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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Recently the County of Ventura Fire Department joined with the “For The Troops Program” to send care packages overseas to United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the Troops is an organization based in Simi Valley that accepts donations and assembles care packages for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The care packages are sent year round to our front line troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. These care packages contain much requested items such as snack items, batteries, DVDs, CDs, magazines, personal care items and letters of appreciation from children and adults. For The Troops have placed collection boxes at all the County of Ventura Fire Department stations and are asking the public to participate in the program by stopping by a local County of Ventura Fire Station in their community and donating items that are needed for the care packages. If any family member has someone serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, For The Troops will send a special package to them upon request. The family member can write, e-mail, or call For The Troops with the address of their serving military family member: For The Troops, P. O. Box 630103, Simi Valley, CA 93063. E-mail: USA@ForTheTroops.us, or visit their Website: www.ForTheTroops.us. For The Troops can also be reached by contacting: Paula Cornell (805) 306-0830, or Janie Josephson (818) 640-3846. Items needed are: Baby Wipes, AA and AAA Batteries, CONTINUED » |
 Parents and families are welcome to visit the FMS Parent Center, to visit classrooms, or to stop by with lunch. Enlarge Photo By Tricia Godfrey — Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
 Ms. Lindemann guides her new FMS students through the 8th Grade American History curriculum. Enlarge Photo Fillmore Middle School reported an “amazing, smooth start” from the first day of school and through the rest of the week. All staff gave warm welcomes to new and returning students and 6th graders learned what they needed to know to be “Bulldogs” for the next three years. Teachers and staff brought all students to grade-level assemblies to learn and be reminded of the school’s top three priorities: a primary focus on safety; learning that meets the needs of each student, and love for our school..which means always taking care of each other. FMS staff is pleased and proud to be implementing a strategic, three-tiered plan to continually improve efforts to meet all students’ needs. Due to a combination of after school visitations by teams of staff members, in-service trainings, collaboration among staff, District Office support, Ventura County Office of Education support, and teachers volunteering their time last year and this summer, every adult on the FMS campus will now be a part of the daily effort to implement a much-refined version “Advisory Period.” This effort to tailor interventions and enrichments to the needs of each student has been researched and built as a true Response to Intervention (RtI) Model. As a solution to the lack of funding that challenges all schools, this FMS Advisory period is built right into the school day. Students will be asked to schedule appointments and mid-day pick-ups around this valuable time, in an effort to get the greatest results for everyone. Family and community members are encouraged to come visit FMS and see what’s new. Karaoke Fridays, Assemblies, Back to School Night on September 10th, lunch with your student, or a walk through of FMS classrooms with an administrator, counselor, or teacher are all ways to get to know your school better.All are welcome to come by and see how many ways FMS students are winning this year. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
VFW POST 9637 wants you!
Call Commander Jim Rogers at 524-0202 for more information. Let’s remember those who stand guard on the front lines for this country. If you know of someone who is serving in the military, contact Dick Diaz at dickdiaz@roadrunner.com or call him at 524-5315. He will be glad to take your information and picture, and submit them to the Gazette. Thank You for Your Service US MARINE CORPS US NAVY US ARMY - RESERVE US ARMY |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
 Rachel Lucio, 13, accomplished something of a rarity. The 4-H Reserve Champion pig that she raised was her first entry at the Fair. It’s not often that first timers win such an award. Rachel’s surprise is an understatement. Her pig weighed in at 256 pounds. At the auction, Rachel’s pig fetched $5.75 a pound. Her plans for the money? First, payback mom for money advanced and save the rest for culinary school. Rachel aspires to be a pastry chef. Enlarge Photo  Aaron Largen Fillmore FFA- FFA Grand Champion Market Steer and Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer. Enlarge Photo  Autumn Inglis Santa Clara Valley Grange, PIru- Grand Champion Turkey and Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat shown. Enlarge Photo  Gabriel Cueva and Pork Butt, Santa Clara Valley Grange won Grange Champion Bred & Fed swine. Enlarge Photo Story and Photos by Bob Crum Though the tasks may on first blush seem daunting... not one youngster expressed any regrets or complained one iota. Refreshing! The chores... those persistent chores. Yet their optimism is as bright as the rising sun in the morning with which the youngsters also rise... to attend to the animal