Tuesady night, Jeff Nigro, CPA, with the State of California, presented the Fillmore Unified School District with a “clean audit” and explained the new format and the States’ findings. Each year the State does an audit of FUSD which is part if the educational code requirement; it begins in spring and ends in December, and takes approximately 300 hours.
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Ali Widmar spoke to the Board of the run around she received when trying to address the use of the running track, at Tuesday’s board meeting.
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The main topics of discussion at the January 17, 2012 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting were the cost of education and what funds are available after the State announced the proposed cuts. The FUSD is dealing with what schools throughout the state are facing – a $248 million cut in school transportation funding; the first state in the nation to completely eliminate transportation funding. Also Governor Jerry Brown is proposing to eliminate funding for the new Transitional Kindergarten program.

The proposed cuts take effect the second half of the academic year. Brown is calling for a new “weighted-pupil” funded formula which allocates funding to schools based on each school’s needs. Those schools with higher poverty or greater number of English learners receive greater funding.

The Transportation Funding cuts will hit hard for those school districts with a large percentage of low income students like FUSD. Many of the families do not have transportation to take the children to school and pick them up.

Another program on the chopping block is the Kindergarten Readiness Act which was signed into law on September 30, 2010 by then Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger. It pushes back the date by which children must turn five to enter kindergarten from December 2nd to September 1st. For children with birthdays that fall between Sept. 2 to Dec. 2 and are too young under the new cutoff date to enter regular kindergarten, a Transitional Kindergarten has been established. But just as schools are starting to phase in the new program, Brown is proposing elimination of funding for the classes. At the December 7, 2011 board meeting, FUSD Alan Nishino announced the start of the program with such enthusiasm only to face its elimination less than two months later.

Dr. Michael Bush, assistant superintendent, informed the Board that as a result of the California Supreme Court ruling eliminating all of the State’s Redevelopment Agencies (RDA), the FUSD will no longer be receiving a percentage of the revenue generated from Fillmore’s Redevelopment Agency. When addressing the Governor’s stated goal of eliminating the RDAs to aid funding education and schools, Bush added, “It is very unlikely we will not see any new revenue……a lot of it’s a shell game.” To which Nishino stated, “It doesn’t benefit us.” Nishino went on to say the Governor is using the kids to get his tax increase passed on the November ballot and was “very problematic…..to use our kids as a pawn bothers me.” Bush said that it won’t be clear how greatly this will affect the district until around June 30th.

Jeff Nigro with the State of California presented the FUSD with a “clean audit” and explained the new format and the states findings. Each year the State does an audit of FUSD which is part if the educational code requirement. It begins in spring and ends in December and takes approximately 300 hours.

Ali Widmar spoke to the Board of the run around she received when trying to address the use of the running track. Widmar said she has a disability that is helped by having the use of a soft track. When informing the Board of all the people she spoke with and the continued non-answered responses, those in the room laughed.

The Board approved a field trip for approximately 25 students from Piru’s 6th grade to the Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre. The date of the trip is May 15-18 and will cost $7,356. The students will sleep in cabins, share KP duty in the dining hall, learn to take 3 minute showers, go on hikes and have the chance to learn activities such as boating, archery, crafts, games, etc. After breakfast each day, plus one evening they will go on educational walks where they learn about wildlife biology, botany, geology, astronomy, nocturnal animals, and Chumash culture.

All individuals and groups who want to use the all weather track at the high school please attend the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 6:30 PM., for public comments at the beginning of the meeting. A group has been working with the City Council and School District for nearly 3 1/2 years to secure community rights to use a track once accessible to the public but closed to us after the all-weather track was built with community financial support. If you believe that this is an important community issue, this is the time to so advise the City Council, for while the District Board is responsible only for the District, the City Council is elected to serve the needs of the entire community. If you believe that the track is a community asset and access to it is vital to public health and safety, please attend and let the City Council know of your support.

Fillmore Firefighters sift through the remains of a residential garage fire that occured early monday morning in the City of Fillmore. No injuries were reported at the fire was contained to the garage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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At 4:43am the City of Fillmore Fire Department was responded to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of Bard Street in the City of Fillmore. Upon arriving at the location, first in units reported heavy smoke and fire contained to a detached garage. Firefighters were able to make quick work of the fire by using forcible entry techniques to gain entry into the structure, allowing them an opportunity to extinguish the blaze before it spread to adjacent structures. The fire was reported out at 4:58am. Three occupants were asleep inside the nearby home when the fire first ignited however they were able to evacuate safely resulting in no injuries at the scene of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation however it appears that heavy fire loading contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Damage was contained to personal property and the structure and is estimated at $16,000. Issued by: Patrick Maynard, Public Information Officer Follow-Up Contact: Rigo Landeros, Fire Chief 805-844-7109

City Clerk Clay Westling swears in councilmember Eduardo Gonzalez.
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Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, State Farm Public Affairs Official Greg Sherlock, and Asst. Fire Chief Bill Herrera hold a $5,000 check, presented to the Fillmore Fire Dept. for the C.E.R.T. program and equipment and training. The grant was presented by State Farm Insurance.
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Mayor Gayle Washburn thanks Glenda Jay for exemplary efforts at city hall.
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Two important items were on the January 10, 2012 Fillmore City Council’s agenda. One was the decision of who would fill the vacant council seat left when Councilmember Patti Walker resigned. The second was what to do with the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency after the recent California Supreme Court decision upheld legislation that abolished redevelopment agencies throughout the State.

