Leslie Leavens-Crowe of Santa Paula spoke to City Council Tuesday regarding the Asian Citrus Psyllis threat to agriculture.

Fillmore City Council, April 27, 2010 Tuesday:

Note: Mayor Patti Walker and Councilmember Jamey Brooks were absent from the council meeting due to family matters.

The State of the Utility in California
Nancy Williams, Regional Manager of Public Affairs for Southern California Edison gave a presentation highlighting Southern California Edison’s plans to help meet the region’s growing energy demands.

SCE is putting forth $21 billion over the next five years for infrastructure, with $45 million allocated for projects in this region during 2010-2012. Infrastructure enhancements include the installation of Remote Control Switches that decrease the duration of unplanned outages, increased capacity of the Fillmore Substation, deteriorated pole replacement, and annual system-wide line clearing.

Williams noted that customers can save energy and money through SCE’s Special Programs and Services, which offers programs for new couples and retirees on fixed income. SCE also offers help for the higher rates during the four-month summer season, such as incentives on the purchase of qualifying energy-efficient equipment and fixtures, a level payment plan, and payment assistance. For further information, visit www.sce.com or contact Williams at the Ventura office.

Citrus Killer Coming CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FUSD trustees voted in a special Board meeting Thursday, April 22 to send layoff notices to 25 Classified employees.

The layoff resolution cited a lack of work or lack of funds as the reason for the action which takes effect at the end of the current school year. Most of the Reduction in Force notices are at Piru Elementary School, is waiting to hear if the application to convert the school to a Charter School is accepted by the State. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney said a hearing on that issue is tentatively set for May 5 in Sacramento.

“Cutting services at the site level is as close to the students as it comes.” said Luanne Brock, a District employee. But she said she was speaking as a citizen. Sweeney said, “We worked with the California State Employees' Association (CSEA) on this issue and it was brought out that some categorically funded positions might be eliminated. We don't know yet how all the adjustments will be made.” He added that the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association and the CSEA bargained in good faith. “There are positions being eliminated because the funding is drying up,” he added.

Virginia De La Piedra, acting as Board President said, “The State is giving us less categorical money.” “The nature of State and Federal funds are always at risk for categorical jobs such as librarians and technology personnel,” said Sweeney. “School Site Councils at each school help plan how the money is spent at each school.”
Todd Schieferle, District Human Resources Director, stated, “We have not stopped talking with the CSEA. Schieferle also told the board that he was going to Piru School the next day to personally talk with each employee on the layoff list.

Sheila Duckett, an employee at CONTINUED »

First Lieutenant Marcos A. Ruvalcaba
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Fillmore resident Marcos A. Ruvalcaba, 33 years, is a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and he is leaving for Afghanistan in the immediate future for a minimum seven month deployment. This will be his third deployment to the Middle East. 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba is currently assigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment is known as the “Thundering Third!”

1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba attended Fillmore schools until the 9th grade when he transferred to St. Bonaventure High School. At St. Bonaventure he participated in soccer and baseball before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in February 1998. While in the United States Marine Corps he attended Chapman University from 2002-2005 where he studied Criminal Justice. 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba continued his college education as an enlisted Marine and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree which allowed him to attend Officer Candidates School. After completing Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on March 30, 2007 just nine years after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba is the son of CONTINUED »

It gives the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce a great deal of pleasure to announce the recipients of the community awards for 2009. The Chamber feels it is an honor to recognize these hard working individuals for their time and efforts, which help to make Fillmore “The last best Small Town in Southern California.”

For her dedication, volunteerism, contribution to our city, the community has selected Sarah Hansen Citizens of the Year.

Due to his their hard work, dedication, and all the contributions to the City of Fillmore, Otto and Sons Nursery has been selected as Business of the Year.

The Fillmore Unified School District has selected Amanda Hernandez, as Student of the Year, due to her high level of personal motivation.

As a result of their outstanding service to the community of Fillmore, Brian Hackworth has been chosen, by the Sheriff’s Department for Officer of the year.

Billy Gabriel has been selected by the Fire Department for Firefighter of the Year.

