HAVE YOU JUST REGISTERED TO VOTE? IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME VOTING? OR ARE YOU A LONG TIME VOTER BUT CONFUSED ABOUT THE PROPOSITIONS? Do the ballot initiatives confuse and befuddle you? Then come to the One Step a la Vez Center in the back of the chocolate church (Trinity Episcopal Church) on the corner of 2nd and Saratoga on Monday, November 5th at 5:30 for a discussion about the upcoming election. The pros and cons of each proposition will be discussed in a calm and informational way, describing each proposition, showing both sides of the argument as well as the financial impact of each. Questions? call Lynn at 805-907-6576.

Starting Sunday, November 4 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sun Salutations and relaxation - 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pranayama (breath control) and chanting 10-10:45 a.m.
Meditation - 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

$15.00 for 3 hours
$7.50 for 1 1/2 hours

Call Valerie (705-0405) or Janine (524-4856) with questions

Fillmore's Health and Wellness Center
448 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA, 93015
805-705-0405
A Space for Healing Experiences

Chivasskincare.com owners, Donna Johanson and daughter Lauren Johanson, along with employees, Shelly Reiman & Brandy Lengning received their certificate of appreciation from Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee for generously supporting our downtown Central Avenue replanting of the large pots with red, white & blue flowers.

This business which relocated to Fillmore in 2010, began in 2005 when Donna Johanson was raising goats for their milk. The milk supply was so abundant that she soon learned to make cheese & yogurt & then expanded into making lush skin care products like soap & creams. Goat milk has long been noted for its rich moisturizing effect on the skin. These products are available locally at Attractions Spa, The Scented Path and the Fillmore Historical Museum.

When asked why they wanted to be involved with the Central beautification project, Lauren spoke of being new to the community and wanting to support positive projects as well as get acquainted with the local townspeople.

To further this effort, they are sponsoring two upcoming events. Saturday, November 10, will be a Fall open house and Saturday, December 1 will be a holiday party with local vendors invited and food. Please check their website, www.chivasskincare.com, and local newspaper announcements for details or email, Brandy Lengning at brandy@chivasskincare.com for more information. They will also be having school field trips in the spring when the baby goats are born.

We are excited to have this new business in town and to welcome & thank these new owners for their support.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and green waste collection schedule during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11-17.

For more information, call 647-1414.

A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life Tree” at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park Plaza, Fillmore or Piru. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony for Fillmore on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 5:30 PM. or for Piru on Saturday November 17, 2012 5:30 on Center Street, near the Gazebo.

These names were received October 3 to October 24, 2012:
IN MEMORY OF:
Gene Wren
Jessie Dunn
Malcolm Jackson
Irene Horn
William Taylor
Charles Lee Randal
Frank Norris
Sophie Norris
Susan Taylor
The Zermeno Family
The Morones Family
Freda Hoy
Diane Dudley – My Wife
Cleo Chilikas
Mary Bamman
Russell D. Hardison
Philip J. Hardison
Jeff Asenas
Donald P. Musgrave
Marc Morales
Modesto Asenas
Bill Haynes
Olen Core
Sue Core
Diane Dudley
Dick Thompson
Chris Cone
Hank Carrillo
Larry Burch
Louise Williams
Charles Williams Philip Mulberry
IN HONOR OF:
Family & Friends of Fillmore Women’s Service Club
Gloria Mulberry
PIRU: IN MEMORY OF: Julian Rangel

SANTA PAULA, CA. - October 26, 2012 – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE) Chairman of the Board, Scott K. Rushing, today announced the Bank's 2012 third quarter results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit from operations of $157,000 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to a net profit of $140,000 for the third quarter of 2011. Year to date earnings from operations through September 2012 was $534,000 versus $384,000 for the same nine month period in 2012. The improvement in earnings in the third quarter 2012 was largely due to the improvement in non interest income and the reduction of non interest expenses.

A modest provision for loan losses of $75,000 was booked in the third quarter of 2012 to ensure a strong allowance for loan losses.

SCVBank continues to CONTINUED »

Fillmore Residents Join Operation Christmas Child Efforts During National Collection Week; Seek to Reach Over 100 Million Children With Shoe Box Gifts Worldwide Since 1993

VENTURA, CA - While most people in the U.S. are preparing for holiday activities, local volunteers with Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind—are filling shoe box gifts with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children overseas. This year-round project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, is ramping up as local businesses, churches and community groups prepare to collect 14,500 gift-filled shoe boxes during National Collection Week (Nov. 12 – 19).