There were four applicants vying for the seat on the Council. They included Alex Mollkoy, Adrian Grimaldo, Eduardo Gonzalez and Barbara Cavalli. One by one the four applicants were given 20 minutes to answer four predetermined questions and one additional question chosen by each Councilmember. The four standard questions asked were; Why do you want to be appointed to the City Council? What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the City of Fillmore in the next year or two? What do you feel needs to be done to maintain and enhance the City’s economic health? What approach would you take as a Councilmember to balance the budget or address budgetary issues? The additional questions asked were whether the candidate could commit to the time needed to serve and complete the term, leadership, if the applicant could put aside their self-interest, why the Council members should support them, and what the candidate wanted to comment on that the Council hadn’t covered.

Cavalli responded to the question of why she wanted to sit on the Council by stating her love for the City and her ability to make level-headed decisions. Gonzalez answered the question with his education and business experience having done hundreds of budgets. Grimaldo’s answer was, “I’m young and not afraid to say what’s on my mind.” Mollkoy answered with, “I have a strong desire to serve the community.”

Each Councilmember then gave their opinion on who had impressed them, when Councilmember Jamey Brooks quickly motioned that Gonzalez be appointed to which Mayor Gayle Washburn seconded. There was a pause and the other two Councilmembers Steve Conaway and Brian Sipes said they wanted more discussion with Conaway motioning for Mollkoy to be nominated, but no one would second Conaway’s motion. Then in a 3 to 1 vote with very little discussion, Washburn, Brooks and Conaway voted to give the seat to Gonzalez; only Councilmember Brian Sipes voted against it.

The second big item on the agenda was whether the City should become a “Successor Agency” to the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency. In a presentation City Manager Yvonne Quiring gave the pitfalls that the City may face if it decides to give control of Fillmore Redevelopment assets to the State and relinquish control. Quiring informed the Council that the State requires cities to meet enforceable housing units and there would not be any money if housing responsibility went away. Also that the State legislation regarding this component was not well written and contains conflicting provisions.
The situation began when Governor Brown took office and targeted funds historically earmarked for Redevelopment Agencies (RDA) to help fill the States multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. The California Legislature then adopted two companion bills - ABX126 which dissolved the RDA’s and an alternative bill, ABX127, which was an exemption from dissolution and left the ability to keep the RDA’s if cities and counties agreed to make a “ransom” payment (Fillmore’s ransom payment was to be $1.9m this year and approximately $400k every year thereafter) to fund education, transit and fire districts. The law was upheld by the court and passed on June 29, 2011, stating that RDA’s would be eliminated on Oct. 1, 2011 but the court delayed the date to February 1, 2012.

This legislation did not go over well with the RDA’s throughout the State and on July 18, 2011 the California Redevelopment Association and the League of California Cities filed a suit with the California Supreme Court arguing that Proposition 22, which was passed by California voters, prohibited the Legislature from eliminating the roughly 400 RDA’s and the State from using RDA funds.

On December 29, 2011 the California Supreme Court ruled on the suit and found that ABX126, which dissolved the RDA’s, did not violate Prop 22 and was a valid exercise of the Legislature’s authority stating that because the State Legislature authorized the creation of the RDA it has the power to eliminate them. And in an opposite decision in that same suit, the court also ruled that ABX 127 asking for the “ransom” did violate Proposition 22.
The court ruling requires RDA’s close down by February 1, 2012. Cities and Counties must choose by January 13, 2012 to take over the RDA’s as “Successor Agencies” or Gov. Brown will appoint a three-member panel to handle the task. As Successors, cities will become the owner of the housing and property now owned by the RDA and will assume the functions, powers, duties and obligations of the agency, including the responsibility to carry out any projects that have previously been approved and also be responsible for winding down the RDA and repaying the agency debt. But since the law was passed the agencies have been banned from issuing or expanding any new debt or making loans, entering into new contracts or amending them, renew or extend leases or other agreements, selling assets or buying land, approving any program, project, or expenditure, transfer of funds out of the Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund. Basically all RDA ability to function has been halted. Also, the validity of bonds or other obligations issued or entered into after January 1, 2011 could be reviewed for up to two years after the action.

