The American Red Cross of Ventura County is seeking new volunteers for its Disaster Services Teams. Individuals can sign up for free training on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, which will take place at the Hyatt Westlake, 880 S. Westlake Boulevard.

The training on Saturday, May 16 runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes an overview of the American Red Cross, a look at how the Disaster Services Team is organized and how the Red Cross responds to large and small disasters. Information will also be presented on ways the Red Cross provides food, shelter and how the organization meets clients’ needs. A Disaster Action Team Workshop will also be offered, detailing how the Red Cross responds to small local disasters such as single family fires.

The training continues on Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes information on Shelter Operations, with details on how to work and run a shelter, and a Shelter Simulation, consisting of a tabletop exercise pulling all the elements together.

Seating is limited, and RSVP’s are required. To make a reservation, email TrainingVentura@usa.redcross.org or call 805-987-1514, ext. 320. Individuals can also sign up online at www.arcventura.org. Further information is also available through these channels as well.

Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.

The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJF) is only four years old and yet is already making great strides in addressing the county’s chronic social issues, thanks to its many generous benefactors. In addition to nearly 100 active donors that seed its Giving Circle with grantmaking dollars, numerous foundations have also been vital contributors. Recently the SJF has received several generous grants that will allow it to grow organizational capacity, increase education and outreach, and improve operations.

The Marisla Foundation provided a one-year $20k grant to expand the SJF education program for the Giving Circle members and donors, grassroots organizations and the broader community. This grant will fund a Ventura County critical issues report, as well as a guided tour for Giving Circle members to explore the social and environmental conditions in the county in order to make good grantmaking decisions.

The McCune Foundation, an original and ongoing supporter of SJF, has recently provided an additional $25k grant for operations and capacity building. Sage Publications presented $2k for staffing and program costs.

The California Endowment provided a two-year $127,575 grant towards capacity building, which will include, among other goals, developing outreach material, providing professional trainings to grassroots community groups, evaluating the social justice issues through the impact on health in low income communities in Ventura County, and designing a participatory evaluation process. CONTINUED »

Santa Paula, CA. May 5, 2009- Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank; OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced that Mr. Ralph DeLeon has been elected Chairman of the Board. DeLeon replaces Mr. Guy E. Cole, who has served as Chairman for the past two years. He will continue to serve as a Director of the Bank. Additionally, Mr. Elias Valdes has been selected as Vice Chairman.

In the spirit and tradition of community based organizations, the SCVBank Board has customarily rotated the leadership of the Board.

President and CEO Michael Hause commented, “I have known Mr. DeLeon for over 27 years, and he has been a leader in many fields and endeavors. Ralph is well suited to lead SCVBank into the future.”

After managing several grower and harvesting companies, DeLeon formed SAMCO, which provided custom harvesting services for growers in California, Arizona, Hawaii, Florida and The Bahamas.

DeLeon has been honored as a Kellog Fellow of the Agricultural Leadership Program. He has served as Director of Fruit Growers Laboratory, Associates Insectary, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley, the Ventura Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Agricultural Producers. CONTINUED »

Its hustle and bustle and the Ventura Family YMCA as individuals and families get ready for summer. Registrations are currently taking place for numerous summer childcare and youth sport and aquatics programs. The YMCA has also started early registration for its 2009-2010 school year childcare.

Summer Childcare Day Camps: Send your child to the ultimate summer childcare experience. Campers will discover hidden talents and develop new hobbies through age appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, organized games, swimming, music and field trips. Day camp for the children is the YMCA’s most widely offered program nations wide. The Ventura Family YMCA provides summer day care for over 200 children in Ventura and Oxnard.

Specialty Camps: These camps provide an opportunity for children to learn and excel in an area of their interest. With choices ranging from photography to sports camp, there are choices for every child’s interest. Each camp focuses on character development, social skills, and keeps children active during the summer months.

Resident Camps: Pre-teens and teens can participate in one of our life changing week long resident camps. Campers share cabins with friends and meet new cabin mates from other Channel Island YMCAs. Some activities include archery, crafts, lakes swimming, hiking, and rock climbing. This all takes place in a safe and fun setting with trained, caring volunteers and professional staff. CONTINUED »

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“Day of the Teacher” will be observed on Wednesday, May 13. This special observance was established 27 years ago to honor teachers and the teaching profession in California. This year’s day of the Teacher theme is “California Teachers: Standing Up for a Better Tomorrow.” Remember the teacher who taught you how to read, do math, spell a word correctly? Or the one who taught you that it was just as important to listen as to talk? If you want to honor a special teacher, send 300 words or less to info@thefillmoregazette.com telling us about the professional who made a difference in your life. We will post them online, and if space allows, in print.

