November 11th is the last day the students can sell Marie Callender Pies for Grad Nite Live. They will be turning their orders and money in Monday, November 13th so we can process the orders and call them in to Marie Callender. It gets rather hectic the last week and the week-end. If possible please get your selling/buying done as soon as possible. If you want to order pies call Mrs Chaney, 524-4909 or 407-5759 and I'll see that your order is processed on time. We are hoping that this "Pie Sale" will help the students get their ticket for the Graduation Harbor Cruise. Grad Nite Live gets $5.00 for every pie, so if the student turns in 20 pie orders they have made their $100. If they do nothing for our fundraising, then they pay $100 for the Cruise. Parents please help your seniors get their orders filled. Thanks.

November 9, 2011

OAKLAND, CA - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time and may last up to three and a half minutes.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

"A national test of our Emergency Alert System, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said Damon Penn, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs. "Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system. It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the Emergency Alert System with ongoing and future testing. It is also important to remember that the Emergency Alert System is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

"The upcoming national test is critical to ensuring that the EAS works as designed," said Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. "As recent disasters here at home and in Japan have reminded us, a reliable and effective emergency alert and warning system is key to ensuring the public's safety during times of emergency. We look forward to working with FEMA in preparation for this important test."

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, Emergency Alert System participants and other stakeholders have been working toward making this test a reality.

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

About FEMA
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

VENTURA, CA - The Ventura Family YMCA is celebrating YMCA National Week of Prayer November 7th through November 10th. Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to come and enjoy the messages and fellowship that will be shared by pastors from local churches in the community.

The week’s activities will kick off on Monday morning, with a lecture from Bill Findley focused on the theme “Prayer for Non Profits” accompanied by a musical performance by Troy Jones. Tuesday afternoon, Gary Archer from Ventura Missionary Church will have a discussion featuring the topic of “Grey Matters – Senior’s Day” with The Silvertones providing musical entertainment. Wednesday will be a special evening dedicated to our youth; activities will include a camp fire, participation from local youth groups, Bubble Rollers, a rock climbing wall and music from The River Community Worship Team and Bible Fellowship. Thursday afternoon, Teen Challenge will provide both music and lecture on the subject of Addiction. Local sponsors have generously provided refreshments that will be served at each day’s activities.

This is the fourth year that the Ventura Family YMCA will be participating in the YMCA National Week of Prayer. In addition to the activities held at the Ventura Family YMCA Monday through Thursday, the Y invites the community to participate in events held throughout the community honoring veterans.

The Week of Prayer is an annual event to celebrate the spirituality of the YMCA movement around the world. This week is a tradition that dates back to 1904 when local YMCA’s unite to consider their work in the context of the Bible. YMCA is an organization with a heritage based on Christian principals that serves individuals and families of all religions, races, and creeds. Everyone is welcome to come and participate in activities during Week of Prayer regardless of their spiritual background.

Pastor Jim Duran from the River Community Church and Chair of the Y’s Mission Emphasis Committee is been an active participant in the YMCA Week of Prayer and knows how beneficial the week can be for everyone.

“I believe this will be the best "Week of Prayer" so far because there is a lot more people involved. The partnerships between the YMCA, local churches and pastors, the business sector, and the community at large are making our week second to none. I am excited about our topics this year because we are coming together to discuss and pray about real life situations that many people deal with but nobody wants to talk about. And if that is not enough, we are inviting all Ventura's youth to unite with a Wednesday Night Youth Event. Where else can you go and get a free meal, great music, superb speakers and hope for the future through the power of prayer? This is an event that the entire community should attend,” said Duran.

If you are interested in celebrating in the YMCA National Week of Prayer please feel free to contact Margo Byrne, Executive Director of The Ventura Family YMCA at 805-642-2131 Ext 17 or email margo.byrne@ciymca.org. Or visit www.ciymca.org/ventura.

About the Ventura Family Y
The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs throughout Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Saticoy. Through the Open Doors program the YMCA ensures that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay and facility memberships without contracts or join fees makes the Ventura Family YMCA accessible to everyone. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011 was a day when Fillmore’s reputation as one of the “Last of the Best Small Towns” was reconfirmed. If anyone passed along Central Avenue between the hours of 4pm-7:30pm, you might have wondered about all the activity as enthusiastic young people & seniors & “in- betweeners” worked together to refurbish the planter pots with red, white & blue themed flowers to go with our military banners hung above the street.
This was a long hoped for, and well planned “grass roots” event. Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee was given permission by our city manager, Yvonne Quiring, to seek sponsor ships to refurbish the pots because of the city’s deficit & the landscaper’s request for more money to do the work.