of choice they decided to raise from infancy. The family poodle may be the perfect excuse to get some valuable exercise (a lively stroll) that may not be obtained otherwise. However, the 4-H'ers and FFA'ers (Future Farmers of America) don't raise farm animals for exercise. Nosireebob... most of their motivation is the Junior Livestock Auction held annually at the Ventura County Fair. Oh... and of course... there's that one little extra thing that puts a sparkle in their eyes and a big smile on their face and that's the... ahem... auction proceeds. But first... there's the judging... which is a phenomenon beyond comprehension. Look at the many steers tethered in their respective stalls and from this perspective... they all look magnificent. Same for over 200 swine, many goats, etc. all spiffy and dapper. What is that one quality that determines a Grand Champion, or Reserve Grand Champion? What experience or training enables an animal judge to discern that special quality? Perhaps might as well ask why we can't see gravity. However the judging happens... there's no mistaking that ribbon winners command auction proceeds that often defy understanding. But it's not about bidding 'fair market' value for any particular animal. Most often... many companies... and family's... budget financial resources all year expressly for the purpose of bidding far, far more than mere 'market value' at the junior livestock auction. All are fully aware that those monies are not just buying meat for the freezer... for the most part... they are enhancing a youngster's college fund. (Many animals bought at auction are gifted to Food Share or the charity of the buyer's choice.) As you discover what amount of money some of the youngsters received for their respective animals... it must be remembered... as with any business... there are expenses that accompany the project. First, the purchase of the animal to raise. And depending on the animal, feed costs can be substantial. And if needed, veterinary services. It's only the “net” proceeds that can be applied to the college fund... or savings account or considered spendable money. And now... the 2009 Fillmore/Piru “ribbon” winners at the Ventura County Fair are: Rachel Lucio, Sespe 4-H, Fillmore, 4-H Reserve Champion swine, Gabriel Cueva, Santa Clara Valley Grange, Grange Champion/Bred & Fed Swine; Macie Wokal, Sespe 4-H, Fillmore; Grand Champion Replacement Heifer; Aaron Largen, Fillmore FFA, FFA Grand Champion Market Steer, Reserve Grand Champion market steer; Autumn Inglis, Santa Clara Valley Grange, Piru; Grand Champion Turkey, Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat. Rachel Lucio, 13 years of age, accomplished something of a rarity. The 4-H Reserve Champion pig that she raised was her first entry at the Fair. It's not often that first timers win such an award. Rachel's surprise is an understatement. Why raise a pig in the first place? “Because I don't relate to other animals... I like barn animals better.” Regarding her experience, Rachel said “she (the pig) was a lot of fun... easier to raise than I expected.” However, before anyone thinks raising a pig is a cake walk... rethink. For instance... as Rachel explained... her pig was often very stubborn... only doing what it wanted to do. Furthermore... pigs can get a little... um... piggy. As in eat too much. Weigh-ins were every Monday Rachel said. Her pig weighed in at 256 pounds. That's a good weight. Over 280 pounds - which is easy for a 'piggy' pig to attain - is overweight, and less desirable in the auction ring Rachel explained. Thus, at a certain weight, nutrition has to be carefully calculated and administered. And what do you suppose that her pig likes very much? Cake mix! Perhaps Rachel was right... raising her pig was easy... a cake walk... so to speak. And as might be expected... Rachel plans to raise another pig next year. At the auction, Rachel's pig fetched $5.75 a pound. Her plans for the money? First, payback mom for money advanced and... save the rest for culinary school. Rachel aspires to be a pastry chef. Gabriel Cueva's Grange Champion/Bred & Fed 236 pound pig winning bid was $5.00 per pound. And now... from the looks of things... winning the first time entering is less of a rarity. In his own words, “I was thinking that I'd probably get, like, one of the last places being my first year but winning champion was a big surprise.” In the early stages... Gabriel's little pig – named Pork Butt – needed to gain weight so he simply free-fed it... allowed it to eat as much as it wanted. And as the poundage increased... he then had to introduce oats into the diet. As Gabriel explained, “the oats fill them up so they don't eat as much. It appears that the weight issue is bigger then the pigs themselves. What surprised Gabriel about his project? “Well,” said Gabriel, “they don't really make that 'oink' noise... they scream. (Note: reason #1 best not to live next to a pig farm!) And they don't really run from from people... but like dogs... they come to you and like to be petted.” And the only other surprise Gabriel mentioned was a stinky back yard. (Reason #2.) Next year... yep... Gabriel is planning to raise another pig and stink up the back yard again. With the intention of winning Grand Champion next. Nothing less... of course! As for this year's auction proceeds... Gabriel would only say that he's working on what to do with it. Aaron Largen is on a roll. Last year his first entry in the Fair won him Grand Champion Market Steer. This year