By Anonymous — Monday, July 20th, 2015
Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq:BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share. This is 10% higher than the Company’s previous quarterly dividend per share, and represents a 22% increase relative to the dividend paid a year ago. The dividend was approved subsequent to the Board’s review of the Company’s financial results for the quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2015, which reflect continued capital strength, consistent operating results, robust loan and deposit growth, and a sustained favorable trend in credit quality. The dividend will be paid on August 13, 2015 to shareholders of record as of July 30, 2015. Including dividends paid by Bank of the Sierra prior to the formation of Sierra Bancorp, the Company has paid regular cash dividends to shareholders every year since 1987, comprised of annual dividends from 1987 through 1998 and quarterly dividends since then. The dividend noted in today’s announcement marks the Company’s 66th consecutive regular quarterly cash dividend. Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com), which is in its 38th year of operations and at over $1.7 billion in assets is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over 400 employees and conducts business through 28 full-service branches, a loan production office, an online branch, a real estate industries center, an agricultural credit center, and an SBA center. The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on forward looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the bank’s ability to maintain current dividend payments or increase dividend payouts to shareholder, its ability to continue to generate record financial results, changes in economic conditions, interest rates and loan portfolio performance, and other factors detailed in the Company’s SEC filings. Sierra Bancorp undertakes no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements. |
By Mark Ortega — Tuesday, July 14th, 2015
This Friday, July 17th, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Come on out to Flashback Fridays, and Alumni Nights on July 17th in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore. Music, Classic Cars, Lot's of Friends, and Fillmore High Alumni Merchandise. Bring your folding chairs and come out to "Our" downtown for some fun on a hot summers night. http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2015/7/6/flashback-friday-alumn... |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 14th, 2015
There will be a book signing at the Fillmore Historical Museum Depot on July 23rd at 3pm. Evie Ybarra will be signing her book, LEGENDARY LOCALS OF FILLMORE. Stop by and say hello! Questions, call 805-524-0948. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 14th, 2015
The Fillmore Rotary Club celebrated the end of Sean Morris's term as President this past year. The new President will be Kyle Wilson. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Monday, July 13th, 2015
New Effort Benefits Area Seniors and Meals on Wheels
Laurie Reid from the Ventura County area is on a mission to see more families share sit-down Sunday dinners with their senior loved ones. The reason? New research shows that 50 percent of surveyed families living near senior relatives feel they do not share enough meals with older loved ones, losing an important family connection.* Almost 75 percent of the people surveyed said they only sit down for a family meal with senior loved ones for special occasions, events or holidays. They say a big part of the problem is time – both not having enough of it and conflicting schedules. To encourage families to make time for these meals, the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation® will donate $1 to Meals on Wheels America (up to $20,000 total through July 31, 2015) for each person that commits to regularly scheduling family dinners at SundayDinnerPledge.com. Pledging to have a sit-down dinner with loved ones will help to ensure other seniors will have a quality meal through the Meals on Wheels program. “We hope families will make the pledge to either revive or begin new mealtime traditions with their senior loved ones,” Reid said. “This small commitment can have a big impact on a senior’s well-being.” To help families across the country host their own Sunday dinner, Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with celebrity chef and mother of four Melissa d’Arabian to develop easy, nutritious recipes. Additional resources include tips for how to involve seniors in meal planning and preparation, pre- and post-dinner activities and meal plans for healthy, inexpensive meals that all generations can enjoy. For these free resources and more information on how you can bring back the Sunday dinner and reconnect with your senior loved ones, visit www.SundayDinnerPledge.com or call Home Instead Senior Care at 805-577-0926. *Home Instead, Inc. completed surveys with a random sample of 1,000 households in U.S. and Canada between February 10 and 15, 2015. Participants were 50 percent male and 50 percent female, with 900 households in U.S. and 100 in Canada. About Home Instead Senior Care® About Meals on Wheels America About Melissa d’Arabian |
