Experience hot air balloons illuminate at sunset, or ascend in the morning air against a spectacular backdrop of citrus orchards and field crops. Relax and enjoy the Wine and Beer Garden, live music, unique children’s activities, art, vendors, and activities for all ages. Details at: www.citrusclassicballoons.com.

Save money and support the educational and preservation efforts of the Rancho Camulos Museum by purchasing advance tickets for the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival at the Rancho Camulos Museum or fruit stand or by ordering from 805-521-1501 or ranchocamulos@earthlink.net. Daily tickets are Adults: $7; Children 5-14: $3; and special parking $7. This is a discount from the gate price of $10/$5.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore celebrated its 85th Anniversary; it was chartered on May 19, 1924. The dinner party was hosted by President Bill Shiells and JoAnn Held, in late June. During the party the club also held its demotion of President Bill, left, and the induction of the new President for 2009-2010, Dave Wareham, right, shown toasting the new year ahead.

The Ventura County Fair and Inside Track Ventura have announced that they are seeking runners and walkers to participate in the first ever Ventura County Fair 5K Run & Walk. Runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate in this 3.1 mile fundraiser. Runners are encouraged to dress in costumes that are inspired by this year’s Fair theme, “Purebred and Home Grown.” Costumes are highly encouraged and awards will be given to the best-dressed participants. While the theme is "Purebred & Homegrown," participants may wear costumes unrelated to this theme. Awards will be given out for fastest times in 5 year age groups. Make sure you stick around to watch the Ventura County Fair Parade and then go to the Ventura County Fair to make a full day of fun. How to sign up? Visit www.VC5K.com to download a registration form to mail-in or to sign up online. Where? Mission Park - Downtown Ventura. When? Saturday, August 8th, 2009. The race begins at 8:00am. Check-In begins at 7:00am. Why? Fun and healthy athletic event while raising money for the Ventura County Fair Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising and allocating the funds necessary to preserve and enhance the vitality of the Fairgrounds. Who? Everyone, all ages.

County Supervisor Kathy Long, 3rd District would like to announce to all residents of Ventura County that the next Santa Paula Tattoo Removal Clinic will be held on Saturday July 25th, 2009 from 8:30 am – 12 noon, no appointments necessary. Orientation for first time participants will be at 9 am located at 1334 E. Main St. the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic. Due to overwhelming response, spaces will be limited.

County Supervisor Kathy Long spearheaded this clinic in collaboration with the following agencies: Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Family Care Clinic, Interface Children Family Services, and CalWORKS.

The clinic not only welcomes participants but volunteers to run the clinic. If you have any questions, or would like to find out how you can help, please call the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic at (805) 933-1242.

Oxnard, CA – September 25, 2009, will mark the 3rd annual National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims in Ventura County. On this day we as a community will join together to honor the memories of murdered victims and recognize the impact of homicide on surviving family members and friends.

If your loved one was killed in an act of violence, because of a drunk driver or killed while serving in the military, please join us on this special day. An authorization form must be turned in with a 5x7 picture of your loved one no later than September 11th. Please contact POMC (805) 236-8130 to receive the forms or you can reach us by email at vc.pomc@yahoo.com. Authorization forms may also be downloaded by visiting our website at www.pomc.org/venturacounty under the “coming events” section.

Sponsored by the Ventura County Chapter Parents Of Murdered Children (POMC), a National Non-Profit Organization, this special observance seeks to pay tribute to the hundreds of people who have been murdered in Ventura County and all around our Nation and beyond, to publicly recognize the tremendous losses endured by their families and friends; and to educate our community about the rights and services available to surviving family members of homicide victims. We invite you to join us survivors of homicide victims, family and friends for what promises to be a moving and inspirational event. CONTINUED »

SANTA PAULA, Ca— Limoneira Company, the nation's largest avocado and lemon producer, is introducing "Limoneira Lifestyles" (www.limoneiralifestyles.com) featuring lines of products incorporating natural and sustainable ingredients, many of which are avocado and lemon based.

"We've been growers in California for 116 years, and we've been doing it sustainably through water conservation practices, soil enrichment, and recently, with green materials recycling and solar powered facilities," says Harold Edwards, Limoneira Company CEO. The company currently has more than 7,000 acres in agricultural production. "We use these same sustainable and natural approaches to our Limoneira Lifestyles products.

"Our initial offerings include new topical skin care products that our employees have been using around the ranch, and everyone loves the results," says Edwards. "These products are lemon and avocado based, and they are natural and dermatologist tested. Almost all contain a new compound that is a natural promoter of skin metabolism." Skin care items include cleansers, moisturizers, masks and lip balm.

Included in the Limoneira Lifestyles website are over 20 varieties of gift fruit baskets, brimming with avocados, lemons and nuts designed for special occasions and holidays. "We've been offering gift baskets to the public for more than five years," says Edwards. "They are a perfect addition to Limoneira Lifestyles. The ordering process is easy and the selection expands every year."

