Former FUSD Board Member Dave Wilde raised questions of bullying and harassment by “two council members [who] had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences”. Wilde read an open statement during public forum at Tuesday’s council meeting.

The Fillmore City Council received some strong and direct wording during the public comments at their January 26, 2016 meeting. A former Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Member addressed the Council stating, "Good evening, my name is Dave Wilde and I have lived in Fillmore for approximately 40 years. Two weeks ago I would have told anyone who would listen that Fillmore has two outstanding citizens. Both are well respected and popular members of this community. One is seated in this room, the other is Rigo Landeros. I'd known Rigo since he was 14 years old. He was a former student of mine and played high school football for me. His death is both a troubling and confusing loss to both me and this community. In the short time after his death I've heard some rumors that are very alarming. The most alarming is that two council members had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences. If that is true, I am deeply concerned about the lack of leadership and conflict resolution skills that two of our community leaders exhibit. This lack of skill should not be tolerated because of the potential affects it could have on others in Fillmore. This community has a lot of questions about Rigo's death and what drove him to do what he did. They deserve an explanation. I spent four years on the school board and during that time I felt we had made and were making some serious mistakes. A board colleague and myself fought hard for 15 months to stop the direction we (the district) but failed until a third member joined our position. During the election process that followed, both my colleague and myself admitted we felt mistakes were made, but were glad to announce that a new superintendent was hired, positive changes were finally underway. It is hard to admit you had made mistakes and we both knew that we would be seen not as two individuals, but as a group of five. We were all equally to blame. If these rumors of bullying and harassment are true, this council, as a group of five, needs to reflect and take ownership for addressing the questions this community has in regard to Rigo's death. It is what we should expect from our civic leaders."

The meeting began with two Proclamations. The first was presented to Laura Bartels, for outstanding leadership in her efforts in the donation of 700 new winter coats during the holiday season for those in need in the community. Bartels started the coat drive several years ago, and also volunteers for the Santa Clarita Valley Legal Aid. Bartels responded, "It's a real community effort" saying a special thanks to Max Pina, Rigo Landeros and others.

Next to receive a Proclamation was Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ventura County in recognition of National Mentors Month. Mentor Amelia Aparicio spoke of the value of mentoring and importance it plays in reaching a child's potential, "There are 147 mentors at Fillmore High School who volunteer a minimum of one hour per week and some three time per week....the youngest mentored is 6 years old and goes up to 18 years...we give them (the mentors) different resources...to let them know what's available in our community."

A Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on the City's finances was presented by Charles De Simoni CPA and Scott W. Manno CPA, CGMA with Rogers Anderson Melody & Scoll, LLP. "It's important that the public have an understanding of the process," Simoni explained. To test for internal controls entails the accountants scour through council minutes reviewing appropriation reports to assure the public that the city is in compliance with regulations and money is being spent properly. The process takes three months to compile.

In new business the Council addressed preparing a response to a FEMA Map Revision. Roxanne C. Hughes, PE with Willdan Engineering addressed the Council on the revised model of the Santa Clara River asking for public input regarding the flood mapping. Mayor Diane McCall asked if the Heritage Valley Levy had been accredited. Hughes responded, "It's not accredited yet, it is being worked on."

Other new business was the increase on assessments for eight sub-zones within the Landscape and Lighting District No 2. There are 24 zones with 8 operating in a deficit requiring a ballot process to approve levy increases. Cost have increased 2-3% each year in lighting, water and landscape maintenance. Ballots will be mailed out the first week in February to start the 45 day ballot time period and will be tabulated to complete the process at the March 22nd Council meeting.

Questions were asked through emails and directly to the city if there were too many trees planted. Council Member Douglas Tucker responded that city planning requires the planting of trees, but that a developer planted extra trees for the aesthetic value and was suppose to remove them. But, the developer is no longer involved.
Some have questioned extending the recycled water lines and upgrading to more efficient lamps in the fixtures such as LED. Council agreed to consider such things.

The last of new business was disbanding the Sheriff's Contract Negotiating Ad-Hoc Committee. When discussed, Mayor ProTem Carrie Broggie stated "It's a done deal." To which Tucker responded, "Actually it's not." A vote was taken with McCall, Broggie and Council Member Manuel Minjares voting "Yes" and Tucker only "No" vote (Council Member Rick Neal was not in attendance).

