The September 25, 2012 Fillmore City Council Meeting began after an hours-worth of speakers addressed the Council on a variety of topics during the public comment section. There were numerous complaints about the political atmosphere in Fillmore, and comments on pie sales, graffiti cleanup, sidewalk sales and much more. The agenda items included approving a letter to the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), a proposal for the Council to go paperless, a committee to address the budget, City Manager recruitment, implementing a Code of Conduct and what action to take on a possible Brown Act violation. It was this last agenda item that created a great deal of finger pointing and accusations.

The fireworks began with a discussion on whether the Council should ask the staff to prepare pertinent information on establishing a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Mayor Gayle Washburn began the discussion stating Fillmore is very divided and at this time the Council does not have a Code of Conduct. She went on to say that in the past there had been a Code of Conduct, but at the time it was abused and used to prevent some opinions from coming forward. She continued and then stated….”I’ve been personally attacked by another council member.” She then asked “Do we want to put it down on paper or can we trust that we will treat each other with respect?”

Council Member Steve Conaway responded, “…in 2008 the Council voted to repeal the Code of Conduct…I was the only council member to vote not to repeal the Code of Ethics.” He went on to say that he supported putting it on the agenda. To which Washburn responded, “…since you (Conaway) mention that (supporting a Code of Conduct) that gave you a license to violate it?” Conaway responded, “I don’t appreciate the little spin you put on that, and I do support it being brought back.” Washburn then accused Conaway of illegal conduct when during a recent council meeting Conaway stepped down from the dais and addressed the Council as a citizen, calling it a Brown Act violation.

The Brown Act is an act of the California State Legislature passed in 1953 that sets rules that apply to California city councils, county boards, and other local government bodies. It guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings and what can or can’t be disclosed from a closed sessions without the full agreement of the Council. Also, Council Member Jamey Brooks wanted everyone to understand the Council does not follow Robert’s Rule of Order, but follows Rosenberg’s Rule of Order. Both are rules for proper procedure in conducting meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order was first written in 1876 and is a bit complex. It has been revised numerous times with the eleventh revision in 2011. Rosenberg’s Rule of Order is a contemporary writing and simple enough for most people to understand.

Brooks went on to say that Conaway accused the mayor of trying to get former City Attorney Ted Schneider fired and stated, “You have been unethical every month” and to accuse the mayor of something like that is illegal. Brooks said he didn’t support a Code of Conduct, but he would be ethical.

Conaway recommended a vote to move forward with adding a Code of Ethics, to which Council Member Brian Sipes seconded, but it was then modified with a suggestion that new City Attorney Tiffany Israel bring some drafts of Codes of Ethics to the Council to review.

This was the first council meeting for the new City Attorney who lives in Orange County and has practiced law for 16 years after graduating from San Diego School of Law. In addition to Fillmore she also represents the City of Lawndale.

Israel explained that a Brown Act violation is disclosure of what was said during a closed session and that the Council may chose to wave keeping what was discussed private and allow the public to be informed. The Council then stated that there was a disclosure that was not waved and was published by the Fillmore Gazette, pertaining to the legal fee bids submitted by law firms applying for the City Attorney position.

Brooks then asked the City Attorney to ask each Council Member if they had released the information regarding the proposal on the City Attorney’s position, which she did. When asked council members Washburn, Brooks, Sipes and A. Eduardo Gonzalez responded No they had not. Council Member Steve Conaway was then asked and he responded, “This was all political drama for political purposes.” He refused to say yes or no and wanted no part of the political theatre.

Brooks than asked Israel what procedures can be taken if a council member violates a rule. To which she responded “Admonishment or censure.” Brooks than said he would like to take this to the next level, stating “He (Conaway) took it to a paper and had it published…this is not insignificant. I would like to see him banned from all closed sessions.” To which Washburn replied, “I don’t want to spend a lot of time on this. A verbal admonishment is enough.” Sipes said he agreed with Brooks and Gonzalez added, “I think an action requires consequences. I am very concerned about this and I think something should be done.” Washburn then asked, “Do you want to proceed with the censure?” It was then suggested that Attorney Julie Scott, who acted as Special Council and gave information on California Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act to the Council at the request of resigning City Manager Yvonne Quiring, handle the legal proceedings. She was asked what her hourly rate was and was told $150 an hour. At this point former Council Member Patti Walker jetted up to the podium and volunteered to pay the first $500 in legal fees. Just after that, a city resident, David Weeks, addressed the council and asked why the Council would put out City money to continue with this. He asked if Fillmore was being sued and if not, then why should the City be spending the money on this? Another thing to consider is that Conaway vacates his Council seat in a little over a month, so what would be gained by the added expense?