By Anonymous — Monday, July 13th, 2015
Ventura, CA - Our 18th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk & Pet Expo has been scheduled for Sunday, July 19th, 2015, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the San Buenaventura State Beach Park. Our theme this year is "Seniors Need Second Chances Too!" We will be raising awareness for all of the senior dogs that end up abandoned and overlooked in the shelter system. C.A.R.L. has started Sam's Senior Dog Rescue Project to help place these deserving dogs in forever homes where they can live out the rest of their lives being loved and cared for. It's a fun filled day great for the entire family. The Pooch Parade draws approximately 2,000 people and their pets from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The event itself is free and open to the public. The morning parade/walk donations start at $40.00 and participants receive a t-shirt and/or a bag of dog goodies, plus the opportunity to enter our Canine Contests with their pet. Walkers can find registration information on our website at www.poochparade.org/register.html. Walker registration forms should be mailed or registered online by Saturday, July 11th in order to guarantee a shirt. There are also approximately fifty vendor stations, food trucks and a huge silent auction tent that attendees can enjoy throughout the day. Vendors can find registration information on our website at www.poochparade.org/vendors.html. The last day to sign up is close of business on Monday, July 6th. Vendor questions can be emailed to irra_s@yahoo.com. These past years have been very difficult for many families, forcing them to give up their pets. As a result, Canine Adoption and Rescue League currently has over eightyfive dogs in our program. We hope to provide a second chance and find a forever home for each and every one of them. Funds raised from this event will help offset the cost of supplies, boarding, medical expenses, and obedience training for the dogs in our care. Canine Adoption and Rescue League is a Ventura County based IRC 501(c) (3) private nonprofit, no kill dog rescue organization. Donations are tax deductible! For more information visit our website: www.poochparade.org. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 8th, 2015
SoCal Bears Cheer would like to thank all who supported their organization by purchasing fireworks at their booth this year. (above & below) Girls showing their community spirit early Sunday morning, July 5, cleaning all the debris from Doris Day Park. Photo by R. Andrino Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
(l-r) Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Development & Communications Director Rochelle Rose CFRE and Randy Weiss, Union Bank Corporate Social Responsibility Officer. Union Bank recently presented Peoples’ Self-Help Housing with a $10,000 check in recognition of the award winning nonprofit’s 45th Anniversary in 2015. Founded in San Luis Obispo in 1970, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing has over the years expanded to Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, with more than 1,100 self-help homes completed and nearly 1,600 rental units developed. PSHH has been working to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income families, seniors and other special needs groups. “Peoples’ Self-Help Housing was founded with a mission to provide affordable housing and programs to those most vulnerable in our communities, the working poor, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. It is community partners like Union Bank that have allowed us to fulfill this mission for 45 years and counting,” said PSHH CEO/President John Fowler. PSHH kicked off its 45th Anniversary year on April 23 with a luncheon at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The festivities continue through Nov. 13 with the PSHH 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Auction, the Central Coast Taste of Hope, at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. For more, visit http://www.pshhc.org/ About PSHH |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
As a fundraiser for the Y’s Open Doors program, the YMCA Run or Walk 5K event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 15, 2015 at the Ventura Family YMCA. Participants may register on-line, in person at the Ventura Family YMCA or on the morning of the race. The Y works to ensure that everyone is given an equal opportunity at having membership regardless of income. With the help of the community, the YMCA Run or Walk 5K fundraiser will give others that opportunity, allowing them to participate in the Y’s membership programs such as child care, summer camps and swim lessons. To apply for financial assistance, the Open Doors Scholarship Application can be found on-line. The financial assistance comes from community members, donors and fundraisers like the YMCA Run or Walk 5K event. At approximately 3.1 miles, this event not only raises money for the Open Doors program, but is also a great form of exercise. Marketing and Communications Director, Alicia Cattoni, says “We love our community so we’re encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join us. This is a great way to stay healthy, while