The Fillmore Flower Show, “Celebration of Flowers”, coming April 14, 15th, will feature some newly added categories because of interest at last year’s show.

Newly added categories will be: single stem cut iris divided into 3 classes for Bearded, Spuria, & Japanese; the potted plant division will have classes for African violets, Orchids, Cacti & succulents.

Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee members have been busy preparing for the show, selecting award prizes, gathering door prizes and preparing potted plants to raise funds to continue this community endeavor. It takes many, many volunteers to have this effort run smoothly and it has been wonderful to see friends step in to help with this show even though they are busy people.

We still are in need of some more volunteers! If you would be able to help set up on Friday at 3pm, or to help Saturday morning getting entries carried in for placement at 7:30am, or just to help in a time slot as hostesses(standing or sitting in a room to see that nothing is touched or moved), please call Joanne King at 805-524-4904.
Volunteering is a great way to get to know others in the community and share in this worthwhile effort that first began before World War I.

Got clutter? If so, Fillmore has set March 31 as “City-Wide Clean Up Day”.

City residents and small business owners are encouraged to bring their clutter to Well No. 4 on Goodenough Road, between A & B Streets, both Saturdays, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Trash, recyclables, furniture, appliances, old tires, refrigerators and electronic waste are among the materials that will be accepted, free of charge.

The City of Fillmore is setting aside two Saturdays in 2012 – April 7 to allow residents and small business owners to drop off materials, free of charge, that are not accepted in either your trash or recycling barrels for safe disposal.

The Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days. Residents and small business owners can bring their HHW to Fillmore’s Public Works Department yard at the corner of A Street and Sespe Place.

The Collection will accept: Latex (water-based) and oil-base paints; computers and electronics; pool and photo chemicals; cleaning solvents; pesticides and insecticides; fertilizers; automobile batteries; used motor oil and filters; single-use and rechargeable batteries; and fluorescent light bulbs.

The Collection will not accept: fireworks, smoke detectors, radioactive and medical waste; explosive materials; compressed gas cylinders; tires; or trash.

Appointments are necessary. Call 658-4323.

Applications for the 2012 Little Miss and Mister Sweetheart Pageant are currently available. This pageant is open to Girls ages 0 – 12 yrs and Boys ages 0 – 6yrs. Contestants will be judged on beauty and personality. If you were selected a 2011 King or Queen in this Pageant, you must change age categories in order to be eligible to compete. Pageant will take place on Sunday, May 6th at Mountain Vista Cafeteria. Entry fee is $50.00. New Categories have been added for $10.00 ea. or you can enter all six for $50.00. They include Best Smile, Best Hair, Best Attire, Prettiest Eyes, Best Personality and Most Beautiful Face. Application deadline is Friday, April 13th. Applications may be obtained at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce or by calling #805-340-6222 or #805-850-5253.

From Roy Grover. An old history of Ventura county. http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/files/76412.swf

Ventura, CA - In conjunction with National Healthcare Decisions Day, Community Memorial Health System is holding a community dialogue on end-of-life care, including advance medical directives and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, on Tuesday, April 17.

James Hornstein, M.D., chairman of the Bioethics Committee at Community Memorial Hospital, will lead the discussion that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at CMH, located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura. Professionals from CMH’s Social Services, Palliative Care and Spiritual Care departments also will be on hand.

At the conclusion of the evening, participants will be able to:

Understand the various tools to support their end-of-life wishes;
Have the opportunity to work with CMH professional to answer questions;
Begin to fill out their own advance directives;
Learn what resources are available for caregivers.

Dr. Hornstein received his medical degree from UCLA in 1980 and his certificate in Advanced Studies in Bioethics from Loyola Marymount University in 1996. He is board-certified in Family Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Medicine and has been a lecturer at UCLA, USC and other institutions, where he has taught ethics in society and medical ethics.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Ojai, CA - Hyperbaric medicine – the use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure to heal problem wounds – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, April 14.

John Tesman, M.D., a local hyperbaric medicine and chronic wound care specialist, will lead the seminar from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the banquet room at Soule Park Golf Course, 1033 East Ojai Avenue.

The seminar will provide an introduction to hyperbaric medicine with information on the diagnosis and treatment of difficult wounds. Dr. Tesman also will talk about CMHS’s Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing while explaining:

What causes non-healing wounds;
How hyperbaric chambers work and what they treat;
How wound care centers heal difficult wounds;
If you are a candidate for specialized wound care.

Dr. Tesman is board certified in emergency medicine, undersea and hyperbaric medicine and is a Fellow of the College of Chronic Wound Care Specialists. He is the medical director for the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine and is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Space is limited, so call 805/640-2355 for reservations, or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

The 2011-2012 Ventura County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) initiated this investigation into vehicle impound costs in Ventura County (County) based on newspaper articles alleging abusive fees charged by Los Angeles County’s City of Bell. This report focuses on the fees charged by the cities and agencies of the County to reimburse administrative costs related to driving without a driver’s license, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Vehicles are towed and impounded when a driver has been found by law enforcement agencies to be driving without a valid driver’s license or to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. High costs may be incurred by the driver/owner when recovering a vehicle from impound. People with lower incomes may find it difficult or impossible to pay the cost of vehicle recovery. This may lead to loss of the vehicle through confiscation and sale by the impounding company.

