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Perfect for the holidays, the Fillmore Civic Pride December 2017 Yard of the Month offers lots of beautiful lights and sounds! Ron and Rosa Howard, the owners of the home, would like to invite the community on Saturday, December 9th, to their 2nd Annual Toy Drive at their home (408 Edgewood Drive) starting at 6:00pm. Then, the Fillmore Fire Department will make their way to the festivities at around 7:00pm for photos and to shed some light on the Luv2Dance group, who will be dancing to a favorite Christmas hit. Join them for some hot cocoa and cookies with Santa! They recommend dressing warmly!

Says Ron Howard: “The show consists of over 49,000 RGB lights. 28,672 are used in our P10 Panel Matrix that looks like a TV. Each pixel is capable of millions of colors. There are 22 power supplies, 6 RGB Pixel controllers, and many cables to tie it all together. Our Mega Tree is 20 feet tall and uses 2,600 RGB pixels with fascinating designs and movement to complement each song. I use xLights to sequence the show for all songs. With 27 songs, there is a variety: some classics, some upbeat, and a few surprise songs you would never expect. ‘Despacito’ has been a crowd favorite!” The show runs Sunday through Thursday (5:30pm to 9:30pm), and Friday and Saturday (5:30pm to 10:30pm).

When asked what their motivation was for all the work and effort they put into the decorations, Ron and Rosa said they wanted to give back to the community. They said Fillmore is a special place for them, and they wanted to thank all of the community, municipal, and local business support they received to make the event possible. Special thanks to: Fillmore Rental, Fillmore Building Supply, Fillmore Fire Department, Fillmore Sheriff and Explorers, and the City of Fillmore.

WHAT: SCVi information night for Fillmore-area families
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara St.

FILLMORE, CA - Families are invited to a special information night for Fillmore-area residents to learn more about Santa Clarita Valley International -- a tuition-free public charter school -- and meet the school’s leaders. SCVi has no district boundaries for families, allowing kids from kindergarten through 12th grade to attend school on a campus closer than Ventura or Moorpark alternatives.

iLEAD Schools maintain a unique emphasis on using methods that foster Learners’ social-emotional development. A cornerstone of SCVi’s educational philosophy involves Project-Based Learning, an innovative, research-based method of instruction that requires students to tackle deeply engaging projects about real-world issues. They use critical thought, inquiry and synthesis to create solutions and present their findings to their peers. For Learners in upper grades, an academic and college counselor works hand in hand with each student to create a plan to help them succeed academically, emotionally and socially. SCVi is the only school in the Santa Clarita Valley to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme for Learners in their junior or senior year of high school. SCVi also offers Innovation Studios, a unique opportunity for Learners from sixth through 12th grades that leverages technological and human resources to create a hybrid learning environment.

The school offers a high-quality arts and theatre program for all grade levels (including transitional kindergarten), and recently welcomed veteran educator and critically acclaimed actor Ian Johnston to direct iLEAD’s International Baccalaureate theatre program. iLEAD also announced a partnership with the International Schools Theatre Association, which Johnston will oversee.

Sports are offered from kindergarten through 12th grade, with Upper School teams participating in the CIF Omega League. The young athletes can play basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, cross-country, softball, baseball, golf, and equestrian teams. Renowned coach Ken Erenberg recently joined the SCVi team as athletic director, coming from his most recent position at the now-closed Albert Einstein Academy. Erenberg has won 492 games as a head coach in his career to date, including nine high school titles, and has been named Coach of the Year 11 times by organizations including the Omega, Alpha, and Delphic Leagues and the Gold Coast Conference.

Want to know more about SCVi? Here are a few more reasons to check out the school:

* Individualized learning plans. Whether your child needs extra help or is advanced, we will engage your student where they are and guide their academic achievement even further than you might imagine.

* Entrepreneur and internship opportunities. Our young people are creating and developing new businesses and strategies, using their 21st century skills today — not waiting until they have graduated to start changing the world.

* Options. Not all families are the same, and not all Learners are the same. SCVi offers a variety of individualized learning options, from home study to hybrid learning programs, online classes and concurrent enrollment at College of the Canyons. Whatever your Learner’s needs are, they can be met at SCVi!

PARENTS: Registering your child at SCVi is quick and easy: simply visit https://ileadsantaclarita.org/intent-to-enroll/ and fill out the form. You’ll receive an email from the SCVi registrar with further instructions. After accepting your spot, complete the registration process by either uploading your documents online or walking them into the SCVi main office at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in Castaic. Staff are onsite all year to answer your questions, give tours and accept your registration forms.

