The Ventura County (Civil) Grand Jury invites prospective jurors and interested members of the public to an open house on Wednesday, March 18, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 646 County Square Drive (third floor), Ventura (across Victoria Avenue from the government center). This is an excellent chance to learn about grand jury service, view the chambers, meet current jurors and enjoy refreshments.

The civil grand jury is an all-volunteer watchdog group that investigates public complaints, researches and writes reports, and makes recommendations about all aspects of local and county government. The civil grand jury does not pursue criminal cases.

To qualify for service you must be a citizen 18 years of age or older, reside in Ventura County for at least a year immediately before serving, have ordinary intelligence and good character and know sufficient English. Residents from all cultural groups and parts of the county are encouraged to apply.

For details about the grand jury’s mission and to view previous years’ reports, please visit www.ventura.org/grand-jury. Applications may be filled out online at that site, downloaded and mailed in or requested by telephone at (805) 477-1600. They will be accepted until April 15.

On Thursday, January 29th, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) honored its partners for strides in energy savings at the 2nd Annual VCREA Leadership Reception. The event brought together partners and stakeholders to meet, acknowledge the program’s 2014 community impact, and assess goals for the upcoming year. Three new awards were introduced and presented at the event.

Douglas Tucker, the Mayor of Fillmore, accepted The Emerging EnergyLeaderAward on behalf of the City of Fillmore. The Emerging EnergyLeader Award recognizesleadership of significant energy savings in a VCREA partner’s own facilities, programs and community outreach. Since 2006, the City of Fillmore has achieved more than 10 percent energy savings through the implementation of energy efficiency programs. In 2014 alone, the City also completed an Energy Action Plan to help identify objectives and strategies to help the city realize its long-term energy efficiency goals and achieved “Gold Tier” denomination in Southern California Edison’s Energy Leader Partnership Program, moving from “Valued Partner” and skipping over “Silver Tier” status.

“It is encouraging to see the efforts of all our partners making such a noticeable impact on energy usage throughout the County,” said Sue Hughes, Deputy Executive Officer, VCREA. “Together we are carrying out the mission of being energy stewards for our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in the years to come.”

Ventura County was honored with the Energy Saving Impact Award for having the largest total number of Kilowatt hour savings from projects completed in 2014, with over 1.5 million kWH, and the City of Thousand Oaks was honored with Green Community Leadership Awardforthe city’sextraordinary community outreach and efforts engaging with the residential and business community.

VCREA is a Joint Powers Agency composed of different public agencies working to develop and implement energy initiatives that support sensible growth, a healthy environment, and the economy. Last year, 13 organizations were involved with the agency, including Members: the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura; the County of Ventura; Ventura County Community College District; Ventura Regional Sanitation District and VenturaUnifiedSchool District; plus other participating cities: the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, and Port Hueneme. Utility partners are Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison. VCREA strives to increase energy efficiency awareness and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable local resources.

Since 2006, VCREA has attained over $3 million dollars in incentives and 22.5 million Kilowatt hours in savings for its partners.

About VCREA
VCREA is a Joint Powers Agency composed of public agencies working in collaboration to address good energy stewardship through integrated demand side management practices in the VenturaCounty region. More information about VCREA can be found at www.vcenergy.org.

Applications for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant are available. The Mother/Daughter Tea will take place at the Memorial Building on Thursday, February 19th 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.

As the County’s only non-for-profit Home Health and Hospice provider, we support the total well-being of our community. As part of our services, we host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following:

Special Classes/Events

• Ojai: Peace Beyond Losses on Wednesday, February 18th 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. Call (805) 272-8593 for more information.

• Moorpark: Brain Health on Thursday, February 19th at 1:00 pm, Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark. The brain is the most important and most complex part of the body and plays a critical role in almost everything you do…...thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, and even sleeping. The good news is there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age. This presentation will provide you with up-to-date information about brain health so you can make brain-healthy life style choices. Please RSVP to Moorpark Active Adult Center (805) 517-6260.

• Heart Health on Friday, February 20th 1-2pm at Ojai’s Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office at 202-A Cañada Street, Ojai. Discussion of topics include: causes of heart disease, symptoms of a heart attack, treatment of heart disease, preventive measures of heart disease, understanding the risk factors of coronary artery disease, understanding the lifestyle factors that impact management and the overall health of the person with coronary artery disease. To register call (805) 272-8593.

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

• Ojai: Caregiver Support Group Monday, February 16th 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.

