[Opinion Editorial by Mary Ford]
The Piru Charter Petition was approved 5-2 by the California Advisory Commission on Charter Schools at a hearing on April 6, 2010 in Sacramento. The Commission Chair, Beth Hunkapiller, explained that the legal duty of the Advisory Commission is to determine if the charter petition meets the sixteen required elements. The petition must contain an appropriate educational plan and a budget that is balanced. The charter petitioners and administrators of the Fillmore Unified School District then gave their presentations. Both presentations were followed by questions from the commissioners. Questions to the petitioners were mainly about enrollment and the budget. Questions to the Fillmore District administrators mainly focused on their denial of the charter. Superintendent Sweeney responded to many of the questions by saying, “Ask the parents; they will tell you.” It seems that Mr. Sweeney was oblivious to the fact that the commissioners wanted the superintendent’s professional assessment. In continuingly suggesting that the parents be asked their questions, he embarrassed himself. About fifty people, mostly opponents of the charter, addressed the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting. After public deliberation, the vote was taken. Except for the public comments, all proceedings were bilingual. The last step in converting Piru School to Piru Charter School will be the approval of the California Department of Education in May.

It is unfortunate that many Piru parents do not understand that they are being offered a wonderful gift. Piru Charter School will still be their school. It will be a better school with good programs and more money to spend for their children’s education. The petitioners are dedicated, wonderful teachers. Piru Charter petitioners are great with curriculum. When they began, Piru was a very low performing school. With a team of talented educators, they designed a curriculum for Piru that resulted in students succeeding and API scores soaring. The team that put together the Piru charter is the same group that developed alternative strategies that finally helped these students. There is no question that Piru Charter School will be a success.

The Fillmore Unified School District has waged an unrelenting mendacious CONTINUED »

John Wilson was arrested for DUI, Driving under the Influence and causing injury, and hit and run.

On Good Friday, April 4, 2010, at approximately 11:45AM, deputies responded to an injury accident at A and River Streets, and a hit and run accident at Santa Fe Street and Surrey Way. It was determined that the suspect in the hit and run accident, John Allen Wilson, 47 of Fillmore, was also involved in the injury accident.

Witnesses stated Wilson had collided with a parked vehicle on Santa Fe Street and left the scene without exchanging information. He then collided with the rear of an occupied vehicle, idling at a red light at the intersection of A Street and River Street. Minor injuries were caused to the driver and her 3 year old daughter, who was secured into a child’s carseat. The impact pushed the victim’s Camry into the intersection. The injured parties were transported to Santa Paula E.R. by ambulance.

Witnesses on scene overheard Wilson tell an officer that he was addicted to morphine and that he was taking the drug suboxone, a narcotic inhibitor which contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. According to personnel on scene, Wilson was also taking Xanax.

Deputies contacted Wilson at CONTINUED »

After more than six hours of heated testimony, in a 5-2 vote, the 7-member state Charter Schools Advisory Commission has recommended that Piru School be converted to a charter school. This recommendation followed the same decision by the California Department of Education, Charter Schools Division Staff. Approximately 70 anti-charter persons were bussed from Piru to Sacramento by the school district for the purpose of protesting the charter. The bus left Piru at about midnight with parents, teachers, and District employees.

Arguments both for and against a charter conversion was described by one person attending the commission hearing as “passionate.” Commissioner, Brian Bauer, admonished the District’s educational leaders to “check their egos at the door” in an effort to heal hard feelings in the community. This recommendation will now proceed to the California State Board of Education for a final determination.

The issue of whether Piru School will become independent of the Fillmore-Piru School District in 2011 is now left exclusively in the hands of the State Board of Education, which will make its decision May 5.

Refugio Ruvalcaba

Friday, April 2, 2010 at 1051 Am Hours: - Fillmore - Threats - 500 Ventura St. - 27 year old Refugio Ruvalcaba, went to a local Fillmore business. Ruvalcaba was described by employees as irritable and at one point during the conversation, threw a softball sized rock at the head of one of the employees. The employee was able elude the rock. Before leaving the business, Ruvalcaba punched an employee and threatened to return and kill everybody at the business. About 15 minutes later, deputies responded to a gun brandishing call at a different location in the city. Deputies determined it was Ruvalcaba who was the suspect in gun incident as well. Witnesses said Ruvalcaba appeared to be under the influence of drugs and had displayed a handgun. Due to the severity of the crimes, Deputies set out a dragnet in the city and in short time located Ruvalcaba on the other side of town and took him into custody without incident. gun Ruvalcaba was booked in jail for felony street terrorism 422 P.C felony assault with a deadly weapon 245 P.C., and misdemeanor battery 242 P.C.

(Information from Cheri Carlson, Ventura Star)
Many teachers’ jobs may be saved next year as a result of a recently announced tentative agreement between the Fillmore Unified School District and the teachers union. According to a Ventura Star report, many of the nearly 70 pink slips recently sent to certificated employees, including teachers, administrators, and others, may be rescinded.

The District and union have agreed to resolve a serious funding problem by cutting the school year by five days, creating a retirement incentive program, and increasing class sizes by one student. Ratification by the school board and the teachers is still necessary.

Union President Theresa Marvel is said to have expressed her satisfaction with this solution, which must still be accepted by approximately 10 teachers.

The District is faced with a third year of state funding cuts for its K-12 classes. State law dictates that school districts must issue any layoff notices by March 15. About $2.8 million is expected to be cut for the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney is noted to have stated that during this three-year period, the state will have cut approximately 20 percent of the district’s budget.

