Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM

58.3% of the votes counted
247,205 votes counted of 423,994 total

FILLMORE City Council
7/7 100.00% Votes Counted
PATTI WALKER 1,392 26.84%
BRIAN SIPES 1,312 25.29%
DAVID LUGO 999 19.26%
ADRIAN ANDREW GRIMALDO 361 6.96%
MARCOZ HERNANDEZ 966 18.62%
WRITE-IN 157 3.03%
Total 5,187 100.00%

FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
LUCY RANGEL 2,518 30.08%
DAVE WILDE 1,734 20.71%
TONY PRADO 1,467 17.52%
KIMBERLY RIVERS 1,447 17.28%
MARK A. AUSTIN 1,174 14.02%
WRITE-IN 32 0.38%
Total 8,372 100.00%

FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
WILLIAM L. MORRIS III 1,935 38.60%
THOMAS MCGRATH 1,926 38.42%
ARNULFO ''AC'' CARBAJAL 1,131 22.56%
WRITE-IN 21 0.42%
Total 5,013 100.00%

Fillmore Election Results

Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM

FILLMORE City Council
7/7 100.00% Votes Counted
PATTI WALKER 1,392 26.84%
BRIAN SIPES 1,312 25.29%
DAVID LUGO 999 19.26%
ADRIAN ANDREW GRIMALDO 361 6.96%
MARCOZ HERNANDEZ 966 18.62%
WRITE-IN 157 3.03%
Total 5,187 100.00%

FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
LUCY RANGEL 2,518 30.08%
DAVE WILDE 1,734 20.71%
TONY PRADO 1,467 17.52%
KIMBERLY RIVERS 1,447 17.28%
MARK A. AUSTIN 1,174 14.02%
WRITE-IN 32 0.38%
Total 8,372 100.00%

FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
WILLIAM L. MORRIS III 1,935 38.60%
THOMAS MCGRATH 1,926 38.42%
ARNULFO ''AC'' CARBAJAL 1,131 22.56%
WRITE-IN 21 0.42%
Total 5,013 100.00%

The highlight of the November 2nd Fillmore Unified School District meeting was the discussion of safety while attending the upcoming 100th football game between Fillmore and Santa Paula.

The Fillmore School Board (FSB) went into a detailed discussion of the preparations needed for the upcoming game. With 3,000 or more expected to attend, safety is a major priority. The Board has had numerous meetings with both the Fillmore and Santa Paula Police/Sheriffs along with each town's Fire Departments to iron out all the safety issues.

Extra bleachers will be set up to accommodate the 2,500 tickets already sold with 140 more on the waiting list and the additional 500 more persons with passes expected to attend. The maximum that can safely attend the game is 3,400 due to the field having only three exits. With an unknown number of attendees who already have passes, the number of tickets sales must be kept well below the maximum.

The gates will be opening at 3:00 pm and close when maximum occupancy is reached.

The Sheriffs Department is providing an extra 15 Officers and donating up to $5,000 worth of Deputy time to help with security.

The two entry gates will be CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 28, at approximately 6:23 p.m., deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Fillmore Shell gas station. When they arrived, they learned a suspect had passed a note demanding money from the cashier and subsequently fled with an undetermined amount of money. No weapon was seen and no one was injured.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man, in his 20’s, approximately 5’5”, 120 lbs., wearing black hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. He fled in a silver or gray four-door car with dark tinting on the rear and rear side passenger windows. The vehicle, driven by another unknown suspect, was last seen traveling westbound on Ventura Street from the gas station. Anyone at or near the gas station around the time of the robbery are asked to contact the Fillmore Police with any information concerning these suspects and their vehicle.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission will consider a possible increase in the cost of VISTA bus fares at its Friday, November 5, 2010 meeting. The proposed fare increase would impact intercity bus service within Ventura County, VISTA’s Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride service, and VISTA’s premium monthly pass.

Fares for VISTA transit services have remained largely unchanged since VISTA began intercity bus service in 1994. Since that time, both annual ridership and annual operating costs have increased significantly. Compounding the situation is actual and forecast reductions in federal and state transit funding.

“Across the past few years, VISTA’s operating costs have increased in large part due to contractor costs,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While a fare increase is the recommended solution (to help offset increased costs), the Commission encourages the public to weigh in on this matter before taking action at its November 5 meeting.”

Persons unable to attend Friday’s Commission meeting (slated for 10 am at Camarillo City Hall) are encouraged to contact VCTC by phone (800) 438-1112 or via email (VISTAcomments@goventura.org).

