California Highway Patrol

On September 4, 2008 at approximately 10:40 a.m., a fatal traffic collision involving two vehicles and three freeway maintenance workers occurred on SR-126 westbound, just east of the Edwards Ranch Road over crossing.

Steven R. Higgins, 49 years of age from Ojai, was driving a flatbed truck with a pull trailer, westbound on SR-126 in the right lane, just east of the Edwards Ranch Road over crossing. For unknown reasons, the vehicle swerved from the right lane and onto the right shoulder where it traveled over a raised asphalt curb. Higgins attempted to regain control and overcorrected his vehicle. The truck then swerved to the left and traveled back toward the fast lane where it struck a Mercedes Benz, driven by Marvin Chandler, 42 years of age, from Las Vegas, Nevada. The impact caused Chandler’s vehicle to travel out of control into the right traffic lane. The truck and trailer combination traveled out of control toward the center median where a maintenance crew, under the supervision of Cal-Trans, was actively working. Higgins was unable to stop as the truck and trailer combination struck three of the workers who were in the median. After striking the workers, both the truck and trailer flipped onto their right sides and came to rest, blocking both the center median and the left traffic lane.

Emergency personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol arrived on scene shortly after. One of the maintenance workers, whose name was not yet releasable, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second worker, identified as Felipe Reyes, 29 years of age, suffered critical injuries including a severed leg. He was later airlifted to the Ventura County Medical Center. The third worker, identified as Matt Turnquist, 23 years of age, suffered minor to moderate injuries. The remaining workers, identified as Brock Dozier and Chris Stalsworth, were able to avoid the collision and were uninjured. Both Mr. Higgins and Mr. Chandler were transported to local hospitals and suffered only minor injuries.

SR- 126 westbound was closed between Briggs Road and Edwards Ranch Road for several hours while a Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from the California Highway Patrol conducted an evaluation of the collision scene. The cause of the collision is still under investigation at this point in time.

Regional news about the accident on Thursday, September 4th.

PiruFest 2008.
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PiruFest 2008.
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PiruFest 2008.
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PiruFest 2008.
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Hundreds of friends, families and visitors joined together in downtown Piru this Labor Day Weekend to celebrate Piru at the end of summer annual event. Held at the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park in the historic downtown district and stretching along a pedestrian trail toward Warring Park, this year’s festival featured a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. Seen enjoying the day’s offerings were Julian and Margaret Rangel, lifelong Piru residents, who at age 90 took the walk down the pedestrian trail to join in the fun. During the day, we spotted the prematurely born infant daughter in the arms of one of the members of the Friends of Piru School, helping mom promote the groups fundraiser for class field trips as she celebrated her seven month birthday.

Early in the morning, vendors and participating exhibitors set up colorful displays in the grassy parkland and along the plaza. This included backing in a fishing boat and kayaks for the Lark Piru Recreation Area display, where festival goers purchased their raffle tickets for a chance to win one of two half-day pontoon boat rentals donated by Recreation Resource Management. Nearby, organizers for the horseshoe tournament were busy setting up the horseshoe pits and signing up the two dozen competitors. Just down the trail, artist Carlos Callejo organized his youth volunteers and painting materials as they launched a community art mural on a wall that had become a target of graffiti. This project will transform this wall into a beautiful representation of historic and unique Piru images.

The event kicked off at noon with a Native American elder offering blessings for the day and all present. She was followed by elders and descendants performing traditional dances and drummers filling the plaza air. As they were wrapping up, professional skateboarder Steve Badillo and friends from Skatelab set up ramps and jumps to please the crowds. The highlight of their performance was a series of jumps over the van that brought them and their equipment to the Center Street stage area.

Even more colorful activities unfolded as the gazebo plaza was graced by the music and dancing of Inlakech Cultural Center. Their mariachi music and folkloric dancing was exceptional for these young talented artists. As the evening cooled, following a hot day in the sun, Dan Torres and the Piru River Band lit up the Gazebo Stage with their always popular tunes of yesterday and today.

During the day, several food, craft and information booths dotted the plaza and Center Street area. Poncho’s Restaurant and Juarez Catering offered just some of the tasty treats. Information and crafts booths included Lake Piru, Rancho Camulos, healthy dental tips and information from Dr. Mark Pratt, American Red Cross resources, Piru Cemetery District’s Measure M handouts, Piru Jewelry by Ramona, Mina’s Discount Center clothing and music offerings, and Celebrate Recovery resources, among others.