At this point Brooks said “I wish to admonish Mr. Conaway for a Brown act violation.” A vote was taken with Sipes the only No vote.

Laurie Hernandez again addressed the Council and asked if the questions she had asked at the last council meeting were on that nights agenda and were they going to be answered. She then said, “The City deserves to have a City Manager who is qualified.” Israel responded to Hernandez by telling her a letter would be sent to her by former City Manager Yvonne Quiring to answer her questions. Hernandez than replied that she was told it would be on this meetings agenda and that the Council had agreed to it. Hernandez was again told that a letter would be sent to her to answer her questions.

Rick Neal, owner of a local business who is running for a council seat, addressed the Council with his concerns in hiring of a new city manager. He suggested the Council look for someone who has worked in a small town similar to Fillmore, is approachable, will interact with the community both socially and professionally, will hold themselves to the highest of standards. He also said they should be able to lead by example and hold their team to a similar standards, someone who is capable of training staff members and communicating the councils’ vision to them.

As the meeting progressed, Brooks, who sits on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), asked that the Council send a letter to VCTC along with Santa Paula Council Members who are also sending a letter requesting the VCTC reconsider the decision of divesting itself of administration from bus and transportation service. This change will affect the VISTA Route 126 service and the Fillmore and Santa Paula Dial-A-Ride and is scheduled to happen July 1, 2013. Brooks explained that the expected replacement system has union drivers which are paid at a much higher rate than what is being used now, which will be reflected in the cost of the fare/rates and he is not sure that Fillmore residents could afford the increase. Hwy 126 between Fillmore and Santa Paula has the highest participation in Ventura County and “we can not afford to lose that service” Brooks stated.

Also, the Film Commission has issued three film permits within the past two months; one is for the TV show “The Mentalist” which brought in $4,030 in General Fees and $7,425 in Public Safety Fees and a Lifetime project “Road Trip” by Michael Crawford which took out two permits, paying General Fees of $2,400 and $1,830 and Public Safety Fees of $4,500 and $1,650. Location scouts were also in town and are considering doing a Jeep commercial.

Leslie Klinchuch, with Chevron announced two future tours of the site cleanup and gave an update on the progress being made. Klinchuch said there was a great deal more concrete and underground pipe than expected and when that is completed the soil will be addressed. There will be two site tours on Thursday Oct 18th at 3:00pm and at 5:30pm. At 67 Telegraph Rd. Chevron and the Environmental Protection Agency will be there.

Raelene Chaney announced the holiday season is just around the corner and it’s time to order your Grad Nite Live Pies. She also informed the Council that Marie Calendars has raise their price and the pies are now $13 each. The number to order is 805 524-4909.

Question No. 2: What is your vision for Fillmore if elected/reelected? What do you perceive as the five most important priorities for the city?

SANDRA PELLA:
My vision for Fillmore is to see our City thrive; not merely survive. I envision a restoration to the vibrant, quaint and small town appeal that is characteristic of Fillmore. The recession has adversely affected Fillmore like so many other cities throughout the United States. Our business and residential growth as a City is stagnant, and our household and business budgets are stretched to the limit. As we continue to confront challenges within Fillmore with respect to the economy, and in rebuilding the community’s confidence in our ability to turn things around, we need to address priorities that can affect a positive change:
We need to stimulate business by re-zoning the downtown in order to allow for diversity in types of businesses, and at the same time complete the business park.
We need more avenues for enhancing communication among the business community, Fillmore residents and the City.
We need to raise City income, control costs and balance the City budget; while maintaining responsibility for City resources.
We need to ensure the safety and welfare of the public through maintaining sufficient law enforcement, fire protection and emergency services.
We need to work together toward accomplishing common goals; avoiding divisive political and/or self-interests.
The City Council is only an instrument through which these priorities can be realized. City Council members serve only to meet community needs as determined by the public. You, as Fillmore residents and businesses, are the driving force behind our City’s return to success and prosperity. We can accomplish these goals with effective leadership and a cooperative community spirit.

