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The June 28, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting ended close to 1:00am as Council addressed the task of finalizing the deep budget cuts. From employee layoffs and furloughs to proposals of sales tax increase and special assessments the they took action.

But Council saved the best—or worst—for last; the Council’s disagreement with the Planning Commission’s approval of a 65-foot in height cellular tower Verizon is planning to place on the Super Seal & Stripe business property. At the opening of the meeting Super Seal and Stripe owner Brenda Hampton-Ortiz asked the Council why they had waited until now to protest the Commission’s decision. The submission period is approaching and Hampton-Ortiz question why Council is just now showing concern about the tower.

Ortiz was referring to last week’s Council and Planning Commission meetings, June 21 and 22, which launched a serious of disagreements between the two bodies.

At the Council meeting Mayor Gayle Washburn protested the tower, stating she would appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to approve it, a decision that had not yet been made. She was supported by Council Members Jamey Brooks and Brian Sipes.

The next night, at Planning Commission, Commissioner Vance Johnson had this to say, “Last night’s comments by the Mayor with regard to appealing a decision that hadn’t even been made yet is amazing…it was supported by two other council people [Brooks and Sipes]. The other two council people [Walker and Conaway] obviously well versed in the law, and well versed in the processes, they’re well informed and think along the lines of the correctness of actions. But to question the planning commission even before we made a decision is ludicrous and I’m being gentle.”

He went on to say that although the two bodies may not always agree on every decision, “I’m beginning to see something happening here that I’m not comfortable with.”

Commissioner Douglas Tucker said that there has to be a trust between the two bodies. “The Planning Commission is appointed, City Council is elected”, a comment that was repeated by the Mayor at last night’s Council meeting. “Working with my fellow Commissioners I know we take this job extremely seriously. To have a decision that I haven’t even made, that I haven’t even discussed appealed, again to use your word is ludicrous [quoting Johnson]; it’s inappropriate and it’s extremely unprofessional.”

Commissioner Mark Austin was CONTINUED »

(l-r) Jose “Froggy” Estrada with his brother Frank “Turtle” Estrada before the fight. Turtle defended his title at the fight and will keep the belt. Froggy made his first debut and won last Friday night.
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Last Friday night, June 24th, was a big night for two young local Fillmore men. Frank "Turtle" Estrada and his younger brother Jose "Froggy" Estrada fought their M.M.A. fights at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. Turtle was there to defend his "Combat Fight League" 145 lbs. Championship. Froggy to make his M.M.A debut.

When I first met up with the fighters they were in their hotel room relaxing after their weigh-in. Turtle's weight was 144.8 lbs.; Froggy weighed in at 168 lbs.

After some lunch Turtle was feeling good and ready to go. By now he was already up to 153 lbs. in three hours time. Froggy was also ready for his big night and up to 173 lbs. The two fighters out of the "West Coast Fight Club & Cazadores Fight Team" feeling was that all the hard work was done in training and this was their night to shine. The training of eight hours a day, six days a week was about to pay off for them.

The fighters’ day always started around 10 a.m. in Oxnard at the West Coast Gym. Coaches Brian Espinoza, Jamie "The Ghost" Toney, Alfredo Lemus, John "Grandpa" Hernandez, and Ed "9 M.M." Ratcliff would put the two young men through workouts everyday until around 8:30 p.m.

"It's a full time job to get ready for a fight," Froggy said.

"We take this like a lifestyle. Nothing but training before a fight," said Turtle.

Without the help of sponsors the two fighters would not be able to perform the amateur fights they need to before they go into the pro ranks of M.M.A.

Some of the folks that helped out are Killer Bees Fight Shop, The Lab, La Fondita, E.Q. Fresh Cuts, and Fillmore Boxing Club.

"Without them we could not do it," stated both fighters.

When asked how they feel, Froggy said, "I feel excited and ready for this. I can't wait to get going. I am not nervous. I know that it will be like a sparing session...Just more people will be watching."

About to fight for the fifth time, Turtle said, "Yeah, I am a little nervous, but that means I am ready and focused. I want the belt to stay in Fillmore and with West Coast."

When I went downstairs to the room where the nine fights of three rounds and two minutes each would take place, I saw more Fillmore people than anyone else there. It was like a home game on the road. One thing that came to my mind sitting in my seat next to my son Joey was what was Osama Bin Laden thinking when he attacked us on 9-11! The crowd of people that went to this event could take Al-Qaeda down themselves. I have never seen so many tattoos in my life...and the men even had some too.

