|
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
 Councilman Conaway gave a brief explanation of the independent auditor’s findings of the city budget’s history at Tuesday’s council meeting. There was a great deal on the May 10th Fillmore City Council agenda with the meeting continuing on until close to midnight. This was a joint meeting with the Council and the City Film Commission. The Film Commission started the meeting with a review of past years items and activities, then addressed their trade show participation and ended with the budget/revenue for fiscal year 2010/2012. On the Councils agenda was the cost of the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, approval of a letter of opposition regarding AB438 (Libraries withdrawal), addressing the number of homes to be built to balance out the General Plan and Specific Plan, first reading of Ordinance No. 11-3290 Heritage Valley Parks Development, Resolution No. 11-3290 Abatement of weeds and rubbish, a claim for reimbursement for the damage to a Fillmore resident’s car by a City’s tree, review of the request for a dog park, review results of the Citizens Survey, Resolution No. 11-3291 declaring a State of Fiscal Emergency, Reimbursement Agreement with Fillmore Riverview and much more. The City’s budget was once again up for discussion and had most of the Council on edge as they continued to face the challenges of a projected 2011/2012 General Fund deficit of approximately $1.9 million. The Towne Theatre has already been closed, saving $4,700 and $23,000 annually in 2012, perhaps just the beginning of what needs to be trimmed down or eliminated. City Manager Yvonne Quiring presented a progress report on proposed efforts to close the budget gap. A meeting has been set for May 20th to discuss Santa Paula’s interest in providing police services to Fillmore. City Staff has provided 30% across-the-board cuts and prioritized the services the City provides to the public, but it appears to be inevitable that positions will need to be eliminated which could involve employee layoffs. Employees who qualify have been asked whether they are interested in a voluntary retirement. Five to six employees have shown an interest, but once this is done, the positions are to stay open permanently. The City employees have all taken a 5.5% cut through furloughs and the unclassified employees will be asked to take another 13% decrease in compensation and benefits in fiscal year 2012, bringing the total reduction to 18.5% over the next two years. Quiring informed the Council that other local cities are asking for only 3% cuts, but those cities are not facing the magnitude of a 26% cut to their General Fund that Fillmore is dealing with. A meeting was scheduled for CONTINUED » |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
 Last Thursday, May 5th, Sespe School held a celebration in honor of Cinco De Mayo. There was great dancing and food at the festive celebration. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, May 9th, 2011
 On May 8, 2011, at approximately 3:30 p.m., an accident occurred between a semi and a passenger vehicle resulting in two people being transported to Ventura County Medical Center, one transported by ambulance and the other by helicopter. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
 The Miss Fillmore Pageant was held Saturday April 30th at the Veterans Memorial Building. Twentythree girls ranging in ages 13 to 18 years participated. Pictured above (left) Miss Teen Fillmore Ashley Bravo and (right) Miss Fillmore Riley Wright. Photos courtesy of Dale Crockett Photography. Enlarge Photo  2011 Miss Fillmore and her court. (l-r) 1st Princess Taelor Burhoe, Miss Fillmore Riley Wright, 2nd Princess Mariah Perez. Award recipients were as follows: Samantha Wokal Miss Photogenic, Riley Wright People’s Choice, Mariah Perez Miss Congeniality. Enlarge Photo  2011 Miss Teen Fillmore and her court. (l-r) 2nd Princess Desirae Perez, Miss Teen Fillmore Ashley Bravo, 1st Princess Jessica Mayhew. Award recipients were as follows: Teen People’s Choice Jacqui Guerra, and Teen Congeniality Desirae Perez. Enlarge Photo |
 Out going Chief of Police Tim Hagel (center) was presented the “Students First” award during Tuesday night’s school board meeting. Also pictured Virginia De la Piedre and Superintendent Jeff Sweeney. Enlarge Photo By Kimberly Rivers — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
Graduation and further layoffs were on everyone’s mind at the May 3, 2011 meeting of the Fillmore Unified School Board of Education. All action items were approved including the use of tickets for graduation ceremonies this year at Fillmore High School. A handful of seniors were in attendance listening to the discussion and when asked what they thought of the final plan one senior replied “I like it…that everyone will be able to attend.” Following last weeks meeting, Fillmore High School Principal John Wilber sent a form home with all 231graduating seniors asking how many tickets their family would need. As of the meeting he had received 200 forms back with requests ranging from 4 to 64 tickets. “[I keep thinking of the song] ‘We Are Family’…One third of the seniors requested 15 or more tickets…3000 [seats] could accommodate all requests” Wilber informed the Board. After a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Michael Bush the Board voted to direct