In the 1970’s a few post graduate students most notably Jon Kabat-Zinn at MIT began investigating the effects of meditation with a scientific approach. This was a risky career venture for Zinn and others. At the time, the science community viewed meditation as nonsense. But Zinn, Richard Davidson and a few other young postdoctoral scientists working in the field of neuroscience at different universities could not ignore what they were learning about the health and mind benefits of meditation. They wanted a hard scientific understanding of what was going on in the human brain during meditation and what its specific effects are on the mind and body. It’s not hard to get a sense of what those young research pioneers faced in their professional milieu as they set up experiments to study meditation on people. Even in 2016 if you mention meditation to someone the response is generally dismissive. Well, the science community and the general public have had to capitulate to the extraordinary research findings of the health rewards of mindfulness training thanks to Zinn, Davidson and other scientists who thought out of the box decades ago despite extreme unpopularity in their academic field.

Usher in the age of Mindfulness which is the state of meta-awareness. I use the term meta-awareness to describe the bountifulness of this practice. It’s simply amazing and it’s all scientific fact! What you thought were essentials in the American fast lane eventually drop off from the meditator like the bulky first stage of a spacecraft on its way to Earth orbit. Being mindful moment to moment is a bit indescribable.

Stay tuned for more on the merits of meditation and your health.

Paul Benavidez, MFA
Fillmore Active Adult Meditation Class, 805-524-3030

Ivy rain barrel features: • Made in the USA • 100% recycled plastic • Dimensions 42.5”H x 22” W x 18” L • Child proof, bug proof lid • Best-in-class overflow set up • 3/4" ball valve easily connects to garden hose • Three rain barrels easily fit in the backseat of a mid-sized sedan • All parts included and ready to set up • Gravity fed. No pumps required • Link two or more barrels together using existing overflow hose

Ventura County, Calif. (February 16, 2016)--Ventura County Community for a Clean Watershed is offering 50-gallon rain barrels through its new rain barrel program. The rain barrels are available at a discounted price to encourage residents to conserve water resources as well as to protect water quality.

Residents can use the barrels to capture rainwater from their rooftops, which can mean thousands of gallons of reusable water. Just 1” of rain yields 600 gallons per every 1,000 sq. ft. of roof space that can be collected and reused.. This water would typically flow down streets and be sent down the storm drain. Water collected by rain barrels can be used to water trees, gardens and lawns.

The rain barrels are made from 100 percent recyclable materials, connect to existing downspouts or rain chains, and come with a childproof and mosquito-proof lid. They can be purchased directly through the program’s website, www.rainbarrelprogram.org/venturacounty, using a credit card. To place a phone order or to request a mail-in form, call 919- 835-1699 and ask for the Ventura County rain barrel program price. The normal cost per barrel is $149 but the discounted price is $75 plus tax.

Order by March 6 for a March 12 pick up at one of two locations: Ventura County Government Center (Parking Lob B and C, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura) and Calleguas Municipal Water District (2100 E. Olsen Rd., Thousand Oaks). All rain barrels must be pre-purchased. Bring a copy of your email confirmation to pick up your rain barrel.

Residents may also be eligible for a $75 rebate per barrel for up to four barrels. To check eligibility, go to www.socalwatersmart.com.

For more information about Ventura County Community for a Clean Watershed, visit www.cleanwatershed.org.

My name is Mark Trimble, I am a retired Police Commander, and a resident of the City of Fillmore for 19 years.
For Citizen(s) of The Year, I would like to nominate the Landeros family, Laura, Daniel, David, Cristina, Elden, Gabby and Mia. For Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year, I would like to nominate Rigo Landeros.

As a retired police officer, I understand the dedication and sacrifice the family members of a First Responder make. Their loved one has made a decision to serve and protect the community in a job that may require the ultimate sacrifice; the giving of their life to protect and save the lives of members of the community in which they serve. It also entails much time away from the family of the First Responder.

Laura, Daniel, David, Cristina, Elden, Gabby and Mia, served the community of Fillmore in the most sacrificial and dedicated manner by their love and support of Rigo. Only their family truly knows the sacrifice they made in their support of Rigo in the demanding and dangerous profession of professional Firefighter. They worried together, laughed together, and cried together in their support of Rigo. Each time Rigo went on a call, the Landeros family understood the potential of Rigo’s dedication to community safety; and I am sure Rigo would say their love and support gave him the inspiration and courage to protect the citizens of Fillmore.

