Adult Tricycle – One year old $200 – Call 805-524-2830. (4/4)

This Sunday is Easter! Please join your church family for a festive morning. We will be decorating the cross with flowers upstairs in the sanctuary, starting at nine, so we need you to bring your flowers for this lovely cross.
Next, we will have an Easter egg hunt at 9:15 in LeBard Hall. Since the weather forecast is for rain, the children can hunt eggs in a dry, indoors setting. Unless of course, the forecast changes!

Then after church we will continue to celebrate with a potluck dinner in Lebard Hall! We will order chicken from Super A, so all you need to bring will be side dishes and desserts. Please let the church office know if you are attending, so we can order enough chicken.

Sheriff Jim Fryhoff is pleased to announce the graduation of the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center’s Academy Class #2023-2. The graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024. The graduation will occur at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, California.

The recruits have completed 24 weeks of instruction through the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. The intense training and education have best prepared them to serve their communities as peace officers. The keynote speaker for the event will be Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon.

Please see below for the names of the graduating recruits and their respective agencies.

ACADEMY ROSTER
Basic Academy Class #2023-2
Graduating Recruits

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Boulette, Andrew
Nunez, Andy
Oseguera, Timothy Fabian
Taylor, John

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Medina, Osvaldo
Melling, Blake A.

SANTA BARBARA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Cruz, Ellie
Palmerin Pina, Rodrigo Jose
Sanchez Jr., Mario Albert
Sandoval, Leonardo
Smith, Ashley Alex

SANTA PAULA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Acevedo, Edward
DeLong III, Richard

UC SANTA BARBARA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ledwith, Ryan

VENTURA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Lopez, Josue
McDonald, Kyle D.
Sammons, Tyler Christian
Tribe, Luke G.

VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Anguiano, Edward
Barraza, Ruben
Bond, Zane
Carmona, Alani
Chase, Jeffrey
De Leon, Jonathan
Espinoza, Julio
Gunderson, Neil
Harper, Cole
Jimenez, Adrian
Jimenez, Jorge
Jordan, Ryan
Leonard, Joseph
Miranda, Manuel
Robinson, Kole
Salzman, Shane H.
Suarez, Cristian Dominguez
Villatoro, Isaiah N.

Nature of Incident: Academy Class 2023-2 Graduation
Location: Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, California

Date & Time: Friday, March 29, 2024 / 1:00 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center

Prepared by: Sergeant Tyler Abbott
Approved by: Captain Randy Downard

“The Ventura County Garden Club celebrates its 100th Year Season in 2024. The Luncheon will be provided by the Fillmore members, and the Fillmore Director/Organizer, Stephen McKeown. The Luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at 117 N. 7th Street, Santa Paula. Local Artist, and Club Member, Michelle Smith, who is affiliated with the

Ventura County Gourd Artists, will talk about spreading the joy of growing and using gourds as an art medium. Please bring items to sell and exchange at the plant table. A Board Meeting will be held at 10:00 am. We welcome new members. For more information, visit our website at VenturaCountyGardenClub.com.“

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By Jan Lee

In case you forgot, the Fillmore Flower Show is just around the corner! On April 6 and 7, 2024, the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street will open its doors to displays of flowers, potted plants and dish gardens. Theme this year is “Flower Power”.

There are three divisions at the Flower Show especially for youth. First is Youth Arrangements. These are flower displays limited to 20 inches by 20 inches. The arrangements must be arranged at the show without adult help. Try to have the arrangement reflect the theme. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. so the work must be completed by that time. There are four classifications: Age 3 to 2nd grade; Grades 3-6; Grades 7 to 12; Team Arrangements. Make an arrangement yourself or with a team. Maybe your team, soccer, baseball, basketball, can put together an arrangement. Get together with your fellow Scouts to make an arrangement. Teams can be your friends, your neighbors, your class, your siblings, etc. The kids in Fillmore are creative, inventive and smart. Show us what you can bring to the Flower Show.