staff to move ahead with a plan for 3044 attendees and numbered seats on the bleachers. According to Bush the standard width of a seat is determined by safety officials and “Chief Landeros measured my [backside] and said we could get by with 18 inches.” Using that measurement 2324 “choice seats” will be available in the stadium seats, “Butt to butt, we are going to be cozy” Bush commented. Portable bleachers will be brought in on either side of the stadium seats and some standing room only areas can be used along the fence. Bush’s report reminded the Board that occupancy cannot be exceeded for safety reasons, aisles must be clear; four-foot walkways around bleachers must be maintained and when capacity is reached the gates will be closed. He informed the Board regarding the restrictions regarding putting additional seating on the track and field. This option is not viable due to emergency evacuation requirements and the need to keep students separate from the public in the case of an emergency. There can be no additional seating on the field or track. Only those participating in the graduation ceremony will be on the field. The Board directed Wilber and staff to work with parents and students to come up with a fair plan for distributing tickets that deal with various issues such as handicap access, fairness in seating location and so on and instructed them to use “numbered tickets” with assigned seats, meaning no more saving seats or disagreements about who sits where. The plan is likely to include volunteer ushers to seat attendees. Wilber informed the Board that there is a meeting scheduled for the evening of Thursday, May 5 (today) with parents and seniors to begin this process. The Board rejected staff’s recommendation to broadcast the ceremony live on Channel 10 mainly due to the $3000 estimate to pay for it. Total costs are not determined yet for the plan; there will be ticket printing prices, cost for security and it will likely take one week to set up where usually set up is about three days. Board Member Tony Prado emphasized the need to inform families of the graduation procedures as early as possible for next year. Following the meeting Wilber stated, “As soon as the School Board meets in August and approves a graduation plan the information will be sent to senior families with the senior contract.” In other news related to graduation it was decided that Board Members Lucy Rangel and Prado will be handing out diplomas at Graduation this year. Rangel commented that this year’s class was the last class she taught when they were in 6th grade. Public Comment: Fillmore resident Noel Villa for 11 years and a parent spoke of the “daunting task” which school boards have of involving the community. He spoke of his own experience working as a school based social worker in Oxnard and applying philosophies based on the “understanding that parents and children see things differently and asking them to give us that perspective…there was a value that all kids can learn, no matter what.” He spoke of “working with the Spanish speaking community and bringing the parents together, addressing the themes of parental involvement, school attendance, school behavior and academics” and the importance of parents feeling welcomed in the community. “Teacher conferences were packed…parents were embraced, [made to feel] like familia.” He went on to state that Sespe School Principal Rosemarie Hibler “has brought [this philosophy] to Sespe School. That confianza, that trust.” He believes that Sespe School needs “this type of foundation in order for kids to learn, to engage parents, to raise academics, and improve student behavior.” Next the Board heard from Sespe student Valerie Villa who spoke eloquently regarding her support for her principal. “Changes can be good or bad like the one when Ms. Hibler came to Sespe school, that was one of the best changes…but letting her go is exactly the opposite.” Villa explained that Hibler brought a program to the school “that taught me how to know what a word means by its Greek or Latin roots.” She went on to state “But the thing I love most about Ms. Hibler is she always wears a beautiful smile every minute of every day, and again letting her go would not do any of us any good.” Hibler is among the many FUSD staff members to have received a layoff notice due to budget cuts in the District. Maria Hernandez joined with the Villa Family in speaking in support of their principal at Sespe School. Her son had previously attended Piru Elementary but this year she chose to move him to Sespe. “I don’t think I could have made a better decision.” She spoke of the group of parents she has met and the work they do for the school with Hiblers support. The school will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration today from 5 to 7pm with food, and games, including a “Ballet de Cueca” a performance of Mexican folk dancing. The public is encouraged to dress in Mexican attire for a costume contest as well. Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated by communities all over the world to commemorate this day in 1862 when nearly 2,000 untrained Mexican peasants commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza bravely fought and won the Battle at Puebla against 6,000 French soldiers under the command of Napoleon III. Hernandez spoke of the support that Hibler provides in helping the children learn about their heritage and background she added, “She has offered my son the best of the resources available for him to succeed.” She commented that he has made tremendous progress with the tutoring and after school programs available at Sespe School. Lastly the Board heard from Karen Ashim, a counselor at Fillmore High and former assistant principal about her objection to the proposed plan of cutting an assistant principal position at the school, and creating a part-time Dean position. This proposal has been made and was accepted by the Board at the last meeting as a measure that will take place even if no further reductions are required when the State budget is released. Ashim told the history of the assistant principal positions at the high school and explained that the District had already tried the proposed configuration but it does not work. “[This plan] is unfair to the teachers, students and administrators. We tried it. It didn’t work. We need to learn from history and our own history [demonstrates] that this proposal did not work then and it will not work now.” She stated, “It may save a few dollars…its not very cost effective decision [in the long run].” She asked that the Board think about it carefully. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney spoke about CONTINUED » |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
On Thursday, April 21, 2011, Ernie G held the rapt attention of 60-plus lucky Sierra High School students who got to listen to one on the best motivational speeches of their lives. Ernie G, as stated on his professional website, is one of the hottest, multi-talented, young Latino entertainers in the country today. His comedy has been seen by millions of TV viewers on shows such as Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” B.E.T.’s “Comic View,” Ed McMahon’s “Next Big Star,” & Sí TV’s “Funny is Funny!” He is one of the original stars of Galavisión’s hit comedy show “Qué Locos!” hosted by George Lopez, appearing six times, along with two appearances on “The Best of Qué Locos!” He has appeared on HBO Latino’s “Habla Again,” MUN2’s “Loco Comedy Jam,” as well as Sí TV’s “Latino Laugh Festival!” and their hip new show, “Inside Joke!” Currently, he be seen on MTV Tr3s’ “Los Súper Icons” and viewers might also remember him as the “Angry Angelino” from the Channel 13 News in Los Angeles. Ernie G will be back to perform at Fillmore High School in May to encourage and motivate more of our Fillmore and Piru students. Ernie G was at Fillmore High School a couple of years ago. He always stays to sign autographs and to give a special message to the very last student waiting in line. Many a student has connected with Ernie G in a special way. He has continued emailing with Fillmore High School students for a few years now. Some Sierra High School students approached him after his motivational talk on Thursday and told him that he had truly reached them with what he said and that he really made a big difference in their lives. |
|
By Kimberly Rivers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
 Fillmore Unified School District A list obtained from the Fillmore Unified School District Director of Human Resources Todd Schieferle lists a total of 80 staff members who have received ‘preliminary notices of layoff’ due to potential budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. This information was provided in response to a request for a complete list of all staff members who have received notices from the District. Just prior to the print deadline information was received that several names are missing from the list. FUSD is eyeing the budget cuts coming with a wary eye and is recommending the School Board create maximum “flexibility”. The plan is to “over notice” staff layoffs in accordance with legal deadlines so that if the budget is a worst-case scenario the District is prepared, and if funding is better than anticipated the district can rescind many of the notices. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney emphasized at a recent School Board meeting that these notices have nothing to do with job performance. Specifics have not been given about the exact process of determining what positions will be noticed, negotiations with the two unions (FUTA, CSEA) may play a decisive role although the Board has passed resolutions prior to completing negotiations. In relying on potential layoffs to solve the looming budget issues FUSD joins districts across the State in business as usual budgeting practices when cuts are needed. Districts continue to appear wary of considering new or creative means of meeting budget needs while keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible. The public appears stunned as the school year shortens, class size grows while teachers and staff prepare to pack their bags. This list was complete as of Thursday, April 21, 2011. Twelve staff members who received notices later received a “letter of rescission” which rescinded their layoff notice but notified them they “may not continue in their present assignment” or salary next year. According to FUSD “the District may reassign them to a classroom teaching position according to the credentials they hold” next year. They will be notified of their new assignment before July 1, 2011. Those who received these “letter[s] of rescission” are indicated on the following list with a star by their first name. The Board has expressed hope that they will be able to rescind many of the layoff notices but that is dependant on the final state budget. A revised State budget is expected mid May. Budget discussions and negotiations continue between the District and the unions representing the teaching staff and classified staff. Those noticed include: 50 teachers, 3 Coordinators (all rescinded), 7 principles (some rescinded), 2 assistant principals (one rescinded). Those whose positions are not indicated were not listed on the District’s website and were not obtained by the press deadline. (Note: Due to directions taken at a Special meeting on Tuesday, April 26, several of these notices are expected to be rescinded, see article for positions affected) First Last Position |
