The highlight of the November 2nd Fillmore Unified School District meeting was the discussion of safety while attending the upcoming 100th football game between Fillmore and Santa Paula.

The Fillmore School Board (FSB) went into a detailed discussion of the preparations needed for the upcoming game. With 3,000 or more expected to attend, safety is a major priority. The Board has had numerous meetings with both the Fillmore and Santa Paula Police/Sheriffs along with each town's Fire Departments to iron out all the safety issues.

Extra bleachers will be set up to accommodate the 2,500 tickets already sold with 140 more on the waiting list and the additional 500 more persons with passes expected to attend. The maximum that can safely attend the game is 3,400 due to the field having only three exits. With an unknown number of attendees who already have passes, the number of tickets sales must be kept well below the maximum.

The gates will be opening at 3:00 pm and close when maximum occupancy is reached.

The Sheriffs Department is providing an extra 15 Officers and donating up to $5,000 worth of Deputy time to help with security.

The two entry gates will be CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 28, at approximately 6:23 p.m., deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Fillmore Shell gas station. When they arrived, they learned a suspect had passed a note demanding money from the cashier and subsequently fled with an undetermined amount of money. No weapon was seen and no one was injured.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man, in his 20’s, approximately 5’5”, 120 lbs., wearing black hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. He fled in a silver or gray four-door car with dark tinting on the rear and rear side passenger windows. The vehicle, driven by another unknown suspect, was last seen traveling westbound on Ventura Street from the gas station. Anyone at or near the gas station around the time of the robbery are asked to contact the Fillmore Police with any information concerning these suspects and their vehicle.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission will consider a possible increase in the cost of VISTA bus fares at its Friday, November 5, 2010 meeting. The proposed fare increase would impact intercity bus service within Ventura County, VISTA’s Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride service, and VISTA’s premium monthly pass.

Fares for VISTA transit services have remained largely unchanged since VISTA began intercity bus service in 1994. Since that time, both annual ridership and annual operating costs have increased significantly. Compounding the situation is actual and forecast reductions in federal and state transit funding.

“Across the past few years, VISTA’s operating costs have increased in large part due to contractor costs,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While a fare increase is the recommended solution (to help offset increased costs), the Commission encourages the public to weigh in on this matter before taking action at its November 5 meeting.”

Persons unable to attend Friday’s Commission meeting (slated for 10 am at Camarillo City Hall) are encouraged to contact VCTC by phone (800) 438-1112 or via email (VISTAcomments@goventura.org).

On the eve of the "Great California Shake-Out" (October 21, 2010) twenty-eight Piru Community Members graduated from Piru's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The graduation was witnessed by a packed, standing room only, audience of family friends and local dignitaries at the regular meeting of the Piru Neighborhood Council. CERT training is offered by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VCFD and FEMA have joined together to assist Piru residents with disaster preparedness education and training. The training is also available in other communities of Ventura County.

In attendance for the graduation were District 3-Supervisor Kathy Long, the current Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Division Chief Keith Gurrola of the Ventura County Fire Department, Captain Tim Hagel of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Tony Prado, Trustee of the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees and Dave Wilde, retired educator and candidate for the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees.

The CERT Graduates were:
Gilbert Rodriquez, Paul Alverdi, Robert Alverdi, Roy Ruiz Jr, Vanessa Castenda, Julio D.
Perez Jr, Sandra Barragan, Hector Sanchez, Victor M. Prado, Becky Pillado, Patti Alonzo Carlos Puga, Robert Montiel, Heladio Hildalgo, Salvador Hernandez, Kevin Keehl, Faith Lugo, Monica Orozco, Tomas Torres, Danielle Banales, Michele Wadsworth, Tim Pillado, Val Pillado, Fredy Galan, Danny Golson, Nicholas Wadsworth, Robert P. Fernandez and Irene Ruiz.