I feel confident Rigo would say his family was the source of his ability to serve the community in the outstanding manner in which he did.

The Landeros family are ‘The Citizens of The Year.’
Nomination for Lifetime Achievement Citizen of The Year:
Rigo Landeros.

I feel confident the members of the Chamber of Commerce understand why Rigo is worthy of this award.

Since I have lived in Fillmore, I know of no one else who has served our community in so many different facets, with great skill, for so many years, with such honorable duty.

Respectfully,
Commander Mark A. Trimble (Ret.)

The Ventura County Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for a tour of the RED HOT SALSA CO. in Santa Paula at the corner of Railroad Avenue and 9th Street.

We will get a tour of the hydroponics and the facility. The facility was featured on Oprah.

Lunch will follow at 12:30 pm at Rabalais Bistro located within walking distance.

Members and guests are welcome.

For more information email Marlene at wmewait@aol.com

The 79th annual Santa Paula Art & Photography show will be accepting art works on the 3rd. of March from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 5th. of March, at the North back door of the Blanchard Community Library, 119 No. 8th St., Santa Paula. For more information on the show and locations where our prospectus and entry forms can be obtained go to our website at WWW.thespsa.com . Please do not call the library – a message can be left at 805-525-1104.

The formal opening of the show will be Tuesday March 8th. The Awards Reception will be March 19th. where $4,750. in awards will be given.. The show will close on April 6, 2016.

Applications for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant are available. The Parent Tea and First Practice will take place at the Memorial Building on Wednesday, February 24th beginning at 6:30PM. Questions and answers will also be addressed at that time. Miss Contestants must be a Junior or Senior girl in good standing. Teen Contestants must be a girl between the ages of 13 (by January 1st) and 17 in good standing, but not a Junior or Senior. All contestants must reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries. Flyers will be available at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School or by contacting Pageant Director Lori McLain at #524-4432.

Chief Rigo Landeros

[PO Box correction] The Fillmore Women's Service Club has lost a friend with the passing of Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. We got to know Chief Landeros over the years working on the Fireworks Booth, and at other community projects. An exemplary example of a City Official, he was always understanding, helpful, and made a point to be available to answer questions by phone. Chief Landeros contributed so much to the community of Fillmore and will be missed by all.

The FWSC Club members send their thoughts and prayers to Rigo's family, extended family and friends.

The Club members voted to present a Scholarship honoring Chief Rigo Landeros, in his name to a graduating High School Student in June.

Anyone wishing to make a tax deductable donation to this Community Scholarship can do so by sending a check to the FWSC, P.O. Box 151, Fillmore, 93016. Please write Rigo Landeros in Memo. Any questions or more information call Susan Banks at 524-2020.

There is a saying that when we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways –either by losing hope, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Suicide is one of the most tragic events a family and community can experience. The moment a spotlight is put on this difficult, and extremely tragic experience we naturally ask: why did this occur?

The love and respect that the Fillmore community held for Chief Rigo Landeros is one that we will never lose. It is a part of us. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family.

As we seek to try to understand the unfathomable, we have to acknowledge the complexity of suicide. Suicide is one of the most serious public health issues facing our nation. There is no easy single explanation to the story; but there is help, and there is hope.

We get to decide how to move forward and how we will heal from this experience. It is an opportunity to focus on suicide as a tragedy; recognizing that in our grief, we are not alone. We will find strength by supporting one another.

The County of Ventura is expanding outreach for residents in the City of Fillmore, who are searching for understanding and healing. We all have a role in the healing. Ventura County Behavioral Health can assist with this endeavor. One of the priorities of the County Behavioral Health services is to reduce stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment, helping people become familiar with some of the treatments and resources that are available. The Fillmore Community Health Center is available to assist.

Additionally, on March 19, 2016, Ventura County Behavioral Health will be sponsoring a Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Fair at the Active Adult Center to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This Fair provides a unique opportunity to join together as individuals, families, and a community to become informed and aware about depression and suicide, and also to provide comfort to one another during the grieving process.

If you, or know of anyone affected by this or similar tragedies, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team is available 24/7 to provide assistance to residents experiencing a mental health emergency. The Ventura County Suicide Hotline is 1-877-727-4747, or for community members seeking support coping, the Ventura County Crisis Team may be reached at 1-866-998-2243. Together, we can begin the healing.

