The Humane Society of Ventura County is continuing its free spay/neuter program for pit bulls and pit bull mixes until funding runs out.

Since the program began in January, the Humane Society has altered 67 pit bulls and pit bull mixes, according to Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman. She said funding remains for approximately 50 to 60 more surgeries. Dogs must be five years old or less and weigh no more than 80 pounds.

“It’s very important for owners to take advantage of this,” Hoffman said. “Through the program we can prevent thousands of Pit Bulls from being born.”

Appointments are required. Call 646-7849 or 656-5043 or visit www.hsvc.org.

In 2014, the HSVC’s Spay and Neuter clinic altered 1,443 cats and dogs and an additional 265 free spay and neuter surgeries for Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes, saving the lives of countless animals.

The Ojai-based nonprofit also is seeking donations to help fund the free spay/neuter program as well as other programs at the shelter. Donations may be made by visiting the HSVC website, brought to the Humane Society shelter at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai, or mailed to PO Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

“In the entire history of the world, those nations that have survived and continue to prosper have been the ones successful in providing a continuous and adequate water supply.” ~ Arnold Toynbee

Will Ventura County have a “continuous and adequate water supply” moving into the future? The 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury was concerned about the current drought and what impact it could have on the county’s lifestyle and economy, especially as agriculture is the county’s largest economic segment. The grand jury chose Ventura’s most populous city, Oxnard, to examine how one municipality and its adjoining agricultural area are dealing with water issues. The grand jury investigated by conducting in-person interviews and studying published and online information.

With considerable foresight, Oxnard began looking into the water situation in the late 1990s. In May 2002, Oxnard released an advanced planning study known as the Groundwater Recovery Enhancement and Treatment Program or GREAT. A major component of GREAT was to build a state-of-the-art water-purification facility to further process water that has already been through the city’s existing wastewater treatment plant. This additional processing would produce “tertiary water”—high-quality, recycled water for use in agriculture, industry, golf courses and parks. The first of four phases of the new facility was substantially completed in 2012 at a cost of approximately $110 million. However, for the facility to operate effectively and be economically viable, more pipelines still need to be built to transport its water to potential customers.

In its report, the grand jury recommends that the Oxnard City Council pursue funding, including partnerships and grants, to complete the first two phases of the GREAT program. This will substantially increase Oxnard’s water supply and make it price-competitive with current suppliers. This additional water supply can be sold to other parties and increase Oxnard’s revenues.

The just-released report also considers countywide water management, pointing out that the County’s water supply is managed by 76 different entities that have no legislative or regulatory authority over all water issues. It recommends that the Oxnard City Council collaborate closely with the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency, which oversees the county’s largest underground water source, the Fox Canyon Aquifer, and is responsible for producing the area’s newly mandated groundwater sustainability plan. A joint effort could provide a more efficient and equitable process to distribute water countywide.

The complete report may be accessed at www.ventura.org/grand-jury; click on the Annual Reports tab and consult “Fiscal Year 2014-2015.”

The grand jury is a civil investigatory panel of 19 citizens created to serve as a voice of the people and a conscience of the community. Jurors are not appointed by politicians but are independent volunteer citizens.

Ventura, CA – A Community Memorial Health System nurse, Lisa Baker, is a recent recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a peer-elected awards program the hospital participates in each quarter. Nurses are nominated for the DAISY awards by patients, family members and colleagues.

Lisa, a registered nurse in Community Memorial Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, is known at the hospital for hercompassionate care, concern and dedication to patient health.

Lisa was nominated by a colleague who wrote: “Lisa is continually used as a resource by staff throughout the entire hospital for her wealth of knowledge, experience, amazing ability to critically think during tough situations, and herwillingness to work as a team to assist in any role -- whether it is assisting in giving a bed bath or to help stabilize a critical post-opt open heart patient in order to send the patient back to theOR.I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the DAISY Award. Lisa is the type of nurse we should all strive to become. It is an honor to work with her.”

Each quarter, a nurse is selected to receive the DAISY Award by an awards committee. At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s peers, patients and leadership, the honoree receives a certificate of commendation for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

The DAISY Award is supported by the not-for-profit DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation. Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes created this foundation and award as a way to remember their son, J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick had a disease that attacked his body and was in the hospital for a long time. His nurses did such a great job with him that the Barnes family created an award that continues to recognize the excellent work nurses do every day.

Said CMHS Vice President of Patient Care Services, Bobbie McCaffrey, “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroesevery day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 12family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

(l-r) Jim Holly and Kevin McPhaill

Porterville, CA – The Board of Directors of Sierra Bancorp, the holding company for Bank of the Sierra, today announced that it has officially appointed Kevin McPhaill as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2015. On the same day, the founding bank President, James C. Holly, will officially enter retirement, but continue on the Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.

