The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is hosting its 6th Annual Taste of the Valley on Saturday, May 7, at Fillmore’s picturesque City Hall Courtyard. Presenting delicious ‘tastes’ are restaurants and beverage vendors from Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula.

Food Vendors to date include Bobalu Berries, Calavo Growers, Central Station, ChickyWeedy’s, Chili Hut, DJ's California Catering, Double A Café, Garden Market, lemonade by Mike Mobley, Logsdon's Restaurant, Marie Calendar’s, Mupu Grill, Rubalais', Sam's Saticoy Liquor, Sisar Creek Olive Oil, and Starbucks of Fillmore.
“This is the widest variety of vendors seen at the Taste of the Valley,” BGCSCV CEO Sheila Tate said even “more vendors are anticipated to tempt your taste buds with their delicious offerings!”

Garman’s Restaurant & Irish Pub will be serving tastes of varied beers, and Sam’s Saticoy Liquor will be serving tastes from a selection of noted tequilas and fine whiskeys. A wine tasting booth will also be available for guests’ enjoyment.

Entertainment is being provided by the ever-popular “The Tune Bandits.” And,” noted Tammy Hobson, Taste Chair, “if this isn’t enough, there will be a Mother’s Day Silent Auction available for those last minute gift purchases.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley wants to thank those restaurant and beverage vendors who have already offered their kind participation in the event, as well as event sponsors Santa Clara Valley Disposal, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Calavo Growers, Fillmore Lions Club, Santa Clara Valley Bank, The Fillmore Gazette, Santa Paula Times, Sespe Sun, and Ventura County Star.

Tate said such support is vital to the club: “The funds donated by these sponsors help cover the costs of the event, so that ticket and silent auction monies are able to go directly to funding the programs and services provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.” Programs and services include PowerHour, TriplePlay, ClubTech, StreetSmart, SmartGirls, Passport to Manhood, Teen Nights and transportation of Piru and Rancho Sespe youth to the Club in Fillmore. “We also appreciate the community support provided for our fundraising events, through ticket purchases, generous auction bidding and general donations.” said Tate, “We anticipate beautiful weather and record attendance, so please make it a point to join your friends at this fun and entertaining event.”

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley at 805-525-7910. Donations for the Silent Auction are being accepted and can be pledged by calling the Club at the same number. Join us on May 7th and get a Taste of the Valley!

Bring the kiddies on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 to see the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue dogs. Mike Grossman, special K-9 handler, will explain how these handsome, 4-footed heroes are trained to assist communities in time of emergency.

The program is sponsored by the Fillmore Friends of the Library, and commences at 3:30 at the 502 Second Street address. Phone 524-3355 for further information.

Location: Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center, 725 E. Main Street, Santa Paula, 805-933-8452.

Thursday, May 12 - Resumes that Sell, 9 am – 4 pm - Workshop providing hands-on assistance in completing a resume, cover and thank-you letters. Walk away with a portfolio that shows off professional skills and experience. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday, May 19 - Winning Interviews, 9 am – 1 pm - Supplies the tools to make a lasting first impression when interviewing. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Spanish language workshop:
Monday, May 9 - Tecnicas para la Busqueda de Trabajo (Job Search Techniques), 9 am – 1 pm - Esta diseñada para personas que estan buscando empleo. Los temas incluyen donde y como buscar empleo, como crear una red de comunicacion, tecnicas de como usar el teléfono apropriadamente para buscar empleo y como usar la red del internet para buscar empleo. Tambien aprendera tecnicas apropriadas para hacer un entrevista.También aprenderá técnicas apropiadas para hacer una entrevista. 805-933-8452.

Career Shops are presented in partnership with Ventura County Job & Career Centers and are sponsored by the Human Services Agency and the Workforce Investment Board. Equal opportunity Employer/Program/Service – TDD/TT Inquiries call 1 (800) 735-2922. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individual with disabilities.

Thanks to The Recicar's for submitting these photos to The Gazette.

