SANTA PAULA, Calif.--The Ventura County Board of Supervisors recently issued a resolution honoring Limoneira Company, one of California’s most prominent agribusinesses, for its leadership role in exploring and producing renewable green energy for industrial use.

The resolution recognizes Limoneira’s new 5.5 acre solar installation, which is capable of producing 1,950 megawatt hours per year. Set among the company’s lemon and avocado orchards in Santa Paula, the “solar orchard” will generate enough electricity annually for about 200 homes. Limoneira will use the energy to power its main lemon packinghouse.

"We are honored the supervisors support Limoneira's ongoing efforts to produce clean, renewable energy,” says Harold Edwards, Limoneira president and CEO. Our aim is to be a leader when it comes to sustainability and a model for other companies to follow.” CONTINUED »

VENTURA, CA – Straight Up Ventura County’s newest podcast exploring the Social Host Ordinance now being enforced throughout Ventura County is now online. Narrated by a Ventura County youth, the podcast features appearances by Dan Hicks, Program Administrator of Prevention Services at the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department and Thousand Oaks Police Captain Randy Pentis. Both gentlemen talk at length about the civil fine that is issued to responsible individuals hosting a loud and disruptive party where underage drinking is taking place, and the effectiveness of the ordinance since it has been placed into effect. Information in the podcast includes:

· The range of fines that vary from city to city

· The conditions that need to occur in order for a fine to be issued

· Statistics on how effective the ordinance has been throughout the county

“We thought this was a very important issue that parents, as well as teens, should know about,” states Katherine Kasmir, Director of Straight Up. “The ordinance is in place in every city in the county and most people aren’t aware of it.”

· Listen now to Straight Up’s podcast at http://straightupvc.org/0920_podcast_01_sho.mp3

· Subscribe to all of Straight Up’s podcasts at http://www.straightupvc.org/podcast/feed.xml

· Subscribe through iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=2922327...

Straight Up’s regular podcast, its blog at http://www.straightupvc.org/blog, and other online resources are aimed at encouraging community discussion about the serious issue of underage drinking. Straight Up also engages youth and adults by offering workshops, youth leadership training, video resources, and Reality Parties for Parents.

Straight Up is a youth development project that promotes social change regarding underage and binge drinking using improvisation and interactive performance and workshops with engaging discussion, exploration of issues, and the development of personal and community solutions to these problems.

Straight Up is made possible through funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health Department Prevention Services. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.straightupvc.org

Santa Paula, CA. - Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank; OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced its board of directors has authorized a repurchase of up to an additional $220,000 of the company’s common stock. The Bank is authorized until April 17, 2009 to purchase from time to time in open market, depending on market conditions.

Over the previous six months, the Bank has repurchased 4,148 shares. The average price paid was $10.75 per share.

“Our stock is currently trading at a significant discount and it has, we believe, little correlation to our recent financial performance, including seven quarters without a loan charge-off”, said Michael D. Hause, president and CEO. “Because of our history of rigorous underwriting and stringent credit quality standards, our Bank continues to be strong. BauerFinancial, Inc. has rated SCVBank as 5 - Star, one of the safest financial institutions in America.”

Chairman Guy Cole stated, “The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Bank and its shareholders for the Bank to reacquire shares of its common stock on the open market for several reasons, including the recent trading price of the common stock that the Board believes is undervalued and the Bank has sufficient cash available to effect repurchases without adversely affecting the Bank’s financial condition. In addition, the repurchases will have the effect of improving the Bank’s earnings per share and return on equity.”
____________________________

Founded in 1998, Santa Clara Valley Bank has offices in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, Santa Clara Valley Bank's stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, and Wedbush Morgan Securities. The Bank's web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporate Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805-525-1999

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.

Enlarge Photo

7-Eleven, Inc. is baking fresh ribbon-shaped donuts every day this October to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The yeast-raised donut twists are topped with pale-pink icing, sprinkles and tiny pink candy ribbons. Offered at a suggested retail price of $1.19, the freshly baked donuts are delivered every morning to participating 7-Eleven® stores. With 15 cents from each sale being donated to the Komen organization, the convenience retailer hopes to raise between $25,000 and $50,000 for the national charity.

“This is an easy, not to mention delicious, way for people to give to this important cause,” said Joe Hermes, 7-Eleven’s senior fresh food director. “They can grab a pink donut for themselves on the way to work, fill a box to take to the office or designate a day of the week as ‘Passionately Pink for the Cure®’ day with these donuts and other pink treats like M&Ms® Brand Chocolate Candies and coffee in pink mugs.”