The Grand Jury requested information with respect to impound fees, procedures, and policies from the Ventura County Sheriff (Sheriff), the ten cities in the County (Cities), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Grand Jury also reviewed California law and performed internet searches for newspaper articles related to the vehicle impound process.

The Grand Jury found that there was no evidence that the Sheriff or any of the Cities, with the exception of the City of Thousand Oaks (Thousand Oaks), were collecting funds beyond the allowable administrative costs related to the removal, impound, storage, or release of the vehicles. Even when recovery fees reached the $300 level, as identified in a September 5, 2010 Los Angeles Times (Times) article titled “Impounded cars boost Bell’s coffers,” the fees were justified and in compliance with Vehicle Code section 22850.5.

In the case of Thousand Oaks, the inclusion of an offset cost for the Thousand Oaks’ “Start Smart” driving classes in a vehicle release fee conflicts with the requirements of Vehicle Code section 22850.5, subdivision (a).

The Grand Jury found that all Cities passed resolutions authorizing the collection of the fees required for release of a vehicle from impound. However, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors (Board of Supervisors) has not passed a resolution to cover vehicle release fees in the unincorporated areas of the County.

The Grand Jury also found that there is no countywide standardized list of allowable categories for impound costs used as the basis for calculating vehicle release fees. Some cities base fees on costs that are incurred after a traffic stop transitions to the impound process—traffic citation issued or arrest effected and request for tow initiated—and ends with the vehicle release paperwork. Other cities and the Sheriff collect fees based only on the cost of paperwork generated at the end of the impound process. These disparities contribute to a wide range of County vehicle release fees from a low of $11 for unincorporated areas of the County to a high of $300 for Thousand Oaks. The wide range of fees contributes to a public perception that Cities charging higher fees may be profiting from impounds as implied by the Times article about the City of Bell.

The Grand Jury recommends that County law enforcement agencies meet and identify a standard set of tasks, labor hours and overhead items to cover the administrative costs of vehicle release fees. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Cities and the Board of Supervisors use the standardized cost categories to calculate their individual vehicle release fees. The Grand Jury recommends that Thousand Oaks review the legal basis for including an offset fee for their “Start Smart” driving classes in any vehicle release fee. Finally, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors pass a resolution to collect vehicle release fees for the unincorporated areas of the County.

Go to the Grand Jury website to review the entire report http://grandjury.countyofventura.org

Oscar Hernandez

Where does a sense of community pride come from? As a member of this community for the last 34 years …There is no question that my heart belongs to Fillmore. I have always loved the feel of this “small town”. Recently, thanks to the teenagers (of all ages) I realized what it is about this community that makes it my home. We have some amazing young adults, A prime example is a boy whose name is Oscar Hernandez. A large boy for his age of 13, almost 6ft. tall and in the 7th grade. Oscar has a very gentle spirit, as I have observed him during lunch time, he watches out for the smaller classmates. Such as if a ball is coming their way he would intercept it so they are not harmed. Or if he sees a classmate wandering off he will with out being told, gently guide them back to where they need to be. He also attends our after school program, one day he expressed to me a desire to play basketball. When it came time for tryouts I encouraged him to try out. He kept saying he wanted to but was so scared and nervous, but he did it! While I was watching him during the tryouts, I realized he really had no knowledge of the game. He was running and watching the other boys and learning as he went. On a water break, I asked him “have you ever played basketball? Or watched it on T.V.?” He said “No, he just liked to throw baskets.” I was amazed that he was picking it up as he went. The more seasoned boys took him in and were guiding him where to be and what to do next. One particular boy I remember was Michael Stump. Oscar didn’t make the team and was very disappointed. The city of Fillmore still had openings for their signups. An email was sent out to all the teachers at the Middle school, the money came in that day.

He was put on a team coached by R.J. Stump and Keith Gurrola. In support of Oscar I went to every game along with his mother, it was a blast! The first game you could tell he was a little green (so to say), but by the next couple of weeks he was blossoming right along. All the boys were incredible. I loved watching them all pat each other on their backs, giving high fives even when they missed a shot. Helping each other get up from a fall, or shouting “Hey good job”. Their team came in second place, and Oscar was picked along with two other boys, Adrian Gonzales and Eric Diaz for an all star game. Oscar and his team mates won with a 20 point lead! We are all so proud of him and all the boys. A very special thanks to his coaches and all the boys for a great season. Also thanks to the teachers and staff that supported Oscar. It touched my heart to see this boy excel and have such a good time. We have some pretty awesome kids!