Written By Roy Grover

This picture is of the first school of Piru. On the picture bottom it is written 1st Piru School and 1st M.E. Church Building (Hart Wilson Bldg. 1982). It says on the two identified children as Sis and Alice. I have no doubt that is was the first Piru School, and in my upcoming picture of Piru in 1890-1892, it shows the building there then, but in that same picture it also has the present Methodist Church in it also. I don't know if this building served as the M.E. Church plus the school while the present Methodist Church was being built or not. What I do know is that the girl identified as Sis, was my Aunt, Thelma Wilson, later Floyd, because she gave me the picture and told me what I know about it. In the 1940's this building on the corner of Main and Center Street across from the Round Rock Inn and across from Ben Molina's La Victoria Market and diagonal to the Bank of America was where Thelma and her then husband Doctor Hart Wilson lived and he worked out of it. Doc Wilson used to make house calls to me and others that were sick back then. I used to do yard work for them in the yard of their old home. After Doc Wilson died, Thelma Wilson and my uncle Alan Floyd married and they then sold this home at that time, in 1982. If I was down there I would go back and look at the home to see how much it has changed, but I do know that my upcoming 1890-1892 picture of Piru shows this building and the Methodist Church farther up Main Street with no buildings in between them, and all the old-timers who helped me identify the buildings, homes, orchards, etc. had me write on it as the second of two churches, so it confirmed my Aunt's telling of it, if her recollections are right. This picture was supposed to be taken of the class in about 1915 to 1920, not the year the school was built.

Ventura, CA. - The public will receive updates on the construction of a new Community Memorial Hospital when President and CEO Gary Wilde gives the 2011 State of the Hospital address on Wednesday, May 18

The address will be held at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura. Refreshments are at 5:30 p.m.

Wilde also will discuss how healthcare reform is affecting CMH and its patients during his address.

Space is limited. Reservations may be made by calling 805/652-5385, or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

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

Come join us on Saturday, May 21, 2011 for a free swim!

We will be open from 1:00 to 4:00. We’ll have snacks, drinks, chairs and fun. We’re located at 545 Second St. in Fillmore.

For further questions please call 524 4902!

A hike to celebrate the life of Manuel Victoria Jr. (VIC) is planned for Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 7:00 AM. Hikers will meet at Middle Lyons in Rose Valley. The destination is the falls at East Fork Lyons Camp, an easy 5 mile round trip. “Vic” style burritos will be provided to all hikers. Vic’s personal photo albums will be there and hikers who appear in the photos will be allowed to take them home. Please RSVP your burrito by calling Mark Maxwell @ 805 804-7200 by Monday, May 9, 2011.

Community members and educators will assemble to rally in support of Fillmore Schools on May 11. Those attending will be encouraged to target their legislators in Sacramento with postcards urging them to pass a timely budget that protects education from another year of severe cuts. People are invited to bring their families, blankets, and lawn chairs at 3:00 to the grass in front of the District Office where they can join others from the community to show support for the students and staff whose education and jobs are threatened by the ongoing budget crisis. Hot dogs and drinks will be served. After eating, a march along the nearby sidewalks will give attendees another opportunity to express their concerns and raise awareness of the inadequate funding level for education in California. If the underfunding of schools continues students in the local elementary schools may face larger class sizes, while students in high school may have larger class sizes and fewer class choices. The academic school year will remain shortened. The California’s budget battle has left the Fillmore Unified School District with great uncertainty as it builds its budget for the 2011/2012 school year. The School Board has been forced to send pink slips out to many district employees. These pink slips have been received by numerous classified, certificated, and administrative district employees. As Fillmore Unified is the largest employer in Fillmore these pink slips could adversely affect the financial health of the City of Fillmore for years to come. Rally planners are looking for a large turnout of community members and school employees to target Sacramento for its failure to adequately fund schools.

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

SCVBank recorded a net profit of $131,000 for the first quarter of 2011 compared to a loss of $181,000 experienced a year earlier. The $131,000 profit results in an income per common share, basic of $0.09. The profit reflects improved credit conditions, reduced interest expense and reduced operational expenses.