7-Eleven stores will feature a special display anchored by a refillable, stainless steel 16-ounce mug with a pink soft touch band around the top. The mug retails for $6.99 with the first hot beverage included, and refills are just 99 cents (suggested retail prices). Pink ribbon magnets, value-priced at $1.99, give consumers an opportunity to show their support of the cause at work and at home. A portion of sales will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“Thanks to medical advances, early detection and treatment, women who get a diagnosis of breast cancer today have real hope,” said Nancy Lear, 7-Eleven community relations manager. “With one in eight U.S. women developing this disease sometime in their lifetime, breast cancer impacts almost everyone either personally or through friends and family. Organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation are helping doctors make strides toward controlling and ultimately eradicating this disease.”

Besides pink ribbon donuts, refillable coffee mugs and refrigerator magnets, participating 7-Eleven stores also are carrying popular pink products from manufacturers that have made a commitment to contribute a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities for every item sold. Special edition TicTac mints, Hershey Kisses and M&M candies have specific product and/or packaging to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness this month.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure partners with a variety of organizations, offering hundreds of creative opportunities for all people to be a part of the breast cancer movement,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Our partnership with 7-Eleven is a great example of how people can support Komen’s promise to end breast cancer by simply running their morning errands.”

Susan Steppler Adams receiving the Toolie Palmer bark art as first prize in drawing. For more photos, visit http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/alumnidinner
Enlarge Photo

2008 Scholarship Recipients: Laura Orozco, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ashley Grande, Christina Amezcua, Briana Rojo, Angelica Serna, Luis Munoz, Kassaundra Sandoval. For more photos, visit http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/alumnidinner
Enlarge Photo

im Wilson with the second award in the drawing, Donated by Calvin and Lavonne Deeter. For more photos, visit http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/alumnidinner
Enlarge Photo

If you haven't already found it, Scott Duckett, our alumni webmaster has put 31 pictures from the 2008 alumni dinner on the Alumni Dinner page of the alumni website. We thank Bob Cox for supplying us with all the pictures. If you have already checked on this page of our website, you saw some errors in some of the names, and for this we apologize, but they have all been corrected, so we hope there weren't too many people upset over this.

Some classes are already starting their plans for the 2009 alumni dinner that will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Memorial Building. So if your class graduation year ends in 4 or 9, and if you are planning a reunion, please let the alumni office know so we can put information in the Flashbacks, in the Gazette and on our website. If any class doesn't want to go to all the effort of planning a class reunion out of town, please plan on attending the alumni dinner as your class reunion. We will have an area for visiting before the dinner, reserved tables for you at the dinner and will provide an area for visiting after the dinner. We hope to have many classes at this year's dinner.

The Scholarship Committee is working to update the scoring system for the alumni scholarships prior to handing out the scholarship applications to this year's seniors in January.

The committee hopes to receive more applications and be able to award more scholarships this year, as well as continue to offer Continuation Grants to those alumni who are already attending colleges and universities. The alumni office greatly appreciates the many donations that come into the office for alumni scholarships.

The next issue of Flashbacks will be coming out in November, thanks to the hard work of Kathleen Penrod McCreary. She has lots of information from alumni members, which is what makes this newsletter so interesting. If we didn't have input from graduates and others, there wouldn't be a whole lot to publish, so we thank you for your input. A notice will come out prior to our mailing the next issue, so be looking for it.

For more Alumni Dinner photos, visit http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/alumnidinner

Soroptimist Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon “Generations of Women” will be the theme of the Soroptimist International of Santa Paula Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon to be held on Saturday, November 8th at 11am at the Boys & Girls Club located at 1400 E. Harvard Blvd in Santa Paula. Vintage clothing will adorn the venue and many generations of local families will not only be in attendance, but modeling for this glamorous event. Fashions will be provided by Mirage, Draper & Damons & Lupita’s Children’s Fashions. Proceeds benefit the Soroptimist programs both locally and world-wide. Their mission includes cures for heart disease, breast cancer and arthritis, a stop to human sex trafficking and domestic violence and the promotion of bettering the lives of women and girls in all walks of life. Though the mission is serious, the event promises to be fun for all in attendance. A generous “Chinese Auction” will replace the silent auction – providing all with a fair shake at taking home valuable prizes, including many theme baskets, outings & fashion accessories. Mouth-watering cuisine will be provided by The Ironhorse. The ever-entertaining and “Honorary Soroptimist Sister” Peggy Kelly will be presiding over the Fashion Show with her keen eye and usual sense of humor. In keeping with the theme, all generations of Your Family are invited, so gather up your mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and daughter and join us for a unique day. For more information, to purchase tickets or to donate a raffle item please contact Barbara Kroon at 805-689-2229.

