If you want your Labor Day to be free of labor, at least for Fun, Food and Entertainment than Piru Fest is your “E” ticket ride. All you need to do is take a short drive though the scenic Heritage Valley to arrive at beautiful historic down town Piru. Your ears might be the first to tell you that you have arrived when they delight to velvety smooth harmonics of Danny Torres and the Piru River Band and DJ Galindo. Next your sense of smell will backup what your ears were saying, when your nose picks up on the aroma of all the great food cooking. Yours eyes will be the final confirmation when they behold all the hometown style sights that our annual PiruFest has to offer. Since it all kicks off at High Noon we expect you might arrive hungry. So just as soon you hitch your wagon and tie off your horses you'll probably want to check these good folks out right off the bat. Poncho's Mexican Restaurant, Elva’s Tri Tip & BBQ Chicken' U Scream Ice-cream Hotdogs, Pastrami sandwiches too, Piru-Railway Cafe, Adrianna's Tamales & Carne Asada. After you've bellied up for chow you may want to walk it off some. Well what better way to that than to stroll past all of our Art & Crafts booths like, Ray's Classic Citrus Labels, Fillmore Band uniforms fundraiser, Christy's Cookie Lee Jewelry, PiruFest & Piru Tee-Shirts, Louie’s Model car dude just to name a few. Once that's done you might want try your hand at a friendly round of horseshoes and win anyone of the top three cash prizes or some of our other activities, but save a little energy for later to kick up a little dust on the dance floor. However you choose to take in our annual PiruFest we're just glad to share it with yall, YeeeeHaaaa! We'll see ya there partner!

Event will honor firefighters.

Ventura – On Saturday, September 11, 2010 at noon, a special “American Flag Retirement Ceremony” will be held at the new Veterans Home of California in Ventura, located at 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura (at Wells Road) to properly dispose of worn and tattered American Flags – those that have served well and are deemed no longer serviceable. “As part of this moving ceremony, we will be honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9-11-2001 at the World Trade Center, and those brave men and women who continue to protect us daily,” said Brenda Manke, Administrator, Veterans Home of California—Ventura.

Tracy Lehr, anchorwoman for KEYT Channel 3 will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Ventura County Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Nester will be the guest speaker.

The American Flag is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world. The United States Flag Code states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way…” And this historical event, sponsored by American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company and the Boy Scouts of America, is for the whole family to observe and see how the country’s Symbol of Freedom is correctly retired.

This is an educational, family event, free of charge and open to the public. It is a learning experience for children and adults alike. Members of the Boy Scouts of America have been very involved with this effort. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and their families are all encouraged to attend in their uniforms to participate or be guests of this memorable experience. “I encourage everyone -- Veterans and their family members, members of the Armed Forces and their family members, Veteran Service Organizations, firefighters and their families, the law enforcement community and the public -- to join us at this moving ceremony,” added Manke. “We are very proud to be continuing this tradition at the Veterans Home of California – Ventura.”

To have your flag picked up and replaced for the American Flag Retirement Ceremony, please call the American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company at 805-647-3524 or email paul@AmericanVetFlagpoles.com. In addition, the County of Ventura has placed Flag Collection Boxes at the County Government Center located at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. For more information, please call 805-659-7501.

Robert Cantu

Robert Cantu, Enrolled Agent (EA) has earned the prestigious Fellow designation from the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) for completing the three levels of the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI®). This achievement demonstrates Robert Cantu, EA’s dedication to protecting taxpayer rights and attests to his expertise in tax.

Fellows of NAEA's National Tax Practice Institute have completed a demanding three-part curriculum that has uniquely prepared them to effectively represent their clients before all administrative levels of the IRS. Having successfully completed coursework covering all variances of examinations, audits, collections and appeals, and having studied best practices and role-playing, Fellows know the entire process from both the client and IRS perspectives. While earning the EA license denotes competence and the right to represent taxpayers, Fellows have made the commitment to a higher level of knowledge and excellence which further sets them apart. The course, open only to licensed tax professionals, was developed to prepare licensed representatives to protect their clients’ rights by disseminating the most recent information about IRS laws and procedures critical to representation.

