To the Editor:
I cannot find a way to put your name in my letter greeting..
Your latest May 10 realities is way out of line and unlike your thinking as we have come to know you.
The forefathers established our political parties and wrote the Constitution to provide for difference of thinking and values.
Liberals, Conservatives, neither by that plan hold a dominant position over the other.. Neither is more right than the other. A better way for Americans is if we unite and recognize we by plan will have differences.
It concerns me to hear you say that the "FBI,CIA,NSA,IRS, and their top employees with the Democratic party have proven themselves criminal"
Absolute nonsense! that complete group of organizations are the elite Men and Women who protect this country . Highly educated and dedicated to America. To have the view that they are all criminals, is about the same as the Patient who visits a psychiatrist and tells him "it is not me who is crazy it is the rest of the world"
With regard to Hillary Clinton although there is this issue of Russian interference in our election that may have cost her the Presidency, that is all. It is quite clear that the investigation was caused by the Russian interference and so many of the Presidents Campaign officials having had contact with the Russians. We need to know, and no it is not concluded. Read the (Republican) Robert Mueller report Volume 2.
Ten listed potential obstruction of Justice by our President. those are not resolved.
They have along with the whole report, been temporarily put under Executive Privilege .
A.G. Barr: the only portion of the whole report that Barr is restricted from giving Congress the un-redacted report, are those areas where there is Grand Jury testimony or would unduly share names of those who are innocent. of any of this..
Barr did lie, did you watch his testimony? where he answered that he had no idea what Muller's view of his four page letter, was . As we now know he did know from a March letter he had received ( and he did not tell us about it) well before the date of his appearance with Congress. He is no saint. He is well educated but tarnished himself
The Brett Kavanaugh hearings were terrible and unforgiveable, Barr deserves no apology,.
I am astounded that so many well educated people have apparently come to the view that the Executive branch is all powerful, no one should question it.
Our forefathers set the Governing Powers at three elements. Executive, Congress, and the Supreme Court. None of them dictates or runs over the others. The Supreme Court is the final arbitrator of decisions as provided by law. They all have specific functions and responsibilities
I have written Chief Justice John Roberts via email. the question is, 'with today's American tenor", where it seems anything is up for change and questioning , "Why is the Supreme Court Waiting to be invited to join the issues shredding American civility and, values". The established process of running up through a series of levels of Court, is a waste of time and money when it is absolutely the Supreme Court who will have to make the calls. Particularly as they are set by the Constitution. False pretenses of understanding better than anyone else is boloney. Establishing policies , for example,, The Justice Department has a policy to not indict a President, contrary to the Constitution "Liberty and Justice for all" What happened to "Liberty and Justice for ALL. "? It does not say when it is convenient!
Do we need to rewrite the lyrics to our Pledge of Allegiance? and remove Justice for all ?
Does the Presidential oath of office need to strike out "I will preserve and defend the Constitution so help me God??" may be it should say, but just has it applies to me the Executive Branch ?
I do not think so. We did/do not want an autocratic system, or a king.
Congress has by Article 1 the power to subpoena whoever they see is needed for hearing information..
I am concerned that the Executive Branch is over stepping it's authority as provided by the Constitution, for Congress. investigations and subpoena power therefore are implied by Article 1, Section1 of the Constitution specifically for Congress. . It does not apply or provide for the Executive Branch to interfere. Oh Well here we go.
This has to come to a conclusion
It is time for the silent third of the United States governing authorities, The Supreme Court , to get involved and not wait to be invited, before there is another civil war.
We need by distinction of the Constitution for Congressional oversight, subpoenas to be honored, we need to let this fall where it may, by thorough review and over sight, we need this for America.
Raymond S. Brown Sr.,
Fillmore

To the Editor:
The reason I am writing this letter is your April 17, 2019, comment on presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa undergraduate of Harvard, first-class honors in philosophy, politics and economics from Pembroke College, Oxford (Rhodes scholar), speaks 8 languages including English (Norwegian self-taught), Afghanistan veteran, 37-year old mayor of South Bend, IN for the last eight years. Religious and married. Whom God made gay. You do know that there is significant historical evidence that Aristotle, Socrates, Shakespeare, DaVinci, Michelangelo, and thousands of other remarkable human beings, including likely Abraham Lincoln, were homosexual or bi-sexual? Does this make them any less great?
It’s no one’s right to chastise you for your objection to the fact that Mayor Pete is gay, though your reaction to it seems extreme. It is just one aspect of a life lived well so far, a life of achievement, one devoted to public service and a willingness to serve further. True, Mayor Pete is not out there paying off porn stars, or separating children from their parents, or making the rich richer, or calling the Fourth Estate "enemies of the people,"or making up juvenile names for elected officials, or threatening our small farmers with bankruptcy under tariffs. No, Mayor Pete is offering for our consideration another way of looking at our country’s future. He appears to be resurrecting the Middle-America Social Justice Movement of the early 20th century. He may not be elected president, but his voice is worthwhile.
Close your eyes when he kisses his husband, Martin, if love offends you. And if you are troubled by the fact that he sees himself as the “wife” in the relationship, perhaps he just honestly thinks he’s the stronger partner. I’m not sure why it should matter to you. I think God can probably handle the soul of his child, Mayor Pete of Indiana.
Kelly Scoles, Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Wednesday, April 24th, one of the saddest days I will ever experience. Our small community lost a treasure as Fillmore Christian Academy closed the doors. It has been my personal pleasure to work alongside this institution for 19 years as the director of Sonshine Preschool. Many of the students began their education experience at the preschool making the seemingly effortless transition into Mrs. Morgan’s kindergarten class. It was a privilege to watch these students transform, mature and graduate from preschool to elementary to Jr high.
The working environment between the preschool and the academy was indeed rare. We worked together so well that most of the community believed we were one school, not independent of one another.
Sadly as Fillmore Christian Academy sought to find another home, as the church on
Central Ave has sold, it was not to be. Between finding a welcoming establishment and then fulfilling the requirements of the City of Fillmore it was more that this little institution could achieve.
Thank you Fillmore Christian Academy for 26 years serving the Lord, the community and for all the love and lessons bestowed upon the students, parents and staff both past and present.
Joanna Van Why, Fillmore