The Pennies for Patients fundraiser at FHS was very successful, lasting two weeks and exceeding its goal of $800. Our final amount raised was 1,120 dollars and eighty four cents, our top three classes raising the most were Mr. Mark Kandel with over $270, Mr. Steven Kandel with $224.39 and Mr. MacMahon with $153.64. The students seemed to feel more of a sense of responsibility this year, and it showed in the way they and the staff contributed to the cause- finding a cure for blood cancers. Our next big event will be the Make-A-Wish walk scheduled for May 16, 2012

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will participate in the “Light It Up Blue” campaign the week of April 2-6, 2012, by lighting the campus Bell Tower in a shade of blue to support autism awareness on World Autism Awareness Day. “Light It Up Blue,” in its third year, is a unique global initiative by Autism Speaks to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism. Iconic landmarks around the world will “Light It Up Blue” to show their support on April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day. In addition, student initiatives will occur throughout campus and various blue lights will be displayed in offices and common areas.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism crisis and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and features community events around the world where individuals with autism and their families are warmly welcomed and embraced.

According to Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum - a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

CI is hosting an information fair on Monday, April 2 that is open to the public and will include the Ventura County Autism Society, regional service providers, and CI’s Disability Resource Programs. Student speakers, administrators and a special countdown will begin at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Bell Tower.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

The dog was found on Thursday March 15 in the Foothill Drive area of Fillmore.

She appears to be not much more than one year, is tan in color, short haired, female. She’s very fine boned and is deer like. She had a collar on but no tags. She is sweet & smart and does not seem as if she’s been on the streets for any length of time.

Am hoping to find her owner as we have two of our own and cannot keep her. Am taking her to the vet later this afternoon to see if she’s chipped and if not will have to bring her to the pound.

My home phone is 805.524.6813. My daytime phone 213.345.6550 however cannot leave a message there.

The Fillmore High School Alumni softball game has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 14th. We are still looking for FHS Lady Flashes softball players to fill some open slots so if you are interested in playing please contact Liz Hinklin at 805-905-9742 or by email at lhinklin@fillmore.k12.ca.us

Los Angeles, CA – A former revenue agent with the Internal Revenue Service was sentenced today to 33 months in prison in relation to a securities fraud scheme that took more than $8 million from hundreds of victims across the country.

George Tannous, 55, of Lake View Terrace, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Dean D. Pregerson. In addition to the prison term, Judge Pregerson ordered Tannous to pay total restitution of $8,797,201 to 218 victims.

In May of 2008, Tannous pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy and subscription to a false tax return. The charges related to Tannous’ participation in a scheme to defraud investors nationwide through material misrepresentations and the concealment of material facts in the sale of investments in Bidbay.com, Inc., AskGT.com, Inc., and related companies from 1999 through 2003.

Documents filed with the court outline a scheme in which Tannous and three co-conspirators solicited victims to purchase unregistered stock in Bidbay.com, Inc. and several related companies. Tannous was the president of Bidbay. Bidbay was in the business of developing and marketing an internet auction website. According to the plea agreement, victims were lured by false statements that Bidbay.com would soon be acquired by internet auction company eBay, Inc. of San Jose, California.

Tannous failed to disclose that Bidbay.com and the related companies paid sales commissions of up to 50% percent to telemarketers who solicited investors, according to court papers. In 2001, Tannous personally received nearly $3 million in investor funds that he failed to disclose to the IRS.

According to documents filed with the court, Tannous further failed to disclose to investors that one of his co-conspirators was a convicted felon awaiting sentencing on unrelated fraud charges. That co-conspirator, De Elroy Beeler, Jr., was sentenced to 36 months in custody in 2002. Upon his release from custody in 2005, Beeler returned to telemarketing and is awaiting sentencing in the related case.

The investigation and prosecution of Tannous was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Unclaimed items being advertised: Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Steven Hintz, announced that the Treasury is doing a County-wide escheatment of unclaimed monies that are not the property of Ventura County under Government Codes 50050-50056. An advertisement of all items that have been reported by various County agencies as being unclaimed can be found in today’s section of Public Notices as well as in the March 23, 2012 edition. A party of interest may contact the Treasurer’s Office at (805) 654-3746 to obtain a claim form. The last date for claim forms to be received by the Treasurer’s Office is May 4, 2012, 5:00 pm, at which time unclaimed items shall become the property of Ventura County.

Sacramento, CA – With only a few weeks left in the tax filing season, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) reminds taxpayers about free online tax help online.

“Taxpayers can save time and money with these free online services,” said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang. “Taxpayers can get their refunds direct-deposited in 7-10 days when they use CalFile or ReadyReturn.”

Taxpayers can access a number of resources at FTB’s website: ftb.ca.gov including:

· e-file your tax return for free using ReadyReturn. Qualified taxpayers have a completed tax return ready and waiting for them.

· CalFile, California’s free and direct e-file program available to more than 6.4 million taxpayers.

· MyFTB Account to check for estimated tax payments, recent payments made to a balance due, look up California wage and withholding information, change your address, or set up email reminders for estimate tax payments.

· Make tax payments online using Web Pay or your credit card. New this year is the ability to save your bank account number for future use, to view scheduled Web Pay requests, and to cancel a payment.

· Check your refund status.

· Find answers to frequently asked questions.

· Get tax forms and publications.

· Find a location to pick up a tax booklet.