SFC Zavala and COL Wolff

SFC Gilbert T. Zavala, served with Task Force 71, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in the Helmand Province, Gereshk, Afghanistan. On the morning of 20 OCT 2008 at 0830, while serving with a combined Special Operations Task Force, Afghan Security Guards and Afghan National Police were attacked by a three sided ambush while conducting a Combat Reconnaissance Patrol in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. SFC Zavala's entire convoy came under direct fire initiated by a mortar round and for 30-40 minutes the convoy was under intense volumes of fire from RPG's, recoilless rifles and mortar fire while dispersed in a Wadi north of the Helmand canal in the Loy Mandah region. The Special Forces TM SGT's vehicle was receiving accurate PKM machine gun fire along with multiple Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) rounds narrowly missing the Civil Affairs vehicle. Upon receiving the command over the radio, SFC Zavala started to move his vehicle to higher ground to try to gain fire superiority and after moving about 50 meters his vehicle received a direct hit in which the RPG which penetrated the vehicles armor. The blast peppered the interpreter with shrapnel and knocked SFC Zavala and SFC Montenegro unconscious. SFC Montenegro, the Team Medic, was the first person to regain consciousness and he then revived SFC Zavala. IOT regained control of the vehicle. Unable to talk and having trouble hearing due to the concussion of the blast, SFC Zavala opened his door to let out the smoke to allow oxygen into the vehicle since the RPG blast initiated the fire extinguisher system. After establishing visual contact with the SF TM SGT, SFC Zavala drove the CA vehicle north about 100-150 meters to get out of range of any incoming rounds. Upon stopping the vehicle, SFC Zavala was immediately attended to for injuries sustained from the explosion. After receiving aid, SFC Zavala then jumped into the turret of his vehicle and noticed the 50 Cal machine gun was damaged, then moved to the M240 machine gun and returned fire towards the enemy positions that were still firing onto the CA and SF TM SGT vehicles with RPG's and PKM fire. After the enemy fled, SFC Zavala then jumped out of the turret and ran to the other side of his vehicle to assist in the treatment of casualties and removed them from the vehicle to prep for MEDEVAC. For his injuries, SFC Zavala is therefore awarded the Purple Heart.

The topic of discussion at Tuesday’s Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was the an action taken by the Board on the adoption of the layoff notices sent out last month. Todd Schieferle, Director Human Resources, asked for final approval of the layoffs by the Board. Schieferle informed the Board that both attorneys, Margaret A. Chidester representing FUSD, and Fareq M. Hishmeh representing the Certified Teachers Association, came to an amicable agreement, thus avoiding a full hearing and the additional expense. Schieferle stated, “We’re running out of options….this had nothing to do with performance, it had to do with seniority.”

School Board Member John Garnica commented, “We have to go through this every year. This is something we had no choice in.” He went on to say that other schools had layoffs last year and are doing more layoffs this year and that Fillmore held out until there was no other option. Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino remarked, “Every time there’s no money it’s a local decision, but when there is money it’s Sacramento’s decision. When it comes to the tough decisions we have to make them…we’re 47th in funding.” Nishino was referring to being 47th in funding per student out of the 50 States. Nishino also reminded those in attendance that the “…budget is still being hashed out and there are two competing initiatives on the ballot…they may be a deciding factor for next year.”

Also on agenda, CONTINUED »

At 7am Sunday, a game warden found a dead Black Bear two miles east of Piru on Highway 126. The 300 pound-plus bear had been hit by a car. The car left the scene. The adult male bear was returned to the wild to let nature take its course.

The wind is one of those “Good News, Bad News” occurrences! For some areas the good news is that the wind will blow the fouled polluted air from your community to another unfortunate community downwind! I am sure we all remember “Egg City” and the stench that blew into Fillmore in the evening from the drying heaps of chicken manure! In Fillmore and all of Ventura County the local citrus crop can be damaged by the wind by scarring the fruit making it bad news when selling that crop!

