Councilmember A. Eduardo Gonzalez recused himself from voting on delinquent water bills, during Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

The October 23, 2012 Fillmore City Council Meeting had only two items on the agenda, delinquent water accounts and appointing a temporary employee; but the public comments seem to go on and on. Many of those who stepped up to the podium during this time basically repeated the same dislike of Martin Farrell, owner of The Fillmore Gazette, as they have done at almost all council meetings for months. Some used the podium as a campaign tool to show their grasp of Fillmore’s financial history and former Council Member Patti Walker spoke of how unfair and damaging it was for a newspaper to reveal that a council member owed an outstanding water bill of $95,000 to the City and asked those in support to standup to “tyranny”. Over an hour and a half of speakers address the Council as the political drama continued.

Some in attendance had come to the scheduled public hearing on El Dorado Mobile Home Estates vesting tentative parcel map for ownership conversion, but it was postponed until Friday, November 2nd 6:30p.m. Fillmore City Hall, due to parties involved not being able to attend until that date.

Only one of the two items on the agenda went into any real discussion and that was the Water Utility Bill Cycle and Delinquent Accounts. Before this item was discussed Council Member A. Eduardo Gonzalez made a statement admitting he has a large outstanding water bill. He said he and his wife have discussed the issue and decided not to declare bankruptcy adding, “I am not going to run away from this. I’m not going to hide away. I’m going to make every effort to pay for it.” Gonzalez stated that he has not asked for a deduction or reduced amount on the bill. Later a man who had been sitting in back of the room stepped up to the podium and asked Gonzalez, “Are you a respectful man?” and then repeated it and asked again. To which Gonzalez answered, “Yes.” The man just looked at him and turned around and walked out of the chambers.

When the water bill CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 19, 2012, Deputies from the Santa Clara Valley Sub-Station responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 3600 Block of East Telegraph Rd, Piru. Upon their arrival, they were contacted by the reported victim, Wayne Cain, who said he and his business partner, Raymond Grams, were arguing over owed wages. Cain accused Grams of intentionally knocking him down with his car. Cain suffered minor injuries during the incident. He was treated by medical personnel at the scene and released.

During this investigation, it was discovered that Cain and Grams had a large marijuana cultivation in and around the residence where the original incident occurred. Narcotics detectives were called and assumed responsibilities for this portion of the investigation. A Search Warrant was obtained for the residence where a sophisticated marijuana growing operation was discovered. Several rooms of the rented property contained marijuana plants, high intensity lighting on automated tracks, multiple air conditioning units, exhaust fans with carbon filters to reduce odors, and propane fueled carbon dioxide generators. 541 marijuana plants were seized.

Cain was arrested for CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives received reports of methamphetamine sales by Juan Villa, occurring at a residence in the 700 Block of Akers St, Fillmore. Information obtained during surveillance led to the issuance a search warrant for the residence. On 10/19/2012, members of the West County Street Team executed the search warrant and discovered approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine in the bedroom identified as Villa’s. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, Villa had been detained for a vehicle code violation by Santa Clara Valley Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies, and was subsequently arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Based on the evidence discovered during the search warrant, Villa was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale. He was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest
Report Number:
Location: 700 Block Akers St, Fillmore
Date & Time: 10/19/2012 1130 hours
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Juan Villa Fillmore 34
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Mike Horne
Media Release Date: 10/23/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Mike Horne, 805-383-8700
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

By now you are all aware of Fillmore's own 2010 Fillmore High School Graduate and United States Marine Corps, Corporal Jose A. Patino, calling and then emailing me from Afghanistan to learn how he could have a Military Banner with his name displayed in Fillmore. Since that initial request the Fillmore and Piru Communities have donated $2,250 towards the purchase of not only Corporal Patino's Military Banner, but the remaining monies were generously donated to remain in the account for partial grants for future Military Banners for those men and women currently serving from the Communities of Fillmore and Piru and requesting Military Banners! I am also happy to report that Corporal Patino's Military Banner and those of three others; Victoria Hernandez, United States Navy Marcelino Zavala, United States Marine Corps and Juan C. Garcia, United States Army were installed on Thursday, October 4th at 10:00 A.M. on Central Avenue just North of Highway 126. Family and friends were present in large numbers in front of the Fillmore Unified School District Offices for the presentation of the Military Banners and pictures before they are installed by City of Fillmore Public Works Crews.

