Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos.

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Project Origins:
The Fillmore Unified School District completed a robust review of district facilities through a Facility Master Plan process in 2016 during which district stakeholders (students, parents, community members, and staff) provided input about facility needs. The Career Technical Education facility became a top priority for Fillmore USD as a result of the Facility Master Plan given the age of the current buildings and the needs of the programs (Transportation and Agriculture) moving forward. Additionally, the State of California announced the competitive process to fund career pathways for up to $3 Million in new construction. The Governing Board supported staff to prepare applications for each pathway, Transportation and Agriculture, with both receiving a reservation of funds for a total of $6 Million.

- The Fillmore USD Agriculture pathway is one of 70 applications approved by the State Allocation Board to receive $3 Million in reserved funds for new construction.

- Today's action has resulted in a total of $6 Million in matching funds from the State of California reserved for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus.

The State Allocation Board took action at their meeting held today in Sacramento to approve $125 Million in projects for the fifth funding cycle of the School Facility Program Career Technical Education Facilities Program. The Office of Public School Construction received 220 applications for consideration in the fifth funding cycle of which 70 applications were selected for approval.

The Fillmore Unified School District Agriculture Pathway project was one of the 70 projects awarded resulting in an additional $3 Million of matching dollars for the construction of the new Career Technical Education Facility.

The district was previously awarded $3 Million in matching dollars in May of 2018 for the Transportation SDSR (Systems Diagnostics Service and Repair) Pathway bringing the total amount of funds for Fillmore USD to $6 Million in matching funds. The matching funds are identified for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus. The project is currently under review by the Division of the State Architect and staff is eagerly anticipating final approval in the coming weeks. Construction on this project is anticipated to begin in the Summer/Fall of 2019. The Fillmore USD's partner in this process is the professional architectural firm of West Group Design.

Fillmore Unified was the only Ventura County school district to receive $3 Million in matching funds for new construction as part of the fifth funding cycle. District Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, shared, “we are especially proud of the contributions by district staff and our Agriculture Advisory in their work to complete an application that stood out at the state level in this process. The application accurately captured the current practices in our district community to support Agriculture and the compelling vision for the program’s future. The matching funds from the state and Measure V, $35 Million General Obligation Bond approved by voters in November 2016, will enable us to realize our dream for the educational facility our students deserve.”

ABOUT FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is a preschool, TK-12, and adult education public school district located in Ventura County. Fillmore USD Is an integral part of the city of Fillmore, population 15,420, and is the area’s single largest employer. The unincorporated community of Piru, population 2,114, is located seven miles east of the city of Fillmore and is also served by the Fillmore Unified School District.

VISION Fillmore Unified School District provides a culture of high expectations where every student achieves future success.

MISSION Every day we develop high performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.

ABOUT WESTGROUP DESIGNS
Westgroup Designs (WD) is a comprehensive Planning, Architecture, Interior Design and Branding firm with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Founded in 1989, WD values passion, integrity, execution, teamwork and an enthusiasm for discovery. We specialize in educational, civic, healthcare, and commercial facilities, ranging from tenant improvement, reinvestment and renovations to new ground-up buildings and campuses. WD is forefront in the industry with its dedication to Innovative Design, Client-Focused Solutions and Reliable Service.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two suspects were arrested for robbery and shoplifting charges after stealing laundry detergent and other items from a local merchant. The two suspects were also found to be suspects in similar cases in Fillmore and in Santa Barbara County throughout the week.

On May 23rd, 2019, deputies responded to a robbery in progress at the Dollar General store located at 1154 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore. Deputies learned two females entered the store and selected multiple laundry detergent containers and exited the store without paying. An alert store employee observed the crime and confronted the two, identified as Kayla Gularte and Kathryn Weaver, in the parking lot. When contacted, Gularte sprayed the employee in the face with pepper spray and assaulted him in order to escape. Gularte ran to the parking lot where Weaver was waiting in a getaway car. The subjects fled the area westbound on the 126 Highway.

Sheriff Dispatchers were able to obtain precise information from the reporting party and relay the suspect description to patrol deputies. A Sheriff’s sergeant observed the vehicle travelling on the highway towards the city of Santa Paula. The sergeant and other deputies conducted a high risk stop on the suspect vehicle and the females were taken into custody. A search of the car revealed nearly 100 items that appeared to be stolen. Deputies recovered the stolen goods from
Dollar General, along with additional laundry soap, women’s undergarments, razors, and fragrances.

