March 30, 2009 (Ventura, CA) The Ventura County Fair is an annual celebration of agriculture; of cultivating the land, producing crops and raising livestock. With that in mind, the 31st District Agricultural Association, who organizes the Fair is pleased to announce that the theme of the 2009 Ventura County Fair is “Purebred and Home Grown”.

“For 12 magical days we will present the community with an educational and fun look at agriculture, Ventura County’s principal industry. It is our wish to teach our children, and those who are new to the county, how important agriculture is to each of us, and how it can help us to better our lives,” said Barbara Quaid, the Fair’s CEO and General Manager, adding “Purebred and Home Grown” is a perfect theme that will enhance the Fair’s distinct character.”

Within this celebration visitors will also enjoy competitions in the various arts divisions, free entertainment, the fun of the carnival midway, the fabulous fair food we all enjoy once a year and many untold surprises!
The Ventura County Fair will open Wednesday, August 5 with fun for the whole family until Sunday, August 16.
For more information about the Ventura County Fair, please call (805) 648-3376 or visit us at www.venturacountyfair.org.

Saturday April 18th, 2009
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Ventura Family YMCA will join more than 1,700 YMCAs nationwide in hosting its 18th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day, on Saturday, April 18th, from 8am to 1pm. An opportunity for kids and families to “Put Play in Their Day,” this special event uses free, fun, engaging, and creative activities to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day exemplifies Activate America®, the YMCA’s response to our nation’s growing health crisis. The YMCA is redefining itself and engaging communities across the country to better support Americans of all ages who are struggling to achieve and maintain well-being in spirit, mind and body.
Throughout its nearly 160-year history as a volunteer and charitable organization, the YMCA has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities and individuals it serves. Today a new set of issues are calling the YMCA to act. CONTINUED »

Piru Neighborhood Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 6:30 P.M.
Piru Community Center

AGENDA

Social hour at 6:30 p.m., refreshments will be served. Easter Egg Hunt photos from Heritage Valley Studios will be on sale during this get-together and after the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

1. Public Comment (5 minutes per person) on issues not on the agenda below.

2. Speaker: Jim Delperdang, Ventura County Code Compliance – “County Zoning Enforcement” and “Building and Safety Code Enforcement” have been combined into one agency. Brief presentation on services available.

3. Speaker: Nicole Norori, CEDC – 60 Farm Worker Rentals –An update and brief overview on the proposed development of 60 units at the former farm worker labor camp (east Center Street). Nicole will also give an update on the Focused EIR process and the 45 day public review / comment period scheduled to start April 10, 2009. (Comment period closes mid-May.) CONTINUED »

Saticoy, CA – In its commitment to keeping the community healthy, Ventura County Health Care Agency and the Public Health Department are holding a community health fair in Saticoy at the Jose Flores Saticoy Community Center, on Saturday, April 18th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

There will be free health screenings provided by Public Health for glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and body fat. Dr. Raul Reyes, of Santa Paula, will be giving free dental screenings.

In addition, the fair will provide fun for the entire family, with a prize wheel and various activities, including a Jolly Jump for kids. There will be information about access to medical care, coverage and low cost services available to all Ventura County residents.

For more information on this event, please call 805-677-5252..

Camarillo, Calif. – For those who may have missed out on the first Babysitter’s Training Course offered by the American Red Cross of Ventura County – don’t despair. Because of the overwhelming response to the first session, an additional class has been scheduled for May 1-2.

The first session is on Friday, May 1 and runs from 4 to 9 p.m., and continues on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each student will receive certificates in Babysitting, CPR for children and infants and First Aid.

Trainees will also learn how to supervise children, obtain feeding tips, get information on age appropriate games, and learn how to handle bedtime and discipline issues. The course will also cover resume writing and business card development. CONTINUED »

Mark Ortega took Grand Prize at the Fillmore Flower Show.

The revived Fillmore Flower Show, 2009, sponsored by Vision2020/Civic Pride Committee is past and now remains a memory of sweet fragrances, beautiful flower specimens, bouquets and arrangements in all their glory for those who attended and/or managed to meet the entry deadline from 7:30-10:30 AM on Saturday morning.

There were 267 entries! Conway Spitler, many time, former show chairman, expressed his opinion that it was a “good turnout” after an 11 year break between shows. Past shows had over 400+ entries.