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 October 18, 2008 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.

The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by the Tune Bandits, at the Veterans Memorial Building on October 28, 2008.

Mike and Vanessa Hester, the Tune Bandits, are a Ventura based duo, who have been performing in and around Ventura and Los Angeles County for the past ten years. They began their singing careers late in life, (after the children moved out) and would be the first to tell you how amazed they are about their success.

The Tune Bandits have played all twelve days at the Ventura County Fair for the last eight years and have been the entertainment for "Christy's" at Ventura Harbor for the past ten years. They have also performed the last two years at the Ronald Reagan Library 4th of July celebration. The Tune Bandits also perform for private parties, weddings, and benefits throughout the year. They may never be rock stars but feel very blessed for the fans and friends they have made throughout their singing career. Contact Vanessa and Mike at thetunebandits@aol.com., or by telephone at 805-644-4511.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Trisha Armstrong at 805-727-1901.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

California wildfires pose a year-round threat to lives and property. It is everyone’s responsibility to do his or her part in helping to mitigate the death and destruction these fires cause. As we enter a particularly volatile time of year for wildfires, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the public to be extra vigilant in looking for suspicious activity related to arson. Arson is an extremely serious offense that can result in the loss of life as well as millions of dollars in property.

If you see suspicious activity, it is important to realize that specific details often quickly fade from memory. Suspect and vehicle descriptions should be written down quickly. Camera phones (when safe to use) are another way to possibly document what is taking place. In addition to license plates and generic vehicle and suspect descriptions, law enforcement is helped tremendously when unique characteristics of a person or vehicle are noted.

Other things to look for related to arson activity are individuals loitering and vehicles parked in areas where they don’t belong, particularly if there is a lot of fuel (dry grass, brush, etc.) in the area. Your awareness should be increased whenever Santa Ana conditions exist or you become aware of a Red Flag Warning.

If the activity appears to be an arson in-progress, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency reporting in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, call (805) 654-9511.

SANTA PAULA, CA. October 9, 2008- Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB:SCVE.OB) today announced its 2008 third quarter financial results.

During the third quarter, loans grew $8.8 million while deposits increased by $4.9 million. The loan growth consisted primarily of solid commercial real estate loans that other local banks were unable to fund. New depositors have come to SCVBank due to its financial strength. As a Five-Star Bank, one of the safest in America per BauerFinancial, Inc., depositors have come from several troubled banks increasing the Bank’s deposits significantly during the quarter. The Bank’s CDARS program, which provides FDIC insurance up to $50 million dollars, has also been an effective program for many depositors.

For the nine months ending 9/30/08, SCVBank’s net income was $421,000, or $0.39 per share, an increase of 46% compared to $288,000, or $0.27 per share, for the same period a year earlier. SCVBank’s net interest income increased by $364,000 or 11% over the same period in 2007.

SCVBank reported that net income was $165,000 in the third quarter of 2008, a decrease of 8xx%, XXcompared to the $180,000 of net income reported in the same quarter of 2007. The slight reduction in earnings is primarily a result of increased loan growth during the quarter which required an increased provision to the loan loss reserve. The Bank’s net interest margin remained strong at 4.81% for September.

In 20082007, the Bank’s assets grew to $113.7 million, up from $107.3 million at year-end 2007. Loans grew from $81.6 million at year-end to $92.9 million, or 14% at September 30, 2008. The Bank holds $96.72 million in deposits, up from $91.6 million at year-end. Non-interest bearing deposits comprise 30% of total deposits.