The Chamber of Commerce, wishes to invite the community to attend the Annual Awards Banquet to be held at the El Pescador Restaurant 1305 Ventura St ( Hwy 126) Thursday April 29, 2010 starting at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available at Chamber office 557 Ventura St. at $ 20.00 each. Evelyn can be reached at 524-0351.

The Gazette will be delivered one day late next week, April 29th edition. So look for it on the stands Thursday evening and in your mailbox Friday afternoon!

Trustees of the Fillmore Unified School District have awarded the bid for improving the flooring at the new Sierra High School site to Green Polishing Solutions. They will be leveling and polishing the existing concrete floors and all finished flooring as a portion of the building rehabilitation and modernization at the school, at 615 Shiells Drive.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike Bush said that, “This floor is more durable and less expensive than carpet. It is similar to Terrazzo tile and very safe.”

The board also approved the construction agreement between Griffin Homebuilding Group, LLC and HVP Residential Development Company and Hearthstone Multi-Asset Entity CLP which will put in the roads and sidewalks for the new Rio Vista Elementary School. The District has $6 million dollars for the project, but the money will not be released until the work is completed.

A major item of the evening was a facilities update for Piru Elementary School. Rita Avila, a Charter petitioner, addressed the board. She wants the board to publish spending records for Piru School.
At the last board meeting another proponent of the Charter School effort, Adrianne Thiesing told the trustees that she had sent an appeal packet to the State Board of Education in Sacramento claiming there were multiple violations of the Williams Act at the Piru School. Board members discussed in depth the attention that had been given to the fire alarm system, the intercom system and the playing field. Board President Tony Prado said he walked the field to observe the condition. The complaint filed with the State said there were gopher holes in the field. “I think playgrounds are up to par,” Prado said. “I didn't feel endanged. Our kindergarten playground equipment looked nice to me. In comparison to Moorpark and Santa Paula fields ours look very nice.” A consultant hired by the County Schools Office had earlier reported to the FUSD that an inspection of Piru School found that “The condition of the facilities does not pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health and safety of pupils or staff.” Prado added, “Every board member is concerned about the safety of every child and staff members in every school.”

Thiesing thanked the board for CONTINUED »

On April 17, 2010 at about 8:54 pm, a major injury traffic collision involving a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle and a GMC pickup truck occurred on SR-126 west of Timber Canyon Rd.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy William Meixner and his partner Deputy Beau Rodriguez had just completed a traffic stop on eastbound SR-126 near Willard Rd. The deputies were traveling eastbound west of Timber Canyon Rd. when a red GMC pickup truck made a sudden left turn out of a driveway directly into the path of the patrol vehicle. Deputy Meixner attempted to avoid a collision with the GMC by applying his brakes and steering to the left. Deputy Meixner was unable to avoid the collision and the front end of the patrol vehicle struck the left side of the GMC. The GMC overturned ejecting the driver, Mayra Tellez age 22 of Santa Paula. The GMC came to rest on its left side in the two way turn lane on SR-126. The patrol vehicle traveled northbound across SR-126 and struck a guardrail. The patrol vehicle came to rest on the westbound right shoulder. Tellez’s boyfriend, Jose Velasquez Diaz age 27 of Santa Paula, was the passenger and was able to climb out of the vehicle after the collision. The two deputies were trapped in the patrol vehicle and had to be extricated by the fire department.

Both deputies and Tellez sustained major injuries in the collision were transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. Diaz was transported to Community Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries.

SR-126 was closed from Hallock Dr. to E St. in Fillmore while the CHP investigated the collision. Traffic was detoured to South Mountain Rd. The roadway was opened at 2:20 am. The collision is still under investigation.

Mark Pilkington, White, Male, 5'8", 180, 60 years old, brown and gray hair in a mullet style, brown eyes.

On April 18, 2010 at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team searched an area of the Santa Rosa Valley with the use of their K-9s. The Search and Rescue Team’s K-9s are trained in the detection of human remains. During the search, a body was located and was positively identified as Mark Pilkington. Mark Pilkington’s body was found in an open space of land west of Orions Flight Way in the Santa Rosa Valley.

