VENTURA, CA - Many VISTA bus lines have seen double-digit gains in ridership in recent months, an indication more Ventura County residents are turning to public transit as a travel alternative.

Ridership on VISTA’s CSUCI-Camarillo line shot up a whopping 32.1 percent over this time last year, while ridership on VISTA’s East County line climbed 25 percent and CSUCI-Oxnard rose by 20 percent. The Coastal Express – which links Ventura County with Santa Barbara and remains VISTA’s most popular service – along with the VISTA Highway 101 posted gains of 13.5 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively. VISTA Highway 126, which runs nearly at capacity on some trips, saw a 6.6 percent hike. Ridership on VISTA’s Santa Paula and Fillmore Dial-A-Ride services saw increases of 6.2 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. Each of these increases exceeds national bus ridership growth of 3.29 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011. Only VISTA’s Conejo Connection service, which connects Ventura County with Warner Center, saw a modest dip in total ridership.

“While the VISTA service has grown steadily across the years, with this latest increase in ridership we are beginning to see ‘at-capacity’ conditions on some of our more popular lines,” noted VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. “We are thrilled to see more Ventura County residents select transit, and we are working to accommodate more riders on our busiest lines.” One such solution is the Coastal Express Limited, a limited-stop service between Ventura and Santa Barbara operated by Santa Barbara MTD and funded as a part of the region’s freeway construction mitigation.

One likely reason for the increase in transit ridership is recent increases in gasoline prices. The average cost for a gallon of regular stands at nearly $4.40 in Ventura. That’s up almost 50 cents over last month, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Compare the cost to fill an average tank with the price of a bus pass (ranging from $20 for Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride only to $105 for all fixed-route buses in Ventura County). Alternatively, the one-way adult fare can be as little as $1.25 per trip.

To learn more about VISTA bus services as well as all of VCTC’s programs and services, visit www.goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112.

At the March 27th luncheon meeting at the Fillmore Memorial Building the ladies will be entertained by Judy Klement a award winning artist. She is known for her soft pastels that come alive in her portraits, land and seascapes. Originally from the east coast she now lives and has her studio/gallery in Santa Paula. Her art graces fine homes and establishments in the US and abroad. She will be painting portraits of some of the ladies in the audience. She claims that she is a wild art teacher and while painting she will be entertaining the group with many anecdotes .

The lunch which is now deliciously catered by Rose Zellmer starts at 12:30pm for the small cost of $12.00 and the program will start about 1:30pm. For reservations or more information please call Yvonne Deeter 524-2090.

A letter from Reunion Chair, Jim Maddux.

Two months ago I sent you a letter regarding our 60th Class Reunion. I am pleased to report that we have received a very enthusiastic response. Thank you for your letters, e-mails, and phone calls. I am humbled by the effort that you are making to attend. One person said that they have postponed a hip and knee replacement until after the reunion. We have class members coming from as far as Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and Northern and Central California.

I am taken back by the compassion that you have and are now giving to your spouses, and in some cases receiving, as result of different illnesses. I have been impressed by the care given to our former class mates by their spouses and family. A daughter of one of our deceased members remarked: "The death certificate said that Dad died of a heart attack but he really died of a broken heart. Mom had died 8 months previously and they were so close."

At this time we know where 44 class members live, we now know that 27 class members are deceased and there are 6 class members I can't find. We have no record of what happen to Pauline Gallion after graduation. The last address I have for Claudia Gonzales Gonzales is in Azusa. I have no information on Pat Hays. In my year book she signed her name "Pat Shull (Hays). The last address I have for Joyce Moffett Jones is in Laguna Niguel. The last address I have for Aurthur P. (Art) Lopez is in North Hills. The last addresses I have for Helen Gates Meredith Huntsville and Decatur Alabama. If you have any new information, please let me know.