Each Successor Agency will be under the jurisdiction of an oversight board and must put together a payment schedule for the RDA’s liabilities/obligations which must then be signed off on by the county auditor-controller and finally the State Finance Department. The RDA’s will be audited to determine the amount of tax-increment revenue that each RDA had been collecting and any property tax funds remaining after repayment of debt will be distributed to local government agencies in proportion with their usual share under state law. The Successor can receive funds of no less than $250k for administrative costs or up to 5% of property tax for 2011-2012. It is not known at this time if there will be any more layoffs due to this new predicament the City finds itself in. The RDA is very meshed into the workings of the City and handled by many of Fillmore City staff, from Account Clerk to the Finance Department and City Manager.

What is considered an “obligation” may also come into question. Projects and loans approved in 2011 by RDA’s will be in limbo until there is a clearer understanding of of the definition of “obligation”.
How redevelopment originally functioned was the agencies collected the incremental property tax growth in areas that were designated “blighted” and used the increased tax revenue to back bonds sold to fund economic development and affordable housing. This continued increase in tax revenues created by their projects went to fund more projects. The RDA’s were required by the State to use 20% of the revenue for affordable housing development with the remainder used to develop infrastructure projects and business. At the beginning of the year when Brown gave the RDA’s the ultimatum of paying or dissolving their agencies, Fillmore decided that the 20% set aside funding was going to go to the State to pay the ransom, but now that there isn’t a choice, that portion of local property taxes that once funded the RDA’s Housing (Low/Moderate Housing Fund) will eventually go into the State for disbursement.

After listening to the presentation, Brooks responded, “We don’t have a choice.”
In response to the courts ruling the 400 RDA’s throughout California are drafting a bill to extend the February 1 deadline and asking it be pushed back to April 15, 2012.

In other business, Conaway asked that the Council discuss the terms of the City Manager’s contract which is set to automatically renew for two more years employment. Sipes asked if this practice was done in the past with other City Managers and Conaway responded, Yes. Sipes then said that going back to his notes he saw nothing like that happening. Conaway then reminded Sipes that none of the other contracts contained an automatic renewal clause. Washburn, Brooks and Gonzalez stated, “I do not support a review.” Conaway then went on to remind the other Councilmembers that if it is not reviewed or considered, the City Manager’s contract will automatically extend for another two years. The other members were fine with that.

Johana Gracia, a Fillmore Middle Middle School student, has taken the first step to becoming a state wide recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club. This year's theme was “Children Know Peace”. Johana’s work was selected from the work of students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art classes, supervised this year by Mr. Eddie Angel.

Johana’s poster has been forwarded to the local Lions District for further competition in California. Her creation will be one of over 370,000 posters in the United States. Each are seeking the Grand Prize of $5,000. There will be 22 merit winners who will receive a cash award of $500.

The runner-ups were Grisele Castro and Christiana Del La Mora. Johana received $25 as the winner and Grisele and Christiana received $15. Judges Colleen Chandler and Ken Mittan were impressed by the many fine posters submitted. They also want to encourage all students to participate again next year.

Congressman Elton Gallegly
Serving the 24th Congressional District encompasses most of Ventura County and inland Santa Barbara County.

Simi Valley, CA - With his wife, Janice, standing at his side, U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties), the longest serving U.S. representative in Ventura County history, told a small group of close friends Friday night that he will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of the current Congress.

“Janice and I want to thank everyone who has been with us through more than 30 years of public service,” Gallegly said. “Serving in Congress and representing my home for 25 years is the greatest experience I could have ever asked for. Working with our country’s leadership on a daily basis in striving to move toward a better, stronger and more vibrant America for more than two decades has been a dream come true. The decision to step aside at this time did not come lightly. But in the end, Janice and I decided now was the right time to begin the next chapter in our lives. We are truly blessed to have our health, our family, and so many, many friends that we look forward to spending more time with.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served our communities and our country for the past 25 years and I look forward to continue to do so for the next year.”

Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten said:
“I am saddened at the prospect of a Congress without Elton Gallegly. He has been a true friend to law enforcement who went to Washington to serve his community and our great nation. His legacy will be that of a principled and committed patriot who served his constituents, not special interests, and helped make our community, and indeed America, safer and stronger.”

Mike Sedell, Simi Valley’s City Manager and Gallegly’s first Chief of Staff from 1986-1990, said:
“Having known Elton for over 30 years, first when he was elected mayor, then as his first chief of staff, and finally for the past 21 years as a close friend, I can attest first-hand to the fact that few if any elected officials in this country are more dedicated to the concerns of their constituents on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year.

“Elton has always been humbled by the trust that voters placed in him and has worked tirelessly to continue to deliver excellent constituent services, to be responsive to all of the communities that he represents, and to take very seriously each of the many thousands of votes that he has cast on behalf of those who elected him. While I am saddened that he is leaving Congress, as a friend I know that he will do well in the future and will continue to involve public service and family in all that he does.”

Arthur Finkelstein of Arthur J. Finkelstein and Associates said:
“I have done political analysis for Elton Gallegly since his first congressional campaign. I know that he remains very strong and, in my judgment, would be the favorite to win in either district. The base of his support is unusually solid.”