Special acknowledgements to the Piru Neighborhood Council for sponsoring this annual event. This 2008 PiruFest also received support from the Piru Petroleum Club, Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association, Ventura County Redevelopment Agency, Lake Piru, Laverne Nursery, Rancho Temescal, Diamond Street Cleaning, plus others.

It is not locally well publicized yet, however as reported by Timm Herdt on June 26, 2008 in the Ventura County Star, Fillmore is involved in Sales Tax Revenue Sharing Agreements, and at least two California cities, are up in arms.

We all know the definition of Sales Tax; the 7.25% paid above the purchase price on everything except food, medicines and most services. Question: Who collects those millions of sales tax dollars generated by businesses and providers? Answer: The State Board of Equalization (BOE). Question: What happens to those funds? Answer: Generally, the State of California retains all except 1%, returning that portion to the city of origin. So one asks, what’s the problem?

As per City Manager, Tom Ristau, two Illinois firms, specializing in sales and use tax consulting and services, approached City staff in early 2003 with proposals that could benefit Fillmore with increased revenues through the Sales Tax. In January and again in May 2003, agreements with both firms were brought before the City Council and adopted by unanimous vote. Inspired Development and MTS Consulting commenced to bring “newly formed” purchasing and/or sales companies to Fillmore, in exchange for a percentage of the City’s 1% share of sales tax revenues, generated by those businesses only. The agreed upon split of that 1% is, 85% to the consulting firms, who in turn share it with their contracted businesses, and 15% to the City.

Both Inspired Development and MTS Consulting, LLC retain offices downtown. Several “new” enterprises, which the City declined to identify, operate at the consulting firms’ local addresses. Nevertheless, the City concurs that MTS contracted Richmond VA based Owens and Minor, a Fortune 500 company founded in 1882 (the nation’s leading distributor of name brand medical and surgical supplies to hospitals and integrated health care systems), to open a sales office in Fillmore last fall, where according to Ristau, traveling sales personnel often come and go. Previously, four distribution centers located throughout California, handled sales and sales tax collection, with 1% of the generated sales tax rebated to the cities of origin, thus bringing substantial dollars to those cities. At least two of those cities, Livermore, estimating loses of $6.2 million in the next three years, and City of Industry, have filed a complaint with the BOE sparking investigation of sales tax revenue sharing practices in our town. In VC Star interviews, John Marchand, Livermore Councilman, said that the 165,000 sq. foot distribution center in his city has 120 employees. “It’s a big operation. Trucks are going in and out of there all day. It even has a heliport.” James Gross, an attorney for Owens and Minor and Fillmore officials claim that the creation of a central sales office was part of the company’s business plan to increase California sales and efficiency, not to steal sales taxes. (The previously reported estimated annual split is $800,000 to Fillmore and $4.5 million to MTS Consulting to split with Owens and Minor.) A spokesperson for the BOE confirmed the ongoing investigation, declaring that sales tax revenues through 2007 were distributed according to the formula favoring Fillmore; however, future allocations will be withheld until completion of the investigation. Mayor Conaway said the deal was vetted through attorneys, is a way to increase our tax base, and help our citizens. City officials have appealed. CONTINUED »

Ruth Ricards, Director of Child Nutrition, and Joe Ricards, Agriculture Teacher at Fillmore High School, both were honored with "Be The Change" awards for their hard work.

Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board held the open session of its regular meeting September 2, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the District Office. The Board approved a new fee-based after school program to replace Stone Soup at Mountain Vista Elementary School, and honored Joe and Ruth Ricards.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush reported that the Stone Soup After School Program has ended. When the District notified Stone Soup administrators that the program would be discontinued at the end of September, the administrators refused to provide services for the rest of the month. At most schools, students who had been in the Stone Soup program can participate in the free Bridges program instead. At Mountain Vista, that was not possible because the Bridges program there is full. There are approximately 80 students in Bridges at Mountain Vista, and there are almost 30 students on the waiting list. After School Program Coordinator Carol Barringer researched fee-based after school programs, developed policies and procedures, and will implement the new program, Journeys, on Monday, September 8th.