Below is the most recent email I received from Corporal Patino acknowledging the Military Banner that will be displayed in his honor:
“Good morning sir,
I apologize for the delay I just recently arrived to another F.O.B "Camp Dwyer". I read all your emails and I am truly speechless. All the effort you have put into not just helping myself with the privilege of displaying my own banner, but with the time and respect of attending the rededication memorial of 1st
Lieutenant Toby Gritz. Without the Fillmore Gazette I would have no idea of what's going on in my home town of Fillmore. Knowing that you also did your time as a Marine I know you remember that our Marine Corps has a saying "ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE " and you have truly held that to the highest standards by taking your time to help the WHOLE community of Fillmore in the hard work and efforts you put into the Gazette. I would like to thank the community of Fillmore & Piru for all the tremendous support in making this possible. I would also like to thank my family; Rebecca and our son Dominik " daddy will home soon son" , along with my mother Gabriela, sister Gaby and my brother Ruben. Thank you for all the support and love you have given me. Mr. Diaz, you can contact Rebecca Botson at (deleted) to coordinate the presence of my family. Once again Mr. Diaz I am truly thankful for the help you have given me. SEMPER FI and I'll see you soon Sir.”

Receiving an email CONTINUED »

DOUGLAS TUCKER:
I believe that in addition to cost saving measures we should be looking at revenue generating measures. To increase revenues; we have several projects in town that have already received approvals, such as portions of the Business Park. This project has been waiting for the city to move forward. This one project will bring much needed revenue and jobs to the city. 2) We need to review our contracts with city consultants /contractors. How much is the city paying for these consultants and contractors? On at least two occasions, the city council had been asked to show the benefits of laying off employees and replacing them with consultants and contract employees. To date no answer has been provided. The city council needs to stop making emotional decisions on fiscal issues. Regarding the pool, we must explore all options to reduce cost and increase users. The city should offer a monthly pass, just like gyms, not just pay to swim passes. The reoccurring monthly fees would help the pool budget and allow the users to gain greater access to the pool. We should work with our youth groups more and advertise the Kiddie Play area which is available for party rentals. If we market it properly the use of the pool and hopefully the track, combined with our back country roads we have an excellent Triathlon training facility. The city should accept American Water’s offer to pay for the pool chemicals. We need to look at the possibility of privatizing pool operations and maintenance thereby turning it into a revenue source. The pool is something that we should take pride in, but we need to be practical and ensure that the pool is self-sustaining.

RICK NEAL
One of the first CONTINUED »

Scott Lee, representing the Lions Club International, presented FUSD with a check for $200 to be used for recognition plaques.

At the October 16, 2012 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson presented the Board with FUSD’s Academic Performance Index (API) Report and the status of the schools that are under Program Improvement (PI). The AIP scores give a sense of where the schools are today and what gains or loses have been made over the past five years. Parents of students attending the district will be happy to learn that the Alterative Governance Board (AGB) schools have made double digit growth. Their growth points are: Mountain Vista Elementary 48, Piru School 85, San Cayetano 36, Sespe School 17, Fillmore Middle School 5, Fillmore High School 55, Sierra High School 152, District overall 35.

Johnson informed the Board that most of California’s primary through high schools can expect to fall into PI at least once more, adding, “There are 26 different ways for a school to fail” and most schools have at least one deficiency. He went on to say that the challenge is to sustain momentum once the school starts improving.

One challenge FUSD has taken on is raising the bar on Math. Last year 55 seventh graders took algebra with 27 of them becoming proficient or advanced. This year 81 seventh graders are taking algebra and 51 are taking geometry. But what is impressive is that 201 eight grade students are taking algebra. Many of the students were encouraged by the success of the Summer School Math Bridge Academy which will be adding pre-algebra, algebra II, and chemistry to the summer 2013 session. Dr. Alan Nishino, FUSD Superintendent, said the goal is to allow those who want to move forward that option…” Raising the bar means the students are better prepared.” John Wilber, Principal at Mountain Vista, informed the Board that every freshman is enrolled in biology this year adding that it was quite a task to achieve, but they did it.

Johnson also went CONTINUED »

I had a meeting a couple weeks ago involving business for the Bardsdale Cemetery where I serve on their Board of Directors. Doug Basolo, the Bardsdale Cemetery Manager, asked me to meet him at the cafe located inside of William L. Morris Chevrolet, 1024 Ventura St., for coffee and to discuss some documents I needed to sign. Well I had to stop and think for a second because I had forgotten there was a cafe there and actually thought it was no longer in business, but off I went to meet Doug for coffee while he ate breakfast and I reviewed the papers he needed me to sign.

When I first sat down at Doug's table I was totally taken aback by the plate full of food he was attacking and the thickness of the Black Forrest Ham slice on his plate! Then a nice young man exited the kitchen and filled a cup of coffee for me and engaged me in easy conversation. As it turned out this was David Asher the co-owner and chef of the cafe now known as the Orange Rush Cafe.