The second Youth Division is Youth Composition. This can be an original poem or short essay on a single page, with or without illustration, on the theme of the Flower Show, “Flower Power”. So, any youth that don’t garden, but love flowers and love how they make our world beautiful, can express their thoughts in this competitive division. There is a small cash prize in this division.

The third Youth Division is Youth Art. This division is non-competitive. Youth should submit an original piece of artwork on the Flower Show theme, “Flower Power”. Artist’s name and age should be on the front of the work. Please bring artwork to the Center on Friday, April 5 between 3 and 4:30p.m.

Youth may also enter any of the other divisions. Youth entries are FREE. All entries are accepted on Saturday morning between 7:30-10:00a.m. The exhibits are open for public viewing on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00p.m. For complete rules and information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org.

FILLMORE, CA, March 19, 2024--Fillmore's ReGEN Yoga and Wellness Center will offer an opportunity to shake off winter's chill with Spring Dance Revival, a two-part celebration for anyone who enjoys moving and grooving to music. The April 6 event will include an hour of expressive Nia-style dancing and a workshop in similar principles at the Fillmore on Central, the picturesque former church in the heart of Fillmore's historic downtown.

Nia is a holistic movement and wellness practice that blends the joy of dance, martial arts and mindfulness to benefit body, mind and soul. Ideal for all ages and skill-levels, it invites practitioners, usually barefoot, to improvise within a series of simple, set moves.

"You don't have to know how to dance, it's all about the joy, play and positivity of movement," said ReGEN owner Renee Swenson. "There's a freedom within the structure and you feel like a kid when you're doing it."
For the event's Dance Jam, a party of sorts, four expert instructors will suggest movements participants may use as they choose to world music. Instructors include ReGEN's Christy Cantrell and its manager and event organizer Melissa Diaz, who has achieved a black-belt level of Nia training and taught throughout Ventura County and online with inSpirit, a prominent New Mexico studio. The latter is also home to the event's instructor Vanessa Lowe and was founded by special guest Sarah Nickerson, who will lead the event's Dancing Your Essence workshop.

"One of the most powerful and healing things we can do in community is to bring our most honest, authentic, and beautifully diverse selves forward," Nickerson says of her approach. "We all deserve to arrive in our 'now' body with dignity and be seen with an open heart and without judgement."

Admission to Spring Dance Revival, which includes snacks, a goodie bag and raffle ticket, is $59. Check in begins at 10:30 a.m.; the Dance Jam starts at 10:45 a.m. and the Dancing Your Essence Workshop begins at 12:05 p.m. Instructors will accommodate students who wish to participate in a chair. Registration: regenyoga.com. Address: The Fillmore on Central, 461 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015. 310-403-4647.

About ReGEN Yoga and Wellness Center: Opened in Fillmore’s historic downtown in 2017, ReGEN Yoga and Wellness Center offers indoor, outdoor and virtual classes including yoga, Nia dance, health and fitness classes that will regenerate your mind and body. Our wellness services include acupuncture and massage. Visit our refurbished 1911 bungalow to sample a class or as part of a day-trip back in time to Fillmore, established in 1887 when Southern Pacific railroad built a depot that is now part of our town's picturesque past. For more information and a ReGEN class schedule, visit https://www.regenyoga.com/.

Calendar Listing: Saturday, April 6: Spring Dance Revival, a Nia-dance based celebration including a Dance Jam and Express Your Essence workshop with four expert instructors. Check in: 10:30 a.m.; Dance Jam: 10:45 a.m.; Dancing Your Essence Workshop: 12:05 p.m. Instructors will accommodate students who wish to participate in a chair. The Fillmore on Central, 461 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015. Registration and more information: regenyoga.com; 310-403-4647.

CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) today announced an emergency shuttle service that will operate between Santa Paula and Ojai to help residents affected by the closure of State Route 150.

The temporary shuttle service will begin Wednesday, March 20, and will operate Monday through Friday. The service will be provided at no cost to passengers.