The Journeys program is not free, but offers more flexible schedule arrangements than Bridges and is expected to be less expensive than private child care. Some families have already indicated interest. According to the Journeys Parent Handbook, registration is on a "first come, first serve" basis with enrollment limited by the number of staff available. Registration Forms will be available at Mountain Vista. Child care fees will be due in advance. Monthly rates will be $135 per month for the first child and $210 per family. Daily rates are $15 for the first child and $10 per additional child. Hourly rates are $5 per child per hour. Journeys will run only on school days from whenever school lets out until 6 p.m. The program will pay for itself if at least eight students participate. The staff to student ratio will be at least 1 to 12. Journeys include educational activities, recreational activities, social activities, and snacks. It is available only at Mountain Vista.

In keeping with this year's theme, "Be the Change," the Board honored Teacher Joe Ricards for his work with students and agriculture, and his wife Director of Child Nutrition Ruth Ricards for her work improving school food. Ms. Ricards is excited about developing plans for Piru's school cafeteria to "go green". If the program prospers, other schools in the district could follow. She was surprised and pleased to be honored. Mr. Ricards is the Advisor for Fillmore High School Future Farmers of America (FFA), and his FFA students won many awards at this year's Ventura County Fair, as usual. Mr. Ricards said that he appreciates the support of the Board, school, parents, booster club, and especially his wife. Regular Thursday evening showmanship practices contribute to the students' successes. Mr. Ricards mentioned that the FFA students are also accomplished in FFA student government, and have held regional and county offices. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: City of Industry / Piru Area (Ventura County)
Date & Time: August 28, 2008 @ approximately 7:30 AM

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
(S) Luis Felipe Martin (deceased) La Puente 24
(V) Female (name withheld) La Puente 20

On this date, at approximately 7:30 am, Luis Felipe Martin kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint from her place of employment, Reuland Electric in the City of Industry. He fled the area in a black Chevrolet Silverado truck and traveled into Ventura County. Martin then raped the victim in the Piru area of Ventura County.

After the rape, the victim was able to make phone calls with her cell phone, which were transferred to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at approximately 10:17 am.

As the search for the vehicle was underway, Martin stopped on the side of the road on Main Street and Sacramento Street in Piru and shot himself in the head while still inside the vehicle. The victim was present when this occurred. Martin was transferred to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:35 am.

The victim did not suffer any physical injuries requiring hospitalization.

The incident is still under investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Monday, September 1st, 2008, at about 11:30 A.M., Piru Lake Rangers and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Dive Team located the body of drowning victim, Anatoly Smolyansky, in the water at Lake Piru. Anatoly Smolyansky drowned on the evening of August 25th after he tragically disappeared under the water at Lake Piru
At the time of the original accident, Mr. Smolyansky never resurfaced after jumping into the lake to rescue his five-year-old daughter who had fallen overboard. She was later rescued by her 9 year-old brother.

After the drowning accident, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department immediately deployed Search and Rescue resources to the lake, which included a Sheriff’s helicopter, a rescue swimmer, and Search and Rescue Dive Team. The search turned into a large scale, six-day operation involving approximately ten government agencies. The search was conducted in an area on the lake called the “Narrows and Diablo Cove.”

Rescue divers searched over 600 dive hours and were assisted by fifteen divers from Oxnard Police and Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff and Los Angeles County Lifeguard Divers.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Department used helicopters, remote R.O.V Min-Subs, Sonar and Side-Scanning Tow vehicles to search the lake. Lake Piru. Rangers and approximately one hundred volunteers from the Hatzolah Organization of Los Angeles searched day after day for Mr. Smolyansky’s body. Daily search operations were conducted from 7:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M.

The recovery operation resumed this morning, Monday, September 01, 2008, at approximately 7:00 AM. A Sheriff’s helicopter and search and rescue marine resources, including Park Rangers and a Sheriff’s Dive Team were used. In addition, about thirty volunteers from Hatzolah were involved in today’s search.

