR SCHOOL BOARD-TRUSTEE AREA 4.

By Linda Nunez

The Fillmore Civic Pride Volunteers have selected the yard of the Cortez Family, Rafael & Rosa, sons Jafet, Jay & Jared, to receive the Fall/Halloween, “Yard of the Month” award at 1156 Shady Lane. They all worked together to create this “kid-friendly”, fun display with Scooby Doo & Mickey & Minnie Mouse as starring characters. Smiling pumpkins glow all over the yard with a bright orange border of lights.

The Cortez family moved to Fillmore from Hopper Canyon about three years ago.

Rafael & his family will enjoy going out to Otto & Sons Nursery to use their $40 gift card! Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this project all through the years.

There were many honorable mentions, so plan an evening out to see all the creativity: 1143 Shady Lane, 1160 Shady Lane, 1182 Shady Lane, 357 Third St., 733 Third St., 322 D St., 79 Reading, 60 Reading, 787 Burlington, 770 Riverside, 258 Sespe, 213 Market St., and 758 Galvin.

Bardsdale United Methodist Church and pastor Jaime Torres invite you to join them for the church’s 126th Anniversary Celebration, on Sunday, October 27. Worship begins at 10:00am.

This 126th year in ministry makes Bardsdale one of the oldest congregations in Fillmore. This anniversary celebration event also serves as a homecoming for anyone that has ever been connected to our church, and church programs. We will have tables out with scrapbooks, historical artifacts, and pictures from our many years of history. We have some items for you to see that date back to the 1898s.

This celebration will be of our rich history. It will be a time for people to fellowship like a big class reunion. But also, it will be a celebration of what God is presently doing within the church to continue Bardsdale UMC’s ministry for another 126 years.

Everybody is welcome to attend this Anniversary celebration, it will be a blessing greeting you.
Refreshments will be served after service.

Sincerely

Pastor: Jaime Torres

Photo courtesy of Fillmore Towne Theatre.
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Written by Carina Montoya

The Fillmore Town Theatre will be featuring its first annual Happy Fright Film Festival on Friday, October 18, and will run comedy horror shows on Saturday, October 19.

Friday at 8:00 p.m., a special screening of George A. Romero’s 1968 iconic film, Night of the Living Dead, presented in classic 16mm print, courtesy of Record Outlet in Thousand Oaks. On Saturday, the film festival will run from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature special screenings of “Night of the Missing” starring Gigi Gustin, Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses) followed by a live cast and crew Q&A moderated by Mutant City Horror, along with a screening of award winning “Cannibal Comedian,” and a variety of horror shorts from independent film makers from around the country. There will also be stand up-comedy from Pancho Moler, and live music from psychobilly ghoul rock-band. There’s a 20% discount to the first 50 buyers. Use code HAPPYFRIGHT.

The event is made possible by Sean Haitz, Mutant City Horror, a filmmaker in Los Angeles whose genre is horror comedy. Sean said the old Filmore Town Theatre is the perfect setting to have a horror film festival.

The Fright Film Festival is a great kick off to Halloween. Come and join the horror, screams, and laughs while munching on popcorn made fresh by the theater’s new popcorn machine!

The Ventura County Garden Club announces the beginning of its 101st Season with its third meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, followed by a luncheon at noon, provided by Fillmore/Piru Co-Directors/Organizers: Jeannie Westling and Michele Smith. Following lunch will be a discussion concerning Monarch Butterflies. Bring items to share/sell at the plant table. Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. We welcome new members. For more information, email VenturaCountyGardenClub@yahoo.com, OR Facebook.com/VenturaCountyGardenClubVCGC/

Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara Long Beach

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85), a priest in the Archdioceses of Los Angeles during the time of his crimes, pled no contest to one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material. He also admitted all the charged special allegations, including that he possessed over 600 images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of prepubescent minors under the age of 12.

A member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, Martinez-Guevara was associated with several churches, including Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard.

“The defendant betrayed the law and the trust placed in him as a religious leader,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Child sexual abuse material preys on the most vulnerable members of our society, and we will continue to ensure that anyone who engages in such heinous crimes is held accountable, no matter their position or title.”

Martinez-Guevara became the focus of an investigation after dozens of reports were made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In April 2023, the Ventura County Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force (VC-CEHTTF) initiated an investigation of their own. Investigators determined Martinez-Guevara was in direct possession of over 600 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. He was arrested on September 13, 2023.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“I am grateful for the cooperation of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit,” Mr. Wise said. “I am hopeful that Mr. Martinez-Guevara's acceptance of guilt today will be the first step in healing the hurt caused by his actions.”