|
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
 Fillmore’s new Chief of Police Monica McGrath. Monica McGrath was recognized by the City Council Tuesday night as the new Ventura County Sheriff’s Captain in Fillmore. She began her duties last week. McGrath, who lives in Ventura, stated “I’m very impressed with your town…I’m very happy to be here.” But there was a somber feel to the April 26, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting as budget matters continue to take a toll on services. One item on agenda was ballot measure Proposition 218 which will have a direct impact on some property owners by increasing the assessment amounts on six separate tracks in Fillmore’s District 2. Also included with that item was a discussion on the annexation of Central Station Townhomes and Perry Ranch to the City’s Landscape and Lighting. Other items on the agenda included a proclamation, the Council’s desire to withdraw from the County Library Memorandum and remain in the reformulated Ventura County Library system, the adoption of the Temporary Use Permits to allow Christmas tree sales to begin the day after Thanksgiving, a request by Williams Homes to reassess the Impact Fees on Heritage Valley Specific Plan and support for two State Assembly bills and resolutions. There was a great deal of discussion between the Council and City Staff regarding the proposed ballot proposition. Several areas in Fillmore are presently not paying enough in assessment fees to cover ongoing maintenance for lighting and landscaping. Those properties assessment fees must be increased or current levels of service will have to be reduced and some may have to be cut altogether. A proposition and balloting process is required to increase assessment amounts on property which is a lengthy process and takes preparation. The process requires creating an engineer’s report, approval of levy amounts and an election that includes mailing of ballots to the property owners. A public hearing is then scheduled to receive the public comments, determine the election results, approve levy amounts if any and order submittal of the data to the County Assessors for collection of assessments with property taxes. The added assessment costs to the property owners if approved will range from $4-$24 per month per property. The cost to the City for the ballots is $14,500. The areas in question are: CONTINUED » |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the pool. A leak detection company was brought in and confirmed there was a leak in a return drain line in the bottom of the pool. The leak was fixed on April 12th, we worked hard to ensure the high school swim team and club swim were not affected. The leak was created during construction of the pool. When the pool piping was laid down it was tested and all the pipes and fittings passed a pressure test. After the piping was complete the contractor put a protective cage over the piping. The leak was created when a piece of rebar was hammered into a recirculation pipe. When the leak was found the rebar was still in the pipe. There have been ongoing issues with the chemical balance in the pool. It was originally thought to be a mechanical issue and worked with HMH Construction Company, Nadar, and Knorr. With a leak being found under the pool and repaired we hope to have the chemical issues resolved. The pool has been open a week since the leak was fixed and so far the pool chemical balance has been fine. The City is new to having and operating a brand new aquatics facility. There has been a learning curve and some challenges have come our way during the learning process. We realize it is very frustrating to arrive at the pool and find out that it is temporarily closed. We apologize for any inconvenience it has caused our patrons Please join us at the pool for a fun filled summer of events! Hours and schedule of events are posted at the pool window, City of Fillmore, website and on Channel 10. Story courtesy The City of Fillmore. |
|
By Kimberly Rivers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