Detectives learned Gularte and Weaver are suspects in a theft that occurred in Fillmore earlier in the week and one that occurred in Santa Barbara county earlier in the day. The investigation is ongoing.

Gularte was arrested and booked for the following charges; 211PC- Robbery, 182 (a)(1) PCConspiracy, 273 a(a) Child Endangerment, and 22810 (g)(1) PC- Use of Tear Gas.

Weaver was arrested and booked for 459.5 (a) PC- Shoplifting and 182 (a)(1) PC- Conspiracy.

There is a current trend of thieves stealing laundry detergent from stores across the region.

Investigators discovered that the popular and recognizable laundry detergents are being stolen and traded on the street for cash and/or drugs.

Nature of Incident: Laundry Detergent Thieves Apprehended
Report Number: 19-79368
Location: 1154 W Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 23, 2019 1:00 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department Patrol / Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Gularte, Kayla, Santa Barbara, 21
(S) Weaver, Kathryn, Bakersfield, 22

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Three Fillmore residents, who have gang ties, were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after attacking a subject at a Fillmore restaurant and bar.

On May 7th, 2019, patrol deputies responded to a fight at a restaurant located in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Fillmore. Deputies learned three subjects attacked a patron who they perceived as having a gang affiliation. Deputies were able to identify the suspects as Joshua Lopez, Victor Orozco and Raul Martinez, all Fillmore residents. Deputies learned that Lopez struck the victim multiple times with a chair and Orozco and Martinez continued the assault by hitting and kicking the victim, who sustained minor injuries. The suspects fled the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival.

Investigators obtained additional information about the crime and were able to locate the suspects’ and take them into custody. Lopez, Orozco and Martinez were arrested for 245 (a)(1) PC-assault with a deadly weapon, 182 (a)(1) PC- conspiracy and 186.22 (a) PC- street terrorism.

All three subjects remain in custody at the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Nature of Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrests
Report Number: 19-70545
Location: 300 Block of Central Ave, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 7, 2019 9:10 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Lopez, Joshua, 24, Fillmore
(S) Orozco, Victor, 28, Fillmore
(S) Martinez, Raul, Fillmore, 22

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Bob Crum

As an Air Force veteran, Memorial Day is especially relevant. While based at Kadina Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, I experienced the loss of two crew members who were also dear friends. The term “ultimate sacrifice” didn't mean much until I experienced it firsthand. I welcome the assignment to photograph the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony and also to honor the fallen military service men and women who, in defense of our country, paid with the ultimate price--their lives.

This assignment is perfect for describing the advantages of an all-in-one zoom lens spanning an ultra-wide spectrum of focal lengths. The Tamron 16-300mm lens is a supremely versatile photographic tool. Frequent readers know that I use it because 1) as a photojournalist, I seldom have time to change lenses and 2) Not having to change lenses helps keep my camera's sensor clean. Every time a lens is removed from an interchangeable lens camera, dSLR or mirrorless, dust can enter. It will show up in photos!

Photographing the Bardsdale Memorial Day ceremony is not particularly difficult. But it's not an airshow featuring fast-flying jet planes, or Indy-race cars, or even mermaids sunbathing, so creating interesting photos is challenging.

Review the photos, newsprint and online, and you'll notice I move a lot. Always moving changes the perspectives. Stuck feet = stagnant photos (remember that the next time you go to London, Paris or Rome). I then only need to concentrate on the photo composition. Photo composition is one of those mysterious intangibles. I can teach the craft of photography, but creativity, well, that's a subject for another day.

Two parts of the ceremony are challenges. One is the rifle volley. It consists of the honor guard firing blank cartridges three times. Even in burst mode, I have yet to capture a muzzle flash. The challenge is exacerbated because the honor guards use low-volume powder cartridges. Best I can do is get discharged cartridges flying in the air after being fired. Still not an easy photo capture.

