To The Editor:
If Jacob Zellmer is representative of our millennials, we can be proud of our educational system. His respectful, well reasoned response to your editorial reflects well on our next generation of leaders.
Sincerely, Susan Cuttriss

To the Editor:
Soroptimist International of Fillmore would like to extend a big “toy filled” thank you to all of those that attended and helped with the annual fashion show. It was held on December 9th, and was a wonderful distraction to the challenges that surrounded Fillmore that week. The theme was “Toyland”, and the members and guests had the option of decorating their tables and bringing toys to donate towards the City of Fillmore Fire Department toy give away. The toys were abundant, as well as the friendships! The fashions were provided by Chico’s at the Collection, and the models were gorgeous!! Another “bear hug” of a thank you to the Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Post #2958 out of Fillmore for their excellent help in the kitchen, and serving all that attended the fashion show.
Jane David,
Soroptimist International of Fillmore

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Response to Dec. 6th Editorial
To the editor:

Dear Martin Farrell,

I grew up in Fillmore and still consider it home. The Fillmore Gazette has been a way for me to check in on what’s happening in Fillmore while I am out of town and for that I am grateful.

I am writing in response to your Dec. 6th editorial. The structure of some of your arguments don’t seem valid and I find it difficult to accept the truth of some of your premises. I’ve written this rather quickly, and so despite the critical nature of my response, I hope this comes across as respectful.

Your first paragraph cites an anonymous polling organization as evidence that millennials are more attracted to socialism than democracy. It is then asserted that this data is “proof” of the wholesale failure of our educational system. To make this assertion you need to have the following assumptions, (1) every form of socialism is a bad political or economic system, (2) anyone who thinks otherwise must have received a bad education, and (3) an educational system that produces people who disagree with my opinions is a failed educational system. This is an interested line of argument, but it has flaws. First, there is no reasoning given in your op-ed for why we should believe (1). And so (2) is a non-starter. (3) is odd because it assumes that everyone with opinions opposed to your own are irrational or at least their arguments are irrational or unintelligible.

The second paragraph then narrows in on how you think educational systems are flawed: American history has been hijacked by “radical Left fake history.” I think your point here is that because American millennials are ignorant of American heritage, they are more likely to think socialism is better than democracy. It isn’t clear what makes you say that millennials are ignorant of American heritage. Do you mean that (1) millennials must be ignorant of American heritage based on their attraction to socialism, or (2) millennials are ignorant based on personal experience you’ve had with them, or (3) millennials are ignorant of American history because of external data/polling? You also don’t make clear how knowing American history causes a person to think socialism is a bad thing. First, socialism isn’t defined in your op-ed, so it isn’t clear what you consider socialism to be. Part of the confusion here is that you contrast socialism with democracy even though socialism as a form of government isn’t mutually excluded from democracy. This is why “social democracy” and “democratic socialism” are forms of government. So, I wonder if socialism vs. democracy is in some ways a false dichotomy. If I had to guess, I’d say that millennials are more critical of capitalism than of democracy.

Your argument for why American history is important is that America is “exceptional”: it has thrived for 240 years as a democratic republic. The assumption you make is that students who know American history better will be more critical of socialism in all its forms. I don’t see why this is the case, unless learning American history is a form of brainwashing in which all political systems besides American democracy and capitalism are portrayed as irrational. Studying American history should let students see the ways in which democracy (and capitalism) have been both successful and not perfect, i.e., both systems have flaws.

Part of your op-ed criticizes elite colleges and universities for devaluing studies of Western Civilization, which was mostly, as far as I know, universities dropping the requirement for students to take Western Civilization courses. You claim that the chant was “Hey-hey, ho-ho, American Civ has got to go,” but my Google search of this phrase only brought up, “Hey-hey, ho-ho, Western Civ has got to go,” (at least for what happened at Stanford; if I am wrong here, point me to the relevant news articles). Western Civilization would include all European, American, and colonial history, which is much more than just American history. (Interestingly, Plato is a part of Western Civilization, and he hated democracy.) The required courses that were dropped were in Western Civilization, but charitability causes me to think the university still required courses in history, philosophy, art, etc. of world civilizations (and this might include western civilization).

So, your most pointed claim here strikes me as odd. You say: “Some (most ?) of our colleges and universities, those touted as the greatest, have for decades now produced a crowd of history ignoramuses.” First, it seems likely to me that students who get accepted into elite colleges probably have a better understanding of history (world, western, and American) than those who are not accepted into elite colleges; They probably did well in their high school history courses. Hence, calling people with elite college degrees “a crowd of history ignoramuses” seems mistaken. I think this point holds even if you only mean that they are American-history ignoramuses. Second, requiring college students to take American history doesn’t necessarily make them less of an American history ignoramus. Students can do the minimum to pass classes and so remain “ignoramuses.”

I think part of your conclusion on this subject is viable: “…it’s not too much of a stretch to conclude that most American citizens are dangerously ignorant of their own American history…” But it doesn’t necessarily follow that knowledge of American history will make you “acknowledge its greatness” and think America an “exceptional” place. Yes, America is good in certain ways, but history also shows the ways in which America has slaughtered and enslaved people. Why would people of color, after coming to know American History, ipso facto think that America is an “exceptional” place?

Lastly, you make this excessive claim: “No intellectually honest person can fail to acknowledge Divine intervention in its [America’s] birth and growth.” My understanding of Divine intervention is that it is a matter of faith (for the most part) and not knowledge. So, it is odd for you to claim that every intellectually honest person must hold certain faith beliefs. This conflates faith and reason and it also claims that everyone who doesn’t hold your beliefs is intellectually dishonest – this seems unreasonable to me. This letter has already become very long, so I won’t go deeper into this part.