Social CONTINUED »

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is looking for teams and individuals to participate in the annual BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE fundraising event. Bowl a strike or bowl a gutter ball...the kids still win! The event brings awareness to the youth mentoring programs offered by BBSVC; and in 2014, BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE raised over $75,000 to directly benefit BBSVC’s programs in Ventura County.

Bowling participants fundraise by registering online at BFKS.bbsvc.org, and may then raise donations from family, friends, coworkers, and their social networks. Local businesses can also support the event through sponsorships, prize donations, and by supporting a company team to bowl on the day of the event.

The bowling events will take place at Harley’s Camarillo Bowl on Saturday, March 14, and Harley’s Simi Valley Bowl on Sunday, March 15. Multiple bowling times are available at each location to celebrate the fundraising efforts of the participating teams and individuals.

Exciting grand prizes will be available for the Top Fundraisers, in both individual and team categories. There will also be a special grand prize for the “Big” (mentor) and “Little” (mentee) who raise the most funds: two tickets to Disneyland!

To register for BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE 2015, participants can sign up for free at BFKS.bbsvc.org, where they can make their personal fundraising page and begin collecting donations. Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to call Miriam Zacuto at 805.484.2282 ext 118.

For more information about BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE 2015 or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, please contact Danica Selvaggio at dselvaggio@bbsvc.org or 805.484.2282.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBSVC) has been helping youth in Ventura County and neighboring communities realize their potential for over 44 years. Facilitating more than 1,500 one-to-one
mentoring relationships annually between adult or school-based volunteers and youth ages 6-21, BBSVC is committed to bringing their life- changing program to every child who needs and wants it. BBSVC is an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding. To donate, become a mentor, or learn more about BBSVC, please call (805) 484-2282 or visit www.bbsvc.org.

On Saturday January 31 at noon experience noted Ramona author Helen Hunt Jackson's January 1882 visit to Rancho Camulos that forever changed the history of the Santa Clara River Valley Reservations for the historical reenactment are encouraged but not required. The suggested $5 donation also includes a docent-led tour. Tours will also be conducted at 2 and 3 PM. Rancho Camulos Museum and National Historic Landmark is located on Hwy. 126 , 10 miles west of the I-5 Newhall Ranch Road exit. Visitwww.ranchocamulos.org for more information about Rancho Camulos. Contact info@ranchocamulos.org or call (805) 521-1501.

"The Hotsy-Totsy 1920's!
Fillmore Community please join Fillmore Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards Dinner!
Date: Friday, March 6, 2015
Time: Social Hour: 5:30pm-6:30pm, Dinner/Ceremony: 6:30pm
Location: Veteran's Memorial Buiilding (511 Second St.) Fillmore, Ca. 93015
Attire: Vintage (optional)
Tickets: $35/per Adult and $20 under 17 years
$250 Table Reservations Available (Seats 8) get your reservations early for prime seating.
Sales End Friday February 27, 2015.
Promote your business by purchasing a Table Top and/or Advertisement in our Pamphlet also Available for $35 each.
For ticket sales call the chamber office 805.524.0351 or email: fillmorechamberc@gmail.com
President Irma Magana 805.794.2353 email: Notaryirma@hotmail.com or First VicePresident Ari Larson 805.794.7590 email: petenari55@hotmail.com
Questions regarding nomination requirements and submissions please contact: Renae Stovesand 805.746.1923 or email: rstovesand@att.net.

Emily Hadley

The practice of art is alive and well and progressing beautifully at the Fillmore Senior Center. The community is invited to enjoy the results of the arts program on Saturday, January 31 from 10am to 2pm as part of the Center’s Open House.

Four instructors and their students will be on hand to display and discuss the work they have been enjoying in the classes at the Center. Virginia Neuman, who works in acrylics, oils and watercolor, teaches drawing on Mondays. Virginia is an active practicing artist having worked in England, where she was born, as well as in France and the US. Virginia is a veteran of the Fillmore United School District where she established Independent Art Programs at Piru and San Cayetano.

Wana Klasen offers a watercolor class on Thursdays. A retired Registered Nurse and former educational administrator, Wana is a multi-disciplined artist working in watercolor, acrylic and collage. Currently, she is helping to lay the foundation for a local program of Artists for Trauma, a group seeking to provide art instruction for seriously disabled civilians and members of the military.

On Tuesdays, Karen Scott Browdy teaches a composition class based on collage and mixed media. Karen’s teaching experience includes 14 years as an adjunct instructor in Santa Barbara City College’s Adult Education Division. At present, she continues to teach independently in Carpinteria and Los Alamos, CA while maintaining a studio as an artist-in-residence at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo. Karen works in collage and assemblage.