Martinez-Guevara is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

VC-CEHTTF is comprised of investigators and prosecutors with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and United States Attorney’s Office. The task force is committed to identifying, rescuing, and protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse through education, enforcement, and through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Case: 2023024111
Defendant Information: Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85) Long Beach
Charges pled to:

PC 311.11(a) – Possession or control of child pornography
Special Allegations:

PC 311.11(c)(1) – Aggravated possession of child pornography, containing more than 600 images
CRC 4.421(a)(10) – The crime involved a large quantity of contraband
CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable
CRC 4.421(a)(8) – The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism

Pictured above is Kevin Shaffer at the organ, 2024. You may have read the article by Carina Montoya about how the organ was brought to life by Kevin. Insert, Arundell Adobe on Pole Creek, 1895. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is Edith Moore Jarrett at the organ, circa 1977. In 1971 Edith announced the new Fillmore Historical Museum had been created and was looking for items of historical significance. Inset, the front page of the Estey Organ Catalog, 1886. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

You may be tired of hearing about the playing of the “Arundell” organ but here’s one more story with some background on how the organ came to occupy space at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
What I’m relating may be a partially “urban myth” but it’s the story we’ve been told. If anyone has corrections, please let us know.

The Arundell family home was an adobe on Pole Creek. In the late 19th Century an Estey “Cottage” organ sat in the parlor of the adobe. The Cottage Organ was produced by the organ company starting in the late 1870s through the early 1900s. The company was founded in 1852 in Brattleboro, Vermont and was in business until 1962. They made all types of organs, but the “Cottage” was one of their most popular. We’ve looked through many of their catalogs from the period and haven’t found the same one illustrated in the catalogs, but there were many similar ones, and a purchaser could make modifications in the cabinets.

We aren’t sure when the Arundell family purchased their organ, but we do know several similar ones were purchased about the same time by area locals.

Fast forward 50 years or so--the family moved from the adobe. The organ weighed a lot and was difficult to move so it was left behind. In 1972, Edith Moore Jarrett put out the word that the new Fillmore Historical Museum had been created and was looking for items of historical significance.

The Arundell’s were one the first of the local families to respond and donated the organ. This is the first, if only object that if the Museum were to close, it would be returned to a member of the Arundell family. There may have been doubt in 1972 that the museum would last a few years, let alone the 50 years plus it has.

We are not sure when the Arundell family moved from the adobe on Pole Creek, but we do know the organ was left behind – perhaps no one had room for it, or perhaps no one wanted it. Organs like this were going out of fashion while Hammond B3’s were all the rage. A crew went up Pole Creek with two mules. The organ was taken in four pieces; two were loaded on each of the mules and brought into Fillmore. It was taken to the museum, which was then in the Masonic Building on Sespe and Central, and put back together. Probably the most amazing part of this is that the organ still played. We have a photo of Edith Moore Jarrett playing it (see above), but we had no record of how it sounded.
The years passed and the museum moved from the Masonic Building to the Southern Pacific depot which was by the City Fire Station on Main Street. After the 1994 earthquake the organ was moved to its current location in the Hinckley House on the museum grounds

A few weeks ago, you may have read the article by Carina Montoya about how the organ was brought to life by Kevin Shaffer who had a passion for reed organs. We are still trying figure out how we can share this more widely, but for now, here is the complete recording from Kevin that evening. https://youtube/BbEcrZHfxkk

Special thanks for Kevin and his wife, Kimberly, but also to Tony Recendez and his daughter, Andrea, for capturing all for posterity.

Courtesy
https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/866/Fillmore-Spooky-Seaso...

October has arrived, and the spooky season is officially here in Fillmore! As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, it's time to carve pumpkins, hang up decorations, and prepare for fall festivities. While we all love getting into the fall spirit, this year, let's make an effort to celebrate sustainably. From creative pumpkin recycling to reducing waste in your fall décor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this season while being eco-friendly.

For additional information regarding SB1383, please visit https://www.¬llmoreca.gov/236/Cal-Recycle One of the best-loved traditions is carving pumpkins, but what happens to them after the big night? Instead of letting them end up in a landfill, consider greener options! Once the trick-or-treaters have come and gone, you can recycle your pumpkins by composting them or placing them in your green waste bin. Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and break down naturally, enriching the soil. Just remember to remove any candles, wax, or decorations before disposal!