Interest expense has been reduced from $346,000 for the first quarter 2010 to $215,000 for the same period in 2011. Non-interest income increased from $33,000 to $130,000 year-over-year.

Non-performing assets are down from $6.6 million as of March 31, 2010 to $4.9 million as of March 31, 2011.

Due to improved credit conditions, there was no loan loss provision taken in the first quarter 2011, compared to $300,000 in the same period in 2010. This change also reflects the current robust level of the Bank’s allowance for loan loss, at 2.91% of gross loans outstanding. Loan charge-offs were greatly reduced from $161,000 for this quarter, compared to $737,000 the same quarter 2010.

SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.35%, up from 9.14% a year ago. A Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% is required to be considered a well capitalized institution. Total risk-based capital is 17.00%, well above the 10% level needed to be considered well capitalized.

Liquidity is very strong as cash and investments equal $48.8 million.

Total assets have dropped slightly over the past twelve months, from $136.6 million to $132.4 million. This drop occurred as management strategically steered high priced deposits from the balance sheet.

CEO Michael Hause noted, “The profitability in the first quarter is welcomed although optimum income will be achieved when non-performing assets are reduced further and loan growth is experienced.”

“The first quarter income of $131,000 is a testament to the hard work of the board and management to adapt to the economic conditions experienced over the past several years. The trends are positive,” said Chairman Ralph De Leon.

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 Corporate 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, 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.

Cal Fire

SACRAMENTO, CA. – With fire season around the corner, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. will declare May 1-7, 2011 “Wildfire Awareness Week”. During that week, CAL FIRE is urging homeowners to be ready for wildfires. Wildfire Awareness Week is designed to not only remind Californians of the dangers wildfires pose, but also to educate them on how to prepare their property.

So far this year, California has experienced above average rainfall across the state. The increased precipitation has left many areas abundantly green and overgrown. However, as warmer temperatures and drier conditions occur, the grass and brush will begin to dry out and the fire danger will dramatically increase. “This year’s fire season has not started as early as it has in years past,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE acting director. “That's why residents should take the time now, while the grass is still green, to make sure they are ready for California's wildfires.”

This year’s theme for Wildfire Awareness Week is once again the nationwide fire preparedness campaign of “Ready, Set, Go!”. Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials. “This week is a great time for residents to start getting themselves ready for wildfires,” said Chief Pimlott. “It’s the combination of both Defensible Space and the hardening of homes that give a home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.”

Last summer, CAL FIRE launched a new website, www.ReadyForWildfire.org to assist homeowners in preparing for wildfires. The site offers steps residents should take to make their home more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their family is ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.

CAL FIRE will use Wildfire Awareness Week as an opportunity to answer questions about fire safety and how to be better prepared in an emergency situation.

Wildfire Awareness Week schedule:

· Monday, May 2: Press Conference, CAL FIRE Mobile Equipment Facility, Davis at 1 p.m.

· Tuesday, May 3: Press Conference, CAL FIRE Sunol Fire Station, Sunol at 1:30 p.m.

· Wednesday, May 4: Press Conference, Millerton Lake State Park, Friant at 11 a.m.

· Thursday, May 5: Press Conference, Bogart Regional Park, Cherry Valley at 1:30 p.m.

· Friday, May 6: Press Conference, CAL FIRE / San Diego Rural Fire District Fire Station, Jamul at 11 a.m.

For more information visit www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

“Discover your Adventure” That was the theme of the 83rd Annual California State FFA Leadership Conference that was held April 16-19 in Fresno. Fillmore FFA sent 16 students to attend the 4 day convention which was jammed packed with award recognitions, workshops, motivational speakers, a concert, farm tour and the highly anticipated announcement of the 2011-2012 State Officer Team!