To The Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who contributed to the success of Fillmore High School's 21st annual arts show “Wild at heART”. It takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work, dedication and talent to coordinate an event such as this. Thank you to Fillmore Lions Club for your donation which helped to make this event possible. Thank you to Mr. Wilber for your continuing support of the visual and performing arts program at Fillmore High School.
Thank you to the staff and teachers at FHS who supported the student’s efforts and allowed students to take part in hanging the show. To the custodial staff of Fillmore High school- thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to help . Thank you to the students who stayed late to break down the show and clean up after the event. I am so appreciative of your help.
Special thanks to Mr. Greg Godfrey and the fantastic members of the Fillmore High School Concert Band, Jazz Band and Los Rayos Mariachi Band who played at the event. The musical concert helped to make the evening a resounding success. Thank you to Ms. Lourdes Juarez and the Ballet Folklorico dancers. Thank you to Mr. Josh Overton and the outstanding performances of the Drama students. Thank you to Mr. Randall Kamradt for sharing your student’s videos. Thanks to Jason Corona director of Child Nutrition Services for mentoring student chef Gabriel Quezada
Thank you to the parents and the community who attended the show and helped to make this a special night for the students. Last, but not least, to all the student visual artists, musicians and dancers who put in numerous hours preparing for this event, hosting and cleaning up after a long day and night- especially my art students and former students who came back to help- thank you- without you there couldn't be a show. I am very proud of all of you.
Rosalind Mitzenmacher
Fillmore High School, Visual & Performing Arts Department

To the Editor:
Early Saturday, March 1st, an arsonist tried to set fire to the Garage display building at the Fillmore Historical Museum. It was rainy and very wet and the fire took until 9 a.m. to smolder before it really caught fire. Thanks first to volunteer, Susan Hopkins, who saw the smoke and called 911. Then our gratitude to the very quick and efficient local fire department who made quick work of putting it out. Finally, thanks to the sheriff’s deputies who, using our video feed, were able to identify and then apprehend the person who was responsible. We are lucky in Fillmore to have such great professional public servants and museum volunteers.
Martha Gentry, Executive Director, Fillmore Historical Museum

To the Editor:
Thank You, Fillmore Lions Club
Our community is blessed to have such caring, generous, and dedicated men and women who strive to do good at every opportunity.
The Fillmore High School Drama Club would like to thank the Fillmore Lions Club for their continued support. Your donation will contribute to the education of young performers here in Fillmore, as it has for many years. Using past donations, FHS Drama has purchased new lighting and sound equipment, giving our actors the opportunity to learn the technical side of the performing arts. The funds have also been used to purchase tools and raw building materials, allowing our students the opportunity to develop important, hands-on, set design and construction techniques. The Lions Club donations over the years have allowed us to focus on the creation of art rather than the distraction of scrambling to raise funds every year. This year, your generosity will help fund our next production – keep an eye out for the announcement!
Thank you, Fillmore Lions Club!
Sincerely,
Josh Overton – FHS Drama Teacher and Director and 97 grateful drama students.

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To the Editor:
What do we know about Fillmore Middle School?
Parents take a minute to speak to your child son/daughter!
City of Fillmore only has one Fillmore Middle School.
1. Question: How many children attend Fillmore Middle School?
Answer: Too many!!
2. Question: How many staff supervisors on campus? During lunch and breaks?
Answer: Not enough supervision, low supervision/under staffed!!
3. Question: How many fights occur on campus?
Answer: Too many, majority fights aren’t reported, only few that they know about!!
4. Question: How many incidents of bullying on campus?
Answer: Too many!!
5. Question: How many incidents of peer pressure on campus?
Answer: Too many!!
Too many is too many, enough is enough!
Fillmore School District is spending thousands and thousands of dollars for laptops for our children at the Fillmore Middle School, great, very great! But what about these issues? Bullying, peer pressure, fighting? What about these issues? They won’t disappear or go away, they will continue and continue. So I say enough is enough!!
Fillmore Middle School is understaffed, low staff!!
I ask parents, we need to be aware of what goes on at the Fillmore Middle School and this is what goes on? Low staff/under staffed.
Negligent supervision at Fillmore Middle School.
Veronica Garcia
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Your Editorial of February 17, 2019
I almost made it through your February 17 mini-editorial without groaning. But once I started, that pesky curiosity got the better of me.
Religion is a touchy subject as you undoubtedly found out last week after your earlier rant on the Vatican. Since you think that experience of religion is essential to bona fides in this matter, I will disclose that I too, was a Roman Catholic from birth, a graduate of Catholic grammar, high school, and Santa Clara University. I was in fact a sister in Dominican Convent, San Rafael, leaving as a novice. My disputes with the Catholic Church have to do with faith and I won’t bore anyone with the particulars.
I have read your opinions for years, so I know that you have at the very least remained silent on all manner of Church activity over the last 25 years. No calls for Cardinal Mahony to step down when he ritualistically concealed thousands of cases of sexual abuse by priests in California or tried to cheat his church gravediggers for honest pay. No condemnation of requests from the archdiocese for parishioner’s money to cover legal costs related to the abuses (let the cardinal sell off his mansion to cover those costs and live Christ’s life). No demand that Pope Benedict resign for his coverup of all manner of corruption including toleration of sexual abuse.
No, Martin, what gets your goat is that Pope Francis appears to be trying to shed a light on the failures and excesses of the Church, is trying to remove the veil from the secrecy from the Vatican, appears to be more concerned with social justice than preserving the reputation of the Holy See. And he’s got his work cut out for him with millennia of unchecked power to contend with, but he knows what the message of Christ was and is. And that involves love, forgiveness, and hope, and a people-centered, not clergy-centered, belief system. Yes, the Protestants got some things right.
Pope Francis parted the curtains on the Vatican and now, suddenly, he is responsible for all the ills of the Catholic Church of the modern era (sorry, Second Vatican is also complicit). You would, I think, far prefer he had never touched those curtains and the power of the hierarchy had never been challenged. I’ll bet they feel the same way in Vatican City ; just ask Theodore McCarrick who was not only removed from the list of cardinals, but was recently defrocked by Francis, i.e., he cannot exercise his priestly ordination for the remainder of his life as punishment for his sexual abuses.
Don’t start crying crocodile tears over the sins of the Church now. Pope Francis is not doing enough fast enough to cure its ills! He must resign! That’s not what really ticks you off, Martin. What gets to you is that this Pope is sounding like he’s not only principled, he is actually trying to exercise those principles! And, in doing that, he demonstrates suspicious tendencies. Sometimes he sounds like…..a Christian liberal. That’s why you’re grinding your teeth: that two-thousand year-old message of “love over law.” Such a betrayal.
- Kelly Scoles, Fillmore, CA