“I’ve lived and working in many different places around the world,” say’s Edwards, "but I have to tell you, nothing is as beautiful as the agricultural lands of California. We’ve often talked about this live/work experience as a lifestyle, so it was a natural for us to develop a line of products that reflect this wonderful lifestyle."

For a full line of current products and descriptions, go to www.limoneiralifestyles.com or call 866-321-8222.

Kenneth “Ken” Glenn

Another pillar of the Fillmore community has passed away this week, Kenneth “Ken” Glenn.
Ken was one of the first persons I met when I was thinking of starting a newspaper in Fillmore. As a long-standing and distinguished member of the Fillmore-Santa Paula Masonic Lodge # 291, he managed the affairs of the Lodge building on the corner of Central Avenue and Sespe.

As always, space for new businesses was very difficult to find in 1989, and I looked diligently for several weeks to find a good place to start-up the Gazette. A church was occupying the corner space in the Lodge when I began my search. Then I was informed that the church was moving to a new location and the space would be available. I met with Ken, told him what I was attempting to do, and he enthusiastically facilitated the move.

I will remember Ken as a man with a very generous heart. He was always helping someone or some cause to better the town. Without his help two decades ago it would have been very hard to establish the paper. He was always genuinely interested in public affairs and the betterment of our little town.

Ken set the rent on that corner office at a generously low cost to the Gazette, and kept it there until the Northridge earthquake destroyed the structure. The destruction of the Lodge was a tremendous blow to Ken as well as the many small businesses that occupied the street level shops.

I remember covering a couple of Ken’s gleaning events for Food Share. Ken would gather a group of like-minded individuals and head for local fields and orchards, saving all the fruit and vegetables which the harvesting machines left in the fields. Tons of produce were then turned over to Food Share which distributed the bounty to needy families. I clearly recall how excited Ken would be participating in his many gleaning forays; he just loved helping out in such a practical way. He encouraged me many times to come with the group and get some photos of all the activity. I did that on at least two occasions, during one of which Ken provided a tour of the storage facility.

Ken would often stop by the Gazette office with bags of fruit or vegetables he had gathered in the fields. He would also drop by with gifts of delicious home-made fruit “jerky” for the staff. As a solid Christian man I’m sure he recognized all of his activity as meaningful works of mercy and kindness.

I also remember Ken as a man of great energy and enthusiasm for worthwhile projects and ideas. He was a doer, not merely a talker.

The community of Fillmore has lost many of its important members during the past several years, none more important than my friend Ken Glenn.

Rest in peace, Ken, and thank you for your life of generosity.

Ian Wilmoth will achieve the rank of Eagle Scout on August 29th.

Ian Wilmoth has been involved in Boy Scouts since he was a tiger Cub when he was 7 years old. He set a personal goal of being an Eagle Scout, following the tradition of his grandfather, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 17 years old.
On August 29th, Ian, 16, of Boy Scout troop 119, will be roasted by friends and family at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. The ceremony will take place at his church, Ventura Vineyard, in the morning.
Ian focused his service project on two trails north of Fillmore.
The Condor and Alder Creek Trails had been closed since 2005 due to flooding and the Day Fire. With the help of family, friends, fellow scouts, and rangers from the Ojai Ranger District, the public can now enjoy the only public-access trail in the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. The once-eroded trail has now been built back up and restored. The Cow Springs campground, a 3 1/2 mi. hike up the Alder Creek Trail, is also available to the public. Floods had completely buried the two-foot high fire-rings and growth had overtaken the rustic campsite. Backpackers now have a primitive site to enjoy; and it is particularly nice in the Spring when the water is running down the nearby creek and falls.
He has served as Scribe, Patrol Leader, and is currently serving as Senior Patrol Leader of his troop. Ian is a home schooled high school student and has taken classes at Ventura College for 4 semesters. He plays mandolin and violin in the youth worship band at his church. He hopes to major in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Astro-Physics, and with one more year of High School is currently searching universities.

Conway Spitler

It takes all kinds
The winner of the 2007 True Stella Award: Roy L. Pearson Jr. The 57-year-old Administrative Law Judge from Washington DC claims that a dry cleaner lost a pair of his pants, so he sued the mom-and-pop business for $65,462,500. That's right: more than $65 million for one pair of pants. Representing himself, Judge Pearson cried in court over the loss of his pants, whining that there certainly isn't a more compelling case in the District archives. But the Superior Court judge wasn't moved: he called the case "vexatious litigation", scolded Judge Pearson for his "bad faith", and awarded damages to the dry cleaners. But Pearson didn't take no for an answer: he's appealing the decision. And he has plenty of time on his hands, since he was dismissed from his job. Last we heard, Pearson's appeal is still pending.