A preliminary finding revealed Mark Pilkington committed suicide by a single gunshot to the head. Mark Pilkington’s body was taken by personnel from the Ventura County Coroner’s Office, and an official cause of death has not been determined pending the autopsy.

Mark Pilkington’s next of kin was notified as well as the adult female victim of this past Friday’s incident.

Location: Open space west of Orions Flight Way within the gated community of Santa Rosa Highlands, Camarillo, Ca. 93021.

Date & Time/ RB#: April 18, 2010 @ 8:00 p.m. / 10-9095

Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Pilkington, Mark Thornton Moorpark, Ca 60

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Jon R.Smith
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jon R. Smith (805) 494-8216
Date of Release: April 19, 2010
Approved By: Capt. Ron Nelson

Roger Keller, owner Nannette Keller Fashion.
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Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel praises the on-going program for properly disposing of all sorts of unused and unwanted drugs.
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Gary Creagle poses for the press.
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Gary Creagle gives his speaking time to Brian Sipes during Tuesday's council meeting.
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Public Forum
Fillmore City Council met Tuesday, April 13, 2010. It was highlighted with an emotional condemnation from Roger Keller, reiterating the damage Measures H & I have wreaked on his north Fillmore business, Nannette Keller Fashions. Keller deliberately addressed Measure supporters Mayor Patti Walker, Councilman Jamey Brooks and Mayor Pro-tem Gayle Washburn, pointing his finger at them, saying the Measures rendered his property worthless.

Prescription Drug Turn-In Program
In only three months of operation, the Prescription Drug Turn-In program held at the Police Station has yielded 32 lbs of unwanted prescription drugs which it then properly disposes. With its no-questions-asked policy of accepting everything from baby aspirin to narcotics, the program helps to make households safer. “It’s been a huge success,” said Chief of Police Tim Hagel, thanking the City Council and citizens of Fillmore for their support.

Presentations
Brian Sipes of Market Mortgage presented the Senior Center with a $500 donation. Senior Center Board President Marie Wren accepted the gift, earmarking it for the Center’s salad bar program.

Senior Center Business and Discussion Items
Senior Center Board President Marie Wren spoke of the Center’s growth from serving 100 visitors per month at its inception two years ago to over 800 last March. Its salad bar is not part of the subsidized federal nutrition program. Wren had estimated it would cost about $25,000 annually, but the program has expanded to being held both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Funding comes from the Redevelopment Agency, and the Fillmore Women’s Service Club provides $100 monthly. Wren encouraged donations of avocados and spring garden vegetables to support the salad bar. Wren noted that the Senior Center, serving citizens over 55 and offering subsidized programs for citizens over 60, has only two paid employees and is otherwise run by volunteer efforts.

Wren also announced the need of various upgrades for the Fillmore Senior Center, including 50 new dining room chairs, restroom renovations, and especially automatic access doors for visitors with walkers and wheelchairs.
Senior Treasurer Dave Roegner announced that the Senior Center’s computer program has graduated 60 students thus far. Classes, held Mondays 10-11:30 am, include learning how to operate the computer, using the mouse, navigating the Internet, making and saving files, and keyboarding. He invites interested seniors to attend the “open class” held Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 am for individual help. The lab now boasts a set of eight Mac computers, a projector, and laptop. Roegner is considering to put on a Paintshop Pro class and hopes to acquire more ergonomic individual computer desks.

City Council Business Items
Business License Fee Prorating
Transitional Finance Director Anita Lawrence recommended CONTINUED »

Members of the Fillmore Unified School District Board met jointly with the North Fillmore Neighborhood Committee Tuesday night in the FUSD board room.

District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney told the board that he attended the recent State Board of Education meeting in Sacramento where the Piru Charter School application was being heard. Sweeney said that parent support for keeping Piru School under FUSD control was overwhelming. He told the gathering that parents paid for buses to go to the hearing. He said Piru School is a neighborhood school and the center of the town. “A charter takes away local control,” Sweeney added.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush said the district would lose $7,500 per student if the Charter School is approved. “For those students who want to come here we will have to make investments to accommodate them,” Bush said. Tony Prado, President of the Board said, “Parents are upset because Charter supporters are saying that the Fillmore District is influencing parents, but we are not. If the majority of parents want the Charter, we will accept that.”

