As reported in the Gazette, the “Newspaper of Record for the City of Fillmore” in the September 17th printed edition on page 12, and also on-line, Voice of El Dorado Mobile Homeowner’s Association held a special meeting on Sunday, September 13th to discuss issues pertaining to the park owner’s “Fair Rent and Homeownership Initiative” known to all as Measure F. The measure, which if passed, will be financially devastating to many seniors in El Dorado, is scheduled to be voted up or down by Fillmore’s registered voters on Election Day, November 3rd. Invitations were extended to both Councilwoman, Gayle Washburn and Mayor, Patti Walker. Walker was unable to attend, however Washburn was present for the entire meeting. Martin Farrell, Editor of the Gazette, and Chris Egedi, Editor of the Sespe Sun were also invited to cover the meeting and take photos.

This special meeting was held in an attempt to further explain the ramifications of the park’s proposed subdivision (condominium conversion), selling off space lots for undisclosed, historically inflated prices, and without the benefit of the numerous improvements required by the City of Fillmore, in addition to the devaluation of homes to little or nothing. Also discussed at the meeting, was a mailer sent to the voters of Fillmore, by the park’s owner. It stated that it was, “Paid for by Residents for Fair Rent and Home Ownership Measure F Sponsored (sic) by El Dorado Estates (sic) a Limited California Partnership FPPC # Pending”, misleading the public at large to believe that El Dorado residents approve of the subdivision and had in fact, contributed to the cost of the mailer. To date, not one El Dorado resident or anyone else has acknowledged contributing to this mailer! In addition, a recent HOA survey was taken, asking all park residents their opinion on the proposed subdivision. Of the 135 surveys returned, all were against this process. While there are 302 spaces in El Dorado, there are dozens of vacancies and “for sale” signs. There is also reason to believe that many surveys were not returned for fear of retaliation, whether real or imagined, as verbally expressed by some residents, who do not want, or cannot afford to purchase their lots.

Because the Gazette presents itself as the “Newspaper of Record for the City of Fillmore”, this writing takes issue with the Editor’s incomplete publication of “only” the Washburn photo, although he took several of the meeting, and the last sentence under it, paraphrasing Councilwoman Washburn, “signatures gathered to place Measure F on the ballot were fraudulently obtained.” Farrell, who was not feeling well, arrived late, and stayed only for a few moments, while Washburn was informing the group about complaints filed with the Secretary of State by some park residents, regarding possible fraudulent gathering of signatures for Measure F. She went on to say, if proven, the City Attorney advised that it could be possible for the measure to be pulled from the ballot. Having experienced the methods of the Measure F signature gatherers, along with many El Dorado residents, Washburn said that in her opinion, the signatures were gathered fraudulently, and she advised that the status of the complaint should be checked with the Secretary of State.

Mr. Farrell was invited to attend the meeting to report photographically and in writing, on the specific issue of Measure F, facing El Dorado seniors, not to create an opportunity to criticize Gayle Washburn. Councilwoman Washburn has not “stepped into the middle of this controversial issue etc.” as charged in the “Realities” column on the 17th. She stepped up, giving helpful information and encouragement to an extremely concerned senior community, a community of her constituents, nothing more, nothing less, and she does not deserve criticism for it. If we are to have a “record”, it should always be accurate and complete.

In closing, the seniors in El Dorado must have the help of our local communicators and the voters to keep our community intact. Please vote NO on Measure F!
Save El Dorado’s homes.

Submitted by Voice of El Dorado Mobile Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: CLARIFICATION
I was invited to the meeting to report on what I heard and to photograph the scene. I have no bias in this complicated dispute among El Dorado residents. I have published several photos of the meeting, and reported Councilwoman Washburn's words, accurately. The previous city council decided not to get involved in this issue, after very many months of emotional controversy and hours of council debate. The new council majority decided otherwise and has agreed to pick-up the cost of city involvement.

While I have nothing to say about which way to vote on Measure F, I have everything to say about how I cover an event. The statements made by Ms. Washburn were reported truthfully and correctly, and were not misleading. They pertain to Ms. Wasshburn, not to Measure F. The Gazette does not cover events "as directed", and my health played no part in the coverage, other than to shorten the time, which did not effect the accuracy of the report.

Martin Farrell