The recommendation of the state Charter Schools Advisory Commission (as of April 6) to approve charter school conversion status on Piru School, may make handing-out some pink slips necessary.

Even with cut-backs in classes, Sweeney is said to assure students that students would not be deprived of college-prep classes.

Alejandro Garcia, 27 of Fillmore, was convicted on April 1, 2010 of Resisting, Obstructing, Delaying of a Peace Officer or EMT, and Battery Upon an Officer and Emergency Personnel.

On July 3, 2008, Garcia was observed by Officer Danny Delpit and EMT Patrick Maynard as he ran from Rite Aid with a suitcase of beer, tossed it into the window of a waiting car behind the store, and dove into the window himself.

Delpit and Maynard were in an unmarked vehicle with emergency lights on top, patrolling for illegal firework activity. Emergency lights and siren were turned on and Garcia and the driver were told to pull over. They stopped in the middle of River Street.

Officer Delpit approached the car, with gun drawn, as Maynard waited in the car.

Garcia argued with the officer and grabbed at her weapon, which she then holstered and tased him. He did not submit, according to witnesses, and raised his fists in a combative stance. Delpit deployed her baton in an attempt to subdue Garcia.

Maynard observed the subjects resistance and exited the vehicle and tased Garcia again, giving Officer Delpit the opportunity to handcuff him.

Other police units then arrived on scene, arresting Garcia, who remained combative.

Garcia has served approximately four months in county jail and was fined $145. He had pleaded Not Guilty to both charges.

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association said “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High.” “Let students win every day in our community.”

Newly appointed provisional Board member Michael Saviers took the oath of office at a joint meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board and the City Council Tuesday night March 29.

A packed audience witnessed the ceremony as Superintendent Jeff Sweeney swore in Saviers, who was then introduced to the City Council. Saviers replaces David Dollar, who resigned. “I look forward to the challenges of the next eight months,” he said. “I'll give it my best.”

Board member John Garnica read a joint resolution between the school district and the city council to have a cooperative governance relationship for the benefit of the community. Mayor Patti Walker said, “When I speak in other communities about our relationship they are in awe and jealous.”

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association, congratulated the new board member before she asked the board to rescind 67 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices. “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High,” she said. “Let students win every day in our community.”

Parent Kelly Kause told the board, “I'm concerned about CONTINUED »

The Guiberson fire, which burned 17,500 acres in September 2009 was caused by a spontaneous combustion much pile. Santa Ana winds contributed to the fast-spreading fire which threatened 1,000 structures, with 600 homes being evacuated.

A total of 2,750 personnel were called out to battle the fire, including 200 fire engines, 32 bulldozers, 21 helicopters and 8 air tankers. A converted DC-10 jumbo jet, converted into an air tanker, was used to drop fire retardant on the flames.

The fire cost more than $9 million, and 10 firefighters were injured in the blaze, including smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries.

Mulch piles need to be turned regularly to prevent heat buildup and will combust if not properly maintained. The mulch pile owner has not been cited.

Gerardo Sillas

Fillmore gang member goes on crime spree on balcom at bradley above bardsdale shoots farm dog, robs driver. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Ventura County Sheriff's deputies were made aware of a carjacking that occurred at approximately 0555 hours in the 7400 block of Bradley Road, Somis. A 56 year old male victim was driving his 2006 BMW on Bradley Rd. when he observed an obstruction blocking both traffic lanes in the 7400 block. The victim stopped, exited his vehicle, and began moving the obstruction from the roadway. The suspect, Gerardo Sillas, emerged from the shrubbery and pointed a handgun at the victim. The suspect demanded the victim's wallet and vehicle. After the victim complied with the suspect's demands, the suspect fled with the victim's wallet and vehicle. The victim called authorities using his cellular telephone. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed in the 8000 block of Balcom Canyon. The suspect then fled the area on foot. Deputies searching the area found the victim's vehicle a short time later with major damage in a field. As the search continued, a 911 call was received from a resident in the 8000 block of Balcom Canyon. The caller reported his dog sustained a gunshot wound. It was later determined that Sillas shot the dog shortly after crashing the victim's vehicle. The dog was stabilized and the wound did not appear to be life threatening. Shortly thereafter, a 17 year old male who was working in a field on Posita Road saw the suspect who brandished a firearm at him. As a result of the brandishing, an additional 911 call was received reference a "man with a gun" at the end of Posita Road.

Deputies and CHP units quickly converged on the location and confronted Sillas who was disarmed and arrested. Sillas was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for carjacking, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, brandishing, cruelty to an animal, and resisting arrest. Additionally, Sillas is a known gang member from the city of Fillmore. Therefore he was also booked for street terrorism. The investigation is being handled by the Sheriff's Gang Unit.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Friday March 26, 2010, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested as he arrived at work. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit concluded its investigation of Deputy Anthony LaGrasta. LaGrasta, a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department was arrested for Child Annoying and sending harmful matter to a minor by telephone messages, electronic mail, Internet, or commercial online services.

Anthony LaGrasta was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Detention Facility without incident. He has been released after posting bail in the amount of $10,000. Deputy La Grasta has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and departmental investigations.

Location: Sespe Avenue at Central Avenue, City of Fillmore
Date & Time: March 26,2010 @ 1815 hours
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Anthony LaGrasta Ventura 35 yrs
(V) Female 16 yrs

Preparing officer Release: Sergeant Joe Evans

Follow-Up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio 805-654-2417

Date of Media Release: March 26, 2010

Approval: Captain Rick Barrios