Gallegly is Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement and will continue in the next year to work with his colleagues to help businesses create jobs for Americans and to protect Americans from its enemies, foreign and domestic.

A native Southern Californian, Gallegly settled in the Ventura County community of Simi Valley in 1968.
He entered public life in 1979 with his election to the Simi Valley City Council and, in 1982, became the City’s first directly elected mayor. He held that post until he ran for Congress in 1986 when the incumbent ran for the Senate. Outspent 2-1, Gallegly’s local ties gave him a landslide victory in the 1986 primary over Tony Hope, son of comedian Bob Hope.

Elton and Janice have four children and 10 grandchildren.

On Christmas Eve at my mom’s house, I met an incredible young lady who my nephew had invited for the holiday. She came from Indiana and had gotten her nursing degree there. Anxious to leave Indiana she ventured out and signed up to be a traveling nurse, something I had never heard of. It’s where you go from clinic to clinic anywhere in the United States as needed from 8 to 16 weeks at a time, wherever needed.

Well her first adventure was at a clinic in New Mexico at a Navajo Indian reservation. She had been there only one week when I met her. She shared with us the poverty she saw all around her. No electricity, no running water, shacks for homes, and many homeless but what really sadden her heart were families coming into the clinic who had no food to feed their families much less a Christmas dinner and definitely no toy’s for their children. Also seeing them in the same clothes day after day really broke her heart.

I thought you’ve come to the right place. My sister Cyndie and I are always stashing old clothes and stuff throughout the year in our family barn, to have huge yard sales in the summer. We were both off work the week after Christmas, pondering what we were going to do that week. We looked at each other and said, “Let’s go to New Mexico!”

So we gathered up all the clothes and toys. Cyndie went to Rite Aid and Vallarta’s grocery store in Newhall and they donated their 75%-off toys, cupcakes, cookies, 12 jars of spaghetti sauce and 12 packages of spaghetti. We loaded up my sister’s SUV which has a trailer shelf on the back. With our luggage on the top and boxes and bags filled beyond capacity, off we went; Cyndie, her husband Max, my great niece (age 12) , my great nephew (age 10), my 78 year old mother and myself.

On the trip over we had stuff under our feet in the car, on our laps, stuff stuck in any corner we could to make it all fit. It took us 12 hours to get there, driving all night depending on our GPS to lead the way. Arriving at 3 a.m. we stayed with our new friend Sasha (the nurse).

The next morning we met with a pastor of a nearby church on the reservation. We really hadn’t thought of how we were going to distribute the goods, so we figured it out as we went. We set up tables for serving spaghetti, bread and bottled water. In another room we set up tables for them to shop. My niece and nephew starting cooking the spaghetti and we accomplished setting up a store. With only one day notice we had 100 people show up. We fed them and then let all the children go through and pick a toy for themselves. Then we let the parents go through and shop for their needs.

It was like when Jesus fed the multitudes, we had no idea how far the goods would go. But it all turned out to be exactly enough. The people were so grateful and were amazed that there were people who would come from far, just to give to them! With all the smiles, hugs and heartfelt gratitude it was amazing what we got out of doing such a deed. Our cups runneth over! It was an amazing trip!

The next day we had a guide take us through the Canyon of Chilly, a National Monument. Our guide shared with us the history of their Navajo tribe and many folklore stories and traditions. When we returned our hostess had her Indian neighbors come over to teach us how to make Indian fry bread and have a feast. They also came bearing handmade gifts for us and showed us their jewelry they make of turquoise and beads. We played games around the livingroom floor and laughed until our sides hurt.

The next morning we packed up our not-so-over packed SUV and headed for home.

As I reflect on our trip I find myself smiling and savoring the memories that were made with our new friends. With only one day notice to pull this off, can you imagine what we could do if we had more time to plan? Well maybe we’ll find out next year. If anyone asked me, “What did you do on your Christmas vacation?” I’d have to say, “Wow! What an adventure we had!” I wonder what my next adventure is?!

Phillips was arrested for allegedly pointing a laser at a Sheriff’s helicopter. Laser beams directed at any aircraft in flight, specifically during nighttime operations where crewmembers are aided by night vision goggles, have the potential to put the safety of crewmembers at risk. Discharging a laser at an aircraft is a felony.

On 12-27-2011, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Ventura County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 500 block of Central Avenue in Fillmore. Sheriff’s deputies requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit in an attempt to search for the gunman who fled from the scene of the shooting.

Members of the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit launched Air Squad 9 from the Camarillo Airport to assist in the search for the gunman. Air Squad 9 was manned by a sheriff’s pilot, sheriff’s crew chief, and by a Ventura County firefighter/paramedic. When they arrived on the scene of the shooting, the crew of Air Squad 9 utilized night vision goggles to assist in the search for the gunman.

While conducting the search, the crew was subjected to a laser being directed at the helicopter. Laser beams directed at any aircraft in flight, specifically during nighttime operations where crewmembers are aided by night vision goggles, have the potential to put the safety of crewmembers at risk. When a laser beam is directed at a subject utilizing night vision goggles, the subject can experience serious eye damage, whiteout conditions and disorientation because the night vision goggles do not have the ability to compensate for higher levels of light generated by a laser beam. Discharging a laser at an aircraft is a felony.

The crew of Air Squad 9 continued their search for the gunman involved in the shooting when they were subjected to a laser being directed at the helicopter a second time. The crewmembers were able to pinpoint the house where the laser beam was coming from, but they were unable to make contact with the occupants at that time. As a result of the laser incident, the crew of Air Squad 9 could not safely complete the flight and had to return to the Camarillo Airport.

On 12-28-11, members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit began assisting in the investigation of the incident. They arrested Torrey Phillips at his residence in the 600 block of Fernglen Circle for an outstanding felony warrant. When Phillips was arrested, he was found to be in possession of a green laser pointer. As a result of their investigation, gang unit investigators found that Phillips pointed the laser beam at the sheriff’s helicopter on two different occasions on 12-27-11 while the helicopter was assisting in the search for the gunman.

Phillips was booked into the Ventura County Jail for discharging a laser at an aircraft and for felony warrants.

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Fillmore Fire Department responded to an unknown type explosion 118 B St. (Convalescent Center). upon arrival Fillmore Fire Chief met with facility staff and was briefed on what they believed was an explosion that appeared to have originated from the roof area. Fillmore fire personnel laddered the building and check for damage to roof area. Fire personnel used their gas monitor and checked the area and building for any gas leaks. No leaks could be found. Gas company was called out to this location and met with Fillmore fire Chief and briefed. No injuries to report and no evacuation of facility was necessary.

Fillmore Fire Chief, Fillmore Engine 91, Squad 91, Quint 91, Engine 191 and MRE 27 responded to this incident.

Being the first baby born in Ventura County in the New Year is an honor. And this year the honor went to Jayden Bernal and his parents Joshua Bernal and Angela Bustos, both of Fillmore.

Jayden was born at 12:02 a.m., Sunday, at Santa Paula Hospital. He arrived a few days ahead of schedule, weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches long.

Jayden’s paternal grandfather, Ramiro Bernal said it’s a good sign that he is the first baby to be born this year.

Congratulations to the Bernal-Bustos families.

The Fillmore Gazette is offering a reward of $300 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the losers who plastered graffiti around town last week. The Gazette previoulsy offered $200 and a concerned citizen added $100 to the reward. Anyone wanting to contribute to the Graffiti Reward fund can visit the Gazette with your name, phone number and amount to be contributed upon arrest and conviction. Thank You.

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Henry "Hank" Data was born in 1916. As a young man leaving the U.S. Navy after World War II, Hank found there were no jobs to be. However Florine, hank's wife, had an uncle named Otto Jones who, with his brother, owned Jones brothers Pontiac in Fillmore and Hank was in the car business.

At 31 years of age, the youngest in his class, Hank took advantage of the G.I. benefits he had coming and was off to the General Motors Institute in Flint Michigan to begin his training as a parts and service manager. He returned to Jones brothers as a genuine GM parts manager, a position he was to hold until 1961 when the Jones brother kids became old enough to take his job. It was then that Wm. L. Morris II hired.

Hank at the Santa Paula location. Bill Jr was the boss but poppers would be there everyday and noticed Hank because of his turning off of un needed lights at the dealership. This got Hank on his good side.
In 1973 when offered a position at the Moorpark location, hank declined citing Grime’s Canyon twice a day as a main hurdle. So, he landed in Fillmore where he worked until his retirement in 1986 with a few returns to "break in a new guy" when called upon by Mr. Morris.

Hank was enlisted and valued greatly as an inventory specialist. Hank worked for over 4 decades in the parts business and 3 of those for Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet Oldsmobile. He is truly our "Employee of the Century".

SACRAMENTO, CA. – An adult male in his late 30’s is the first reported fatality linked to influenza for this influenza season, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health and state public health officer, announced today.

“This death is a somber reminder that the flu can be a serious and even deadly disease,” Chapman said. “I encourage Californians to get their flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their families.”

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and includes protection against the H1N1 strain. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, children and older adults to be vaccinated. Chapman urged Californians to get their flu shot today if they have not done so already. In addition, the nasal spray flu vaccine is available for healthy individuals ages two through 49 who are not pregnant.

Statewide surveillance shows that influenza activity remains low in California. Typically, influenza peaks between January and March. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu-associated deaths nationwide range from an estimated 3,000 to 49,000 annually.

“Since the flu season can last through May, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine,” Chapman said. “There is plenty of flu vaccine available.”

Get more information about flu and find a flu vaccine clinic near you. www.cdph.ca.gov

Merry Christmas to all! The other day I made a phone call to Santa Claus. I’ve had his phone number since 1993. That was my son Joey's first Christmas. It came to me in the mail, and as a first time father I just figured it came with being a Dad. My Mother always seemed to have his number when I was a kid. She would say, "You better be good or I will call Santa. I’ll tell him not to come by this year." It worked on me and my two sisters. And it always worked for me as a father to all of my kids, Joey, Sarah, Jake, and Mahaila.