To the editor:
What is going on at the Middle School? As any parent can tell you, administration is no where to be found, and inmates run the asylum! Does anyone ever see the Principle? He must be ghost because parents never see him. Who is this guy and where he come from? Why isn’t the staff doing anything about all the disrespectful kids? Just visit the school during lunch, you’ll see what I mean. No Principle any where. He must have alot more important things to look after than discipline at school.
S. Mubrev
Concerned Fillmore Community Member

To the Editor:
I nearly fell off my chair reading your comments on the President pulling troops from Syria.
I know you are an avid president admirer. Thank you for your honest view!
To a degree I have my arenas of support. Foreign policy with Mr. Trump is not one of them.
His absolute lack of knowledge is so apparent that even a camp fire girl can see it.
In the beginning of his campaign and presidency he touted "MY GENERALS" and brought four to five into his administration. He said any conflicts/wars would be better understood and handled by the generals, he would not hold the reins, they would.
I felt any lack of experience with the Worlds order, and many issues of our worlds contentious/adversarial countries, would be identified and addressed, by Military educated Men and Women.
His North Korea non nuclear deal has fallen apart. Russia now has new age bombers in Venezuela; most of our allies are in distrust of the United States.
When you visualize the Commander in Chief mantel he wears, it leaves me with great concern with regard to his hip shooting uneducated, pre-dominate nature, (for World affairs and defending the Unite States of America.)
My problem is his daily contradicting of his previous pronouncements.
Now your Syria view. OMG yes, USA leaves, Turkey attacks our Kurdish allies and slaughter them.
Russia, Iran, Asad Syria consume the rest of the Syrian State. What country is right next door that they all want gone. Israel , even Iraq could get drawn into the tribe, they just told us to leave.
I think that this is a disastrous mess looking for the opening.
Would Trump go to Israels defense, our ally, he is ditching all the others?
Raymond S Brown, Sr.
Fillmore Ca.

To the Editor:
Isn’t interesting that the resurfacing and repairs on our two state highways (126 & 23) started just before the vote on the proposition to stop the gas tax increase. Highway 23 was previously resurfaced just a few years ago and was still in good condition. Now we have new bumpy pavement from the bridge to Pasadena Avenue. Resurfacing was a big price to pay just to get a back massage while driving to Bardsdale..
Bob Morris

To the Editor:
Dear Fillmore Community,
Serving the citizens of Fillmore the past four years as a councilmember and as mayor has been a huge honor for me and an incredible privilege. I am so very proud of the things we accomplished, and I am especially proud of my fellow councilmember’s, for their integrity, love for this community, and mutual respect we had for one another. One of my biggest take-aways from this experience is knowing that I made some incredible friends who endorsed me and supported me through my entire term in office, and I take great comfort in knowing that these friendships remain with me as I leave the dais.
I am also very thankful for the hard work our City staff does, and thank each one of them for all that they do to make the work of Council so much easier.
To Lynn Edmonds, please be assured that with the colleagues you are about to begin working with, both on Council and the City staff, you have every opportunity to succeed, and I wish you the best.
I encourage all community members to become engaged in the process of governing our city. Attend city council meetings, follow agenda items that have a direct impact on our lives. Speak at meetings on items you feel strongly about to let the Council know your position. Each individual voice has such value to the Council. Nowhere else can an individual have a greater impact than at the local city level. So let your voices be heard. Participate.
I want to take a moment now to look forward. I have no doubt that the good work that has begun the past four years will continue to move forward. There is still much to be done, and I will be anxiously awaiting news of more economic development to come our way, continued increases to our reserve fund, solutions to our affordable housing issues, and all the other projects and improvements that will continue to make Fillmore the great community that it is. We are all truly blessed to call Fillmore home.
Thank you, Fillmore, for allowing me the privilege to serve you these past four years.
Carrie Broggie, Former Mayor & Council Member