At this time it looks as if we will have around 30 class members attending plus their spouses and friends. I have enclosed a copy of the reservation form which you should fill out and mail to the Alumni Association. Social hour begins at 4:00pm. I will be there at 4:00p.m. with some snacks to hold you over until dinner at 6:00p.m. Some of you have some very interesting hobbies and artistic skills. Please bring pictures and samples of your work.

In my opinion we were very blessed to have lived in Fillmore when we did. There are many happy memories and experiences we had that few ever have in their lifetime. Be prepared to share some of your treasured memories and experiences.

SEE YOU SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH, 2012

After a relaxing week-long vacation for Fillmore High, the school was already back in full swing on Monday, caught up in the flurry of activities centered around our annual Battle of the Sexes rally. There were dress-up days every day of the week, and the Bachelorette at lunch as well. Food Day on Friday proved to be a fantastic success; almost every stand completely sold out. The rally itself was energetic and competitive, finishing with the girls triumphing over the boys, although it was a close call. The same could be said for the two teams going head to head on later that night for the traditional Powder puff football game- junior girls vs. senior girls. The game received an excellent turnout in the stands, parents and friends from both sides coming together to cheer on the teams, each having practiced only a week beforehand. The girls proved themselves more than capable; the game was a very close one- the seniors only had one touchdown: a pass thrown by quarterback Ana Morino to Ashley Coert in the end zone. The juniors put up a hard fight, and nearly scored a touchdown of their own in the third quarter. Overall, it was an excellent week for the entire school, and as the third quarter ends, we look forward to many more in the remaining term.

Livingston Visiting Nurse Association will hold Diabetes Classes to introduce basic information regarding diet, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, new developments and common problems. Open to the public and free of charge, the classes are held the first Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm @Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101, Ventura. No registration is necessary; for information call Linda Hampson, RN, MSN @ 805-642-0239,ext 723.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for one million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2008, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2008 must be filed with the IRS no later than Tuesday, April 17, 2012.

The IRS estimates that half of these potential 2008 refunds are over $600.

In some cases, people may not have filed their 2008 returns because they had too little income to require filing a tax return even though they had taxes withheld from their wages or made quarterly estimated payments. In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

For 2008 returns, the window closes on April 17, 2012. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by that date. There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2008 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2009 and 2010. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

By failing to file a return, people stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2008. Some people, especially those who did not receive an economic stimulus payment in 2008, may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit. In addition, many low-and moderate-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2008 were:
• $38,646 ($41,646 if married filing jointly) for those with two or more qualifying children,
• $33,995 ($36,995 if married filing jointly) for people with one qualifying child, and
• $12,880 ($15,880 if married filing jointly) for those with no qualifying children.
For more information, visit the EITC Home Page on IRS.gov.

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications page of IRS.gov or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for 2008, 2009 or 2010 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer. If these efforts are unsuccessful, taxpayers can get a free transcript showing information from these year-end documents by ordering it on IRS.gov, filing Form 4506-T, or by calling 800-908-9946.

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Internal Revenue Service today warned senior citizens and other taxpayers to beware of an emerging federal tax refund scam tempting victims to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds. Bogus refund claims have been identified from California and at least five other states, including Georgia, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama and Indiana.

These schemes carry a common theme of promising refunds to people who have little or no income, and are normally not required to file a federal income tax return. Promoters falsely claim they can obtain a tax refund or nonexistent stimulus payment for their victims based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, even if the victim was not enrolled in or paying for college.

Typically, con artists falsely claim that refunds are available even if the victim never went to college, or attended decades ago. In many cases, scammers are targeting seniors, people with very low incomes and members of church congregations with false promises of free money.

“Most of these scams involve promoters who prey upon people in need, building false hopes. When victims’ claims are rejected, their money and the promoters are long gone,” said IRS spokesperson Anabel Marquez. “We want to warn the public to be on guard and stop this new scheme before more innocent people are victimized,” Anabel Marquez added.

