Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organics waste collection schedule on Friday Jan. 24 in Fillmore during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19-25, 2025.

Remember that Santa Clara Valley Disposal residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as the company collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

Photo credit Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC)
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CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites the public to share ideas about how to improve bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand and rail service in Ventura County.

VCTC will host in-person and virtual community meetings in January and a public hearing in February as part of its annual unmet transit needs process. Each meeting is an opportunity for people to let local transit operators and government leaders know what can be done to improve transit in the county.

The meetings are intended to identify transit needs that are not currently being met and are reasonable to meet in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and adjacent areas of unincorporated Ventura County.
The community meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Community meetings

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Fillmore Library Innovation Lab, 502 Second St., Fillmore;
• Noon Thursday, Jan. 16, virtual meeting at bit.ly/3BhhbbW;
• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo

Public hearing

• 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo.

People who are not able to attend the meetings can share their input through an online survey at https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Comments can also be emailed to transit planner Dolores Lopez at dlopez@goventura.org or shared by calling 805-642-1591, ext. 117.
For more information about the Unmet Transit Needs process, visit goventura.org/unmet-transit- needs.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

Helen Hunt Jackson. Photo credit Rancho Camulos.
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On Saturday January 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM, experience Helen Hunt Jackson’s January 23, 1882 visit to Rancho Camulos which inspired her to include this vestige of the California lifestyle as one of the settings for her novel Ramona. Reenactors will engage and delight you as they portray this event which forever changed the peaceful life at Rancho Camulos. Docent led tours will follow the reenactment until 4:00PM.

The suggested donation for the re-enactment is $10 and reservations can be made (suggested but not required) at 805-521-1501. Rancho Camulos is the only National Historic Landmark in Ventura County. It is on Highway 126, 10 miles West of the I-5. More information about the museum can be found at ranchocamulos.org.

Photo credit Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC)
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CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites the public to share ideas about how to improve bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand and rail service in Ventura County.

VCTC will host in-person and virtual community meetings in January and a public hearing in February as part of its annual unmet transit needs process. Each meeting is an opportunity for people to let local transit operators and government leaders know what can be done to improve transit in the county.

The meetings are intended to identify transit needs that are not currently being met and are reasonable to meet in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and adjacent areas of unincorporated Ventura County.
The community meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:

Community meetings

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Fillmore Library Innovation Lab, 502 Second St., Fillmore;
• Noon Thursday, Jan. 16, virtual meeting at bit.ly/3BhhbbW;
• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo

Public hearing

• 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo.

People who are not able to attend the meetings can share their input through an online survey at https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Comments can also be emailed to transit planner Dolores Lopez at dlopez@goventura.org or shared by calling 805-642-1591, ext. 117.
For more information about the Unmet Transit Needs process, visit goventura.org/unmet-transit- needs.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission

The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.
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Prosecutors from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit. Photo credit Ventura County DA’s Office.
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VENTURA, Calif. – Tonight, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will once again light its Hall of Justice building in red to demonstrate solidarity with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their mission to eliminate impaired driving. By joining landmarks and buildings across California in the Illuminate California campaign, the District Attorney’s Office aims to send a message of unity, remembrance, and a commitment to safer roads.

“We are proud to stand with MADD and communities across the state in shining a light on the dangers of impaired driving,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This display serves as a reminder to make responsible choices so no more lives are needlessly lost.”

The red lighting sym-bolizes the dedication to preventing drunk and drugged driving and honors the victims and survivors of these preventable tragedies. The campaign, initiated by MADD in 2022, is designed to raise awareness during one of the most dangerous times of the year for impaired driving incidents – the holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, impaired driving poses an increased risk to public safety, and the Illuminate California initiative serves as both a remembrance of lives lost and a call to action.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit filed 2,699 DUI cases last year, including 119 cases involving drugs and 17 cases involving a combination of alcohol and drugs. These alarming numbers highlight the need for continued education, enforcement, and prevention efforts.

MADD invites residents to illuminate their homes or businesses in red tonight as a shared commitment to ending impaired driving. More information on MADD’s efforts and how you can get involved, please visit MADD’s website.

Contact: Joey Buttitta

Title: Communications Manager/PIO

Phone: (805) 767-3400

Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org

Approved: SW

Date: December 11, 2024

Release No.: 24-150

VENTURA, Calif. – The City of Thousand Oaks has been identified by the District Attorney’s Office as the city best suited for the location of the East County Family Justice Center (FJC). District Attorney Erik Nasarenko made the announcement today during the Board of Supervisors meeting.