Every other Tuesday, Charlene Smith convenes a decorative gourd class. She has been working in this medium since 1997 and in her own work, concentrates on masks. However, in class at the Senior Center, her students turn out bowls, rattles, drums and spirit dolls. Pyrography, carving, painting and dyeing are all a part of gourd art and make for interesting art pieces.

All of these artists regularly exhibit their work in various Ventura County venues and will have examples on display and for sale at the Open House. In addition, student work will be displayed and sold with a portion of all sales going to the programs of the Fillmore Senior Center Incorporated, a non-profit organization.

On Saturday January 24th, Jeff Bode and his crew from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #952 pulled wire and conduit all day long at the Fillmore Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Jeff, along with Chris Huston, Corey Spurgeon, Rene Guzman, Rebecca Andrews and Johan Lopez donated their time to help the Club with their soon to be Teen Study Room. In fact, not only did they donate their time but also all electrical materials. The Teen Study Room will have the latest technology so that teens will get assistance with homework, resume building, how to fill out employment applications and scholarships and most of all- a positive place that they can come to for more resources and support. The room is 720sq.ft. and previously was the old girls’ shower room at Fillmore High School when the facility was owned by the Fillmore Unified School District. If you would like to contribute to this project donations can be sent to : Teen Study Room Project PO Box 152 Santa Paula, CA. 93061

Buddha, a gentle, 10-year-old pitbull, has faced many challenges. He lost the use of his back legs and learned to use a pet wheelchair. Buddha says goodbye to his temporary home at the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center this week to move to a rescue sanctuary to await a new, permanent home.

A Santa Paula Police Department officer found the dog lying by the side of the road, unable to use his back legs. The officer brought him to the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC), where the staff rushed him to a pet emergency hospital. The dog was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy/neuropathy, meaning he lacks the strength to use his back legs and his condition may worsen with time. It appears the dog, named Buddha, had either been dumped or had dragged himself to the road, scraping his leg raw in the process.

Buddha recovered from his scrapes and bruises but needed help with mobility. In January, SPARC received the gift of a donated wheeled cart from Eddie’s Wheels, a company in Massachusetts which custom-makes wheels for dogs. The carts cost up to $600. SPARC is very grateful for the donation.

With encouragement and lots of treats from the SPARC staff, Buddha has learned to use his new wheels. After a few days with his new wheels, Buddha now enjoys getting out for a “spin” several times a day and is becoming more confident. When he becomes more proficient using his cart, he’ll be able to enjoy spending time with other dogs again.

Buddha is a gentle old soul who has been greeting and socializing with SPARC visitors for months as their “office dog.” He's been looking for a home all the while, but this week will be his “farewell” to SPARC as he will be leaving for greener pastures, moving to a rescue sanctuary that provides medical supervision and will care for him in a loving environment until he finds the perfect, forever home.

Donations to help with Buddha’s and other SPARC animals’ medical care can be made at www.santapaulaarc.org. SPARC is a private, non-profit organization and is the first and only no-kill animal shelter in Ventura County. SPARC is a place where homeless animals are brought for humane care without risk of being killed due to lack of space, illness or injury. SPARC relies on private donations to care for the animals.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Start 2015 with a guided tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve!*
Docent and naturalist for the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy,StuartNiebel, will guide us on a 60-minute, easy, walking tour describing the Conservancy’s efforts to reclaim the Meadows using native plants and grasses.
Lunch-11:30am, Tour-1pm, both in OJAI
Group reservation @ 11:30 for self-paid lunch before the tour
at Eggs ’n’ Potatoes Restaurant - 1103 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai 93023
805-646-5346 Lunch specials start at $11 + beverage, tax and tip
*Directions to Meadows - Highway 33 Entrance:
Take Highway 33 west (towards Maricopa) from the Highway 150/33 intersection at the
Rotary Community Park. Go past the high school and the football stadium, turning left
at the next available break in the highway’s dividing island.
Park in the small parking lot for the Preserve or along the curb of the highway.
Please Note: Rain or very muddy conditions will postpone lunch/tour to a later date.
R S V P REQUESTED !!
Call or email Lora Clarke by Jan 31st
805-218-2105, loralclarke@yahoo.com

Ventura, CA - Ventura County Clerk Recorder Mark Lunn announced that the County Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Lunn stated, “Valentine’s Day is our busiest wedding day of the year. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, we will extend our office hours to accommodate couples that want to marry on this romantic day.”