During final comments City Manager David Rowlands commented on the good relationship between FUSD and the City adding that there is now a Fillmore High School Water Polo Team and thanked all those involved in the tribute to Fire Chief Rigo Landeros.

Minjares commented of a problem between the City Council and City Staff. McCall added that the City Council should be included in the staff training sessions. Broggie agreed that the training sessions could improve the Council and staff relationship.

Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Explorer post #2958 recently competed in the Chandler Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona on January 15, 2016.

The Explorers are a group of young people aged fourteen to twenty one, who are in the ninth grade or above, and have an interest in law enforcement. As explorers they participate in ride-alongs with Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, assist with community events and are involved in community outreach. The explorer program helps build strong leadership and communication skills that are crucial in today’s society. The explorer program helps prepare individuals to succeed in all of their current and future endeavors.

The Chandler Tactical Explorer Competition is put on every year by the Chandler Police Department, in Chandler, Arizona. Most events were scenario based, meaning that the explorers were presented with situations and they had to resolve the situation with the tools that were provided. Some of which are: Marijuana Field Raid, 5 Man Hostage Rescue Team, 10 Man High Risk Warrant. These scenarios were graded on the teams overall teamwork, leadership, and execution. The other types of events that the explorers participated in were a three mile run, five and ten man swat truck pull, and the tactical relay.

At the tactical competition, the explorers participated in a plethora of events. The post placed in three events. They received a third place trophy for the five man swat truck pull. In addition, they received a second place trophy for the Shoot/Don’t Shoot scenario and Sr. Explorer Isaiah Galvez placed fifth in the explorer pistol shoot.

If you have any interest in joining the explorer program you are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings that take place at Sierra High School at 5 PM. There will be a recruiting period in the month of February, 2016, accepting any males or females ages 14 to 21 that have completed the 8th grade. We encourage all who are interested to join the explorer program.

Prepared by: Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels and Explorer Senior Danielle Ramirez

The Fillmore & Western Railroad (F&W), with the sound of its whistle and the sight of the tourists waving as the train crosses Highway 126, is now part of Fillmore and the charm that brings both tourism and new residents to town. But there is a legal battle that continues between Ventura Country Transportation Commission (VCTC) and F&W over the cost of maintenance that has left the future of the railroad in question.

Back in 2001 a 20-year maintenance contract between F&W and VCTC was agreed upon that stated VCTC would pay to maintain the tracks and that F&W could renegotiate some terms and conditions every three years. The contract was renegotiated in 2007 where it was agreed VCTC would pay $321,000 per year for F&W for maintenance.

There are six and a half years remaining on the original contract with both parties disagreeing for years on exactly what the contract represents. VCTC has a claim against F&W stating they have not fulfilled their part of the contract and a breach has occurred. The claim states the lines/track have not been maintained properly. F&W countered that railroad signals and crossings are not line maintenance and are VCTC responsibility. Superior Court Judge Rebecca Riley delayed the eviction until the latest appeal is resolved, which to date is in its fourteenth year of legal wrangling. Both parties will be back in court the second week of February as the battle continues.

The contract states that F&W will maintain the 30-mile rail line of track that runs from Ventura to the Los Angeles County line east of Piru. It was agreed that F&W would do the service maintenance, but not the cost of capital repairs; which F&W billed VCTC separately. The question of what is considered a capital repair created a huge difference of opinion between the two which VCTC maintains F&W is responsible for both. VCTC, which owns the line, has been trying to evict F&W and stopped paying for track maintenance in 2013, saying the line is too costly for the county to maintain.

F&W owner Dave Wilkinson disputes VCTC claims and maintains VCTC must honor the legal binding contract. Wilkinson, who said he has invested $2 million in F&W explained that maintenance is only part the cost of operating trains; there is also the cost of replacing parts and paying for fuel and oil that F&W pays for along with employees to run the train. According to Wilkinson VCTC is trying to force F&W out of business, "We have suffered such losses....Thomas the Train won't return until this legal court business in over....we've lost all our tour buses, and so many people think the train is shut down they don't bother coming."