The Bank’s loan portfolio continues to perform well. SCVBank had only two non-performing loans at quarter-end and delinquencies are minimal. There were no loan charge-offs for the 7th consecutive quarter. During the last thirteen quarters, the Bank has charged-off only $1,200. CEO Michael Hause commented, “We are happy with the quality of our loan portfolio, although the current economic conditions are beginning to put pressure on some of our SBA loan customers. It will be difficult to continue to operate without a loan charge-off with the current condition of the economy”. CONTINUED »

Fillmore’s annual art walk is growing! In its new incarnation as the Fillmore ArtHarvest, artists and performers will take to the streets, creating a festival atmosphere to showcase both local and regional talent.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008, downtown Fillmore merchants and artists will transform Central Avenue between Main and Sespe Avenues into a pedestrian-friendly art space for all to enjoy.
Musicians will be performing at sidewalk level to provide an intimate experience for all visitors.

Downtown businesses will also be opening their doors to sponsor fine artists, potters, sculptors, photographers, gourd artists and jewelers. There will be multiple opportunities for guests to meander in and out of
shops, sample artistic wares and refreshments, and to take advantage of the local shopping scene.

Concurrent with the fine arts displays is the Chalk Art Festival and a hands-on art center. Chalk artists are invited to demonstrate their talents on the beautifully laid out sidewalks in front of the Fillmore
City Hall at 250 Central Avenue. Registration starts at noon right in front of the Hall. Bring your own pastels (no oils or hairspray, please) or they can be purchased at the registration table for $10.00 a set. All
artists, young and old are invited to participate. Call Colors at 524-2200 for more information.

Just across the railroad tracks at the corner of Central and Main, all are invited to enter a hands on art space with booths offering art activities for only a dollar each. Kids and adults can learn how to weave “God’s Eyes” or create a bashura banner among other activities.

Musicians will be performing at multiple locations up and down Central to add to the festive atmosphere. Performers will be announced at a later time.

One way or another, all guests can go home with beautiful artistic works, music CDs, tasty, local foods and goods, and with having had a satisfying, small-town “Fillmore experience.”

Sponsored by the Fillmore Downtown Merchants Association.

Fillmore Library presents a book discussion series of the classic novel “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya, presented at The Coffeeboy, 358 Central Avenue, Fillmore, Thursday October 9, October 16, October 23 and October 30, at 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Buy a drink and a treat and join the discussion. This program is sponsored by San BuenaVentura’s “Big Read”, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts; Fillmore Library, 502 2nd Street, Fillmore, 524-3355, www.vencolibrary.org.

The Gold Coast Chapter of The Federalist Society along with California Lutheran University will be holding a forum entitled “Same-Sex Marriage in California: Legal Issues” on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend. The forum will be held in the Lundring Events Center located on the California Lutheran University Campus at 60 West Olson Road in Thousand Oaks. The four member panel includes attorneys from the Western Center for Law and Policy, Advocates for Faith and Freedom, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Southern California.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Gold Coast Federalist Society Chapter President Natalie Panossian at (805) 217-2465 or at goldcoastfs@gmail.com. To learn more about The Federalist Society, please visit www.fed-soc.org

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

November 12, 2008: Winning Interviews, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - 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 Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

November 17 & 18, 2008: Resumes that Sell, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - two-day 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 Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Spanish language workshop:

November 10, 2008: Tecnicas para la Busqueda de Trabajo (Job Search Techniques), 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Presentado por Los Centros de Empleos y Carreras Esta sección de 3 a 4 horas está diseñada para personas que están buscando empleo. Los temas incluyen donde y como buscar empleo, como crear una red de comunicación, técnicas de cómo usar el teléfono apropiadamente para buscar empleo y como usar la red del Internet para buscar empleo. 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.

As part of a series of events celebrating “The Big Read,” a community-wide reading initiative, the E. P. Foster Library in Ventura will present Amada Irma Perez, on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth R. Topping Room at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura.
The “Big Read” book selection is Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya. The book’s hero, Antonio, is a young boy full of hopes and dreams and questions about life.
The books of award-winning local author, Amada Irma Perez, are about children with dreams and hopes and questions, like those of Antonio. On this afternoon, Amada will offer dramatic interactive presentations from her books, including: Nana’s Big Surprise/Nana, Que Sorpresa!; My Diary from Here to There/Mi Diario De Aqui Hasta Alla; and My Very Own Room/Mi Propio Cuartito.
This event is co-sponsored by the City of San Buenaventura and the San Buenaventura Friends of the Library and is free to the public. Light refreshments will be available. A book signing will follow her presentation.
The E.P. Foster Library is located at 651 E. Main Street in historic downtown Ventura. The Elizabeth R. Topping Room entrance is on Main Street, just west of the main entrance to the Library.
For additional information about The Big Read, visit the library website at www.vencolibrary.org.