Locally born and raised, McPhaill grew up in Tulare County and attended Fresno Pacific University for his undergraduate degree, and earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance at Fresno State University. Additionally, McPhaill graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. McPhaill has been in the banking industry for 24 years, including 14 years with Bank of the Sierra, and in his most recent role at the bank, McPhaill held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. McPhaill also holds a seat on the bank’s Board of Directors.

“I am privileged to have worked with Jim for the past several years and have come to admire his leadership, energy and drive,” stated McPhaill. “I congratulate him on an exceptional banking career that spans over 50 years, including nearly 38 years as CEO of Bank of the Sierra. I am honored to move into this role and I am committed to working with our team as we realize our full potential,” continued McPhaill.

“As we transition to a new President, the Board of Directors and I have full confidence in Kevin and his abilities,” mentioned Holly. “Kevin has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a true passion for customer service. With the top-level leadership we have in place, Bank of the Sierra is well positioned for future growth and high performance.”

Early in his banking career, Holly was instrumental in starting the Porterville, California based bank in 1977, and maintained his role as the bank’s CEO for nearly 38 years. Holly has seen Bank of the Sierra flourish from a small, single office bank to a 28 branch multi-community bank. Through multiple recessions, and a corporate building fire in the early 90’s, Holly and his team have managed to generate a profit every year since 1982. Sierra Bancorp is the largest publicly-traded financial institution headquartered in Tulare County and is traded on NASDAQ (BSRR). Although Holly will retire as CEO, he will continue on as a director and will retain all current Board committee assignments. In addition, he was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board for both Sierra Bancorp and the Bank, with oversight for merger and acquisition activities, effective April 1, 2015.

Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com) is in its 38th year of operations and at $1.6 billion in assets is the largest independent bank headquartered in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over 400 employees and conducts business through 28 branch offices, an online branch, a real estate industries center and an agricultural credit center.

Fillmore High School is holding a PTO metting on Wednesday, April 8th in the school library at 6:30pm. A Board will be elected. Please come and join the FHS PTO.

Ventura, CA - The Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is holding its 42ndBenefactors’ Ball on Saturday, April 18, with proceeds benefitting the new Community Memorial Hospital.

For the first time this year, 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. J.N. Warwar, CMH Retired Physician – Dr. James McKinzie and Community Leader – William J. Kearney.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites at Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard. Dinneris set for 6 p.m., with dancing and music at 7 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, to open in 2016, will feature advanced medical technology, all private rooms and a considerably larger emergency department.

For information, tickets or sponsorship visit www.benefactorsball.org, call the Foundation office at 805-667-2881 or email cmhf@cmhshealth.org.
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, and 12family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee, in cooperation with Otto & Sons Nursery, presented a free workshop for the public on Saturday, March 28, at Otto & Sons Nursery on Guiberson Road. The certified judges that judge our Fillmore Flower Show and manage the judging at the Ventura County Fair were with us to answer questions and demonstrate bouquets and arrangements being made “before our eyes” with their dialogue of grooming tips and suggestions for preparations. Barbara Schneider and Susan Diller gave us humorous and practical ideas for selecting vases, containers and types of plant materials that they use in their competitions.

After their demonstration, those present were invited to make their own creations using oasis and gorgeous roses by the “bucket full”, along with “filler” greenery.

People present, from Solvang, Santa Clara, Santa Paula and Fillmore enjoyed lemonade and homemade muffins while having one on one conversations with the judges.

Ten years ago the County of Ventura’s General Services Agency (GSA), which oversees purchasing for 27 agencies and departments, developed a policy to reduce waste and promote the purchase of recycled products. The new policy spelled out guidelines for purchasing paper—a major yearly expense. During 2014, for example, 600-plus copy machines countywide consumed about 50 million blank sheets of paper. The GSA policy authorized a cost for recycled paper products of 10 percent more than the cost of virgin paper products.

The 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury wanted to assess the effectiveness of this “green” procurement policy, especially in the area of recycled paper products. To be clear, the grand jury supports the goals stated in the policy.

The grand jury investigated by reviewing the county’s policies and procedures related to purchasing and use of recycled products; interviewing county employees involved in ordering “green” products and services; examining purchase orders, requests for proposals, and purchasing-activity reports; and accessing purchasing-related county webpages.

Among the grand jury’s conclusions:
• The policy is unclear as to whether it describes requirements or simply goals;
• Complying with the policy has been left up to purchasing agents in the county’s separate departments and agencies.
• Any additional costs for using recycled paper are not generally known.

