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WELCOME FARM WATCH READERS!

Detective Ray Dominguez had the following to report for this edition:

"Farm Watch Readers, overall things have been relatively quiet. However, I have seen recent storage container burglaries reported throughout the county. I’ve seen reports coming in from Somis and the unincorporated areas surrounding Ventura and Santa Paula. Items being stolen include generators, chainsaws, fertilizer pumps, bags of fertilizer, and miscellaneous hand tools. At this time, it appears the burglaries are not related and were committed by different suspect(s).

In reviewing some of these reports and talking to victims, I’ve found that in many of these cases the storage containers in question have been attacked before. It cannot be emphasized enough; please check your storage facilities regularly to identify weak points that are susceptible to attack.

For example, one victim was using a storage container constructed primarily of steel, but had a portion made of plywood. The suspect(s) in this case forced entry by cutting through the wood portion of the container creating a hole in the side. The hole was large enough for them to easily remove property from the container and pass it through a chain-link fence they cut adjacent to the container, and into the back of a waiting vehicle. The reality here is that no matter how indestructible the lock is on the front of the storage container, if you have a weaker access point for crooks to use they will find it and exploit it. You need to start thinking like a crook when surveying your site for potential problem areas.

I also suggest you look at what it is you’re trying to store/protect. Please don’t use a $2 lock to protect a $10,000 load of fertilizer. It sounds silly, but I have seen it time and again. Remember when using chains and locks, “The bigger the better.” Use only high quality locks and heavy duty chain that is impervious to an attack with bolt cutters and other common cutting instruments.

When considering where you are going to store/protect property please ask yourself, “Am I storing the item in an area that is convenient, but also more susceptible to theft?” If so, you may want to consider moving the property to a less convenient, but more secure location for peace of mind.

Another thing to consider when selecting the location for a storage area is whether it’s close to a roadway which provides quick and easy access or tucked away on the property, out of sight and harder to get to? Does your facility have lighting and physical barriers such as fencing erected around the perimeter to limit accessibility? Have you considered using surveillance cameras and electronic alarm systems, or even hiring a private patrol company?

Here are some other general crime prevention tips for you to consider:

Perimeter:
-Maintain all fences and keep gates locked.

-Post “No Trespassing Signs” (3 per mile and at entrances to property).

-Make sure your address and Owner Applied Number sign are clearly visible.

-Build barriers using posts sunk in concrete to discourage vehicles from trespassing on roads or crossing property lines. Discourage 4x4 vehicles by digging a ditch or creating high dirt mounds where fences are not used to surround property.

Building Security:
-Secure and lock all windows and doors using hardened locks whenever possible.

-Install motion detector lights around buildings or in areas where there should be no traffic. Motion detectors can also turn on a bell, siren, alarm, pre-recorded messages and other security warning devices.

-Install security alarms.

Central Work Areas:
-Secure all equipment, including vehicles, and store in a visible, well lit area. If equipment will not be used for an extended period of time, bring it in and store it in a locked barn or shed. Install hidden “Kill switches” or render the vehicle inoperable by removing other electronic devices, i.e. distributor caps, batteries, etc. Use locking gas caps for ranch and business vehicles. This will help prevent sabotage. Never leave keys in your equipment.

-Fuel storage areas should have remote shut off switches for electrical power and locked electrical boxes. Lock fuel pumps and storage barrels. Portable fuel storage trailers or “Trap Wagons” should be brought in and securely stored overnight.

-Be aware of and report suspicious persons and vehicles to local Law Enforcement. Encourage employees to help spot strangers who don’t belong on the property and report it to their supervisors.

-Frequently patrol your property.

Employees and Neighbors:
-Know your employees, provide them with I.D. cards and educate them about crime prevention.

-Request prior work history and confirm their work experience.

-Limit employee access to buildings, equipment, chemicals and other valuables. If you have a large number of employees, a sign- in or log-in system may be necessary to limit access to certain areas of your business. Don’t hesitate to restrict areas you feel should be off limits.

-Know your neighbors and encourage them to report suspicious activities.

Mark all valuable property with your Owner Applied Number.
Report all crimes to local Law Enforcement.
Chances are you will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of a theft or burglary if you employ some of these simple practices. Remember that criminals look for easy targets where the risk of detection is slight and the profits are high.

When you cause a criminal to take more time, make more noise, and be more visible as he acts, you may prevent completion of a crime and perhaps even discourage an attempt.

As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me directly at one of the numbers listed below or by email.

The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property:

Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.
Be a good witness
Note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.
If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.
Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.

If you are not sure of how to address the problem or would like additional crime prevention tips please contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation or Detective Ray Dominguez directly at (805) 384-4726 or by email at ray.dominguez@ventura.org.