The IRS has already detected and stopped thousands of these bogus refund claims in recent weeks. The agency is actively investigating the sources of this scheme, and its promoters can be subject to criminal prosecution.

These schemes can be quite costly for victims as promoters may charge exorbitant upfront fees to file their claim. Some promoters of these scams have charged victims $500 for a bogus $1,000 credit. All taxpayers, including those who use paid tax preparers, are legally responsible for the accuracy of their returns, and must repay any refunds received in error, plus any interest and applicable penalties. Those who intentionally try to defraud the government may face criminal prosecution.

Taxpayers should beware of any of the following to avoid becoming ensnared in these schemes:

• Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits.
• Unfamiliar for-profit tax services selling refund and credit schemes to the membership of local churches.
• Internet solicitations that direct individuals to toll-free numbers and then solicit social security numbers.
• Homemade flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.
• Offers of free money with no documentation required.
• Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.”
• Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for economic stimulus payments.
• Unsolicited offers to prepare a return and split the refund.
• Unfamiliar return preparation firms soliciting business from cities outside of the normal business or commuting area.

These refund schemes feature many of the warning signs IRS cautions taxpayers to watch for when choosing a tax preparer. For advice on choosing a competent tax professional, see Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer on IRS.gov. To get the facts on tax benefits related to education, go to the Tax Benefits for Education Information Center on IRS.gov.

Please join us for a short presentation by VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle as he presents the VCTC’s vision plan for 2035 and a short question and answer session. Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 6:00pm at the One Step Center located at 600 Saratoga Street, Fillmore, CA 93015. Child care, refreshments, and raffle!

Found dachshund black w. Brown face. Super friendly. Found 3.9.12 in piru. If dog belongs to you contact asap. 805.587.2342.

All Noah wants to do is play and be loved. He is a gentle giant - a five year old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix who ended up at the county animal shelter because his owners had a new baby. Noah already knows several commands and his big brown eyes are begging for love and attention.

This coming weekend, March 17th & 18th, the Ventura County Animal Shelter is having a half price adoption event to encourage people to come adopt animals like Noah. For $60 you can find your own Luck Charm. Your adoption fee includes the animal’s spay/neuter, microchip, rabies shot, license, obedience lessons and a coupon for a free vet exam.

Over ten thousand animals go through the county animal shelter each year. Go to www.vcas.us and see if one of those animals may be your Lucky Charm.

Combination to Substantially Enhance California Central Coast Presence

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - UnionBanCal Corporation (UNBC) and its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A. (Union Bank), today announced that UNBC has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Capital Bancorp (NASDAQ: PCBC), a bank holding company headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, for $46 per share in cash. The acquisition, which requires approval from banking regulators and subject to other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012. Following entry by the companies into the agreement, SB Acquisition Company LLC, the holder of approximately 75 percent of the outstanding shares of common stock of Pacific Capital Bancorp, delivered to Pacific Capital Bancorp its action by written consent adopting and approving the agreement.

By acquiring Pacific Capital Bancorp and its primary bank operations, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, N.A., Union Bank will expand its geographic footprint to important areas of the Central Coast. Union Bank will become the leading bank in the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), fourth in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks MSA, fourth in the Salinas-Carmel MSA and a top five bank in other Central Coast MSAs. This acquisition will strengthen Union Bank's ability to serve customers through greater scale and distribution in community banking, consumer, commercial and small business lending, and wealth management.

The transaction values Pacific Capital Bancorp at approximately 1.6 times adjusted tangible book value, and reflects the unique strategic value of this acquisition to Union Bank and the opportunity to realize significant operating synergies. Pacific Capital Bancorp's tangible book value is expected to increase significantly upon the close of the transaction from tax-related assets and an increase in the value of the loan portfolio.
Union Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Masashi Oka said, "We are excited about the opportunity to acquire Pacific Capital Bancorp and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. This allows us to extend our community-focused banking services to customers in the vitally important Santa Barbara and Central Coast regions." (more) Mr. Oka added, "As a responsible California-based bank that has provided services to Californians for nearly 150 years, our approach and focus on long-term customer and community relationships will be a perfect fit with Pacific Capital Bancorp. Santa Barbara and the Central Coast are very attractive regions for banking and wealth management services, and represent an important geographic expansion for Union Bank. We look forward to working with the employees of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust."