Following a major disaster, first CONTINUED »

Scott Lee addressed the city council during Tuesday night’s meeting in regards to the employee’s letter read back on September 28. On Wednesday the City of Fillmore released this memo: “The City of Fillmore is committed to addressing the concerns in the September 28, 2010 and October 26, 2010 letters submitted by employees to the City Council. In response to the letters, the City Attorney’s Office will provide grievance forms to the employees. An independent party will review the grievance forms and report back to the City. The intent of the process is to be fair to all concerned. The City is anticipating a quick resolution to this matter.”
Enlarge Photo

With over 80 persons in attendance the October 26th Joint Fillmore City Council/Fillmore Public Finance Authority Meeting was standing room only. There was a great deal to cover, but most came about two items, the City Manager and the closing of the Aquatic Center. The meeting began with the Council Members asking City Manager Yvonne Quiring if she wanted a non-biased third party facilitator, which her contract states she has a right to, with Quiring at her evaluation. At first Quiring stated she reserved that right, but later stated the Council should go ahead with her evaluation. This evaluation has become a heated situation due to a Letter of No Confidence in the City Manager presented by the City Staff at September 28 City Council Meeting.

Vic Kamhi, Bus Transit Director for Ventura County Transportation Commission, was first on the agenda and gave a presentation regarding the proposed VISTA fare increase. VISTA was introduced in 1994 and has seen a significant increase in service with annual intercity ridership increasing from 150,000 to 800,000 today resulting in an annual operating costs increase from $400,000 to $2,000,000. These increases along with loss of state transit funding have resulted in the necessary fare increases. The proposed fare increases are projected to be; Base fare $1.25, Senior/Disabled/Medicare $0.60, Adult Monthly Pass $50, Adult Premium Monthly Pass $60. Senior/Disabled/Medicare Premium Monthly Pass $38.

Also affected by proposed increases will be the Haritage (Dial A Ride)DAR-Program which was also introduced in 1994 and has expanded significantly. Annual ridership has increased from 50,000 to 215,000 with annual operating cost increasing from $250,000 to $950,000. The current Monthly Pass which costs $16 will see a proposed increase to $20, cash fares to $1.75 with seniors paying $0.85 and DAR/VISTA Daily Pass to $3.50.

Another change being considered is raising the age for “Senior” eligibility from 62 to 65 years. The Ventura County Transportation Commission with be holding a public hearing on these proposals on November 5, 2010 at 9:00 am at Camarillo City Hall. Contact VISTAcomments@goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112 for more information.

Next was the CONTINUED »

November 2nd you will be able to vote for TWO City Council candidates

Question #9: The City has a list of “City Goals” - please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.

Patti Walker: I believe the Goals in their present form are vitally important for Fillmore - Economic Development, Engaging Community, and finally, Public Safety.
Our business community needs to know they have our support when making purchases for home, family and friends. They need to know we value their effort and skill by owning and operating a small business.
Hwy. 126 connects Fillmore to travelers between the I-5 and Hwy. 101. We have opportunities to promote and support our downtown center. With 10's of thousands of visitors coming to ride the Fillmore & Western Railroad, we need to foster that relationship, recognize its importance and work to make Fillmore a destination. This Council implemented the Farmer’s Market on the first Friday, pro-rating the business license fees, and connecting businesses to EDC-VC.
Second, what occurs at City Hall is your business. I have received comments from citizens and business owners who what assurance their concerns are being received and acted upon. I have worked to do just that. The City website now posts agendas and staff reports allowing the opportunity to be informed on issues and matters the City is addressing.
Finally, fire and police services affect everyone. I have received comments of the gang influence and how we are responding. Crime is down in Fillmore. Under the leadership of Chief Landeros the Fillmore Fire Department had the first graduating class of volunteer firefighters. The City continues with the CERT training program and the 2010/2011 budget continues to support both police and fire services.

