Being the first baby born in Ventura County in the New Year is an honor. And this year the honor went to Jayden Bernal and his parents Joshua Bernal and Angela Bustos, both of Fillmore.

Jayden was born at 12:02 a.m., Sunday, at Santa Paula Hospital. He arrived a few days ahead of schedule, weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches long.

Jayden’s paternal grandfather, Ramiro Bernal said it’s a good sign that he is the first baby to be born this year.

Congratulations to the Bernal-Bustos families.

The Fillmore Gazette is offering a reward of $300 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the losers who plastered graffiti around town last week. The Gazette previoulsy offered $200 and a concerned citizen added $100 to the reward. Anyone wanting to contribute to the Graffiti Reward fund can visit the Gazette with your name, phone number and amount to be contributed upon arrest and conviction. Thank You.

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Henry "Hank" Data was born in 1916. As a young man leaving the U.S. Navy after World War II, Hank found there were no jobs to be. However Florine, hank's wife, had an uncle named Otto Jones who, with his brother, owned Jones brothers Pontiac in Fillmore and Hank was in the car business.

At 31 years of age, the youngest in his class, Hank took advantage of the G.I. benefits he had coming and was off to the General Motors Institute in Flint Michigan to begin his training as a parts and service manager. He returned to Jones brothers as a genuine GM parts manager, a position he was to hold until 1961 when the Jones brother kids became old enough to take his job. It was then that Wm. L. Morris II hired.

Hank at the Santa Paula location. Bill Jr was the boss but poppers would be there everyday and noticed Hank because of his turning off of un needed lights at the dealership. This got Hank on his good side.
In 1973 when offered a position at the Moorpark location, hank declined citing Grime’s Canyon twice a day as a main hurdle. So, he landed in Fillmore where he worked until his retirement in 1986 with a few returns to "break in a new guy" when called upon by Mr. Morris.

Hank was enlisted and valued greatly as an inventory specialist. Hank worked for over 4 decades in the parts business and 3 of those for Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet Oldsmobile. He is truly our "Employee of the Century".

SACRAMENTO, CA. – An adult male in his late 30’s is the first reported fatality linked to influenza for this influenza season, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health and state public health officer, announced today.

“This death is a somber reminder that the flu can be a serious and even deadly disease,” Chapman said. “I encourage Californians to get their flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their families.”

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and includes protection against the H1N1 strain. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, children and older adults to be vaccinated. Chapman urged Californians to get their flu shot today if they have not done so already. In addition, the nasal spray flu vaccine is available for healthy individuals ages two through 49 who are not pregnant.

Statewide surveillance shows that influenza activity remains low in California. Typically, influenza peaks between January and March. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu-associated deaths nationwide range from an estimated 3,000 to 49,000 annually.

“Since the flu season can last through May, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine,” Chapman said. “There is plenty of flu vaccine available.”

Get more information about flu and find a flu vaccine clinic near you. www.cdph.ca.gov

Merry Christmas to all! The other day I made a phone call to Santa Claus. I’ve had his phone number since 1993. That was my son Joey's first Christmas. It came to me in the mail, and as a first time father I just figured it came with being a Dad. My Mother always seemed to have his number when I was a kid. She would say, "You better be good or I will call Santa. I’ll tell him not to come by this year." It worked on me and my two sisters. And it always worked for me as a father to all of my kids, Joey, Sarah, Jake, and Mahaila.

When I called Santa, he was working at the North Pole. He was nice enough as always when I called, to stop what he was doing and take the time to talk to me. So this is how it went.

Joe: Merry Christmas Santa. Thank you for taking my call.

Santa: {Laughing} I always have time for you Joe. Merry Christmas!

Joe: I am writing a story on you for the Gazette. Is that okay with you?

Santa: Okay. I need a break right now. I will be glad to talk with you.

Joe: Thank you so much. Well let’s get started. How long have you been bringing gifts to kids?

Santa: All my life that I can remember. I was lucky enough in the year 295 A.D. to have the money to give toys to all the kids in my area. Before you knew it I was doing it for everybody. I never had kids of my own, but I have always loved seeing the kids’ faces when they get a toy or gift from me. It makes me happy.

Joe: Where are you from, the North Pole?

Santa: No. I was born in Smyrna. It’s in Turkey, in the year 280 A.D. That is where I met Mrs. Claus. I was a toy maker. We both love toys and kids. One day in around the year of 350 A.D. we were asked by a Elf named Pa Pa if we wanted to move to the North Pole. He said he had a great work shop of toys, but needed my help to get them to the children around the world. The Mrs. and I talked about it, and we both thought it would be the right thing to do.