"This transaction is confirmation of the significant achievements over the past 18 months of the entire team at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, an outstanding community bank franchise," said Pacific Capital Bancorp Chief Executive Officer Carl B. Webb. "We have joined forces with a strong, stable financial services organization that shares our vision of community-based banking.

The combination of our two organizations ensures that our local customers and communities will continue to be well served in the future by a responsible, high quality bank with significant capabilities and convenience throughout California." UnionBanCal Corporation has engaged Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC as its financial advisor in connection with this acquisition. Its legal advisor is Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Pacific Capital Bancorp engaged Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as its legal advisor for this transaction.
Sandler O'Neill + Partners provided a fairness opinion to Pacific Capital Bancorp's Board of Directors.
An investor presentation for this transaction is available at (web hyperlink) About UnionBanCal Corporation & Union Bank, N.A.

Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $89.7 billion at December 31, 2011. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., is a fullservice commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank operated 414 branches in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas and New York, as well as two international offices, on December 31, 2011. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world's largest financial organizations. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.

About Pacific Capital Bancorp & Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, N.A.
Pacific Capital Bancorp, with $5.9 billion in assets, is the parent company of Santa Barbara Bank
& Trust, N.A., a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Santa Barbara which operates 47 branches in eight California counties on the Central Coast of California. SBB&T provides a full line-up of community banking, commercial banking, and trust and wealth management products and services. The Company's website, including investor relations information, can be found at www.pcbancorp.com; SBB&T's website, including products and services information and branch locations, can be found at www.sbbt.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This document includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words "believe," "continue," "expect,"
"target," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "potential," "project," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in UNBC's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond UNBC's ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on UNBC's financial condition, results of operations and/or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to uncertainties as to the timing of completion of the proposed acquisition, the possibility that various closing conditions (including regulatory approval) for the proposed transaction may not be satisfied at all or in a timely manner or waived, UNBC's ability to retain key employees and other risks and uncertainties discussed in UNBC's public filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available at the time of such document, and UNBC assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Harrison Fillmore Spring 2012 Commercial Trash Flash Newsletter

Bill Watkins

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting will present its 2012 Ventura County Economic Forecast in two seminars on Thursday, March 29.

CERF Executive Director Bill Watkins will present the county report as well as first quarter forecasts for California and the United States at both seminars. In addition, Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast in Santa Barbara, will present his 2012 Ventura County outlook. The programs will conclude with the two economists answering questions posed by moderator TimGallagher and audience members.

The east county event, which will include breakfast, will be held from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in CLU’s Lundring Events Center in Thousand Oaks. The west county seminar, which includes lunch, is slated from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura.

CERF provides local, state and national forecasts for government, business and nonprofit leaders. Watkins, formerly the executive director of the Economic Forecast Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been providing accurate, unflinching forecasts for more than a decade and has been widely published in academic journals, traditional media and new media. He and other members of the CERF team have been quoted by news organizations including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NBC, Fox Business Network, Forbes and Bloomberg News. Watkins, who has a doctorate in economics, previously served as an economist with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, D.C.

Schniepp prepares economic forecasts for all of California’s counties and participates in large public conferences in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties. He was the director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project from 1985 to 2000 and also served as a senior economist to the state controller of California.

Sponsors include Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and Thrivent Financial.

Lundring Events Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the north side of Olsen Road near Campus Drive. The Crowne Plaza is at 450 E. Harbor Blvd.

Online registration, which includes access to the full forecast, is $175. To register, go to www.clucerf.org. The cost will be $200 on the day of the events.