also considering the importance of helping others because every donation goes back into the community. So bring your family, friends, and even your dog!” Participants have the option of signing up individually or as a family, which would include two adults and any dependent children (up to six total). From now through August 1, the individual cost will be $35 and the family cost will be $75. However, from August 2 through August 14 the individual cost will be $40 and the family cost will be $85. The first 100 registrants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag! There will also be over 20 raffle prizes, a breakfast, and live music. The race will start and end at the on-sight location of the Ventura Family YMCA and participants will be given a continental breakfast before the race begins. Sponsors include: The Anchor Printing And Graphics Co., Union Bank, Pacific Western Bank, Barbarians, The Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation, Meridian Private Wealth Management, Inc., ProYo Frozen Yogurt, The River Community Church, Vendurance Sprots, and Ventura County Credit Union. For more information about the YMCA Run or Walk 5K race, please contact Health and Wellness Director, Philipp Roye, at philipp.roye@ciymca.org or by calling 805.642.2131, ext. 20. About the Y |
By Kate English — Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
One Step a la Vez teen program continues to provide Santa Clara Valley teens with activities, trips and classes this summer. Summer hours at the center are 1pm - 6pm Monday through Friday. Upcoming special activities for July are noted below. Friday July 10: trip to Cal Arts Tuesdays & Thursdays in July: Art classes at 1pm If you know a teen that is itching to give back to their community this summer they can volunteer to serve at One Step's Food Share food distribution program the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Volunteers are welcomed and needed at 3pm on these Wednesdays. Membership at the teen center is free for 13-19 year olds and trips are free to members. The teen center is located at 421 Sespe Ave in Fillmore. Space on trips is sometimes limited and youth who participate daily in the program will receive priority registration for trips. Please call 805-625-7067 for more information. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Theresa Robledo with Civic Pride Vision 2020 presents Yard of the Month to Shirley Spitler! Congratulations! Please drive by 850 Oliver Street to view her gorgeous yard! You will find at Shirley's home, roses, Christmas cactus, a lot of geraniums, succulents, and many beautiful garden statues. When I asked Shirley what inspires her to garden, she said, about 10 years ago her late husband, Bud Spitler, said do you want to trade grocery shopping for gardening? Obviously, Shirley accepted and has been gardening ever since! Thank you to Otto & Sons Nursery for their generous gift certificate, where she will enjoy finding more items for her yard! Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Community Memorial Health System announced that effective July 1 Blue Shield Covered California has agreed to bring a limited number of CMHS physicians into its network at Blue Shield’s standard commercial rates. The decision to complete this network participation reflects the health system’s commitment to provide Ventura County residents access to high quality and affordable care. Blue Shield agreed to include physicians based on clinical integration criteria including: integrated electronic health record, quality, patient experience and cost leadership and participation in the Accountable Care Alliance of Ventura (ACAV) ACO. This is an important milestone as CMHS furthers its alignment with community physicians to meet the needs of their patients. Blue Shield will take several months to add the physicians to its Exclusive Provider Network (EPN) network. For physicians already participating in the EPN at a reduced rate, Blue Shield will change their reimbursement rates as physicians renew Blue Shield contracts. “We are grateful that the community’s support has enabled CMHS to reinvest in the community with a replacement hospital,” said Gary Wilde, CMHS President and CEO. “It is important to us that the new Community Memorial Hospital of San Buenaventura is available to all residents of Ventura County when it opens in 2016.” For more information on CMHS payer contracts visit www.cmhshealth.org. Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and twelve family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Do you have a bored teen at home? Do you want to know what’s available for teens this summer? Check out these One Step a la Vez Summer Activities
The One Step Center is open for youth ages 13-19 to drop in from 1-6 every weekday at 421 Sespe Ave. At the OSCenter teens can fix a snack, play games (card, board, foosball, pingpong, airhockey), watch a movie, get on the computers, attend special activities, join a committee to improve the community such as improving public transit, getting better and more low income houses and providing safe, bully free spaces for all youth. Help distribute free food to the community! Also, go on enrichment trips. Membership and all events are free. Questions? Call 625-7067. Sign up by coming to the OSC and filling out an application and signing up for trips.OSCenter Open all weekdays except July 3. Summer Special Activities and Enrichment Trips: |