The pots had long struggled with hard rocky dirt, poor quality watering systems and frequently exchanged small annuals which did not balance with the pot size.

When the “word” was put out seeking sponsorships, we began getting calls and Wednesday was our first planting event.

All the large diameter pots have been planted with a compact tree rose & the red & blue flowering plants, but there are still small pots needing sponsors. Information is available from Linda Nunes at 805-524-3021 or other Civic Pride committee members like Cindy Klittich & Sarah Hansen.

Sponsors can be “hands on” types, helping with the planting & care or donating type.

They will receive a small plaque attached to the pot & a certificate of appreciation, along with publicity in our newspapers.

Civic Pride would like to recognize our city fire chief, Rigo Landeros for his immense help in driving the skip loader & dump truck for old soil removal. He even helped with shoveling dirt & sweeping. Now how is that for community members working together to benefit our town!

Sponsors that have already become involved are: Otto & Sons Inc., Victoria Pace, Kennedy Smith, Janet Foy, Sespe 4H,, Grace Beer, DDS, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, Gayle Washburn and Patterson Hardware.

Join us for two fun-filled days. On Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Sr. Center will host a display and sale of hand made items and crafts and on Sat., Nov. 5, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. a giant Rummage Sale. Light refreshments will be served at the Craft Fair. It’s a great opportunity to support your Sr. Center and get your Christmas shopping done.

Officials provide links to easy steps to build a preparedness kit and watch how-to videos

SACRAMENTO, CA - After a recent string of moderate earthquakes that shook up parts of the Bay Area and Northern California, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) have teamed up to remind everyone that now is a good time to refresh home emergency kits, and focus on the need to take simple steps to prepare yourself, your family and pets for the next quake.

One of the most recent quakes rattled nerves late Wednesday night about 23 miles north east of Truckee, California. The 4.7 magnitude temblor did little damage, but residents in seven counties reported feeling the earth shake around 11:37 pm. And, last week's 3.9 magnitude quake near Berkeley was yet another wake-up call to all Californians that earthquakes can occur at any place and any time. Experts warn that if you don't take steps to prepare in advance, the consequences could be disastrous.

Once the ground stops shaking and you're safe to get up from the "drop, cover and hold on" position, experts say your next steps are critical. "Sometimes evacuations are necessary after earthquakes. Making a list of necessities that can be retrieved in a matter of minutes, can prove very useful," said Richard McCarthy, Executive Director for California's Seismic Safety Commission.

Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of Cal EMA says it's also important to have family plans in place and know what you will do for the first 72 hours after a major quake. "It's just a matter of time before California gets hit by another major earthquake," said Dayton. "When the big one hits, it's likely you'll need to be on your own without power, water and other conveniences, so take some easy steps now to get prepared," he said.

In another effort to boost personal preparedness, Cal EMA and CSSC have partnered with the California Earthquake Authority to launch the "Totally Unprepared" earthquake readiness campaign. Through weekly videos and online resources, the public is encouraged to take simple steps to get on the path to preparedness. They're entertaining and short videos that anyone can watch and learn.

There are lots of resources available to help you get prepared. Check out the following websites to learn more.

www.seismic.ca.gov
www.calema.ca.gov
www.myhazards.calema.ca.gov
www.shakeout.org
www.totallyunprepared.com
www.ready.gov

What: A free health screening for people at risk for kidney disease – area residents with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease. A health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine tests will be conducted on an anticipated 85 people throughout the day.

When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: Santa Paula Community Center; 530 West Main St. Santa Paula, CA 93060

Who: Anyone over age 18 showing risk for Kidney Disease (above)

Why: Twenty six million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don’t know it. In the Tri-Counties, one in eight people are suffering from chronic kidney disease. Early detection and treatment, including lifestyle changes and medications, may SLOW or PREVENT its progression to kidney failure and lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease.

"I owe my health to these screenings," Cynthia Mullon told us with great relief. "They're comprehensive and helped me catch my kidney disease before it was too late."

Cynthia, a diabetic for over 20 years, attended a free National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®) screening recently in Newburgh, NY. "I found out that my GFR-a measure of kidney function-had declined immensely since the last screening," she reported.

"It showed that in the course of one year, I had gone from being healthy to being in stage two kidney disease." She is now working with her doctor and following a diet plan and exercise regimen to help prevent or slow further kidney damage.

Cynthia's story is just one of thousands. NKF has provided free early detection screenings to more than 155,000 people at risk for kidney disease. And for each of them, these screenings can be life-changing events.