The shuttle service is being offered in coordination with the County of Ventura, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol. The shuttle will be operated by MV Transportation, which also operates the Valley Express bus service in Santa Paula, Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas.

Southbound morning and afternoon trips will depart Steckel Park/KOA and will make stops at Thomas Aquinas College, The Summit (Topa Lane), Stonegate Road-Mupu Elementary School and Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park. The driver will stop by request (flag stop) at Vons at Highways 33 and 150.

Northbound morning trips will depart Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park and will make stops at The Summit (Sisar Road), Thomas Aquinas College and Steckel Park/KOA. Northbound afternoon trips will depart either Stonegate Road-Mupu Elementary School or Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park. The driver will stop by request (flag stop) at Vons at Highways 33 and 150. Please see the schedule and map (below and attached) for details.

For more information, passengers may call the Regional Transit Information Center at 800-438-1112.

“We know this closure has been incredibly disruptive to residents who rely on State Route 150 to get to work, school and other important destinations every day. We hope this service will provide some relief to residents who now face transportation challenges because of the closure,” said Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere, who is also chair of VCTC. LaVere represents District 1, which includes Ojai Valley, City of Ojai, Upper Ojai Valley and West Lockwood Valley.

“It is a true hardship when our community members suddenly lose access to a route that connects them to essential services. We appreciate the patience and understanding of residents in the area as our agency partners have worked to establish this shuttle service,” said Ventura County Board of Supervisors Chair Kelly Long, who is also a VCTC commissioner. Long represents District 3, which includes the City of Santa Paula, the City of Fillmore, Piru and East Lockwood Valley.

VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said, “The Ventura County Transportation Commission recognizes the critical role of public transit in emergency situations such as the State Route 150 closure. We are grateful to the assistance provided by our county leaders, Caltrans and the CHP that makes this shuttle service possible.”

Through traffic on State Route 150 has been blocked since early February due to a mudslide that covered a large portion of the road. Caltrans and emergency contractors are working to stabilize and clear the mudslide.

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.

All items passed 5-0

8.A APPROVE THE 2024-2025 VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICE LEVEL REQUEST

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the 2024-2025 Service Level Request for Ventura County Animal Services to provide animal services to the City’s residents.

8.B AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 22-04, CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT, AND AWARD OF AN AGREEMENT FOR ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Make an additional allocation of $29,089.70 from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) Fund to account number 209-4209-0053-362 – Elevator Modernization Project. 2. Approve the award of a contract to Specialized Elevator Services, LLC doing business as Next Level Elevator (“Next Level Elevator”) for the construction of Project Specification No. 22-04 – City Hall Elevator Modernization Project (“Project”). 3. Make an annual allocation of $3,000 from the General Fund to account number 101-4209- 0021-207 to fund a five-year maintenance agreement.

4. Approve a Consultant Services Agreement for Elevator Maintenance Services with Next Level Elevator.

8.C APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that the Council: 1.) Appoint an elected official to the CJPIA Board of Directors as the Primary delegate; and 2) Appoint an alternate delegate that is either an elected official or staff member.

8.D CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION AT ACTIVE ADULT CENTER.
REQUEST That the City Council: 1. Appropriate an additional $82,898 of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to capital fund account code 231-4209-0031-389 for the uses described immediately below; 2. Approve an increase to the contract with Delta Electric LLC in the amount of $62,650 for the change order work related to construction of the Generator Installation at the Active Adult Center, Spec No. 21-02, including the undergrounding of the existing 600 Amp service to the building; and 3. Approve an increase to the general engineering component of the contract with Willdan Engineering in the amount of $25,500 for Willdan to perform additional professional engineering services for design, bid, project management, construction management, inspection and labor compliance to complete related to the change order work for project completion in compliance with the grant funding and public contract requirements. The First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement Amendment shall be part of a larger contract amendment presented to the City Council on March 27, 2024.