Anyone can drop off a packed shoe box at the Ventura-area collection site (address and hours below). Then, using whatever means necessary—trucks, trains, boats, bikes and even elephants—the shoe box gifts will be hand-delivered to hurting children in 100 countries around the world.

VENTURA COLLECTION SITE:
Trinity Lutheran Church
196 N Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 353-5949
Operating Hours:
Mon-Fri - Nov 12-16: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sat - Nov 17: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun - Nov 18: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mon - Nov 19: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Additional local collection CONTINUED »

Brian Troop

Ventura County, CA – Declaring that widely reported rising home sales and prices are gradually reducing the number of home owners who are underwater on their loans while sparking increased inventory, the top official of the Ventura County’s leading independent realty firm is advising “fence straddler’s” that now is the time to list their homes.

Brian Troop, president of Troop Real Estate, a firm with 14 county offices, said that while all the news is positive for a housing recovery, the big challenge is lack of inventory.

“So if you are a home owner considering selling, now is a great time to do so because there are literally dozens of buyers for every property and top dollar can be realized,” Troop said.

Troop underlined that CONTINUED »

The class of '2000 will always be know as the Millennium Class. Staying with Fillmore High Traditions, they had the usual school clubs, and a whole lot more. Have you ever heard of a Mock Trail? It's a real trail with the Defense, and Prosecution going at it with Witnesses. Surely a great educational experience for anyone involved. That year they had Donkey Basketball Ball, Career Day, and were involved in a Academic Decathlon. We're not sure if they won, but it says in the Copa de Oro that they did beat Santa Paula, and doesn't that matter most? Superintendent of Schools that year was Mr. Mario V. Contini, and the High School Principal was Mr. John Wilber '79. Vice Principals were Mr. Tom Ecklund, and Karen Ashim. The Cafeteria staff included Mary Garcia, Jennifer Golson, Pam Beal, Donna Edwards, Susan Sanchez, and Glenda Dejarnette. Math and Science departments seemed to be a fun learning experience, as well as the English Department. A student of Mr. Lindroth (English Teacher) says, "The discussions are long but interesting, we get a chance to listen to others on how they view things. We are also able to say our own opinion." In the Vocational Education Dept, classes offered were Home Economics, Child Development, Business, Drafting, Woodshop, Auto Restoration, Taught by Mr. Lin Thomas (A Fillmore High Grad), and a Photo/Graphic Art Class. Yes, it seems like the Millennium Class of Fillmore High has quite a year. We're sure that some of their class will be at the Alumni Associations 100th anniversary dinner on June 15th, 2013. We hope you all make plans to be there. Should be an evening to remember.

Enlarge Photo

Rick Neal Team Captain, and members of The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team presented a donation to Scott Klittich Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop #406 for $816 during the Scout meeting on Tuesday the 16th. The donation came from proceeds of a raffle the Fillmore Team held while hosting The Sheriff's Search and Rescue All Team Training at Piru Lake the previous weekend. Scout Master Scott Klittich said the boys had just returned from a camping trip near Bishop where they roughed it while 3 inches of snow fell on them overnight. Scoutmaster Klittich mentioned the Scouts might use the funds to upgrade some of their tents.

Mr. Melgoza Theresa Robledo/VP SI of Fillmore and Hugo Torres from Vallarta Restaurant in Fillmore.

The competition was stiff this year at the 1st Annual Heritage Valley Margarita Mix-Off, as local restaurants competed for the title of the Best Margarita in the Heritage Valley (held at Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet in Fillmore, on Sun. Sept. 30, 2012), but at the end Vallarta Restaurant in Fillmore came out victorious as the People’s Choice for the Best Margarita. Hugo Torres was on hand to mix the winning drink. Other winners included Most Original Margarita-Chappy Morris/Wm. L. Morris, Best in Show Margarita-Familia Diaz Restaurant (Santa Paula), Most Exotic Margarita, Mupu Grill (Santa Paula), Tastiest Treats-Orange Rush Café (Fillmore), Most Spirited Bartender-Mupu Grill (Santa Paula), Best Overall Presentation-El Pescador Restaurant (Fillmore) and Best Salsa-Tia Babe’s Restaurant (Santa Paula). Proceeds from the event will go towards projects sponsored by Soroptimist International of Fillmore. For more information on Soroptimist and/or the upcoming Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction on Sat. Nov. 17th please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590.