Superintendent Sweeney said they've reached an agreement with the certificated and classified employees. Both groups have agreed to work five fewer days next year. Class sizes will increase only by one student. He added that there will be a one-year delay in buying math books. Fillmore Unified School District Teachers' Association President Theresa Marvel told the board that the teachers had ratified the agreement and presented the board with a signed copy. “I thank you very much for supporting our students,” she added.

Under the Power of One agenda CONTINUED »

[Opinion Editorial by Mary Ford]
The Piru Charter Petition was approved 5-2 by the California Advisory Commission on Charter Schools at a hearing on April 6, 2010 in Sacramento. The Commission Chair, Beth Hunkapiller, explained that the legal duty of the Advisory Commission is to determine if the charter petition meets the sixteen required elements. The petition must contain an appropriate educational plan and a budget that is balanced. The charter petitioners and administrators of the Fillmore Unified School District then gave their presentations. Both presentations were followed by questions from the commissioners. Questions to the petitioners were mainly about enrollment and the budget. Questions to the Fillmore District administrators mainly focused on their denial of the charter. Superintendent Sweeney responded to many of the questions by saying, “Ask the parents; they will tell you.” It seems that Mr. Sweeney was oblivious to the fact that the commissioners wanted the superintendent’s professional assessment. In continuingly suggesting that the parents be asked their questions, he embarrassed himself. About fifty people, mostly opponents of the charter, addressed the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting. After public deliberation, the vote was taken. Except for the public comments, all proceedings were bilingual. The last step in converting Piru School to Piru Charter School will be the approval of the California Department of Education in May.

It is unfortunate that many Piru parents do not understand that they are being offered a wonderful gift. Piru Charter School will still be their school. It will be a better school with good programs and more money to spend for their children’s education. The petitioners are dedicated, wonderful teachers. Piru Charter petitioners are great with curriculum. When they began, Piru was a very low performing school. With a team of talented educators, they designed a curriculum for Piru that resulted in students succeeding and API scores soaring. The team that put together the Piru charter is the same group that developed alternative strategies that finally helped these students. There is no question that Piru Charter School will be a success.

The Fillmore Unified School District has waged an unrelenting mendacious CONTINUED »

John Wilson was arrested for DUI, Driving under the Influence and causing injury, and hit and run.

On Good Friday, April 4, 2010, at approximately 11:45AM, deputies responded to an injury accident at A and River Streets, and a hit and run accident at Santa Fe Street and Surrey Way. It was determined that the suspect in the hit and run accident, John Allen Wilson, 47 of Fillmore, was also involved in the injury accident.

Witnesses stated Wilson had collided with a parked vehicle on Santa Fe Street and left the scene without exchanging information. He then collided with the rear of an occupied vehicle, idling at a red light at the intersection of A Street and River Street. Minor injuries were caused to the driver and her 3 year old daughter, who was secured into a child’s carseat. The impact pushed the victim’s Camry into the intersection. The injured parties were transported to Santa Paula E.R. by ambulance.

Witnesses on scene overheard Wilson tell an officer that he was addicted to morphine and that he was taking the drug suboxone, a narcotic inhibitor which contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. According to personnel on scene, Wilson was also taking Xanax.

Deputies contacted Wilson at CONTINUED »

After more than six hours of heated testimony, in a 5-2 vote, the 7-member state Charter Schools Advisory Commission has recommended that Piru School be converted to a charter school. This recommendation followed the same decision by the California Department of Education, Charter Schools Division Staff. Approximately 70 anti-charter persons were bussed from Piru to Sacramento by the school district for the purpose of protesting the charter. The bus left Piru at about midnight with parents, teachers, and District employees.

Arguments both for and against a charter conversion was described by one person attending the commission hearing as “passionate.” Commissioner, Brian Bauer, admonished the District’s educational leaders to “check their egos at the door” in an effort to heal hard feelings in the community. This recommendation will now proceed to the California State Board of Education for a final determination.

The issue of whether Piru School will become independent of the Fillmore-Piru School District in 2011 is now left exclusively in the hands of the State Board of Education, which will make its decision May 5.