In service since 1980, Robert Cantu EA provides top quality and reasonably priced tax preparation, planning and representation services to individuals and small businesses. He is open year round and can be reached at 805-525-8895 or via www.cantutax.com.

Fillmore, CA. - Community Memorial Health System’s Healthy Women’s Program is hosting a Community Outreach Day which offers free mammograms and healthcare education to the first 35 women who qualify. This event will take place at the Center for Family Health in Fillmore on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The women will arrive early at the CFH office located at 852 Ventura Street where they will be transported to The Breast Center at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, and then back to the Centers office.

In 2009, an estimated 194,280 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and early detection and awareness is the key to fighting this life-threatening disease. The Healthy Women’s Program provided through Community Memorial Health System benefits women in the community who are uninsured, under-insured or lack funds to pay for mammograms and follow-up treatment, if necessary.

“These women have nowhere else in the county to go to get these services; that’s why they come to us,” said Petra Luna, education manager for Centers for Family Health.

The Healthy Women’s Program is made possible through funds raised by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s annual Gold Dust Gala, along with the generous support of the Wallis Foundation.

To find out if you qualify for this program, call 805/651-2661. For more information on the Healthy Women’s Program visit www.cmhshealth.org/healthywomen.

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Bureau would like to remind all drivers that school will be back in session starting tomorrow and that drivers need to slow down and drive carefully. The Pleasant Valley School District and the Oxnard Union High School District, which includes Adolfo Camarillo High School, will begin Wednesday, September 1, 2010.

Due to this busy time of year and students traveling to and from school, drivers are urged to slow down and watch for school children. The Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Unit, Patrol Officers, and Community Resource Officers, including School Resource Officers (S.R.O.), will be conducting extra patrols at all schools in the city. Police officers enforce traffic violations in the interest of public safety. Officers will be watching for speeders, drivers on cell phones, seatbelts, as well as all other violations.

It is a critical safety issue that vehicles do not park in designated no parking areas, especially in and around a school. Additionally, parents are advised not to block city streets waiting to get into school parking lots. This is a violation of law and can be a traffic hazard for school children, as well as blocking or slowing emergency vehicles trying to get to the school or through the area. Historically and quite unfortunately, police officers have observed many of the violators around the schools tend to be the parents of the school children. A common causative factor for an unsafe traffic maneuver or illegal parking situation is often attributed to the parent “running late.” We strongly recommend that parents give themselves plenty of time when leaving their house to safely drop off or pick up their child. The extra enforcement will continue for several weeks into the new school year. Please slow-down and drive carefully!

Location: City of Camarillo
Date: 8-31-2010 Unit Responsible: Camarillo Traffic Bureau
Officer Preparing Release & Follow-up Contact:
Harold Hanley, Public Information Officer (P.I.O.)
Date of Release: 08/31/10
Approved By: Captain Monica McGrath

The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its fourth annual fund-raiser on Sunday, Sept. 12. Proceeds go to the private nonprofit organization’s animal shelter in Ojai.

The “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” event, which will feature an Italian buffet, music by the Iron Mountain Boys blue grass band and a silent auction, will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at Boccali’s Restaurant at 3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Ojai.

Silent auction prizes include: a seven-night stay in Hawaii, Channel Islands excursions courtesy of Island Packers, two airline tickets provided Alaska Airlines and two tickets to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Attendees also will get a chance to visit with animals from the shelter.

Tickets purchased in advance are $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. Tickets bought on site will be $50 and $25, respectively.

HSVC receives no direct financial assistance from city, county, state agencies or national animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Fundraising events, grants, bequests, investments and donations are its only sources of income. For tickets or more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Kate Nelson or shelter staff at 646-6505.