The Holiday “Yard of the Month” will be chosen from decorated homes and yards within the en-tire Fillmore community. Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee is putting out a “call” to all the crea-tive and clever, to get their decorating done early, so a list of the winner and honorable mentions may be put in the newspaper, enabling families to tour the neighborhoods.

We invite you to make your suggestions for best decorated yard by phone, text or email to, Ari Larson, at petenari55@hotmail.com or 805-794-7590. She will be making the selection between December 10--11th to give people two weekends to get the decorations put up.

The award will be a $40 gift certificate to Otto and Sons Nursery. The Klittich family have gener-ously continued this award support over the years and Civic Pride Committee members have seen a positive effect in our Fillmore neighborhoods.

The Fillmore Lions Club has announced that the topic for the 2018 Student Speaker Contest is “What Role Does Integrity and Civility Play in Today’s Society?” The contest will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the Scout House, at the end of Sespe Avenue, beginning at 7:00PM sharp. There will be a maximum of six speakers with the winner receiving $100, with a chance to advance to The Zone Contest and to eventually win over $21,000 in money and scholarships. The runner-ups will receive $25 provide that the speech is over five minutes in duration. For more information and to sign up contact M. Tom Ito at Fillmore High School or call Mr. Edmonds at 524-4839. All students living in Fillmore of Fillmore High School age even if attending other school or home taught are eligible. It is best to start early. The topic will be of great interest to parents and to the community. Remember only Six can enter. Submitted by Lions Club member Bill Edmunds.

On Small Business Saturday November 25th, Santa Barbara County Animal Services is holding the first annual Support Your Shelter Saturday. All three shelters will be open from 10AM until 4PM for discounted adoptions.

Take advantage of our cuddlebuster deal on a day that is notorious for showing support for local businesses and adopt any animal five months or older for FREE from 10AM-12PM. A 50% adoption discount will be offered from 12PM-2PM and 25% off will be given for adoptions from 2PM-4PM. Adoption Matchmakers will be on hand to assist those looking to adopt. Dog licensing fees still apply.

Support Your Shelter Saturday is a great time to adopt a new family member. There is plenty of time to help your new cuddly canine, fluffy feline, or beautiful bunny adjust to their new home before the Holidays. In addition, pets have many health benefits including helping you to fight off those winter blues. With all of the rich foods that tend to be enjoyed throughout December, adopting a new walking companion, also known as a dog, is sure to help you stay healthy while adopting a rabbit will encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables. Adopting a cat this time of the year has its perks as well; like a built in lap warmer which can help reduce your heating bills.

All three Santa Barbara County Animal Shelters’ are full of amazing animals with a lot of love left to give. This holiday season, when all is focused on giving, open your home to a shelter pet. Giving the gift of a home to a homeless animal is sure to leave you on the receiving end of many things including unconditional love.

All adopted animals include a health check, spay or neuter, applicable vaccinations, and a starter bag of food. You can add a microchip for just $10 at the time of adoption. You will not find a better deal at any other stop!

Make sure a stop at your local shelter is planned for Support Your Shelter Saturday on Saturday, November 25th from 10AM to 4PM at the Santa Maria Animal Center at 548 W. Foster Rd in Santa Maria, the La PAWS Adoption Center at 1501 W. Central Ave. in Lompoc, or at the Santa Barbara Shelter at 5473 Overpass Rd. in Santa Barbara.

Camarillo Hospice, A Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association,

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, please consider joining one of our grief support groups. Grief is not meant to be experienced alone. We are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. The groups are free of charge. Registration required.

If you have any questions, please call Stacia Sickle LCSW at 805-389-6870 x452.

Ongoing Support Groups

Young Widow and Widowers Support Group: Tuesdays 5:30 to 7:00 pm

Good Grief Club and Teenage Grief Support Groups: as scheduled

General Bereavement Support Group: Healing after the Loss of a Loved One: Wednesdays 1:00 to 2:30 pm and Thursdays 6:00-7:30 pm

Caring for the Caregiver: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1:00 to 2:30 pm

Survivors of Suicide Support Group: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Reinvesting in Life after Loss of a Loved One: 2ndand 4th Thursdays 3:00 to 4:30 pm

Adult Loss of Parent Support Group: 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 6:00 to 7:30 pm

For more information on Camarillo Hospice visit www.camarillohospice.org

Back Stacks Books sponsored by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula will have the 1st Saturday book sale December 2, 2017, from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up.

