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By Anonymous — Monday, December 8th, 2008
 City of Fillmore FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL FILLMORE CITY HALL AGENDA IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK: Oral Communications is the time for citizen presentations or comments on items not on the agenda, but within the responsibility of the City Council. Please complete an Audience Participation Form prior to the beginning of oral communications and hand it to the clerk if you wish to speak. Please stay within the time limit indicated by the Mayor. If you wish to speak on an item on this agenda, please fill out an Audience Participation Form and hand it to the clerk prior to that item. AUDIBLE DEVICES: Please ensure all audible devices (pagers, telephones, etc.) are off or otherwise not audible when the Council is in session. Thank you. AGENDA TIMES: Please note the time listed for each agenda item is the suggested/estimated time for that item to begin. Items may be heard earlier or later than the listed time. The estimation includes providing an occasional 10-minute break. No new business will be considered by the City Council after 11:30 p.m. unless a majority of the Council determines to continue. MEMORANDUMS: Memorandums relating to agenda items are on file in the Administrative Assistant’s Office. If you have questions regarding the agenda you may call City Hall at (805) 524-3701 or come to City Hall for information. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the Administrative Assistant’s office at City Hall during normal business hours. Such documents are also available on the City of Fillmore’s website at www.fillmoreca.com subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting. City Council and Redevelopment Agency Agendas are posted on the Web at: www.fillmoreca.com/cityhall/agendas ITEM REFERENCE** |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
 Senator George Runner Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. SACRAMENTO–Sen. George Runner (R-Antelope Valley) today was sworn-in to his second and final term in the California State Senate, along with 20 other new and returning state senators. “I am honored to have voter support, and I am privileged to represent my constituents in Sacramento,” Runner said. “I promise to continue fighting for the rights of taxpayers and support legislation that builds a stronger economy, safer communities and brighter future for Californians.” Additionally, Runner was re-elected as Senate Republican Caucus Chair where he will continue to advance the policy priorities of the Senate Republicans, which include providing safe communities, building better roads and highways, making sure the state has a plentiful water supply, holding the education system accountable and slowing the growth of government and bureaucratic spending. Runner represents the Antelope Valley, the Victor Valley, Santa Clarita, and portions of the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. Visit his website at http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/17 |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
Written by Dr. Peter Hammond Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life. Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to agitate for their religious privileges. When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the other components tend to creep in as well. Here’s how it works. As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given country, they will be for the most part regarded as a peace-loving minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is the case in: United States — Muslim 0.6% At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities and disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among street gangs. This is happening in: Denmark — Muslim 2% |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
 Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Due to the potential for flooding, mud flows and debris in and around the Freeway, Sayre and Tea fire burn areas, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has directed his Office of Emergency Services (OES) to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and prepare to help local agencies if assistance from the state is needed as a result of the forecast this week by the National Weather Service (NWS). “The recent fires have left many communities, particularly those near and below steep canyons, very vulnerable to flooding, mud flows and debris flows,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “The state stands ready to help local governments protect lives and property. It’s also important that residents of those communities take steps to prepare now if they haven’t already done so and evacuate immediately when asked to do so by local authorities.” In response to the weather forecast, OES has coordinated conference calls with representatives from FEMA, the NWS and emergency managers in the state’s 11-county southern region to discuss weather, preparedness, response and recovery issues. OES has also tasked the Department of Water Resources to provide flood fighting materials to Santa Barbara County and technical advisors to the City of Yorba Linda; tasked the California Conservation Corps to assist Yorba Linda with its flood fight preparedness efforts; and asked Caltrans to support the Orange County city by providing K-rails to keep mud flow away from homes and roads and cranes to move the K-rails. Working with FEMA, OES has deployed joint state-federal Burn Area Recovery Teams to assess the potential for erosion, flooding, mud flows and debris flows in and around the burn areas of the recent fires and to make recommendations on possible mitigation measures. As the state agency responsible for coordinating the state’s response to major emergencies in support of local government, OES has the delegated authority to task state agencies to provide resources and services that are outside their normal statutory authority. OES is also responsible for coordinating the statewide mutual aid system for fire and rescue, law enforcement and emergency services. The system helps provide support to city and county agencies affected by an emergency when an incident threatens lives and property and is beyond their capabilities. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
