The owner of B.A. Income Tax Services, located in Santa Paula, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for preparing income tax returns that allowed clients to claim false deductions and helping an individual secure a home loan they were not qualified to obtain.

Benjamin Aparicio, of Fillmore, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dean D. Pregerson. Aparicio pleaded guilty last year to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns and committing wire fraud with respect to mortgage loans.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Pregerson ordered Aparicio to pay restitution. The amount of restitution is the amount of the criminal tax loss of $176,100, plus the loss associated with the defaulted residential home loan, $185,000.

According to his plea agreement, Aparicio aided and assisted clients in the preparation of a false partnership tax return and a false individual income tax return for the tax year 2003. Furthermore, in 2006 Aparicio falsely verified by telephone the contents of a tax reference letter used to secure a residential home loan for an unidentified individual, knowing that the tax reference letter contained false information and causing the home loan to be funded.

According to documents filed with the court, in the months before Aparicio was first contacted by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, defendant was put on clear notice that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny by the IRS. The IRS’s civil division proposed civil penalties against Aparicio for understating the tax liabilities of his clients. Instead of taking into account the clear warning from the IRS that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny, Aparicio continued to prepare false tax returns that understated the tax due.

Even after being confronted directly by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, Aparicio continued to disregard the IRS. In 2006, Aparicio counseled a client to create false documents for the client’s IRS audit. Aparicio was present at the audit when the false documents were presented to the auditor. Also in 2006, Aparicio provided false information with respect to the residential mortgage loan application.

The investigation and prosecution of Aparicio was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

On Tuesday night the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting to another full house. Items before the Board included naming more classified employees that will receive lay off notices pending further state budget information, as well as a consideration before the Board for changing graduation requirements specifically whether or not to keep Health as a required class.

First during public comment the Board heard from Fillmore High School Junior Class President Taelor Burhoe and Vice President Taylor DeZavala regarding the upcoming Junior Prom on May 14th, 2011. The theme is “City and Color” and the event will take place at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street in downtown Ventura. “It is the first time anyone has had a prom at this location, we are very lucky… it is a really cool venue.” Burhoe reported. They also reported that a slideshow regarding the dress code for the event has been shown to all students and is posted on the high school web site. They want to make sure that no one is turned away from prom due to violating the dress code.

The Board then heard from this reporter who spoke at the request of and on behalf of Fillmore resident Scott Duckett who had prepared a statement for the Board but was unable to attend the meeting. In the statement Duckett proposed a solution to the budget situation that should be considered because “Not one service to one student will be lost…Not a single district employee will lose their job… It’s fair to all district employees.” The proposal was an across the district pay cut. “From the Superintendent on down [each employee] takes an equal percentage salary cut.” Duckett suggested that the Board request Assistant Superintendent Director of Business Services Mike Bush to calculate the savings for different percentage cuts in salaries. “If salaries and benefits make up roughly 90% of the districts $30 million budget…if everyone…took a 3% salary cut, the district would save $810,000… a 5% cut would save $1.3 million.” The statement concluded with “I believe going through another round of budget cuts business as usual will only result in the painful process we’ve all witnessed over the past few years [all options should be considered.]” Board Member Tony Prado indicated he thought this proposal was “interesting” and later in the agenda the Board discussed it and directed Bush to calculate the actual savings from a 1% cut across the district. Board President Virginia De La Piedra stated that an action such as this would need to be negotiated with the unions and “We [the Board] do not negotiate, they do.” indicating the District staff members on the collective bargaining team. Contrary to De La Piedra’s statement FUSD Board policy 4143 states, “The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to represent the public's interests in the collective bargaining process. In negotiating agreements on employee contracts, the Board shall balance the needs of staff and the priorities of the district in order to provide students with a high-quality instructional program based on a sound, realistic budget.” While the policy does state “The Board shall establish a bargaining team to assist in analyzing contract provisions and conducting contract negotiations.” The following portion of this policy clearly retains the oversight and power of the Board to direct the negotiating process, “The Board and Superintendent shall provide its negotiator(s) with expected outcomes and clear parameters for acceptable contract provisions which promote the realization of district goals and priorities.” In addition Board policy 9000 titled “Role of the Board” states “The Board of Education has been elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district. The Board shall ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community.” Should the Board want to move forward in exploring and/or implementing such a proposal they need only request the information from the appropriate staff members, and then direct their bargaining team to move in that direction with the two unions they negotiate with. Early response to the ‘Duckett Proposal’ from CSEA members in attendance is positive. At print deadline CSEA had a scheduled meeting for Wednesday, April 20, 2011 to discuss ideas and options to bring to their negotiations with the District.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney CONTINUED »

Outgoing Capt. Tim Hagel was presented with a Proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn at last night’s city council meeting. Capt. Hagel served the community of Fillmore for three years and will transferring to Thousand Oaks.