Kathy I. Long, Ventura County Supervisor

Happy Valentine’ s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day everybody. I hope you already chose who is gonna be your Valentine this day. You can have a lot of ideas to do like make a Happy Valentine’s Day card, have a Valentine’s Day party, Valentine’s games you have a lot of ideas you can do. You can probably date your Valentine, that would be a good idea. You can do a lot of things for Valentine’s Day. Like maybe you can make a Valentine’s Day cake, anything you can think of will be great. As long as it’s a Valentine’s Day theme. If its your mom or dad or brother or sister or cousin or uncle or aunt or grandmother or grandfather, anyone you love you can draw a picture of a heart and you and that other person in it, they’ll love that. Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day and I hope you have a great day.

Heather Furness, 2nd Grade, Gazette Cub Reporter

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The Fillmore Women's Service Club brightened the lives of some of the residents in Fillmore this holiday season. “There are so many people in need it was nice to know that we could make a difference for some”, Susan Banks, President said.

The Fillmore Women's Service Club gave two Food Baskets at Thanksgiving and five Holiday Baskets at Christmas to families in need. The Holiday baskets contained food items, gift card to Super A and a certificate for gift purchases.

The Fillmore Women's Service Club also collected toys and items for teenagers for Ventura County Foster kids. We also donated canned food to One Step a la Vez food drive.

At Lynn Edmunds retirement dinner from One Step de la Vez, Teresa Reese, representing the Fillmore Women's Service Club, presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication and hard work establishing the One Step for the youth of Fillmore. A donation in her name for $200 was also presented to One Step from FWSC.

The Fillmore Women's Service Club presented a check for $200 to Laura Bartels for the Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid for their Winter Coat Drive. This year the coat drive was held at the Fillmore Fire Station on December 19th.

Did you see us in the Fillmore Christmas Parade this year ?? Susan Banks said “the Christmas Parade was a lot of fun for the members to participate in and it was wonderful to meet so many new people as well as old friends”

The Fillmore Women's Service Club meets every second Weds (except May, July, Aug and Dec.) in the Fillmore Active Adult Center at 7 p.m. If you would like more information about our Club and it's activities, call Teresa Reese, membership chair, at 818-645-4626, or President Susan Banks at 805-524-2020.

Come and be a part of this charitable organization and don't forget we need your support at our 4th July Fireworks Booth !!! So look for Fillmore Women's Service Club.

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Seneca Resources Employees and local Fillmore residents Joey Salazar and Luke Faith present a check for $7,000 to Boys & Girls Club CEO Jan Marholin and Piru Club Youth at their Piru site. The donation is due to Seneca Resources being Lead STEM Sponsor at the newly opened Piru Site. Seneca Resources is the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company, explores for, develops, and purchases national gas and oil reserves in California and Appalachia. The company has a facility in Fillmore, California. “We appreciate the continued support from Seneca Resources and value their commitment to supporting STEM programs for our youth,” stated CEO Jan Marholin.

Community bank gave back in 2015 by donating $175,000 to local non-profits through its Sierra Grant Program
PORTERVILLE, CA — Bank of the Sierra announced that 2015 saw over $175,000 distributed to a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the 6 counties it serves. Each quarter the Bank awarded approximately 15 organizations with a grant, the amount of which was determined individually by the specific needs of the organization. Most organizations received a grant of $1,000 to $5,000.

The grant program partners with traditional non-profits, public school districts, and other local organizations. The types of projects that benefitted from the grants ranged widely, including initiatives to help underprivileged children and the elderly, housing and community building projects, cultural and educational initiatives, and environmental preservation efforts.

Kevin McPhaill, Bank President and CEO, explained his appreciation for the grant program and the organizations that benefit from it: “The Sierra Grant program has been an important part of how Bank of the Sierra engages with the areas it serves. We’re happy to assist with the projects these organizations introduce, and we’re always grateful to hear of the many ways community members are making a difference.”

About the Sierra Grant Program
Since its inception in 2004 the Sierra Grant Program has been responsible for donating over a million dollars to organizations that improve local communities. Non-profits who wish to apply for a Sierra Grant can pick up an instructional brochure at any Bank of the Sierra branch, or visit the bank’s web site at www.bankofthesierra.com/resources/sierra_grant_program.