Conway Spitler

The most useless thing to do -- worry
The greatest Joy -- Giving
The greatest loss -- loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work -- helping others
The ugliest personality trait -- selfishness
The most endangered species -- dedicated leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm" -- encouragement
The great problem to overcome -- Fear
The most effective sleeping pill -- Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease -- excuses

The most powerful force in life -- love
The most dangerous pariah -- a gossiper
The world's most incredible computer -- the brain
The worst thing to be without -- hope
The deadliest weapon -- the tongue
The two most power-filled words -- I can
The greatest asset -- faith

The most worthless emotion -- self pity
The most prized possession -- integrity
The most beautiful attire -- a smile!
The most powerful channel of communication -- prayer
The most contagious spirit --- enthusiasm
The most important thing in life -- God

The Sespe Players are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a new, original production entitled, "The Pole Creek Radio Hour". The play, written and directed by Fillmore's own Chris Villegas, pays homage to the traditional live radio broadcasts from America's past. Using a variety show format with a storyline winding through the presentation, performances are being held at Fillmore's Sespe Auditorium. After three successful performances last weekend, the play will be presented again this weekend Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00. Tickets are priced at $15 for Adults and $10 for Seniors and Students. A portion of the profits will be donated by the Sespe Players to a fund for the renovation of The Sespe Auditorium. For further information, please call Pete Orozco at 805-625-3359.

Ojai, CA. - The public is invited to learn more about the latest advances in cancer radiation therapy at a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding in Ojai on Saturday, May 2.

Thomas Fogel, M.D., a local radiation oncologist, will lead the seminar that will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Soule Park banquet room at 1033 East Ojai Ave.

In addition to providing information on modern advances in radiation therapy, Dr. Fogel will offer his straightforward opinions on the benefits and risks of the newest procedures. They include:
 Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT);
 Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT);
 3-Dimensional Treatment Planning;
 Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife). CONTINUED »

SANTA PAULA, Ca—The Limoneira Company, one of California’s oldest and most important agribusinesses, has won the inaugural Ventura County Board of Supervisors Climate Change Action Award for its leadership in the use of clean, renewable energy sources.

Last October the company installed a 5.5-acre solar energy system that generates a full megawatt of electricity, enough to power its lemon packing house and storage facilities, which together account for more than a third of the company’s total energy usage.

The award, which henceforth will be given annually, was decided by a select committee that evaluated nominations made by individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the county. Kathy Long, third district supervisor who was responsible for nominating Limoneira in the Agricultural Industry category, also pointed to Limoneira’s ongoing relationship with UCSB’s Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, as well as the company’s partnership with Agromin to convert Ventura County’s green waste into a highly effective organic mulch. CONTINUED »

Ventura, CA. - The public is invited to learn more about Community Memorial Hospital’s plans to build a new hospital in today’s financial recession when President and CEO Gary Wilde gives the 2009 State of the Hospital address on Tuesday, May 5.

The address will be held at 6 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Light refreshments are available at 5:30 p.m.

Wilde also will give the latest updates on healthcare reform on the local, state and national levels during his address.