Hello Alumni! The F.H.S. Alumni Association is producing a DVD documentary film of the Fillmore/Santa Paula Football Series. On November 12th, 2010, the Flashes will host the visiting Cardinals from Santa Paula, and the meeting will mark the 100th time the two teams will meet on the gridiron. This is the oldest High School Football series in Ventura County, and one of the oldest rivalry’s in the state of California. Interviews, and stories along with old game films are being compiled to make this DVD. The DVD will be available this November, 2010, but you may want to order now before they run out. A limited number of DVDs will be made. The cost of the DVD is $25.00. (packaged and mailed directly to you) or $20.00 if you wish to pick up at the Alumni office in Fillmore. (Note: Alumni office is opened Mon. Wed. & Fri. from 9:00am to 11:00am). To Guarantee your copies, please call the Alumni Association at 524-0416. (You will be billed later). If no one answers, clearly leave your name and phone number and number of DVDs you want and someone will be sure to call you back to confirm your order. Each week, the Alumni section will feature a short story from a participant of the rivalry. This week we feature the 1945 Flashes Football Team, Ventura County Champs. That year, the Flashes brought home the bacon by winning the Championship under the leadership of Coach Eugene Kennedy. Only one out of seven games was lost all season, and that was to the powerful Santa Barbara Dons. Fillmore played Santa Paula twice that year and beat them both times. The first time the Flashes won 27-6; The second time they met the Flashes won, 14-0.

The week before fair FFA member Alexus Galassi-Duncan was given some wonderful news. Her heifer, Talula, is with calf! Veterinarian, Dr. Richard of Somis, confirmed Talula’s pregnancy with an ultrasound. Alexus was overwhelmed with emotion as she was able to see the tiny calf’s rib cage and heart beat.

Last October, Alexus purchased Talula for her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) heifer breeding project. Talula an Angus Maine Cross, was six months old when Alexus bought her from breeder Donita Mullins at Six Flat Ranch in Santa Paula. When Talula reached thirteen months of age, Alexus took her to stay at Mr. Bob Powers’ ranch in Lockwood Valley. Talula stayed at Mr. Power’s ranch for a month and a half and was bred by his Allie bull, RJ. The gestation period for a heifer is nine months, putting Talula’s due date somewhere in late March to early April. When asked what she hopes the gender of the calf will be, Alexus says she would like a bull calf. Her plan is to take the bull calf as a steer to the 2012 Ventura County Fair. That steer would qualify to participate in the County Bred and Fed competition at fair. Not many steers at the Ventura County Fair are from Ventura County. Most are from outside the county or even the state. To be able to say your steer is bred and fed in Ventura County is quite an accomplishment. After having the calf, Alexus plans to keep Talula and some day start her own breeding business. This past fair, Alexus placed 1st overall in Advanced Bred Heifer Showmanship with Talula. On behalf of the Fillmore FFA congratulations to Alexus and Talula! We eagerly await the new addition to the school farm.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

The Flashbacks were sent out last Friday, thanks to the hard work of Joyce Basolo, Linda Durand, Maxine Merry, Jane Johnson, Joleen Stethem, Em Wendel and Ellyn Mosbarger, and all paid up members should have already received their copy. If not, please call the alumni office, 524-0416.

The alumni board met Monday, August 16, and the main topic of discussion was the DVD of the 99 game history of the Fillmore/SantaPaula football rivalry. Interviews are still being made by Isaac Reyes, who is putting the DVD together, along with film clips of some of the memorable Fillmore/Santa Paula football games. Isaac is putting together a two to three minute "teaser" on Facebook so you can see what the DVD will be like. When this is available, a notice will appear in this column and on the alumni website. Pre-orders are now being taken for the DVD--$20 if you pick it up at the alumni office or at the 100th football game on Friday, November 12, or $25 if it is shipped to you. The completed DVD will be available after November 1, so please get your orders in now so you will be assured of having one.

