The fact that Cops Running For Charity will be once again running in a faraway land to support local charities is not new. However, this run will be a departure from their usual effort to punish their bodies beyond what most people would do for exercise.

They usually opt for running over sand dunes, volcanoes, or China’s Great Wall. This time, the men will be running a regular marathon of 26.2 miles on actual pavement. While that pales in comparison to some of their previous achievements, the topography of the route will provide plenty of challenges. The race is called the Buller Gorge Marathon, and will take place on the South Island on February 9th. The team is focused on the task of running the marathon and raising money for several local charities.

The group has run hundreds of miles in preparation for, and during, marathons. They also have raised well in excess of $200,000 for the benefit of those among us who need it the most. They have a commitment to their community and to physical fitness that has spanned decades. All six runners pay for their own expenses, including the cost of travel. That leaves behind every dollar they raise for the charities they have chosen.

In 2012, the team raised $50,000, which they will disburse among several charities when they return from New Zealand.

The team is also beginning their fundraising efforts for their next marathon, which will take place in Burma in November 2013.

With their latest run, they will have completed marathons on six of seven continents. That leaves only Antarctica for them to conquer. Eventually, they plan to run there too. As one would expect, there’s an organized race on the polar ice cap as well.

The runners are: Commander Randy Pentis, Commander Tim Hagel, Captain Paul Higgason, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, and Sergeant Joe Devorick.

Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Commander Randy Pentis at (805)947-8067 or by e-mail at randy.pentis@ventura.org.

Alyssa Calderon, a nurse and parent, voiced her concerns regarding the leaking roof that has created mold and other unhealthy conditions at Fillmore Middle School.
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Photos showing the condition of Fillmore Middle School.
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Over 35 presenters and attendees showed up for the February 5, 2013 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Many came to voice their concerns with the condition of Fillmore Middle School, and others FUSD faculty members gave presentations of their school’s achievements or lack of. But one person came to address the Board on a money item that for weeks has had people asking questions and wanting answers.

Parents of students that attend Fillmore Middle School (FMS) showed up in numbers to address the Board about the condition of the school gym and some classrooms. First to speak was Alyssa Calderon, a nurse and parent, who voiced her concerns regarding the leaking roof that has created mold and other unhealthy conditions at the school. Other poor conditions mentioned include stagnant water, pieces of the ceiling falling and classrooms using buckets when it rains to address the roof leaks. Calderon stated parents who called the school's Principal were told to call the District Office and answers to their questions were delayed numerous times.

Juan Toledo, father of two students at FMS, spoke of exposed fiberglass insulation along with exposed electrical wiring stating, "This is a health and safety issue" and cautioned the Board of a possible lawsuit if someone were hurt. He went on to say that attempts to speak to Interim Assistant Superintendent Business/Admin. Earl Davis were met with, "He will return your call within the week" but weeks passed without a call. When Davis did return the call he told Toledo the problems would be addressed during the summer. The leaks started three years ago when the school was only nine years old.

Another speaker was Noe Villa, who works with Ventura County Protective Services and has a daughter who attends FMS. Villa asked the Board and Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino to be more transparent with parents in both Spanish and English. Nishino responded that the District had already requested bids on the roof, and when those bids come in the District will let everyone know when the repairs will be done. Other parents that came to address the problem were Nora Toledo, Martha Santarosa, Maria Diaz, Irma Corral, Lorena Ceballos, Ofelia Flores, Monica Mejia, Carmelita Salgado, Maria Gabrial and Martha Amezcua.