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To the Editor:
Fillmore Election Day Observation...
As a concerned citizen of Fillmore and having a sincere interest to learn the voting process, I participated as a volunteer observer for Election Integrity Project California (EIPCa). I visited several of Fillmore’s precincts at last Tuesday’s election. What I observed was both enlightening and disheartening. I observed the opening of Poll Location #1, a hardworking assembly of grass roots citizens, with a “get it done attitude” that made up for their inexperience as poll workers. I thought this would pave the way for a very smooth and easy day of how our voting system works, or should work in California.
I traveled to the next Poll Location #2, where I was met with ‘Electioneering’ for a City Council Member. A campaign banner stretched across the tailgate of a small pickup truck parked less than 100 feet from the front door of this precinct. The driver was announcing loud and clear to a grounds worker that his candidate was going to win and that he, the grounds worker should go vote.
For those that don’t know the word “Electioneering” it is the display of candidate pictures, name, logo, T-shirt, etc., and audible discussions of ballot choices within 100 feet of a polling location. This is a violation to the fair integrity of our voting system, but in many cases hard to prove. It only got worse as I walked up to the precinct door and was ‘greeted’ by a young campaigner wearing a T-shirt with the words “Vote for ….” For City Council”. On entering the polling location, I directed the Poll Inspector (PI) to this issue and she did resolve the situation.
The same young campaigner reappeared in the polling location with a new plain t-shirt. The campaigner walked directly into the voting booth with a voter that already had two other adult occupants in the booth with her. This was another Election Code violation of privacy in the voting booth, or instructing voters how to vote without taking a required oath. When I went to the PI to question why several adult people occupying one booth was being permitted, I sensed resentment towards me by the PI. The PI called her supervisor who instructed the PI not to answer any of my questions and cover up all the signature books. I felt completely misunderstood because it was not my intention to interfere in the voting process. I found out later that this same Supervisor was the authority having jurisdiction over other precincts in Fillmore.
What began as a learning exercise suddenly went south and continued when I went to the next polling location #3. On entering this poll location, I actually met the Supervisor that had spoken on the phone to the PI at my previous stop. It was an awkward conversation as I walked in while the same Supervisor that had instructed the PI from Poll #2 was instructing the poll workers not to answer or acknowledge anyone observing at the polls. I took my place out of the way from any traffic and watched as an elderly man got his ballot and went into the polling booth. He didn’t appear to ask for help but another voter went into his booth and took over the marking of his ballot. I directed my concern to the PI of this location when the Supervisor interrupted and said to the PI that she didn’t have to listen to me…and to me she said, “I will take it under advisement”, but did not eject the assistant from the booth. The ballot was accepted from the elderly gentleman. I had seen enough at this location and a sinking feeling came over me that this may be happening all over Fillmore with this type of supervision.
My next stop was Poll Location #4 where I was greeted politely and welcoming, but there had not been any communication with this infamous Supervisor during my observation. This location became very busy and too confusing to observe. People asking if they could vote, should vote and what kind of ballot to use. I don’t know how poll workers can determine the eligibility of potential voters when the State of CA Legislature and Secretary of State have limited the ways to identify US citizens.
My last stop was Poll Location #5 where the experienced operation of the poll workers came through like a well-run assembly line. This showed me that a less confusing and knowledgeable panel does exist.
In closing this recounting of events as “I saw it”, some may recognize themselves in the telling of my experience. And I understand my opinion is subjective when it comes to how I felt while observing, but these violations did exist as I saw them. I have not mentioned any names and it may not matter. It just shows that these violations do exist and are apparently happening not just in Fillmore but County, State and Country wide. This is exponentially affecting the outcome of our elections and as a US Citizen everyone has the right to observe the functioning of an election. More people need to observe the Voting Process and understand that our complacency is being taken advantage of with Election Fraud. Please, don’t ignore the ‘rumors’ of Election Fraud as votes are being stolen across our state and country. It is happening, even in our “Small Town of Fillmore”.
Frustration was a catalyst when given the opportunity to join a nonpartisan organization that is truly concerned about the honest and ethical outcome of our US elections. A single voice can join like minds for change and improve the odds of outcome against voting dishonesty when you take action by observing in our next election.
If you feel the same as I did, please consider viewing the website for Election Integrity Project California-(EIPCa) www.eip-ca.com. Some of Election Codes Violated: {EC 319.5-Electioneering}; {EC 14224, 14282, 14283-Assisted Voter not taken Oath}; {EC 14222, 14224 (a), 14281-No more than one voter may occupy a single voter booth}; {EC 2300 (a) (9) (A)(B)(10), 14223 (b), 15104, 15104(b), 1510} Observer Rights;
Anonymous

To the Editor:
I agree on the passing of Measure T as a resident of the City of Fillmore. I believe this approval with all votes in favor of Measure T will benefit the City of Fillmore. By allowing cannabis cultivation and companies to sell cannabis will allow our city to prosper with taxing companies that cultivate cannabis. As some people oppose this measure T, I understand how residents do not want to allow this to pass. Looking at the bigger picture prop 64 passed in the state of California. It is inevitable that cannabis will be everywhere. The future of this Country has changed and we have to be open to change. So why not be in favor for cultivation in our town as a benefit in our town instead of a burden. It is well regulated with laws that will not harm our city but instead grow it in income. It is regulated by the state and city with laws in place. People who cultivate cannabis are under strict rules if it causes a problem or nuisance permits can be revoked and can be in trouble by the law. No minors will be allowed in cannabis center this means no one under 21 also no minors can work at cultivation sites. Cultivation sites have to be 600 feet away from schools, day care centers, and youth centers. Workers for the cannabis industry will be back ground checked and finger printed. It is well regulated and taking precautions to prevent criminal activity. Cannabis regardless will enter the city legally and illegally. It is time to benefit from it by increase city revenue and helping people with medical problems. It is stated by the City of Fillmore, Small indoor cultivation facility (per the state license and regulations) could generate as much as $70,000 in taxes per year for the City, with each medium sized indoor cultivation facility generating as much as $150,000 per year, and each large sized indoor facility generating as much as $330,000 per year. It is you decision to adapt to the times and pass this measure to have it benefit the City of Fillmore.
Sincerely,
Matthew Irie

