2016 Youth Sports Group - Fillmore So Cal Bears.
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2016 Outstanding Community Service Award - Dr. Hakansson.
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2016 Non Profit of the Year - Fillmore Explorers.
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The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and the community will be honoring people businesses and organizations that help make Fillmore such an ideal place to live.

Congratulations to some of the honorees:

2016 Outstanding Community Service Award-Dr. Hakansson

2016 Youth Sports Group-Fillmore So Cal Bears

2016 Non Profit of the Year-Fillmore Explorers

More honorees will be forthcoming.

New this year will be 2016 Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year-Female and 2016 Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year-Male. Also, Citizen of the Year-Female and Citizen of the Year-Male. Nominations are being accepted until December 9, 2016. On a piece of paper write why your nominee should be honored and mail to Fillmore Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 815 Fillmore, CA 93016. Attn: CAD.

Join us in celebrating our honorees on Friday, January 27, 2017. Social Hour: 5:30pm-6:30pm, Dinner/Ceremony 6:30pm. Location: Veteran's Memorial Building (511 Second St.) Attire: 50's theme (highly encouraged), Tickets $35 per adult, $20 under 17-years-old. Tickets will be on sale at the following locations: Diamond Realty (460 Santa Clara St.), Bank of the Sierra (527 Sespe Ave.) and Fillmore Police/Sheriff's Station (524 Sespe Ave.) Questions please call the chamber office at 805.524.0351.

Proposition 64, which has permitted the recreational use of marijuana throughout California, presents many new
practical problems for Ventura County cities. Fillmore was the only city to reject Proposition 64, voting it down by 52 percent. The passage of Proposition 64 permits anyone age 21and older to possess, transport, buy and use up to an ounce of marijuana for recreation.

Those using marijuana may also grow as many as six plants. A tax of 15 percent is imposed on retail sales. On January 1, 2018, the state will begin licensing businesses for the sale of non-medical marijuana. The Fillmore City Council passed an emergency ordinance in October requiring growers to purchase a permit and abide by other regulations, which include a plan to control odors.

The passage of Prop. 64 raises many serious concerns about health and safety. Residents of other states which have
legalized recreational marijuana strongly urge other states to avoid their decision. Many cities in Colorado warn of driving violations, crime, violence, and detrimental influence of those under 21-years of age. Virtually all California law enforcement groups opposed Prop. 64.

[Editors Opinion: The Gazette believes the approval of Proposition 64 will prove to have a horrendous negative effect upon our school children and upon the health and safety of our citizenry, young and old. These effects will prove to be uncontrollable.]

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., after 32 years, is closing its doors as of January 1, 2017. You have supported us
through the many years and ups and downs we want you to know how much that support has been valued. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you all to keep Fillmore seniors active, mentally and physically.

We are thankful for our wonderful teachers, who gave their time and experience to bring such great programs to the
seniors of Fillmore and the surrounding areas. Thank you to the past and current board members who worked tirelessly to keep FSCI whole and functioning. To the volunteers who gave of themselves to make our gathering space a home. And to our employee, Beverly, who welcomed all through the door.

From the entire FSCI board, we are proud to have been a part of your lives and grateful to you for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Patti Walker

Concise Council Meeting Gives Way to Heartfelt Holiday spirit

City council reconvened late Tuesday, November 16th for a very brief affair, amongst the shortest mayor Diane McCall said to have recalled. Following roll call and approval of the agenda, Richard Torres was called upon for public comments. Mr. Torres explained to the council how he had been raised in Fillmore, but has just recently returned after being away from Fillmore for over 20 years. He went on to clarify that he came on behalf of his sister and brother, whom are longtime residents of Fillmore that have expressed to him concerns for the current proceedings surrounding Fillmore’s water and sewage protocols.

The only order of new business on the agenda was the review draft 2015 urban water management plan update. Such is not to be understated in any sense. The representative speaking on behalf of the water purveyor explained how if there are more than 3000 connections to the city’s water system, there must be a current adopted urban water management plan update in agreement with the state of California. Non-compliance does not mean outright fines or penalties, as elaborated, but rather a loss of eligibility on Fillmore’s behalf for state funding on water projects. The plan will be made available for viewing on the city website and hard copies are to be found in the city clerk’s office. Residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback before it is finalized. Being in the best interest of the city to update said plan, a motion was easily passed to set a public hearing date regarding the matter on December 13th. Water availability is, has been, and will continue to press and act as an imperative to Fillmore’s communal development. Acceding to the state of California and our local United Water Conservation District’s disposition regarding water management will allow for them as well as us to continue to fare well and keep billing rates low.

Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie then followed up with a reminder about the next parks and recreation commission meeting, which will primarily focus on the ongoing discussion surrounding a possible dog park. The meeting will take place Monday, November 21st at 6:15p.m. at city hall.

Mayor Diane McCall proceeded to bring to our attention the Christmas tree lighting which is to take place December 3rd at 6:00pm in front of city hall. Councilman Manuel Minjares then thanked the staff of the Fillmore youth basketball league, whom are in search of coaches for 3rd and 4th grade boys’ team. Both male and female coaches are very much encouraged to apply. The annual sheriff’s toy drive is also underway, with drop off points at every sheriff’s station in Ventura County. Their toy drive has collaborated with the Fillmore toy giveaway, which the Fillmore fire department sponsors. Donations in the form of unwrapped toys or donations are much obliged. Your local fire station will also gladly accept donations as stated. With that, the meeting was adjourned and so in the spirit of thanksgiving and togetherness.