The next speaker to address the Board was Michael Bush, FUSD's previous Assistant Superintendent. He came to speak on an item that had been pulled from the agenda at the last Board Meeting and gave a scathing speech addressing some in attendance directly. This is a direct quote; "Over the past week several staff and community members have asked me questions regarding Martin Farrell's editorial regarding the three $100,000 purchase orders that the Board pulled. They wanted to know what it was for and how could the District make such payments. Through discussions, I was asked to review the Board Agenda packet and the Interim Superintendent's contract, which they provided me. Staff asked that I share in public what I told them and then to share their concerns regarding Dr. Nishino's contract. I discovered that although the Board pulled the purchase order report, you (the Board) went ahead and ratified three payments of $50,000 each made on December 18, 2012. In reviewing Dr. Nishino's contract, I was shocked, I have never seen a document so contorted and crafted to avoid public scrutiny and obfuscate pension reform regulations. Although, I have 20 years of school business experience, it took me 45 minutes, Google and a dictionary to understand this two page document. Although entitled "Interim Superintendent" the term of the agreement is for three years, which is the legal maximum for a permanent superintendent. Clearly the Board does not intend Dr. Nishino to be an interim. What are the costs of this agreement? Section 2 (of employment contract) is around about way of saying he (Nishino) will receive $40,011 in salary for 12-13 school year. Which would automatically increase if California State Teachers Retirement System increases their limit, thus providing for an automatic raise. The actual cost for Section 3 is unknown without reviewing reimbursement checks but the maximum benefit for 12-13 is a little over $15,000. Section 6, (which states; The District shall pay the Superintendent's actual and necessary expenses to include out-of pocket expenses, such as, but not limited to: transportation, conferences, workshops, memberships, lodging, meals, telephone charges, computer network charges, FAX, postage and duplication. In recognition of the necessity of having the Superintendent on call 24 hours a day for District business, the Superintendent shall have the use of a District vehicle for use on District business, including commuting to and from the District. The District shall be responsible for all costs of vehicle fuel, maintenance and insurance.) depending on the value of the vehicle and the amount of fuel to commute to and from work, conservatively is worth $10,000 per year. Section 7 (no dollar amounts are given) is the most confusing, because the language switches from fiscal year to calendar year. Even the Business office had difficulty with this one, hence pulling the purchase order. The IRC 415 limit also known as the make-up provision is $50,000 for 2012 and $51,000 for 2013. The contract says that 2012 shall be made by the end of December and subsequent years shall be made in equal monthly installments. Should the 2012 be prorated for the term of the contract? Evidently not, Mr. Davis released $100,000 on December 18th. So then according to the contract 2013 should be made in monthly installments, for a total of $151,000 for the 12-13 fiscal year. The total cost of this contract could be as much as $216,000.
Now the staff's concern.
Government is supposed to be CONTINUED »

(l-r) (top row) Ivory Zavala, Jacey Warren, Aaliyah Morales, Alexis VanWhy, Sasha Segovia, Naveah Hopper, and Charlize Virto. (middle row) Jada Plummer, Natalie Couse, Reanne Guerra,and Angelina Delgadillo. (front row) Jayla Martinez, and Alyssa Brooks.
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(l-r) (top row) Mersaydez Cardona, Ryan Nunez, Desirae Perez, Tina Hurtado, Lori Nunez, Caitlin McCall, Savannah Bullard, Emily Thompson, and Sadie Ortiz. (middle row) Lilliana Contreras, Shanya Escoto, Sara Uridel, Lexie Sierra, Taylor Wright, Rachel Perez, and Ariana Schieferle. (bottom row) Katalina Barajas, Jazmine Chavez, Jasmine Oriz and Mascot “Raider Bling Bear”.
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On January 26th and 27th the Fillmore Raider Cheerleaders competed at the 2013 JAMZ National Cheerleading Championships at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas and brought back to Fillmore three National Titles. In December, 2012 two teams, Team White and Team Black competed at JAMZ Regionals where both teams were Champions in their respected divisions and qualified for the honor of representing Fillmore for a National Title. Team White reigned as National Champions in Showcheer and received 2nd Place in Performance Cheer, while Team Black reigned as National Chamions in both Showcheer and Performance Cheer.

Team White is coached by Katie Aguilar, Lynn Cole and Cory Carillo. Team Black is coached by Lori Nunez, Tina Hurtado, Desirae Perez, Caitlin McCall, Jordyn Vassaur and Savannah Bullard. The coaches are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication both squads have shown this year.