Joe: So what is Mrs. Claus's name, may I ask?

Santa: Sure you can. Her name is Annua. But I call her Mama.

Joe: You have called many things, what’s your name?

Santa: Well my name is Nicholas Kris Kringle Claus. Some time ago they made me a Saint of toys. So they called me Santa Claus. I have been known as Saint Nicholas. In Hungary and in Slovenia they call me Mikuals. In the Netherlands and Belgium they call me Sinterklaas. Charles Dickens called me Father Christmas. Some call me Saint Nick or Kris Kringle. All I ask is that you don't call me late for dinner! {Deep Laughter}

Joe: {Laughing} Yeah, I know. I love to eat too! So how many Elfves live at the North Pole, and do they work all year?

Santa: We have 1,278 Elve's here at the work shop. They love this place. It has been their home longer than mine. The way me and the Mrs. feel we are still their guest. We all work together for our big day. But we take a break every year after Christmas is over.

Joe: Santa, does everybody leave you milk and cookies?

Santa: I do love milk and cookies. The fine people in the U.S. and Canada leave me them. In Great Britain and Australia they leave me a little Sherry and Mince Pie. In Sweden and Norway it‘s Rice Porridge. In Ireland it’s Milk or Guinness and Christmas Pudding. Now you know why the call me plump! {Booming Laughter!}

Joe: What is your favorite story or movie about you?

Santa: I like most of all of them. Some are so silly. The people make up their stories, some are so far fetched I have to just laugh. But I guess I still love T’was the Night Before Christmas, the best. But let me tell everybody out there, I am not the reason for Christmas!

Joe: What do you mean about that?

Santa: So many people forget what Christmas is all about.

Joe: What is Christmas to you Santa?

Santa: That’s easy! Christmas is a time to always remember the birth of the Son Of God, Jesus. That is what it is all about. A time we all can come together with our family and friends, in peace and love in our hearts and souls. This is what I was taught since I was a little boy. It is not about what I got or what I did not get for Christmas, it is about the birth of Jesus Christ. They don’t call it Santamas. It is Christmas!

Joe: Wow. Some people do forget the real meaning don't they?

Santa: They sure do. But I know. And so should everybody else.

Joe: I agree with you. But you do make people happy and smile.

Santa: Thank you Joe. If I can do that, then that is my small part of the holidays.

Joe: The first Christmas I remember was in 1966, my whole family was at the house. That was a great one for me.

Santa: You were five years old. Your Mom made sure that all of your family was there that year. Joe, that was the year your Father was killed in that car crash in March. Your Mom needed everybody near her that year. The whole family came to Fillmore! What was missing with your Father gone was made up for all the love from the family in the house that day.

Joe: And you brought me a.....

Santa: A bike! Your first "Big Boy" bike. It was green.

Joe: It sure was.

Santa: I think you needed to know that at that time, you were a "Big Boy".

Joe: Thank you Santa. I will never forget that Christmas.

Santa: No Joe. Thank you. I love to make kids happy. It is so great to be able to give.

Joe: One last question if I could please. What makes the Reindeer fly and how do you do it all in one night?

Santa: Well we have special Reindeer hay we give them on Christmas Eve. They fly as fast as the speed of light. We start in Asia and work our way with a lot of help from my Elves around the world with time. Last stop is the Hawaiian Islands, then home.

Joe: And your Reindeer's name?

Santa: Well you know! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. And of course Rudolph with his nose so bright. I love them all so much. {Deep Ho Ho Ho's}

Joe: Well with that, I know I have taken too much of your time. Merry Christmas Santa. And thank you so much for everything over the years.

Santa: {Laughing} Joe it is always nice to talk with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
So in closing this story out, my Mom would say, " Yes, Denise, Donneta, Joe, Shane, Jeremy, Alyssa, Robbie, Joey, J.D., Sarah, Jake, Mahaila, Haley, Landon, Little Sarah, and Glen...and you too Virginia, whereever you may be. Yes, there is a Santa Claus!

Over 100 residents have signed a petition lodging a complaint to the City of Fillmore regarding a childcare facility being proposed in a residential area of town. The property in question has had numerous complaints by area residents for neglect of maintenance and upkeep along with many loud gatherings which have had a negative impact of its neighbors.

Early this year the property owner approached the City with an application for a modular structure to be placed on the property for the proposed daycare business. The neighborhood residents are extremely upset with the proposed project. They have sited the presence of a Megan’s Law registered sex offender living in close proximity and concern the proposed structure will have a negative impact on the tranquility of their neighborhood and home values.

