Fillmore Unified School District

The California Department of Education has awarded Fillmore Unified School District $2.6 million to fund full-day preschool classes at its four elementary schools and two additional District sites, providing families with a high-quality child development program free of charge.

Fillmore Unified, located 60 miles north of Los Angeles, serves a lower-income student population of approximately 3,500, and today provides only one half-day preschool program at the Sespe District Office.

In addition to adding preschool to the elementary schools, the grant will fund two additional classes at the Sespe location. Classes will be full day, serve approximately 24 students at each location, and will be provided free to students ages 3 – 5.

“Fillmore Unified recognizes the long term educational benefits for students who have completed a high-quality preschool program,” said District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. “The California State Preschool Program funding will enable our district to increase access to preschool for our youngest learners and also continue to forge strong connections with our families,” he said.

Fillmore applied for the state funding through a competitive grant process in November 2015 and was notified of the award on April 1. This will be the first time the District provides full-day programs at all sites.

Preschool is an essential component of a comprehensive program and is much needed in the City of Fillmore, population approximately 13,500. Serving a largely migrant, second-language population presents numerous challenges. To provide a high-quality child development option for free could positively transform entire families, giving students more resources and support and parents more opportunities to work and help their children.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for the families of the Fillmore community,” said District Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Martha Hernandez. “Our focus on early literacy will reap great benefits for our students.”

Fillmore Unified is transforming and elevating the quality of instruction district-wide. Since last school year, it has invested several hundred thousand dollars in curriculum, staff development, materials and training programs to improve student outcomes, parent involvement and campus climate. Preschool was a missing component, until now.

The total award will be funded over two years, with this round ending in June 30, 2017. Funds will be used to prepare classrooms, facilities, hire and train staff and purchase all necessary supplies, equipment and materials. Classes will open in time for the start of the 2016/17 school year. The program will run year round including summer.

City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore advises all local non-profit organizations that applications will be available Wednesday, April 13th, for 2016 firework booth permits.

Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, May 27th in the City Clerk's office at Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue. The fee is $400.00; all organizations must provide proof of non-profit status and complete a “no fee” business license application.

The City’s Municipal Code (Section 15.38.030) requires applicants to be a non-profit association or corporation organized primarily for veteran, patriotic, welfare, city betterment, religious or charitable purposes, having on file with the City of Fillmore proof of non-profit status from either the IRS, California Secretary of State or the State Attorney General, having its principal and permanent meeting place in the City, and having been organized and established in the City for a minimum of three years continuously preceding the filing of the permit application.

A maximum of 25 permits will be issued, and priority will be given to organizations that were grandfathered and issued permits in 2015 and continue to be eligible. If necessary, a lottery will be held in early June to randomly determine which organizations will receive permits in addition to the qualified organizations.

Fireworks sales may occur within the City limits from Tuesday, June 28th at twelve o’clock noon through Tuesday, July 5th at twelve o’clock noon.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU COMPLETE THE 2016 APPLICATION – THE CITY WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.

Questions regarding applications or eligibility should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at Fillmore City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00p.m., Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays, or by calling 524-1500, extension 234 or emailing jlatshaw@ci.fillmore.ca.us.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to donate blood this spring to ensure a sufficient supply for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.

Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need. Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals and must be used within 42 days of donation.

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Debbie Cody-Nabors is a blood donor who gives double red cells. Her mother received transfusions twice a week during treatment for aplastic anemia. “I donate blood as often as I can in memory of my mom,” she said. “Please donate blood if you can to help save lives as you never know when you’ll be on the receiving end.”

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Camarillo
4/27/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santa Cruz Village, 1 University Drive
4/28/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santa Cruz Village, 1 University Drive

Simi Valley
4/16/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
4/29/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
4/20/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
4/25/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
4/19/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.orgor cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Board President Virginia de la Piedra with Barbara Lemons. Photos courtesy Bob Crum.
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Board President Virginia de la Piedra with Otmara “Maggie” Lofton.
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Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was beyond standing-room only. Close to 70 people attended the meeting, with half standing and overflowing out the door. Some had come to honor those receiving awards and others to address their employee grievances with the Board.