When I called Santa, he was working at the North Pole. He was nice enough as always when I called, to stop what he was doing and take the time to talk to me. So this is how it went.

Joe: Merry Christmas Santa. Thank you for taking my call.

Santa: {Laughing} I always have time for you Joe. Merry Christmas!

Joe: I am writing a story on you for the Gazette. Is that okay with you?

Santa: Okay. I need a break right now. I will be glad to talk with you.

Joe: Thank you so much. Well let’s get started. How long have you been bringing gifts to kids?

Santa: All my life that I can remember. I was lucky enough in the year 295 A.D. to have the money to give toys to all the kids in my area. Before you knew it I was doing it for everybody. I never had kids of my own, but I have always loved seeing the kids’ faces when they get a toy or gift from me. It makes me happy.

Joe: Where are you from, the North Pole?

Santa: No. I was born in Smyrna. It’s in Turkey, in the year 280 A.D. That is where I met Mrs. Claus. I was a toy maker. We both love toys and kids. One day in around the year of 350 A.D. we were asked by a Elf named Pa Pa if we wanted to move to the North Pole. He said he had a great work shop of toys, but needed my help to get them to the children around the world. The Mrs. and I talked about it, and we both thought it would be the right thing to do.

Joe: So what is Mrs. Claus's name, may I ask?

Santa: Sure you can. Her name is Annua. But I call her Mama.

Joe: You have called many things, what’s your name?

Santa: Well my name is Nicholas Kris Kringle Claus. Some time ago they made me a Saint of toys. So they called me Santa Claus. I have been known as Saint Nicholas. In Hungary and in Slovenia they call me Mikuals. In the Netherlands and Belgium they call me Sinterklaas. Charles Dickens called me Father Christmas. Some call me Saint Nick or Kris Kringle. All I ask is that you don't call me late for dinner! {Deep Laughter}

Joe: {Laughing} Yeah, I know. I love to eat too! So how many Elfves live at the North Pole, and do they work all year?

Santa: We have 1,278 Elve's here at the work shop. They love this place. It has been their home longer than mine. The way me and the Mrs. feel we are still their guest. We all work together for our big day. But we take a break every year after Christmas is over.

Joe: Santa, does everybody leave you milk and cookies?

Santa: I do love milk and cookies. The fine people in the U.S. and Canada leave me them. In Great Britain and Australia they leave me a little Sherry and Mince Pie. In Sweden and Norway it‘s Rice Porridge. In Ireland it’s Milk or Guinness and Christmas Pudding. Now you know why the call me plump! {Booming Laughter!}

Joe: What is your favorite story or movie about you?

Santa: I like most of all of them. Some are so silly. The people make up their stories, some are so far fetched I have to just laugh. But I guess I still love T’was the Night Before Christmas, the best. But let me tell everybody out there, I am not the reason for Christmas!

Joe: What do you mean about that?

Santa: So many people forget what Christmas is all about.

Joe: What is Christmas to you Santa?

Santa: That’s easy! Christmas is a time to always remember the birth of the Son Of God, Jesus. That is what it is all about. A time we all can come together with our family and friends, in peace and love in our hearts and souls. This is what I was taught since I was a little boy. It is not about what I got or what I did not get for Christmas, it is about the birth of Jesus Christ. They don’t call it Santamas. It is Christmas!

Joe: Wow. Some people do forget the real meaning don't they?

Santa: They sure do. But I know. And so should everybody else.

Joe: I agree with you. But you do make people happy and smile.

Santa: Thank you Joe. If I can do that, then that is my small part of the holidays.

Joe: The first Christmas I remember was in 1966, my whole family was at the house. That was a great one for me.

Santa: You were five years old. Your Mom made sure that all of your family was there that year. Joe, that was the year your Father was killed in that car crash in March. Your Mom needed everybody near her that year. The whole family came to Fillmore! What was missing with your Father gone was made up for all the love from the family in the house that day.

Joe: And you brought me a.....

Santa: A bike! Your first "Big Boy" bike. It was green.

Joe: It sure was.

Santa: I think you needed to know that at that time, you were a "Big Boy".

Joe: Thank you Santa. I will never forget that Christmas.

Santa: No Joe. Thank you. I love to make kids happy. It is so great to be able to give.

Joe: One last question if I could please. What makes the Reindeer fly and how do you do it all in one night?

Santa: Well we have special Reindeer hay we give them on Christmas Eve. They fly as fast as the speed of light. We start in Asia and work our way with a lot of help from my Elves around the world with time. Last stop is the Hawaiian Islands, then home.

Joe: And your Reindeer's name?

Santa: Well you know! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. And of course Rudolph with his nose so bright. I love them all so much. {Deep Ho Ho Ho's}

Joe: Well with that, I know I have taken too much of your time. Merry Christmas Santa. And thank you so much for everything over the years.