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To the Editor:
I was recently told not to get emotional about the marijuana issue in Fillmore. Hmm. Just how does one stay unemotional about an industry that has the potential to permanently change our town and hurt the people [I] love, in so many ways…crime, corruption, addiction? I have been fighting City Hall, along with so many others, for two and a half years on this issue. Just what will it take for us to stop our City Council on its quest for the dubious tax dollars from the Pot Industry? So here are a few the unemotional facts that the pot industry brings with it...
CRIME: Carpinteria is the only other town nearby that has created as much growing area as our City Mayor is proposing. In the last few months, Carpinteria had multiple major armed robberies of their pot growers- and that was only what was reported to the authorities.
The transport of marijuana and the cash only nature of this industry has made it a target of organized crime. Car and truckjackings have spiked from this- the most interesting one I have read: a pot truck was hijacked in San Francisco- in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge! And that was a big city; we are a small town in a rural area.
Our City Council is asking the impossible of our police force and city manager to make sure each pot grower is truthful in the accounting of cash and product. He is to monitor the ‘back door’ movement of any pot (the dispensaries want more of the untaxed/illegal material as they make a better profit), the major security and personnel checks required for this industry. Then there are the environmental regulators who will need to monitor the huge amounts of water usage from our Valley’s aqueduct, and then the clean-up of that water. They will need to monitor of the enormous amount of fungicides and miticides needed for successful growing of a monocrop in a closed, humid environment.
All of us have watched the July 4th illegal fireworks go up in this town, and if we can’t handle regulating those for one day, how do we think our good chief of police and one city manager should be expected to keep this industry clean and honest?
CORRUPTION: City Hall refuses to hear us when we ask our representatives to stop participation in any aspect of the Pot Industry. Over 300 people at the city meeting, overwhelming support at the ‘listening session’ put on the City Hall to end the Pot direction it was taking, over a thousand people signed a petition to stop it (the petition was then lost at City Hall), the County District Attorney had to step in and slap the mayor’s hand because he repeatedly would not allow citizens our constitutional right to speak against the pot issue at city council meeting’s Open Comment…where is the transparency and honesty?
Besides the DA, other outside groups have looked into the issues in Fillmore. The California Election Integrity Project is training local observers to monitor precincts because of the major abuses found in other cities voting on marijuana issues- and they expect the same for Fillmore. The Elections Board is looking at Fillmore’s candidates for political donation guidelines irregularities (always remember the line: just follow the money)
A piece of good news though- for the first time in a very long time, both the Democratic Party and Republican Party have agreed on something- and that is that Fillmore’s Measure T is majorly flawed legislation. Both parties are urging a vote No on Measure T. Take a look at what our own city attorney has written about Measure T: if the Measure is voted in, it gives our City Council the authorization “to amend or appeal the ordinance without restrictions”. Medical Marijuana growing could soon include recreational cultivation and dispensaries as possibilities.
Folks, if there is this much wrong and corruption brought to our community by an Industry that is not even here yet, what do you think it will be like if the Pot Industry does get ahold of our community?
ADDICTION: Where do I even begin with this? As a parent and an educator, it is just plain wrong to say to kids: Just Say No, but we want to make the bucks off of it. How do you rationalize to kids that we want the tax money, even though 9% of those who use marijuana will become addicted, heavy teen use can lower IQ points by about 8 points, that many of the ‘cannabis products’ on the market are at such a high THC content that they have the ability to produce a permanent psychotic state, that pot today is can be at least three times stronger than it was decades ago. These are facts from Ventura County Behavioral Health-who is working already in our Middle School because of student drug issues. Knowing the facts about this product, is it worth it to us? Almost two dozen of our kids were expelled for drug related offenses in our schools last year–the majority of them being marijuana infractions-these are our kids, in our community! What amount of tax money justifies this for our City Mayor who proposed this Measure? Can’t you find any other ways to balance the budget?
Finally, can we all just agree on this one thing? Windowless warehouses the size of Vons, requiring high power security, lining both sides of town along the 126, are about as ugly a blight as we could bring on our community. On the purely aesthetic level, our City Hall must have no sense of who we are, or why ︣we live here, if they think that this is the town we want to show others, let alone what we want to live with ourselves.
I am sorry, but when someone asks me not to get emotional about this issue, you are asking too much.
The elections are this coming Tuesday. Please show that you care. Vote No on Measure T.
Respectfully,
Regina Stehly Nuῄez
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
The current mayor of Fillmore, Manuel Minjares, supports Measure T. He states the main reason for a yes vote is that it will provide a source of tax revenue for the City of Fillmore. The big problem, he wrote, is "The city is facing structural budget problems due to decreases in sales tax revenues." (Emphasis added. Quoted from The County Voter Information Guide, page 56-151)
Putting aside the debate concerning Measure T for a moment, if the City of Fillmore is so concerned about lack of tax revenue, why haven't the Powers that Be done anything proactive about all the empty storefronts and buildings on Central Avenue and State Route 126? This has been an issue for years. Why isn't there a serious revitalization program going on? By all means, preserve the historicity of Central Avenue when bringing in new tenants for that part of town, but on the other hand, with McDonald's, IHOP, Starbucks, ETC., the 126 does not have the same type of historicity that Central Avenue does. It is a potential gold mine of tax revenue, but besides Waba Grill just opening up next to RiteAid, what has been done to make it happen? Maybe that should be a priority before passing Measure T.
Phil Fewsmith
Resident of Fillmore

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To the Editor:
THE NOSE KNOWS!
Do we want to breathe in the sweet, clean smell of citrus trees, avocado groves, and nurseries, or do we want to breathe in the obnoxious, stinky smell of marijuana? Be good to our noses and vote NO ON MEASURE T!
The City Manager and some members of the City Council are trying to convince us that the “sweet smell of success” is money in the City coffers; not quality of life for residents. They seem to think that we are naive enough to believe that if they are *”…authorized to amend or appeal the ordinance without restrictions” they will not overwhelm our lovely community as cannabis growers have for citizens of Carpinteria and other places. Fillmore uniquely affords easy access for pot growers to three major traffic routes; the 5, 101, and 118 highways. Giving the City Council the ability to “…amend or appeal the ordinance without restrictions” is like opening the door to a candy store and telling a child they can go in and eat as much candy as they want to without restrictions.
People who need marijuana for serious medical conditions are a very small percentage of our community, and they know where to buy it in Ventura County. The majority of residents in Fillmore do not need to be subjected to the awful aroma of cannabis growing, the disposal of bio waste such as stalks, increased truck traffic on 126, and increased exposure of marijuana to our youth.
Once growers are allowed into a community it can be legally difficult and expensive to get rid of them because they invest large amounts of money in their businesses and fight hard to stay, especially in a place so strategically well-situated for distribution as Fillmore is.
Don’t be fooled…vote NO on MEASURE T!
*(according to the “City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure T”)
Joan Archer
Fillmore Resident