Contacts:

Camarillo Detective Mark Corriea, mark.corriea@ventura.org

Fillmore Detective John Fox john.fox@ventura.org

Ventura Detective Christine Rettura Christine.rettura@ventura.org

Agricultural Crimes Detective, Ray Dominguez at Ray.Dominguez@ventura.org

As always, we would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown and Det. Ray Dominguez, for this issue’s great crime and alert update.

Be alert and always safe!

Monica (797-6338)

Geoff Dean - Sheriff

John Crombach and Gary Pentis - Assistant Sheriffs

Michele Smith, current president of Fillmore Women’s Service Club accepted an award of appreciation from Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee for their club’s generous support with sponsoring 8 replanted pots along Central Avenue.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club is a unique group which has functioned since the 1960’s.

They are not attached to any other service organization in the United States, but focus their help entirely on the city of Fillmore.

They are pleased to be able to provide approximately $5000 in college scholarships for students that might “fall through the cracks”-middle income students with excellent grades and community service that aren’t eligible for other help.

This group also provides for other community needs such as benches, sponsoring a brick at the Historical Society, and providing each of the 6 teachers at Sierra Vista School with $100. The Equestrian Center also received a donation as a reward for their young people helping at the club’s 4th of July booth.

Fillmore Women’s Service club is a small group of about 20, but Michele said they welcome new members. They meet at the Fillmore Senior Center on Santa Clara Street, the second Wednesday of each month, at 7 pm.

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Riders from Kings Corner Training Stables showed their staying power, by winning Year End Awards for the Meadows of Moorpark. Karen Schott, Bailey Brantley, and Taurie Banks, came home with five of the top honors.

Sunday, Oct 14th, was the last Combined Test Derby to finish off the season. The Year End Awards were presented to those riders who have the most points for competing in each division through out the year.
At each competition, riders are required to compete in Dressage and A Jumping phase.

Dressage is a form of training and is judged by riding a pattern of movements, performed at specific markers in the arena, and are scored on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being perfect. These scores are added together along with scores for the overall impression of the ride, and converted into penalty points. The rider with the lowest score in Dressage is the leader.

The jumping phase at a Derby combines the challenge of Cross Country fences, that are solid and may include a bank, ditch or even water, and Stadium fences, which are the bright colored fences that can fall if the horse knocks them. The object of the jumping phase is to complete the course with no jumping penalties and within the time allowed.

The Dressage score is then added to any penalties from the jumping phase, and the winner is determined by the lowest overall score.

Adult Amateur, Karen CONTINUED »

HAVE YOU JUST REGISTERED TO VOTE? IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME VOTING? OR ARE YOU A LONG TIME VOTER BUT CONFUSED ABOUT THE PROPOSITIONS? Do the ballot initiatives confuse and befuddle you? Then come to the One Step a la Vez Center in the back of the chocolate church (Trinity Episcopal Church) on the corner of 2nd and Saratoga on Monday, November 5th at 5:30 for a discussion about the upcoming election. The pros and cons of each proposition will be discussed in a calm and informational way, describing each proposition, showing both sides of the argument as well as the financial impact of each. Questions? call Lynn at 805-907-6576.

Starting Sunday, November 4 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sun Salutations and relaxation - 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pranayama (breath control) and chanting 10-10:45 a.m.
Meditation - 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

$15.00 for 3 hours
$7.50 for 1 1/2 hours

Call Valerie (705-0405) or Janine (524-4856) with questions

Fillmore's Health and Wellness Center
448 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA, 93015
805-705-0405
A Space for Healing Experiences

Chivasskincare.com owners, Donna Johanson and daughter Lauren Johanson, along with employees, Shelly Reiman & Brandy Lengning received their certificate of appreciation from Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee for generously supporting our downtown Central Avenue replanting of the large pots with red, white & blue flowers.

This business which relocated to Fillmore in 2010, began in 2005 when Donna Johanson was raising goats for their milk. The milk supply was so abundant that she soon learned to make cheese & yogurt & then expanded into making lush skin care products like soap & creams. Goat milk has long been noted for its rich moisturizing effect on the skin. These products are available locally at Attractions Spa, The Scented Path and the Fillmore Historical Museum.

When asked why they wanted to be involved with the Central beautification project, Lauren spoke of being new to the community and wanting to support positive projects as well as get acquainted with the local townspeople.

To further this effort, they are sponsoring two upcoming events. Saturday, November 10, will be a Fall open house and Saturday, December 1 will be a holiday party with local vendors invited and food. Please check their website, www.chivasskincare.com, and local newspaper announcements for details or email, Brandy Lengning at brandy@chivasskincare.com for more information. They will also be having school field trips in the spring when the baby goats are born.