he wins FFA Grand Champion and overall Reserve Grand Champion. Who wouldn't like to know his secret? Any surprises for Aaron? “Yes,” said Aaron, winning Reserve Grand Champion because I didn't think I could do it again.” So much for rarities. However, it is nonetheless a remarkable feat considering... as Aaron commented... there are a lot of nice market steers this year. As for that particular quality that makes a particular steer a champion, Aaron agrees with this writer, saying, “I can't really tell them apart.” Perhaps the one trait of Jack – the steer – that set him apart from the herd... so to speak... is that he frequently acted like a dog... following Aaron around in the pasture. That's it! To get the judge's attention, Jack barked – instead of mooed – at the judge. What a nifty ploy! Well, so much for secrets. The winning bid for Aaron's 1,297 pound Reserve Grand Champion market steer was $7.50 per pound (you do the math)... less expenses. And his intentions for the proceeds? College fund. Aaron also aspires to become a veterinarian. Wonder how many veterinarians come from the 4-H and FFA programs? Seems like a lot. With her third entry in the Fair... Macie Wokal's 1,343 pound Replacement Heifer won Grand Champion. Last year her Replacement Heifer won 4-H Reserve Grand Champion Replacement Heifer. There isn't room here to discuss it but it appears a sure bet that there's an underlying theme to these amazing feats of back-to-back winners. Could it be that these kids have discovered how to teach these pasture behemoths to bark like a dog? Macie's heifer is named Julliette. Ask why. Because the steer her sister raised is named... guess what? Right... Romeo. Surprise! What about next year? “May not raise one next year,” said Macie. So... you're going to retire, I said. “No,” Macie quickly said adding... “my mom wants to take a year off.” (Later, Macie's mother, Aileen, said we were thinking about taking a year off because not only have we been doing this for fifteen years with Macie's older siblings but also waiting to see what the auction brings. Asked if it was expensive to raise such an animal her reply: very expensive! After hearing of the winning bid, $4,200, she's more optimistic that Macie might get to raise another heifer.) As for the not-too-far-into-the-future plans, Macie's intention is to put profits into her college fund. Though she initially thought of becoming a veterinarian (surprise) from a very early age – like about eight – but now she's leaning towards becoming an ag (agriculture) teacher. And big congratulations to petite, 9-year-old Autumn Inglis who won two ribbons – one for a Grand Champion Turkey and a ribbon for a Reserve Grand Champion Market goat. Sorry Butterball... but Autumn's turkey has your goat and her champion goat is no turkey! While most young folks feel that they have enough to deal with raising one animal, the mighty Autumn takes on two. Naturally, one wonders how raising two animals went. “It was easy,” quipped Autumn. How easy pray tell. “Very easy” was the immediate response. Obviously some have talents that are not readily apparent. But... later she did admit that it was easier to raise the goat than the turkey... the turkey frequently hid... the goat didn't. A new factoid. And what about next year? “Raise another goat,” said Autumn. And a turkey? “At first she said maybe... later said NO! OK... why not a turkey, a goat and a heifer everyone would like to know? “Talk to my mom about that”, said Autumn. In the auction, her Grand Champion turkey brought $600 and her 109 pound goat $10 per pound for a total of $1,690. And the money? For now... stash it in a savings account said Autumn. As in all competitions... there are the select few that win ribbons for whatever factors the judges deem significant. However, it must be said that every boy and girl that raises a farm animal is deserving of an award. If for nothing else... their dedication and commitment to raising and caring for the animal of their choice. Lastly, kudos and three cheers to all the parents, teachers and 4H leaders. Without them... there simply is no learning experience for the youngsters. However, through their efforts and dedication they get the pleasure of witnessing the maturing of young people who subsequently become responsible, outstanding citizens of their community. The Fillmore Gazette staff applauds every boy and girl who undertook raising a farm animal for market. You all do your community very proud. |
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By Wanda Castel de Oro — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
 City of Fillmore The lawsuit brought against the City of Fillmore over sales tax revenue has been dismissed. The cities of Livermore and Industry filed suit against Fillmore after a contract was signed with Owens & Minor, one of the nation’s largest distributors of medical and hospital equipment. The agreement allowed for a sales office to be established in Fillmore, with all California sales originating from that office. Fillmore agreed to give 85 percent of the tax money it collects under the agreement to an Illinois broker who arranged the deal, and the broker must give at least half of that portion back to Owens & Minor. Fillmore collects a 15 percent share of the local portion of the state sales taxes. The arrangement brings approximately $800,000 a year to the city in sales tax revenue. The 20-year contract was signed in 2007 and will be honored. In June 2009, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law whereas no other city can make such a contract in California. Livermore and City of Industry brought twelve causes of action against Fillmore charging fraud, RICO violations, Unjust Enrichment, Conversion, Business and Professions Code Violation, Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting Conspiracy, and Federal civil rights violation, to name a few. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