Space is limited, so reservations are encouraged. For reservations, call 805/652-5385, or RSVP online at www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Nicole Camarillo. Nicole is the daughter of Jesse and Denise Camarillo. She has auburn hair, brown eyes, and is 4’ 10” tall. Nicole is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Brittany Chumley. Brittany is the daughter of Fred and Heather Swetman and David and Alissa Chumley. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is 5’ tall. Brittany is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Alexus Galassi-Duncan. Alexus is the daughter of Matthew Gurrola and Alishia Duncan. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 3” tall. Alexus is 13 years old and is in the eighth grade at Fillmore Middle School.
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Jazzlyn Gonda. Jazzlyn is the daughter of Justin and Ruth Tipton. She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 4” tall. Jazzlyn is 15 years old and a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Chloe Keller. Chloe is the daughter of Roger and Nannette Keller. She has blonde hair, green eyes, and is 5’ 7” tall. Chloe is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Briana Lomeli. Brianna is the daughter of Jesus and Elisa Lomeli. She has dark brown hair, hazel/brown eyes, and is 5’ 5” tall. Nicole is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Roxie Neal. Roxi is the daughter of Rick and Christie Neal. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 6” tall. Roxi is 15 years old and a Sophomore within the California Baptist Education Network.
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Jazzmin Negrete. Jazzmin is the daughter of April Negrete. She has dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and is 5’ 3” tall. Jazzmin is 14 years old and is in the eighth grade at Fillmore Middle School.
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Mariah Perez. Mariah is the daughter of Mark Perez and Trina Tafoya. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 3” tall. Mariah is 16 years old and is a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Leah Robledo. Leah is the daughter of Henry and Theresa Robledo. She has brown hair, hazel eyes, and is 5’ tall. Leah is 15 years old and is a Sophomore at Fillmore High School.
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Julia Valenzuela. Julia is the daughter of Albert and Guillermina Valenzuela. She has brown hair, green eyes, and is 5’ 4” tall. Julia is 13 years old and is in the eighth grade at Fillmore Middle School.
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Niki VanDeMheen. Niki is the daughter of Mark and Missy Bowen and Todd VanDeMheen. She has dark brown hair, blue eyes, and is 5’ 4” tall. Niki is 15 years old and is a Freshman at Fillmore High School.
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Janelle Burningham. Janelle is the daughter of Blake and Lisa Pardini Lulloff, and Steven and Cheri Burningham. She has blonde hair, blue/green eyes, and is 5’ 3” tall. Janelle is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Cory Carrillo. Cory is the daughter of Jackie Vasquez and Scott and Amber Carrillo. She has brown hair, green eyes, and is 5’ 6” tall. Cory is 17 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Erin Delgadillo. Erin is the daughter of Abel Delgadillo and Veronica Villalobos. She has dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and is 5’ tall. Erin is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Melissa Garibay. Melissa is the daughter of Francisco and Maria Garibay. She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 4” tall. Melissa is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Torey Perez. Torey is the daughter of Alex Perez and Ray and Christine Antelo. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 6” tall. Torey is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Brianna Tellez. Brianna is the daughter of Tomas and Angela Perez. She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 3” tall. Brianna is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Rebecca Vassaur. Rebecca is the daughter of Bill and Berta Vassaur. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 4” tall. Rebecca is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Kyla Hernandez. Kyla is the daughter of Diane Gamble. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 10” tall. Nicole is 18 years old and a Senior at Fillmore High School.
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Hayley Koester. Hayley is the daughter of Chris and Kristen Dollar. She has medium blonde hair, blue eyes, and is 5’ 2” tall. Hayley is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Ashlee Legan. Ashlee is the daughter of Nick and Vickie Legan, and Mike Mann and Julie Legan. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is 5’ 6” tall. Ashlee is 16 years old and a Junior at Fillmore High School.
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Nadia Lomeli. Nadia is the daughter of Porfi rio and Irma Lomeli. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is 5’ 8” tall. Nadia is 16 years old and a junior at Fillmore High School.
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The Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant will be held this Saturday, April 25th beginning at 6:30PM at the Memorial Building. Tickets are limited, however if you would like to attend, please contact Lynn Cole at 805-340-1915. Ticket prices are $15.00 each.

Where can you develop your talent and build self-confidence? Right here in your own backyard! Starting today, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the Community/Sr. Center, through Parks & Recreation, students will learn dance, acting, voice and improvisation by Director, Sandie Allen. Ms. Allen has produced over 100 musicals. An 8-week workshop class is being offered, followed by a performance workshop, culminating in an exciting live stage performance at Fillmore’s Towne Theatre on Central. All this for only $40 a month (Price break for siblings) Parents are encouraged to join. What a wonderful way to create special memories for your whole family! DON’T MISS OUT! We hope to have our first production by this summer.

HURRY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!! Sign up at City Hall – Rec. Dept. For more information contact: Priscilla Rzezuski (805) 524-0553 Sandie Allen (818) 991-1488

The Senior Class of 2009 is doing a Cookie Lee fundraiser!! This will allow the students to participate in the annual Grad Nite Live cruise and promote a Safe & Sober graduation night for all graduates. This is an amazing time for graduates and includes a cruise on an amazing ship that has great food, music, dancing, and other fun events they can participate in. This is an annual event sponsored by city businesses and local supporters and is at NO COST to the graduates. Please help the GRAD NITE LIVE committee by purchasing an item from any senior student, or you can go to www.cookielee.biz/christinaromero and view the catalog and order on-line. The fundraiser is from April 14th until May 1st, 2009. 50% of the proceeds will benefit Grad Nite. Thank You for your continued support!!