The other is the beautiful white doves. They fly FAST! I put the camera in a slow-burst mode, which is about one frame per second. In fast burst mode, the camera would fire about seven frames per second. But the images are a tad slow going from the camera computer to the SD memory card. Which means it begins to buffer after about three seconds. Anyway, this year I was in position, the dove box in front of me, the birds flying from left to right. As the handler released the birds, I began shooting. Well, wouldn't you know that some of the doves didn't get the memo? "When the box door opens, take off and fly away." The handler opened the box door, and only half flew out. Now I'm confused. Do I photograph the ones flying away or wait, and maybe the others will catch up and make a great flock? I didn't wait. I began firing. The photo of the week is the second frame of a six-series burst. Then I started tracking the second bunch leaving the box. Remember, these magnificent birds fly really fast. No problem. Wrong! Following them was a problem. Remember the discussion about blur? Pan (track) with the subject to blur the background. At the Memorial Day ceremony, blurring the background meant blurry people!!! Wrong procedure in the wrong place. Anyway, I caught my mistake just in time to capture one photo with doves without blurring the ceremony participants. Next year!!!

Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

Ventura County Department of Public Health

Every year, on May 31, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed, encouraging 24-hour abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption.

On May 31, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) is inviting the community to join the effort to go tobacco free by sharing the smoke-free message with friends, family, classmates, co-workers and community members.

Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths annually, including nearly 42,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. Additionally, more than 16 million Americans are living with a tobacco-related diseases. While traditional smoking may be on the decline, e-cigarettes are on a rapid incline, especially among youth.

The goal of VCPH is to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses and deaths, and influence social norms towards a tobacco-free County.

“Our mission is to protect the public’s health by building leadership skills among adult and youth leaders, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and educating the public about the benefits and resources available to achieve tobacco-free living”, explains Selfa Saucedo, MPH, Director of Health Education at Ventura County Public Health. “Our vision is to be one of the healthiest counties in the nation and this educational outreach campaign is designed to help amplify the message to the community, especially our vulnerable youth.”

ISSUES FOR YOUTH:

The use of e-cigarettes among youth has dramatically increased. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.

As of 2018, three out of five eleventh graders had tried vaping in Ventura County.

A 2018 survey* shows a 60 percent jump in eleventh graders now admitting to using these products in Ventura County.

Middle schoolers are proving most vulnerable as use has increased by 49 percent in one year.

Electronic cigarettes are battery operated devices that convert nicotine, additives and chemicals into vapor, and this vapor is thought to be safer to inhale. This is misleading because the cloud emitted is not vapor but an aerosol (a gas containing ultra-fine particles) that contain varying levels of toxicants and heavy metals. “Besides the large aerosol clouds that can be made with e-cigarettes/vape pens, the 15,500 e-juice flavor options are a marketing strategy to lure new, young customers, said Saucedo. “It's no coincidence that flavorings in tobacco products add to their appeal.”

The VCPH Tobacco Policy is a program within the Community Health Equity and Promotion unit of Ventura County Public Health. It is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive tobacco control plan for Ventura County.

Funds for the program have been made available through passage of the 1988 Tobacco Tax Initiative or Proposition 99 as well as the 2016 Tobacco Tax Increase or Proposition 56. The comprehensive tobacco control plan follows state guidelines and addresses the following three state mandated priorities:

Reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;

Reduce youth access to tobacco; and

Promote Smoke-free Multi-Unit Housing (Apartments)

Build a diverse coalition to address tobacco issues in Ventura County

“Education is the key to increase awareness of the harms of tobacco use, secondhand smoke and engage the community to become involved in tobacco control issues in their communities”, said Saucedo. “The public is invited to join a variety of programs that educate and engage the public on the dangers of tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and preventing youth access of tobacco products in a retail setting.”

Community members are encouraged to volunteer -- visit SmokeFreeVC.org for more information and educational links. Or connect on Facebook at Ventura County Action on Smoking & Health.

You can also contact the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Policy Program to get more information on county, city or state of California laws regarding tobacco products or secondhand smoke by calling 805-981-6656 or if you are ready to quit smoking and need help, call 805-201-STOP (7867).

Source: The latest California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) from 2018

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By Dawn Lindsay & Amber McCalister

Simoore Grange is a local community youth organization that is under the umbrella of The National Grange of the Order of Patrons and Husbandry, which is a fraternal organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture. This organization is of interest to all who are growers, processors, and consumers of agricultural products. The Grange Youth Fair Program is a sanctioned body of The National Grange, made up of young people from the age of 5 through 19 years old. Since 1873, the mission of the California State Grange has been to serve, steward, and teach the virtues of the land to our children and community. They maintain their commitment to grassroots advocacy, supporting farmland preservation, farm development, community service, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and the consumer’s role in the food production system.