CALIFORNIA CITY NEWS
TUE, 05/15/2018
A TOWN ONCE KNOWN FOR ITS FRESH CUT FLOWERS NOW SMELLS LIKE WEED
A lot has changed in the picturesque town of Carpinteria, California. And those changes are being seen, felt, heard -- and yes -- even smelled.
For years, the Santa Barbara County town had a thriving flower production sector. But the business has been waning due to competition overseas. Carpinteria’s once famous carnations are now being replaced by a new kind of plant: cannabis.
As County News reported last month, Santa Barbara County has the most legal marijuana farms in the state. Much of the growth is concentrated in Carpinteria, where greenhouses formerly used for flowers are now grow houses for the county’s booming marijuana industry. For the growers and county coffers and economy as a whole, it’s good thing. But for those with a keen sense of smell, it stinks.
“We don’t want a marijuana smell,” said 73-year-old resident and retired sheriff’s deputy Xave Saragosa. “We want fresh air.”
The county hears them. New odor abatement rules approved in February will go into effect later this year. As cultivators begin installing new odor abatement systems, the smell could let up.
But you can’t please every all the time and that’s clear in Carpinteria. For some, the issue may not be about the smell, but rather then change in the air.
“I would not like Carpinteria to be the ‘cannabis capital’ of Southern California,” said an 80-year-old resident and retired Episcopal priest. “I like it the way it is. It’s a very quiet, unpretentious beach town.”

To the Editor:
As a former Council Member I know making decisions on behalf of the populace can be rigorous and at times, rewarding. You must show a steady hand of facts and empathy towards your constituents.
To date, that expectation has fallen by the wayside of our local representatives. An example is a statement made by Diane McCall in October of 2016 when voting to raise our sewer rates: Diane McCall, to paraphrase, stated.. “the sewer rate increase was modest” via (VC Star). This statement overshadowed Diane’s ability to engender empathy to an issue that is efficacious to all. While there are various components to this issue, ratepayers are entitled to respect and due diligence on a solution to this meticulous issue — not a cheap band aid.
This isn't the type of leadership I desire for Fillmore, or for any municipality for that matter.
We should be united to insist and persist in keeping our elected officials accountable. We can do better!
Brian N. Sipes
Former City Council Member (2010-2013)
[Editor’s Note: Mr. Sipes was elected to Fillmore City Council on Nov. 7, 2010, and served from January 2011 to May 2013, when he resigned before his term was completed.]

To the Editor:
I want to thank all the workers who cleaned the F on the hill. They deserve an A for the F! It is beautiful and shines so brightly. Thank you everyone for making our town shine at night!
Sincerely,
Jean Council
Fillmore

To the Editor:
It was hard to miss the irony on the front page of your most recent Gazette.
There was Mayor Minjares - a longtime advocate of Marijuana, and now the author of Measure T, a local measure to be voted upon on November 6, which will open to door to Marijuana cultivation in Fillmore. He was sitting among a group of schoolchildren.
Just a few columns over and down was the reporting of the new Fillmore Unified District Resolution, “opposing Marijuana Dispensaries, Deliveries, Personal, and all Commercial Cultivation and other commercial activities.”
Marijuana is known to cause permanent brain damage in the brains of teens and in nursing babies. It is known to be addictive and to act as a gateway drug to unproductive lives of misery. It is still a Federally Illegal Controlled Class I Drug which most doctors are uncomfortable prescribing, and which most pharmacies, unsure of source quality, will not carry. The research on marijuana for medicinal use is at best, inconclusive.
Shouldn’t we, as a town, send a consistent message to our schoolchildren? I hope Mayor Minjares looked into the faces of those schoolchildren and has rethought his belief that indoor Marijuana cultivation in Fillmore is the answer to a possible city budget shortfall.
I believe that we should all, including our Mayor, SAY NO TO DRUGS, VOTE NO on MEASURE T, and keep Fillmore as a town where growing kids is more important than growing… pot.
Patrick King
Fillmore, California