Violin and mandolin music on Saturday by Asher Smith and a short, spontaneous concert on Sunday by an unknown pianist, provided lovely ambience. But it was the “buzz” of enthusiastic and appreciative conversations filling the Senior Center as friends met up with friends they hadn’t seen in a while and hearing parents explaining to their interested children the meaning of flower terms, like “fragrance”, that delighted this committee member!
Bringing back this flower show was definitely a group effort by Civic Pride Committee members, with even recently retired Civic Pride Committee chairwoman, Judy Dressler and husband, Ray, helping with bottle collection, poster creation and recruiting past show experts such as Joanne King, to get involved. Bill Dewey and Cindy Klittich collected bottles, secured judges and involved the Boy Scouts in bottle washing which was a huge, time consuming task and they also helped with cleanup. Thank you! Sarah Hansen’s efforts secured a microphone for the award ceremony and Conway and Linda kept the publicity articles flowing to “The Sespe Sun”, “Fillmore Gazette”, “Star Free Press” and other local calendar publications. (Civic Pride Committee appreciates the coverage given to promote their various community projects!) CONTINUED »

The Soroptimists of Fillmore honored students from Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School at an awards luncheon buffet on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Mr. Good-Lunch Cafe. The Verna Padelford Creative Writing Award for the Middle School and High School were awarded for poetry and short story/essay. All the student winners who placed received cash awards for their entries. For Middle School, the award which covered Poetry, went to Sarah Pace for 1st place, Laura Soroptimists Award Student Writers from Middle School and High School Garnica for 2nd place, and Brooke Aguirre for 3rd place. Brooke Aguirre also received Honorable Mention for another poem. The award which covered Short Story/Essay went to Laura Garnica for 1st Place and Michael Topete for 2nd Place (there was not a 3rd place winner). At the High School level, the winners for Poetry this year were Stephanie Hernandez for 1st place, 2nd place went to Christina Gutierrez, and 3rd Place went to Larissa Downing. Itzelle Iniguez received Honorable Mention. The Short Story/Essay winners were Erik Orozco for 1st Place, 2nd Place went to Shalise Beltran, and 3rd Place went to Vanessa Villa. The lst Place Winners in all the categories read their writings aloud to the approximately 55 club members and family and friends attending. The Soroptimists would like
to thank Rachel Cone, English teacher at Fillmore Middle School, and Wayne Bauer, English teacher at Fillmore High School, for their help in coordinating this effort. And a special thanks to the Soroptimist Writing Awards Chair, Kathleen Briggs, for her time and efforts for the judging and organizing the event, and her associate,
Soroptimist Lynne Brooks, who served as another judge. These awards are given annually by the Soroptimists in
memory of former member and school teacher, Verna Padelford. The purpose of the contest is to encourage students to write and receive recognition for their efforts. Soroptimists want to support the academic programs at the Middle School and High School, while giving individual students a feeling of personal success.

Shirley and Ken Smedley of 556 Finch Court, Fillmore, were awarded Yard of the Month for April 2009.

The Smedley’s have created a beautiful drought resistant landscape. In a front yard shaded by a western sycamore and a purple robe tree, they have planted yarrow, kangaroo paws, silver wormwood, butterfly bush, wild lilac, echium and gaura among others, to create a colorful and water saving environment.

The Smedley’s yard demonstrates that a lovely setting can be created while conserving our valuable resources.

The Yard of the Month award is issued by Civic Pride 2020 and includes a donated Otto and Sons $25 gift certificate.

Conway Spitler

The Fillmore Flower Show has come alive again due to the great participation of Fillmore flower growers and the garden club. The two leaders for this year were Jo Ann King and Linda Nunes; and of course the great participation of the flower growers in the area. The participation by the citizens who grow the flowers and them took the time to select, pick, and groom their flowers to being to the show is appreciated by the club.
The talk with the group cleaning up after the show was we have to do this again. And of course, were delighted with the participation of the public.

The Boys & Girls Club’s 4th Annual Taste of the Valley is scheduled for Sunday May 24th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Fillmore City Hall Courtyard, 250 Central Ave., Fillmore. Co-chairs for the event are Diane Torrence, Prudential Realty, and Karen Araiza-Reynolds, La Cabana Restaurant. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the new restaurateurs in the Santa Clara Valley area, while reconnecting with your local favorites.

The event features tastes of a variety of delicious products from local restaurants, wineries, coffee vendors, Silent Auction & Live auctions and musical entertainment by The Tune Bandits. Advance reservations for the event are $30.00 per person, or $35 at the door. Advance purchase can be made by calling Carole Power at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, 805-525-7910 or by email: cpower_bgcscv@hotmail.com. (We accept Visa, Mastercard, checks and cash.) Invitations for the event will be in the mail by the week of April 13th.

Auction items are needed to include in the Silent and/or Live Auction. Interested donors may also contact the Club by calling Carole Power or Doug Caldwell at (805) 525-7910. Volunteers will be happy to pickup and donated items at the donor’s convenience. CONTINUED »

The FHS Class of 64 is planning their 45 year reunion to be held on Saturday, June 13th. The social time and dinner will be held at the home of Jerry & Lynda Edmonds beginning at 4PM. Information is going out to classmates this week.

Classmates whose addresses are missing are: Sharon Anderson Payne, Yvonne Anderson Bird,Melanie Ellis McCuellar, Phillip Fairbanks, Roger Gudgel, Donald Sorenson, Larry Sundstrom, Terry Timmons and Fred Viramontez. Anyone with addresses for any of the above are asked to email to edmondsranch@att.net or contact any of the committee members. Committee members are: Lynda Edmonds, Susan Dollar, Carol Shiells, Debby Martinson, Shirley Onstot, Joan Beem and Carol Askren.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

As rescue efforts from the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Italy continue, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is continuing its effort to educate and better prepare Ventura County residents should such a disaster occur in our community.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, families and rescue personnel in L’AquAuqila, Italy. The damages and loss of lives are truly a tragedy, yet an important reminder to Ventura County residents to be prepared,” said Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.