The April 12, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting came with a sad announcement to the residence of Fillmore. The Council decided that this coming weekend, April 16th and 17th, will be the last days the Fillmore Towne Theater will be open to the public for showing feature films. Closing the theatre was the only reasonable option available due to the City’s budget problems and by doing so the City will save approximately $4,700 for the next three months. The Council suggested Theatre Committee be formed, consisting of residents interested in the theatre’s future and ways to make it self sustaining. Leasing it out was suggested and checking on it periodically to keep it maintained.

This was a joint meeting with the Fillmore Senior Center, the Redevelopment Agency and the City Council. Other items on the agenda included the Senior Center’s budget and activities, proclamations, the City’s budget, a Fillmore resident’s property lien, and an adoption of the revised Central Ave Storefront Rehabilitation Program criteria.

At the previous March 22 Council Meeting a requested was made for more additional information from the City Manager Yvonne Quiring in regards to the 2010/2011 Midyear Budget. To honor that request Quiring put together a Power Point presentation which is available online for Fillmore residences to view at http://fillmoreca.com/mid-year-1011.htm.

The presentation reveals a grim look at Fillmore’s finances. The town is facing a $1.9 million General Fund shortfall which is a 26% cut from previous years and could be as high as 39% if the Police Contract is not adjusted. Revenue from building permits, which averaged 12-22 in previous years, were down to 8-9 houses last year. That, along with lower tax revenues and the possibility of Governor Brown’s plan for the abolishment of Redevelopment Agencies with its uncertainty of what funds will be left available just adds to the budget worries. Quiring told the Council the shear size of the “deficit dictates that no single budget balancing approach will work. It will have to be a combination of cuts, possible additional employee concessions, fee increases, and service level changes.” Quiring stated at present there are no Staff layoffs planned; first is a need to identify the impact of cutting specific services. The City has asked residents for their feedback on what services they would consider less vital before proceeding with cutting back positions. Without the benefit of that feedback the cuts may be premature. The City Council authorized a citizen’s survey which is available online at www.fillmoreca.com . There are three ways to complete the survey; complete it online; fill out the online PDF survey, print it and mail/deliver it to City Hall; and pick up a hard copy at the City Hall Finance front desk or Public Library, complete it and return it to City Hall. The deadline for completing the survey is April 20th. This weekend, Saturday April 16 between 9am and noon, the City Clerk Clay Westling will be handing out the survey at Vons shopping center. Quiring hopes to have the results available to present to the Council for their next meeting.

However, if the budget outlook worsens or other circumstances arise which make it advisable to make reductions prior to the presentation of the budget on July 1st, the Staff will return to the Council with those proposed changes.

Departments have been CONTINUED »

GCYFL awards J-1 Div 1 Fillmore Raiders a win for Super Bowl VI November 22, 2010 Fillmore Raiders played a hard fight game against Valley Panthers. As a defensive battle was on with 4 minutes left in the game and a 0-0 score, Fillmore lost 8-12. But not with out playing their hearts out. Thanks to the awareness of the couching staff and parents, and believing in the team they felt Fillmore’s victory was taken from them, due to a 12 play rule. GCYFL handbook states each player on every team must play a minimum of 12 plays. The coaching staff had GCYFL board members review films and they found that Valley Panthers held back a total of 8 players. Some players didn’t play at all and some played only five plays. Fillmore coaching staff felt with a game that is 0-0 with less than 4 minutes and 8 players not playing has a big outcome of possibly a win or lose situation. The boys played their hearts out and deserved to be treated fairly. Football is an honest game, It’s true to life, It’s a game about sharing, and football is a team sport, so is life. Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. In the end Fillmore Raiders won and hold the Super Bowl VI Title in the Division J-1. They also finish with an overall record 10-1. Thanks to all in believing in us. Courtesy of Daisy Corona team mom. Players: Bryce Farrar #1, Tyler Bode #4, Johnny Grove #6, Anthony Morales #20, John John Gonzales #21, Marco Villa #23, Moy Pedroza #25, Ray Luna #26, Matthew Wilmot #27, Chris Torres #30, Anthony Cardoza #32, Jared Alvary #34, Eric Corona #35, Damian Alvarez #38, Junior Sandoval #52, Christopher Espinosa #54, Vincent Whittaker #62, Marcus Gonzales #64, Cody Isaacs #70, Justin Long #75, and David Vargas #97. Head Coach John Ortiz, Asst. Coach Nathan Page, Coaches Eddie Ortiz, Mike Rivera, Vince Corona, John Grove, Tony Cortez, Rick Myers, Ronnie Ortiz.

Fillmore City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Camilla Conaway, expresses her concern regarding the process accessing the track as “ridiculous”.