2024 Annual Flower Show is just around the corner. The theme this year is “Flower Power”! Held at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street. Entries accepted between 7:30- 10:00a.m. Saturday morning. Adults: $5 for unlimited entries. Youth: Free. Saturday and Sunday open for public viewing from 1-4p.m. Admission is free. Not only will there be beautiful flowers and plants, but also live music and a plant boutique. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Now let’s talk arrangements and bouquets!

Division IV-Bouquets: cut stem or stems of the same flower variety, or mixed colors or type of a variety, but with no filler material. Exhibitor provides the vase.

Division V- Arrangements: Flower displays up to 20”x20” with containers provided by exhibitor that may include items appropriate to the scene and theme. There are three categories for arrangements, Traditional, Oriental Manner and Modern Abstract (can include dried plant material). This division is perfect for imaginative exhibitors. Express your interpretation of the theme. Show off your blooms. Wow the judges with your creativity. All of us look forward to seeing what Fillmore gardeners bring to the show! Start planning now!

In photographs, see if you can spot the difference between a bouquet and an arrangement. For complete information go to fillmoreflowershow.org.

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Courtesy Fillmore Civic Pride

The yard of Eric Quintero is the winner of Fillmore Civic Pride’s March 2024. The house is located at 220 Saratoga Street. Eric is the owner of EQ Landscaping.

He has lived in the home for approximately 20 years and has totally redone the front yard. He said when he moved in it was just old grass with a straight walkway to the house. However, after his efforts, it is completely different today.
The design is exceptional on many levels. The layout of garden beds are well placed and help to create different sections, including two separate seating areas. Plants used in the beds are a variety of sizes and are also well placed. The hardscape materials, including a large fountain, are mainly stone and look beautiful with the grass and other plants. The stonework is well placed and in proportion with the rest of the yard. One seating area is metal and the contrast of the metal and stone creates additional interest while at the same time, the elements are also harmonious. The grass area itself is a large pathway connecting the sections together and inviting the visitor further into the garden.

In addition to the design, Eric installed all the features himself and maintains it as well. The workmanship is spectacular. The grading of the yard and beds was meticulously crafted and create a smooth flowing canvas for the entire landscape.
The trees and shrubs are pruned in a way that turns them into living pieces of art. The rest of the plants and grass are also maintained to perfection. The bedding plants are replaced every 3 to 4 months to give the yard variety. Right now, the bedding plants are red begonias.

These features together make for a very tranquil place to enjoy and be proud of. Congratulations Eric Quintero!.
All Yard of the Month winners receive a gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery.

Allison Barker was the Fillmore Rotary speaker last week. She is a member of the Ventura County 99s, made up of women pilots; the first member was Amelia Earhart. Allison talked about events for aviation and STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students need to get excited for the future and by taking these subjects they will be prepared. There are many new planes, drone flights, package delivery and exploring space coming in the future, and students will need a bachelor’s degree for these careers. Santa Paula, Camarillo and Oxnard airports have resources to educate students and adults, such as EAA Young Eagles-Free Flights for youth, Aviation Explorers, Wings Over Camarillo. STEM, and Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Courtesy Jan Lee

The Fillmore Flower Show is just around the corner, April 6 &7, 2024. The theme this year is “Flower Power”.

There are many divisions. Two of the popular divisions are: Division VII—Potted Plants and Division VIII—Dish Gardens. Potted Plants are a single variety in a container that is not too heavy to be carried by the exhibitor. The categories in this division are: African violets, Orchids, Cacti and Succulents, Other. Division VIII—Dish Gardens are only limited to size and weight that can be carried by the exhibitor.

Over the years there, have been many creative and beautiful entries. Some dish gardens are newly created, others have been years old. Even if you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you can still enter something in the Flower Show. There have been years when a potted plant has won the Best of Show award.

There is an entry fee of $5 for each adult exhibitor no matter how many entries. All youth entries are FREE. There is no charge for public viewing between the hours of 1-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Flower Show is a lot of fun. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. For more information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org

Ventura, CA, February 28, 2024 – Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2024, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $64,000 are eligible to use the free services.