Froggy was the third fight of the night against Daniel Reynolds. When Froggy came into the arena the Pro- Fillmore crowd went crazy with "Froggy Fever". Corey Cole said to me, "Look at the fighter he’s fighting. He knows he can't win...he’s beat already!'' I had to agree with him. And it did not take long at all to prove that the young Mr. Cole was right.

After a few seconds of feeling the other fighter out with a few jabs, Froggy went for and got a take down. After a few punches the ref had them stand up and fight. Not a good thing for Mr. Reynolds because that gave Froggy a chance to bodyslam him to the mat. After that it was a bad day for Reynolds because Froggy saw his opening and took it. With a very strong "ground & pound" shots to the head the ref stopped the fight at 1:30 into the first round. The crowd went nuts for young Froggy Estrada, calling out his name, and mobbing him after the fight with high fives and hugs.

When I asked him how he felt when he came into the arena for his first fight he said," It was hard to focus but I knew the task at hand. Like I said before Coach, another sparing session; just a lot more people watching!''
I asked him when he knew he could take this guy out and he said, "At the weigh-in's. He could not even make eye contact with me at the pose down!'' So what is next for young Froggy? "Back in the gym at West Coast; hope to fight again in two months.''

Time to fast forward to the main event of the night… The C.F.L. Championship fight between the challenger Tim "The Tyrant" Riscen and the Champion Frank "Turtle" Estrada.

After getting some restful sleep and a good warm -up session, Turtle knew he was focused and ready. With his West Coast team mates hooked up along with his brother and coaches Turtle came out to a wild pro-Turtle crowd. The fighters were in the cage and it was time to get busy. And that is just what they did. At the sound of the bell they went at it.

A good exchange of punches started the fight. Riscen got a take down on a shocked Turtle. A few good moves and Turtle got out from under the fighter.

"I was mad at myself for letting him do that to me. I knew I would not let him do that to me again!'' said Turtle.

In the corner of the second round his coach told him to be more aggressive and come out quick. And that is what Turtle did. A great leg kick, followed by a shove into the cage, Turtle slammed Riscen to the mat next to his corner. He took his time for the open shot. Turtle then began his assault with a good ground & pound.

"I was landing good punches to the head. I felt and heard them so I just kept hitting him. I wanted to end it right there,'' said Turtle. Then the ref saw enough and stopped the fight.

The belt was still his and the crowd went crazy for the young man.

"The old Fillmore sports mentality came out in me; hit hard and grind him down!'' Turtle exclaimed." The crowd was going crazy and that made it all great for me right there! I DID IT! The belt was coming back with me to Fillmore and West Coast team! And that was a great feeling!''

So what is next for Turtle & Froggy? "Back in the Gym on Tuesday. Start it all over again!" is what they both said to me after the night was done.

Froggy would like to fight about nine more times before thinking of going pro. Turtle thinks he would like to go pro in about five more fights.

The two fighters said they wanted to thank all the Fillmore fans, sponsors, West Coast team mates, and family for everything.

These two young men are one class act.

Courtesy City of Fillmore Fire Department

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal in Fillmore only June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm.

The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area, please report it! Please call 805-524-2233 with any information you can provide. Callers may remain anonymous.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.

Fire Safety
If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.

Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

The June 21, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting/Budget Workshop was the third of four meetings planned to address Fillmore’s $1.9 million General Fund shortfall. As a solution to help lower some expenses City Manager Yvonne Quiring suggested having some services contracted out and hours for other services cut. Some hard choices will have to be made.

Council Member Steve Conaway suggested that with the cut of the Gang Officer the Council should consider looking at the cost of maintaining the North Fillmore Storefront. The Storefront has one employee, Max Pina, whose part time pay is $23,393. The Council acknowledged that Pina does far more than most people know; he does all the cleaning and maintaining of the building. Conaway stated, “He’s been tremendous asset” but that the Council has a fiduciary position to look at everything. Mayor Gayle Washburn added she was not in favor of cutting the Storefront but maybe some of the hours of service could be considered. Council Member Patti Walker said she didn’t want to backslide on the progress made in North Fillmore. Quiring told the council, “Certainly we can reduce it, but it’s just a question of how much.” Sheriff Monica McGrath then addressed the Council stating that the hours could be reduced and that she didn’t think doing that would have that much of an impact on service. But McGrath also added that with the Storefront, “We get a great deal of bang for our buck.” Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks replied, “I think this is a poor time to do this. I wouldn’t cut at all this year.” Washburn asked for an hour by hour review and said by mid-year we can annualize where we might cut. Council Member Brian Sipes agreed with Brooks adding the Storefront is so important and he did not want to change anything. Conaway summed up what the other members were saying and concluded that the members feel there’s value and want to collect more data on hours and services.

Quring presented a proposal to turn off the fountain in front of City Hall to save the City $1,300 a year. Council members suggested the pool maintenance crew also care for the fountain. Quiring informed the Council the budget changes may include contracting out the pool maintenance service. Brooks and Conaway disagreed with Quiring’s fountain proposal, stating that the area is rented out for special occasions such as weddings and parties and that it generates revenue for the City. Conaway asked Quiring, “We make more than $1,300 in renting it out, right? Brooks added that the cost should be considered a business expense. All council members agreed not to turn off the fountain. The City is also considering contracting out for Code Enforcement and addressing the Impact Fees application forms.

The motorcycle officer’s position CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Fillmore residence was raided in connection with a Saticoy shooting and a Solimar Beach gang fight. Suspect Samuel Espinoza, 27, was arrested for a variety of weapons charges. He is suspected of selling firearms to gang members. Gang investigators served a search warrant at the location. During the search of the residence, four handguns, a rifle, and a high capacity magazine were recovered. One of the handguns had its serial number removed.

During the Month of March 2011, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit began investigating several shootings that were occurring in the unincorporated area of Saticoy. Most of the shootings went unreported and were not discovered until gang deputies began canvassing the neighborhoods soliciting information. Investigators found that two rival gangs located on the east end of Ventura were in the process of retaliating against each other for prior shootings.

During the later part of March 2011, Sheriff’s patrol deputies and members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to Solimar Beach on a report of a gang fight. During the investigation, investigators found that a group of young men attacked a black male victim and his friend who were at the beach. During the attack, the two victims were struck several times with a stick and one victim was stabbed. Investigators learned that the attack was unprovoked and the suspects yelled racial slurs both before and during the attack. During the investigation they also learned that 21-year-old Carlos Ek was responsible for the stabbing.

The victim was transported to CONTINUED »

On behalf of the Fillmore Chamber, RJ and Joni would like to extend a great big thank you to all who participated to make the May Festival Parade this year a great success. Special Thanks go out to Hal Provo and his crew from Santa Paula Pilots Association for the awesome flyover to start off the parade and Rowena at Santa Paula Airport for her help in lining up the pilots; Sonshine Pre-School for providing electricity; Eddie and Brenda Ortiz of Super Seal and Stripe for providing the flat bed for the judges; the Explorers and Sheriffs Department for help with closing down streets and traffic control; The Miss Fillmore and Miss Teen Fillmore Courts; parade volunteers Tom and Nikki Scott, Sarah Scott and Jessica Reed who did a fantastic job with registration, line up and bus parking; Orange Blossom Villa for use of the Gem car. Thank you also to all of the residents of Fillmore for your patience with the closure of streets and the parade lineup area. 2012 will mark the 100th May Festival. We would like to invite you all to get started now, be a part of, and help to make the 100th Parade the greatest ever.

The following is a list of winners by category, from the 2011 May Festival Parade:
Equestrian: 1st Wells Fargo Bank, Walking Groups: 1st Ballet Folklorico, 2nd Sonshine Pre-School, 3rd Sespe Elementary, Novelty Groups: 1st Bardsdale 4-H Sespe & Piru, 2nd Little Miss America, 3rd Perces Kenpo Karate, Classic Cars: 1st Mays T-Bird, 2nd Coach Craft, 3rd Curves, Car Club: 1st Ventura Chapter Model A Ford Club, 2nd Gem Car Club, 3rd Tow Truck, Antique: 1st Fillmore Historical Society, 2nd Buttercup – Bill and Pat Stocker. Awards may be picked up from the Chamber Office.

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean (above) addressed the council of concerns in maintaining the strides law enforcement has made in recent years.

The June 14, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting/Budget Workshop was the second meeting on the proposed budget cuts and mainly an ask-answer session of the budget proposals presented to the Council on June 7th by City Manager Yvonne Quiring. Also discussed was an annual review of the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment Report and a levy assessment along with the proposed termination of the Heritage Valley Parks Project Development Agreement.

One budget cut proposal presented was the elimination of three Sheriff Officers; a Motorcycle Officer, a School Resource Officer and a Gang Task Force Officer. Ventura County Sheriffs Chief Geoff Dean addressed the Council and expressed his concern in maintaining the strides law enforcement has made in recent years to combat crime in Fillmore. Dean said to expect a press release informing the public of the 11 gang members arrested in the last two days in Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks remarked to Dean that Fillmore is in a budget crisis and mentioned the 3% increase in cost for the Sheriffs services next year. Dean responded, “I feel your pain….they’re not easy decisions.” He informed the Council that the city’s charge is what it costs the Sheriffs Department and there was no profit involved, adding that it would be illegal for him not to charge that. “In the past (the Sheriffs) could work with you on it, but not today.” He then told the Council if they cut the three positions he would “find a way to make it work.” Dean commented that visitors to Fillmore on the 4th of July come because they know it’s a safe place.

Another item on the calendar was the resolution regarding the Landscape and Lighting Levy Assessment, but before it could be discussed Council Members Patti Walker and Brian Sipes, who both reside in the tract districts, recused themselves. Walker, who lives in the Hometown Track, did speak to the remaining Council as a resident. She stated the storm drains benefit all of Fillmore residents and the costs to maintain them should be passed along to everyone not just those tracks where the drains are located. The Council agreed to discuss Walker’s recommendation at the June 28, 2011 Public Hearing on the matter.

The meeting continued on with what other cuts could be made to help resolve the City’s financial problems. It was decided that the City News Letter would only be available on line and would no longer be printed and mailed out saving the City $2,400. Also the Print and Advertising budget for legal notices to the Gazette would be reduced from $6,750 to $1,500 and would be done without a contract on a need-to bases. The Information Technology Technician/Computer Support (IT) will be reduced by 1.84 positions and the IT provider has lowered the cost by $100 per month saving the city $1,200 annually. Walker asked the City Manager for the scope that the IT provides and Mayor Washburn asked for a job description of the IT.

Also on the chopping block were two Senior Water Maintenance and two Intermediate Maintenance positions (eliminated), saving the City $285,553. A Meter Reader will be added, costing $75,068 annually.

Council Member Conaway was concerned with all the proposed cuts, which in some cases are severe, and questioned if the City can function with this proposed budget and cuts.

The termination of a Development Agreement with Griffin Homes was again the focus of the Council. In 2002, the City entered into a Development Agreement with Griffin Homebuilders Group for the development of Heritage Valley Park. Due to financial difficulties Griffin sold a portion of the project to Hearthstone Multi-Asset Entity. In January 2010 the City was notified Williams Homes were interested in purchasing 31 vacant lots and 3 model homes in the detached condo area known as Oak Haven and on April 26, 2011 Lance Williams, the President of Williams Homes, addressed the Council asking if the Development Impact Fees (DIF) could be lowered. At that time he also told the Council the selling price for the homes would range from $250,000 to $290,000.

The term of the Development Agreement originally extended until 2017 if an elementary school was built by 2008, if not the Agreement was to be shortened by 5 years to 2012. The school was not built and the agreement is set to expire in November 2012.

Conaway read the letter sent to the Council and City Manager on June 14th from Williams Homes. It reads, “Terminating the development for 34 ready to build lots in the City of Fillmore will discourage new housing starts and cost jobs. The proposed impact fee increase would come at a time when municipalities across Southern California are slashing building impact fees. New construction creates jobs and demand for many goods and services that will benefit local business. I strongly urge you to side with your planning commission and abandon the termination of the development agreement as proposed today. Go further and create an incentive for builders to pull permits sooner rather than later.”
Walker stated that at present, Williams Homes is not an action to the Development Agreement because the property is presently owned by Comerion and that originally the homes were planned to sell for $450,000 to $475,000.
If the agreement is not terminated the fees would be less than current or future rates and would not be paid for 18 to 24 months. Brooks responded saying developers need to pay a standard fair share. Sipes added the town needs amities, “Do we let developers have reign over our city?” Conaway then gave his opinion stating, “If we leave it in tack, the developer may build 5 or 6 homes…A bird in the hand is better than none.” Adding that what the Council was doing was double dipping and this was a new source of revenue and a long term plan, “I think it is short sided to pull this agreement.”
If Williams homes was allowed to build and they pulled all 34 permits between now and November 2012 they would infuse the city with over $900,000. That does not include Entitlement permit fees. Williams homes was working to build about 5 to 7 homes this year, which means when the DA terminates in 2012 they would be paying the prevailing fees for the yet to be constructed homes.
Sipes responded to Conaway saying that he is asked all the time why the Two Rivers Park isn’t done. “He’s (Conaway) saying set the parks aside.” Mayor Washburn told the Council that when this item had been discussed (at the April 26th Meeting) it bothered her all night and after thinking about terminating the agreement she was not completely in favor of doing so adding that Fillmore’s DIF’s are the highest in the County. A vote was taken and the agreement was terminated with Conaway and Washburn voting no and Sipes, Walker and Brooks voting yes.