In a rare packed house with standing room only and a line out the door the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Public comment began with three speakers regarding the long road to allowing public access to the track. Fillmore City Parks and Recreation Commissioners Kenneth Palmer and Camilla Conaway were joined by Fillmore Resident and Exercise Club member John Scholls who all spoke to the Board indicating their desire to move ahead quickly to find a reasonable solution which addresses the concerns of FUSD, allows sensible access to the track and takes into account the costs which the City will bear. Palmer indicated a plan that will cost $1,000 to $2,000 and makes entry to the track more direct than the current set up. Conaway commented that the current process for accessing the track is “ridiculous” and requires exercise club members to “jump through hoops.” According to all three speakers, the current process requires those accessing the track to check in at the pool, walk around the block, down an unlit alley/sidewalk, and pass through three gates. Conaway commented that she understood the District had concerns over adults having access to the high school, but the current access route provides more opportunity for that compared to the plan they are proposing. Palmer, Conaway and Scholls all suggested an easier and more direct access route utilizing the entrance used for football games. Scholls commented that this entrance is “more direct, less costly, better lighted, [and has] less likelihood of injury.” Board President Virginia De La Piedra commented on “miscommunication on both sides” and that she had previously requested to be notified of any City meetings on this subject and to date has not received any such notifications. Conaway said she would be notified of future meetings. Board Member Tony Prado indicated that he was the Board rep on the sub-committee charged with finding a solution that works for all, but apparently he had not been notified of any meetings and therefore did not attend them. FUSD Superintendent Jeff Sweeney suggested that Michael Bush, FUSD Assistant Superintendent Business Services, should meet with Parks and Rec and other City officials to come up with a plan to recommend for the Boards approval. All parties agreed to this and De La Piedra joined Sweeney in expressing their desire to “expedite” this process while addressing student safety and facility issues.

Next the Board heard from 7th grader Curtis Warring Ponce, a resident of Piru and student at Fillmore Middle School. He began by reporting to the Board “ [we have] great schools…education is very important to me…failure is not an option.” He informed the Board of his perfect attendance record and 4.0 GPA. Ponce informed the Board “[He really likes his school] it’s safe, friendly and it is awesome. Our principals are the best, we have excellent teachers and staff that work hard to make it a great school…[and have activities for each student] something that fits them.” He spoke about his experience in advanced band with the “best teacher, Mr. Godfrey and I want to learn more. Music calms me down and enriches [my life, it is] very important to me to keep music and arts in school.” He stated that he hoped the budget cuts would not affect his school. In conclusion he said “I want to thank everyone who works hard to make our schools great for us kids to keep learning and succeeding.”

The final speaker in CONTINUED »

Above, Linda Arroyo of Interface speaks to parents at Wednesday night’s bullying forum.

On the evening of Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Fillmore Unified School District hosted a Parent Forum with a focus on Bullying. Fewer than thirty parents attended the event, which was held in Sespe Elementary School cafeteria. This event comes just a few days after state lawmakers passed a resolution marking March “Bullying Prevention Month.” Bullying has garnered national attention due to recent suicides attributed to the effects of bullying. Speakers at the forum included Linda Arroyo, a mental health therapist with the Camarillo organization ‘Interface Children and Family Services’, Rhonda Reyes Deutsch counselor at Fillmore Middle School, Deputy Leo Vazquez the School Resource Officer for FUSD, Carol Berringer Director of After School Program/Student Services for FUSD and Fillmore High School principal John Wilbur. Reyes-Deutsch reported “Every day in the U.S. an estimated 150,000 kids miss school due to fear or intimidation [from] bullying.”

Arroyo began the forum by introducing a program operated by Interface, called “Triple P” standing for Positive Parenting Programs. Arroyo explained that this program “support[s] you in your role as a parent.” Some of the issues they help parents with include tantrums, lying, talking back and even motivation for getting homework done. The 8 to 10 week program is available at no charge to all families within FUSD schools. Interested parents or guardians can contact their principal for a referral to the program.

What is bullying and cyberbullying? Arroyo defined bullying as CONTINUED »

FILLMORE, CA. - On 4/5/2011 at 2:44am the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a possible structure fire at 160 Santa Clara Avenue in the City of Fillmore.

Upon arriving on scene, firefighters observed light smoke coming from the single story, single family dwelling. Further investigation revealed the seat of the fire to be in the kitchen and dining room area. Prior to fire personnel arriving on scene, one of six residents had just returned home when he was alerted to the fire by his family. The resident quickly applied water to the fire using a water hose from the yard preventing further spread. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining flames and evacuated the smoke from the structure to prevent further damage.

Five occupants were inside the location at the time of the incident however they escaped the structure without injury. Due to the smoke damage throughout the structure, it was determined to be inhabitable by the Building & Safety Department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.