A recap of the alumni dinner that was held on June 12 was made, and all agreed that it was one of the best that the alumni has put on. Plans are already being made for next year's dinner on June 4. Note the earlier date and please put it on your calendar.

It was moved, seconded and passed that we need to reframe the class pictures that are on display at each alumni dinner, as they are beginning to fall apart. Most of these frames were assembled 20 years ago and they are beginning to show some wear and tear.

The alumni board will begin to contact alumni members who are not subscribers to the alumni newsletter, Flashbacks, or are not Life Members, to encourage them to become at least subscribers, as this helps support the many activities in which the alumni is involved.

The board of directors will work towards informing the seniors at Fillmore High about the alumni association and what it does for graduates of F.H.S. and to encourage them to keep the alumni office apprised of any address changes. This is very important to keep the alumni files up to date. Information will be passed out during Career Day at the high school, and when Mark talks to the seniors regarding alumni scholarships in January.

The Fillmore High Sports Hall of Fame committee has completed its review of over 200 applications and has selected 80 of the top athletes from the past 96 years of Fillmore High School athletics programs. These athletes, along with six coaches and the outstanding athletic teams of Fillmore High will be recognized and inducted into the first class of the Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 13, the evening after the 100th football game.

Master of Ceremony’s – City of Oxnard, Asst. Chief Scott Whitney

Oxnard, CA – The 4th annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims in Ventura County will be on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at Plaza Park - Oxnard. On this day we as a community will join together to pay tribute to the hundreds of people who have been murdered; killed by a drunk driver or killed in War. This day publically recognizes the tremendous loss endured by surviving families and friends. The event will consist of a pre-ceremony dove release at 5:30PM, followed by the ceremony which will include guest speakers, slide show, music and Vigil. There will also be table’s set-up for families whose loved ones have not had justice. If your loved ones murderer has not been arrested it is an opportunity to place flyers, wanted posters or information on their murder and bring attention to their unsolved case.

Anyone interested in including their loved one in this ceremony may contact the Ventura County Chapter Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. at (805) 236-8130. To include your loved one’s picture in the Slide Show, Murder Wall and to RSVP for the event, you must contact us no later than Wednesday, September 15th. Seating is limited.

Local photographer, Charles Morris, has won recognition for his photography from the Channel Islands Professional Photography Association (CIPPA). CIPPA is an affiliate of Professional Photographers of California. Charles won a merit and Best in Class – High School Senior Portrait for his print “Senior Glamour” at the competition held earlier this month. Senior Glamour featured FHS High School senior Chloe Keller.

Professional photography competition at the local level has three judges who evaluate each entry on specific criteria, without knowing who the maker of the image is. Prints can earn up to 100 points. If a print receives 80 points, it receives a merit. Typically only about 1 out of 4 or 5 prints receives a merit in a competition. Often prints that are merit winners are submitted to state and national competitions.

Professional photography competitions are used by photographers to hone their skills and allows them to evaluate their work in comparison to other top photographers in the area.

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, but photographs high school seniors from all over Ventura County. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com.

Congressman Elton Gallegly helps Cyndy Treutelaar, president of the Humane Society of Ventura County board, shovel the first pile of dirt.
Enlarge Photo

The Humane Society of Ventura County broke ground on Aug. 18 for its Harry Valentine Visitors Center that will help the local nonprofit organization better care for the needs of animals countywide.

The new 2,500-square-foot building will house several employee offices, reception area, conference room, gift shop, storage area and new bathrooms. Made possible through a $2.4 million donation from the estate of Harry Valentine, the building is expected to be completed in about a year. Crews then plan to remodel the HSVC’s current building to expand its spay-neuter clinic.

“It’s a long day coming, and a splendid day for the Humane Society,” Don Buffon, Vice President of the HSVC Board, told the crowd of about 100 HSVC administrators, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Ojai shelter.

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) joined HSVC Board President Cyndy Treutelaar and board members in the ceremonial groundbreaking. Bishop William Downey of Our Lady and All Angels Liberal Catholic Church in Ojai blessed the ground, saying, “May this be a place where creatures can find sanctuary and safety.”