This was put in motion about three years ago when Alma Ferrel noticed Fillmore did not have a childcare facility which was not income or religious based. Ferrel, wanting to expand her existing daycare business, searched for a location in town that would meet the State requirements for expanding. She found the three lots owned by Vincent Castillo located on River Street and Dunton Lane. One lot has an existing building (vacant church), one is paved for parking and the corner lot is undeveloped.

In February 2011 Castillo submitted an incomplete application to the City on a proposed building for Ferrel’s new daycare center. The application was rejected and Castillo was asked to return a properly completed application. There was a great deal of back and forth between Castillo and the City, with the City asking for the proper paperwork.

One of the requirements that concerned Ferrel and Castillo was the Development Impact Fees (DIF) required by all projects that connect to the city sewer system. According to City Manager Yvonne Quiring, original fees were approximately $100,000. Ferrel said she paid $63,000, the cost reduced by merging two lots and recalculating the square footage. Feeling they were not getting anywhere with the City and wanting a way to lower the DIF, Ferrel called County Superintendent Kathy Long, who advised Ferrel to approach Councilmember Patti Walker for advice on the situation. In Arpil 2011 Walker set up a meeting with Quiring, Ferrel, Castillo, Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney and herself.

During the meeting the subject of how to avoid paying or possibly lowering the cost of the DIF was discussed. Castillo informed those in attendance that he would obtain a “temporary” building with a holding sewage tank that could be pumped out once a month and questioned if such a building could be placed on the property, thus avoiding connecting to the sewers and avoiding the DIF. Those present agreed to look into using the holding tank, possibly alleviating the need to pay the impact fees. Castillo’s original proposal asked for approval of a daycare facility, classes, religious activities and services available both day and evenings, all activities that had cause problems for the neighbors in the past.

There was also a question on how long a temporary use permit could be issued. Two years is common, but Ferrel had concerns that two years would not give enough lease time for the business to qualify for the funding from the State agency First Five so she asked for an agreement of five years. McSweeney told those attending the meeting he would look into all of the City’s requirements for the project to move forward.

A public meeting was held on the issue where 15 of the over 100 residents who signed the petition against the project came to voice their objections, but for the residents to continue fighting the project the City required a $700 appeal fee be paid by the residents. They do not what a temporary modular building placed in their neighborhood.

The residents have had several run-ins with the property owner over loud noise and parking issues due to the church being rented out as a hall for various functions; use that the property is not zoned for, and the property’s landscape has not been maintained with weeds surrounding all three lots. Sheriffs Captain Monica McGrath confirmed to the Gazette that there is a Megan’s Law registered sex offender living in close proximity and that person in question was convicted of a misdemeanor in 1996, but has complied with all necessary State requirements to date.

After researching and finding that the proposed holding tanks would not meet the City’s requirements, McSweeney told the interested parties that they could not use the holding tanks; the project would have to connect to the City sewer system, pay the DIF and a fire sprinkler system needs to be installed. Also, only the daycare facility would be approved and no other activities.

The protesting residents were not assisted by any Council Members, City Manager or County Supervisor on how they could avoid their appeal costs. Consequently the residents could not come up with the appeal fee to fight the project and it was approved.

The proposed childcare facility will not be administered by First Five and will not be based on an income sliding scale or be a State entitlement program. However, Ferrel said she will be obtaining a loan from First Five towards the project. It will be privately owned business available to children 6 weeks to 12 years with a flat tuition rate and offer a summer program. The new business has not yet received its State license and the question of the location of the registered sex offender may be an issue.

Written By F. Ferguson, Staff Writer

On the Way to Bethlehem
Sometimes I marvel at how much faith the Magi had in their GPS system, a “star in the east.” Somewhere in North Fillmore I’m trying to find a way for a car to hop over the river in pitch darkness while cursing the confounding glowing navigation screen for rotating and throwing my feeble spatial sense into a tailspin. I wonder if the Magi ever had to backtrack. Like I do.

A propitious trail of taillights serves as my Star of Bethlehem, leading me to “the barn at the Stehly ranch.”

The Stehly Ranch
Down the one-lane road through a grove of orange trees, Sam Alviz and Thomas Rabb wielding flashlights and Edgar Alviz on a four-wheeler corral cars into the makeshift parking lot. Sam gives me directions to the barn. “Just go up the road—you’ll see it,” he assures me. I set out on foot into the darkness.