With respect,
Jacob Zellmer
PhD Student in the Department of Philosophy
University of California, San Diego

To the Editor:
What a nice surprise I received on my daily walk downtown....music!
Someone decided to install speakers on a few poles in the downtown business district! Fantastic, great choice of music, maybe a little holiday music would be appropriate too!
Ray Hoover

To the Editor:
If you buy local picture postcards, you will find evidence of what Roger Campbell accomplished here! As our Mayor, Roger was a visionary. He: looked ahead, planned, listened, brought about consensus, and built memories. He also prepared for the worst. Such was the case when this city’s leaders and volunteers trained for what to do when an earthquake hit - three weeks before the 1994 quake left our businesses’ bricks all over Central Avenue and took hundreds of houses off their foundations. Just after my family made it safely outside, we heard Roger on a police scanner asking how things looked on our very street! That was so reassuring. Even with the eastern sky full of fire. I knew that my neighbors and we were not forgotten! Fillmore showed bigger cities how disasters were supposed to be handled! Then, Roger and the City Council brought good out of bad by building our much-needed new city hall.
When this man represented Fillmore on a county or statewide level, I was confident that he would be heard and respected. He made issues easy for reporters to write about and for citizens to understand. Roger Campbell was ready, willing, and able to lead on a bigger scale. Yet he continued to serve this town in many ways — most behind the scenes — mentoring new leaders for one. I will always be grateful to the Campbell family for all they have given Fillmore. Roger will be missed.
Respectfully.
Stephenie Thomas
Fillmore

To the Editor:
I have a theory as to why Paddick decided to kill country music fans at the concert outside the Mandalay Bay Hotel on 12/1/17.
But first your reporters need to look at how Paddick voted in the last general election. IF he voted for Clinton or Sanders (which he probably did) then he like thousands of other voters did, made him very angry.
Millions of Clinton and Sander's voters have never since the November, 2017 election, accepted the fact the President Trump won. The legions of NO TRUMP VOTERS have been angry since the results of that election gave Mr. Trump the office of the President of the United States.
Paddick is one of those VERY ANGRY VOTERS and could not nor would not accept that President won! So Paddick decided to do something about it!
What better place than a country music event where Country Artist were preforming and Country Music Fans were in attendance to rain down this terrible horror. It's pretty well known that Country artist and fans are conservative, flag waving, pro-life, and USA loving. Probably everything Paddick was against!
So he takes out his anger on this Country Music loving crow, kills 59 and wounds close to 500 fans.
Then he kills himself. How about checking into Paddock's voting record. I shared my theory with one of your reports a couple days ago and also shared it with the FBI office in Las Vegas. Didn't get a response. Thank you.
Charles Richardson

To the Editor:
In the column, Realities, published on September 7th, the editor talks about the Voyager 1 spacecraft reaching 'the very edge of space.' Unfortunately, this is a misrepresentation of what Voyager 1 is accomplishing.
Voyager 1's extended mission was to reach the edge of the solar system, as defined by how far the Sun's solar wind reaches or influences are felt. It achieved that goal five years ago. It is now exploring interstellar space. The space environment is different within the Sun's influence and in interstellar space. Understanding the differences is important to our scientific knowledge.
Voyager 2 is still within the solar system moving in a different direction. At some point, Voyager 2 will also enter interstellar space, where both spacecraft are likely to remain forever. Neither spacecraft will ever get near the 'very edge of space,' whatever that might be.
Respectfully,
Charles S. Morris
Astronomer and Educator

To the Editor:
Another fun and busy year of raising animals for the Ventura County Fair has come and gone for our 4-H youth. Our 2 sons have been a part of Sespe 4-H for the past 2 years, raising swine and goats. Our swine project leaders, Lynn Hicks and Patrick Zavala, donate countless hours to helping our youth properly raise their pigs and help maintain our part of the 4-H farm at the Fillmore Equestrian Center and lead the meetings besides working their full time jobs. We’d like to say a BIG thank you to them! Our swine advisor, Sue Maynard, who has volunteered for the past 30 plus years in 4-H, currently volunteers full time, teaching our youth how to select a pig, feed it, showmanship skills, as well as snaring and giving injections when needed. She even goes to the farm morning and evening to check on our swine, making sure they’re cooled down, eating, checking pen conditions and answering endless question from parents and our kiddos. Thank you isn’t enough but Thank you, thank you, thank you for mentoring our youth, year after year! If you’re looking for a program to help your child learn hard work and raise livestock then join Sespe 4-H!
Grateful Parents,
Adrian and Pam Hernandez

To the Editor:
I would like to thank everyone that contributed and donated to my Cross Country efforts. I was able to pay for my trip and received a donation from Nova Storage. Thank you to the Following Paula and Laura Ortega, Pat and Susan Golson, Chris Ann Barker, Jesse and Claudia Rivera, Larry and Valerie Tovar, Karen Hawkins, Donna Stepp and Kenny Talent, Angie Villalobos, Maggie Herrera, Tona Jacinto, Emilio Jacinto, Kim Tafoya, Terri and Rod Cordero, Susie Herrera, Tammy Polanco, Sally Rangel, Greg Dejarnette, Mary Gonzalez, Reena Villa, Rudy and Renee Vasquez, Armando and Gabby Rodriguez, Isaac and Rosie Loya, Claudia Andrade, Betty and Kevin Warring, Louie and Cristina Rodriguez, and Donna. Thank you so much for supporting Fillmore Flashes Cross Country Team.
Sincerely
Vanessa Ray'nee Avila

To the Editor:
To the citizens of Fillmore, Piru, Sespe and Bardsdale.
In the last few weeks we have seen Ventura Museum have to close, at least temporarily, because of financial difficulties.
Fillmore is fortunate to have a museum which is solvent and operating a regular schedule every week because of the efforts of its Board of Directors and volunteers. We have no paid staff and no federal, state or city funding. We depend on fireworks, poinsettia sales, donations and membership to keep the lights on and the doors open, Our volunteers gave over 1700 hours of their time in 2016 to greet visitors, lead tours, do research and maintain the collection.
The Fillmore Historical Museum is the repository of the history of the Santa Clara River Valley. If you want to learn about our rich history come to the museum, ask questions, check out the artifacts. There have been people here since before 1887 and their stories are fascinating. We have programs about various aspects of our history which can be presented to any interested group.
On behalf of the Museum Board of Directors, I want to thank all of our volunteers, members and friends whose efforts and financial donations have made the continuing operations of museum possible.
Come for a visit. We are open Tuesday through Saturday every week. Or call for a tour, 805-524-0948. We are located at 350 Main St. in Fillmore. Our office is in the two story bunkhouse building next to the big yellow depot and across from the Hinckley House and garage.
Martha Gentry,
Executive Director

To the Editor:
My name is Vanessa Ray’nee Avila I am going to be a Sophomore at Fillmore High School this year. At first I had no idea what Cross Country was or what the point is for high school. Someone told me I should give Cross Country a try when they saw me playing soccer. High school came and I switched schools so that I could participate in sports. I joined Cross Country a little late and had no idea what I was capable of. I ended up making the Varsity Team my Freshman year. It was such a privilege to be on the team. We’ve made a lot of memories together as a team, going to meets and giving it our all. I have met a lot of great people along the way. It’s an honor to have such AWESOME coaches to be spending their time making us better runners. I want to let everyone know that they should give Cross Country a try because you’ll never know what you can accomplish. On July 23rd the Fillmore Flashes Cross Country Team will be going to Mammoth Lake for an 8 day trip. We will be training like the professional runners and create strong bonds between teammates. It will be a fun experience and many memories will be made. I am doing a fundraiser to raise money for this once in a lifetime experience for a trip that the Cross Country Team takes every year to Mammoth. I will be selling Pork Tamales and Lumpias. If anyone is interested in placing an order it would be greatly appreciated. Tamales are $20 a dozen n Lumpias $10 for a dozen. Please call 805 620-2375 or send donations to PO Box 672 Piru Ca 93040 I will not let my hometown down. Thank you in advance
Thank you,
Vanessa R. Avila

To the Editor,
As a member of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association bargaining team, it is prudent to offer clarification of the unresolved calendar issues that have halted progress in negotiations. Fillmore Unified School District was informed that 94% of their teachers wished to continue the tradition of the Fall break that has been a staple within Fillmore for over 25 years. A welcome respite that FUTA members feel benefits both student and teacher attendance, then directly benefits student learning. Without warning or discussion, Fillmore Unified sought to remove it. Rather, Fillmore Unified has felt the 2017-2018 calendar could best be used as a bargaining chip to obtain a collaboration model that adds 30 minutes to the school day. FUTA members have awaited a collaboration model that allows teachers to meet regularly to plan, evaluate, and fine tune instructional strategies for the benefit of students and were hopeful this could allow for an appropriate resolution. However, FUTA feels that a model that adds 30 minutes to the school day, when Fillmore students are already in excess of the Ed Code recommendation of minutes, is not what is best for students, and frankly unfair. Many of our students begin their school day long before the first bell rings with transportation in the rural community, and end their day long after due to sports and other activities.
The Chicago Tribune states there is not a single study linking academic improvement with a longer school day and increased instructional minutes simply sweep the real problem under the rug. Rather than increase instructional time, FUTA members feel it would be more beneficial to increase instructional effectiveness via collaboration to target specific areas of student need for improvement, directly impacting student achievement. It is not enough to solve the achievement difficulties of Fillmore students by simply adding more time; rather, teachers are desperately seeking to improve the quality of student time.
FUTA proceeded to propose a collaboration model that worked within existing minutes, with collaboration weekly for 90 minutes, but again was met with an increase of 15 minutes a day. The district’s position to add 60 minutes was intended to account for instructional minutes perceived lost due to the collaboration schedule, but they neglected to consider the potential instructional impact of a weekly collaboration model. The value added potential that collaboration provides student learning far exceeds 60 minutes of instructional time. As administrators, our leadership should know that this is imperative to effective instruction for students. While FUTA seeks to improve the quality of Fillmore student’s education, the district’s solution is to increase the quantity of instruction.
Ultimately, to bridge the gap towards a calendar resolution, FUTA was willing to meet half way, increasing the instructional day by seven minutes, a net loss of 32 minutes a week to existing instructional time, but the district would not budge. Over 32 minutes, under the leadership of Superintendent Palazuelos and via representation hired with district funds, Fillmore Unified left the bargaining table, left the calendar, left our teachers, and ultimately left our students. For 32 minutes, Superintendent Palazuelos was willing to further the wedge between FUTA members rather than unite to work collaboratively with teachers to solve a problem that is vital to the success of students in the Fillmore community. For students, we need to do better than this.
Respectfully,
Kelley Hess
FUTA member
Fillmore Teacher

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To the Editor,
Unbelievable! So there we were again, after we have told our City Leaders and City Manager Rowlands over and over at earlier meetings, trying to get them to hear us at the "Listening Meeting". We overwhelmingly showed in numbers and voice our opposition to bringing the pot growing industry and its ensuing effects into our community. Yet it seems we just can't get OUR voice heard.
I was talking to a council member that justifiably said the Council just wants everyone to come out to say their feelings on the subject. Well there has been at least three city meetings on this topic, and now a 'listening session' Sunday afternoon- so I ask you the Council: just how many of these gatherings do we have to stand up in before the City Leaders are satisfied with what the vast majority of our town wants for its future. It sure feels like it is a study in who can hold out the longest. The Council member said they are doing this because pro pot folks are uncomfortable talking about this- really? How about my time and discomfort? I know that I gain five pounds and a dozen white hairs every time I force myself to stand up to speak about this topic- but I do it because I love this town! Again I ask, at what point will the Council and City Manager be satisfied?
When it was my turn to speak I said that my criteria of a business that would be good for our town should be whether the kid's athletic teams could go to a business to ask it to support it with a banner at the athletic field. It was then the mostly out-of-town pro pot growers yelled 'yah!', they would love to advertise it there at the children's play areas...I was floored. Here is an industry that professes it will not involve children as it is a 'adult decision' to take pot, but yet these same people have no qualms advertising their product to our kids...(catch 'em young and get those brains fried early!) Please City Council, did you not see and hear the same thing as I did?
The two pro pot individuals that stood up, talked about it being a booming business and boost to agriculture. Seriously? The truly Medicinal pot growers (growing strains of marijuana lacking the 'high' inducing THC, but leaving the chemical components for pain control) can't find a decent market for their product and are struggling. It is the drug-high producing marijuana that is the overwhelming pot of choice, that is the 'booming business'- a "medicinal use" that is seven to twenty times stronger in THC then anything when I was growing up. A 'medicine' that has no precise dosage, no purity standards, that is absolutely known to permanently lower the IQ of young people's brains.. I can go on, but why? Can't we be honest about what is going on here? Is this a product that any true farmer will want to be involved with? And we haven't even mentioned the known cartel issues, the water issues, the transparency issues of an all-cash market, the huge amounts of fungicides and miticides poured on this indoor monoculture crop...Do you not have the same problem seeing this as the future of our agricultural industry in Fillmore?
I have tried up to now to stay respectful and open-minded about what our City is doing on this issue, but the end of last Sunday's gathering really shook me up. The designated moderator asked of us two questions that the City Leaders gave him to end the meeting with: and they were 1. How did you feel about how the session was run? and 2. What would you want the City to do with all the tax monies that would be collected through pot growing? Have you or I ever been asked in our entire lives what we want our possible tax money to be spent on?!! It's all about the almighty dollar folks! The Marijuana Santa Claus wants to enter our town and shower us with its gifts so it can grow the stuff here...and once they get their toe in the door to grow, it is a slippery slope to all the other aspects of the pot industry that destroy communities. City Leaders and City Manager Rowlands, our town is NOT for sale!
For sure there will be more meetings to come, and we will continue to ask the City to end this issue...without a doubt, I will continue to gain weight and my hair will go silver every time I stand up at these meetings - but I, and so many others, will be there to speak for the safety of our community...our voice will be heard in the end because I do believe in the basic goodness of our people.
Regina Stehly Nunez

To the Editor:
Fillmore was voted “America’s last best small town” several years ago. Since that time, we have had many outside investors try to turn us into many other things: urban sprawl, which resulted in Fillmore buying a sewer plant that almost bankrupted our city, and would have resulted in Fillmore losing its name, and becoming just a part of the Heritage Valley sprawl. We all hope and pray we can survive that one.
The latest attempt to change Fillmore is commercial marijuana conglomerates who want to set up in our area (not their own neighborhood). If you remember, many months ago, one of these set up without even asking permission, in the surrounding county area off Grand Ave right next to homes. When they were busted, 89,000 plants were confiscated, and we found out that they were stealing water and power from members of our community.
Once again, the people of our community are being asked to consider commercial marijuana at the “City of Fillmore Medical Marijuana Listening Session”. This meeting is scheduled for Sunday June 25 at 3:30 at the Fillmore Memorial Building.
Last year, hundreds of us turned out to express our opposition to any form of commercial marijuana business in Fillmore. We also turned in petitions with over 1000 signatures, expressing the same sentiments to the city council. All of our community was welcomed to the meeting, yet only a small number of our residents expressed support for Marijuana business.
Furthermore, this small but mighty town was the only city in Ventura County to vote no on Proposition 64 (legalizing recreational pot). Marijuana is still a federally illegal section 1 drug, along with heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy.
To our city officials, I ask, are you listening to the people you promised to serve and protect? What part of “NO” do you not understand? We do appreciate your hard work and commitment, but we ask that you please support us in our efforts to stay America’s last best small town. Please create stronger ordinances and zoning laws to keep Fillmore growing conservatively, along with what we value here. I’ve coined my own motto for us “if it’s good for the family it’s good for Fillmore”.
Of particular concern to us is the property on the west end of the 126, which is adjacent to our newest park, across from a mostly residential area, in short our children and homes. We in Fillmore grumble about our once a year traffic problems due to our fireworks sales, but are happy to do it because it supports local service clubs, faith communities, service leagues, etc., in short our families and lifestyle. A cultivation facility permanently installed on the 126 would ruin our lovely light traffic, one of the many reasons I made Fillmore my home 30 plus years ago.
Even as I write this, daily reports flood in from other states and communities who have taken on this industry: reports of criminal activity, deaths, broken monetary promises, destruction to youths, etc.
Finally, the ‘Safeguard our Fillmore Community Citizen Group” (founded last year) and I ask you to show up on Sunday June 25 in the Fillmore Memorial Building from 3:30-6:00 pm. We need to make clear to all that we love our town, and will not stand idly by while it is destroyed by outsiders who don’t appreciated her beauty and worth.
Sincerely,
Annette M Sula
Spokesperson of the Safeguard the Fillmore Citizen Group and its members

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To the Editor:
The City of Fillmore invites Fillmore residents pro, against or neutral on this topic to a “City of Fillmore Medical Marijuana Listening Session.” At this facilitated, bilingual session, the City Council seeks to share information with Fillmore residents on its deliberation of requests for permission to cultivate medical (NOT recreational) marijuana within the city limits. City council is not considering or entertaining dispensaries, advertising or deliveries in Fillmore. There will be no speakers advocating positive or negative views regarding the cultivation of medical marijuana.
Residents will be engaged in a structured and respectful sharing of personal views to inform the City Council of the breadth of views on this important topic. Your City Council is committed to assuring that Fillmore remains a secure, safe and livable city, and your input on this important topic is invited. Please come prepared to listen and share your views with fellow residents and your City Council. The listening session will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, 511 Second Street, Sunday, June 25, from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Spanish language translation will be provided throughout the meeting.
David W. Rowlands
City Manager
City of Fillmore

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To the Editor:
I am a concerned parent and member of our community. Last night I spoke at city hall to make the public aware of what has been going on within our community. First let me re iterate since there seemed to be some confusion, Fillmore has 2 competition cheer teams in our community. The two competition teams are the So Cal Fillmore Bears Cheer and Voltage Extreme Cheer. There is also Raiders cheer but they do not currently have a competition team. I am speaking solely on the side of the competition teams. My daughter is currently on the Bears team.
Parks and Rec has a long standing tradition & policy to make sure to split facilities evenly with all teams in our community. For the last three years our team has been practicing in the memorial building. We have split days evenly with the other team as it should be done. We had a verbal contract with the city for Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm-8pm on the books for 2017/2018 season which is September through March. An email was received from the city stating that payment would needed to be made in full from here on out. Then they decided they would change the policy again to work with teams in the city and they would take a deposit. When the cheer director went in to put a deposit down as requested she was told sorry the Voltage cheer had already booked Monday, Wednesday and Thursday through the end of the year. When she tried to explain we had already had a verbal contract for Tuesdays and Thursdays she was met with a finger in her face and told to shut up. She of course made an immediate complaint as she walked away from city hall. So it was decided lets try to go ahead and book the old boys n girls club with the mats since the mats where not mentioned in the original contract with Voltage. The old boys n girls club is literally like 3 steps down the back door. Its not like its across town at an entirely different facility. Of course we where met with a response of mats are included in the Memorial building rental and are not able to be moved to other facilities, even though this is just out the back door. I was under the impression that the mats where moved to the senior center for self defense class. Last year a certain city council members daughter had tumbling class in the old boys n girls club which the mats where moved for. When the Memorial building has very large events the mats are moved. Also, last year we used that building with the mats. Which sets a precedence.
I happen to know the Memorial board is not happy with current turn of events as far as this is concerned. As I understand they do not even really want the mats in the Memorial building. The Memorial board asked the both teams to work it out. Voltage is refusing. The Bears don't want to lock out another team from practicing we just want to split the facility evenly like has been done traditionally.
I think this is an equality issue. All teams in the city should be able to use facilities equally. The Voltage team has been boisterous in their claim of a private facility in the vicinity they are able to practice at. Even if they do, we are still happy to split the Memorial facility with them. Our teams only other option to drive to Camarillo to a private gym which is another huge expense for the team, which brings me to my next point.
Fillmore is a small town. It is a historically poor town. Gathering the funds to rent any facilities is difficult to say the least. The city was supposed to work with us on a deposit and payments for Tuesday and Thursday rental but once again they refuse to do so, only for Tuesdays.
I very truly believe this is a small town politics issue which city council denies. But how convenient is it that a member of city councils daughter is a coach for the Voltage team. This small town plays a lot of games of who knows who and whos friends with who when it comes to how they juggle things. You would think that Diane McCall would push for the city to operate fairly so it didn't look like their was obvious favoritism going on and who she is friends with. While she doesn't over see these issues she has a huge influence within the city hall. The city manager Dave Rowlands said last night that he hopes the cheer teams can come to a resolution but how can we do that if the city absolutely refuses to intervene and the other team is adamant about making any sort of resolution. Diane McCall was flabbergasted that I said her name last night in the middle of my small speech, but I only speak of what I truly know to be true. This has gone far enough. These back door politics need to end. I'm not even going to get into the nasty messages sent from the other team. This is all a calculated, mean spirited bullying going on. The city is aware and not handling it properly.
Finally the only ones who are suffering are the kids. Who in city council is concerned that the Bears competition team gets treated fairly??? Our kids are missing out and no one is doing anything about it.
Sincerely,
Brandy Hollis
Mother of a So Cal Bears cheerleader

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To the Editor:
The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of updating outdated policies and procedures. Earlier this year all groups using public facilities in Fillmore were notified of the new facility rental policy change. The policy change applies to everyone. The So Cal Bears Cheer Director was provided the following notification May 4:
Any reservations that are currently “penciled in” (meaning reservations that don’t have an agreement and are unpaid), and are scheduled to take place before July 15, 2017, will be honored. However, any “penciled in” reservations after July 15, 2017 will be removed from the City’s calendar as of the end of the day on May 15, 2017. Paid and contracted reservations will not be deleted.
Organizations who wish to make their reservations for any dates past July 15, 2017 may do so beginning Monday, May 15, 2017 at 8:00 AM. At that time, you will be allowed to pay and contract for dates beyond July 15, 2017.
New policies:
1. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis.
2. Deposit or full payment and signed agreement are required to reserve.
3. Reimbursement policy:
(refunds will only be processed for the following non-usage or cancellation):
a. Rain or other weather restrictions
b. Facilities staff cancels due to emergency repairs or a safety hazard
c. Booked anticipating playoffs but do not make the playoffs
d. Cancellation 6 or more months in advance
When city staff was unable to accommodate the requested So Cal Bears schedule at the Memorial Building, a call was placed to the new Boys and Girls Club where mats are currently located. Although the City was advised that there are limited hours available, So Cal Bears Cheer declined those times as they would result in irregular practice times. With a limited staff, the City is unable to move very heavy mats between buildings.
City staff provided adequate and equal notification to all groups to ensure a fair and impartial process in reserving facilities and remains hopeful that the two groups can find a way to work together to meet the needs of the children in both groups.
David W. Rowlands
City Manager
City of Fillmore

To the Editor:
Commercial marijuana is banned in Fillmore, partly due to public participation in the meeting at City Hall last July, however, the Fillmore City Council is considering removing the bans to allow industrial marijuana operations such as cultivation farms, dispensaries, advertising, processing or deliveries in Fillmore. The Fillmore City Council has planned an event to host leading advocates from the marijuana industry to convince Fillmore that commercial marijuana will be good for our city. Public attendance at the event will help show the City Council that we need the bans to be remain in place. The event is supposed to include some time for questions and comments from anybody who is willing to speak against commercialization of marijuana in Fillmore.
WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH, 2017
WHERE: VETERAN’S MEMORIAL BUILDING
511 SECOND STREET, FILLMORE, CA
TIME: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Sincerely,
André Le Comte

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To the Editor:
Thank you for your interest in teachers’ concerns. I would like to clarify some things that you heard at the board meeting. You said in your editorial that the disagreements expressed by teachers were centered on money, but there really are many issues that led to this no-confidence vote. Respect is the common expectation and it’s missing under Dr. Palazuelos’s leadership despite how congenial he appears. The fact that there were so many issues that passionate teachers had to speak about gave you the impression that we were beating-down on Dr. Palazuelos. In the midst of what he has been pressuring us with, we needed him and the school board members hear us clearly.
Instead of teamwork, he has:
• Stalled contract negotiations until May when the school year is nearly over despite announcing last year that they wanted to tackle this task early. FUTA announced they were ready in September, and monthly inquiries to the district received no response. January 30, District administration said they were very close to announcing their bargaining openers by the end of February. Tammy read the timeline of this to the board members on June 6.
• Proposed severe elimination of teachers’ Seniority rights
• Proposed elimination of contract language protecting Class Size at all grade levels – teachers voiced concerns about the ramifications of oversized classes. It is not good for students.
• Without discussion, he sprung the dramatically changed calendar. Adrien wants teachers to agree to add 15 minutes to the teaching day in order to achieve his model of Collaboration, and hoped October Break would be a deal maker for that. Two hours additional teaching time without increased compensation is not necessary at elementary school level, but Adrien refused to modify his plan. This information is contained on page 2 of this week’s Gazette.
• The district’s excessive spending for attorney fees. July 2016-Feb 2017 $79,091 spent to resolve bargaining issues, grievances, member discipline, layoffs, unfair labor practices and complaints. This is our tax dollars being spent on lawyer fees that could be used for students. They continue to add up.
• He has continually added Administrative layers to our District leadership so that the District offices now bulges firmly onto the old Sespe campus. I believe we have 10 Directors and 3 Assistant Superintendents. I need to locate Mary Ford’s letter to the Gazette where she researched and compared the number of Fillmore’s administrators to those in Ventura Unified. This money would be much better spent in the classroom in ways that benefit students.
• The district sent a negotiations update to its staff explaining that they proposed to meet for again for bargaining 6 days in June after school was let out. Conveniently, this is when Administrators are still working at their desks but teachers are on Break. Several are out of town as I type this email to you.
These issues led to our members insisting on implementing a vote to determine confidence in our leadership. A vast majority of our members voted, and 90% of those had no-confidence. This is a huge statement. That is why you heard such discontent. Dr. Palazuelos’s leadership is unprofessional towards teachers despite the hopefulness we felt when he took over after Nishino’s reign three years ago. We expect Adrien to treat us the way he would like to be treated and keep the valued teachers that Fillmore Unified employs. We are still hopeful that he will make a turnaround and do this.
I hope that I kept this overview simple although it is not brief. If you have questions I recommend that you click REPLY TO ALL to include Tammy Ferguson (our Bargaining Chair for Fillmore teachers FUTA) who is currently not away on vacation. Meanwhile, you may receive emails from teachers who want to share the details of their concerns as Letters to the Editor. This may spark more questions from you for the articles you plan to write.
Sincerely,
Sandy Butts
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
--Eleanor Roosevelt