For me the bad news about the constant wind we have been experiencing this year is that the wind has created havoc with my flying of the American Flag and the flags representing the the military services of my only Son, Phillip Diaz, and first born Grandson Michael O'Neal. Phillip is in the Navy and Michael the Army. The flags fray quickly because of the strong winds and on Tuesday, April 10th, in what turned out to be a very windy day, my 20' telescopic flag pole reached the end of it's life! The strong wind caused damaged a part inside of the telescopic pole which then separated the pole into two pieces! Not to worry though because today I went to Harbor Freight and bought another pole! Since I order my flags in quantity I always have a fresh flag to fly! So bring it on WIND!

In my travels around town I have noticed a number of other homes that proudly display the American Flag, or in some cases the flag of one of the military services. But, these homes are few! I have also noticed some perfectly good flag poles prominently displayed in the front yards of some homes without flags proudly flying from them. There is a house on lower Foothill with two substantial flagpoles in the front yard without flags! And, the flagpole at the FUSD Maintenance Yard remains empty after a controversy that I didn't really understand between employees and FUSD Administration regarding flying the American Flag and the POW Flag! If it had to do with the cost of maintaining the flags I will gladly purchase four American and four POW flags a year to fly again on that pole! If that isn't the problem then I hope whatever it was can be worked out and the flags can again fly proudly!

In addition to the Military Banners proudly on display in Fillmore, I would like to encourage the residents of Fillmore, as well as the FUSD Maintenance Yard employees, to at the minimum to start using existing flagpoles to proudly fly the American Flag as a sign of support for the men and women from our community that are currently serving and for those serving in the Middle East! I have to say that I feel guilty each day I move about Fillmore involved in my daily routine of riding my bicycle, motorcycle, meeting for coffee with friends and planning other activities that surround family and fun. I think nearly every day of those young men and women serving in the war zone and the sacrifices they and their families are making for all of us! I wish for them daily to come home safely to this community and to their families!

My Grandson Michael is currently serving in Afghanistan and my Son Phillip will be deploying in early June to Afghanistan. I am committed, despite the wind, to flying their military service flags below the American Flag until they both return home safely from their deployments! I encourage other residents and families of currently serving military members to fly their flags also as their show of support for their family members! I know Fillmore can do this! Let's all support our own American Heroes who have sacrificed so much for us all! Let's make Fillmore a standout community for the support of our troops by making it the norm to see the American Flag flying proudly from not only existing flag poles, but also from newly placed flag poles! If any readers would like to share a picture and story of their display of the American, or any service flag I would be honored to place a picture in the paper with your story. Please email me at dickdiaz@roadrunner.com and I will begin the story!

Ari Larson updated the council on the upcoming Chamber of Commerce events.

This April 24, 2012 the Fillmore Senior Center Board of Directors joined the Fillmore City Council to report on the Center’s financial status. Also on the agenda was approval of a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission encouraging the Adoption of a No-Cost Opt-Out Provision for Smart Meters.

Fillmore Senior Center is feeling the pinch of a poor economy and cutbacks from just about all of its funding sources. In the past the Center had a $100,000 budget provided in part by Fillmore Redevelopment, the United Way and various other organizations such as the Lions and Soroptomists. Today the Center’s budget is $20,000 and much of that coming from the 4th of July Fireworks sales. This has resulted in an 11% cutback in the lunch program along with reduced home delivery of meals to seniors that depend on the service. There are many activities offered such as computer classes, yoga, various art classes such as sketching and watercolors, WII Bowling, various exorcise classes, Tai Chi Classes, line dancing, support groups, casino trips just to name a few. The Center is vital to many of the seniors in town with a monthly average of 750-800 participating in the various activities. The Center recently opened a boutique room offering handmade knitted and crocheted items for sale and has received a new pingpong table that had Mayor Gayle Washburn challenging anyone to a game. Washburn commented that Fillmore spent millions on a skate park, pool and a baseball field, adding that we need to take care of both our young and our old and that the old took care of us in the past, now it’s our turn to take care of them. The Center is a 501c3 Nonprofit and run by volunteers with only one paid part-time office staff that does most everything. The Board consists of seven members: Vivian Johnson, Neva Picketts, Alternate Scott Painter, Treasurer Iris Martin, Secretary Gloria Hansen, Vice President Don Murphy, and President Donna Voelker. The proceeds from the sale of fireworks will help keep the Center open and there is a need for volunteers this 4th of July to work the booth. Any extra help will go a long way.