The meeting began with honoring the FUSD Persons of the Year. First recipient was Classified Staff Employee of the Year Barbara Lemons. Lemons commented that she and other family members were Fillmore High School graduates and how much she appreciated the recognition.

The second recipient was Otmara "Maggie" Lofton, who spoke of her devotion to teaching, humbly stating, "I accept this on behalf of all the other educators." Lofton also received five other recognitions from throughout California including State Senate, Ventura County Supervisors and others.

Mary Williams was honored Administrator of the Year and Misael Ponce, Student of the Year; both were not in attendance.

Next was Public Comments with six FUSD teachers addressing the Board and Administrators. All six addressees read prepared comments that they attributed to writers other than themselves. One of the many grievances was that they had seen an increase in administrative staff, yet not an increase in teaching faculty. It was stated that the teachers had negotiated for two years of training to improve teaching techniques and they were responsible for building the curriculum. They were told teachers would be compensated by the degree of their effectiveness, but now feel they are being asked for more than was being compensated. They also stated that they want the student per teacher ratio lower and an equal number of students per grade in all classrooms.

Teacher Susan Butts read CONTINUED »

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Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Provencal, and Three Cheese Macaroni are just three of the delicious menu items included in this year’s Alumni Dinner menu.

Many of you have been to the annual Alumni Dinner over the years, and we thank the many volunteers who have prepared our menu in the past. Some of you remember the Alumni Dinners being mainly pit barbecue that were put on by Albert Bartels and his crews, Ed Burson and his group, and by K.B. Rogers and Ron Godfrey with the help of the Fillmore Club members. Presently we are happy to be served by Doug Biggs, Owner of DJ’s California Catering out of Ventura. They have put smiles on many Alumni faces with their outstanding food preparation and presentation at our Alumni Dinners.

Happy Hour is from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. DJ’s Catering has the best bar set up this side of the Mississippi. The bar setup will be open until 12:00 Midnight. Be sure to order our signature drink this year, the Blue Lightning Hypnotic Cocktail. Surely a crowd pleaser on a warm summer’s evening.

There are many classes preparing to get together to celebrate their Class Reunions at the dinner. Why don’t you get on the horn and call your friends to meet up for a time of laughter, celebration, and an awesome meal on June 11th. Make your reservations today by visiting the Alumni website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com

Juan Lemus, 29

On March 26, 2016 at approximately 7:52am, Santa Paula police officers were dispatched to the area of the 200 block of March St. for a call of a male subject swinging a rabbit in the air by its ears, and then lighting it on fire. The male subject then fled the area on a bicycle. Officers located a subject matching the suspect's description in the 300 blk S. Steckel Dr. The subject was identified as Juan Lemus, age 29 of Santa Paula. Lemus told officers that he found a rabbit in the street and was already deceased. Lemus told officers that he lit a piece of paper on fire, and not the rabbit. The rabbit was subsequently found in a dirt lot, lying next to a pile of smouldering paper. The rabbit was transported to SPARC for evaluation. The veterinary technicians examined and x-rayed the rabbit. It was determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Lemus was taken into custody for 597(a)PC- Animal Cruelty, 451PC- Arson, and 459PC- Burglary. Upon being taken into custody, Lemus was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe, and was also charged with 11364(a)HS- Possession of Drug Paraphernelia. An evaluation of Lemus was also conducted to determine if he was under the influence of a controlled substance. The evaluation showed that he was under the influence and was arrested for 11550(a)HS- Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Lemus was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail.

The Santa Paula Police Department would like to thank the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center for their assistance in this case.
If anyone has information regarding a missing rabbit, please contact Det. Sgt. Madison at (805) 525-4474 x220.

