Two weeks ago I wrote a column in support of Fillmore School District Superintendent, Adrian Palazuelos. He is criticized by the teacher's union on several counts, including this year's school calendar, and salary issues now in negotiations.

After the meeting I met with one of the distinguished teachers whom I have known for many years. We discussed the issue of our Superintendent's handling of teacher's affairs and his relationship with the union. The complaints voiced to me were clear. I promised to look into the whole situation (District-teacher-union-student) and return with another editorial in as fair and equitable way possible.

This would be a large undertaking, dealing also with student conduct and discipline. It could not be done in one week with my schedule and small staff, and has not begun as yet.

That was before psychotic Democrat activists began assassination attempts against Republican federal officeholders. Tiny as the Gazette is, I thought it more important to comment on the possible suicide of the Democratic Party (activated by surreal hatred of Republicans) than local school fisticuffs.

That said, I was given to understand the displeasure of that teacher and her union cohorts with my failure to address this important issue. Let the world know that I still intend to spout my opinion on the state of Fillmore school challenges. But, to be fair, let the world also know that the District is undertaking many projects to improve and reclaim school assets this summer - including resurfacing the football field.

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THE SESPE

I'm concerned about the continuing unlawful restrictions being placed upon entry to the southern Sespe Creek access. The newly erected Ventura County fence and decades long belligerent resistance of the resident in the first house at the entry point, are keeping the public out of the famous Creek.

I have personally called on the Sheriff's Department to have that house owner cease and desist his unlawful halting of Sespe Creek public entry, without success, due to his hiding tactics. This year I intend to see legal action taken, by County, State, and Federal agencies to open the Sespe to the public.

Despite years of drought, especially effecting the southern end of the 30-plus mile long Creek, it is still designated a "navigable river" by state and federal authority. This blockage of access is unlawful, with criminal consequences. Public access to the Sespe is a State Constitutional Right. The homeowner and County (see http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/supervisor-long-responds-gazet...) are informed of this fact but choose to ignore notices.

Less than a dozen people living within the first mile of the southern access way enjoy special protection by the practical cut-off at the entry. Those, whose homes and trailers are privileged to enjoy this enclave, have access, and a special suspension footbridge. Everyone else is kept out.

This is an outrage the rest of us do not have to tolerate if our public authorities will do their jobs.
Let's make the summer of 2017 the time when access to our famous Sespe Creek is opened to everyone as the law demands. Federal and state law permits all normal recreational activities within the high-water level of all navigable bodies of water in the United States. This includes "camping, swimming, hunting, rafting,..." within the high-water mark of Sespe Creek. This also includes tubing down Piru Creek, as some land owners have had to learn the hard way.

Next week I will publish state and federal law showing that obstruction to Sespe Creek public access is unlawful, with criminal consequences. I challenge any state, federal, or private legal authority to show my statements concerning Sespe Creek to be false.

It's time to tear down this Sespe Creek access wall. It's time to prosecute those who refuse to conform to the law.

See you at the Swallows Nest.