Santa: {Laughing} Joe it is always nice to talk with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
So in closing this story out, my Mom would say, " Yes, Denise, Donneta, Joe, Shane, Jeremy, Alyssa, Robbie, Joey, J.D., Sarah, Jake, Mahaila, Haley, Landon, Little Sarah, and Glen...and you too Virginia, whereever you may be. Yes, there is a Santa Claus!

Over 100 residents have signed a petition lodging a complaint to the City of Fillmore regarding a childcare facility being proposed in a residential area of town. The property in question has had numerous complaints by area residents for neglect of maintenance and upkeep along with many loud gatherings which have had a negative impact of its neighbors.

Early this year the property owner approached the City with an application for a modular structure to be placed on the property for the proposed daycare business. The neighborhood residents are extremely upset with the proposed project. They have sited the presence of a Megan’s Law registered sex offender living in close proximity and concern the proposed structure will have a negative impact on the tranquility of their neighborhood and home values.

This was put in motion about three years ago when Alma Ferrel noticed Fillmore did not have a childcare facility which was not income or religious based. Ferrel, wanting to expand her existing daycare business, searched for a location in town that would meet the State requirements for expanding. She found the three lots owned by Vincent Castillo located on River Street and Dunton Lane. One lot has an existing building (vacant church), one is paved for parking and the corner lot is undeveloped.

In February 2011 Castillo submitted an incomplete application to the City on a proposed building for Ferrel’s new daycare center. The application was rejected and Castillo was asked to return a properly completed application. There was a great deal of back and forth between Castillo and the City, with the City asking for the proper paperwork.

One of the requirements that concerned Ferrel and Castillo was the Development Impact Fees (DIF) required by all projects that connect to the city sewer system. According to City Manager Yvonne Quiring, original fees were approximately $100,000. Ferrel said she paid $63,000, the cost reduced by merging two lots and recalculating the square footage. Feeling they were not getting anywhere with the City and wanting a way to lower the DIF, Ferrel called County Superintendent Kathy Long, who advised Ferrel to approach Councilmember Patti Walker for advice on the situation. In Arpil 2011 Walker set up a meeting with Quiring, Ferrel, Castillo, Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney and herself.

During the meeting the subject of how to avoid paying or possibly lowering the cost of the DIF was discussed. Castillo informed those in attendance that he would obtain a “temporary” building with a holding sewage tank that could be pumped out once a month and questioned if such a building could be placed on the property, thus avoiding connecting to the sewers and avoiding the DIF. Those present agreed to look into using the holding tank, possibly alleviating the need to pay the impact fees. Castillo’s original proposal asked for approval of a daycare facility, classes, religious activities and services available both day and evenings, all activities that had cause problems for the neighbors in the past.

There was also a question on how long a temporary use permit could be issued. Two years is common, but Ferrel had concerns that two years would not give enough lease time for the business to qualify for the funding from the State agency First Five so she asked for an agreement of five years. McSweeney told those attending the meeting he would look into all of the City’s requirements for the project to move forward.

A public meeting was held on the issue where 15 of the over 100 residents who signed the petition against the project came to voice their objections, but for the residents to continue fighting the project the City required a $700 appeal fee be paid by the residents. They do not what a temporary modular building placed in their neighborhood.

The residents have had several run-ins with the property owner over loud noise and parking issues due to the church being rented out as a hall for various functions; use that the property is not zoned for, and the property’s landscape has not been maintained with weeds surrounding all three lots. Sheriffs Captain Monica McGrath confirmed to the Gazette that there is a Megan’s Law registered sex offender living in close proximity and that person in question was convicted of a misdemeanor in 1996, but has complied with all necessary State requirements to date.

After researching and finding that the proposed holding tanks would not meet the City’s requirements, McSweeney told the interested parties that they could not use the holding tanks; the project would have to connect to the City sewer system, pay the DIF and a fire sprinkler system needs to be installed. Also, only the daycare facility would be approved and no other activities.

The protesting residents were not assisted by any Council Members, City Manager or County Supervisor on how they could avoid their appeal costs. Consequently the residents could not come up with the appeal fee to fight the project and it was approved.

The proposed childcare facility will not be administered by First Five and will not be based on an income sliding scale or be a State entitlement program. However, Ferrel said she will be obtaining a loan from First Five towards the project. It will be privately owned business available to children 6 weeks to 12 years with a flat tuition rate and offer a summer program. The new business has not yet received its State license and the question of the location of the registered sex offender may be an issue.

Written By F. Ferguson, Staff Writer

On the Way to Bethlehem
Sometimes I marvel at how much faith the Magi had in their GPS system, a “star in the east.” Somewhere in North Fillmore I’m trying to find a way for a car to hop over the river in pitch darkness while cursing the confounding glowing navigation screen for rotating and throwing my feeble spatial sense into a tailspin. I wonder if the Magi ever had to backtrack. Like I do.

