Parade Applications for the 2009 May Festival are available. The parade will be held Saturday, May 16th beginning at 10AM. The Chamber is “bringing back tradition” as the parade route will begin at Fillmore High School and continue through downtown Fillmore, ending at Santa Clara Street. Applications are available at the Chamber Office located at 557 Ventura Street (in between Vallarta’s & Fillmore Rental) or by calling 805-524-0351.

Vendor Applications are available for the 2009 May Festival to be held May 14 – 17, 2009. Applications are available at the Chamber Office located at 557 Ventura Street (in between Vallarta’s & Fillmore Rental) or by calling 805-524-0351.

The Santa Paula Fire Fighters Association is hosting a poker tournament (Texas Hold-Em) at Logsdon’s, at the airport, Saturday, March 7. The fundraiser is to benefit the association’s general fund. The SPFFA helps our town by providing small grants and donations to mainly youth organizations in our community. In the past the organization has helped the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, the Relay for Life, Santa Paula Little League and the Santa Paula Girls Softball League, just to name a few.

The cost to play is $50 and we begin playing at 7:00. Please be there at 6:30 to get registered and ready to play.

There are some great prizes like: a weekend at the Chumash Casino; trip to Vegas for two; dinner for two at Chumash Casino; and some cash prizes (debit card).

Door prizes from local companies; dinners, oil changes, and tire rotations…

The Humane Society of Ventura County has received a $10,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty for Animals to go toward the care of the 37 severely neglected horses that were rescued from a Lockwood Valley ranch last fall.

Jolene Hoffman, director of the Humane Society’s shelter in Ojai, said $5,000 of the grant is designated for the medical treatment and farrier (horse-shoeing) services for the horses, while the other $5,000 is to be used for food.

“What a blessing,” Hoffman said. “We’re in desperate need of funds, and this helps us with some of the costs that we are incurring to care for these horses.” CONTINUED »

On Monday, February 16 the Fillmore Lions Club honored and said goodbye to long time Lions member Bob Peterson. Bob has been a member of the Fillmore Lions Club since he arrived in Fillmore 1989—over 20 years. Bob has been the project treasurer for over 12 years. Bill Edmonds, the current Lions President said, "Bob has been a very valuable and dependable member and a great friend to everybody. He was always there to help and to serve."Bob and his lovely wife Margie are moving to a condo in Hueneme.”

"There I won't have to do much yard work", said Bob. Bob's family was present Monday as he received his accolades for many years of community service.

In other Lion's news Steve Garner and Paula Gahito were inducted as the newest Lion's members. Steve is an engineer and Paula works at Santa Clara Valley Bank.

Lions members Bill Edmonds and Bill Baumgartner presented San Cayetano third graders with American flags on Wednesday the 18th. They talked to the children about the meaning of the flag, its colors, stripes and stars and about how to respect the flag. Over 83 flags were presented to the students to take home.

The Lions program last Monday was about the Hedrick Ranch Nature area, a 223 acre property between Fillmore and Santa Paula. This property was purchased in 2001 by the California State Coastal Conservatory and then granted to the Friends of the Santa Clara River. Right now their main project is replacing alien plants with native fauna.

Jaime Valdovinos has won the Fillmore Lions Club Annual Peace Poster Contest after being a runner up last year. The theme was "Peace begins with me". The runner- ups were Marianna Gonzalez, who won the contest the past two years, Emelio Hernandez, and Amanda Vasseur. Art teacher Doris Nichols submitted more than 200 posters. She stated that this year's students produced the best art work and design of recent years. "They just keep doing better and better," said Nichols. Judges Bill Edmonds and Ken Mittan had a very difficult time choosing the winner.

Jaime's poster was among more than 375,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 21st annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. "Earth would be better if peace was everywhere", stated the 13 year old winner. The poster was selected by the judges for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, "Peace begins with me". CONTINUED »

Conway Spitler

As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U. S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world’s law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view..it is Moses and he is hold the ten Commandments!

Did you know? As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

Did you know? James Madison, the fourth ther of our constitution” made the following statement:
“We have staked the whole of all our politcal instituions upon the capacity of mankind for self-goverment, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves accordng to the ten commandments of God!”

* * *
It’s time again for the annual “Stella Awards”! This award is named after a 81-year old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sues the McDonalds in New Mexico where she purchased coffee. CONTINUED »

Special Notice For girls interested in doing the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant:

Due to the Fillmore High School Girls Varsity Basketball Program making to the CIF Quarter-Finals, the Mother-Daughter Tea scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th has been rescheduled and will be combined with the first practice. First Practice (& points will begin) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH - 5:30PM - Memorial Building.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Lori McLain at 524-4432

Human nature is very interesting, and predictable. We become aware of a possible impending danger, such as a disaster, and, if we are smart, we scamper about looking for ways to deal with it.

Nearly everyone considers laying aside a little food and water, some candles, a blanket or two, etc. Some, although a sadly small percentage, compile much larger stock piles. These may include such items as generators, portable radios, significant first aid and health supplies, medications, rain gear, warm clothing, sturdy boots or shoes, flashlights and batteries, lanterns cook stoves, the list can go on and on.

These stored supplies are vital in time of disaster. However, they are not the answer to disaster preparedness. While they may insure survival, they do not fill the needs of true preparedness.

We live in a society that has provided protection for itself by way of Fire , Police, and Emergency Medical services. We pay professionals to watch over us, and to be there when the need arises. Over the years, these organizations have developed into state of the art services. In general, we could not ask for better service, nor finer personnel to provide it.