The problems began years back when the VCTC hired So Pack Rail to upgrade the tracks west of Santa Paula from "excepted grade" to Grade 1. Excepted grade is the lowest of train track grades and trains must travel under 10 mph with no passengers, only freight. Grade 1 allows trains to travel 15 mph with or without passengers.

The track previously Excepted Grade, had been maintained by Southern Pacific Railroad. After the upgrade, Southern Pacific refused to maintain the Grade 1 track due to the increase in labor and added cost. Grade 1 requires the tracks be inspected two times per week, whereas the Excepted Grade requires only one inspection a week; basically half the labor.

At that time, the part of track running to the east, between Santa Paula and Fillmore, was being maintained by F&W and VCTC could not find a company to maintain the track north of Santa Paula. That was when, in 2001, VCTC went into the 20 year service maintenance contract with F&W to maintain the full 30 miles of track. Wilkinson maintains the contract does not cover the cost of capital repairs; which F&W billed VCTC separately. The capital repairs are such things as train signals and crossing guard rails.

Wilkinson is also dealing with Homeland Security, as worries of track maintenance and tampering by terrorists has become an even bigger issue. "They (Homeland Security) just contacted me last week. They do about four times a year now," Wilkinson stated, "That doesn't bother me."

At present Speers Plastic, which manufactures artificial turf and a large amount of irrigation, plumbing and fire protection products, is hauling freight on the Montalvo to Santa Paula line. The plant where the plastic are manufactured and shipped is still being upgraded and there is a likely need of the use of the track in the future.

Fillmore & Western's trains, trestles and railway line have been featured in more than 300 commercials, TV shows and films and have put both towns on the map as filming locations. According to Wilkinson his collection of antique trains is the largest in the country, maybe the world. That in itself adds value to tourism in both towns.

Both Santa Paula and Fillmore residents enjoy the charm the trains bring to their town and are cheering for success in court and a future of continuing to have the trains stay in their town.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross encourages blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.

Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small, across the country every day. For Heather Von Glahn, it was a personal emergency – her 8-year-old daughter’s leukemia diagnosis – that inspired her to make the commitment to give blood regularly. “I’ve seen blood save her life at least 10 times,” said Von Glahn. “When friends and family ask what they can do for my daughter, I tell them to donate blood. It matters so much!”

Blood donations are needed now and throughout the winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:

Oxnard
2/8/2016: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oxnard Fire Department Headquarters, 360 W. 2nd Street

Simi Valley
2/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
2/1/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/10/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
2/2/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ventura Museum, 100 E Main St

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Video clips courtesy Sebastian Ramirez, Andrew Castel de Oro, and Scott Duckett.
[Editor's note: The Gazette did not want any ads to appear in this video. Any ads that appear in this video do so beyond our control. A YouTube user has claimed copyright ownership of the bagpipes song "Going Home" and YouTube is displaying ads on their behalf.]

Fillmore Unified School District

The first Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting of the 2016-2017 school year began with heartfelt eulogy by Board President Virginia de la Piedra addressing the loss of Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, "If you knew him, you knew he impacted your life." She spoke of Landeros' positive impact on Fillmore and the board members themselves. Board Member Sean Morris spoke of how their paths had crossed at Rotary Club where Morris was President just before Landeros took over that position. Landeros was very helpful when two Rotary Clubs merged and "strong minds" were present stating "Rigo always showed concern....he'd be there, he'd help you." Board Member Lucy Rangel said she remembers having Landeros as a 6th grade student and that you just knew he was going places and how he will be missed. Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos commented that Landeros was the first person to introduce him to Fillmore and remarked of his genuine honesty and warmth. At the end of giving their thoughts, de la Piedra asked everyone in the room to stand for a minute of silence in recognition. As the meeting continued, de la Piedra holding back tears and visibly upset, Palazuelos stepped up for a few minutes until de la Piedra gained her composure and she continued chairing the meeting.

The first item presented was recognition of Fillmore High School Drama Class teacher Josh Overton and his students Fatima Bazurto, Israel Brooks, Trysten Riddle and Nicholas Podada for their 2015 performance of The Rainmaker. Also recognized, but not in attendance were Blake Paloiso and Rachel Rivera.