A propitious trail of taillights serves as my Star of Bethlehem, leading me to “the barn at the Stehly ranch.”

The Stehly Ranch
Down the one-lane road through a grove of orange trees, Sam Alviz and Thomas Rabb wielding flashlights and Edgar Alviz on a four-wheeler corral cars into the makeshift parking lot. Sam gives me directions to the barn. “Just go up the road—you’ll see it,” he assures me. I set out on foot into the darkness.

Finally, the warm lights of the house start shining through the trees. So far, there are about 20 adults and a few kids gathered in the paved clearing. The shed is lit up inside with Christmas lights strewn across the hay and topped with a lit tinsel-lined star. Bundles of hay as well as benches and chairs circle the front of the barn: the scene is set.

Exploring the Grounds
Bearing a box of sweets, I make my way towards the house, following the glowing trail of luminaria on the ground. Inside, it’s warm and cozy—the scent of hot apple cider fills the air as guests visit in the den and others setting up their crock-pots in the dining room. A poncho-sporting Marie Alviz directs me to the dessert table before cheerfully returning to labeling the guests’ dishes.

The flyer had said that rehearsal for all those interested would be a whole 15 minutes before the performance, so there’s time to check out the wings of the stage. On the patio a small horde of actors rehearse… their costumes. A lady helps dress the final magus in what looks like heavy woven drapes while another Wise Man, wearing a black feather boa among his other accoutrements, looks on approvingly. Fifteen young shepherds in robes of fabric scraps watch over, and scamper with, a tail-wagging beagle, while four colorful angels flit about. A girl in a partial butterfly costume considerately asks a younger angel wearing a pink princess dress, “Do you want different wings?”

The Performance
I wander out to the shed to secure a good spot beneath the giant sycamore tree. The faint strains of a carol drift over from the direction of the house as the procession of actors slowly approach and the audience joins in singing Silent Night. Off to the side, Regina Nuñez holds a flashlight for Former Mayor Scott Lee to read the narrative centered on the Gospels according to Luke and Matthew. Rebecca and Miguel Enriquez as Mary and Joseph enter the barn, placing Baby Jesus (their infant Marco) in the manger. Waves of actors gather around the Holy Family: the shepherds, the angels, and finally the magi. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing weaves into the narration, and O Come All Ye Faithful crowns it. One of the shepherds holds up what might be a heavy-duty halogen lamp to help illuminate the scene. Photos of the living tableau are taken at the picturesque finale. Regina leads a final prayer with a reminder of the anticipatory meaning of Advent before calling out, “Let’s go in and eat!”

Feasting
The whole crowd, now over a hundred strong, migrates towards the abundant baskets of bread and half-dozen crock-pots surrounding an Advent wreath. Hot apple cider is ladled out and the rooms begin to fill with people balancing bowls of soups and plates piled with dessert. Mrs. Mary Stehly stands near the entry, welcoming people inside. She chats with the guests; amazingly, she recalls our passing conversation from more than a year ago. At her urging, I join the crock-pot conga line and pick up what I learn is focaccia, a savory square of yeast, olive oil, and rosemary. At the five tables set up in the living room, people of all ages enjoy each other’s company, catching up with old friends and making new ones. At the table near a glass case containing statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I meet 90-year-old Miriam Harnage. Soon, Sam and Thomas come around to gallantly offer guests some much-appreciated apple cider.

When I get up to search for some fabled peppermint bark, I bump into Mr. Jim Stehly himself. His trademark twinkling eyes seem to light up even brighter, and he calls me by name as he grasps my hand. “How good to see you!” he cries with such joy that it makes me feel as though I’m the guest of honor. This warmth and heartfelt congeniality undoubtedly contributes to the reputation this tradition enjoys in these parts.

Tradition
Regina has run the Community Nativity Play since 1994, if not earlier. Each production has been unique, with differences ranging from location to stable construction to the number of cast members and live animals involved. Even when the event had to be canceled due to poor weather, the effort always has been a labor of love, bringing the community together. Marie recalls early versions of the affair with a stable built behind the Fillmore Library, and of the 25 people who’d attend, half would be her family. Having been reincarnated The event now has a large loyal following of families from church communities all over town that return year after year.

Legacy
Being surrounded by families and neighbors visiting over good food, sharing good times and making good memories around the fireplace, it feels exactly as the flyer promised: “All are welcome: Young and Old, Royal and Lowly.” The Stehlys have literally opened their home (and their barn) to the community, friends and strangers alike—and even to the Baby Jesus. What a shining example they provide of hospitality. Smiling faces abound tonight, setting the stage for a happy holiday season.

At the end of the night Miriam quips, “You know what I hate about going out? Going home!” I completely agree, especially when it’s time to leave such a cozy and welcoming place. Then again, the Magi, having met their Savior, went home rejoicing. Incidentally, just as they departed by another way,” this time around, there are no GPS glitches going home. I even have a hunk of peppermint bark for the journey.

Merry Christmas!