Not that I know everyone in Fillmore, but it was obvious to me that David was, as they say, “Not from around here!” David told me that he had opened the Orange Rush Cafe in July of this year and so far he was pleased with the support he has been given. He told me he is from Orlando, Florida and since opening the Orange Rush Cafe he has come to know a lot of local people from Fillmore who frequent his Cafe. David told me that for now he is only open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. David did tell me he will start a dinner service on Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and will be open each Friday and Saturday after that. Impressed with this newcomer to Fillmore! I told David that I would like to write an article about his Orange Rush Cafe and promised him I would be back for lunch with my wife, Carolyn, soon.

I got to CONTINUED »

Water Sewer Billing Records History received from the City of Fillmore on October 5, 2012, for Fillmore Convalescent Center, Orange Blossom Villa (pages 1-3), and an attached residence (pages 4-5).
Enlarge Photo

[Update 10/16/12 - Added Public Records Request Images]

Questions were raised again about the Gazette’s alleged bias at Tuesday’s city council meeting. Several speakers, including the city clerk’s wife, complained that the Gazette had falsely accused Clay Westling of being politically prejudiced. Mrs. Westling stated that the Gazette had wrongfully criticized the clerk of failing to comply with Freedom of Information Act emails and Public Records Requests. She maintained that all requests for information were answered completely and in a timely manner.

While each request made of all other council members for water/sewer billings were in fact provided in a timely manner, Councilman Eduardo Gonzalez’ information was not. The first Freedom of Information Act request was made on May 25, 2012. Other requests for Gonzalez’ billings were made in June, July, and two in October. On July 12 the Gazette received an email from Mr. Westling stating: “The City of Fillmore has provided you with all of the records on this topic [Gonzalez] that exist.” “...In the meantime I am treating this topic as closed. Respectfully, Clay Westling, Fillmore City Clerk”

Copies of this message were sent to Yvonne Quiring and Glenda Jay, under “RE: Utility Bill-Council Member Gonzalez.”

On July 11, 2012, the Gazette answered that the information was “significantly incorrect and incomplete, according to recent personal communications between Mr. Gonzalez and myself” [Martin Farrell]. A Public Records Request was sent on October 2, 2012, with this note: “In the event this request is again ignored this issue will be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney for resolution.”

On October 5, the Gazette received some billing information on Gonzalez, though still incomplete, with copies sent to “Rigo Landeros; Glenda Jay; Laura Seo”.

The Utility Billing Account History Report we received indicates Gonzalez has an outstanding balance of more than $95,000 as of September 27, 2012 on his Fillmore Convalescent property.

The Gazette also received billing information from Westling for Gonzalez’ other property, Orange Blossom Villa, for $688 which appears to apply to a single unit of the 66 units involved. A second Public Records Request for Orange Blossom was emailed to City Clerk Westling on October 5 requesting water/sewer history for all units. No response has been received to date.

Mr. Gonzalez’ delinquency amounts to nearly 20 percent of the entire outstanding water/sewer billings. At last night’s council meeting council members Conaway, Sipes, and Washburn voted to send closed, delinquent accounts to collection. Councilmen Jamey Brooks and Gonzalez voted not to send the accounts to collection (under $250,000 in closed accounts were on the city books, with $131,000 of that now closed and in collections).

With over $500,000 in open delinquent water/sewer accounts outstanding, the question remains why wasn’t Councilman Gonzalez vetted before being nominated by Jamey Brooks, seconded by Gayle Washburn, and appointed to the council? Gonzalez was appointed the week of January 11th, 2012; his delinquent bill as of January 26th was $46,189.98 for the Convalescent Center alone. At the January meeting Councilmembers Steve Conaway and Brian Sipes said they wanted more discussion with Conaway motioning for Alex Mollkoy to be nominated, but no one would second Conaway’s motion. Then in a 3 to 1 vote with very little discussion, Washburn, Brooks and Conaway voted to give the seat to Gonzalez; only Councilmember Brian Sipes voted against it.

Another question remains - has the Fillmore City Clerk been involved in a cover-up of Councilman Gonzalez’ delinquent water/sewer billings, which exceed $95,000 for his Fillmore Convalescent Center property? Or, is it merely a question of incompetence? Westling and Gonzalez have been long-time allies in Fillmore politics, dating back to Measure H and I, (November 2008) and the “Sewercide” group (opposing the water treatment plant).

A more complete timeline and record of communications between the city clerk and the Gazette will be posted to fillmoregazette.com next week.