“The key imperative here is to bring services to our east county to assist victims who are experiencing trauma and debilitating crimes,” District Attorney Nasarenko told the Board. “One of the core principles that we are establishing through the regionalization of the Family Justice Center is removing transportation barriers and maximizing access.”
Thousand Oaks was selected after a rigorous process to determine which city in the eastern part of Ventura County would be best suited for an FJC. Based on crime data, geographical factors, community input, and cost sharing commitments from municipal leaders, Thousand Oaks was selected. The District Attorney’s recommendation also considered a report compiled by Alliance for Hope, an international organization that has successfully sited Family Justice Centers throughout the world. The ultimate location of the East County FJC will be subject to future action by the Board of Supervisors.

“Family Justice Centers are game changers; they are lifesavers,” District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell said. “I am committed to working, to ensuring it is a regional asset for everyone in east county.”

“I am very excited that we are going to have these services in east county,” District 4 Supervisor Janice Parvin said. “I look forward to the future of our east county Family Justice Center.”

Several factors will go into identifying the ultimate location in Thousand Oaks. The building must be available for purchase not leased, it must be between 8,000 and 12,000 square feet, be near transportation and medical centers, and have open space for youth recreational activities. The search for a site is underway.

The Family Justice Center is a community support system that uses a holistic approach to uplift and empower victims and their families. The Ventura County Family Justice Center offers a comprehensive selection of services to Ventura County residents seeking a safe environment to recover, heal, and break the cycle of violence. The East County FJC in Thousand Oaks will join Ventura and Oxnard to become the third crime victims support services center in the county.

More information about the work being done by the Ventura County Family Justice Center can be found at www.vcfjc.org.

Contact: Joey Buttitta

Title: Communications Manager/PIO

Phone: (805) 767-3400

Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org

Approved: SW

Date: December 18, 2024

Release No.: 24-153

FOR SALE – 2020 Class C Sunseeker Motorhome Ford450 x 10. Newly factory engine 0 miles, 3 yr. Warranty engine MH in excellent condition. 1 yr. on new A/C unit. $45,000. Call 406-782-7879. (12/19)

Civic Pride Volunteers selected Amber Clendening’s home at 734 A Street as this year’s Christmas “Yard of the Month” award winner. She received a gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
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By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have chosen Amber Clendening’s holiday decorated yard at 734 A Street to receive the Christmas “Yard of the Month” award.

Amber has lived in Fillmore for most of her life, and on A Street for the last 6-plus years. She said last year was the first time she decorated for Christmas in a long time. She happened to be shopping in Oxnard and saw the meteor roof lights which her grandson really liked and wanted. And, of course, she had to purchase some other decorations to go with them.
This year she added more decorations and will continue adding each year. She does the decorating and her mother helps by holding the ladder, an important task!

Amber was very pleased to receive the Otto & Sons Nursery gift card! She helps a friend with her rose garden and has gone to the nursery to pick roses.

There were so many nicely decorated homes. Here are some “honorable mentions” for your tour: 1026 Arrasmith, 423 Robin, 140 Cherrywood, 758 Galvin, 251 Edgewood & 188 Edgewood, 174 Coronado, 30 Coronado, 44 Cordova, & the Traditions neighborhood off Goodenough Road.

Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for their generous support of this project which has stimulated neighborhoods to improve their yards and to get involved in the fun of holiday decorating.

By Jan Lee

Why are we talking about the Fillmore Flower Show in winter? The show isn’t until April 26 and 27, 2025!

However, one of the most popular categories is roses. Roses need to be pruned in January to have beautiful blooms in the spring. Otto and Sons Nursery in Fillmore offers Rose Care Classes: January 4, 10am -12; Jan 11, 10-12; January 18, 10-12; and January 25, 1-3pm. Sign up early, the classes fill up.

The theme this year is “Fillmore Spirit in Bloom”. It will be held at the Active Adult Center on Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. As usual, there will be live music, a plant sale and refreshment cafe.

As you mark important dates on your new 2025 calendar, be sure to write in the Fillmore Flower Show in April. Nourish those plants, arrange those dish gardens and plant some seeds. We’ll see you in April at the Fillmore Flower Show!

Pictured (l-r) are Dave Andersen, Tyson Wise, Mike Giering and Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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The Fillmore Rotary program presented last week was by Water for Good (formerly Lifewater), presented by Tyson Wise and Mike Giering. The two groups merged to serve more people and become an even better organization. They build water wells with the promise of reliable water. In some countries the girls cannot go to school because they are the ones who have to walk miles to collect water for the family. With the new wells the girls can go to school also. Water for Good also teaches families about sanitation and hygiene practices which establishes healthy homes built on dignity, respect, and community commitment. The countries they work in are Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Central Africa. Water for Good works with the communities for a period of 3-5 years to ensure all these practices are established.