We are excited to have this new business in town and to welcome & thank these new owners for their support.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and green waste collection schedule during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11-17.

For more information, call 647-1414.

A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life Tree” at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park Plaza, Fillmore or Piru. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony for Fillmore on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 5:30 PM. or for Piru on Saturday November 17, 2012 5:30 on Center Street, near the Gazebo.

These names were received October 3 to October 24, 2012:
IN MEMORY OF:
Gene Wren
Jessie Dunn
Malcolm Jackson
Irene Horn
William Taylor
Charles Lee Randal
Frank Norris
Sophie Norris
Susan Taylor
The Zermeno Family
The Morones Family
Freda Hoy
Diane Dudley – My Wife
Cleo Chilikas
Mary Bamman
Russell D. Hardison
Philip J. Hardison
Jeff Asenas
Donald P. Musgrave
Marc Morales
Modesto Asenas
Bill Haynes
Olen Core
Sue Core
Diane Dudley
Dick Thompson
Chris Cone
Hank Carrillo
Larry Burch
Louise Williams
Charles Williams Philip Mulberry
IN HONOR OF:
Family & Friends of Fillmore Women’s Service Club
Gloria Mulberry
PIRU: IN MEMORY OF: Julian Rangel

SANTA PAULA, CA. - October 26, 2012 – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE) Chairman of the Board, Scott K. Rushing, today announced the Bank's 2012 third quarter results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit from operations of $157,000 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to a net profit of $140,000 for the third quarter of 2011. Year to date earnings from operations through September 2012 was $534,000 versus $384,000 for the same nine month period in 2012. The improvement in earnings in the third quarter 2012 was largely due to the improvement in non interest income and the reduction of non interest expenses.

A modest provision for loan losses of $75,000 was booked in the third quarter of 2012 to ensure a strong allowance for loan losses.

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Fillmore Residents Join Operation Christmas Child Efforts During National Collection Week; Seek to Reach Over 100 Million Children With Shoe Box Gifts Worldwide Since 1993

VENTURA, CA - While most people in the U.S. are preparing for holiday activities, local volunteers with Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind—are filling shoe box gifts with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children overseas. This year-round project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, is ramping up as local businesses, churches and community groups prepare to collect 14,500 gift-filled shoe boxes during National Collection Week (Nov. 12 – 19).

Anyone can drop off a packed shoe box at the Ventura-area collection site (address and hours below). Then, using whatever means necessary—trucks, trains, boats, bikes and even elephants—the shoe box gifts will be hand-delivered to hurting children in 100 countries around the world.

VENTURA COLLECTION SITE:
Trinity Lutheran Church
196 N Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 353-5949
Operating Hours:
Mon-Fri - Nov 12-16: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sat - Nov 17: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun - Nov 18: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mon - Nov 19: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

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Brian Troop

Ventura County, CA – Declaring that widely reported rising home sales and prices are gradually reducing the number of home owners who are underwater on their loans while sparking increased inventory, the top official of the Ventura County’s leading independent realty firm is advising “fence straddler’s” that now is the time to list their homes.

Brian Troop, president of Troop Real Estate, a firm with 14 county offices, said that while all the news is positive for a housing recovery, the big challenge is lack of inventory.

“So if you are a home owner considering selling, now is a great time to do so because there are literally dozens of buyers for every property and top dollar can be realized,” Troop said.

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The class of '2000 will always be know as the Millennium Class. Staying with Fillmore High Traditions, they had the usual school clubs, and a whole lot more. Have you ever heard of a Mock Trail? It's a real trail with the Defense, and Prosecution going at it with Witnesses. Surely a great educational experience for anyone involved. That year they had Donkey Basketball Ball, Career Day, and were involved in a Academic Decathlon. We're not sure if they won, but it says in the Copa de Oro that they did beat Santa Paula, and doesn't that matter most? Superintendent of Schools that year was Mr. Mario V. Contini, and the High School Principal was Mr. John Wilber '79. Vice Principals were Mr. Tom Ecklund, and Karen Ashim. The Cafeteria staff included Mary Garcia, Jennifer Golson, Pam Beal, Donna Edwards, Susan Sanchez, and Glenda Dejarnette. Math and Science departments seemed to be a fun learning experience, as well as the English Department. A student of Mr. Lindroth (English Teacher) says, "The discussions are long but interesting, we get a chance to listen to others on how they view things. We are also able to say our own opinion." In the Vocational Education Dept, classes offered were Home Economics, Child Development, Business, Drafting, Woodshop, Auto Restoration, Taught by Mr. Lin Thomas (A Fillmore High Grad), and a Photo/Graphic Art Class. Yes, it seems like the Millennium Class of Fillmore High has quite a year. We're sure that some of their class will be at the Alumni Associations 100th anniversary dinner on June 15th, 2013. We hope you all make plans to be there. Should be an evening to remember.