On Tuesday, April 26, 2011 all seats were filled for a special meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Education. In addition to public comment just two items were on the agenda, graduation tickets and a budget discussion including prioritizing with a welcome opportunity to rescind some notices. In public comment the Board heard first from Sheila Duckett, Fillmore resident and computer lab instructor at San Cayetano Elementary school reporting “There are several classified employees, [myself] included who find themselves drifting afloat at sea, [we are] puzzled and are trying to come to a decision…based on the information as we know it.” She went on to explain that several classified employees received their 45-day notice following the recent Resolution passed by the Board. She explains that the one day of negotiations set for May 4 with the classified union (CSEA) will be inadequate “This is not a one day process, it will take days of planning, calling people, verifying seniority [and so on].” Duckett also explains that due to missed or looming deadlines several employees feel forced to make a decision regarding retirement or opting for possible layoff which can affect retirement benefits. All this prior to any negotiations taking place and that “The delay in starting the negotiation process has contributed to the sinking ship that some of us classified people find [ourselves] on.” Next for public comment Kassaundra Chambers a first grade teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School reported some data to the Board to demonstrate “what the classified staff has helped us achieve this year in implementing the RTI [intervention program].” She stated that 16 out of her 23 students are reading at grade level or “proficient” and “that is the highest number [she’s] ever had.” She explained “I have taught for 16 years… there are more students coming out of my classroom this year …that are at or above grade level standards and I really think that is in large part due to Sheila [Duckett] and other classified staff that have enabled us to implement the RTI so successfully at our school.” Duckett has reportedly received a layoff notice from the District. Tammy Ferguson a first grade teacher at San Cayetano, teaching in the district for ten years who also has two children in FUSD schools stated “we can’t do our job without the support staff”…programs…services [for our students] are starting to dwindle because of the state of the budget… when you are making decisions… [Remember without the students] there is no need for me and there is no need for you…they are the most important [thing].” The Board moved to Sespe Auditorium so all in attendance would have seats for the first action item on the agenda, the proposal to use tickets for all spectators at this years Fillmore High School graduation ceremony. Several students, parents and others came to ask the Board to reconsider the proposed plan for this year. Seniors on hand wondered at the lack of communication and even suggested that some of their senior funds could be used for more bleachers if needed. They were reminded that this would not deal with the exit capacity nor put a dent in the nearly $30,000 that it could cost to accommodate a larger crowd making changes for emergency exit access. Principal John Wilbur brought forward the plan in a response to safety concerns following last year’s graduation and the 100th Game with Santa Paula. During Bush’s update on the history of this issue he informed the public “[According to Chief Landeros last year graduation] was unsafe. The facility was beyond capacity; all the exits [and aisles] were blocked. Chief Landeros [was considering] whether or not to close graduation [at that time] and empty out the aisles.” The District does not want that to happen this year, Chief Landeros has been clear that safety is their primary interest and that while the District does have options for expanding capacity for seating and emergency exit access, once that capacity is reached the doors will be closed, making it possible that some waiting family members would not get in at all. Wilbur has come under fire from some parents and students who wonder why they are just hearing about this plan five weeks before graduation. Wilbur takes full responsibility for the timing, offered an apology, and an affirmation that he thinks the plan will work out. The plan as presented made space for 2000 spectators in the bleachers which means each senior would be guaranteed seven tickets, leaving about 400 tickets for families to apply for if needed. Wilbur commented that a “change in culture” regarding graduation may need to take place in Fillmore. Ideas presented included not bringing young children to the event, or having non-family members watch a live broadcast of the event from home. The Board was reminded that some families have already spent as much as $300 on graduation announcements, which indicate that recipients are invited to the ceremony and that limiting families to seven tickets may mean choosing between grandparents. Most parents in attendance emphasized that it is not the tickets they oppose but the short notice and wish they had been told sooner. The Board made no inquiry as to why there was such a long delay in communicating the plan to parents since the District was notified of the issue as early as the end of last school year, and again just following the 100th Game last fall. The District sees tickets as a way to ensure that families of graduating seniors have the seats they want. The Board voted to table the proposal with directions given to Wilbur to obtain accurate numbers. Seniors will be bringing home a letter in the next few days asking families how many tickets they would need to accommodate their family. The Board will use this information to work with staff, parents and safety officials to develop a plan. The Board began its budget discussion by CONTINUED » |
