Santa Paula Police Department

On 12/6/14, at approximately 3:00am, Santa Paula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Santa Paula St regarding a report of 5-6 subjects involved in a physical fight. The reporting party overheard one of the subjects mention a gun. Upon officers’ arrivals, three subjects were detained. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of a loaded magazine. This subject was identified as Ricardo Magana who is currently on parole and a gang member out of the city of Fillmore. A firearm matching the loaded magazine was located in a nearby vehicle Magana was associated with. A parole hold was placed on Magana and he was subsequently arrested for PC 29800(a)(1); Felon in Possession of a Firearm and PC30305(a)(1); Felon in Possession of Ammunition. The other detained subjects were released. Prepared by Sergeant Ken Clark

Board Member Lucy Rangel presents a Proclamation in Celebration of Distinguished Service as a Trustee of the Fillmore Unified School District to past members Tony Prado (above) and Dave Wilde (below) for their years of service to the District. Photos courtesy Todd Schieferle.
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The Fillmore Unified School Board presented two Proclamations in Celebration of Distinguished Service as a Trustee of the Fillmore Unified School District to out-going Board Members Tony Prado and Dave Wilde.

Board Member Lucy Rangel spoke of Wilde’s four years of service, 2010-2014 and his “...wealth of knowledge” and knowing where to go and who to ask. Wilde has spent 44 years in the education field. Rangel also thanked Wilde’s wife Liz for all her support.

It was then Prado’s turn. Rangel began with, “Tony was instrumental in her running for the Board” and thanked him for the four terms he served, a total of 16 years. Prado responded, “I have always thought of myself as an activist, I’m always going to be one.” He gave a heartfelt goodbye as he commented on his concern for the students, especially those that are struggling and on the changes to FUSD such as two new schools during his time on the board.

Board Member Virginia de la Piedra added, “Being on the Board you’re going to clash with each other...it’s an exchange of ideas.....I thank you both, it’s been a lot of years you’ve put into this. Tony your heart was really in the interest of the students. I’ve really enjoyed you being here, especially this last year.”

Board Member John Garnica responded, “I appreciate both your contributions, thank you very much. We may have disagreed, but your heart was in the right place.”The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos introduced the new courses for the 2015-16 academic year. They include; Introduction to Health Careers, Body Systems and Diseases, Agriculture Business and Economics, Beginning Studio Productions, Advanced Studio Productions, Math 2, Enhanced Math 2 and Math1B. During the 2015-16 academic year there will be an additional courses called “Pathway Courses” added to those above; Agricultural Science will be added to Agricultural Business and Economics, Patient Care and Public Service to Introduction to Health Care, Studio Production and Productions and Managerial Arts to Advanced Studio Productions, Systems Diagnosis Service and Repair, Systems Technology/Game and Simulators.

Palazuelos explained these CONTINUED »

Zahar Roque, a student at Fillmore Middle School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

Zahar’s poster was among more than 230 entries in Fillmore. There are over 375,000 entries submitted world wide in the 27th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

Her poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace Love and Understanding”. The judging was held on November 13 at the Fillmore Middle School.

Ariana Bensen’s and Esmeralda Orozco’s posters were selected as second place winners. Miss Roque received a heck of $50 as the winner and Miss Orozco and Miss Bensen received $25 each.

The Fillmore Lions Club presented the awards Monday evening, December 1. They were all impressed by the expression and creativity that was presented Miss Roque’s poster which will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US$5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.

The judges were very impressed by the overall work that this years participants created. The judges have done this several times and this years posters were the best they have had to judge.

All participants are students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art class at Fillmore Middle School. Mrs. Nichols is commended for her assistance in this annual event.

City of Fillmore

11/03/14
Accident – Non Injury
100 Blk. B St.
Narcotics Violation
200 Blk. Central Ave.
Accident – Injury
900 Blk. Ventura St.
Threats
1000 Blk. Village Sq.
Drunk in Public
500 Blk. Santa Clara St.
11/05/14
Search Warrant
1300 Blk. Waterford Ln.
Arrest
500 Blk. A St.
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Saratoga St.
11/06/14
Shoplifter in Custody
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Fight
300 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Search Warrant
1100 Blk. Ventura St.
Vandalism
400 Blk. Central Ave. CONTINUED »

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to give one last gift this holiday season and discover the true meaning of giving by donating blood.