Finally, the warm lights of the house start shining through the trees. So far, there are about 20 adults and a few kids gathered in the paved clearing. The shed is lit up inside with Christmas lights strewn across the hay and topped with a lit tinsel-lined star. Bundles of hay as well as benches and chairs circle the front of the barn: the scene is set.

Exploring the Grounds
Bearing a box of sweets, I make my way towards the house, following the glowing trail of luminaria on the ground. Inside, it’s warm and cozy—the scent of hot apple cider fills the air as guests visit in the den and others setting up their crock-pots in the dining room. A poncho-sporting Marie Alviz directs me to the dessert table before cheerfully returning to labeling the guests’ dishes.

The flyer had said that rehearsal for all those interested would be a whole 15 minutes before the performance, so there’s time to check out the wings of the stage. On the patio a small horde of actors rehearse… their costumes. A lady helps dress the final magus in what looks like heavy woven drapes while another Wise Man, wearing a black feather boa among his other accoutrements, looks on approvingly. Fifteen young shepherds in robes of fabric scraps watch over, and scamper with, a tail-wagging beagle, while four colorful angels flit about. A girl in a partial butterfly costume considerately asks a younger angel wearing a pink princess dress, “Do you want different wings?”

The Performance
I wander out to the shed to secure a good spot beneath the giant sycamore tree. The faint strains of a carol drift over from the direction of the house as the procession of actors slowly approach and the audience joins in singing Silent Night. Off to the side, Regina Nuñez holds a flashlight for Former Mayor Scott Lee to read the narrative centered on the Gospels according to Luke and Matthew. Rebecca and Miguel Enriquez as Mary and Joseph enter the barn, placing Baby Jesus (their infant Marco) in the manger. Waves of actors gather around the Holy Family: the shepherds, the angels, and finally the magi. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing weaves into the narration, and O Come All Ye Faithful crowns it. One of the shepherds holds up what might be a heavy-duty halogen lamp to help illuminate the scene. Photos of the living tableau are taken at the picturesque finale. Regina leads a final prayer with a reminder of the anticipatory meaning of Advent before calling out, “Let’s go in and eat!”

Feasting
The whole crowd, now over a hundred strong, migrates towards the abundant baskets of bread and half-dozen crock-pots surrounding an Advent wreath. Hot apple cider is ladled out and the rooms begin to fill with people balancing bowls of soups and plates piled with dessert. Mrs. Mary Stehly stands near the entry, welcoming people inside. She chats with the guests; amazingly, she recalls our passing conversation from more than a year ago. At her urging, I join the crock-pot conga line and pick up what I learn is focaccia, a savory square of yeast, olive oil, and rosemary. At the five tables set up in the living room, people of all ages enjoy each other’s company, catching up with old friends and making new ones. At the table near a glass case containing statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I meet 90-year-old Miriam Harnage. Soon, Sam and Thomas come around to gallantly offer guests some much-appreciated apple cider.

When I get up to search for some fabled peppermint bark, I bump into Mr. Jim Stehly himself. His trademark twinkling eyes seem to light up even brighter, and he calls me by name as he grasps my hand. “How good to see you!” he cries with such joy that it makes me feel as though I’m the guest of honor. This warmth and heartfelt congeniality undoubtedly contributes to the reputation this tradition enjoys in these parts.

Tradition
Regina has run the Community Nativity Play since 1994, if not earlier. Each production has been unique, with differences ranging from location to stable construction to the number of cast members and live animals involved. Even when the event had to be canceled due to poor weather, the effort always has been a labor of love, bringing the community together. Marie recalls early versions of the affair with a stable built behind the Fillmore Library, and of the 25 people who’d attend, half would be her family. Having been reincarnated The event now has a large loyal following of families from church communities all over town that return year after year.

Legacy
Being surrounded by families and neighbors visiting over good food, sharing good times and making good memories around the fireplace, it feels exactly as the flyer promised: “All are welcome: Young and Old, Royal and Lowly.” The Stehlys have literally opened their home (and their barn) to the community, friends and strangers alike—and even to the Baby Jesus. What a shining example they provide of hospitality. Smiling faces abound tonight, setting the stage for a happy holiday season.

At the end of the night Miriam quips, “You know what I hate about going out? Going home!” I completely agree, especially when it’s time to leave such a cozy and welcoming place. Then again, the Magi, having met their Savior, went home rejoicing. Incidentally, just as they departed by another way,” this time around, there are no GPS glitches going home. I even have a hunk of peppermint bark for the journey.

Merry Christmas!