School Board Greets New Year
 FUSD offices were left without power after a transformer was damaged by fire on Tuesday, August 18th. Enlarge Photo Tuesday night’s Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting was shorter than planned because there was no electricity to the District Office. A transformer, which had been damaged by fire earlier in the day, was being replaced during the meeting. Four agenda items were postponed because the staff was unable to prepare handouts or presentations due to the electrical outage: Resolution 09-10-01 for Approval Regarding Classified Lay Offs and Reductions, the Technology Update, a report on Sierra High School Modernization, and a report on STAR test results. Those items will be covered at the next Board Meeting on September 1, 2009. The Board discussed Monday’s welcome back orientation for staff, and the upcoming year. Katy Hadley, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, said that overall STAR test results were up at the schools. She noted that results at Piru, Sespe, and Fillmore High School (FHS) were good, and said Piru spiked in both Math and English. She said her upcoming report would provide more information. The Board discussed the upcoming joint meeting with the City Council on September 29, 2009, at the FHS cafeteria. Upon being asked, Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush said that the City’s running club, which will have access to the FHS all-weather track, starts September 1st. According to Bush, the City is still working out some minor coordination issues, but club runners will have access to the track on three weekdays, Saturday, and Sunday. Bush noted that club runners will be supervised by City employees and covered by City insurance. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
On August 25th, the City Council will consider adoption of its 2009-2010 budget. The State has indicated its intention to take Property Tax, Redevelopment Agency Funds and other revenues from the City. The City Council, the Interim City Manager, staff and financial consultant have spent many hours of effort in budget revisions and project deferments to try and balance the budget and still maintain services. You can view the draft budget at www.fillmoreca.com/budget.htm or request a copy from the City Clerk’s office. Community input and feedback are important—you are urged to contact your council members for more information. Also, the community is urged to attend the August 25th Council meeting if you would like to provide input. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Frank Mutz surveys the fire damage to the kitchen of his building, formerly Diamond Dave’s Café. On Monday, August 3, Frank and his wife Stacy were at Diamond Dave's Cafe in Fillmore, taking interior and exterior photos of the property at 454 Santa Clara Street that they lease to Dave Burns for his popular restaurant. They finished photographing the property and left, but returned 45 minutes later. And it’s a good thing they did. A kitchen fire had ignited and the Mutz's were met with billows of smoke pouring out of the east kitchen windows. Frank ran inside, while Stacy called 911. He grabbed a fire extinguisher hanging in the kitchen, one of two on the premises. But the flames were already lapping up to the kitchen ceiling and pressured cans were starting to explode, forcing Frank out of the area. Fillmore Fire Department, and Ventura County and City Fire arrived within 15 minutes of the 911 call. It took two hours to extinguish the fire. "I want to thank the fire departments for treating it with such urgency," stated Frank. "They got it out pretty quickly, considering," added Stacy. The fire caused over $250,000 in damages, but that figure is not final until the insurance company makes its final determination, stated the couple. The fire was caused by large appliances plugged into an electrical outlet behind the stove. The overload caused an outlet arc fault which sparked the fire, according to Stacy and Frank. The Mutz’s have owned the building since 2004 and ran a restaurant out of it from 2004 to 2006, when the leased it to Burns. Frank and Stacy plan on reopening the business themselves. "We can't wait to get it reopened again for all our customers, and see all their friendly faces," said Stacy. "I miss them all and think about them often." |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
A 25-year old woman was raped at a Lake Piru campground between 12 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Sunday, August 16th. She was attacked near a restroom, and did not know her attacker before that night. The woman had been partying and drinking. The man fled after the attack. Major Crimes detectives are actively working the case, stated Captain Tim Hagel, Fillmore’s Police Chief. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
 A three-vehicle collision happened Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 126 and B Street. No injuries were reported. Two vehicles received relatively minor damage. Enlarge Photo |