Gallegly, a staunch animal rights supporter, told the crowd that people are divided on most political matters facing this country, “but the one thing most everyone agrees on is the animal issue, and folks like you make things like this happen.”

The shelter and clinic will remain open during construction.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai. For more information, call 656-5031.

Santa Paula, CA – The problem of impaired driving is a serious one. While America witnessed a decline in the number of DUI fatalities in recent years, the numbers are still too high. That’s why the Santa Paula Police Department is announcing today the it’s joining the Avoid the 14 - Ventura County DUI Task Force along with other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving. The Campaign runs August 20 – September 6, known by its tagline, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

The Santa Paula Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Drivers License Checkpoint on August 21st, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at an unannounced location within the city limits.

“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Because of the commitment to end the carnage, Police, Sheriffs and CHP are intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. They’ll be especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads.”

According to the latest data, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involve a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or above, averaging one fatality every 45 minutes.

“Our message is simple and unwavering. If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions,” said Lieutenant Troyce Reynolds, Santa Paula Police Department. “Even if you beat the odds and walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that the financial and social consequences of a DUI can be devastating."

Violators will face jail time, loss of their driver’s license, huge fines and maybe sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.
“Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences. Just designate a sober driver. Don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you’re under arrest,” said Lieutenant Reynolds.

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown is led by NHTSA and the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through publicity.

For more information on local and statewide Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign Enforcement Schedules and Daily DUI Arrest/Fatal Stats, visit the www.californiaavoid.org. The Program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety who reminds everyone to please – Report Drunk Driving – Call 9-1-1!

Lieutenant Troyce Reynolds
Santa Paula Police Department
(805) 525-4474 ext 114

What a wonderful week Fillmore FFA had at the Ventura County Fair! It started Monday night with weigh-ins for steers and lambs. Steers needed to be in the weight range of 1000-1400 pounds and lambs needed to be between 110-165 lbs. Early Tuesday morning swine, which needed to be between 210-280 lbs, were weighed-in. I am proud to say all of Fillmore FFA’s animals made market weight. Which means the animals could be shown in market classes and sold at auction.

All Fillmore FFA members did well in their market classes earning the USDA market ready title. Anthony Perez won the title of FFA Reserve Grand Champion Swine with his pig “Tank” who weighed a whopping 278 lbs! Friday was the Junior Livestock Auction, students had their animals looking their best as they showed them off to potential buyers in the auction arena. A special thank you goes out to local businesses and community members that supported the Fillmore FFA by buying animals. Saturday was Showmanship classes for all species. Imelda Lopez placed 4th over all in Advanced lamb showmanship. Fillmore FFA dominated in swine showmanship. Class winners for FFA advanced swine showmanship are as follows: 1st Marc Zavala, 3rd Sierra Blankenship,4th Mandy Wheeler, 5th Ashley Jackson, 6th Hilary Vigil, 7th Kayla Perez. FFA Swine novice showmanship class winners are as followed: 1st Travis Micarelli, 2nd Jenifer Martin, 3rd Christian Peritore, 4th Ryan Calderon, 5th Kaleigh Carpenter, 6th Yasmin Luna, 7th Felicity Zavala. Brittany Gurrola placed 4th over all in FFA advanced steer showmanship. In FFA Novice steer showmanship Robbie Armstrong placed 2nd and Sal Lopez placed 3rd. In FFA advanced bred heifers showmanship Alexus Galassi-Duncan placed 1st over all. Fillmore FFA proudly won the FFA Herdsmanship Award and brought home to Fillmore the perpetual trophy to display until next years fair. This award is given to the chapter that keeps their barns the cleanest, has members readily available to answer question, and represents their chapter best. Congratulations to all the FFA members on their successful completion of their SAE projects. Thank you to all the parents, Booster members, Wayne and Mr. Ricards for all their hard work and support.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter