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This year’s Teacher of the Year is Raina Arellano. Mrs. Arellano teaches 4th grade at Mountain Vista Elementary School. She has worked for the Fillmore Unified School District for 6 years. Mrs. Arellano is known and respected by all students and staff at Mountain Vista School. She has high expectations for all of her students and is known for her outstanding teaching strategies and expertise in her grade level curriculum. Mrs. Arellano will be recognized at the Fillmore Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 22, 2012 by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce. From 5pm-6pm will be social hour with dinner and program starting at 6pm. The dinner will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building. Attire: Western Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce 805.524.0351, the Fillmore Police Dept. and the Fillmore Fire Dept.

(l-r) Eric Vigal, Captain Monica McGrath, Police Officer of the Year Gabe Gonzales, Ari Larson, and Sgt. Smith.
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This year's recipient of the Police Officer of the Year is Deputy Gabe Gonzales. All though he has worked patrol just shy of three years Gabe has become one of the most productive and diligent deputies in the station. He has been a Deputy Sheriff for six years and began his career as a provisional deputy.

Gabe was born in Ventura and is married to his lovely wife Lori. Gabe is the ultimate professional, conscientious, and enthusiastic. He graduated from the Police and Sheriff's Training Academy in May 2006 and his first assignment was at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Gabe worked in the classification unit, gaining valuable knowledge about gang culture and narcotics abuse. He assisted many officers with special operations while working in jail. Gabe's evaluations include commendations where he went above and beyond the call of duty during his normal workday. He transferred to his current patrol assignment in March 2009, where he completed field training. Gabe was instrumental in revitalizing and encouraging other deputies at the station to get involved in the Sheriff's Explorer Post. He is currently a lead Advisor for the Post and he enjoys teaching and mentoring the explorers. Gabe has trained and been vital in curbing gang activity and narcotic use. Gabe will be recognized at the Fillmore Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 22, 2012 by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce at the Veterans Memorial Building (511 Second Street Fillmore). Social Hour will be from 5pm-6pm with dinner and program starting at 6pm. Attire: Western. Tickets are $25. Call 805.524.0351.

City of Fillmore

Tuesday’s Fillmore City Council meeting revealed how bad the shape of the City “may” be in as City Attorney Theodore Schneider gave a presentation, with as much detail as was legally possible, on the status of Fillmore’s sales tax litigation. Also discussed was the progress, or lack of progress, on the Two Rivers Park project, the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and public comments on various topics.

Schneider laid out the status of a lawsuit filed in 2009 by both the cities of Livermore and Industry against the City of Fillmore, Owens & Minor, MTS Consulting and Inspired Development. Those cities challenged the validity of what was called an Economic Development Agreement between MTS Consulting, Inspired Development and Fillmore. The agreement was that MTS and Inspired would attract large national retailers to locate a legitimate sales office in Fillmore; in exchange, Fillmore offered an incentive rebate of 85% of the sales tax received by Fillmore on account of new retailers, and retained 15%. The sharing of sales tax would continue for 20 years for each retailer. There were more retailers and other cities involved, but the only ones that filed a lawsuit were Livermore and Industry. The names of the retailers and taxpayers involved are confidential information under the State Board of Equalization (SBE).

In 2009 the California Legislature adopted SB27 making sales tax sharing agreements illegal, but grandfathered those prior to 2009, which leaves Fillmore’s still legal.

Fillmore, MTS, and Inspired won on motion at trial court, but Livermore and Industry appealed and the appellate court overturned the trial court ruling, and the case now returns to the trial court for further proceedings.
In 2008 SBE started an escrow and to date (estimate) the amount being held pending the appeal is $12,401,979. But, in the event that Fillmore loses all the (seven other retailers) pending cases, the amounts previously paid to Fillmore that could potentially be reallocated to other jurisdictions and must be repaid is $6,947,284.
The payments made (the 85%) to MTS was $4,368,284 and to Inspired was $2,218,924 with Fillmore receiving (15%) $1,000,000. Some of this money paid out by Fillmore may need to be repaid to Fillmore if the SBE reallocates sales tax away from Fillmore. Fillmore is currently repaying funds in one case and several more may be decided in the next several months. The potential future revenue to Fillmore from a single largest retailer is estimated to be $700,000 or more per year.

When Councilmembers asked why this agreement was allowed to happen the response by a member of Schneider’s law firm was, “The Council knew there was a possible down side, but the money involved was worth the risk.”
Also discussed, Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney presented the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) that will be used in the next Housing Element period 2014 to 2021. It is expected that the State will be requiring 275 more units for 2014-2021 than the City’s General Plan Build Out. The General Plan identifies that 5,816 residential units are planned for which will result in a population of 22,693 by the year 2020. There are currently 4,408 residential units in the City. But even though the City’s plan would construct what RHNA is asking, the units may not be constructed in the time frame allotted.

RHNA residential units are based on income levels and their proposed plan for Fillmore is 160 very low income units (23.1%) along with 112 low income (16.1%), 128 moderate income (18.4%) and 294 above moderate income (42.4%). McSweeney will report back to Council on March 13th if an appeal should be made to lower the numbers.
During the discussion Ventura’s amnesty on non-conforming units was brought up; these are granny flats that were not permitted. Ventura has counted those units to meet its housing requirements. The question of doing the same in Fillmore was presented and the issue will be on a future meeting’s agenda, possibly in May after it is clearer where the City stands on RHNA’s requirements.

City Manager Yvonne Quiring discussed the $320,621 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds available to construct a tot lot at Two Rivers Park. In 2008, under Proposition 12 the City submitted a competitive grant application for Two Rivers Park and received a grant for $500,000 of which $100,000 remains. The City has constructed the skate park, rest rooms and concession area, installed grass and a softball diamond. State Park staff notified the City in late January of the upcoming deadlines of June 30, 2012 for work to be completed. An extension request by the City to revise the scope of the project must be made by March 31, 2012. The State staff indicated that because it was a competitive grant, getting an extension for completion may be a challenge but that to the extent possible they would work with the City.

Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) has partnered with the City on the project and prepared a budget and a proposed landscaping/layout plan and would serve as the project manager in trade for some surplus City vehicles which are the result of the 30% reduction in force this summer. Discussions with the County staff have resulted in the requirement that the City hire a consultant to handle monitoring part of the project.

During the public comments Mark Olson from Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention spoke to the Council on the Asian Citrus Psyllid an invasive pest that causes serious damage to citrus plants and a serious threat to the U.S. citrus industry. The Asian Citrus Psyllid is an aphid-like insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees and other citrus-like plants – but the real danger lies in that it can be a carrier of a deadly, bacterial tree disease called Huanglongbing, also known as Citrus Greening Disease.

The Asian Citrus Psyllid has been intercepted coming into California in packages of fruit and plants, including citrus, ornamentals, herbs and bouquets of cut flowers, shipped from other states and countries. Floral bouquets containing psyllid-infested orange jasmine have been intercepted coming into California from Mexico.

Olson said the biggest problem where the bug is spreading is residential backyard citrus trees and that residents with them in their yards need to be on the lookout for the pest that is the size of a grain of rice.
Cindy Blatt with the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers announced the Rotary’s commitment of $2,000 toward the electronic gate at Fillmore High Schools running track. In addition Rotary would like local service clubs, businesses and individuals to contribute to the project. Rotary will provide another $2,000 in the form of a challenge; a dollar-for-dollar match for the other donations not to exceed the additional $2,000. If met the total would be $6,000. Those that want to contribute with a donation are encouraged to make a check payable to Fillmore Rotary Sun Risers PO Box 882, Fillmore, CA 93015 or contact Don Gunderson at 805 524-1308.

Daniel Gonzalez, youth advocate with One Step Center, announced their members are doing a controlled study of the Superfund Site and will be doing surveys and questioners in the area. One Step Center, which is now under the umbrella of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, also received $15,000 each year for the next two years to work with the youth in Fillmore.

Councilmember Brian Sipes announce the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau are trying to put together a master community calendar. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2012 between 11am and 12pm at La Fondita. All non-profits, community groups, school groups are invited to come prepared with the dates of their events to be included on the master calendar. This will be a no host lunch. For more information contact Community Calendar Chair Ari Larson at 805 794-7590.

It was also announced that it was decided to have the May Festival at City Park and not at Two Rivers Park.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 27, 2012, the Camarillo Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and American Medical Response (AMR) responded to the area of Las Posas Rd. and Carmen Dr. to an injury traffic accident. Initial reports were that two vehicles were involved in the traffic collision and one vehicle had rolled over.

Upon investigation, it was determined by deputies that Richena Curphey was driving a 2009 Honda FIT westbound on Las Posas Rd., approaching the intersection of Carmen Dr. Christy Dungey was driving a 2001 Ford F-250 eastbound on Las Posas Rd. approaching the intersection of Carmen Dr. Curphey made a left turn onto Carmen Dr., from Las Posas Rd. and collided with Dungey.

An adult female passenger in Curphey’s vehicle died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. The victim’s name is not being released at this time pending family notification. The relationship between Curphey and the decedent is not known at this time.

The traffic accident is under investigation at this time. Anyone who might have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Camarillo Police Department/Traffic Bureau at 388-5100. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident.

Nature of Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Report Number: 12-4625
Location: Las Posas Road at Carmen Drive
Date & Time: February 27, 2012, at approximately 6:35 PM
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Decedent-Adult Female, Unknown, 68
Party-Richena Curphey, Fillmore, 31
Party-Christy Dungey, Ventura, 51
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Renee Ferguson
Media Release Date: February 27, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Renee Ferguson 805 388-5132/Ventura County Coroner’s Office 805 641-4400
Approved by: Captain Higgason

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

SANTA BARBARA, CA - After sewing up the Golden State Athletic Conference women's basketball regular season championship last week, Westmont Women's Basketball has received numerous awards from the conference.

Junior Tugce Canitez of Izmir, Turkey has been named the GSAC Player of the Year while head coach Kirsten Moore has received GSAC Coach of the Year honors. Joining Canitez on the All-GSAC team are senior captains Katie Kittle of Colusa, California and Lisa Peterson of Citrus Heights, California. Junior Jillian Wilber of Fillmore was named a GSAC Scholar-Athlete.

"I've always said that individual awards are representations of a team's success," said Westmont head coach Kirsten Moore. "All of these awards are indications of the success we have had as a group. Every person has added to what we are doing for those honors to be given."

Canitez led the GSAC in scoring, tallying 560 points (19.3 points per game). She was second in rebounding - averaging 10.3 per game - and fourth in field goal percentage at 50.4 (192 of 381). Canitez also ranked seventh in free throw percentage in the conference at 75.5 (163 of 216).

"Tugce possess so many different skills, which enables her to have the success she does on the floor," said Moore. "She is not just a scorer; she is also an incredible rebounder and passer. She makes those around her better, she's a good defender and she has a high basketball IQ and understanding of what is going on with the game. I believe the completeness of her game is why she was honored as the Player of the Year."

In the Westmont record book, Canitez' point total and scoring average ranks first in the Warriors' season records. She also ranks first in free throws made (163), total rebounds (299) and rebounding average (10.3). She is currently second in field goals made, but needs just four more to tie Ali Mooty's record of 196 set in 2006-07.

Canitez is the first Warrior from women's basketball to receive Player of the Year honors.

Moore, who is in her seventh season at the helm of the women's basketball program, led the fifth-ranked Warriors to a 26-3 record so far this season and a 16-2 mark in conference play. Her current career and Westmont coaching record is 138-73 (65.4%). This is the fourth time Moore has recorded at least 20 wins in a season and marks the fifth time she will lead the Warriors to the NAIA National Tournament.

"The coach of the year award is a tribute to our entire team of coaches," said Moore." I had such great help this year from Selena Ho who has been an Xs and Ox guru. Meghan Gnekow and Dani Russell have been such a great support for the athletes as well as supporting me in the things I need as a coach. I have been really blessed to have had an incredible staff this year."

Moore is the second Westmont coach to receive the GSAC honor. Gregg Afman was named the GSAC Coach of the year for the 2000-2001 season.

Lisa Peterson was the second most accurate shooter in the GSAC, making 53.2 percent of her shots (125 of 235) from the floor and 83.8% of her shots from the free throw line. The post player was also fourteenth in scoring (11.7 points per game) and twelfth in rebounding (6.3 boards per game).

Peterson holds the Westmont record for career field goal percentage at 53.2 percent (248 of 466) and career free throw percentage at 83.6% (168 of 201).

"I couldn't be more thrilled for our seniors to both be recognized," said Moore of Peterson's and Kittle's honors. "They have put in an incredible amount of hard work beginning with the offseason in preparation for this year. They have performed on the court and have been incredible leaders both on and off the court. They have represented the best of who we are at Westmont and what we want to be about - their attitudes, sportsmanship, work ethic and unselfishness for the sake of the team. I am so happy they are being recognized as leader by being named to the All-GSAC team."

Kittle ranks twenty-fourth in the GSAC in scoring at 8.7 points per game and eleventh in steals at 1.59 per game. The guard, who appears in the top-10 in 18 of 24 career record categories, joined the 1,000 point club on February 5 against San Diego Christian and has a current tally of 1,064 points - ninth best in Westmont history.

Jillian Wilber, a history major, was named a GSAC Scholar-Athlete. The honor requires a 3.5 GPA and is awarded only to those who are juniors or above in academic standing. Wilber holds a GPA of 3.56.

"I think one of the hardest awards to win at Westmont is to be named a GSAC Scholar-Athlete," said Moore. "To have above a 3.5 GPA at Westmont while you are a student-athlete is an incredible challenge. Jill, who is our third captain, has been leading us both on and off the court. She is most deserving of that honor."

The Warriors open GSAC Tournament play on Wednesday evening when they host the Mustangs of The Master's College (12-18, 5-13 GSAC). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

As Fire Chief of the Fillmore Fire Department I am proud to announce that Robert Rob Rolf has been chosen by his peers as the 2011 Firefighter of the Year.

Rob Grew up in Burbank Ca, Moved to Fillmore in 1999 and joined the Fillmore Fire Department in March of 1999. Rob is married to his lovely wife Tami Rolfe. They have 5 children, Kayli 23, Tyler 19, Evan 13, Jayni and Jordyn 10. Without their love and support Rob could not have achieved his goals. Rob started his EMS carrier with Pruner Ambulance in Thousand Oaks in 1986 as an EMT. Rob Graduated from Daniel Freeman Hospital Paramedic School in 1987 and has been working as a Paramedic for the past 25 years. Rob is currently employed by AMR, American Medical Response Ambulance Company as a field supervisor and is currently a Paramedic/Engineer for the Fillmore Fire Department. Rob also worked with the Ventura County search and rescue Medical Team as a Flight Medic for over 3 years.

Rob was one of a handful Paramedics that dedicated their time and help retired Fire Chief Pat Askren start Fillmore Fire Departments Volunteer paramedic program when Santa Paula Hospital closed its doors in 2004. Sense then, Rob and all the men and women of the Fillmore Fire Department having been proving excellent EMS service to the citizens of Fillmore. Rob’s love and dedication for EMS and Firefighting for the City of Fillmore made it easy for his peers to elect him as our 2011 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year.

Vanessa Villa, a senior at Fillmore High School was surprised in her class on Friday, February 17th by the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce board members including new chamber president Cindy Jackson, 1st vice president Ari Larson, 2nd vice president Tammy Hobson and board member Eric Vigil who presented Vanessa with some balloons and the news that she had been selected as Student of the Year. Also there to celebrate were her proud parents Noe and Norma Villa and Fillmore High School principal John Wilbur.

Vanessa is the Student of the Year because of her commitment to doing her best in all she does. She has tutored students in many subjects including math. Vanessa not only held the secretary position in the M.E.Ch.A Club, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage and Culture she was also president (at the same time) of the Fillmore High School S Club (the high school division of the Soroptimist International of Fillmore group). The S Club serves the community and provides services and educational experiences for young women. Vanessa attended conferences, participated in Relay for Life of Fillmore/Piru, Arthritis Walk, Cleaned the Fillmore Bike Path and helped with the Peace Pole project which included teaching and making hundreds of origami cranes for peace. She was also instrumental in helping with the annual Soroptimist Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction event. Vanessa is very organized and professional in all she does. She is a good leader. Vanessa always has a smile on her face and is willing to lend a hand wherever she can. She is also a wonderful older sister to her younger sister Valeria Villa. Vanessa along with the other community winners will be honored at the Fillmore Community Award Dinner on Thursday, March 22nd at the Memorial Building.

(l-r) Mike Mobley, Cindy Jackson, Jan Marholin, Citizen of the Year Buddy Escoto, Ari Larson, and Tammy Hobson.
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The Fillmore Citizen of the Year is Evaristo Escoto (affectionately known as “Buddy” for his friendly demeanor). Buddy is a lifelong Fillmore resident and a product of the Fillmore school district. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1994 and from Ventura College in 1998 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts he also attended Cal State University of Northridge and majored in Sociology. Buddy has been married to Selina A. Escoto for 12 years; he is the son of Evaristo & Marylou Escoto and is the oldest and only boy in a family of 6 sisters. Buddy started working for the Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore-Piru in 1995 he has worked for the same organization for the past 17yrs. Buddy believes that the future is now for the youth in our community and that as role models we should teach children to reach for the stars. Buddy has been part of many civic & community groups in Fillmore and throughout Ventura County as an advisor and also a volunteer. On Buddy’s down time he enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, deejaying, photography, & walking his dog rocky. His most used quote is, “Life Is Good!”