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By Tim Hagel — Monday, November 15th, 2010
Greetings Farm Watch. In addition, we would like to welcome our 23 new Farm Watch members. It is amazing, we have just grown to over 600 Ventura County Farms, Nurseries, Ranchers, Packing - Supply Houses and Oil Operations. Lets get started. First the good news. BOOK A CROOK: Sheriff Detective Ray Dominguez and his partner Sergeant Steve Rhods have been the Sheriff's lead agents in our Rural Crime Task Force. For the last 10 months, their mission and passion has been to catch these connex-shed thugs. I mention "passion," because these two detectives were and are "motivated and driven," 24 hours a day, to stop this organized crime ring. Time and time again those bandits have been using the cover of darkness to break into your storage sheds on rural properties. They have plundered over $100,000 in loot. Ray and Steve were not alone and have been supported by their Captain, Rick Barrios and an army of crime analysts, crime scene scientists, technical surveillance units and 12 detectives from Major Crimes, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, El Rio and Moorpark. In addition, their task force worked regularly with Santa Barbara, Monterey, Riverside and Los Angeles Sheriff detectives. It has been hard during the last 3 months to not brag to you about their hours and hours of surveillance work. The tide changed and on November 8, 2010, Ray and Steve were deep into Los Angeles and Riverside working yet another surveillance on our primary theft suspects. They were side by side with an CONTINUED » |
 At Sunday night’s football dinner several dignitaries honored both Santa Paula and Fillmore teams for the 100th game being played on November 12th. This game is one of the longest rivalries in Southern California. Above: Fillmore High School Principal John Wilber, County Supervisor Kathy Long, and Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti. Supervisor Long also presented both principals with a proclamation. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
 The official poster for the 100th meet between Fillmore and Santa Paula, drawn by Santa Paula 2010 graduate Alex Adams. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Athletic Booster club President Andy Aguirre presented a poster drawn by 2010 Santa Paula graduate Alex Adams. (l-r) Santa Paula Mayor Jim Tovias, Fillmore Mayor Patty Walker, Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti, County Superintendent of schools Stanley Mantooth, FUSD Superintendent Jeff Sweeney, and Fillmore principal John Wilber. Enlarge Photo  Coach Matt Dollar spoke to the audience about the history of the game in his family. To his left is Santa Paula Head Coach Teohua Sanchez and Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti. Enlarge Photo Fillmore DUCKS! Green and white school colors! Say it ain't so Joe! The “DUCKS” is rumored to be the name of the of the original school mascot for Fillmore High School, but that was in the 1920's! That is, according to the Master of Ceremonies Steve Conaway for the Fillmore High School Booster Club Banquet, held on Sunday, November 7th. Steve was quick, however, to attribute that historical fact to Fillmore High School Coach Joe Woods who was not present to defend himself. Steve then went on to relate the “myth” of how the Fillmore High School Football Team received their current mascot name, the Flashes: “In the early 1920's the Fillmore Ducks were playing a football game when late in the second quarter the sky opened up and lightening and thunder rocked the Fillmore area. When Fillmore came out after half time Fillmore came out and played with the power and speed of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Fillmore won the game and the very next week Fillmore was known as the flashes!” Seems like a good story Steve! The Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters kicked off a week-long of activities by hosting a dinner at the Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building for both teams and coaches from Santa Paula and Fillmore. The dinner was prepared by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and his merry band of cooks; Laura Landeros, Don Palmer, Scott Beylick and Joe Ricards. The meal menu was Fillmore's favorite of Tri-Tip, chicken, baked potatoes, salad and finished beautifully by an orange sherbert ice cream presented in a half orange shell from a local citrus grower. The meal was served by nicely dressed cheerleaders and pep squad members from each school. Welcoming both teams, their coaches, dignitaries and others in attendance was Fillmore Mayor Patti Walker with follow up comments also given by both school superintendents; Fillmore Superintendent Jeff Sweeney and Santa Paula Superintendent David Gomez. Master of Ceremonies and sitting Fillmore City Councilmember Steve Conaway gave a short history of this long-standing rivalry which is said to be the longest standing rivalry, based on games played, in Ventura County and possibly in the State of California. There were many proclamations presented to the teams by local government representatives including Ventura County Board of Supervisors District-3 and Board Chair Supervisor Kathy Long. Supervisor Long told the football players, “You will always remember this game. Enjoy! Have fun!” She then in a true politician's fashion said as she left the podium, “Go Flashes! Go Cardinals!” United States Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman for California District 24 Elton Gallegly, although not present, provided proclamations to each team. Congressman Gallegly also presented a United States Flag to fly during the game on November 12th. The flag had been flown over the White House prior to being presented for the game. Proclamations were also received from California State Senator George Runner and California Assemblywoman Audra Strickland. Other dignitaries at the event were; Fillmore City Councilmember Laurie Hernandez, Fillmore School District Board Trustee Liz Wilde, Fillmore Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike Bush, Fillmore High School Principal John Wilber and Assistant Principal Ellen Green, Athletic Director Ernie Quiroz, Fillmore Police Chief Captain Tim Hagel, County Superintendent of Schools Stanley Mantooth, Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti, Santa Paula School Board Trustees Diana Ponce-Gomez, Christopher Wilson, Assistant Principals Robin Gillette, Elizabeth Garcia, Director of Educational Services Tony Gaitan, City of Santa Paula City Manager Jamie Fontes, Santa Paula Mayor JimTovias, Santa Paula City Councilmembers Fred Robinson, Ralph Fernandez and Bob Gonzales. Both teams head coaches and CONTINUED » |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
Developer Cabrillo sold “low income” housing units for over $400,000