On the eve of the "Great California Shake-Out" (October 21, 2010) twenty-eight Piru Community Members graduated from Piru's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The graduation was witnessed by a packed, standing room only, audience of family friends and local dignitaries at the regular meeting of the Piru Neighborhood Council. CERT training is offered by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VCFD and FEMA have joined together to assist Piru residents with disaster preparedness education and training. The training is also available in other communities of Ventura County.

In attendance for the graduation were District 3-Supervisor Kathy Long, the current Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Division Chief Keith Gurrola of the Ventura County Fire Department, Captain Tim Hagel of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Tony Prado, Trustee of the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees and Dave Wilde, retired educator and candidate for the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees.

The CERT Graduates were:
Gilbert Rodriquez, Paul Alverdi, Robert Alverdi, Roy Ruiz Jr, Vanessa Castenda, Julio D.
Perez Jr, Sandra Barragan, Hector Sanchez, Victor M. Prado, Becky Pillado, Patti Alonzo Carlos Puga, Robert Montiel, Heladio Hildalgo, Salvador Hernandez, Kevin Keehl, Faith Lugo, Monica Orozco, Tomas Torres, Danielle Banales, Michele Wadsworth, Tim Pillado, Val Pillado, Fredy Galan, Danny Golson, Nicholas Wadsworth, Robert P. Fernandez and Irene Ruiz.

Following a major disaster, first CONTINUED »

Scott Lee addressed the city council during Tuesday night’s meeting in regards to the employee’s letter read back on September 28. On Wednesday the City of Fillmore released this memo: “The City of Fillmore is committed to addressing the concerns in the September 28, 2010 and October 26, 2010 letters submitted by employees to the City Council. In response to the letters, the City Attorney’s Office will provide grievance forms to the employees. An independent party will review the grievance forms and report back to the City. The intent of the process is to be fair to all concerned. The City is anticipating a quick resolution to this matter.”
Enlarge Photo

With over 80 persons in attendance the October 26th Joint Fillmore City Council/Fillmore Public Finance Authority Meeting was standing room only. There was a great deal to cover, but most came about two items, the City Manager and the closing of the Aquatic Center. The meeting began with the Council Members asking City Manager Yvonne Quiring if she wanted a non-biased third party facilitator, which her contract states she has a right to, with Quiring at her evaluation. At first Quiring stated she reserved that right, but later stated the Council should go ahead with her evaluation. This evaluation has become a heated situation due to a Letter of No Confidence in the City Manager presented by the City Staff at September 28 City Council Meeting.

Vic Kamhi, Bus Transit Director for Ventura County Transportation Commission, was first on the agenda and gave a presentation regarding the proposed VISTA fare increase. VISTA was introduced in 1994 and has seen a significant increase in service with annual intercity ridership increasing from 150,000 to 800,000 today resulting in an annual operating costs increase from $400,000 to $2,000,000. These increases along with loss of state transit funding have resulted in the necessary fare increases. The proposed fare increases are projected to be; Base fare $1.25, Senior/Disabled/Medicare $0.60, Adult Monthly Pass $50, Adult Premium Monthly Pass $60. Senior/Disabled/Medicare Premium Monthly Pass $38.

Also affected by proposed increases will be the Haritage (Dial A Ride)DAR-Program which was also introduced in 1994 and has expanded significantly. Annual ridership has increased from 50,000 to 215,000 with annual operating cost increasing from $250,000 to $950,000. The current Monthly Pass which costs $16 will see a proposed increase to $20, cash fares to $1.75 with seniors paying $0.85 and DAR/VISTA Daily Pass to $3.50.

Another change being considered is raising the age for “Senior” eligibility from 62 to 65 years. The Ventura County Transportation Commission with be holding a public hearing on these proposals on November 5, 2010 at 9:00 am at Camarillo City Hall. Contact VISTAcomments@goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112 for more information.

Next was the CONTINUED »

November 2nd you will be able to vote for TWO City Council candidates

Question #9: The City has a list of “City Goals” - please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.