Ventura County is vulnerable to a wide range of disasters including earthquakes, floods, fires, hazardous material incidents, transportation accidents, tsunamis and terrorism. Local officials are encouraging residents to be prepared by making an emergency supply kit, developing a family communications plan and being informed about the local hazards in Ventura County. Residents are also encouraged to consider making preparations in advance for family members with special needs and their pets. CONTINUED »

Camarillo, Calif. – There’s still time to be a part of local history through the American Red Cross of Ventura County’s, Quilt of Caring Program.

The campaign offers Ventura County residents and businesses an opportunity to help the local chapter raise needed funds to serve our community in times of disaster.

The large, multi-colored quilt will feature the names of individuals who have donated or who are recognizing the memory of a family member who may have benefitted from the American Red Cross. The quilt is being made by Connie Hall, a volunteer at the American Red Cross of Ventura County.

The $1,000 squares are sold out and 25% of the $500 squares have been purchased. The $250 and $100 squares are also still available. <1--break-->

The Quilt of Caring community campaign is symbolic of the historic foundation of volunteerism within the American Red Cross when quilters used to make quilts (former blankets) for the Red Cross to warm disaster victims, refugees and others in need. The signature quilts were also used as fundraising efforts, especially during times of war.

The sales of squares will continue through June 30th and the quilt is scheduled to be completed this summer. The Quilt of Caring will be prominently displayed in the lobby of the new building of the American Red Cross of Ventura County located at 836 Calle Plano in Camarillo.

To participate in the Quilt of Caring Program, visit the website at www.arcventura.org or call Maria Sanchez, Director of Development and Communications at 805-987-1514.

Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.

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

Thursday, May 7 - Winning Interviews, 9 am – 1 pm - supplies the tools to make a lasting first impression when interviewing. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Monday, May 11 - Computer Basics for Job Seekers, 9 am – 4 pm - become familiar with Windows desktop programs to enhance your job skills. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15 - Resumes that Sell, 9 am – 4 pm - 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 Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll. CONTINUED »

LOS ANGELES -- About 1 out of every 4 taxpayers, including nearly 4 million Californians, wait until the final week to do their taxes. If you’re one of those taxpayers, here are a dozen Q&As to help you meet the Wednesday, April 15 deadline.

1. Where can you get IRS forms and publications?

Go to the official IRS web site at www.irs.gov for tax forms and publications which can be downloaded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many libraries and post offices also provide free tax forms.

2. How can you get your taxes done for free?

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites help those making up to $42,000. VITA sites usually serve walk-in visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. AARP Tax Aide sites help seniors who have less complicated tax returns and usually require an appointment. CONTINUED »

In the midst of national and local economic difficulties, the Tax Collector’s office is seeing property taxes being paid at a higher rate than in the last several cycles. Heading into the week of the April 10 deadline, Ventura County property owners have paid approximately 144,000 bills of the county’s 244,054 taxable properties. Last year at this time, fewer than half the bill payments had been received.

Several possible reasons for this unexpected collection pace were offered by Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Matheney: “We suspect that part of the higher collection rate is due to the increased number of bank-owned properties in our area. These banks want the taxes to remain current while they are reselling their properties." Matheney continued, "But it appears to go deeper than the paying habits of banks. As a group, Ventura County homeowners have so far been able to make spending adjustments at an admirable level. However, the hardships faced by our families should not be discounted for a moment. Struggling and juggling define many of our neighbors.” CONTINUED »

Many readers here on The Fillmore Gazette’s website may be experiencing a situation where the most recent stories and photos do not appear on the Front Page. If you do not see any recent stories dated within the past week or so on the Front Page, please click on your browser’s “Refresh” button. If you are using “Internet Explorer” the button typically looks like two small green arrows, one arrow pointing up and the other arrow pointing down. If you are using “Firefox” the button typically looks like a blue circular arrow. In both browsers, the button is located near the top and will say "Refresh" or "Reload current page" when you hover over the button.

If you would like to know more about the details about why this happened, I interviewed myself for this story, and here is what I had to say. Question: “Scott, what caused this problem to occur?” Answer: “The website has become very popular over the past 6 months and the current traffic volume is frequently overloading the web server. To optimize the website I am in implementing a page caching system. The system has a bug that causes the Front (or home) Page of the website to not update automatically. All other sections of the website appear to be updating normally and working OK.” Question: “Scott, are you willing to personally help any of the 25,000 people that regularly visit the website if they need any help solving the problem?” Answer: “Yes. If you are not seeing the most recent photos and stories on the Front Page after pressing the Refresh button and need any help with the above instructions, please email me at scott@fillmoregazette.com and I will help you fix the problem. Thank You.”