 Congressman Elton Gallegly Serving the 24th Congressional District encompasses most of Ventura County and inland Santa Barbara County. Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) today commended U.S. and Irish officials for signing an agreement making Shannon and Dublin the first U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance airports in Europe. Since 1986, pursuant to an original agreement between the two countries, passengers on commercial flights bound for the United States underwent immigration inspections at Shannon and Dublin. The new agreement is broader and includes customs, immigration and agricultural screening, as well as screening aircraft for radiological and nuclear threats. Full pre-screening operations are planned to begin in Shannon in 2009 and in Dublin in 2010. When implemented, passengers and crew on all U.S.-bound commercial and private aircraft from Shannon and Dublin will be pre-cleared prior to departure. “This is a major step toward improving security on U.S.-bound aircraft,” said Gallegly, who worked with the Department of Homeland Security and Shannon officials on converting Shannon into a pre-clearance airport when he chaired the Subcommittee on Europe. “Instead of screening for potential terrorists once an aircraft lands on U.S. soil, all passengers and crew will be screened prior to takeoff.” In addition, commercial airline passengers who have undergone pre-clearance will experience faster domestic and international connections within the United States by having their checked luggage automatically transferred between flights. All passengers should experience less congestion at U.S. international airports because passengers from Shannon and Dublin will not undergo additional screening upon arrival in the United States. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
City of Fillmore FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FILLMORE CITY HALL AGENDA IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK: Oral Communications is the time for citizen presentations or comments on items not on the agenda, but within the responsibility of the City Council. Please complete an Audience Participation Form prior to the beginning of oral communications and hand it to the clerk if you wish to speak. Please stay within the time limit indicated by the Mayor. If you wish to speak on an item on this agenda, please fill out an Audience Participation Form and hand it to the clerk prior to that item. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, November 24th, 2008
Written by Lane Marten Remember Lee Iacocca, the VP at Ford credited with the birth of the Mustang, the man who rescued Chrysler, Corporation from their death throws, and the owner of the famous quote "Lead, follow, or get out of the way"? Well, he's back! He has a new book, and here are some excerpts. Lee Iacocca writes: Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course'. Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned 'Titanic' , I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!' You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore. The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq, the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the 'America' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you? I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready for and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis ! Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down. George Bush, Dick Chaney and who is this Bozo coming up next? One of the most Liberal Idiots in the U. S. Senate and he is talking about disarming America . I can't believe the American people are not seeing what he is about to do to this country. May God have mercy on us all. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
 Fillmore City Planner Kevin McSweeney. Fillmore City Planner Kevin McSweeney spoke at the first city Housing Element Public Workshop, Tuesday evening at City Hall. The Workshop was held as part of the Housing Element Update process. The Housing Element is one of seven elements of the City’s General Plan, which prepares for the future housing development in the city. The workshop focused on explaining what a Housing Element is, what the Element contains, and how it affects the Fillmore community. A question and answer segment was included. This was the first workshop; the next one will cover ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ The Housing Element can be viewed on the city’s website at www.fillmoreca.com. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed an executive order to waive fees and help recovery efforts for the victims of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties. Yesterday, the Governor announced that a one-stop local assistance center will open in Orange County today to provide services from local, state and community based agencies to those affected by the Freeway Fire. The Governor also sent a letter to the President yesterday requesting a Federal Disaster Declaration to help Californians cope with the effects of these unprecedented wildfires. The Governor declared a state of emergency yesterday in San Bernardino County and on Saturday in Orange and Riverside counties as a result of the Freeway Fire. He also declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County as a result of the Sayre Fire. On Friday, the Governor declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Tea Fire. The full text of the executive order follows: EXECUTIVE ORDER S-15-08 By the Governor Of the State of California WHEREAS due to the destruction caused by the wind-driven wildfires beginning on November 13, 2008, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in the Counties of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino; and WHEREAS these fires caused harm to people and property, burned thousands of acres, damaged or destroyed homes and other structures, caused evacuations, and caused damage to resources and watershed; and WHEREAS these fires caused the loss of valuable personal and business records; and CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent the following letter to President Bush through Karen Armes, Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator, Region IX, requesting that he expeditiously declare a major disaster for the state of California as a result of damage and destruction caused by wildfires fueled by extremely high winds over the past weekend. Fires in Southern California have destroyed over 800 homes and burned over 40,000 acres to date. The Governor is specifically requesting Individual Assistance (including the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling and Disaster Legal Services); Public Assistance (Categories A-G); statewide Hazard Mitigation; and any other Stafford Act disaster assistance programs