Anna M. Frutos-Sanchez CONTINUED »

The Sheriff’s Office is providing a valuable resource to the community by setting up disposal bins for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which takes place this Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event is a collaborative effort between local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration to encourage residents to properly get rid of their expired or unused drugs.

The goal is to keep these products out of the hands of children. Many household pharmaceuticals are sold and traded among teenagers, who often help themselves to their parents’ medications. The consequences of medications getting into the wrong hands and being abused can be deadly.

Preventing a tragedy CONTINUED »

Angel Nolasco

In July 1982, Ronald Reagan was president, the space shuttle Columbia was landing at Edwards Air Force Base following its fourth mission, and a southern California truck driver, frustrated in his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot, went airborne in the skies over San Pedro with the help of a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Los Angeles’ downtown, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Park, the 36-piece band from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro played the National Anthem just before 80 Hispanic youth held up their right hands and were sworn into the Navy. Then they boarded buses heading south to San Diego to the Naval Training Center for boot camp.

The special all-state, all-Hispanic, all-city recruit company, “Los Marineros” (The Sailors), was conceived as a way to commemorate the outstanding achievements of Hispanic members of the Navy – Mayor Tom Bradley even issued a proclamation calling the day “Navy Hispanic Heritage Day” – and the event was seen as a valuable recruiting tool and a way to stimulate interest in Navy careers within the Hispanic community.

One future Sailor, Angel Nolasco, the first CONTINUED »

The April 17, 2012 Fillmore Unified School District Meeting began a half hour later than usual. The School Board took the first half hour to attend the Fillmore High School’s (FHS) Art Show at the Memorial Building. Upon returning the Board approved the unpleasant task of teacher layoffs.

The 45-day layoff notice will be sent out this week to 17 classified teaching services used throughout the District. Those receiving the notices will complete the present spring 2012 semester, but in fall 2012 they will work less hours or not be returning. These cuts were necessary due to lack of funds or the work was no longer needed.

The schools affected by the cuts are: Piru Elementary, Mountain Vista Elementary, San Cayetano Elementary, Sespe Elementary, Fillmore Middle School, Sierra High School, and Fillmore High School (FHS).

Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino showed ‘Smarter Classroom, Smarter World,’ a 1990 video produced at Blackstock Jr. High School in Point Hueneme, depicting the classroom of the future. The video started out by saying it was February 2012, but that was just a coincidence. Nishino has been promoting integrated networks for many years, and believes computers can improve learning. “How do we engage kids when they’re ready, not when we (the teachers) are ready?” Nishino stated. The integrated network is designed to meet each students’ needs by allowing gifted students to advance at their own pace, and allowing those students that need more time to grasp a concept the ability to slow the pace.

FHS’s Speaker of the House, Sammy Martinez, made a brief appearance to announce the Mountain Vista Rally is in the works and a time and date will be announced soon.

FHS’s 14th Annual Art Show was a huge success with about 300 attending during the two hour showing. The 500 art pieces are the work of students from Ms. Mitzenmacher’s art classes. The exhibits had a wide array of genres such as wood carving, quilting, sketches, acrylics and more. When asked how the show is coordinated, Mitzenmacher said everything is student-run and there is no judging, similar to an art gallery opening.