The energetic crowd of over 4,0000 members, advisors, guests and alumni filled Selland Arena. During the opening session the 49 names of the 2011-2012 State officer candidates where announced. Over the next four days the candidates would go through numerous interviews, exams and challenges to be narrowed down to just 12. On Monday the delegates, two students chosen from each chapter would vote to elect the 6 individuals who would represent the California FFA in the following year. Mr. Ricards had chosen Riley Wright and Aaron Largen to represent Fillmore FFA as delegates and they were more then ready for the challenge.

While at the convention the attendees listened to motivational speakers Josh Shipp and Brooks Gibbs. Both speakers had powerful messages and encouraged us to overcome obstacles, not feel sorry for ourselves and to always give our best. Sunday we attended educational workshops at Fresno State University. The workshops are designed to teach various leadership skills such as ice breakers, team work, and building self confidence. Fillmore FFA members attended a workshop lead by Fillmore Alumni and current Chico state student Ben Aguirre. The workshop taught teamwork and communication through games. On Monday the students attended a career fair to learn about agricultural colleges and careers. We then attended a farm tour of the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Science Center. The center develops new varieties and technology to enhance fresh fruit quality and safety. That night the members were entertained by country music artists ‘Gloriana”. Tuesday morning found us eagerly awaiting the announcements of the new State Team but not before hearing the emotional retiring addresses from the current State Vice President and State President. Finally the new team was revealed. Fillmore FFA is proud to announce that Kenna Lewis from our own South Coast Region is the 2011-2012 Vice President! Good luck to the 2011-2012 California State FFA Officer Team.

The convention was an amazing experience and Fillmore FFA members returned having leaned valuable lessons and skills to share at the chapter level.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has honored Harrison Industries with its 3rd Annual Climate Change Action Award for the steps it is taking to measure its carbon footprint and to help its client cities meet anticipated tight future regulations.

The Ventura-based trash-hauling company was recognized in the “Sustainable Business Practices” category by the board during its April 19 meeting. Harrison President Ralph Harrison and Vice President Jim Harrison were on hand to accept the award.

“This program seeks to recognize individuals, businesses and groups inside and outside of government in Ventura County who are making significant contributions to improve our environment by altering their carbon footprint and combating climate change,” said First District Supervisor Steve Bennett.

Harrison’s trash collection and recycling practices have had a major positive impact on the environment for over two decades, and last year marked a major milestone for the company. In 2010, Harrison earned Climate Registered status for taking voluntary steps to measure its operation’s carbon footprint, ensuring that it is moving toward compliance of Assembly Bill 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The Climate Registry is a non-profit organization that operates the only carbon footprint registry in North America.

By understanding what emissions are being generated by its operations and that of its business partners, Gold Coast Recycling & Transfer Station and Agromin, Harrison will see where processes can improve and emissions can be reduced – through fleet fuel changes, energy efficiency at its offices and other management practices. Even before seeking Climate Registry status, Harrison began gradually replacing a large number of its diesel trucks with vehicles that run on cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas and in 2006 opened the first LNG fueling station in western Ventura County.

As for recycling, newly released diversion numbers from the State of California all of the cities Harrison serves surpassed the mandated 50 percent diversion goal. The following diversion rates have been achieved by client cities: Ventura (75 percent); Camarillo (75 percent); Carpinteria (71 percent); Thousand Oaks (69 percent); Santa Paula (68 percent); Fillmore (63 percent); and Ojai (60 percent). And in unincorporated Ventura County, the diversion rate is 57 percent.

“The future is zero waste and we are making every effort to move quickly toward that goal,” Jim Harrison said. “A permitted foot waste facility will go a long way to get all of the organics out of the landfill, reducing green house gas and bringing even greater diversion to the county and cities we serve.”

About Harrison Industries:
Harrison Industries was established in 1932 and is one of the oldest and largest privately owned trash collection businesses in the United States, serving about 90,000 residential and commercial customers in Ventura County and parts of Santa Barbara County.

Oxnard, CA – In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, construction crews of female volunteers will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, April 30 to May 8. Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity are looking for local women to volunteer for a day at a Habitat construction site. Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County and a crew of women volunteers and sponsors will be working on two Habitat homes at 550 and 552 Temescal Street in Piru on Saturday, April 30th. The day will begin at 8:00 am with Supervisor Kathy Long welcoming and thanking the volunteers.