Michelle Pablo (center), with Gary Wilde, CMHS President and CEO, and CMH Auxiliary President Edie Marshall Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary awarded Michelle Pablo, member of the hospital’s Junior Volunteer program who plans to pursue a career in healthcare, with scholarships totaling $1,200 from its Maria Cavallo Scholarship Fund. Pablo was awarded the scholarship by Gary Wilde, CEO and President of Community Memorial Health System. She started her volunteer service in September 2012, working 269 hours CMH’s pharmacy. In addition to her CMH service, she is dedicated to Foothill Technology High School’s KIWIN’s club, a Kiwanis-sponsored school community service organization that focuses on helping in the community, school and home. She organized activities such as KIWIN’s Relay for Life, beach cleanup and other local service events. Pablo also participated on Foothill Tech’s speech team and helped as an English tutor as well. Pablo’s sport of choice is roller skating, spending 13 years as a competitive roller-skater. She has won state and regional championships and is an instructor at Skating Plus in Ventura. Additionally, she won branch honors through the Music Teachers of California, studying piano for nine years. Michele graduated with a 4.5 GPA and as a member of her school’s National Honor Society. Her career goal is to become a physician specializing as an anesthesiologist or neurologist. Michelle has been accepted at UC San Diego with a projected major of human biology. The Auxiliary annually honors one or more of its junior volunteers, a graduating high school senior, with the scholarship. Recipients must have served at least 100 hours in the Auxiliary, maintained a grade-point average of 3.50 or better in high school and plan to attend an accredited college with the goal of pursuing a healthcare career, such as a physician, nurse, physical therapist or pharmacist. To donate, call the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation office at 805-667-2881. Application forms to apply for both Auxiliary and the Juniors program are available at Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary front desk. 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 12 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
On Sunday, July 5, kids and grown-ups can plant a variety of fall crops in a mini greenhouse. Seeds will sprout on a window sill or in any sunny spot. A light misting every few days will keep them growing. When 2 – 3 leaves sprout, they will be ready to transplant into pots or right into your garden bed. Choose from crops such as cucumbers, beans, carrots, beets, winter squash, beneficial flowers, and more. While you’re here, visit our drought tolerant demonstration garden and garden beds. Admission is free all day, with greenhouse planting from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. All ages are welcome. Also on July 5, booksigning with Fillmore author Evie Ybarra of her book “Legendary Locals of Fillmore,” a new local history book that reveals the intriguing characters and everyday citizens who shaped Fillmore’s character. Legendary Locals of Fillmore shares the stories of unique individuals and groups, past and present, who have had a lasting impact on the community throughout its history. Since its beginning as a Southern Pacific Railroad town 100 years ago, Fillmore has been the setting of many legends and true tales, like the St. Francis Dam disaster, the 1994 earthquake, and the Hollywood film shoots. For further information please contact: Stefanie Davis, director of marketing, at (805) 653-0323, x303 or sdavis@venturamuseum.org The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Ave. in Santa Paula. Hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $5.00 Adults (18 years & older) $3.00 Seniors (65 and older), Students & AAA members with ID, $1.00 Children (17-6 years old) Children 5 years old & younger are FREE. The first Sunday of every month are free general admission for the public. For more information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
Ventura, CA - The Valley Express is offering a special free and extended service on Independence Day to help residents and travelers celebrate the holiday. The Valley Express will run from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will include all three service areas: Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. Service will be free all day. The special holiday service will allow residents to travel between Piru and Fillmore for the Sespe Creek Car Show and the City of Fillmore fireworks show, and also to Harding Park in Santa Paula from designated parking lots for that City’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular event. “We’re happy to provide this safe, reliable transportation option so people can focus on enjoying themselves during the holiday,” said Ginger Gherardi of the Santa Paula City Council. “The buses are free and timed to get people home after the big fireworks show.” The special service schedules will be available online, onboard the buses, and at pass sales outlets, including the Santa Paula and Fillmore City Halls, MV Transportation Office (810 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula), and the VCTC office (950 County Square Dr. #108, Ventura). If there are any further questions regarding this service please call (800) 438-1112 or visit www.valleyexpressbus.org. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
