Federal and local authorities this morning arrested 13 individuals linked to mortgage fraud operations that filed fraudulent loan applications with several banks and other lenders, generated millions of dollars in loan fees and real estate commissions, and caused millions of dollars in losses when the homes went into foreclosure because the purchasers were unable to make their monthly payments.

Those arrested this morning are among 14 charged in two federal indictments that were returned last week by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles . The indictments outline schemes in which real estate professionals prepared mortgage applications that contained false information about borrowers' income, employment, assets, and intent to occupy the properties. In the first case, which names 10 defendants, investigators estimate that the conspiracy was responsible for banks funding at least $25 million in mortgages. In the second case, which names four defendants, authorities believe that banks funded at least $10 million based on fraudulent loan applications.

The defendants in these cases generated huge commissions and fees through the mortgage application process, with the largest commissions coming when the banks approved loans and paid "yield spread premiums" or "rebates" to mortgage brokers who convinced borrowers to seek high-risk "option ARM" and similar mortgages that started with low monthly payments that dramatically increased after the "teaser" period, leaving many borrowers unable to make their payments.

Today's arrests were CONTINUED »

Bill Burnett spoke to council concerning proposed business park.
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Announcements
Mayor Patti Walker thanked the Board of Supervisors for their approved $50,000 to support the transportation of youths from Piru to Fillmore’s Boys & Girl’s Club.

The Budget Workshop has been rescheduled for Tuesday July 13 at the regular City Council meeting at 6:30 pm; the budget will be available on the City website on June 28.

From the podium, Walker presented the plaque she received from Cabrillo town homes on Main Street on behalf of the efforts of past councils, the present council, and staff to bring the housing project to fruition.

City Planner Kevin McSweeney announced the upcoming Friday Farmer’s Market to be held at the northeast corner of Sespe and Central Ave, starting July 13, running from 4pm-9pm. Thirty booths will be available for rent.

The Fourth of July hot rod show put on by Fillmore & Western is expected to run as planned at Central Park.
McSweeney also noted that the City has issued only two block party permits. Though the registration deadline has passed, the City will not turn anyone away this week, but McSweeney warns that it is not possible for authorities to process many permits at the same time. Permit seekers are asked to apply by July 1.

Public Comments
Resident Dave Roegner expressed CONTINUED »

A student listens to Clara Knopfler as she speaks.
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Eighth grade students at Fillmore Middle School had a rare opportunity Tuesday May 25th. They heard the testimony of a Holocaust survivor, Clara Knopfler. As Clara related her story of life in Transylvania she emphasized she was the same age as FMS students when her country was occupied by Hungarians, Hitler‘s first allies in World War II. As she spoke the silence in the FMS gym was palpable. Eighth graders have been reading the Diary of Anne Frank in Language Arts and studying the Holocaust in their history classes. They sat mesmerized by actually hearing the history from a woman who lived it. As Clara explained, she was first made to live in the ghetto, an old brick factory with no restrooms. She was then transported to Auschwitz and later ended up in Riga concentration camp where she made gun powder for the German army. Luckily she lived through these trials with her mother at her side, Pepi Deutsch, who’s spirit led she and her daughter through the darkest times. From Riga she went to the Eastern front to dig anti-tank trenches. There she confronted a German soldier beating her mother. By the simple, but strong statement, “don’ t you have a mother?” actually got him to stop hitting her mother.

Lastly Clara and her mother were forced to CONTINUED »

Mr. Chuey Ortiz, owner of El Pescador was awarded with a Power of One certificate.
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Receiving recognition for participating in the “E-Scrip” program was (r-l) Kathy Lisle of Vons and Martin Hernandez of Super A, along with the E-Scrip coordinator Lori Dyer, and school board member Virginia De la Piedra.
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On Tuesday, June 15th the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting. The school year ended last week, Board President Tony Prado was not present, but school business carries on with concerned citizens asking the Board for clarifications on spending while the Board scrambles to cover it’s next payroll payment as the County claims money recently put in District accounts.

The Board heard again from Mrs. Mary Ford of Fillmore regarding concern over the situation in Piru and referred to the recent actions of Sweeney in hiring a mediator to help, but “how can the mediator do her job if these teachers are going to be moved” asked Ford. Board materials confirm that the District paid Ms. Cynthia Kings company Communication Catalysts $10,000.00 for “mediation services” over the next year. During an interview King commented that following a year end meeting with staff last week she feels the process is “Off to a good start, [emphasizing start] and I have met some wonderful people that I look forward to working with”. King was not part of the decision making process to pass the Resolution allowing the involuntary transfer of teachers from Piru School but she does intend to meet individually with all School Board members as part of the process. King will be meeting with community members in Piru and then performing “in-service” work during the upcoming school year.
Public comment continued with Fillmore resident, Ms. Ide Ramirez presenting questions to Sweeney regarding options for parents wishing to transfer students out of the District. Ramirez demanded that the District stop giving parents false information regarding their legal options. “We have been in touch with Moorpark, Ojai, Santa Paula, Ventura Unified and [they] have no recollection of denying enrollment to Fillmore [students] as a matter of fact they have asked us to give you the message that as long as they have room in their non “PI” schools they will continue to welcome FUSD [students]”. The final two public comment speakers brought questions to the Board regarding records of expenditures specifically at Piru School, for programs to benefit the students, and for facility improvement. Sweeney commented, and Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush later confirmed that $1.3 Million in projects have been applied for to go to Williams Act projects at Piru School, but that the District has been waiting for two years for the funding to be approved, although Bush did mention that he expects approval in July, the money will not come until the State releases funds. Bush emphasized that “we have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars already” on Piru School facility projects - including painting and repairing asphalt which the District felt was an “immediate safety risk” - and that those dollars will be reimbursed to the District when the money arrives from the State.

In recognizing the great contribution of CONTINUED »

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As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal between June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area please report it. Please call 805-524-1500 ext. 350 with any information you can provide. An illegal fireworks enforcement team dedicated to responding to fireworks related calls for service will be on hand to insure violations are resolved both quickly and safely.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.
Fire Safety
• If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.
• Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
• Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.
• Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.
• Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.