Busy holiday schedules and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can often mean fewer donors giving blood. But for patients with cancer or other illnesses or injuries requiring blood transfusions, the need for blood is constant and doesn’t get a holiday break. The gift of a blood donation only takes about an hour and can give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.

To encourage donations and show appreciation, all those who attempt to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2015, will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Eligible donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Simi Valley
12/20/2014: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
12/26/2014: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., DMV Simi Valley, 3855 Alamo Street
12/26/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
12/30/2014: 8 a.m. - 8:15 p.m., Simi Valley Hospital Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive

Thousand Oaks
12/17/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/23/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/24/2014: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/29/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/30/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/31/2014: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
12/16/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street
12/23/2014: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3501 Loma Vista Rd

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.

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.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The City of Fillmore with the full support of the City Council will expand offerings and programs for all of Fillmore Senior Citizens. Currently, the city oversees the following programs:

Senior Nutrition Program, Brown Bag Program — commodities for low income citizens, Food giveaways, English classes, and Tokens for the Vista Bus for seniors going to and from the senior center for lunch.

Additional social programs such as nutrition planning, arts and craft classes, senior swim programs, and field trips to name a few.

The move will allow the city to offer senior programs and services to a variety of individuals.

The city previously administered and operated the Senior Center between 1994 and 2012.

The current contract between the City and Fillmore Senior Center Incorporated, who is currently providing programs, was not renewed. According to the contract the city will take over operations in July 2015.

The Fillmore Senior Center is a multipurpose center dedicated to independence, dignity, and quality of life for our senior citizens and the community at large. The Fillmore Senior Center will look to enhance independence, dignity and quality of life through community resource management and coordination, advocacy and a full spectrum of direct quality services.

City staff over the next several months will be reaching out to the senior community for ideas on additional programs and services to provide.

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On November 20, 2014, at approximately 12:48 PM, a male suspect entered the Bank of the West Branch located at 180 N. Moorpark Road in the city of Thousand Oaks. The suspect demanded money and claimed to be in possession of a gun, although no weapons were seen.

The bank teller complied with the suspect’s demands and the suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries. The suspect was last seen running south through the parking lot toward Hillcrest Drive.

The suspect was described as a black male, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 5’10” tall with a medium build and weighing approximately 180 pounds. The suspect was wearing a beanie style hat, white shirt with the number “19” on the front, dark pants and red shoes.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224.

Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Bank Robbery
Report Number: 14-26413
Location: Bank of the West – 180 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time: November 20, 2014 / 12:48 p.m.
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit & Federal Bureau of Investigation
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Bank of the West
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: November 20, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Todd Welty (805) 494-8224 / (805) 947-8288
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

City receives Gold Level Conservation Award. Tuesday night’s City Council meeting began with a presentation awarded to the City of Fillmore. A Gold Level Conservation Award was given by Energy Analyst Javier Saucedo with the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance and Edison’s Public Affairs Anna M. Frutos-Sanchez to the City of Fillmore in recognition of energy savings by more than 10% since 2006 through retrofitting light fixtures and upgraded heating and air-conditioning. Fillmore is only the 2nd city in Ventura County to receive that high level of achievement. Mayor Manuel Minjares is pictured center.

There were three agenda items discussed at the November 18, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting; Adoption of a City Communication Plan, End of Fiscal Year 2013/14 General Fund carry over, and an agreement for a retail market and consumer analytic study.

The meeting began with a presentation given to the City of Fillmore. A Gold Level Conservation Award was given by Energy Analyst Javier Saucedo with the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance and Edison's Public Affairs Anna M. Frutos-Sanchez to the City of Fillmore in recognition of energy savings by more than 10% since 2006 through retrofitting light fixtures and upgraded heating and air-conditioning. Fillmore is only the 2nd city in Ventura County to receive that high level of achievement.

Next, was a Certificate of Award to the Fillmore Women's Service Club and the Fillmore Ebell Club. The Ebell Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary, Ebell Club its 50th Anniversary. Accepting the Award were Jeanne Klittich, Susan Banks and Mimi Burns. Klittich joked that the Ebell Club's main goal is to raise money and give it to Fillmore; which includes the Police and Fire Department, Senior Center and park benches to name just a few.