Fillmore Family Coalition in partnership with the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Education Program is excited to announce its 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 are planning to visit all tobacco retailers in Fillmore.

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 will serve to empower businesses to make an impact on the health of our community’s youth. During these visits, business owners will be informed of current tobacco laws and information on how to reduce tobacco access to minors. Businesses will also be given a packet of educational materials and state issued tobacco signage.

Anyone interested in joining these efforts or would like more information please contact John Ford at 805.340.7335.

The Central Coast Tourism Council, one of the 12 tourist regions designated by the California State Tourism Coalition, held their monthly board meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on Friday, Oct. 19th. Representatives from tourism-related businesses from Santa Cruz to Simi Valley attended the function. Local attendees, as pictured were also joined by Carol Cohea, Director of Marketing Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. President of the CCTC, Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Visitor and Convention Bureau, presided over the meeting and introduced Duke Blackwood, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan President Library and Museum. He shared stories of how the library came into existence and the journey of Air Force one and mentioned that they have over 400,000 visitors per year, a huge draw for tourists right here in Ventura County.

The Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau has been a member of the CCTC for 2 years, and its board members find great value in partnering with many of the world-famous entities that are also members, such as The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, the cities of Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Gilroy, just to name a few. CCTC is a member based organization with over 200 members, one of them being the State of California Tourism Coalition. Their motto is "The original road trip", meaning State Highway 1, from Oxnard to Santa Cruz, and all other freeways, highways and byways that connect to it.

A few of the CONTINUED »

For the seventh year, KSSP Photographic Studios will be offering FREE Halloween photography for children in costume, 12 years & younger, on Halloween, Wednesday October 31th. A free 4”x6” print will be printed (limit 1 free print per family or group) and available for pick-up on Halloween.

As in past years, no appointment is necessary and no purchase is necessary. The studio will be open from 3pm to 8pm to photograph individuals or groups, in costume. Children 12 and under will be photographed for free. For those over 12 years old, there will be a small charge.

“This is our way to give back to the community and to say 'thank you' for supporting us,” photographer Carmelita Miranda told the Gazette.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in portrait, wedding and quinceanera photography (and video). 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.

Seventy years after it was scuttled off Los Angeles, government archaeologists have found the wrecked remains of the George E. Billings, a rare Pacific Coast schooner that was employed in the lumber trade during the early 1900s.

Today at the California Islands Symposium in Ventura, Calif., Robert Schwemmer, maritime archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, confirmed the ship’s identity and presented a scientific paper on its history and discovery.

The Billings, a CONTINUED »

From Oak Park to Oak View, the Ventura County Grand Jury will monitor polling places as they did during the last election in June. On election day, Tuesday, November 6, the Grand Jury will be visiting the polls as well as the Board of Elections to check for obvious and subtle violations that may occur at voting locations throughout the County. The Grand Jury observes the setting up of the polling places, voting throughout the day, closing of the polling places, and the return of ballots to receiving stations or Election Headquarters.

If you have not already done so, you may wish to consult your precinct and voting location. Now is the time to become as fully informed as possible for voting in this important election.

To find out more about the mission of the Grand Jury, to download complaint forms, and to view previous years’ reports, please visit our Internet site: http://grandjury.countyofventura.org

The Grand Jury is available for speaking engagements throughout the County. If you would like to request a speaker for your organization, please contact: Judith Cohen at 805-477-1600.

Sunday October 14th in the vicinity of Howard and King Street.
Family misses her dearly.
If you have seen her, please call 805-588-6588
Thank you!

Program Title: “A Special Brew of Magic!” Type of Program: Family, Date: Wednesday, October 24th, Time: 3:30 p.m. Place: Fillmore Library: 502 Second Street Fillmore, Ca. Master Magician, Shawn McMaster returns to the Fillmore Library with his special brew of magic! Come one; come all to a spectacular afternoon of family entertainment!. Program sponsored by the Fillmore Friends of the Library.