To the Editor:
Martin Farrell
Editor of the Fillmore Herald
On Thursday, many of us watched the Senate Judiciary Committee interview Dr. Christine Blasely Ford and judge Brett Kavanaugh. The contrast between of these two individuals could not have been more stark. We had a clear-eyed, emotional but disciplined accuser. And we had a sitting judge who mawkishly told dubious stories of his children “praying for Dr. Ford,” multiple lies about the status of other witnesses, the concocted meaning of well-known references to gross acts and “games,” such as “ralphing” (a term which literally no one thinks refers to the judge’s “weak stomach”), aggressively insulted the Committee and in particular senator Amy Klobuchar over his potential misuse of a beverage, and who claimed that all facts leveled against him were and are the result of a left-wing conspiracy on behalf of the Clintons.
His shocking lack of respect for the senators conducting the interview, his clearer-than-ever-before partisanship and mawkish display of emotion, show Kavanaugh does not have the judicial temperament or integrity to serve on any bench, let alone the SCOTUS. Can you imagine if Dr. Ford had melted down in such a self-indulgent tantrum?
Kavanaugh has been a political operative for decades. He was involved in the decisions on torture in W’s administration and was essential to the Clinton Whitewater investigation before he was on the bench. He falsely minimized his partisanship in those roles, but he showed his true bias on Thursday. And, while most of us can agree that beer may have benefits to its use, to carry on as passionately and defensively as Kavanaugh did about his past underage and present use of the intoxicant was so astoundingly juvenile and unsettling that it must be seen to be believed.
An elitist with the arrogance and disingenuousness to dispute it, Kavanaugh appreciates and relishes control over other people as his near-hysterical treatment of Klobuchar and other senators indicated. That his stated job on the bench is to “call balls and strikes” is clearly not his agenda. But look what happens when someone challenges him. He loses it. He cries and sniffles about his family’s pain, though his own ambition is what has subjected them to the experience. I believe him on that issue; it has to be difficult. But more difficult than being on the receiving end of his entitled, alcohol-fueled sexually-repressed behavior in high school and college? The Trump advice to fight back ten times harder revealed the soft, entitled, and undisciplined underbelly of Brett Kavanaugh.
Dr. Ford has had to live with that terrifying moment of being helpless and subject to the drunken abuse of an acquaintance with his hand over her mouth when she tried to scream for help, who later only recalls himself as being interested in sports, academics, good works and church. And, of course, “ralphing.” There are lots of enemies of Roe v. Wade on the Federalist Society list. I’m pretty sure there at least one who doesn’t have Kavanaugh’s baggage and who won’t weep with self-pity in a job interview.
Kelly Scoles

***

To the Editor:
Hi, I have something I want to state in the paper regarding the school district and how they put are children in Gateway. The vice superintendent said, "Oh it will be good for your son, don't worry. I will come visit once and check on him.” Well it never happened. He has never been back. Meanwhile my son has been in so much trouble because of the people he met from colonial, all over Ventura and Oxnard with tattoos on their faces. Some have gone to Juvenal Hall for murder. This is what they do to our kids from our town. They put them in this school with a bunch of thugs that in other circumstances would have never met these people and these kids were probably just like my son when they were sent there and when they come out they are different. Sure our kids shouldn't get in trouble but you don't put a baby in jail. Please advise and I am not the only parent that feels this way.
Leslie Beserra
Fillmore

To the Editor:
This is an example of why we should not let marijuana businesses of any kind in Fillmore. People who legitimately need medical marijuana know where and how to obtain it legally. Once one type of marijuana business is allowed in Fillmore, others will follow, and our lovely community will be irreparably damaged by the ripple effect marijuana businesses have on a small community. Below is the referred to titled “Money Can’t Buy Everything in Compton or Fillmore”.
- Joan Archer, Concerned Resident
CALIFORNIA CITY NEWS STRAIGHT OUTTA WEED: COMPTON BANS MARIJUANA SALES
Monday, 02/12/2018
Compton, which has produced weed-loving musical artists from DJ Quik to Dr. Dre, has been called the "birthplace of hip hop and weed culture." Now its residents are trying to shed that image.
Compton voters defeated two measures that would have allowed recreational and medical marijuana within city limits last month. If you want marijuana in Compton, you'll have to get it on the city's always sizable black market.
"Drugs have pillaged black and brown communities," 61-year-old James Hays Jr., told the Los Angeles Times. "It has taken all of our talent away from us. It makes our neighborhoods bad neighborhoods to live in.”
"The voters in Compton decided this decision was the healthiest and most forward-looking for our community," explained Councilwoman Emma Sharif. "I don't believe bringing marijuana into the community would've been good for the community.”
After years of sky-high crime rates and government corruption, Compton residents are finally getting a taste of normalcy. Crime is down, there's new leadership, home prices are rising, and big developers are coming to the city. The risk of opening the doors to the nearly all-cash legal cannabis industry is just too high, residents wager. The city also estimates it would have cost $6 million in added enforcement and processing of license requests.
It's a shame, said Dermot Givens, an attorney who specializes in marijuana licensing. He thinks the city could have made a "fortune" by capitalizing on its history as the birthplace of "the Chronic."
But money can't buy everything.

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To the Editor:
It Isn’t Your Town—It’s You – Vote NO on Measure T
Poem expressing the sentiment of Fillmore residents taken from the 1920 May Day Festival bulletin.
“If you want to live in the sort of a town, like the sort of a town you’d like, you don’t have to slip your clothes in a grip and start on a long, long, hike.
For you’ll only find what you’ve left behind, there’s nothing that’s really new, it’s a knock at yourself when you knock your town; It isn’t your town—it’s you.
Real towns are not made by men afraid lest somebody else gets ahead, where everyone works and nobody shirks, you can raise a town from the dead.
And if while you make your personal stake, your neighbor can make one, too; Then Fillmore will be what you want to see—It isn’t your town—it’s YOU.
By William Thaw Deniston.
Protect your children and family’s safety, health and virtue as well as Fillmore. Vote NO on Measure T.
Courtesy Safeguard Fillmore

To the Editor:
Dear Fellow Residents of Fillmore:
I hope all of you are ready to vote NO on Measure T, which seeks to legalize indoor Marijuana cultivation businesses in Fillmore.
I have been collecting information during the last several years on Marijuana and cannot, for the life of me, understand why some believe any kind of Marijuana cultivation would be a good business idea for our small city. Why would we want to produce any product that can harm children in our city?
The Ventura STAR ( 9/5/2018) reported that “THC may remain in breast milk for up to 6 days” and that for infants who are affected, “there is the possibility of harm to the brain and skills like concentration, attention, and impulse control.” This harm could be lifelong. I have recently read in Reader’s Digest (July-August 2018) that Marijuana use by teens is increasing, and that many teens no longer see Marijuana smoking as a health threat. Yet, Dr. Shannon Levy MD, of Boston Children’s Hospital states, in What Pot Does to a Teen’s Brain that “…one out of every 6 teens who smoke Marijuana will become addicted.”
I strongly believe that although MEASURE T on the November Ballot is for businesses which cultivate “Medical Marijuana” that the situation could quickly change to the cultivation of “Recreational Marijuana” when these cash only businesses, which self report their income, begin to claim, as they did recently in Ojai, that they could not make a profit. I have read the City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure T and I am deeply concerned at the words “The City Council is expressly authorized to amend or appeal the ordinance without restriction.”
MEASURE T will hurt someone’s child, if not our own. Read about Measure T. Talk to your friends and neighbors. This may be the most important vote in Fillmore history, as it may change the character of the town, forever. Fillmore has always put the welfare of children, first.
Think about kids and their future. THEN VOTE NO on MEASURE T on November 6.
- Marion Schuck