The local Simoore Grange club is a non-profit organization that serves youth and families in Ventura County. The members of Simoore Grange are a unique brand of today’s youth. For several months (up to 11 months for cattle!), they feed, clean up after, train, and groom their market animals in preparation for the Ventura County Fair in August. They spend hours each week with their animals. The animals are their priority right along-side school, homework, chores, sports, church, and family. Their expenses while raising a project animal include the cost of the animal, feed, bedding, grooming materials, show fees, and sometimes medical expenses. They also prepare for the Ventura County Fair by participating in several practice shows throughout the spring and summer months.

This past Saturday, May 18th, the Simoore Grange organization hosted the first annual Citrus Classic Livestock Show at the home of Michael & Amber McCalister of Santa Paula. This show allowed local youth, who are planning to take their market goats, lambs, and cattle to the Ventura County Fair, an opportunity to practice their showmanship skills, as well as gain valuable feedback about the marketability of their animal from the knowledgeable and experienced judge, Clemente Ayon from Santa Maria. Belt buckles for 1st place in Senior, Junior, and Novice Showmanship were awarded, as well as a buckle for the Grand Market Champion. The award for the Reserve Champion goat and lamb were Pro Cool Blankets and the cattle was a leather show halter.

The Citrus Classic winners for Showmanship were: Brooke Allen, Sespe 4H (Senior Goat), Joseph Deniz, South West 4H (Junior Goat), Brett Bowman, Santa Rosa Valley 4H (Novice Goat), Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H (Senior Lamb), Breonna Alvarez, Briggs 4H (Junior Lamb), Jayleen Arballo, Briggs 4H (Novice Lamb), Kodi Sieben, Fillmore FFA (Senior Steer), Amber Watkins, Simoore Grange (Junior Steer), and Jadyn Pinneo, Mira Monte 4H (Novice Steer).

The Citrus Classic winners for Market were: Joseph Deniz, South West 4H (Market Champion and Reserve Market Champion Goat), Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H (Market Champion Lamb), Jayleen Arballo, Briggs 4H (Reserve Market Champion Lamb), Tyler Evans, Simoore Grange (Market Champion Steer), and Ashley Watkins, Simoore Grange (Reserve Market Champion Steer).

This show, and others like it, is not possible without the generous support of local sponsors. The members of Simoore Grange and organizers of the Citrus Classic Livestock Show would like to express their gratitude to the following sponsors: Iwasiuk Ranch, RaboBank, Sharpe Plumbing, Evans Excavating, Warwar Medical Group, Ojai Valley Feed, Stagecoach Market, Haley Ranch and American Hay. We would also like to thank our sponsors from the Topa Creek Ranch Show (held in April) who were: LBL Equipment Repair, MO Town Fitness, Wachter Hay & Grain and Bill & Dawn Lindsay.

There is one more Livestock show coming up on Saturday, June 22, 2019, the Amber Leon Memorial Show. It is free to the public to view, and is open to any youth in Grange, 4H, FFA, or Independent raising market goats, lamb, and/or cattle. It will take place at the Fillmore Equestrian Center, located at 308 Chamberlain Road in Fillmore, CA. Buckles will be awarded for 1st place in Senior, Junior, Novice Showmanship, and Market Champion, and the Reserve Champion will receive a leather show halter (cattle) and Pro Cool blankets (goats & lambs). Goats sign in/weigh in at 3:00pm for a 4:00pm show; lambs sign in/weigh in at 4:00pm (show starts after goats finish); and cattle sign in/weigh in at 5:00pm (show starts after lambs finish). There is a $25 entry fee for the first animal, and a $15 entry fee for any additional animals.

If you have any questions, would like to get involved with the Simoore Grange club, and/or if you are interested in providing a tax-deductible sponsorship for a future show, please contact Joe Long (805-317-1854) or Dawn Lindsay (805-625-1143).

1) Goat Market Champion - Joseph Deniz, South West 4H

2) Lamb Market Champion - Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H

3) Steer Market Champion - Tyler Evans, Simoore Grange

4) Steer Senior Showmanship Winner – Kodi Sieben, Fillmore FFA