that may be appropriate for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino. He is also requesting U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans and funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loan Program for the affected counties. Text of the letter: November 17, 2008 The President Through: Ms. Karen Armes Dear Mr. President, Under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, I request that you declare a major disaster for the State of California as a result of extremely high winds and wildfires beginning November 13, 2008. At this time, impacted counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara. Winds exceeding 70 miles per hour have worsened fire conditions by fanning the flames, causing them to spread with frightening speed. This wind and fire event has already consumed more than 40,000 acres; caused widespread human injury; destroyed and damaged homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and infrastructure throughout the region; and it continues to threaten the lives and safety of many Californians. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, November 13th, 2008
Governor Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today will lead California through its largest emergency response exercise ever to test the state’s readiness and response to a major earthquake. With more than 5,000 emergency responders from approximately 100 local, state and federal agencies participating, the Golden Guardian exercise will simulate a 7.8 magnitude earthquake along the southern portion of the San Andreas Fault. Additionally, more than 5.1 million Californians have registered to take part in the ShakeOut Drill, which will be held in conjunction with Golden Guardian 2008. Combined, this is the largest earthquake drill and exercise in U.S. history. “California has the best emergency operations and first responders in the world, but we always want to get better, which is why this practice drill is so important,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Here in California we are determined to make preparation the difference between emergency and catastrophe. We cannot make precise predictions about when an earthquake will happen, but we can be prepared.” Golden Guardian 2008 is the statewide emergency preparedness exercise and is paid for by federal homeland security grants. It will test coordination between federal, state and local response and recovery among city, county, and state agencies, community-based organizations and the private sector, as well as the state’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and mass care and shelter operations. Dozens of state agencies will participate, including the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (OHS), Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol, CaliforniaVolunteers, Health and Human Services Agency, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and others—all with critical roles to play in the event of a disaster. The California National Guard, for example, will be simulating command and control of its more than 20,000 members in crucial areas such as security, transportation and equipment support for the exercise. “We always want to make sure our first responders have the best training, equipment and procedures,” said Office of Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen. “We always want to examine how we can do things better and how we can best respond to disasters.” CONTINUED » |
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By George Runner — Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
Higher Taxes mean Fewer Jobs
Senator George Runner Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. With California’s unemployment rate rising above 7%, the national economy shrinking, and the state’s budget deficit widening, voters are looking for answers to ease their financial fears and fix the state’s budgetary mess. The temptation among Democrats is to raise taxes in order to fund government programs that they believe would both help people through these difficult economic times and balance the budget. However, increased taxes would only worsen the situation by hindering economic recovery, which in the long run means fewer jobs. California already ranks among the top ten in hostile business environments in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, only New York and New Jersey beat California in harsh business climates. A hostile business climate does not invite entrepreneurs to expand business or start the businesses necessary to create jobs. This means less investment in the state, which means fewer employment opportunities for California residents. Nearby states like Nevada, Arizona and Texas – all of which have lower income and sales tax rates – are creating jobs, oftentimes by enticing California entrepreneurs to open shop. Were it not for high taxes and burdensome regulations, many of these jobs would otherwise stay in California. Furthermore, increased taxes will not lead to balanced budgets, especially if state spending is not cut. California has faced this situation before, and should learn from its mistakes when it comes to raising taxes during an economic downturn. In the mid-nineties when California faced a budget deficit and a cooling economy, state leaders decided to raise taxes. Revenues consistently failed to meet the rosy projections. In hindsight, their actions prolonged economic hardship without solving the fiscal problem of overspending. Based on that experience, now would be the worst time to consider burdening Californians and hindering our economy with higher taxes. Sacramento should not repeat the failed policies of the past. Help our Troops Call Home CONTINUED » |
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By Alissa Thompson — Monday, November 3rd, 2008