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 11 through New Year’s Day, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office along with its contact cities will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

“During the holiday season, we see families and loved ones coming together to celebrate, and our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely,” said Deputy Marco Garibay. “Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal. Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. We urge people to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol. Please use the many ride services available in Ventura County.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann
News Release Date: December 17, 2024
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jason Christmann Jason.christmann@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

News release: For immediate release, Dec. 4, 2024

In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organics waste one day later than the usual Friday pickup in Fillmore during those weeks. The regular schedule will resume the following weeks.

As an extra holiday service this year, Santa Clara Valley Disposal customers may put out twice the usual amount of residential trash free of charge for two weeks after Christmas: from Thursday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Jan. 10. On your pickup day, you may place bags of extra trash alongside your waste cart at the curb. Please make sure to place the extra trash in bags. You can also put out extra recyclables next to your blue cart, but please flatten all boxes.

As another special holiday feature, Santa Clara Valley Disposal makes it easy for customers to recycle their Christmas trees into mulch. Just remove everything from the tree: ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows and tree stands, then cut the tree into sections no more than 4 feet long and place them in your yard/organics waste cart on your pickup day. Or, place the whole Christmas tree at the curb on collection day. Flocked trees are also accepted for recycling.

Remember that residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Santa Clara Valley Disposal collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

This year’s Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 12pm and will begin at Piru Elementary School and route through Center Street. Immediately following the parade will the be the festival at the Train Depot Park with food, live music, performances, and more for all to enjoy. If you have any questions, call 805-814-6140 or email piruneighborhoodcouncilinc@yahoo.com.

Pictured (l-r) are Dave Andersen, speaker Steve Sharp and Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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One of Rotary’s International projects is Three Angels Haiti (TAH). The speaker last week was Steve Sharp who has been involved with TAH since it was founded in 2003. They have a school for children K-9th, Angels Christian Academy, an orphanage, library with media center, medical and dental care, a garden to grow food and employ 56 Haitians. They have 24-hour guards and security cameras because of the situation in the country. Rotary has supported them for many years.

(Ventura) – Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced today the official certification of the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election. A total of 394,197 ballots were cast in the general election; with 84.17% of the voters utilizing their vote-by-mail ballot and 15.83% voting in person. Ventura County had a 76.25% overall voter turnout for this election.

The November 2024 General Election marks Ventura County’s fourth election conducted under the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election model. It also marks a significant increase in the number of voters taking advantage of the expanded voting opportunities provided under the VCA.

A hallmark of the VCA is the convenience of early voting in vote centers. The Elections Division opened for in-person voting 29 days before Election Day to coincide with the distribution of vote-by-mail ballots. Under the VCA model, ten additional vote centers opened countywide on October 26 for 10 days of early voting and 41 more opened on November 2. Ventura County residents were able to utilize any vote center location on any day to vote, update their registration, or receive other voter assistance.

“In our first three VCA elections, vote center traffic was always very slow for the first week,” Registrar Ascencion said. “That was definitely not the case for this election. On October 26, the first day we opened, nearly 1,400 people came to vote in person, quite a change from the norm.”

The momentum continued with increased numbers of voters taking advantage of in-person early voting throughout the County. Election Day also saw record numbers at the vote centers.

“We did see a last-minute Election Day surge that broke the record from the 2022 General Election by more than 12,000 voters. This led to some vote centers experiencing long lines but for the most part our voters were patient and understanding about the process, which makes it a much more positive experience for everyone,” Ascencion said. “Our election workers did an outstanding job assisting every voter.”

Although the in-person voting rate increased in this election, the majority of voters continue to prefer the convenience of utilizing their vote by mail ballot, with more mail ballots being returned via official ballot drop box than postal mail by a two-to-one ratio. Completed mail ballots can also be dropped off at any vote center or delivered to the Elections Office at the Government Center.

“Whatever method people used to vote, we thank the community for participating and for its support through this process. We especially appreciate every one of the hundreds of short-term election workers who helped us conduct the election; we couldn’t do it without them,” said Ascencion.

To view the certified final results visit the County Elections website at VenturaVote.org.

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The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to “Preserving history and protecting democracy for the people of Ventura County, past, present, and future.” More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at www.VCClerkRecorder.org.