During the Superintendent Report Palazuelos spoke of the resources coming from Sacramento, which he stated are good at present, but the coming years may be lean. Palazuelos emphasized that money must be reserved for the possibility of "resources getting tight" and the need to prioritize..."Right now things are positive, but that could change in a minute."

In the Governor's CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Honda Accord is the most frequently stolen vehicle in the United States according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau in their 2015 annual “Hot Wheels Report.” The Honda Civic is #2 on their list.

On January 15, 2016, at 4:55 AM, deputies patrolling on Highway 126, east of Wells Road, saw two vehicles on the right side of the shoulder. The deputies stopped to render assistance and investigate but shortly thereafter, they realized one of the vehicles was an unreported stolen Honda from the city of Oxnard.

As deputies attempted to contact the two subjects, Omar Martinez, 20 of Fillmore, attempted to drive way from the scene in his vehicle, which had a flat tire. Deputies briefly chased Martinez but due to the condition of his vehicle, he was unable to maintain control and collided into the center guardrail a short distance away. He was detained by the deputies.

Multiple car keys for Honda vehicles were found attached to the ignition of the second vehicle, a Honda Accord being driven by Daniel Mendoza, 18 of Fillmore. The Honda Mendoza was driving was registered to an address in the city of Oxnard. Neither Mendoza nor Martinez was able to provide the name of the registered owner.

Based on the suspicion that the Honda driven by Mendoza may be stolen, deputies contacted officers with the Oxnard Police Department, who in turn contacted the registered owner. The registered owner confirmed that the vehicle was stolen.

Martinez and Mendoza were arrested and booked for grand theft of a vehicle, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of burglary tools. Both were booked at the Main Jail in Ventura.

Prepared by: Detective Javier Chavez

United Blood Services has upgraded it’s “blood mobile”, a familiar sight in the area, with a brand new unit. The new blood mobile was especially built and configured to United Blood Services specifications and is designed for the lifesaving work they do everyday. It has a very specialized lay-out and specific technical equipment to conduct even more efficient blood drives than the older unit. The space was designed for optimal blood donor use and low physical effort for donors regardless of donor size or posture.

United Blood Services new blood mobile will be out and about in the community effective immediately at blood drives being held at high schools, places of worship, businesses, special events and more! In fact, this new blood mobile will travel to 350+ community blood drives in 2016 to collect blood from United Blood Services fabulous volunteer blood donors.

Nearly, 60% of the blood collected in the Ventura & Santa Barbara area comes from community blood drives. Having this new state of the art blood mobile to hold blood drives in will become an even greater tool in having blood available to hospital patients when needed. Donors are encouraged to tour the bus at one of many blood drives happening in the area. Donors can make an appointment for an area blood drive by calling 877-827-4376 or by going online at www.Blood4Life.org and clicking on “Donate Blood” and typing in their zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome, and will be honored. Much needed blood donations may also be made at our Ventura Center on 2223 Eastman Ave or our Santa Barbara Center on 4213 State Street.

Those who are age 16 and older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, can likely donate. Additional height and weight requirements apply for donors age 22 and younger. Donors who are age 16, will need a parent permission slip to donate (which can be obtained online at www.UnitedBloodServices.org).

Sammy is a Black male, 11 years old, 4’11” tall, 70 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help finding Sammy Evans, who has been missing since the night of January 16, 2016.

On January 16, 2016, Sammy's mother contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and reported Sammy missing. Sammy has a medical condition and requires daily medication. Sammy was last seen by family members on January 16, 2016, at about 9:00 PM.

Sammy is a Black male, 11 years old, 4’11” tall, 70 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

It is currently unknown how Sammy may be dressed.

Sammy's family and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are concerned for Sammy’s safety and are asking for the public’s help in locating him. Anyone with information on Sammy’s whereabouts is asked to contact Deputy Scott Baugher at (805) 797-6353 or the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (805) 654-9511.

Nature of Incident: At Risk Missing Juvenile
Report Number: 16-8028
Location: Tree Ranch Rd, Upper Ojai area
Date & Time: 01/17/16 @ 0900 hrs
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Office and Upper Ojai Search and Rescue
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Sammy Evans Upper Ojai 11
Prepared by: Deputy Scott Baugher
News Release Date: January 17, 2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Deputy Scott Baugher
805-797-6353
scott.baugher@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Kenney

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).