SANTA PAULA, CA – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced its 2011 third quarter results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit of $140,000 for the third quarter of 2011 compared to a net profit of $60,000 for the third quarter of 2010. Net profit for the nine month period ending September 30, 2011 was $384,000 versus a net loss of $(346,000) for the same nine month period in 2010. This improvement in earnings was largely due to the reduction in the provision for loan loss expense. Due to improved credit conditions there was no loan loss provision taken in the first nine months of 2011, compared to a $900,000 provision taken in 2011 during the same period.

Net loan charge-offs for the first nine months of 2011 totaled $279,000 as compared to $1,585,000 for the same nine month period in 2010. Interim CEO and Chairman of the Board Ralph De Leon noted, “We attribute this reduction in charge offs to the hard work of our loan staff to improve the overall quality of our loan portfolio.”

SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.00%, up from 9.09% a year ago. Total risk-based capital is 19.03%, up from 14.81% last September.

Liquidity continues to be very strong as cash and investments total $55,345,000, or 42.67% of total assets at quarter end.

Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, SCVBank’s stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, and Monroe Securities. The Bank’s web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporation Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805 525-7847

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, and the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector Steven Hintz announced that the Secured Property Tax Bills for the 2011/12 tax year will be mailed by October 15, 2011. Property owners who have not received the Fiscal Year 2011/12 secured property tax statement by the end of October should either telephone the office at (805) 654-3744, or send an Email request for a duplicate bill to HelpingHand@ventura.org. A “virtual bill” for each Ventura County taxable parcel is available online through the Tax Collector’s website: www.venturapropertytax.org

Hintz further reported that the 2011/12 tax statement information is currently loaded into his office’s systems and taxpayers can begin to inquire about their 2011/12 bills, as well as make their payments. Payments can be made by U.S. Mail, by visiting the Tax Collector’s Office, or via the Internet from the Tax Collector’s website: www.venturapropertytax.org. A total of 246,604 Secured Property Tax Bills will be issued for 2011/12, representing a total secured tax roll of more than $1.179 billion.

The FIRST INSTALLMENT of the 2011/12 secured property tax is due November 1, 2011, and can be paid without penalty as late as December 12, 2011. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. A payment drop box near the East entrance of the Hall of Administration at the Victoria Avenue County Government Center in Ventura will be available until MIDNIGHT on December 12, 2011.

Mailing a check with the payment stub remains an efficient way to pay your taxes. Payments postmarked on or before December 12, 2011 will be considered on time. The timeliness of mailed payments is measured by the U.S. Postal Service cancellation mark. The closure of the Oxnard Postal Annex may impact the timely postmark of your payment. Please take this into consideration when mailing your payment. If you must wait until December 12, 2011, it is recommended that you take your payment into the Post Office and have it postmarked in your presence. State law requires that a 10% penalty be collected for all late payments.

Steven Hintz
Treasurer-Tax Collector
County of Ventura

Join us for the uptown Central Fillmore ARTWALK! One night only, Friday October 28, 4pm to 7pm. Ceramics, sculptor, paintings, pencil art, charcoal, mini-sweet gourmets. Come and enjoy the artist talents hosted by the following businesses: Everyday Fashions, Vintage Pleasures, Edison Up in Arms, Scented Path, Element Computers, Mimstar, Cherry, treasure Station, Attractions Spa, and Bella’s Teas & Treats, all on Central Avenue.

Rigo Landeros, Fillmore Fire Chief

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect holiday! Give your kids some precious Halloween memories that they'll have for life.

Some of you kids already know things that you can do to be safe, like how to cross the street, not to talk to or go with strangers, and things like that. But we adults know how exciting Halloween can be and that can make you forget to be careful.

Here are some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night! Some of these ideas are called "common sense" ideas; that means that they are things that you should know and use every day in life. You are never too young to learn!

Never, ever go into a strangers’ house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it's okay. There are some people in life that aren't very nice to kids and you have to be careful. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.

Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the crosswalk light tells you that it's okay to cross, but still check before you cross, looking both ways.

If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.

If you parents give you a curfew, be home when they say. It builds trust between you and them and they are doing it for your own safety. If you are going to be late, call them and let them know.

Have fun on Halloween but keep it safe, have some good, clean fun and your parents will trust you for many Halloweens to come! Showing them how responsible you can be will give you a feeling of pride and make them see just how adult you really are.