“We are very excited about having these ladies work side by side with our partner families,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “Their hard work today will help bring the dream of homeownership one step closer for the Vergara and Orozco families.”

The Mother’s Day timeframe was selected for its significance to many volunteers. Families with children make up a staggering number of those in need of adequate housing. More than 12 million children - one in six - live in poverty housing in the United States alone.

To date, female volunteers have built more than 1,800 Habitat houses nationwide during National Women Build Week. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County has hosted five Women Build events.

National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day in the effort to help eliminate poverty housing. The event, now in its fourth year, has drawn more than 20,000 female volunteers from all 50 states.

Lowe’s is contributing more than CONTINUED »

Ventura County Library offers free online access to ProQuest Digital Microfilm through the Ventura County Library website. Library patrons can view and print full pages of both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. Pages are presented in the original layout from 2008 to present.

Your Ventura County Library card is all you need to access these digital newspapers. If you don't have a library card, get one free at any Ventura County Library location. To get started, visit vencolibrary.org to find a library near you.

Select eLibrary > Newspaper Articles.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Enlarge Photo

41 units of single-room-occupancy affordable housing have opened at the historic El Patio Hotel, 167 Palm Street, downtown Ventura. The two-story hotel was originally built in 1927 and has been renovated by the non-profit organization Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH).

The classic Spanish Colonial-style hotel has been carefully restored. The 11,741 sq. ft. renovation retains the original architectural aspects of the red-tiled building and will provide much-needed affordable housing with accompanying supportive services for low income individuals, seniors, and special needs residents in 41 single rooms. 16 rooms are set aside for formerly homeless individuals referred by Ventura County Behavioral Health Department. Two rooms are handicapped accessible and rooms feature private bathrooms and kitchenettes. Amenities include a common lobby area with a vintage fireplace, wheelchair lift, community kitchen, and restored courtyard with seating and fountain.

At the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony remarks will be given by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Board President Carolyn Johnson, Ventura City Councilwoman Christy Weir, PSHH Executive Director Jeanette Duncan, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Development Section Program Manager Anthony Zeto, and others. Two current residents will also talk about their experience living at the hotel and previous homelessness.

Tours of resident rooms at the hotel will also be offered.

Recognized will be the project’s funding partners, including the City of Ventura Redevelopment Agency and HOME Program, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Section 1602/ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Federal Home Bank of San Francisco Affordable Housing Program, and Affinity Bank (now Pacific Western Bank).

The development team included Peoples’ Executive Director Jeanette Duncan and Construction Manager Jim Hurst, architect E.C. Lind LLP, interior designer Adele Rosen, and landscape architect Robert Andrew Fowler. The on-site property manager is Michel Colmache.

Founded in 1970, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing is a charitable non-profit organization with offices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Its mission is to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income seniors, and other special needs groups on California’s Central Coast. Peoples’ has developed and now manages 1,350 affordable rental units in 20 communities, including Ventura. It has also helped 1,150 low income households build and own their first home.

PSHH relies on donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and the community to continue to provide much-needed affordable housing and services. To donate visit www.pshhc.org or mail contributions to 26 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara 93101.

For more information call Development Director Rochelle Rose(805) 962-5152 x227 or email info@pshhc.org.

Ojai, CA. - May is Women’s Health Month. Disorders of women’s urinary and genital tract will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, May 7.

Jill Hall, M.D., a Ventura obstetrician/gynecologist, will cover pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence during the seminar that will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Soule Park Golf Course banquet room.

Dr. Hall will review in laymen’s terms the subjects of vaginal looseness and prolapse as well as urinary incontinence. She also will discuss options on how to medically and surgically manage these benign yet little-talked-about disorders.

Dr. Hall earned her medical degree at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Call 805/640-2355, or register online at www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Soule Park Golf Course is located at 1033 East Ojai Ave.

This event is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ojai.

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