Nature of Incident:
Animal Cruelty/ Arson
Report Number(s):
SG1600459
Location(s):
200 blk March St.
Dates & Times:
March 26, 2016/ 7:52am
Unit Responsible:
(S)uspects, (V)ictims
City of Residence
Age
(S) Juan Lemus
Santa Paula
29
Press Release Date:
March 26, 2016
Follow-Up Contact:
Sgt. Cody Madison, (805) 525-4474 x220, cmadison@spcity.org

Richard Kutbach, Fillmore, 55

On March 15, 2016, patrol deputies conducted a burglary investigation that involved the theft of the victim’s undergarments. At the deputy’s request, the victim installed trail cameras in her backyard. The following day, the victim discovered some undergarments missing from her residence. Upon checking the trail camera, the victim discovered Richard Kutbach, a longtime acquaintance, entering the residence. A search warrant was served on Kutbach’s residence. Investigators discovered over two dozen garments belonging to the victim. During the interview, Kutbach confessed to entering the victim’s home numerous times and taking the victim’s undergarments due to a longtime attraction to the victim.

Kutbach was arrested for residential burglary and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail. His bail was set at $100,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Residential Burglary Suspect Arrested
Report Number: RB# 16-319190
Location: 300 Block of Second Street
Date & Time: 03/16/16 @ 2:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol / Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(A) Kutbach, Richard Fillmore 55
Prepared by: Deputy Gene Torres
News Release Date: 3/22/16
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Javier Chavez
(805) 524-2233
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

Chris and Amy Obringer and family
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The Fillmore Equestrian Center (FEC) now has a new operator, the Obringer family. The contract with the Obringers and the City was approved at Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting. The Obringers come with a strong equestrian background and plans for improving the offerings available at the FEC along with an extensive beautification and reorganization plan.

The Obringers, who live in Simi Valley, have four young children. Amy Obringer is a certified Western and English instructor who founded the Blue Water Youth Ranch in Spokane, Washington which offers youth ranch boarded horses, free riding instructions for foster/adopted children and professional riding lessons. Amy's husband, Chris Obringer, is a Ventura County Sheriff's Department Officer with an Advanced Mounted Officer Certificate. Amy's father, Donnie Waters, has 45 years of equine care and training experience and will be living on site at the FEC.

The Obringers future plans include making over $100,000 in improvements to the Center over the next five years, and partnering with many of our community based organizations: Boys and Girls Club Youth Programs, Veteran's Programs, Fillmore High School Equestrian Club. They also have plans to include summer day camps, horse riding lessons, wild mustang training and vaccination clinics.

The City of Fillmore will receive 7% of the boarding fees the first year with a steady increase to 25% over the ten year contract. The first five years of revenue to the City is expected to total $54,600 with an anticipated $150,000 the remaining 6-10 years.

The response from CONTINUED »

A group of volunteers submitted signatures on Thursday to Fillmore Deputy City Clerk Diana Impeartrice, center, in a bid to place Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources (SOA) on the November ballot. SOAR is a set of existing laws passed in the late 1990s that affect eight Ventura County cities and unincorporated areas. Voter approval is required before agricultural land and open space can be rezoned for development. Fillmore had approximately 20 volunteers, headed by retired firefighter Bob Stroh, left, who were stationed outside of Vons and went door-to-door. Fillmore’s SOAR initiative needed 649 signatures, a percentage of registered voters; they collected 998.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A stranded hiker was rescued Tuesday night near Fillmore by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit.

A man who had planned to hike form Fillmore to Ojai on the Sespe Trail reached a point where he felt it was dangerous to continue or go back. He sent a message to his wife via GPS that he needed help. She called the VC Sheriff’s Department and Air Squad 9 was sent out about 8pm to locate and transport the man and his dog back to Fillmore.

They were located in the Sespe Hot Springs area and airlifted out.

No injuries were reported.