If you love strawberries and have an artistic flare, you might enjoy the sweetness of $2,000 awarded to the top pick. The CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL seeks submissions for the 2012 Official Poster Contest with $2,000 awarded to the winner. The entry deadline is Monday, January 9, 2012 in what has become an outstanding Festival tradition to showcase each season since the popular event began in 1984. View the collection at: http://strawberry-fest.org/about/poster-archive

The poster will be utilized in marketing and printed on collectible T-shirts and promotional items when the 29th Annual CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL gets underway in Oxnard May 19. 20, 2012, traditionally the third weekend in May.

Aspiring Rembrandts need not worry, there are no age requirements or restrictions on artistic mediums to inhibit creativity. Judges will select the winner based on which masterpiece best captures the look and feel of the weekend celebration.

All original art work for consideration must be 16.5” wide and 17” high, centered and mounted on a black matte board 18.5” wide and 19” high. The finished product must be reproduction compatible and void of any writing, including the date (the year and event logo will be inserted during re-production). Contact name and information should be easily viewed on the back. Prior to the deadline and without exception, entries can be mailed or hand delivered to the Festival office 1661 Pacific Avenue #15, Oxnard, CA 93033. (805-385-4739). The winner will be notified Friday, January 13th. Posters will not be returned and must be picked up from the Festival office any time beginning the fourth week of January. The winning original design and all rights of the winning design will become the property of the CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.

Saluting the region’s stellar strawberry industry, the CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL has received numerous awards for contributing to the community through fundraising efforts that exceed $3.5 million dollars while introducing “green” initiatives and bolstering tourism.

As a non-profit organization, the event is the perfect summer kickoff with proceeds benefiting the community. An all-volunteer board works year-round to produce the weekend celebration where delicious strawberry eats are the main attraction with live entertainment, hundred of arts & crafts, contests, Strawberryland for Kids with free rides and attractions, and more.

More information can be found at www.strawberry-fest.org . Join the Berry Insiders Club for the latest information and benefits at: http://strawberry-fest.org/about/berry-insiders-club. The toll free number is 1-888-288-9242.

The Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County (WIB) knows that not all employment news is gloomy. A bright spot is the work being done by the WIB-supported employment professionals at Ventura County Job & Career Centers (JCCs) including the center in Santa Paula. Two recent success stories highlight the efforts of the JCC staff to match job seekers with local employers--all at no cost to either party.

West Oxnard Job & Career Center staff helped to find employees for Granada Corporation, which outsources customer support for companies serving the Hispanic market. Granada's human resources manager, Luly Flores, was looking for bilingual individuals who could serve as customer service representatives for an insurance company. Granada had identified several cities in the U.S. where it felt there was a strong employee pool. Oxnard was one of them.

Flores contacted Fred Garcia, a JCC account executive, to assist with recruiting. Flores, who works in Granada's Mexico office, traveled to the West Oxnard Career Center where she made an employment presentation to 15 potential candidates on August 4. "She met each candidate face to face, collected resumes and had them take an online test to determine voice and telephone skills," says Garcia. "Two of the applicants were hired." The new employees are currently in training and are studying to receive their state insurance license.

Granada Corporation, a Santa Barbara-based company, seeks to hire up to 50 additional employees by the end of the year for customer service, sales and collection positions. Flores says that she will be recruiting again in Oxnard, using JCC services, within the next several months.

The second success story involves All New Technologies, Inc. (ANT Furnace), an Oxnard company that provides equipment for materials thermal processing. Owner Eric Gisonno contacted the JCCs after his wife heard a local radio spot highlighting free JCC employer services. In the past year, he has hired four employees through the centers, taking advantage of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) on-the-job training program that underwrites training costs. "ANT does a lot of government projects, and employees have to be familiar with compliance issues," says Gisonno. "The training brings employees up to speed on how we do business. The Job & Career Centers were very helpful and eager to come up with solutions that work for our company."

"We introduced ANT to our services including recruitment, candidate screening and training opportunities," says Raul Ornelas, a JCC account executive. "Whenever ANT has a job opening, we find the resources to meet its staffing needs."

One of ANT's recent hires was Richard Beckley, a mechanical designer who had been laid off from his previous position in 2008. He enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) dislocated worker program in September 2010. Beckley completed a WIA-funded on-the-job training program at ANT in March 2011, and ANT immediately hired him as a fulltime employee.

"Rick had good experience but it wasn’t specific to what we do here," says Gisonno. "We developed a plan where he could update his skills to the type of software we wanted him to use. The process was very successful."
“The WIB is extremely proud of the professional work being done by account executives like Fred and Raul,” said Alex Rivera, WIB chair. “It’s important that we continue to make Ventura County employers aware of the quality services available to them through the JCCs at no cost.”