The last Proclamation was given to Council Member Steve Conaway. Conaway was first elected to the City Council in 2004 and served eight years, including two years from 2007 through 2008 as Mayor. He was appointed to the Council in May 2013 to complete an unexpired term after another Council Member stepped down. Conaway served on many committees including the Finance, Water Recycling Plant, and Primary Council Liaison to North Fillmore Neighborhood Committee. He also served as Senior Center Board Liaison, Parks Commission Liaison, Veterans Memorial District, Animal Control Commission, Ground Water Committee, the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau Board, Library Service Commission and President of the Fillmore Raiders for many years along with supporting many youth activities. Conaway spoke from the heart as he addressed those in attendance stating, "It's been an honor, I find it rewarding, but it would not have been possible without the support of my wife Camilla and family. These last two years have been rewarding. Thank you."

The Council then addressed the first agenda item; the adoption of a City Communication Plan. The Plan was proposed earlier this year to improve communication and distribution of information between the City and its residents. The Plan was unanimously approved by all Council Members.

The next agenda item came with some very good news; the General Fund has a net positive of $2,430,000 with revenue exceeding expenditures by that amount! After adjusting for a negative carryover of a $218,000 shortfall from the fiscal year 2012/13 is deducted, Fillmore is left with an estimated $2,210,000 in the General Fund.

The goal of the City Council is to maintain 40% of the General Fund Expense Budget in a reserve account. With some of this added surplus and if the economy and those factors that generate revenue for Fillmore continue to keep the City in the black, the goal of 40% will be reached in a few years. The present revenue surplus is allowing for some items that were not included in the latest Budget. Those items include funding the Towne Theatre ($20,000), Recreation ($80,000) and the Community Pool ($200,000). Also included, and with a great deal of discussion by the Council, was capital investments and one-time-only-funding projects. Projects to be funded include; information technology equipment replacement ($95,000), new website ($45,000), retail/economic study ($43,000), vacation/compensation time buy back ($120,000) and rescue squad (4230,000).

The City must upgrade its outdated phone system and network backup system to be compatible with the most resent technology systems, provide a firewall to protect residents information and add Wifi to City Hall. The City's website also needs updating.

The vacation/compensation time buy-back is a significant liability for the City if paid back at the time an employee either resigns or retires due to their increase in pay at that time. Employees will be encouraged to sell back their time at their current pay saving the City a larger liability later on.

The final item is an analytic study to develop a Retail Economic Plan for Fillmore. The company chosen is Retail Coach. They will analyze the area and evaluate retail markets in surrounding communities. The information will provide City planners which businesses will be most beneficial to Fillmore.

Council Member Diane McCall responded to the funding by saying, "We have to update as a regular business would do...the website is embarrassing" and suggested, for the safety of the community, the house address numbers be painted on the curbs.

Conaway remarked that the baseball field needs to be completed and that it would give Fillmore Little League a place to play besides Shields Park.

Mayor Manuel Minjares stated he wanted a better discussion on exactly what the City was getting for the cost of the rescue squad vehicle. Council Member Rick Neal was also concerned and cautious on spending that large of an amount without greater consideration of the choice and if that great of an upgrade was needed. He also suggested a vehicle replacement fund. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros reminded the Council the many of the items the Fire Department has purchased have often been paid for through grant monies. The rescue squad is a truck used by Fillmore Fire Department. The present rescue squad is 15 years old and was purchased used in 2000 for one dollar. It has a small gas tank of 12 gallons and has had numerous problems.

Regarding continuing projects, Planning Department Kevin McSweeney reported that the consultant is revising the plans for based upon Caltrans comments and the light signal on Highway 126 and Mountain View is still scheduled to be in by August 2015. The revisions include handicap curbs, drainage and a light signal synchronized with the nearest light signals.

In other news, Conaway reported the pump track is about 80% completed and very close to operational. It was built using only donated equipment and labor.

Police Chief David Wareham reminded everyone that the Fillmore Community Health Fair 2014 presented by Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Food Share and Fillmore Police Department will be held this Saturday November 22nd from 9-11:30 a.m. at the North Fillmore Police Storefront, 642 Lemon Way. Admission is free and groceries will be given to the first 100 families who participate in the health fair activities. There will also be blood pressure testing, flu shots, mammography screening information for women over 40 and high school internships and student scholarships information.