The special for December 2nd is HALF PRICE on ALL Cookbooks. Start planning your holiday dinners early. We have many styles of cookbooks, including lots of books specializing in Holiday cooking.

Located at 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula, enter via the north parking lot, thru the roll-up door in the back. Normal weekday hours also continue: Wed. 12-4, Thu. & Fri. 12-2.

For more information: spfotl@gmail.com

Pet owners, don’t miss your chance for a uniquely fun and wonderful holiday memory. On two upcoming Sundays, the Humane Society of Ventura County will present its annual Santa Paws holiday photo shoot.

Bring your critters out to meet, sit and stay for a moment with Santa Paws, and pose for some truly adorable holiday pictures!

On Sunday, Nov. 19, the Ventura Beach Marriott will host the popular event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two weeks later, on Sunday, Dec. 3, the HSVC Shelter will host a second Santa Paws pet photo shoot, also from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shelter event will additionally feature a bake sale and marketplace, where you can get some holiday shopping done while you wait, from the many local vendors who’ll be on hand selling quality goods. All proceeds from these events benefit the animals of the nonprofit HSVC.

Adults and children are welcome to pose in their pets’ photos – with or without Santa. The shelter will have many festive pet costumes to doll up your pets if you are in the mood. In addition to cats and dogs, pocket pets, reptiles, rabbits and birds are all welcome!

Holiday photo shoot packages start at $30 and include five to 10 images. For a larger donation, you also will have access to some wonderful HSVC keepsakes, including a 2018 HSVC calendar. All images will be provided on-site on USB flash drives.

For over 30 years, this event has been providing high-quality holiday family portraits for county residents and beyond. “Having helped with Santa Paws since 1990, I can tell you this is one very fun event – and it’s especially fun for us to see the families grow through the years,” said Greg Cooper, HSVC Director of Community Outreach and official photographer for the event.

Thanks to Chuck Bowman for once again providing his services as the best Santa in town!

For more information, contact Cooper at GregC@HSVC.org or 805-646-6505, ext. 112.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that David Joseph Wirsing (DOB 10/15/71), of Ventura, was sentenced to serve seven months in jail and placed on formal probation for three years for his role in causing a 2014 explosion at Santa Clara Waste Water Company (“SCWWC”). Wirsing was the former transportation manager for SCWWC. The case was jointly prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the California Attorney General’s Office.

On November 18, 2014, an explosion occurred at the SCWWC facility located at 815 Mission Rock Road in Santa Paula. Numerous employees as well as first responders were injured either by the initial explosion or by inhaling a toxic cloud of chlorine gas generated by the illegal disposal of hazardous chemicals that were present on site. In July 2014, Wirsing and other SCWWC employees negotiated a lease for an off-site storage yard located near Palm Avenue in Santa Paula. Wirsing was involved in a criminal conspiracy to impede inspections by Ventura County Environmental Health officials through arranging for the hazardous chemicals to be moved to the off-site storage yard before inspections occurred.

In addition to the jail sentence, Wirsing was ordered to pay victim restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court. Under the terms of his formal grant of probation, Wirsing is prohibited from employment in any capacity involving the transportation of hazardous waste.

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 23. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash, recyclables and green waste collected on Saturday, Nov. 25, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) will provide free rides to U.S. military veterans on its VCTC Intercity Transit bus service on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11. Part of a countywide effort to honor local veterans on Veterans Day, VCTC joins Camarillo Area Transit, the County of Ventura, Gold Coast Transit, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit and Valley Express in offering two days of free rides.

“This our way of saying thank you to the thousands of men and women living in Ventura County who have served our country in the armed forces,” said VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. “VCTC is honored to welcome these local heroes on board our buses on Veterans Day and every day.”

To qualify for a free ride, veterans may simply show their valid Veterans Identification to the bus driver upon boarding any participating fixed-route bus service. Valid IDs include U.S. Military ID, CAC, VA Card, Veterans designation on a California driver’s license, DD214 and Retired Military ID.

Free rides are also available on the Camarillo Area Transit, CONNECT Intercity, Moorpark Transit, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit and Valley Express dial-a-ride programs.

Please note that Moorpark Transit and CONNECT Intercity do not operate on Saturdays.

For more information visit www.goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.