To learn more about free employer services for Ventura County businesses through the Job & Career Centers, call 800-500-7705, email HSA-Employer-Services@ventura.org, or visit www.venturacountyjcc.org

Ventura, CA - Prostate cancer – the most common form of malignancy in men – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Ventura urologists Drs. Marc Beaghler, Seyed Khoddami and William Klope will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium. In addition, Prostate Specific Antigen testing will be available to seminar participants beginning at 5 p.m.

Approximately one in nine men will develop prostate cancer in their lives, and Drs. Beaghler, Khoddami and Klope say early detection and intervention can help reduce the number of 30,000 prostate cancer-related deaths each year in the U.S. They add that underestimating the disease is the most common cause of selecting the wrong treatment, and that PSA testing is one of the most reliable indicators for potential prostate health problems for men over 40.

Participants will receive information on what the test results mean and how the results are used to provide care for them. Results will be mailed to participants after the seminar.

The seminar’s physicians all are trained in minimally-invasive surgery and laparoscopic surgery, and are members of both the Community Memorial Hospital and the Ojai Valley Community Hospital medical staffs.

Dr. Beaghler received his Medical Degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE. He is currently a clinical professor of Urology at USC Keck School of Medicine, and a member of the American Urology Association.

Dr. Khoddami received his Medical Degree from the University of Tehran School of Medicine, Tehran, Iran. He is a clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at USC and a member of American Urology Association.

Dr. Klope received his Medical Degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN. He is a Diplomate, American Board of Urology.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Call (805) 652-6307, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and ten family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

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For the sixth year, KSSP Photographic Studios will be offering a FREE Halloween photography for children, in costume, 12 years & younger, on Halloween, Monday 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 part of this tradition, each child's picture will be entered in the Child's Creative Costume Contest.

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.

As part of the Child's Creative Costume Contest, each child's costume will be judged by an independent committee. The child with the best costume will win a free family portrait session and an 11”x14” family portrait.

“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.

Sacramento, CA — The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that Monday, October 31, is the deadline to participate in its Voluntary Compliance Initiative 2 (VCI 2) for taxpayers who may have underreported their tax liabilities through the use of abusive tax avoidance transactions or offshore financial arrangements.

The amnesty program, directed by recent legislation (SB 86, Ch. 14) is an opportunity for taxpayers to voluntarily amend their 2010 and prior year income tax returns. Participating taxpayers must pay both the tax and interest in full. In return, taxpayers receive a waiver of most penalties and avoid potential criminal prosecution.

Advancements in technology, reporting requirements, and the data sharing between agencies (including the IRS) has allowed FTB to better identify taxpayers who may have underreported their income due to these schemes. FTB encourages taxpayers who qualify for this initiative to participate rather than risk a full range of penalties, interest, and potential criminal prosecution.

Taxpayers wanting to participate must have amended returns and participation agreements postmarked or faxed by October 31, 2011. There are no extensions.

For more information, visit FTB’s VCI 2 webpage or call 888.825.9868.

For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit:taxes.ca.gov.

Ventura, CA - Ventura County Public Health and Food Share of Ventura County are hosting a healthy food distribution event and community garden grand opening to celebrate the first annual national Food Day on Monday October 24, 2011. The event will be held in Oxnard at the Camino Del Sol community garden, at the corner of Camino Del Sol and Garfield, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Activities will include free produce distribution and healthy food cooking demonstrations.

Resource tables on obesity prevention programs, health coverage options, and Cal Fresh and WIC programs will also be available. Supervisor John Zaragoza and a representative from Congresswoman Lois Capps’s office will be at the event to welcome families and help distribute the produce that Food Share is donating.

Food Day is a national campaign to celebrate healthy, affordable foods produced in a way that is aimed at promoting healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food systems in America. Spearheaded by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day is organized around six main policy goals:
1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms.
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids.
6. Support fair working conditions for food-service and farm workers.

“When 63 percent of Americans are obese or overweight, 25.8 million of them children and diet-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease are skyrocketing, it’s hard to ignore the problem,” says Dr. Robert Levin, Public Health Officer.

Diet-related health is the most visible, and talked about problem, but there is a lot more to food than
meets the eye. Food Day draws attention to: food deserts (areas where fresh, healthy, affordable foods are scarce), the wages of workers in the food system, the consequences of concentrated animal feeding operations, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the type of food-messages targeted at our children.