 Raelene Chaney spoke to the city council Tuesday night in regards to the storage area used by Grad Nite Live. Chaney asked that it be put on the agenda for discussion at the next city council meeting. The November 9th Fillmore City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting main focus was adopting resolutions, authorization to advertise for bids and approving the 2011 City Council Meeting Calendar. The Meeting seemed interrupted though, with the Council vacillating between open and closed sessions. Most pressing on agenda was an item on the Redevelopment Agency agenda was a huge money item that left the City of Fillmore with a great deal less money in its coffers. The Redevelopment Agency Board was asked to convert an Agency loan to a Grant due to present economic downturn. In 2007, the Agency conveyed the land to the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Developer) for the purpose of construction 8 units for sale to extremely low and very low income families (Affordable Units), and made a loan to Developer in the amount of $1,318,348 (Agency Loan). The Agency also agreed to assist homebuyers with additional loans of $50,000 per unit (Homebuyers Loans). Since 2007 the estimated fair market value of the unites has dropped by approximately 50%, and like many similar projects started at the height of the real estate market, the project can no longer be sold for what it cost to build. The Developer has requested that the Agency convert its Agency Loan and some of the Homebuyers Loans to non-repayable grants. The Developer has made similar requests to the other governmental lenders to the project, and the County of Ventura has agreed. The Developer has agreed to cover any cash shortfall up to $5,000 per unit from the sale of the Affordable Units and to reduce its Developer Fee of $150,000 to $30,000. The Developer has not identified buyers for 4 of the units, 2 of which are currently to be sold to households earning no more than 45% of Area Median Income (AMI). The Developer has requested that if such households cannot be located by December 31, 2010 it be permitted to sell those two units to households earning up to 50% of AMI which would broaden the number of potential buyers. The Council had no CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
On 11/05/10, at approximately 4:30 PM, the store manager of Central Market reported a theft in progress. He reported that approximately 25 subjects entered the market to cash checks. After cashing the 10th check, the store manger realized the suspicious activity. When the store manger picked up the telephone to call and verify the checks, all of the subject inside the store who were waiting to cash the checks, ran out of the store and fled the scene. Per the investigation, it was determined all the checks here counterfeit. The four listed subjects, Ramiro DeLaCruz 35, Compton, Juana Marquez 47, Compton, Cecilia Hernandez 35, Los Angeles, Hector Mora 42, Compton, were apprehended after fleeing the scene and arrested. The charges include forgery, burglary, and conspiracy. All four suspects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, with bail set at $20,000. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the motorist responsible for a hit-and-run collision that left a young man dead on a Thousand Oaks street in Thousand Oaks. The collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of Lynn Road just west of Kelley Road, when Bautista, who was a pedestrian, was struck by a vehicle traveling at least 45 miles per hour. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid or notify police. Bautista was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering massive trauma to his upper body. Bautista had attended a nearby house party at a residence in the 400-block of Whitegate Road earlier that night. Investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a large older vehicle that sustained moderate damage to the front end and hood. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle involved in this collision is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers at (805)494-8222. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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). Location: Lynn Road west of Kelley Road, Thousand Oaks, Ca. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
On November 11 there will be a dedication ceremony to pay tribute to 18 men of our community who have served their country and their name plaques have been placed on the Memorial Wall. The public is encouraged to attend. The ceremony will take place at The Veterans Memorial Building 511 second Dt. Fillmore at 10:30 am. If you have any questions regarding this ceremony please contact VFW POST 9637 or Commander Jim Rogers 524-0202 or Senior Vice Commander Vic Westerberg 524-0011. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
The suspect robbed a branch of Pacific Western Bank located at 550 North Moorpark Road Thursday afternoon. Nobody was injured during the heist, and the suspect fled the bank within minutes, carrying an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was seen, but the suspect alluded to being armed. The investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s department’s major crimes unit in conjunction with the FBI. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jon Smith at (805) 494-8201, or Special Agent Pat Conley of the FBI at (310) 629-9553. Please see the attached three images for a description of the suspect. 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). Location: 550 North Moorpark Road, CA, 91360 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, November 8th, 2010
Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM 58.3% of the votes counted FILLMORE City Council FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District |
 Every vote counts - Mayor Patti Walker cast her vote Tuesday night at a local voting center. Walker and Brian Sipes (inset) won the two available seats on council: this is Walker’s third term. Said Walker, "I am honored to have the communities faith in my desire to represent Fillmore, humbled by the voters support and looking forward to working with a fine group of people in the citizen's behalf." Walker garnered 1,226 (26.86%) votes and Sipes took 1,131 (24.78%). David Lugo received 892 votes, Marcoz Hernandez 853 and Adrian Grimaldo 319; Write-in votes, including Alex Mollkoy, 144 votes. In 2009, there were approximately 6,200 registered Fillmore voters. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM
Fillmore Election Results Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM FILLMORE City Council FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
 A structure fire at 400 Arborwood Street occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appeared to be smoking related. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo  The fire, involving a second story bedroom and contents, was extinguished at 8:00 p.m. Enlarge Photo |