Tatiana Lesario and Brook Alvary along with 23 other students started setting up at 8am Tuesday morning. Many of the pieces were for sale at modest prices. The first $10 of each sale is donated to replace the classroom art supplies with the remainder going to the student artist.

Art student Francisco Ortiz, a senior at FHS, was proud of his sport themed acrylic painting. Ortiz said he showed an interest in art at the age of 10 and looks forward to attending College of the Canyons for an AA Degree in Art after he graduates.

Suspect: Hispanic male, medium build, short dark hair, between 5’10” and 6’0” tall.
Enlarge Photo

Suspect: Hispanic male, medium build, short dark hair, between 5’10” and 6’0” tall.
Enlarge Photo

On 4/9/12, a carjacking occurred in the city of Camarillo. The suspect used a knife to force the victim out of the vehicle. The suspect was unable to drive the vehicle away and fled on foot. The victim, an elderly female, received minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene. The suspect is still outstanding and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crime’s unit is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early 40’s, thin to medium build, with short brown hair, between 5’10”-6’0” tall. The suspect did not have any facial hair. A newer dark blue, 4-door, KIA is related to this crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crime’s Detective Richmond at 805-384-4725. Also, 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 call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Carjacking / 215 PC
Report #: 12-7814
Location: 400 Block of Carmen Road, Camarillo, CA
Date & Time: 4/9/12 @ 1140 hours
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Suspect: Hispanic male, medium build, short dark hair, between 5’10”-6’-0” tall
Victim: Elderly Female Unknown 38-45
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Julie Novak, 805-388-5115
Media Release Date: 4/12/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Brian Richmond, 805-384-4725
Approved By: Commander S. Decesari

A report on the Starbuck’s crash which took the life of former Marine Sergio Mendez is completed and is at the District Attorney's Office for review, stated Sheriffs Capt. Monica McGrath on Monday, April 9th. No public release date has been obtained.

Mendez’ aunt, Belen Burgos, who spoke with the FillmoreGazette publisher said the Department of Motor Vehicles has reported the crash as involving an injury but makes no mention of the fatality. She questioned why the fatality was not noted and if it would have affected Cedarland’s driver’s license status.

Information has also surfaced about the possible medical history of Michael Cedarland, whose car crashed into Starbucks on December 13, 2011, killing Mendez.

Following are excepts from CONTINUED »

A Proclamation was awarded to the Sierra Club recognizing April 22, 2012 as Earth Day and was accepted by Patti Walker.
Enlarge Photo

Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney presented the Council with an interpretation of the zoning ordinance regarding chickens.
Enlarge Photo

Dr. Scott Barlow, who moved to Fillmore in December 2010 and has seven chickens, addressed the Council asking that they take into consideration those raising chickens in a responsible way and do not impact their neighbors.
Enlarge Photo

The two main topics brought before the Fillmore City Council this week were the proposed Volunteer Coordinator position and the zoning ordinance regarding chickens. There was also a proclamation presented to the Sierra Club and information on the VC Alert program.

The City Council is looking for someone to work in a non-paid position as a Volunteer Coordinator. The position requires recruiting and assigning volunteers to clean the bike path, litter control, graffiti removal and event clean-up along with other tasks the City can no longer afford to maintain. City Manager Yvonne Quiring presented the Council with a list of qualifications and definition of the skills required. The list was three pages long and very extensive. The Council recognized this and agreed that the requirements should be adjusted to meet a non-paid position. Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is willing to set up the program and have the person who organized the Martin Luther King clean-up day at Two Rivers Park assist with the recruitment of a Volunteer Coordinator.

Mayor Gayle Washburn said she would prefer someone who could apply for grants, which takes some skill in doing. Councilmember Jamey Brooks cautioned the other Councilmembers that they may be expecting too much out of one person, especially for a non-paid position and that they might find someone who is a great coordinator but lacks the skill of grant writing. He suggested the two requirements not be put together and maybe a grant writer could volunteer their services separately.

Councilman Eduardo Gonzalez asked CONTINUED »