It all started in 1988 when brothers Sam, Walter and Husam Hishmeh purchased a Domino’s Pizza store in Santa Paula, California. And now, 20 years later, Hishmeh Enterprises has grown to a Domino’s Pizza franchise of sixteen stores with over $13 million in sales annually.

A family business, Hishmeh Enterprises is operated by brothers Sam, Walter, Husam, Nick, Bashar, Tareq and Ghada, their wives and their parents Mitri and Rima.

Named the large business of the year by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce in 2008, Hishmeh Enterprises employs 400 residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

“We pride ourselves in not only providing our customers with great food and great service at a fair price,” said Sam Hishmeh, president of Hishmeh Enterprises, “we also believe it is important to be a community partner that gives time and resources to various organizations such as Food Share, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Strawberry Festival, the Salsa Festival, and the Santa Paula Police and Fire Foundation.” CONTINUED »

Ventura, CA – Every year, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast honors women who embody the values of Girl Scouting - values such as leadership, courage and community service. All honorees are outstanding achievers as well as generous and compassionate contributors to Ventura County.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast 2008 honorees include Cheryl Lambing, M.D., Frances Prince, J.D., and Yvonne Bodle Farris, Ph.D.

Three new Women of Distinction will be honored at the annual Women of Distinction luncheon on September 18th, 2009 at Las Posas Country Club beginning at 10:30 with champagne and silent auction followed by the luncheon at 12:00.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Girl Scouts website at www.girlscoutsccc.org. Nominations are due May 15th,2009.

Tickets are $45 and reservations can be made by going to Girl Scouts website at www.girlscoutsccc.org.

Ventura County Public Health celebrates the successes of the past – elimination of polio, fluoridation in drinking water, passage of seat belt laws, among others – and looks to the future as the county celebrates the accomplishments of Public Health during National Public Health Week 2009, April 6th – 12th.

This year’s events, which are part of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA’s) annual celebration of the role of public health in our communities, serves to draw attention to the need to protect and improve our nation’s health. This year’s theme for Ventura County is Building a Foundation for a Healthy Ventura County.

“From the clean water we drink, to the seat belts we wear in our cars, to the many programs promoting physical activity, public health has a positive affect on our communities,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Health Officer. “By recommitting ourselves to support our nation’s public health system, we can build on our accomplishments and establish a solid foundation needed for a healthy Ventura County.” CONTINUED »

We all are aware of the tough times some of us are experiencing due to the current economic downturn: housing, unemployment, health insurance issues, and more. We at the Ventura County Library would like to let you know that you can rely on us for information needed to navigate this situation. Visit the Library website at www.vencolibrary.org and you will see links to websites such as the Ventura Job and Career Center, the California Employment Development Center, and the Foundation for Health Coverage.

The Library also offers free internet access, databases for researching anything from jobs and career to auto repair, test preparations, and free eAudiobook downloads. Visit your local library and you will have access to books, newspapers, magazines, CDs, DVDs, Homework Centers, and much more.

The Ventura County Library has 14 branches that include the Avenue, H.P. Wright, and E. P. Foster libraries in Ventura, the Camarillo Library, Fillmore Library, Meiners Oaks Library, Oak Park Library, Oak View Library, Ojai Library, Piru Library, Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme, Saticoy Library, Simi Valley Library, and the Albert H. Soliz-El Rio Library, and is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

March 30, 2009 (Ventura, CA) The Ventura County Fair is an annual celebration of agriculture; of cultivating the land, producing crops and raising livestock. With that in mind, the 31st District Agricultural Association, who organizes the Fair is pleased to announce that the theme of the 2009 Ventura County Fair is “Purebred and Home Grown”.

“For 12 magical days we will present the community with an educational and fun look at agriculture, Ventura County’s principal industry. It is our wish to teach our children, and those who are new to the county, how important agriculture is to each of us, and how it can help us to better our lives,” said Barbara Quaid, the Fair’s CEO and General Manager, adding “Purebred and Home Grown” is a perfect theme that will enhance the Fair’s distinct character.”

Within this celebration visitors will also enjoy competitions in the various arts divisions, free entertainment, the fun of the carnival midway, the fabulous fair food we all enjoy once a year and many untold surprises!

The Ventura County Fair will open Wednesday, August 5 with fun for the whole family until Sunday, August 16.