As a result of its investigation, the grand jury made several recommendations. The most important ones are (1) that the green procurement policy be revised to clearly state whether it consists of goals or requirements—and, if requirements, to state who is responsible for enforcing them and monitoring costs; and (2) that the Procurement Department within GSA help the county’s agencies and departments develop restricted lists of post-consumer recycled-content products that satisfy the policy’s guidelines.

The complete report may be accessed at http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury; click on the “Annual Reports” tab and consult “Fiscal Year 2014-2015.”

Friday, April 17, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tickets: $60 (includes lunch and museum tour)

An Afternoon You Won't Forget!

National Historic Landmark Rancho Camulos Museum will host the award winning western musician Don Edwards in concert on Friday, April 17. The doors open at 11 a.m. Feast on a delicious Southwest buffet, followed by a memorable concert in the museum's quaint and intimate 1930s schoolhouse. Costumed docent-led tours of the museum's 19th-century adobe home, chapel and gardens are included. Proceeds help to preserve this historic and charming California landmark.

Limited seating, so reservations are a must! To purchase your tickets, click here: http://cowboyfestival.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=710644

GETTING READY FOR A SLAB POUR
The journey continues of the rehabbing of the old girl’s shower room (When it was the girl’s gym at FUSD many years ago) into a new teen study center room for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is moving along quite well. There was a concrete ramp pour on March 7th and now there is hope of a concrete slab pour on March 21st pending inspection approval. On Saturday March 14th Southwest Regional Carpenter’s members from Local #150 Mercy Urrea , David Urrea and Jose Cobian worked to lay additional rebar and clean up from the previous ramp pour. The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley thanks these wonderful men for giving up their Saturday to help make a difference for our local youth.

AND WE HAVE A RAMP!!!!
Saturday was a very exciting day at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley’s Fillmore Clubhouse. The first of two cement pours was done and now we have an ADA compliant ramp for the new teen study center that is being renovated. The second cement pour will be later in the month which will be a five inch cap in the rest of the room. This 720sq. ft. room was previously the old girls shower room when FUSD owned the building many years ago. Upon completion the room will be utilized by Boys & Girls Club teens who will have many learning opportunities such as financial literacy, interview and resume skill building and new technology to help them with their studies. Donating the cement was Diversified Minerals Inc. and donating his concrete pumping services was Travis Tumer of Dragon Concrete Pumping. David Urrea, Mercy Urrea, Jon Duran, Jose Cobian and Jason Mora from SW Carpenters local #150 donated their time on Saturday to facilitate the ramp pour.

And We Have a Floor
Saturday March 21st was a very early morning start for a slab concrete pour at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. This pour was for a floor that now connects to the ramp that was poured a few weeks ago. This continues the story of creating a new Teen Study Center in the old girl’s shower room when the high school girl’s gym was originally part of FUSD. Jim Price and Dave Hyatt of Diversified Minerals Incorporated graciously provided the concrete with Tony and Tim doing the two truck delivery Saturday morning. Pumping was courtesy of Eric Nunez’s Action Concrete Pumping with Ruben Gamboa doing the actual onsite pumping. Another big thank you to Travis Tumer from Dragon Concrete Pumping who provided pumping on the first slab pour. Also giving up their Saturday and working on site were Mercy Urrea, David Urrea and Jose Cobian from Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local #150. Finishers for the concrete work were Martin Chaidez and Mario Felix. The Boys & Girls Club wishes to thank all of these people who have helped with this future Teen Study Center. If you wish to contribute to this project , please send you donation to : Teen Study Center , PO Box 152 Santa Paula, CA. 93061

Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ventura County Agricultural Museum
926 Railroad Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060

*Special power-point presentation at 11:00 a.m. on Ventura County Citrus Labels by CLS members Jim and Valerie Campos.
*Original California citrus crate labels on display and for sale.

The Citrus Label Society was founded in 1981 with the purpose of providing meeting places for citrus label collectors to gather together and exchange labels, to enjoy special citrus-related programs, and to share and preserve historical information about the citrus industry. Citrus labels are unique, visual images that document California’s citrus heritage and the state’s history, and are also appreciated by collectors as beautiful works of art.

Everyone is welcome to this special Ventura County meeting. Tell the docent at the entrance that you are attending the meeting, and there will be no charge for Museum admission. You will also be free to enjoy the interesting historical exhibits in the Museum.

For more information contact Tom Spellman: tom@davewilson.com

www.citruslabelsociety.com
www.citruslabelgallery.com

Connecting with our residents and businesses is important to the city council and staff. The city recently finalized a new mobile app for the iPhone and Android smart phones and entered into a contract to update the city website.