The Ventura County and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors will meet Sunday, October 19th at noon at Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003, Building B, in the cafeteria. The NAWCC is a nonprofit organization whose members include hobbyists, collectors, and professionals. The common bond is a fascination with the art and science of timekeeping and timepieces. You
can learn more about the NAWCC at www.nawcc.org. And more about Chapter 190 at www.nawcc-ch190.com

Everyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern or antique), is invited to visit and join our chapter. Members of the public are also invited to attend. There is a three dollar admission charge. Watches and clocks will be on display. There will be a mart followed by an informational meeting and a program.

The program for this meeting: The Hipp Toggle Clock with Prolonged Impulse
Presented by: Ernie Jensen
The Ventura County Chapter 190 of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors was chartered in September, 2006, and distributes a monthly newsletter to members. Membership applications will be available at the meeting, or by calling 805-988-1764.

Taylor Atkins

The annual Miss Southern California USA® Pageant is now accepting applications. This year the pageant is geared toward giving young women a choice to compete at a state pageant or receive a cash scholarship. The theme of the pageant is Character Counts teaching young women self-respect and ambition towards their future.
This is a preliminary pageant, which can lead to other state pageants or a cash scholarship of $500.00, and is open to Teen applicants ranging from ages 13 to 17 and Miss applicants 17-25.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen never married or pregnant must be a resident of California for the past 6 months. Applicants attending college out of state may enter if their primary residence is in California.
The practices for the pageant will begin on October 9th, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Brekke Elementary School, 1400 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Oxnard, CA. The participants will be taught communication skills, the importance of character, walking techniques and stage presence.
The pageant will be on November 30, 2008 and held at the Pacifica Performing Arts Center, 600 West Gonzales, Oxnard, CA. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 the night of the competition. This pageant encourages young women that would like to make a positive impact in their community, and to be motivated to achieve their educational and career goals.
This year we are extremely excited to have the reining Miss California Teen USA 2008, Taylor Atkins. She will open our show with a dance performance as well as be our guest Mistress of Ceremonies. Marley Gordon, Miss Greater Ventura County USA and Liz Anderson, Miss Greater Ventura County Teen USA will be showcased in the dance performance and production of the pageant.
The Oxnard Auto Center, California Peace Officers Association, Mary Kay Cosmetics Princess Bridal and California & Main are sponsors for this competition.
If you are interested in participating or you know someone that is please contact Martha Foster at 983-3237/512-6214 or toayproductions@yahoo.com.

Fillmore Irrigation Company, a local mutual water company, is celebrating a milestone anniversary this month. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State on October 4, 1888, making this company 120 years old on Saturday.
Starting with five shareholders and originally formed to utilize water from the Sespe River and to develop infrastructure to transport water to homeowners and their orchards in the Sespe area west of town as well as to the east and south of the Santa Clara River, Fillmore Irrigation Company now serves approximately 140 shareholders. Their water stock is appurtenant to the land they own, meaning the right to water stays with the land when property changes hands. The Board of Directors is comprised of five people, most of whom are shareholders, and they set policy and direct the affairs of the company. Current directors include Anne Burson, Jim Chaconas, Barbara Filkins, Joel Quintero, and Chris Woodard. Domestic water use is metered and billed monthly. Water Superintendent Mark Avila schedules irrigation water usage, performs repair and maintenance on water lines and equipment, and lately has been Fillmore Irrigation Company’s liaison with the City of Fillmore as the ongoing construction downtown has exposed old water lines.
Many changes have been witnessed in our rural areas since the incorporation of Fillmore Irrigation Company. The same family used to hand down their land from one generation to the next, a tradition less seen these days. An example of this continuity is that a current director’s great-grandfather was also a director. The emphasis is on water conservation now as underground aquifers and rivers and streams are affected by drought, and on water safety as wells are tested for contaminants on a regular basis. The uncertain economy requires continuing evaluation of water rates to keep up with regulatory and maintenance costs.
The Articles of Incorporation for Fillmore Irrigation Company originally listed the term for existence as fifty years, but this was amended in 1938 to state, “This Corporation shall exist perpetually.” As the saying goes, failure is not an option! So if you pass by the Fillmore Irrigation Company office in the McNab Building on Sespe Street, give a salute to this 120-year-old that is still going strong.