The entire Raider Program is proud of the girls accomplishments. Beginning in July they start practicing and for the girls that compete, their season ends the end of January, but it is all worth it. Seeing the girls bring home the National accomplishments make it all worth while. Our local youth cheer program accepts girls ages 6yrs. through the 8th grade. Sign-ups for the upcoming season will be in March. Anyone interested in becoming a Raiders Cheerleading can contact Lori Nunez at #524-4705. For anyone wishing to see their routines the girls will be performing during the Flashes Basketball Game on Wednesday, February 6th during Varsity’s haftime.

Josue Jimenez, 33, of Fillmore

Investigators have identified the suspect in Wednesday’s officer involved shooting as 33-year-old Josue Jimenez of Fillmore.

An autopsy was completed on Thursday afternoon, and revealed Jimenez died of multiple gunshot wounds.

At the time of the shooting, Jimenez had two handguns in his possession. He fired one of those handguns just before being shot by a sheriff’s deputy. Deputies quickly realized the shot Jimenez fired was directed at a dog, which later died as a result of the gunshot.

Deputies performed first aid on both Jimenez and the dog. Jimenez was transported by ambulance from the scene and later pronounced dead.

A deputy, with assistance from a nearby resident, placed the wounded dog in his patrol car and drove it to a veterinary clinic in Fillmore. The dog was pronounced dead at the veterinary clinic. The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Jan. 31, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Josue Jimenez, 33, of Fillmore was shot and killed during an armed confrontation with deputies Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies responded to a call of a man with a gun at Mountain Vista Elementary School. The caller described the suspect in detail and said he had a chrome handgun in his waistband. The caller also described the vehicle the suspect was driving and gave a license plate.

Deputies located the suspect, who was armed and standing outside his residence in the 700-block of Blaine Avenue. Deputies confronted the suspect at gunpoint and ordered him to drop the gun. The suspect ignored their orders and fired the handgun. In response to his actions, a deputy shot the suspect.

The suspect was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Detectives are continuing the investigation.

Nature of Incident: Officer Involved Shooting
Report Number: 13-2253
Location: 700-block of Blaine Avenue
Date & Time: Jan. 30, 2013 / 4:45 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department / Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Josue Jimenez. Fillmore, 33
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Jan. 30, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced Wednesday, January 23, 2013 that Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell sentenced Oscar Cervantes 24, Fillmore, to 49 years to life in prison. Cervantes was convicted on October 31, 2012, following a court trial, of one count of forcible rape, one count of assault with intent to commit rape, and two counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. The court further found true the special allegation that Cervantes committed these offenses against more than one victim. Over a five year period, Cervantes molested three female relatives ranging in age from 5-15 years.

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The Super Bowl Sunday always comes with a high level of excitement, but one of the more anticipated parts of game day has little to do with the actual game. While most men sit glued to their sets, watching the battle for the NFL Championship, everyone watching anxiously awaits the next Super Bowl commercial. This will be especially true for one local family.

Earlier this month, Rancho Keleje Alpacas, owned by Leslie, Jeff and Jackie Warren of Fillmore, was asked to provide twenty alpaca for the filming of a commercial. Few details were provided about the nature of the commercial other than it was for Lincoln Motor Company. A search of the internet led to a surprising and unexpected answer. A YouTube video entitled “Steer the Script – Final Week of Shooting” filled in the all the blanks. It features some familiar faces....alpaca faces that is.

In the Lincoln’s first-ever Super Bowl spot, five crowd-sourced tweets – solicited by comedian Jimmy Fallon are meshed into one story line for the 60-second spot. The five tweets were selected from among 6,117 solicited by Fallon, who asked folks to send him tweets about their craziest road trips.

The upcoming commercial has created some problems on the ranch, however. According to Leslie Warren, some of their alpacas are upset they weren’t chosen to be in the commercial and the ones that went are demanding better hay and living conditions.