Your local agencies have trained, retrained, and trained some more in disaster preparedness. You may rest assured, they know what to do in a disaster. And, they will do it well. CONTINUED »

The Fillmore’s Youth Act Club responded to Michelle Obama’s call for assistance to the food banks of our nation. The YouthAct Club in Fillmore donated $400 to FOOD Share. Local residents could participate in the local FOOD Share program Brown Bag It for Change by packing a lunch for just one day or more and donating the money you would have spent eating out to FOOD Share.

Bonnie Weigel, chief executive officer of the county food bank, said that each $10 donation can be turned into $180 worth of food to help hungry neighbors. FOOD Share’s Snack Attack program provides healthy nutritious after school snacks to approximately 1,800 children through 12 agencies countywide and provides food to nearly 40,000 people each month.

Sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary in Fillmore, the YouthAct Club of the Fillmore Middle School provides children the opportunities to learn about Rotary values and service to others. The leadership for the children’s participation in the Brown Bag It for Change, was provided by Mrs. Liz Helm, teacher for 7th & 8th graders. In addition, YouthAct Clubs are an important strategy to develop a Rotary relationship with young children.
For more information about the Sunrise Rotary and the YouthAct Club, please contact Irma Magana at 794-2353.

C.E.R.T. training is provided by Fillmore Fire Department Special Operations. C.E.R.T. is about readiness, and is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage their utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and, if they desire, assist their community by joining the Fillmore CERT Team. There is no cost for the training. WHEN: seven Wednesdays from 7 pm-9 pm, beginning March 4th, 2009; WHERE: El Dorado Club House; WHO: Adults; HOW TO REGISTER: Just attend class.

Inspired by the unique tastes to be found throughout the country, Domino's American Legends™ pizzas are available in six varieties at $12.99 for a large or $10.99 for a medium:

Honolulu Hawaiian - Sliced ham, smoked bacon, juicy pineapple, and roasted red peppers with provolone and mozzarella cheeses on a cheesy parmesan crust. Customers can make this pizza "fiery" by adding Tabasco(R) brand Pepper Sauce and jalapenos.

Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch™ - Chicken breast, white sauce, smoked bacon, tomatoes and parsley with provolone cheese and mozzarella cheeses on a cheesy provolone crust.

Pacific Veggie - Roasted red peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and black olives, with feta, mozzarella and provolone cheeses on a cheesy parmesan crust. CONTINUED »

Soroptimist International announces Womenʼs History Month/International Womenʼs Day and a call to action.
As we begin to get ready for spring, the women of Fillmore and Piru are invited to look forward to this month that is set out just for them. International Womenʼs Day is coming up March 8, 2009. Ladies, take this day to remember all the important women and events that have brought us here today. Do you remember Susan B. Anthony and her work towards the U.S. womenʼs suffrage movement? If not check it out on the web. Or, how about Rosa Parks? Her refusing to give up a seat on the bus led to an entire boycott and civil rights movement. What about Sandra Day O Conner, the first woman Supreme Court Justice? Maybe Amelia Earhart the pilot? How about Dr. Sally Ride the astronaut? Who could ever forget Eleanor Roosevelt the first lady?

All of these extraordinary women have something in common besides their gender. They made a difference in their world and have now become role models to women and girls everywhere. If you would like to become more involved in your community and influence the lives of women and girls as well, look no farther then your local Soroptimist International of Fillmore. We are an active and motivated club for the betterment of women and girls locally and internationally. Come to one of our monthly meetings to find out what we are all about and join in the fun while making a difference. Meetings are held the second and third Wednesday of every month. We meet at noon for lunch and our meetings are only one hour long. If you are looking for a club that supports life changing programs while receiving intangible rewards such as friendship and personal fulfillment then Soroptimist International of Fillmore is for you! For information and or to attend a luncheon as our guest please contact me, President Oralia Herrera at (805) 524-6936 or magnoliares@sbcglobal.net

On February 23, 2009, at approximately 4:29 p.m. the Santa Paula Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls of “Shots fired” in the area of Miller Alley.

Upon arrival, Officer Jeremy Watson located a subject with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the alleyway. Officer Watson immediately rendered medical aid to the victim. Shortly thereafter, the Santa Paula Fire Department and A.M.R. Paramedics arrived on scene and began treating the victim. The subject was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center Trauma Unit where underwent emergency surgery as a result of the gunshot wounds.

The investigation is still underway, therefore additional information and the identity of the victim will be withheld at this time. Once additional information is available, it will be released in the form of a supplemental press release.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

The February issue of "Flashbacks" should be in the hands of all alumni members who are Life Members or are paid up yearly members, by Friday of this week. If you live out of town, it may take a little longer, but you don't want to miss this issue, which has lots of interesting articles. There are letters from the "older set", bringing us up to date on what has been happening in their lives, and also letters from the younger alumni members who are attending colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Also, a great letter and picture from Gerald Hamm, reminding us of the softball teams that played in Fillmore in the late '40's and early 50's. If you are not a paid up member of the alumni association, or if you need to renew your membership, you can go on line at: www.fillmorehighalumni.com to get a subscription application. Membership in the alumni association not only brings you "Flashbacks", but it helps support other alumni activities.

The February board meeting of the Board of Directors of the alumni association will be held Monday evening, February 23 at the home of Marla DeZavala. Discussions regarding the Shasta Daisy project, Class Reunions, Renewals of alumni memberships, Fund Raisers and the 2009-2010 Scholarships will be held. Information regarding this meeting will be in next week's Gazette. CONTINUED »