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.

Luciano Garza, Director CONTINUED »

(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.

SHORT PROMOS
“Ramona Days” – September CONTINUED »

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.”

This inspiring event CONTINUED »

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.

There will be live music CONTINUED »

A note from the Gritz Family to Alumni members, Fillmore residents, and class of '62. We hope you and the entire HS '62 classmates will join us August 18th, at 2:00pm for a celebration on the grounds of the High School in Fillmore. A wonderful team of Scouts, Harold Foy ('70), of Fillmore Building Supply, family, and friends have worked to renovate the redwood Tree Memorial for Toby R. Gritz. Landscaping, benches, and more have been installed over the summer. The crowning point will be a lovely bronze plaque unveiled on the 18th depicting a smiling Toby and his Marine Cobra gunship. Roberto Munoz, son of Mike ('70) and Janey Munoz has worked tirelessly and selflessly on the site as an Eagle Scout project for Troop 406. A Marine Color Guard from Camp Pendleton will begin the short celebration. Family members from around the country will provide personal perceptive and friends and supporters will reinforce the theme of Forever 25. Brother Rocky will sing an enduring family song our Mom wrote for Toby.

Refreshments will be served immediately after the event at Central Grill.

Please join us and celebrate Toby. It'll be a great time to get together and rekindle friendships. Questions? Please contact Bob (Gritz) Mackenzie 360-239-4465.

Hello! I would like to invite you to the 2012 Ventura Country Fair. It will be held from August 1- August 12. August, 1st is Dollar Day until 3pm. August 3 is Youth Day, children under 12 years of age get in for free. August 7th is seniors and persons with disabilities day, and they get in free. August 8th is, arriving before 3pm and admission is $3. August 9th is Military Appreciation Day, they get in free with show of I.D. August 2,6,7, and 9 is Wristband Day. They are sold from 11-6pm for unlimited rides for $25. There will be free concerts every night. I would also like to invite you to the Ventura County Fair Junior Livestock Action Friday August 10. Our club has 40 plus animals going to fair. We have lambs, pigs, and steers for sale. We have been working hard all summer and would love to share our projects with you. Everybody will participate in showmanship on Saturday the 11th. Please come and support our youth. Thank You.
Alexis Sierra
Piru 4-H- Reporter

There is a rumor that there is a higher rate of respiratory illness and cancer in Fillmore due to the presence of the oil refinery across Pole Creek. If you purchase a home adjacent to the site, the realtors are required to notify you of potential hazards associated with the site. Yet no one has ever confirmed or refuted this rumor. There has been lots of testing of the ground, water and air, but no testing of the persons living in the area.

Youth, staff and adult volunteers from One Step a la Vez (a teen program in Fillmore) are conducting a survey to get scientific information about the health effects of the toxic waste site. Under the supervision of Dr. James Dahlgren (Environmental Toxicologist) and his staff they are conducting a survey of residents to the west of the refinery site. The survey began on August 1st and will continue until completed. Volunteers will be going door to door asking for residents to fill out a health history form. If you live near Pole Creek, please participate in the study; the more participants who share information, the more accurate the study.

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Hello City of Fillmore, My name is Rachel Lucio I am 16 years old and I am the Historian for Sespe 4-H. I would like to invite you all to come support the Sespe 4-H members as we compete at the 2012 Ventura County Fair. The Sespe 4-H members have all worked hard for this upcoming event. We hope to see you and your friends and family this year. It would be a fun and good time watching us show our animals. We would like to give a special thanks to Sue Maynard for all her help out at the farm.
Yours truly,
Rachel Lucio,
Sespe 4-H Historian

Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters, Mark A. Lunn, announced that the November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election is a partisan run-off election, as well as a regular election date for cities, special districts, and school districts.

“Every election is an opportunity for voters to participate in our great democracy, not only can this election change the course of our country but also our county, cities and various districts,” said Mark A. Lunn. “I encourage every registered voter to mark their calendars and vote November 6, 2012.”

The November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election will include the following offices:
President and Vice President
United States Senator
Representative in Congress – 24th, 25th, 26th and 30th Districts
Member of State Senate – 19th and 27th Districts
Member of State Assembly – 37th, 38th, 44th and 45th Districts
County Supervisor 1st District

General Municipal Elections include the following offices:
City of Camarillo – Two City Council Members
City of Fillmore – Three City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Moorpark – Mayor* and Two City Council Members
City of Ojai – Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Oxnard – Mayor*, Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Port Hueneme – Two City Council Members
City of Santa Paula – Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Simi Valley – Mayor* and Two City Council Members
City of Thousand Oaks – Two City Council Members

*Full term of 2 years

District Elections will CONTINUED »

Emem Ekpenyong

Emem Ekpenyong, who works at Fillmore Family Medical Group, is part of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), a team of qualified health care providers who care for communities with limited access to care. In celebration of the NSHC's 40th anniversary this year, the program is featuring one dedicated provider each week for his or service. This week, that provider is Emem Ekpenyong in Fillmore, CA.

In your community, and in communities around the country, many local health care sites are staffed and supported by members of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), a team of quality providers who bring services to communities with limited access to care. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our program this year, we are featuring one clinician a week, and this week our outstanding provider is Emem Ekpenyong at Fillmore Family Medical Group!

For many without medical coverage or reliable income, primary health care providers are essential to the prevention and treatment of major health conditions. Emem is one such provider.

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SACRAMENTO, CA – As students head back-to-school, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman, urges parents to ensure their 11- and 12-year-old children have been immunized against pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and other dangerous diseases to keep them healthy during the new school year. In 2010, more than 9,000 pertussis cases were reported in California, including 10 infant fatalities, the most in over 60 years.

“Immunizations create a shield at school and home,” said Dr. Chapman. “Given recent outbreaks and epidemics nationwide, it is important that children be protected against these dangerous and highly contagious diseases, like whooping cough.”

In 2010, a new law was signed by Governor Brown requiring a whooping cough booster before middle and high school students can re-enter school. All incoming seventh graders must provide proof that they have met the Tdap requirement before starting school.

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Children attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon.
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On Friday, July 20th I had an opportunity to attend the closing ceremonies of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's 2012 Vacation Bible School. This year's theme was “Operation Overboard: Dare to Dive Deep For God!” This year the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School started on Monday, July 16th and ended on Friday, July 20th. There were a total of 102 registered children ages 2 years to 14 years who attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon at the Church. The cost to each participant was $10 which also included daily healthy snacks.

The Director of this years program was shared by long-time Director Sharon Hurd and Co-Director Mimi Burns. There were approximately 20 adult staff/volunteers and 10 youth leaders participating and assisting in this year's Vacation Bible School. One of the volunteers recognized was 15 year old, Fillmore High School Sophomore Billy Vollmert. Billy has been involved with the Bardsdale Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School from when he was one of the youngest in the program trough volunteering and this year he photographed and prepared a slide presentation for graduation day! Of the 102 children, twenty-five were Pre-Schoolers. The Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Pastor Kent Fromer told me, “Preparation begins for the Vacation Bible School months in advance and the Co-Directors work many hours selecting the theme and lining up the volunteers and staff in order to have a meaningful Vacation Bible School!”

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Learn about Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum and find out how you can make a difference as a volunteer ...where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Attend training Saturday August 4 and 11, 9:00 - 12:30 and find your "camulos niche" doing tours, historical research, gardening, fundraising, outreach, maintenance, restoration, and more. Reserve your spot by contacting Kathy at 661-294-0230 or kathimarsden@yahoo.com. To find our more about Rancho Camulos visit www.ranchocamulos.org.