For more information about the Ventura County Fair, please call (805) 648-3376 or visit us at www.venturacountyfair.org.

The dedication and extraordinary commitment to helping others has been recognized recently for one amazing Ventura County volunteer. Gary Nasalroad, a retired Southern California Edison Accounts Manager, has been supporting local non-profits and community organizations and was honored with the highest President of the United States Volunteer Award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Board Leadership Conference last week.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the president’s Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States to recognize the best in American spirit and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation.

There are 3 levels and 4 categories of the awards varying by age and hours of service. But in addition, individuals who complete more than 4000 hours or more of service will be recognized with the President’s Call to Service Award.

Presenting the highest President’s Volunteer Award to Gary Nasalroad was Boys & Girls Clubs of America President Roxanne Spillett for his extraordinary commitment to the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, which serves the communities of Fillmore, Rancho Sespe and Santa Paula.

In recognizing his years of service to be eligible for the Call to Service Award, President Spillett highlighted many of the volunteer services Gary had performed over the years. Gary started volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura in 1973 and is now one of only 3 Board members who are considered Life Members. Gary has served in many capacities on the Board having served 3 terms as President, Vice President, Auction Co-Chair for 10 years, Golf Chair of 2 golf tournaments a year for more than 23 years, active in Resource Development and 2 capital campaigns. CONTINUED »

The public is invited to learn more about electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology dealing with heart rhythm abnormalities, during a free seminar provided by Community Memorial Health System on Tuesday, April 21.

Ishu Rao, M.D., a Ventura Electrophysiologist, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 Brent St. in Ventura.

Dr. Rao will focus on atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, two conditions that are widely prevalent and difficult to treat, but can be helped by an Electrophysiologist. He will also offer candid opinions on the benefits and risks of the newest Electrophysiology procedures.

Dr. Rao received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed his residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed fellowship training in Cardiac Electrophysiology at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles. Dr. Rao, a cardiologist with Cardiology Associates in Ventura and is on staff at Community Memorial Hospital, is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Disease Certification

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are suggested. Call 652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

The perfect time for spring gardening is the perfect time for the annual Garden Walk, sponsored by Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group and PanAmerican Plant.

The Garden Walk will be held Sunday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PanAmerican Plant, 335 S. Briggs Road in Santa Paula.

Tickets for the Garden Walk, which will benefit the always-free services of SCVHHSG and the River Valley Club Adult Day Program, are only $10 each, available at the door.

No plants will be sold during the Tour but visitors will get priceless ideas for their own gardens from the dazzling array of assorted flowers and plants that will greet them. Thousands of flowers and plants will be presented in multiple settings designed to help nurseries and other retailers create perfect displays for their flower-loving gardening consumers.

The Garden Tour will also offer an exciting sneak preview of the year 2011's varieties of ornamentals, annuals and vegetables in a vast rainbow of beauty and colors. CONTINUED »

Sign up for a Virtual Tour of Morningstar Investment Research Center – a service provided to you by the Ventura County Library. You can conveniently access the training session from your home or any location with a phone and Internet connection.

On Wednesday, April 29th, at 1:00 p.m., you will discover how to use this valuable database to search for stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Learn how to evaluate retirement and portfolio holdings. Get independent analysis reports, helpful articles and industry commentary to help you make sense of this challenging market.

To register, visit Morningstar Investment Research Center from the Ventura County Library’s website at www.vencolibrary.org. Once you arrive at the website, click on “Databases - Research”. You will find the Library’s electronic resources collection arranged by subject and listed alphabetically. The link for Morningstar is under “Business.” Click on “Sign up for online training” and type a brief email that includes your name. If you are in the Morningstar database, you can register by going to the “Help & Education” page. Click on the link in the lower right corner, under the heading, “Live Patron Web Training”. Type a brief email that includes your name. CONTINUED »

Some users of the website may be experiencing a situation where stories and comments, particularly on the Front Page, are not being updated. If you are using "Internet Explorer" and see no stories on the front page dated Wednesday March 25th, please follow these simple steps to remedy the problem.

(1) From the "Tools" menu, near the top of your web browser, select "Internet Options".

(2) Under the "Browsing history" section, select the "Delete" button.

(3) Select the very first "Delete files" button under "Temporary Internet Files". A window will pop up asking if you are sure you want to delete all the temporary Internet files. Select the "Yes" button.