Ventura County Fair and 4-H Program announce “Kids, Cameras & Crops” Photography Contest, open to all County Youth 9-18.
The Ventura County 4-H Program and the Ventura County Fair have announced that they will conduct the third “Kids Cameras & Crops” photography contest. The contest is open to all county youth between the ages of 9-18.
The program is a part of the 4-H Agricultural & Natural Resources Literacy and Journalism program. It was created to encourage youth look at our agriculturally-rich county in a creative way, and to share what they have seen in a photographic display.
The educational and fun program will begin with a kick-off on April 25 at the Hansen Agricultural Center with a presentation by Master Gardeners about photographing nature. The Master Gardeners will be available to mentor youth who will take photos at the farm following the presentation. Master Gardeners will also be available to talk about the various plant-life that grow on the farm. Space is limited. Please r.s.v.p. to 805-662-6943 by April 23.
Information about the contest can be found on the Fair website: www.venturacountyfair.org, or by calling the 4H office at 805-662-6943.

Purebred and Home Grown Music is in the air as the bands begin to warm up for this year’s Ventura Count Fair. Fiddles are fiddling, guitars are strumming and drums are beating out the exciting news; “We’re going to the Fair”!

Boot Scootin’ country acts are always a Fair favorite, and this year’s diverse country line up is sure to please fans with performances from Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Gretchen Wilson, Clay Walker and Lee Ann Womack.

Josh Turner is a Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and a Grand Ole Opry inductee. On August 8 he will perform favorite hits including songs from his latest album, “Everything is Fine”.

On the same stage 2009 Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist, Jake Owen, will sing his infectious hit “Yee-Haw” along with favorites from his album, “Easy Does It”.

“Redneck Woman” Gretchen Wilson will take the stage on August 10 to perform some good old barnburners and rock and roll songs from her latest album “One of the Boys”.

Lee Ann Womack will be as busy as a bee on August 14, singing hits like “The Bees” and “I Found it in You”, from her album “Call me Crazy”. CONTINUED »

Santa Paula, CA - Richard Lyons and friends will be performing the “Ezra Clay Project” at the Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, Saturday evening, May 30th. Doors open at 7:00 PM performance starts at 7:30 PM. Admission is $15.00 per person seating is limited. Make your ticket reservations at www.santapaulatheatercenter.org

Richard Lyons is a natural singer/songwriter & storyteller who was born and raised in Kentucky. Early on he found success in Hollywood writing the theme song to the 20th Century Fox show “Dance Fever” which aired for 9 years. During that same period he also worked for 6 years as the opening announcer for the Merv Griffin Show where he chatted backstage with the likes of Orson Wells, Vincent Price, Francis Ford Coppola, Glen Campbell and an entire host of musical luminaries. He went on to compose music for numerous small films and have his pop songs recorded by other artists.

Eight years ago he called show business quits, sold his Topanga Canyon home and 24-track studio and moved to the upper mountains of Ojai/Santa Paula with his lovely wife of 25 years, actress Laurie Prange. “It was the beginning of a time of intense creativity, of reflection and rebirth for me.... a real turning point. I needed to get back to my roots.... my love of God and country”.

It has been a long journey from the hills of Kentucky, to Hollywood, to the mountains of Upper Ojai, where it is an unusual day when he doesn't see a tarantula, bobcat, coyote, falcon, fox, and even the occasional bear or mountain lion. In his new collection of songs, “The Ezra Clay Project”, he reflects upon his country and bluegrass influences from the South and the fiercely independent spirit of the Old West. The Santa Paula Theater Center is a perfect venue for this presentation. Reserve your tickets at www.santapaulatheatercenter.org, seating is limited.

Topanga Roots Evolution, Theme to Topanga Days, the Best Festival Experience in Southern California During Memorial Day Weekend.

Topanga Canyon, Ca. - April 21 2009 - The 36th Annual Topanga Days Country Fair announces headlining acts BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS (May 23), SANTANA Original Lead Singer GREGG ROLIE (May 24) and THE METERS Experience w/ LEO NOCENTELLI (May 25th).

The Topanga Community Club will celebrate their 60th year this spring as a non profit serving the needs of the Topanga Canyon Residents, funding the organization’s youth & seniors programs, the grounds, ball field & volunteer built Community House. They continue in their founders tradition of promoting charitable causes and fund raising events which provide ways to unite and enrich the community and beyond. There has been no better way to achieve those goals than Southern California’s Memorial Day Gem known fondly as The Topanga Days Country Fair. CONTINUED »