Mobile App
The mobile application will allow residents to report on various issues including pot holes, graffiti, and code enforcement via their smart phone and have those requests automatically routed to the correct department for proper handling. The mobile app will provide a list of frequently called numbers, an events calendar and other important information links. The app will be ready to download in April.

Website Development
Vision Internet was selected to develop and new website for the city. Vision Internet has received numerous awards for creating visually appealing websites that are loaded with well-organized content that is easy for the end-user to navigate and designs that promote transparency in government operations. The website will be under development for several months.

The City looks forward to these new communication tools as we move forward with enhancing our communication efforts and continue to show everyone why Fillmore is the “Last Best Small Town.”

David W. Rowlands,
City Manager

STEM talks at E. P. Foster Library

SUBJECT: STEM talks at the library
CONTACT: Sara Roberts, Deputy Director VCLS (805) 256-8535
DATE: March 18, 2015

Learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at your local library.

E.P. Foster Library is excited to present a 3 part series focused on STEM topics. The events are designed to delight and inspire learners of all ages. This project is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

3/28 Origami Math Genius (OMG) 11 a.m. – Noon. OMG is a curriculum built around origami math developed by BiJian Fan to integrate art and science into K-12 education. This program integrates fun, hands-on activities into learning. Students can learn mathematical concepts and logic by creating origami artworks, cultivate imagination and creativity, and develop problem-solving skills.

3/29 The Amgen Biotech Experience 1:30-2:30 p.m. Stop by the library to hear two teachers talk about this innovative science education program, which allows students to engage in learning molecular biology using a hands-on curriculum and research-grade tools, techniques, and supplies. Participating instructors receive training and are able help their classes explore cutting-edge science.

4/29 NOAA and the National Weather Service 5-6 p.m. Eric Boldt, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of NOAA, will speak on STEM topics and the role of the National Weather Service. This talk is for people of all ages interested in STEM fields and the careers they can lead to.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

City of Fillmore

Aaron Farmer and Sarah Cameron with The Retail Coach will be conducting a meeting with local business owners Monday, March 23rd at 6:00 pm at Fillmore City Hall located at 250 Central Avenue. The Retail Coach has been working with the City to develop a comprehensive demographic and psychographic profile of Fillmore. The profile identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the community in the eyes of the retailer. The Retail Coach will be sharing their findings with local business owners. These findings include:

• Buying habits of Fillmore residents
• Describe retail sales leakage to other cities.
• Opportunities to retail businesses.
• Coaching session for local business owners.

Please contact the City Manager’s office at (805) 524-1500 if you have any questions.

• Ventura: We Honor Veterans Program Tuesday, March 31st at 3:30pm, The Bonaventure 10949 Telegraph Rd, Ventura. Join us to honor and appreciate the men and women who have served in the military.

• Ventura: Aging in America Thursday, March 26th 11-Noon at The Bonaventure 10949 Telegraph Rd, Ventura. Livingston’s Dr. Lanyard Dial, President/CEO and Medical Director presents this seminar which covers aging health issues, chronic disease, demographic changes, and end-of-life issues. RSVP (805) 642-0239 x739.
• Ojai: Peace Beyond Losses on Wednesday, April 15th from 1-2:30pm at Ojai’s Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office at 202-A Cañada Street, Ojai. Brock Travis, PhD, teaches guidance and support through life changes. Solutions to problems and answers to questions for finding serenity and fulfillment once again following bereavement. More information at (805) 642-0239.

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

• Ojai: Caregiver Support Group Monday, April 6th and 20th from 10:00am – 11:30am at Continuous Care Center, Fireside Room, 1306 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai (behind Ojai Valley Community Hospital). Find encouragement and hope during your time as a caregiver. Share, listen and explore thoughts and feelings about the struggles, losses and successes of caring for your loved one. For more information call (805) 633-9056.

• Ojai: Adult Bereavement CONTINUED »

Fillmore Fire Department would like to remind everyone that fire season is here and Fillmore Fire Department will be doing its annual weed abatement inspections. Let’s get ahead of the game and get your weeds cut down. Weeds must be trimmed below 3” in height and debris removed from the property to eliminate the potentially hazardous situation. The weed abatement deadline is June 1, 2015.

Properties failing to meet this deadline will be cleaned by a City of Fillmore approved Weed Abatement Contractor and the property owner will be billed for the cost plus a 15% administrative fee. These costs constitute a special assessment and MAY BECOME A LIEN AGAINST THE PROPERTIES NOTED PARCEL. The collection of such assessments and enforcement of the lien shall be made by the Ventura County Tax Collector.

The Fillmore Fire Department thanks you in advance for your cooperation in keeping our town safe.

Rigo Landeros
Fire Chief