(4) Once Internet Explorer has finished deleting the files, return the the Gazette's Front (or Home) Page and verify you are able to see the most recent stories dated March 25th. The lead story should be the Skate Park Grand Opening.

Sorry for the inconvenience. I'm working on fixing the problem so readers will not have to do this in the future.

Very Sincerely,
Scott Duckett

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Pssst.. while you're busy sleeping at 5 AM, a movement is afoot in Fillmore. And it's my duty to bring it to your attention. But be forewarned... this is so outrageously exciting, you may find it very difficult to control yourself. It's called... well... first, what kind of shape is your body in?

Truth be told, I'll bet that you body could... well... use a little toning up. Denial won't help. Go ahead... own up to it... you're body is severely lacking toning, and probably exhibiting a few too many... you know... pounds... in inappropriate places. And also lacking energy. Right? And of course you're sick and tired of you're sedentary couch-potato lifestyle. Well, here's great news! There is a service provided by competent, caring people to help you get your booty in tip-top shape. It's called boot camp. But fret not. Though the term 'boot camp' may sound onerous... it's all only for your personal best-and-highest good. No hyperbole here, as you'll soon see from a few testimonials.

About a year ago, Ivan Chavez, with fellow instructor Marcos Zuniga, created and have been conducting six-week mini-fitness programs nicknamed boot camps.

However, boots are not required... just your body and the desire to look... ahem... wickedly exquisite. Hmmm.
Here's Ivan... a physical fitness trainer at the Body Image gym at 455 A Street... briefly describing the fitness programs.

“The boot camps originated as a result of a number of people came to me for fitness and nutrition advice. As the number of people continued to grow, it occurred to me that a lot of people were confused by the media about all the diets out there, and all the fitness programs... bombarded with different viewpoints sort of leaving them in the dark. Having been in the fitness and nutrition business for ten years... based on my experience... I've been fortunate in that I recognize what works. Still, I continue to educate myself on the subjects of fitness and nutrition so with my knowledge, I decided that it was time to share it with people. Because so many people didn't know right from wrong, I concluded that it was time to offer my skills and knowledge in the form of fitness mini camps... commonly referred to as boot camps. The first group enjoyed a great measure of success. From that small group, another group wanted to participate. And it has grown steadily since. CONTINUED »

Where can you develop your talent and build self-confidence? Right here in your own backyard! Every Thursday, 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 (805) 991-1488

The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District Board reviewed the rules for honoring veterans at this last monthly meeting. Any veteran of the United States military service is eligible. For those who wish to have their family’s veterans names added to the wall at the Memorial Building, here is the way to accomplish that: If the veteran was killed in the service to their country, there is no charge for the name plaque. The plaque for other veterans is $125. To order a name plaque for display, the family needs to send a letter making the request with the veteran’s name and attach a check for the cost to the Veterans Memorial District, in care of City Hall.

The company that does the casting requires a minimum order of 3 plaques, so it may take several months before the plaque is installed. For additional information, you may call Annette Cardona, 524-3701 ex. 216.

After World War II, our community wanted to honor their many veterans. The Wm. Shiells Company donated the land and the citizens raised the money to pay for the buildings. In a very short time, the main building and youth building were completed and opened to service clubs and community organizations for meetings. This is a special district and the boundaries are the same as the Fillmore Unified School District. The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District levies a $5 per parcel tax to help with the financing. The board is elected every two years.

After 50 years, the buildings still serve to honor any veteran of the United States military and we are fortunate
to have such a great community asset.

The ladies of Curves are halfway toward their goal of collecting 650 pounds of food to help feed the hungry in our community and are asking the public to help them surpass their ambitious target.
In the first two weeks of the month-long food drive, Curves members have donated 405 pounds of non-perishable foods. Everything from macaroni and cheese to peanut butter and juice to cans of beans has been brought in by members.
All food gathered will be donated to Catholic Church Food Bank, staying in Fillmore to help meet the needs of local residents.
In addition to helping their neighbors, members of the public who bring a grocery bag of food to Curves have the option of taking a personalized tour of the facility and having their membership fee waived, if they choose to join. The gym is located in downtown Fillmore, at 410 Central Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. And 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Over the past five years, nearly 50 million pounds of food have been donated nationally by Curves members, and distributed to local food banks.
For more information, please call Yvette Chavez, Curves manager, at 805-524-0337.