GAYLE WASHBURN:
My vision is CONTINUED »

Gerardo Vaca, Class of 1988, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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Frank Tirado Class of 1971, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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The Fillmore High School (FHS) Sports Hall of Fame held its Ceremony weekend on September 14th and 15th. The Hall of Famers past and present were introduced before the Flashes Football game on Friday the 14th. What made it special for all attending was that the Flashes of Fillmore beat the Santa Paula Cardinals in the 102nd meeting between the two teams.

Past Hall of Famers greeted the new Class. The Oldest Flashes Hall of Famer at the game was George Garnica Class of 1950, the youngest April Kozar Class of 1997. They all enjoyed the game and had a chance to talk over old times.

Saturday night was the big night for the Class of 2012. The public was invited to view the Gym and the Hall of Fame at Fillmore High School. They had a chance to see the Hall of Fame wall along with the League Championship Banners and C.I.F. Championship Banners.

In the Hall of Fame they also had a chance to see Championship Trophies and the Hall of Fame Plagues. The Letterwoman’s Jacket of April Ponce-Thompson and Kevin Gross's Phillies Jersey, and all the other items from the Hall of Famers and FHS were also on display.

This year the Hall of Fame Ceremony was held in the Veterans Memorial Building. Over 200 people were in attendance to see the Class of 2012 inducted. It was great to see Hall of Fame coaches Jim Fauver and Bruce Dempsey. Over 20 Hall of Famers were there to welcome the Class of 2012. After a moment of Silence for Hall of Famers Bob Huestis and William "Bill" Pearson, who passed away this last year, the ceremony was in full speed.
This was the first year The Hall of Fame had a new award, “Charles A. Mozley Special Recognition Award". It was named after the great Ventura County Hall of Fame Teacher Charles Mozley. This year the award went to Henry "Hank" Carrillo. Hank was "The Voice" of Fillmore, and he helped out in Fillmore sports at all levels. Hanks wife of 50 years Mary Lou and their two children Richard and Lori were there to accept the award. Mr. Mozley's wife and two of their four children Melissa and Matt where there to present the award.

Two Coaches were inducted into this year’s Class, Coach Jim Hunt and Coach Robert ''Bobby" Calderon. Coach Hunt was the Track and Field and the Cross Country Coach at Fillmore in the 1950's. Hall of Famer John Scloes said, "We knew we were fast in those days, but Coach Hunt taught us how to run track the right way." Coach Calderon was the Wrestling Coach at FHS from 1988 until 2011. He had five Team league Championships and many of his wrestlers won individual championships.

The players came next for the Class of 2012. First up was William "Bill" Case Class of 1939. Bill was an outstanding Football Player for the Flashes. Bill's daughters Anne and Susan were there to accept for their father. Don "Spider" Hughes Class of 1952 was there. The great football, basketball, and baseball player was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Frank Tirado Class of 1971 came from Texas to be inducted into this year’s Class. The star football, basketball, and baseball player for the Flashes was there with his family. Heidi Hope-Popp Class of 1980 was inducted this year. Heidi was a hardnosed, team first, Basketball standout for the Flashes. Heidi was also on the Track and Field team and the Tennis Team at Fillmore.

Michael Hopper Class of 1980 came in from Utah for the event. Mike said all he wanted to do in sports was play for Coaches Bruce Dempesy, Jim Fauver, and Tom Ecklund, all of them Hall of Famers. On this night Mike was also a Hall of Famer. Mike Largen Class of 1981 was inducted, the greatest male golfer that Fillmore has seen. Mike also played basketball for Fillmore, but golf was his best sport. A three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP). for FHS and two-time League M.V.P., Mike played and was a Club Pro for many years.

Next up was Mathew Dollar, Class of 1988, MVP in football and wrestling, Matt had even a bigger night on Friday when the head football coach for the Flashes beat the Cardinals to bring "The Helmet" back home to Fillmore. His Grandfather, William "Bill" Case and he shared the night together as Hall of Famers. Gerardo Vaca Class of 1988 was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The cross country, soccer, and track and field star was on team or was a League Champion nine times for the Fillmore Flashes. Gerardo was one of the greatest runners at FHS. April Ponce-Thompson Class of 1990 was an outstanding basketball, volleyball, and softball player for the Flashes. An MVP and All-Leaguer in all of her sports, April said she owes everything to her late mother Barbara Ponce for being such a strong single mother to her and her brothers and sisters.

Last of the Players for the Class of 2012 Hall of Fame was Art Sosa Class of 1991. Art was the Quarterback and Defensive Back for the Flashes Football team. An outstanding basketball and baseball player for the Flashes, Art was All-League and Captain for all three teams. Art later was a great football coach for FHS.