On Saturday, March 16th, the VITA eBus a self- contained mobile VITA center will be in the parking lot at the Fillmore Community Service Center, 828 Ventura Street, Fillmore to provide free tax preparation for residents of Fillmore and Piru. You must schedule an appointment either by calling 211 or by self-scheduling at MyFreeTaxes.org.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases, save you money. To qualify for the EITC, you must have worked at least part of 2023 and meet certain income requirements.

In addition to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California. CalEITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 regardless of qualifying children. Tax filers with an ITIN or Social Security Number are eligible for the CalEITC. California EITC requires earned income reported on a W-2 form, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and self-employment income (such as 1099 and cash-earnings). Together, these state and federal credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families.

If you “miss the bus” you can have your tax return prepared and e-filed VIRTUALLY by a tax preparation volunteer. Visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway to upload tax documents using either a computer or smart phone.

For more information, visit VITA Program.

About the United Way of Ventura County
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, please visit www.vcunitedway.org.

By Louise Lampara

Executive Director

Ventura County Coalition of Labor Agriculture and Business

Email: llampara@colabvc.org

California is the proud home to some of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions, producing over 1/3rd of all the fruits and nuts consumed in the United States. Here in Ventura County, we are proud of our standing as a top 10 California agricultural region, distributing our locally-grown produce, fiber, and ornamentals to the nation and the world. But Ventura County’s continued agricultural sustainability is under many threats - and one of the biggest threats is the lack of stable and reliable sources of water.

Ventura County has long been a leader in water conservation efforts to support our Ground Water Sustainability Plan process. In addition, our local water agencies are actively seeking out innovative solutions to improve and expand our water supply. But despite these complementary efforts, Ventura County's unique geography and water needs mean that our county relies heavily on state water. Disruptions to water deliveries through the Delta have the potential to leave our residents, businesses, and local agricultural producers without enough water for even the minimum health and safety needs.

Nearly one-third of Southern California's water supply comes from the Sierra Nevada. This resource provides the backbone water supply for about 27 million people statewide, millions of acres of farmland, Southern California's $1.6 trillion economy, and our environment. But the current delivery system relies upon aging, undermaintained levees that are vulnerable to climate change, earthquakes, floods, and rising sea levels.

The Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (VC CoLAB) has long advocated for critical upgrades to California's water delivery system. As Californians, we understand that it is not "if" a major disaster will occur; it is "when and where." California must invest in critical improvements to protect the water delivery system that nearly 30 million people and our agricultural producers rely upon - and one of the most critical of these improvements is the Delta Conveyance Project.

Not only would the Delta Conveyance Project help protect our water supply from climate change, sea level rise, and natural disasters, but the project is also designed to capture water when it is plentiful so it can be moved, stored, and saved for use during periods of drought. If the Delta Conveyance Project had been operational during the rain events of January 2024, the improved State Water Project infrastructure could have transported an additional 220,000 acre-feet of water – enough to supply 2.3 million people for a year - while still meeting environmental, fish, and water quality requirements.

Ventura County’s agricultural producers must have reliable water sources in order to sustain the agricultural production that feeds the nation and the world. With the recent confirmation of the Delta Conveyance Project’s Environmental Impact Report, we urge local water agencies that are part of the project to move forward to support the infrastructure upgrade. The cost of doing nothing is too great.

February 27, 2024

Santa Paula, Calif. – The County of Ventura Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, will host a free, public information outreach event to discuss the HLB Quarantine on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Teague Park, located 300-310 S Steckel Dr. in Santa Paula.

In addition to Q&A by inspector/biologists, a variety of community outreach materials will be readily available. Coffee and donuts will be provided free of charge.

Spanish interpretation will be available. For all event information, please contact our office at (805) 933-2926 or (805) 388-4222.

To learn more about HLB in Ventura County, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/press_releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=23-1...