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To the Editor:
Fillmore Superintendent Continues Disruptive Leadership
Fillmore Unified Teachers Association is both dismayed and disappointed by the behavior of Superintendent Adrian Palazuelos as he recommended a “tentative” work year calendar for teachers without getting their agreement. This come become a huge obstacle to an agreement on the current negotiations for 2016-2017. According to the Association of California School Administrators, a Superintendent should lead in a manner that models personal ethics, develops leadership capacity in those with whom he leads, and respects the rights of both students and staff. Having seen leadership come and go within Fillmore Unified, it is perplexing to identify these qualities under current leadership.
This year alone, under the administration of the Superintendent of Fillmore Unified School District, there has been:
1. 17 grievances filed by FUTA and members for alleged violations of the collective bargaining agreement,
2. 5 mediations,
3. 3 complaints,
4. 4 (2016-17) arbitrations and a possibility of 3 more in 2017. This is at a cost of roughly $35,000 to have substitutes for FUTA members away from students, for court transcribers, for the arbitrator, and other clerical fees,
5. A potential Unfair Labor Practice due to School Board’s June 6th adoption of a calendar
FUTA is an affiliate of the 325,000-member California Teachers Association and
is also affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education
that includes teacher work days and staff development days without agreement from the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association,
6. At least $110,000 of Fillmore Unified School District funds spent on legal fees beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year through February of this current fiscal year with yet unknown current totals to address contract negotiation sessions, labor issues, mediations, complaints, and consultations regarding calendar adoption.
Imagine the magnitude of time and still to be tabulated resources robbed from Fillmore students and their educational rights in an effort to address the issues from this school year alone? This excess spending is unnecessary and a direct reflection of the low ethical standards Superintendent Palazuelos possesses towards the staff he is responsible for developing. Rather than invest in students, Fillmore Unified School District consistently seeks to dismantle the rights of their teachers who facilitate such a crucial role in the education of students. Fillmore Unified teachers are dedicated, and tireless in their endeavors to serve students and meet the often very difficult needs within the Fillmore community. It is shameful that they continue to be broken down and devalued by Superintendent Palazuelos and his continual efforts to challenge and usurp the tenets of the contract, compounding an already arduous task significantly more than is necessary.
Fillmore Unified School district teachers and students deserve a leader that promotes respect and mutual understanding in the face of such monumental challenges.
Brian Ricards,
Vice President,
Fillmore Unified Teachers Association

To the Editor:
The Memorial Services at the Bardsdale Cemetery were well deserved, however some irresponsible individual sent a noisy drone over the services! A disrespectable and rude act!! Placing the drone east – over – west of the memorial services. The owner should be penalized and drone taken away from him/her for attempting an act for profit or notoriety. As a veteran, I’ve never witnessed a more despicable act to the honor of those we were paying homage.
Bruce Dempsey

To the Editor:
Some months ago at a City Council Meeting, our Mayor was handed a petition signed by over 1,000 citizens of Fillmore stating that we do not want the marijuana industry in our town. That same night, the Council Chambers were overflowing with people opposed to the same. In spite of the petition and the crowd, we are now faced with yet another push by the City Manager and City Council to consider placing a very large marijuana operation in the Business Park, adjacent to the park and soccer fields.
The fact is, Fillmore is the only city in Ventura County that voted AGAINST legalizing marijuana. And we may be the only city in the state to have a proclamation read aloud at a council meeting by our Superintendent of Schools enumerating the many ways legalization can harm schoolchildren! Add to that the fact that marijuana is a mind-altering drug and is still illegal at the federal level.
Mark Ritchie, current president of the California Narcotic Officers Association states, "Marijuana-related traffic deaths increased 62 percent since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2013. Marijuana-related ER admissions in Colorado increased from 6,305 in 2011 to 14,439 in 2014. The average ER visit costs $1233. In totality, it cost the state of Colorado $17.8 million for marijuana admissions in 2014." (Ventura County Star, November 3, 2016.) And the list could go on and on...
Sure we need to pay for the Sewer Plant, which, by the way, we borrowed $57 million for and have a $135 million pay out. That was probably the worst decision ever inflicted on us by a former City Council. But putting a 30 acre marijuana industry in our Business Park is NOT THE ANSWER. And, those individuals in real need of medical marijuana have ample locations to serve them.
So, come to another attempt by our city leaders to convince us how this industry will benefit our town. The meeting takes at the Memorial Building at 3:30 on Sunday, June 25th.
Lynne Brooks
Schoolteacher

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To the Editor:
Mr. Farrell,
I hope you are doing well.
I live in Los Angeles, have hiked in the Sespe before, and have been following your articles.
Is there currently any attempt to restrict parking or public access to the lower Sespe via the easement along Grand Avenue where the fence was built?
Sincerely,
Alex Thayer

To the Editor:
To the parents of the students of Fillmore Unified School District.
Let's really see what Fillmore Unified School District is offering Fillmore Unified Teachers Association and your children.
1. The school calendar is set with a starting date of August 14th and end date of June 15th (rescinded) with no fall break. This is 193 day school year.
2. School will also start 15 minutes earlier and end 15 minutes later each day. Your child will need to be in class at 7:45 a.m. Educational studies show that starting before 9 a.m. is too early for adolescents. See the studies done by Rutgers and National Sleep Foundation.
3. Also on the calendar the district has proposed weekly Thursday minimum days for teacher collaboration. This means all district schools will be out by noon EVERY Thursday.
4. Class size limits will be removed at the high school meaning classes could swell to any number (current limit is 35 )
5. The superintendent's contract has been extended for four years with a guaranteed 3% raise per year yet the district is not ready to share a proposal on salaries for the 2016-17 school year for teachers.
Join us at the final school board meeting for this year on June 6.
Alisa Byrne

To the Editor:
Neglect and Vandalism
It is sad to see when someone defaces or destroys a popular public facility: This behavior displays a severe lack of respect for property rights and a disregard of the other people who use a public space. The vandals who destroyed the bike path fencing last week in Fillmore need to be brought to justice. More importantly, they must be educated on the magnitude of the harm they have done. There is no excuse for this behavior.
There is another culprit in this incident: The City of Fillmore. Let me expand. It takes a lot of force to break a new six inch diameter pressure treated post. One would have to run into it with a vehicle. I drove by the bike path the day after it happened: It looked like it was done the previous night, the posts being snapped off by hand or by being kicked. (Perhaps a couple of kids were hopping over the rail and a post broke off, so they decided to "test" the remaining posts.) This indicates the posts were already rotten away at the base. The point is the city needs to pay more attention to the condition of the bike path. These rotten posts were an accident waiting to happen; perhaps resulting in a lawsuit on the city for neglecting to maintain a safe public facility. It took a couple of vandals to get the city to do what it should have done proactively.
Incidentally, I noted that the posts of the bike path are set in concrete. When the bottom of a wooden post is surrounded by concrete, water collects inside the concrete and the wood rots much faster. Properly installed, a 6 inch wooden post will last for decades. I leave the research for proper post setting to the public facilities people.
May God bless the staff and readers of the Fillmore Gazette,
Michael Fechtner