David Lugo: #1 Incentives for local businesses, we need to give them first shot at all bids in their realm of work before we send it to outside companies plain and simple.
#2 Incentives for small businesses, we must work with all small businesses to make it a smooth transition to start a business here in Fillmore we need someone in the city to walk them through the process to make it that much easier.
#3 We want to hear from the public and we intend to respond quickly, we must take the time and listen to the community after all we work for them and they voted for you in, we can not ignore their concerns. Wether the answer is good or bad we must answer them in a timely manner and explain all answers.
I would like to thank the Fillmore Gazette for giving me the oppurtunity to take part in these questions they were great questions. I would also like to thank you for your endorsement. To the City of Fillmore thank you for your support it means alot to me. On Nov 2 vote David Lugo for city council. 'Your Voice'

Adrian Grimaldo: List of City Goals: (1) Vote YES on Prop 19 and take the edge off our economy. The tax dollars generated by this cash cow can lower consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and generate the needed funds to upgrade our schools. Big corporations are afraid of this and will do anything to keep it from passing. Only through your vote for wise economic development can we create the time and money needed to spend on Public Safety and community involvement. By voting yes on Prop 19 now, we are enabling a revolution.
We are finally putting an end to all the prosecution and countless years of propaganda. The final days are counting down and it looks as if California will legalize it to create a means of paying off debt.
(2) Today’s job market has never been tougher. Adding an incentive for local business to acquire bids from our local city municipality is a MUST.
We need to create workshops so local small businesses can acquire the know how to apply for pre-proposal meetings and further understand why they were not given the work. Job creation is key to supporting our community.
(3) Grants design a way to improve. With the pressing economic times we have to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity. By having an effective grant writing team we can offer a foundation of success to each small business and new entrants. Everyone should apply for and win a grant. Make it a goal and never give up.

Brian Sipes: When I attended the City Council's Goal Setting Workshops, I made suggestions as a private citizen and businessman. A few of my suggestions were incorporated into the goals. I concur with the top three goals that were chosen by the City Council on March 16, 2010.
Economic Development: To help Fillmore remain solvent, sustainable economic development is necessary. The City Council and taxpayers have financially supported the proposed business park above and beyond the call of duty. If it is economically viable, the business park will create jobs.
If elected, I would pursue stream lining the business license process so City Hall is a bona-fide, business friendly community. Economic sustainability is collaborating with our current small businesses so they remain strong. Our small businesses, most notably our downtown merchants, are the backbone of our community. My commitment to them is to develop a cohesive partnership so businesses are creative and our downtown remains intact.
Engaging Our Community: Part of my vision for Fillmore, is an annual Town Hall Forum. This would allow the community to interact with their elected officials and City staff in a friendlier, less formal environment.
Public Safety: I am committed to a safe community. We are extremely fortunate as a City to have proactive Police Department and a partially volunteer Fire Department. My commitment is to provide support to our departments so they are well equipped to protect our community.

Alex Mollkoy: The city has a list of ‘City Goals’ – Please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.
Answer:
1.) Public Safety
3d.) Adopt a budget with public safety funding.
2.) Engaging the community
2a.) We want to hear from the public, and we intend to respond quickly.
3.) Economic Development
1a.) Spruce up Highway 126 & Central Ave.
Foremost, we must have a sound budget with public safety funding, because it is our duty to remain fiscally sound and every citizen is entitled to feel safe in their community. Engaging the community and hearing from the public is vital, for without this aspect we have nothing. Once we have accomplished these first two goals we will be ready to tackle the big one Economic Development. I chose 1a.) Sprucing up the entrance to our historic downtown, because the completion of the business park was not on the list. I do believe that first impressions are very important and I strongly believe that this entrance to our downtown must change before anyone will see Fillmore as a vibrant community. Let’s get going and stop all the bickering. Fillmore can be a Great Town again!

November 2nd you will be able to vote for THREE School Board candidates

Question #9: A big issue has been access to the new football field’s track. What is your position on allowing the public to use the track?

Lucy Rangel: When our voters passed our last school bond, they were told that they would be allowed to use the track. After the district decided to make the investment of an all-weather track, they should have done a better job of communicating to the public all the advantages of having such modern facilities; and the reasons the track and football field would have to be secured. With the vandalism that had existed, along with soaring costs of repairs, and safety and liability issues, I can understand why our district has been reluctant to allow the public to use this facility. However, the fact remains that many community members, including myself, feel that responsible individuals who are avid runners should be allowed more use of our modern track.
Since the school bond is paying for some of this project, the district has made an effort to allow some of our local runners to pilot a program which was established as a running club. A subcommittee was formed with representatives from our Parks and Recreation Department, our school district, and the public. Although there are concerns that still need to be addressed, members of the subcommittee are working together to try and implement more public use of our track. Those of you interested in providing positive input, or who have creative ideas of how to manage this issue, should attend the subcommittee’s next meeting on Nov. 10th, at 6:00 P.M. at our City Hall. See you there.