Dear Friends and Family, I know that many of us have different ideas politically, but there are some issues that surpass what I'm hearing on the campaign trails. I have several reasons that I'm choosing not to vote for Barack Obama, but this video discusses the main reason, which is Barack Obama's voting record on NOT providing medical attention to infants born alive through failed abortions. I usually don't openly express my political opinions, ESPECIALLY in such a public way, but I was so devastated by this story that I felt called to action. Obama and his campaign have NOT been forthcoming about this issue, and are twisting the facts terribly. The video is lengthy, but I wanted to present all of the FACTS. I'm not asking you to change your vote, I just want you to know the truth. I've spent several months researching this issue, and I chose to create a video because there was SO MUCH information that I was afraid that the subject's importance would get lost in an email. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to read this message and view the video. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Whose Town Do They Want to Take Back? The Town that Gary Creagle and a few others envisioned in the 1980s? Gary and others wanted the City to grow all the way to Piru, build an airport and allow a gaming casino. Do we want Back the dysfunctional Town that nearly brought Fillmore to financial ruin? The voters threw out Gary and his cronies, and with a new city council under Mayor Delores Day, Roy Payne was hired as city manager and the city began to pick up the pieces. Now Gary wants it all back his way, and he's convinced a few newcomers to see things his way. The frugality of the current City Council and city management is not an issue. Our city has lived within its means for many years now. The cost increases for management employees were largely beyond the city council's control; these were due to increases in medical insurance and the PERS retirement fund. It has been a difficult inflationary year for everyone, yet our city continues to operate on a BALANCED BUDGET. Since the recovery from the 1994 quake, the city has steadily built up RESERVES which amount to about 36% of the current operating budget. With our financial house in order we can soon look forward to a new community swimming pool, new tennis courts and a new 22 acre park. These long-terms visions are coming to reality thanks to the support of the community and the leadership shown by the current city council. Fillmore needs more jobs and services. Santa Paula Hospital has been reopened and we have a new modern urgent care facility and Fillmore's budding business park and the needed jobs it will bring will soon be realized. Above all, we are saddened by all the negative commentary about our community and our city. We need to start building bridges rather than creating walls of division. The discussion needs to focus on what is right for Fillmore, not who is right. That is why we five retired Mayors of Fillmore are supporting Steve Conaway, Cecilia Cuevas and Norris Pennington for City Council. Vote November 4! Sincerely, Scott Lee, Mike Mc Mahan, Don Gunderson, Roger Campbell and Evaristo Barajas |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
"As I understand it," Obama said during the floor debate, "this puts the burden on the attending physician who has determined, since they were performing this procedure, that, in fact, this is a nonviable fetus; that if that fetus, or child -however way you want to describe it - is now outside the mother's womb and the doctor continues to think that it's nonviable but there's, let's say, movement or some indication that, in fact, they're not just coming out limp and dead, that, in (act, they would then have to call a second physician to monitor and check off and make sure that this is not a live child that could be saved." This, he argued, was too much to ask of a doctor performing abortions, and it could also, as he put it, "burden the original decision of the woman and the physician to induce labor and perform an abortion." |
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By George Runner — Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Senate Bill 375 is an Assault on Suburbia
Senator George Runner Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Governor Schwarzenegger's deadline to sign or veto bills that were crafted and passed by the Legislature in 2008 was Sept. 30. The Governor rejected many good bills, saying in his veto message that due to a late budget he would only sign bills that are critical to the state. One bill I wish he would have rejected is Senate Bill 375, which will help implement AB 32 by amending programs that are beyond the current authority of the state Air Resources Board. Specifically, SB 375 will mandate that 17 regional transportation planning agencies around the state adopt, by Sept. 30, 2010, a so-called "sustainable communities strategy" that tells the state how the region will meet specific greenhouse-gas reduction targets for 2020 and 2035, as set by the 11 unelected members of the state Air Resources Board. In other words, the state will take a big chunk of control away from the local leaders who were elected by the People to plan our communities. My colleague Senator Dave Cox, of Sacramento, wrote the following summary on the measure: The intent of the sponsors of SB 375 is to change the development patterns of cities and counties inward, and away from "sprawl" that in their mind encourages long commutes, increases traffic, air pollution and global warming. What this bill really promotes, in my mind, is social engineering by the State of California that takes away the traditional role of city councilmembers and county supervisors in planning the development of their local communities. Let me just mention a few important points that caused me to vote against the bill. Some people like to live in dense downtowns in small condominiums. If they do there are housing options available to them. If a family wants a two-story house on a large lot in a suburban area, they should have that option too. What SB 375 says is that if a city has too much of those kind of houses, they will lose transportation money that the city uses to build roads to those developments. In other words, these houses will be more expensive, or not be built at all. SB 375 says that home builders who agree to build dense urban-style housing are given immunity from lawsuits that environmental organizations have used in the past to discourage development. A builder who builds a commercial or office development, or one that is defined as "sprawl," would still be subjected to these lawsuits. SB 375 ignores the development trends that are taking place nationwide, which de-emphasize an urban core and instead develop various "job centers" both downtown and in suburban areas. Local officials have been and continue to find employers who wish to locate developments in these areas with good schools where families with children prefer to live. And these families commutes are shorter than those who choose to live downtown. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
 Abraham Lincoln During this election year let's be reminded of these words: * You cannot help the poor, by destroying the rich. -- Abraham Lincoln |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Oral |