To the Editor:
The church on Third Street in N. Fillmore came into being in the late 1930’s.
The Nazarene Church was started and met at 737 Central Avenue (two-story house) and all who attended agreed to help raise funds to buy property and materials to build the church and house in the rear.
Over an extended length of time the members raised the funds to build—mostly through donations at the request of members.
I can recall my mother going house to house in Bardsdale, asking for and accepting donations to build. I was five or six years old at that time, but I do remember the joyous occasion when we first had services there.
I drove by there recently and was sad to see the remains of fire—and the house behind in such poor condition.
Faye Ables
Tehachapi, CA

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To the Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff at Bank of the Sierra for hosting a reception and art exhibit for Fillmore High School artists on April 5th. The students were delighted to have another opportunity to show their work to the community. Special thanks goes out to Jenny Andrade and Alyssa Ceballos who came to me with the idea and coordinated the event. Thank you to my students who helped set up the work and take it down that evening: Sara Uridel, Roman Tarango, Alyssa Ramirez, Kiana Veronica and Samuel Estrada. Thank you also to former Fillmore High School students Kiana and Alexis Ramirez and Roxy Casas who also helped. Thank you to the community of Fillmore who came out to view the work. Thank you for your support of the arts.
Rosalind Mitzenmacher
Fillmore High School
Visual & Performing Arts Department

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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 nineteenth annual arts show “Roads Less Traveled”. 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, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Soroptomist International of Fillmore, and Fillmore Rotary Club for your donations which help to make this event possible. Thank you to Lucy for being a patron of this event. 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 Baldo, Maria, and Johnny- thanks for your help. Thank you to Max and Susan Pina .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 Greg Godfrey and the fantastic members of the Fillmore High School Concert Band, Jazz Band and the Mariachi Band who played at the event. The musical concert helped to make the evening a resounding success. Thank you to the members of the band “The Ombres” who sang and played. 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 artists and musicians 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

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To the Editor:
We would like to express our gratitude to the Fillmore community for a very successful Flower Show. There were gorgeous flowers of many varieties and colors. Garden enthusiasts shared their potted plants, cut flowers, arrangements and bouquets. The young people of Fillmore, from age 3 through high school, contributed artwork, poems and essays that honored the 2017 theme, “Birds, Bugs and Beautiful Blooms.” Thank you for participating. Many positive comments were heard from the people who attended the flower show. If you missed it this year, we’ll do it again in 2018!
The flower show would not be possible without the sustained effort of many. First on the list are Joanne King and Linda Nunes, Flower Show co-chairs. Their hours of dedicated work with the Vision 2020/Civic Pride Committee create the annual show. Also, there are numerous merchants who contributed to the flower show. We want to thank the following: Ari Larson, Bennett’s Honey Farm, De La Rosa Auto Repair, Diamond Realty & Investments, El Pescador Restaurant, Genmai Sushi Restaurant, King & King Ranch, Mary and Ian’s Eggs, Otto & Sons Nursery, Rafa’s Carpet Cleaning, Ryan Lee for the website, Sani Ward’s Train Stop, The Scented Path, The Treasure Station, Vallarta Restaurant and Yanni’s Best.
Thank you Becky Morales and Barry Coo[er for the live music, Regina Nunez for the Flower Show cafe, PEO volunteers, Jim Nunes for the bee condos, Bob Crum for the photography and all the others who did so much to help.
The youth exhibits were especially spectacular this year. In addition to the abundant young individuals who created entries, there were several youth groups who contributed. We not only applaud the young people, but the adult leaders and parents who encouraged them. A big thank you to the following: Cindy Klittich and the Bardsdale 4-H, Girl Scouts, Amelia Aparicio and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Doris Nichol’s Fillmore Middle School art students, San Cayetano students, Sonshine Preschool students, Loni Larson’s Fillmore Christian Academy students and Boy Scouts who helped set up and clean up. With such talented young people in town, Fillmore will have a great future.
Keep working in your garden and providing habitat for native bees. We’ll see you next year at the Fillmore Flower Show.
Jan Lee for the Vision 2020/Civic Pride Committee

To the Editor:
...At long last an editorial ran in your otherwise fine newspaper that I agree with you on 100%. Thanks Mr. Farrell for saying what I've been thinking regarding the routing of the proposed sand transfers. To me most of your
editorial opinions are so far to the right that they are in danger of falling off a cliff in Grimes Canyon.
Gary Chiabaudo
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Please accept my sincere thank you 's for the Mountain View Signal, and crosswalk.
Today the signage showing school children crossing, and the speed limit change, have been installed.
California is a big state with many opportunities for upgrades and safety protocols. Our community is small but
Hwy 126 has major traffic issues , speed being the paramount one.
I am not aware of the extent of signage and other badly needed speed control devices you are considering .
The remaining Hwy 126 issue is the eastern bound traffic starting at the Pole creek over pass, to the City limits at the Rail road tracks. I know we have discussed this ,this is a much needed attention issue. There are 302 residences in the El Dorado mobile home park . Approximately 1200 plus residents living here. As you know I have shared pictures of the accidents we have had at the driveway onto HWY 126. The need to provide a safe transit in and out of the mobile home park has yet to be implemented. ( the excessive speed of traffic precludes safe transition on to the HWY)
Please share any planning you may be in consideration of implementing, to slow the speeding traffic down.
Again Cal Trans Thank you.
Raymond S Brown Sr.