Kimberly Rivers: I fully support the Community having access to the track. In providing a benefit to the public the District will demonstrate to students the vital and varied role schools play in our community. We as adults must model true community involvement to motivate students to do the same, as they become adults. When elected I pledge to get to the bottom of whatever is preventing public access to the track so it available for public use. The fact that this issue remains unresolved demonstrates the Districts distance from the community, and the lack of leadership within the Board to respond to the needs of the community it serves.
In this final week of campaigning, I again thank those community members, who have spoken out, letting their family, friends, even clients know the importance of this election for FUSD. Our students cannot wait. It will take the entire community to improve our schools, but it begins with leadership on the Board. And if you have questions for me, ask me, I am honestly happy to answer your questions. Remember you get the most accurate info going straight to the source. Would you prefer to make decisions based on rumors or on facts? Do you think we adults should spread gossip or truth? For me an important quality in a Board member is dedication to toss gossip aside and to gather the unslanted facts in order to make a decision. Have all candidates demonstrated this dedication? I’ll let voters decide.
I've put all of my responses to the 9 weeks of questions from the paper on one page. Here's the link: http://electkimrivers.blogspot.com/p/issues-my-responses.html. Makes for easy reading and learning where I stand on the issues, www.votekimrivers.com.

Mark Austin: The voters within the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) boundaries, in approving Measure E, were under the impression that full public access and use of the track would be provided. This was one of the selling points in order to gain the approval and issuance of a general obligation bond. Currently, there is very limited public access and use of the track. It is my position that the FUSD should figure out a way to allow full public access and use of the track. Please visit my website at www.votemarkaustin.com.

Dave Wilde: Somehow a time needs to be set aside so that interested community members have access to the track. Once a time has been established the next step is to set up guidelines to ensure against or deal with possible damage. This process is occurring at this time. Unfortunately it seems to be moving at a snail's pace.
I am concerned about open access while students are on the field. A number of years ago while teams were practicing people could been seen walking the track and there was no concern about student safety. The past three years we have had some damage done to player's vehicles on Wednesday nights while they were practicing. As a result I have some worries about those same people having access to the track and students being injured. I know that may seem unusual, but it has happened. I feel parents should know the high school is doing all they can to ensure the safety of their children while they are at any athletic event. If I were a coach and I had that guarantee I would have no problem with people walking or running the track during practice. Not only would it allow public access, but foster public support.

Tony Prado: The track and the football field were built to meet the needs of the students participating in P.E. and Sports at Fillmore High School. The students have first priority. Without any doubt the community should have access to the track and field when students are not using the facility. It is not a good idea for the community and students to use the facility at the same time because of safety issues. Young adults and older high school students is not a good mix. Use of the facility before school and after 6 pm most evennings can be a possibility.
Presently there is a committee meeting to discuss the use of the facility. Some major concerns are safety, security, and damage. Damage to the track or field is very expensive to repair, it is not the same as when the track was just dirt and the field was grass. But , yes the community must have fair and equitable use of this magnificent facility. Remember to vote for Tony Prado.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 24, 2010 at approximately 9:35 PM, a 35-year-old woman and her family were driving westbound in the 18000 block of South Mountain Road near Santa Paula. A large white unknown make / model pickup truck was traveling eastbound on South Mountain Road and passed the victim’s vehicle. As the white truck passed, the victim heard an object impact her vehicle on the driver’s side. The victim believed that a rock had been displaced from the tire of the passing white truck and impacted the victim’s vehicle. When the victim reached her destination in Santa Paula, she found a hole in her driver side door. The victim reported the incident to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The victim and her passengers were not injured in this incident.

An investigation by the responding deputies determined that a bullet had been fired at the victim’s vehicle, impacting the driver’s door and causing the hole.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, is urged to call the Sheriff’s Department Fillmore Police Station and speak to Detective Darin Hendren @ 805-524-2233. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department.