To the Editor:
Re: Commercial Marijuana Problems in Cities
I wish to publicly express my concern about the complications and dangers the City of Fillmore will face if Measure T passes this fall. I will periodically send you articles I have found about problems other communities have had to deal with as a result of allowing commercial, marijuana businesses into their cities. The attached illustrates how the City of Berkeley had to lower its pot tax (see “Berkeley Lowers It’s Pot Tax” here https://www.californiacitynews.org/2018/02/berkeley-lowers-its-pot-tax.h...) because of competition with the black market. Lowering its tax has to significantly reduce any profit margin they hoped to realize, especially when considering the additional costs in public safety, emergency medical care for increased addition, overdoses, etc. which have been proven to follow initiation of commercial marijuana businesses in cities. Let’s not be foolish enough to invite those problems to Fillmore.
Those who legitimately need medical marijuana already know how and where to obtain it. As a long-time resident of Fillmore, I am gravely concerned that allowing one type of marijuana businesses to operate here will open the door to other types of businesses, and have greater negative consequences on our community than any financial gain, or convenience for a small percentage of our citizens, will bring.
Joan Archer
Fillmore Resident

To the Editor:
CALIFORNIA CITY NEWS
ESCONDIDO HAS PASSED THE TOUGHEST POT LAWS IN THE STATE
TUES 3/6/2018
The Escondido City Council has unanimously approved a cannabis ban so stringent that it has earned Escondido a new nickname as the "Just Say No City”.
It's a moniker Mayor Sam Abed says he is proud to embrace.
"We're against the sales, the delivery, the dispensaries, everything. We don't want marijuana in our city”.
Under the new ordinance, no form of commercial marijuana is permitted within city limits. No dispensaries. No cultivation" No deliveries whatsoever.
Escondido residents can grow up to six plants indoors and possess up to an ounce of pot because state law already grants them that right. But that's it. The council has also imposed stiffer penalties on adults who allow minors to consume pot, other drugs, or alcohol on their properties. Those penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and even jail time.
Marijuana advocates have vowed to fight the city's cannabis ban at the ballot box. Police Chief Craig Carter, who also supports the ordinance, says the city welcomes the challenge.
Annette M. Sula, Director of Safegaurd Fillmore

To the Editor:
Dear Fillmore,
I am writing you this letter in hopes that I may convince you to vote against all pot related business, cultivation, testing, distribution, manufacturing and whatever else they throw at you this election year.
Our community has a strong “family community” life style, always has and always will. We may be poor in finances but we are rich in so many ways that money can’t buy. So tell the City officials and the pot companies WE ARE NOT FOR SALE.
Why not allow them to come into town? 7/28/2016 Fillmore Gazette paper states “Fillmore says no to Marijuana”, Chief of police report from information gleaned from the states of Colorado and Washington “overall message, don’t do it”. Hospital visits are up as well as DUI’S and car insurance (7%) in Colorado linked to pot. Here is the person who works for the safety of us all asking us not to do it, warning words from others dealing with the problems that were unforeseen from this business.
About 300+ residents came out to a council meeting to say no and only about 12 residents and visitors were in favor. Pot business spends big money sending people from Oakland to council meetings speaking in favor of marijuana. At the 8/8/17 City council meetings the pot industry lied to our community with mail home flyers about “40% off water and sewage utilities for every household” if you showed support of a medical cannabis facility in Fillmore at the meeting. They also offered on their web site a celebratory meal after the meeting. Fillmore stood strong and voted no. This meeting had many people show up in support but they were mostly from out of town; 20 out-of-towners and five residents in support and 93 residents not in favor.
At 6/25/17 public forum meeting, written and oral comments were documented as follows. Benefits to cultivation: income(11) jobs(7) progress(3) regulations to comply with state law(3)med marijuana grown locally for those who need it(2) support AG industry/crop diversity(2) and now, concerns about cultivation: Increased crime and safety(20)slippery slope cultivation processing to dispensaries(9)youth at risk(9) fear of drug cartel activity area(7)negative city image(7)unwanted local travelers(7)more homeless(3)financial impact to families(3)dysfunctional families(2)low paying jobs(2)water use(2)property value loss(2)waste/trash/pollution/environmental concerns(2)smell of pot(2).
There was a comment board that was filled entirely from people who said, “there are no benefits”. The forum was to get feedback from local residents and yet again two tables had non-residents who commented on the pros.
At 8/9/16 council meeting the Fillmore Unified School Superintendent and school board passed the following resolution that states ”whereas, the Fillmore Unified School District governing board believes the presence of marijuana cultivation, sales, and distribution in this community is contrary to the interests of the public health, safety and welfare of its citizens and the desires to preserve the rights of the citizens to live and work in a community where drug abuse is not accepted and the citizens are not subject to the adverse effects of drug abuse.’
There is so much more to write but the long and short of it is that most Fillmore residents do not want this in our community. I feel that those who do not take the time to come and voice their opinion in public in favor cannot be really taken seriously since often times they are out-of-towners posing as “residents or local community members”.
Please vote for leaders who OPPOSE Measure T this election year and vote NO on Measure T. The decisions of the City of Fillmore greatly impact those citizens and communities just across the bridges in all three directions.
Respectfully,
Kathy Pace