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Rick Neal Team Captain, and members of The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team presented a donation to Scott Klittich Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop #406 for $816 during the Scout meeting on Tuesday the 16th. The donation came from proceeds of a raffle the Fillmore Team held while hosting The Sheriff's Search and Rescue All Team Training at Piru Lake the previous weekend. Scout Master Scott Klittich said the boys had just returned from a camping trip near Bishop where they roughed it while 3 inches of snow fell on them overnight. Scoutmaster Klittich mentioned the Scouts might use the funds to upgrade some of their tents.

Mr. Melgoza Theresa Robledo/VP SI of Fillmore and Hugo Torres from Vallarta Restaurant in Fillmore.

The competition was stiff this year at the 1st Annual Heritage Valley Margarita Mix-Off, as local restaurants competed for the title of the Best Margarita in the Heritage Valley (held at Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet in Fillmore, on Sun. Sept. 30, 2012), but at the end Vallarta Restaurant in Fillmore came out victorious as the People’s Choice for the Best Margarita. Hugo Torres was on hand to mix the winning drink. Other winners included Most Original Margarita-Chappy Morris/Wm. L. Morris, Best in Show Margarita-Familia Diaz Restaurant (Santa Paula), Most Exotic Margarita, Mupu Grill (Santa Paula), Tastiest Treats-Orange Rush Café (Fillmore), Most Spirited Bartender-Mupu Grill (Santa Paula), Best Overall Presentation-El Pescador Restaurant (Fillmore) and Best Salsa-Tia Babe’s Restaurant (Santa Paula). Proceeds from the event will go towards projects sponsored by Soroptimist International of Fillmore. For more information on Soroptimist and/or the upcoming Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction on Sat. Nov. 17th please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590.

Fillmore Family Coalition in partnership with the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Education Program is excited to announce its tobacco merchant education campaign for retailers in the City of Fillmore. With support from the Fillmore City Council and Fillmore Sheriff’s Department, Fillmore Family Coalition members along with Tobacco Education Program staff are planning to visit all tobacco retailers in Fillmore.

Did you know? According to Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (2012) 90% of smokers began at or before the age of 18. Given current smoking rates, 596,000 youth alive in California will ultimately die from smoking*. The best way to prevent this is to limit the access youth have to tobacco products. Regardless of the fact that for over 100 years it has been illegal to sell tobacco products to minors, youth still state they find it easy to purchase tobacco products.

These educational visits will serve to empower businesses to make an impact on the health of our community’s youth. During these visits, business owners will be informed of current tobacco laws and information on how to reduce tobacco access to minors. Businesses will also be given a packet of educational materials and state issued tobacco signage.

Anyone interested in joining these efforts or would like more information please contact John Ford at 805.340.7335.

The Central Coast Tourism Council, one of the 12 tourist regions designated by the California State Tourism Coalition, held their monthly board meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on Friday, Oct. 19th. Representatives from tourism-related businesses from Santa Cruz to Simi Valley attended the function. Local attendees, as pictured were also joined by Carol Cohea, Director of Marketing Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. President of the CCTC, Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Visitor and Convention Bureau, presided over the meeting and introduced Duke Blackwood, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan President Library and Museum. He shared stories of how the library came into existence and the journey of Air Force one and mentioned that they have over 400,000 visitors per year, a huge draw for tourists right here in Ventura County.

The Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau has been a member of the CCTC for 2 years, and its board members find great value in partnering with many of the world-famous entities that are also members, such as The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, the cities of Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Gilroy, just to name a few. CCTC is a member based organization with over 200 members, one of them being the State of California Tourism Coalition. Their motto is "The original road trip", meaning State Highway 1, from Oxnard to Santa Cruz, and all other freeways, highways and byways that connect to it.

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For the seventh year, KSSP Photographic Studios will be offering FREE Halloween photography for children in costume, 12 years & younger, on Halloween, Wednesday October 31th. A free 4”x6” print will be printed (limit 1 free print per family or group) and available for pick-up on Halloween.

As in past years, no appointment is necessary and no purchase is necessary. The studio will be open from 3pm to 8pm to photograph individuals or groups, in costume. Children 12 and under will be photographed for free. For those over 12 years old, there will be a small charge.

“This is our way to give back to the community and to say 'thank you' for supporting us,” photographer Carmelita Miranda told the Gazette.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in portrait, wedding and quinceanera photography (and video). KSSP Photographic Studios is the school photographer for Fillmore High School. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com.