Refugio Ruvalcaba

Friday, April 2, 2010 at 1051 Am Hours: - Fillmore - Threats - 500 Ventura St. - 27 year old Refugio Ruvalcaba, went to a local Fillmore business. Ruvalcaba was described by employees as irritable and at one point during the conversation, threw a softball sized rock at the head of one of the employees. The employee was able elude the rock. Before leaving the business, Ruvalcaba punched an employee and threatened to return and kill everybody at the business. About 15 minutes later, deputies responded to a gun brandishing call at a different location in the city. Deputies determined it was Ruvalcaba who was the suspect in gun incident as well. Witnesses said Ruvalcaba appeared to be under the influence of drugs and had displayed a handgun. Due to the severity of the crimes, Deputies set out a dragnet in the city and in short time located Ruvalcaba on the other side of town and took him into custody without incident. gun Ruvalcaba was booked in jail for felony street terrorism 422 P.C felony assault with a deadly weapon 245 P.C., and misdemeanor battery 242 P.C.

(Information from Cheri Carlson, Ventura Star)
Many teachers’ jobs may be saved next year as a result of a recently announced tentative agreement between the Fillmore Unified School District and the teachers union. According to a Ventura Star report, many of the nearly 70 pink slips recently sent to certificated employees, including teachers, administrators, and others, may be rescinded.

The District and union have agreed to resolve a serious funding problem by cutting the school year by five days, creating a retirement incentive program, and increasing class sizes by one student. Ratification by the school board and the teachers is still necessary.

Union President Theresa Marvel is said to have expressed her satisfaction with this solution, which must still be accepted by approximately 10 teachers.

The District is faced with a third year of state funding cuts for its K-12 classes. State law dictates that school districts must issue any layoff notices by March 15. About $2.8 million is expected to be cut for the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney is noted to have stated that during this three-year period, the state will have cut approximately 20 percent of the district’s budget.

The recommendation of the state Charter Schools Advisory Commission (as of April 6) to approve charter school conversion status on Piru School, may make handing-out some pink slips necessary.

Even with cut-backs in classes, Sweeney is said to assure students that students would not be deprived of college-prep classes.

Alejandro Garcia, 27 of Fillmore, was convicted on April 1, 2010 of Resisting, Obstructing, Delaying of a Peace Officer or EMT, and Battery Upon an Officer and Emergency Personnel.

On July 3, 2008, Garcia was observed by Officer Danny Delpit and EMT Patrick Maynard as he ran from Rite Aid with a suitcase of beer, tossed it into the window of a waiting car behind the store, and dove into the window himself.

Delpit and Maynard were in an unmarked vehicle with emergency lights on top, patrolling for illegal firework activity. Emergency lights and siren were turned on and Garcia and the driver were told to pull over. They stopped in the middle of River Street.

Officer Delpit approached the car, with gun drawn, as Maynard waited in the car.

Garcia argued with the officer and grabbed at her weapon, which she then holstered and tased him. He did not submit, according to witnesses, and raised his fists in a combative stance. Delpit deployed her baton in an attempt to subdue Garcia.

Maynard observed the subjects resistance and exited the vehicle and tased Garcia again, giving Officer Delpit the opportunity to handcuff him.

Other police units then arrived on scene, arresting Garcia, who remained combative.

Garcia has served approximately four months in county jail and was fined $145. He had pleaded Not Guilty to both charges.

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association said “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High.” “Let students win every day in our community.”

Newly appointed provisional Board member Michael Saviers took the oath of office at a joint meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board and the City Council Tuesday night March 29.

A packed audience witnessed the ceremony as Superintendent Jeff Sweeney swore in Saviers, who was then introduced to the City Council. Saviers replaces David Dollar, who resigned. “I look forward to the challenges of the next eight months,” he said. “I'll give it my best.”

Board member John Garnica read a joint resolution between the school district and the city council to have a cooperative governance relationship for the benefit of the community. Mayor Patti Walker said, “When I speak in other communities about our relationship they are in awe and jealous.”

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association, congratulated the new board member before she asked the board to rescind 67 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices. “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High,” she said. “Let students win every day in our community.”

Parent Kelly Kause told the board, “I'm concerned about CONTINUED »