Patti Walker: I believe the Goals in their present form are vitally important for Fillmore - Economic Development, Engaging Community, and finally, Public Safety.
Our business community needs to know they have our support when making purchases for home, family and friends. They need to know we value their effort and skill by owning and operating a small business.
Hwy. 126 connects Fillmore to travelers between the I-5 and Hwy. 101. We have opportunities to promote and support our downtown center. With 10's of thousands of visitors coming to ride the Fillmore & Western Railroad, we need to foster that relationship, recognize its importance and work to make Fillmore a destination. This Council implemented the Farmer’s Market on the first Friday, pro-rating the business license fees, and connecting businesses to EDC-VC.
Second, what occurs at City Hall is your business. I have received comments from citizens and business owners who what assurance their concerns are being received and acted upon. I have worked to do just that. The City website now posts agendas and staff reports allowing the opportunity to be informed on issues and matters the City is addressing.
Finally, fire and police services affect everyone. I have received comments of the gang influence and how we are responding. Crime is down in Fillmore. Under the leadership of Chief Landeros the Fillmore Fire Department had the first graduating class of volunteer firefighters. The City continues with the CERT training program and the 2010/2011 budget continues to support both police and fire services.

David Lugo: #1 Incentives for local businesses, we need to give them first shot at all bids in their realm of work before we send it to outside companies plain and simple.
#2 Incentives for small businesses, we must work with all small businesses to make it a smooth transition to start a business here in Fillmore we need someone in the city to walk them through the process to make it that much easier.
#3 We want to hear from the public and we intend to respond quickly, we must take the time and listen to the community after all we work for them and they voted for you in, we can not ignore their concerns. Wether the answer is good or bad we must answer them in a timely manner and explain all answers.
I would like to thank the Fillmore Gazette for giving me the oppurtunity to take part in these questions they were great questions. I would also like to thank you for your endorsement. To the City of Fillmore thank you for your support it means alot to me. On Nov 2 vote David Lugo for city council. 'Your Voice'

Adrian Grimaldo: List of City Goals: (1) Vote YES on Prop 19 and take the edge off our economy. The tax dollars generated by this cash cow can lower consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and generate the needed funds to upgrade our schools. Big corporations are afraid of this and will do anything to keep it from passing. Only through your vote for wise economic development can we create the time and money needed to spend on Public Safety and community involvement. By voting yes on Prop 19 now, we are enabling a revolution.
We are finally putting an end to all the prosecution and countless years of propaganda. The final days are counting down and it looks as if California will legalize it to create a means of paying off debt.
(2) Today’s job market has never been tougher. Adding an incentive for local business to acquire bids from our local city municipality is a MUST.
We need to create workshops so local small businesses can acquire the know how to apply for pre-proposal meetings and further understand why they were not given the work. Job creation is key to supporting our community.
(3) Grants design a way to improve. With the pressing economic times we have to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity. By having an effective grant writing team we can offer a foundation of success to each small business and new entrants. Everyone should apply for and win a grant. Make it a goal and never give up.

Brian Sipes: When I attended the City Council's Goal Setting Workshops, I made suggestions as a private citizen and businessman. A few of my suggestions were incorporated into the goals. I concur with the top three goals that were chosen by the City Council on March 16, 2010.
Economic Development: To help Fillmore remain solvent, sustainable economic development is necessary. The City Council and taxpayers have financially supported the proposed business park above and beyond the call of duty. If it is economically viable, the business park will create jobs.
If elected, I would pursue stream lining the business license process so City Hall is a bona-fide, business friendly community. Economic sustainability is collaborating with our current small businesses so they remain strong. Our small businesses, most notably our downtown merchants, are the backbone of our community. My commitment to them is to develop a cohesive partnership so businesses are creative and our downtown remains intact.
Engaging Our Community: Part of my vision for Fillmore, is an annual Town Hall Forum. This would allow the community to interact with their elected officials and City staff in a friendlier, less formal environment.
Public Safety: I am committed to a safe community. We are extremely fortunate as a City to have proactive Police Department and a partially volunteer Fire Department. My commitment is to provide support to our departments so they are well equipped to protect our community.

Alex Mollkoy: The city has a list of ‘City Goals’ – Please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.
Answer:
1.) Public Safety
3d.) Adopt a budget with public safety funding.
2.) Engaging the community
2a.) We want to hear from the public, and we intend to respond quickly.
3.) Economic Development
1a.) Spruce up Highway 126 & Central Ave.
Foremost, we must have a sound budget with public safety funding, because it is our duty to remain fiscally sound and every citizen is entitled to feel safe in their community. Engaging the community and hearing from the public is vital, for without this aspect we have nothing. Once we have accomplished these first two goals we will be ready to tackle the big one Economic Development. I chose 1a.) Sprucing up the entrance to our historic downtown, because the completion of the business park was not on the list. I do believe that first impressions are very important and I strongly believe that this entrance to our downtown must change before anyone will see Fillmore as a vibrant community. Let’s get going and stop all the bickering. Fillmore can be a Great Town again!