About Bank of the Sierra
Since its founding in 1977, Bank of the Sierra has grown to become the largest independent bank in the southern San Joaquin Valley, with approximately $1.8 billion in assets. The Bank is a multi-community financial institution that offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services, employing over 400 people at 29 locations, including an online branch, a real estate industries center, and an ag credit center. Offering more than just financial services, Bank of the Sierra is committed to providing the benefits of local banking with a focus on improving the communities in which it serves.

A message from Detective Chip Cadman:
Farm Watch readers, There have been several reports of avocado theft throughout the county. The thefts have ranged from persons pulling onto the shoulders of a roadway and stealing a handful of avocados hanging over fence lines, to additional reports of large thefts from properties. The large thefts involve suspects leaving fruit on the exterior avocado tree line and harvesting fruit from interior avocado trees. If you have been unable to contract labor crews to harvest, please take the time to walk through your properties and ensure thieves are not harvesting fruit from your property. Direct employees to contact the Sheriff’s Office when persons are contacted stealing fruit from the shoulder of a roadway or trespassing onto your properties looking to steal.

Recently two reports of stolen Utility Carts and one stolen Skid Steer have been made from local properties. I have received information from Fresno County regarding similar farm vehicle and trailer thefts. Please remember to mark your equipment with your OAN. Investigators throughout the state have access to the OAN system and can use this in the recovery of stolen equipment. If you have been the victim of a theft, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch and request a deputy respond to your location to take a crime report.

The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property:
• Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.
• Be a good witness, note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.
• Use your cellular telephone to take pictures if possible.
• If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.
• Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.

Agricultural Crimes Detective Chip Cadman
E-mail: greg.cadman@ventura.org
Office: 805-384-4726
Work Cell: 805-797-6424

Sheriff’s Office Dispatch 805-654-9511

Be alert and stay safe!
Chip

Geoff Dean – Sheriff
Gary Pentis - Undersheriff
Steve DeCesari - Assistant Sheriff
Guy Stewart - Assistant Sheriff

The Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is holding its 43rd Benefactors’ Ball on Saturday, April 16, with proceeds benefitting the new Community Memorial Hospital.

At this event, three notable individuals will be recognized with the prestigious Cephas Bard Award, named after the founder of the first Community Memorial Hospital. Awardees to be recognized at this event are: CMH Physician – Dr. Thomas F. Golden, CMH Retired Physician – Dr. William L. Hart, and Community Member of the Year – Barbara Meister.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at O’Brien Hall at Historic Mission San Buenaventura. Dinner is set for 7 p.m., with dancing and music at 8 p.m. The evening is black tie optional.

The event represents an opportunity for residents to support community-based healthcare. The new Community Memorial Hospital will feature advanced medical technology, all private rooms and a considerably larger emergency department.

For information, tickets or sponsorship, visit www.benefactorsball.org, or call the foundation office at 805-667-2881.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

Helen Hunt Jackson
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On Sunday, January 31, at 1:00 PM, experience author Helen Hunt Jackson's January 23, 1882 visit to Rancho Camulos, which inspired the setting for her bestselling novel Ramona. Re-enactors will engage and delight you as they portray this event which forever changed the peaceful life at Rancho Camulos. "A Woman with a Mission - Ramona a Heroine for a Gilded Age", a presentation on the life of HHJ by author Patricia Clark Doerner will follow the reenactment. Suggested donation $5.

This National Historic Landmark is located on Highway 126, 10 miles west of the I-5 freeway near Piru.

Moorpark College invites students and parents to attend its CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 20, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Fountain Hall (7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA). The Financial Aid staff will assist students and parents with the 2016/2017 FAFSA application, the California Dream application, and the Chafee Application.

Participants should bring the following list of required documents:

1. Student/Parent Tax information for 2015
2. Social Security Numbers for Students/Parents
3. Other income information for Students/Parents
4. Student/Parent W2s (for taxes not yet filed) 2015.

The workshop is FREE and open to the public. Free parking is available in Lot A.

For additional information, please call the Moorpark College Financial Aid Office at 805-378-1462.

Back Stacks Books sponsored by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula is a great place to find just the right books.

The Back Stacks 1st Saturday sale February 6, from 10 AM to 2 PM, will feature 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. The February specials include multi-volume sets, already marked with low prices, now at 50% off. Also, mass market paperbacks, usually $.50, will be $.25 or 5 for $1.00!

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.