The County Clerk’s Office, located at the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Main Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura CA 93009-1260, will be open solely to issue Marriage Licenses and perform marriage ceremonies. Standard Marriage License and ceremony fees will apply.

Appointments are highly recommended and can be made by calling (805) 654-2263. Additional information can be found by visiting www.VenturaClerkRecorder.org.

Behind city council’s leadership, Fillmore is in for a big year in 2015. Construction has started on new retail projects and housing sales are moving in a positive direction.

Economic Development
You may have noticed all the construction along Highway 126 over the past several months. The Stop project at the Business Park is in the process of building a new Dollar General store and pads for several other retail establishments. The City anticipates being able to identify future tenants over the next few months. Family Dollar has also started construction along Highway 126 near the Best Western Hotel. Both projects are planned to open later in 2015 expanding the shopping opportunities for our residents and guest.

The City has entered into a contract with The Retail Coach a national retail consulting, marketing research and development firm that combines strategy, technology and expertise to develop and deliver retail recruitment and development strategies. The Retail Coach has and will continue to visit our businesses and provide recommendations to the City Council that will support the City’s overall retail recruitment and development goals. Another aspect of the study will be the development of marketing material for targeted retailers and identify companies to recruit to Fillmore.

Fillmore Volunteer Firefighters Foundation
When Rigo Landeros was appointed Fire Chief, one of his first goals was to establish a foundation for the Fire Department. The Foundation was formed in November 2010.

Over the years, with the help of Patrick Maynard, the Foundation has received over $275,000 in grants. In addition, the Foundation has raised an additional $28,000 through donations and its annual golf tournament. These funds have been used to purchase new breathing apparatus, new radios, new turnouts and fire nozzles, and to provide training and repairs to the City’s fire station.

The Foundation’s Board is comprised of the following individuals:
Scott Beylik, Mike Bush, Bill Morris, Mike Richardson, and Scott Klittich. When you see these individuals in the community, please give them a big thank you. Under their leadership and Mr. Maynard’s ability to obtain grant funding they have saved the City over $300,000.

Thank you to everyone who makes Fillmore the “Last Best Small Town”.

The Lions Student Speaker Contest will be Monday, Feb. 2 at 7:00 pm sharp. The topic is "Water conservation-How can we reduce, recycle and reclaim?" The wimnner will receive $100 and the runner-ups $25. No more than 6 speakers can compete-so enter quickly. There will be a mandatory meeting on Thursday Jan. 29 at lunch time in the fillmore highschool conference room.( also after school for those who cannot attend at lunch. Please contact Bill Edmonds at 524-4839 or Mr. Dann, or Mr. Olverton at the highschool.

American country singer and songwriter Lacy J. Dalton will perform a benefit concert for the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Discovery Ventura nightclub, 1888 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura.

Dalton, who had a number of hits in the 1980s, including “Taking It Easy,” “Crazy Blue Eyes” and “16th Avenue,” will be joined by Nashville recording artist Ryan Hinkle.

Doors open for “A SPARC of Love” concert at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $35. VIP tickets are available at $55 but seating is limited. VIP tickets include early admission at 6:30 p.m. and guaranteed seating in the VIP area as well as a performance meet and greet.

Proceeds from the event benefit the animals of the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center.

For information, reservations and ticket sales call (805) 889-4800 or contact sparceventsinfo@gmail.com.

SPARC is a private, non-profit organization and is the first and only no-kill animal shelter in Ventura County. SPARC is a place where homeless animals are brought for humane care without risk of being killed due to lack of space, illness or injury. SPARC relies solely on private donations.

Construction of a new Teen Study Room at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley remains underway.
Enlarge Photo

While most people were watching the football championships Sunday we continued on with the construction of a new Teen Study Room at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Framing and footings were built in anticipation of a future cement pour. Three amazing men from Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local #150 were hard at work. Jose Cobian, David Urrea and Joe Duran were the three who donated their time on Sunday. This is an amazing project that will benefit the local teens in Fillmore. When finished the Teen Study Room will have staff that can assist teens not only with their homework but work with them on such things as how to fill out job application and scholarship papers. A financial literacy course is also planned. We are excited about expanding our Positive Place For Kids. This is a $113,000 renovation project as the room under renovation was the former girls shower room when the facility was the girls gym at Fillmore High School many years ago. If you would like to make a donation to this project, checks can be sent to Teen Study Center c/o Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley PO Box 152 Santa Paula, CA. 93061.