Here are some facts about the 1500s:
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. CONTINUED »

Located in the historic downtown Piru business district in the former bank building, which was preserved following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, is the recently re-opened “U Scream Ice Cream”. As an anchor tenant at the corner of Main and Center Streets in downtown, it is great to see this site continue as a thriving and exciting business as new operators launch this exciting enterprise for Piru residents and visitors to our historic town and Lake Piru area.
Offering early morning coffee and treats to youth heading to school, farmers and businesspeople preparing for their daily commute, and many locals who have made this a favorite gathering place, Alfonso and Flora Aguilar have recently taken control of the scoops and are operating this business.
The shop now offers early morning coffee, breakfast sandwiches, donuts and wonderful Mexican sweet bread, or pan dulce. Lunchtime offerings include deli sandwiches, Frito boats, nachos, variety of hot dog combos and other specials. Snacks and cold drinks are also available, including a variety of energy drinks that are all the rage these days. CONTINUED »

"We are the first step in wellness." Advocacy and education through health and wellness. Building better lives for the adults and children of the Santa Clara River Valley. This is the motto the Board of Directors of The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation has adopted. The Foundation was formed in 2005 in anticipation of the re-opening of Santa Paula Hospital to support a broader range of healthcare initiatives for the growing cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru.
The Wellness Foundation has invested donations from the communities served into the acquisition of capital equipment, totaling over $300,000 for Santa Paula Hospital. The Foundation has also established the Alan M. Peterson Scholarship for Healthcare Education which annually gives scholarships to worthy students in our communities who want to pursue a higher education in health related fields. Donations to the scholarship or endowment funds are used for these purposes.
The major fundraiser of the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation is the annual Gala. This year's Gala will be held on Saturday, December 5th. More information on will be forthcoming so mark your calendars as you don't want to miss this very worthwhile event.
Board members of the foundation are: Doug Green, President (Santa Paula), Bill Bartels, Vice-President (Fillmore), Martha Gentry, Past President (Fillmore), Marsha Rea, Executive Director & Secretary (Santa Paula), Jim Garfield, Treasurer (Santa Paula), Christine Johnson, MD (Fillmore), Bill Herrera, Phd. (Santa Paula), Gabie Reeves (Santa Paula), Brianne McGrath (Fillmore), Rigo Landeros (Fillmore), Monty Winkler (Fillmore), Ernie Villegas (Fillmore), and new Board Members Mary Jo Sariscany (Santa Paula), and Lynda Edmonds (Fillmore).
For more information about the Wellness Foundation or to make a donation please contact any of the above Board Members or write us at P. O. Box 348, Santa Paula, Ca., 93016-0348 or telephone 805-525-0633.

July 17-19, 2009
Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula, CA 93060
www.santapaulafestival.org

Known as the “Citrus Capital of the World” because of its expansive lemon and orange orchards, the City of Santa Paula celebrates the fruit of California every year with the popular Kiwanis Citrus Festival. The 42nd Annual Kiwanis Citrus Festival’s theme this year is “Sweet Fruit, Sweet Life” and is a full weekend of headline entertainment, carnival rides, a downtown parade, car show, citrus and avocado pavilion, specialty foods, arts and crafts vendors, family fun stage, and fruity fun and games. The Festival starts at 5 PM on Friday, July 17, and runs through Sunday, July 19, 2009. All of the attractions and details can be found on the Festival website, www.santapaulafestival.org.

The Citrus Festival features a spectacular lineup of headline entertainment, featuring El Chicano, Tierra, Dazz Band, Los Cadetes De Linares and Carmen Jara. Other entertainment includes The Company Band, House Arrest, Principes Del Ritmo and La Sonora Dinamita. Music lovers can also enjoy the headline entertainment and DJ music under the trees in the Bud Light Beer Lounge. The entertainment lineup is listed on the festival website, www.SantaPaulaFestival.org. CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore
Neil C. Schmidt Memorial Dedication
Fillmore Community Aquatics Center
Saturday July 25th, 2009
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Please join us for a public remembrance
and
Dedication for Neil C. Schmidt
Cake will be served

Come experience the thrill of acting in a live community theater production. Sespe Players Inc. of Fillmore is looking for adult actors and actresses (no prior acting experience necessary) to audition for their Halloween Production to be held Fri Oct 23, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25, Fri Oct 30 and Sat afternoon Oct 31, 2009.
Auditions and the production will take place at the Historic Sespe Auditorium located at 627 Sespe Ave. Fillmore. Auditions will be held on the following evenings Tuesday August 4, Wednesday August 5, and Tuesday August 11, 2009 starting at 7:00 P.M. Callbacks will be scheduled as necessary.
Please contact Chris Villegas at 805-524-3275 or Janet Foy at 805-217-2402 or 805-524-2757.
We look forward to see you there. Please bring a friend. We also have positions open for a stage manager, make up artist, lighting and sound technician, and a prop manager. Anyone who is willing to learn about live theater is welcome.

Conway Spitler

You wonder about the human race!
After the Fourth of July, celebrating our independence, you drive up Central Avenue from C Street. On the left is the beautiful green grass--which by the way--helps us keep cool during the summer. And how do the Fourth of July celebrants treat the beautifully keep lawn by the city? Well, if you look at it when the "citizens" fired their fireworks, these "citizens" just left the mess of what was left over for someone else to pick up the trash.
Why do we, as a human race, seem to leave our "trash" for someone else to do away with? It doesn't take must effort to pick up the "trash" that you spread about and place it in the proper container. This makes for a cleaner city, state, and nation!