The Teams that went into The Fillmore High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012 were the 1915 Boy's Baseball Team, the 1975 Girl's Softball Team, the 1977 Girls Volleyball Team, and the 2006 Boy's Soccer Team.

The Fillmore High School Sports Hall of Fame Committee would like to thank Team Gear-up and Crown Trophy, and the Fillmore High School Sports Hall of Fame Club. Without the work the young men and women do for The Hall of Fame, it would not be here; and to all who have donated money and time for this great event to happen. The Fillmore High School Hall of Fame Golf Tournament will be on February 22, 2013. So make plans to join in all the fun and support the Fillmore High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Deputy Sheriff Jerry Peterson

If you have lived in Fillmore, attended Fillmore High School, played Little League Baseball, or Girl's Softball, or had the opportunity to ask for assistance from a police officer anytime during the past 27 years, then there is a chance you may know him either personally, or have at least heard of him. I am talking about Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Jerry Peterson who will be retiring from a long and rewarding 31 year career in law enforcement on October 10, 2012. Jerry's friends and colleagues will host a Retirement Party on October 10th at the Ventura County Sheriff's Association Office, 981 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. The meal, Santa Maria BBQ, will be prepared by Fillmore's own Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. Cost of the event is $25 and includes everything as well as a “going away” gift for Jerry. Further information can be obtained from Jane David at the police department or from the flier on page 11.

Jerry Peterson, 55 years, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Bob and Dorothy Peterson. Jerry's family moved to Ventura County where he attended and graduated from Simi Valley High School. After high school Jerry attended California State University, Fresno where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Criminology. It was at CSU, Fresno that he met wife Barbara through a mutual friend and like they say, “The rest is history!”
Jerry and Barbara have lived in Fillmore since 1985 and will continue to live in the City of Fillmore after his retirement. They have two adult children, both graduates of Fillmore High School; daughter Kelsey, 27 years old who resides with her husband Luke in Loma Linda, California and son Brian, 25 years old resides in Ventura with his fiancé Austin and their 2-month-old daughter Olive. Olive is Jerry and Barbara's first grandchild and Grandfather Jerry’s pride and joy! Jerry told me he feels blessed that his children live close. He said that this gives him the opportunity to see his new granddaughter at least once a week which allows him to see her grow and do all the things that a baby does as they pass through childhood.

Barbara is a School CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

Fillmore’s Clean up Days – Saturday, September 29th. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Well No. 4 on Goodenough
Road, between A dn B Street. Fillmore’s HHW Disposal Day – Saturday, October 6th. From 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. At the Public Works Department yard at the corner of A Street and Sespe Ave.

FILLMORE RESIDENTS DISSATISFIELD WITH CITY COUNCIL
September 11, 2012 – Today Magellan Strategies, a national public opinion research firm, released results of a survey of 240 likely general election voters in the City of Fillmore, California. The survey tested a variety of community-based questions, including what voters consider to be priorities the Fillmore City Council should be addressing. The survey was commissioned by Communities Building Together, Inc.

ABOUT MAGELLAN STRATEGIES
Magellan Strategies offers a wide array of political data products and services to political candidates and organizations. Services include live, automated and online survey research, modeling, microtargeting and predictive analytics, enhanced voter registration databases, voter data analysis, demographic analysis, mapping, and redistricting data and technology consulting. Visit www.MagellanStrategies.com for more information about the firm. Mayor Gayle Washburn was one of those surveyed (see VC Star “Fillmore split over campaign poll run by former councilman’s group”, 09/20/12).

QUESTIONS:
T1. Are you registered to vote as a Republican, a Democrat or an independent voter?
Democrat ...................................................................................... 49%
Republican.................................................................................... 33%
Independent ................................................................................ 18%
T2. How likely are you to vote in the upcoming election this November for Fillmore
City Council?
Extremely likely ......................................................................... 52%
Very likely ..................................................................................... 34%
Somewhat likely......................................................................... 14%
T3. Generally speaking, do you CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

Each election year The Fillmore Gazette sends out a number of questions for the candidates to publicly answer, giving the community a chance to make an informed decision on election day. This year we will provide them with seven questions, one a week. The answers will appear in the Gazette, placed in alphabetical order the first week and rotating each week after.

Question #1 - "What personal, business or government experiences qualify you to be a good council candidate? How would your election to a seat make this a better city council?"