If you're feeling extra creative, pumpkins can be repurposed as bird feeders or planters. Carve a wider opening, fill it with seeds or soil, and let nature take over! Your leftover pumpkin could become a feast for local wildlife or a home for new plants, reducing waste while giving back to the environment.

Decorations are a key part of the spooky season, but they often generate unnecessary waste, especially when made of single-use plastic. This year, why not create your own fall decorations using natural or reusable materials? For those who love string lights, energy-efficient LED versions save electricity while still lighting up your space in a fun, eco-friendly way.

When it comes to trick-or-treating, encourage your little ghouls and goblins to carry reusable bags or buckets instead of disposable plastic ones. You can even decorate an old pillowcase for a DIY spooky treat bag! For handing out treats, consider candy with minimal packaging or small goodies like pencils, erasers, or toys that don't contribute to single-use waste.

If you're hosting a spooky party, skip the single-use plates, cups, and utensils. Instead, opt for reusable or compostable options to keep the fun going without harming the environment.

Avenue in Downtown Fillmore. This event is a perfect opportunity to showcase your eco-friendly spirit with decorated trunks, candy giveaways, and prizes. And remember, sustainability doesn't stop at decorations—let’s ensure proper disposal of treats, wrappers, and any waste.

Fillmore is a community that cares deeply about its environment, and small changes can help preserve our beautiful city. Let's all do our part this spooky season by celebrating in a way that's kind to both then planet and our neighbors.

Stay spooky, stay sustainable, and have a hauntingly fun time, Fillmore!

For additional information regarding SB1383, please visit https://www.¬llmoreca.gov/236/Cal-Recycle

A public prayer meeting open to all will take place this year on Saturday, October 12, 2024, noon to 1:30 pm. Please join us as we gather to pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet asking for peace, for the welfare of all Fillmore and Heritage Valley families, marriages, and residents! We need your prayers in these difficult times! Bring your petitions to the patio of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., and we will pray for your intentions. We will begin at noon, pray, process through Two Rivers Park once with the beautiful statue of our Blessed Virgin Mary and return to St. Francis Church where light refreshments will be provided! Come join us! For information, please contact the church secretary at (805)524-1306 or a parishioner at (805)524-9929.

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers will be selecting a Fall Harvest/ Halloween, best decorated yard from all over the community, so get your creative “juices” flowing and get those decorations put up. You can be an award winner! The yard will be selected October 12th. The winner and honorable mentions will be written up in the Gazette and “What’s Happening” site, so you can take the family out for a tour.

VENTURA COUNTY, CA (9/25/2024) - Residents living in the highest wildfire risk area in Piru, CA have received Firewise USA recognition. To celebrate this national achievement, the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council (VRFSC) is hosting a 3-Day Community Wildfire Preparedness event starting October 3 through 5 in Piru. The event offers free defensible space assistance to residents within the Firewise USA boundaries. The work includes brush clearance, vegetation removal, gutter cleaning, and other yard work. Piru residents can register now at venturafiresafe.org to reserve their spot.
Wildfires pose a risk to communities like Piru, an unincorporated town along the Santa Clara Valley just below the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest. According to the Piru Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), “the town of Piru has largely been spared from wildfire, although the surrounding hillsides have burned multiple times over and continue to pose a wildfire fuel threat to the community if appropriate precautions are not taken.”

Starting at 10am on October 3rd, crews will be dispatched to registered residences to start the yard work. Resource tables will also be set up to provide residents with emergency preparation information and last call registrations for the event. October 4th will be a continuation of the first day with more defensible space work. On October 5th, VRFSC will bring everyone back to Corazon de Piru Coffee Shop with a celebration to recognize the volunteers and invite the residents to free pizza and free plants from 10am to 2pm.

VRFSC is completing this work with the help of the Environmental Workforce collaborative, which includes the Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers (CREW), Safe Passage Youth Corps, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, Los Padres Forest Watch, Ventura County Community Foundation, and other partners like the Piru Neighborhood Council, Ventura County Resource Conservation District and the Ventura County Fire Department. Funding for this program was made possible by Edison International through the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Environmental Workforce Collaborative and from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program, through the California Fire Safe Council.

***

About Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council:

Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is a grassroots, community-led organization that mobilizes residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire, through collaborative planning, programs, mitigation and education.