PORTERVILLE, CA – Bank of the Sierra recently named Jonathan Hersholt as Vice President Senior Commercial Loan Officer of its Santa Clarita branch. In his new position, Hersholt will develop and manage commercial loan accounts, identify and analyze potential loan markets to develop prospects, promote and cross-sell bank products and services. “We’re excited to have Jonathan Hersholt recently join the Southern California region of Bank of the Sierra. Jonathan brings with him over twenty five years of experience in commercial banking and lending that will allow us to quickly grow our market share in the Santa Clarita market,” stated David Azma, Market President. “Jonathan recently joined us from City National Bank, where he was a Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager for the San Fernando Valley market. We are expecting great things from Jonathan in his new position as our Senior Commercial Loan Officer,” continued Azma. Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com) is in its 38th year of operations, and at $1.7 billion in assets is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over 400 employees and conducts business through 28 branch offices, an online branch, a real estate industries center, and an agricultural credit center. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
PORTERVILLE, CA – Bank of the Sierra recently named Edvart Warzhapetian as Vice President Senior Commercial Loan Officer of its Santa Clarita branch. In his new position, Warzhapetian will meet with prospective clients to cultivate banking relationships, including developing and managing commercial loan accounts along with other financial products and services, as well as identify and analyze potential loan markets to develop prospects for commercial loans. Warzhapetian attended Los Angeles Valley College and received an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and continued on at California State University Northridge to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Finance. “We’re excited to have Edvart Warzhapetian join the commercial banking team of Bank of the Sierra in the Santa Clarita market. Edvart’s professionalism and commitment to excellence along with his extensive experience in business banking will help Bank of the Sierra to quickly grow its share of the Santa Clarita’s business banking market,” stated David Azma, Market President. “Edvart recently joined us from JP Morgan Chase, where he enjoyed a successful career as a Relationship Manager for the San Fernando Valley market. Congratulations to Edvart Warzhapetian in his new position as our Senior Commercial Loan Officer,” continued Azma. Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com) is in its 38th year of operations, and at $1.7 billion in assets is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over 400 employees and conducts business through 28 branch offices, an online branch, a real estate industries center, and an agricultural credit center. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
As the County’s only non-profit Home Health and Hospice provider, we support the total well-being of our community. As part of our services, we host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following: Special Classes/Events • Ojai: Peace Beyond Losses on Wednesday, July 15 from 1-2:30 pm at Ojai’s Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office at 202-A Cañada Street, Ojai. Brock Travis, PhD, teaches guidance and support through life changes. Solutions to problems and answers to questions for finding serenity and fulfillment once again following bereavement. More information at (805) 642-0239. Social Services/Bereavement Groups • Ojai: Caregiver Support Group Monday, July 6th and 20th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Continuous Care Center, Fireside Room, 1306 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai (behind Ojai Valley Community Hospital). Find encouragement and hope during your time as a caregiver. Share, listen and explore thoughts and feelings about the struggles, losses and successes of caring for your loved one. For more information call (805) 633-9056. • Ojai: Adult Bereavement Support Group July 7th and 21st (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) 10:30-Noon at Help of Ojai, West Campus 370 Baldwin Rd., Ojai. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email griefinfo@livingstonvna.org. • Oxnard: Adult Bereavement Support Group on Wednesdays July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 3:00-4:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Dr, Oxnard. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email griefinfo@livingstonvna.org. • Ventura: CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
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