MANUEL MINJARES:
From a personal stand point, I feel my neutral demeanor, communication skills and love for this town will be great assets to the City Council. Additionally, raising a young family in Fillmore also gives me a significant incentive to put my best effort forward to ensure that I do my part to make this a safe, economically sound, and thriving town with recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
From a professional standpoint, I feel my combination of education and professional work experience have helped me develop a unique skill set that I feel qualify me as a strong City Council candidate. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from California State University Northridge and have worked in the Planning and Policy Division of the City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department, City of El Monte and City of Fillmore Planning Departments. These positions taught me how to work effectively with the public, present well written reports at public hearings, and understand how all departments within City Hall work together to efficiently serve the community. In addition to my work at City Hall I’ve been coaching, officiating, mentoring youth sports officials, and assisting with the management of the gym for the Fillmore Youth Basketball league since 2005.
I currently supervise 28 employees and oversee the day to day operations at 24 affordable rental communities with over 1,500 units in Ventura County as a Property Supervisor for CEDC.
It is my belief that my election to a seat on the City Council will bring a sense of balance, common sense and professionalism. I understand that the challenges facing our community at this point and time are daunting however I truly believe my natural talents and acquired skills will have an immediate and positive impact on the council that will help steer our town back on track.

RICK NEAL:
I was raised in CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

[Editorial Note: Last month, Fillmore City Clerk Clay Westling refused to accept candidate statements from Douglas Tucker and Manuel Minjares which would appear on the November ballot. Westling demanded changes to unobjectionable wording. Below are the before/after statements. The question is – was politically motivated bias shown against the candidates by the present City Clerk?]

Manuel Minjares
REFUSED STATEMENT: The City of Fillmore is and has been facing significant hurdles in all aspects of City governance. Parks and community facilities face closure, local residents have been laid off in favor of high priced out town consultants, businesses have left and commercial vacancies continue to linger. Our city attorney has been removed and replaced with more expensive legal counsel and our sewer treatment plant operator may soon be replaced which can lead to dire financial consequences in the future.
Getting the City back on solid financial ground, keeping our cherished parks and community facilities open and attracting new businesses will be the main goals of my tenure as a City Council member. I understand that this will not be an easy task. However I feel that my love for this community, previous experience as a city planner for Fillmore and present experience as a property supervisor have afforded me with the technical and communicative skills to be the City Council member our town needs. Together we can make a difference in our community. I respectfully ask for your vote.
ACCEPTED STATEMENT: The City of Fillmore is and has been facing significant hurdles in all aspects of city governance. The choices we make today will chart our path for years to come. I feel that my love for this community, previous experience as a city planner for Fillmore, present experience as a property supervisor, and manager of the Fillmore Youth Basketball League have afforded me with the technical and communicative skills to be the City Council member our town needs. Together we can make a difference in our community. I respectfully ask for your vote.
La Ciudad de Fillmore está y se ha enfrentado a obstáculos significativos en todos los aspectos del gobierno de la ciudad. Las decisiones que tomamos hoy en día trazarán nuestro camino en los próximos años. Siento que mi amor por esta comunidad, la experiencia previa como planificador de la ciudad de Fillmore, la experiencia presente como supervisor de propiedad y de gerente de la Liga Juvenil de Baloncesto de Fillmore me han proporcionado con las habilidades técnicas y comunicativas para ser el miembro del Concejo Municipal que nuestra ciudad necesita. Juntos podemos hacer una diferencia en nuestra comunidad. Respetuosamente les pido su voto.

Doug tucker
REFUSED STATEMENT: Vision, Compassion, CONTINUED »

On Wednesday, September 5th, Gregorio Aguilar, 22 of Fillmore, was sentenced to 42 years to life, along with a sentence of life without parole for the murder of Sean Odle, 30. In August 2012 he was found guilty of first degree murder committed during a robbery.

On December 26, 2008 Aguilar and an accomplice entered the Circle K in Ventura, where Odle was working. They demanded Odle open the cash register. Odle instead dialed 911 from a cell phone. Aguilar fired a shotgun at Odle, but the safety was on. He released the safety and fired again, striking Odle in the chest. In the presentence report Aguilar told a probation officer Odle would be alive if he had given him the money.

Aguilar has also been convicted of attempted robbery of Central Market in Santa Paula in December 2008, and a robbery at the Fillmore Shell station the same month.