At about 11:30 A.M, the Sheriff’s Dive Team and Park Rangers were working on the lake in an area North of Diablo Cove when they located Mr. Smolyansky’s body floating in the water. The body was recovered and released to the Ventura County Medical Examiner. The family has been notified.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the Lake Piru Rangers, Hatzolah Rescue Organization and all the assisting government organizations that have lent their support to this operation.

Crime scene investigation in Piru.
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A 20-year-old woman was kidnapped at gunpoint from her job in the City of Industry this morning by her alleged boyfriend, and driven to Piru where he is alleged to have sexually assaulted her, according to reports from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s Capt. Ross Bonfiglio stated that the victim was able to escape when the suspect pulled over near Sacramento and Main Streets in Piru, and called the police at that time. Shortly thereafter the suspect shot himself in the head while sitting in the car.

The suspect was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:35 a.m.

A Sheriff’s helicopter was part of the search for a missing swimmer along with the Sheriff’s Dive team at Lake Piru.
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On the evening of August 25th, Anatoly Smolyansky tragically disappeared under the water at Lake Piru after jumping into the lake to rescue his five-year-old daughter who had fallen overboard. At the time of the accident, the boat was occupied by Mr. Smolyansky and his three children. All of the children were brought ashore safely, but Mr. Smolyansky never resurfaced and is presumed to have drowned.

After the accident, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department immediately deployed resources to the lake, which included a helicopter, a rescue swimmer, and Dive Team. A rescue diver searched under the water for over 40 minutes in lake conditions that allow for only six inches of visibility. In addition to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department resources, the initial search utilized 5 Ventura County Fire Department units (including a swift water team), Lake Piru Park Rangers, and approximately 80 volunteers from the Hatzolah Organization of Los Angeles. Search operations continued until approximately 2:00 AM the next morning, but Mr. Smolyansky was not located.

The recovery operation resumed this morning (August 26, 2008) at approximately 7:00 AM. A Sheriff’s helicopter and marine resources, including a high tech sonar system were brought to the location. A fifteen member Sheriff’s Dive Team, six boats, and approximately 70 volunteers from Hatzolah were involved in the search, which will continue until dusk.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has offered additional resources, which will arrive in an upcoming operational period. These resources are expected to include a boat, divers, and technical resources (including an underwater remote controlled mini submarine known as an ROV).

If necessary, the search will resume at approximately 7:00 AM on August 27th. In addition to the extremely poor visibility, the search conditions are difficult due to the water depths that range from 30 to 100 feet. The overall estimated area where the search is being concentrated is at least 500 yards by 500 yards. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the organizations that have lent their support to this operation.

Our own Ventura County Cops Running For Charity (CRFC) adventure race took place during July. Seven Ventura County Sheriff Deputies competed as a team to successfully raise $33,000 for local Ventura County medical charities. We traveled to Iceland for an International 55Kilometer ultra-marathon trail race.
We arrived in Iceland to experience a nice, sharp, cold rain. Needless to say, we thought we were prepared. However, where was the snow? After all, the country’s name is not “Rainland.”
Soon, Iceland held up to the name and reputation as we traveled across the countless glacier covered mountains and valleys.
Iceland is the world’s newest landmass and is comprised of a giant series of glaciers, rivers, mountains and volcanoes ringed by beautiful, but cold farmland along the coast. A deep chill engulfed us as we stepped out of our bus to begin the race. We had traveled about 4 hours deep into the wilderness where “Raw” is the best descriptor.
We had about 15 minutes of prep time and the race gun was fired. It was surreal to see the seven of us running in rain and snow gear. Shiver was the word for the day, what a new experience for us. Remember, we practiced in Ventura County with the July trail temperatures that averaged between 95 and 100 degrees.
The race-day temperature varied between 30 to 35 degrees, and it brought on a constant shift between sleet/ice and horizontal rain. The 20 mph wind chill is what really brought on the challenge, driving our core temperatures to hypothermic as we ran through mountains ranges of rugged snow-fields and through (not over) 6 different rivers. CONTINUED »

Fillmore City Council held its regular monthly meeting August 26, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The North Fillmore Initiative Report was presented. The Council approved a Water Softener Buyback program. The Council presented the Soroptimist Club with a proclamation recognizing the World Day of Peace. The formation of Community Facilities District #8 to manage the Fillmore Business Park was postponed, and some city development fees were slightly increased.

The Council approved a Brine Discharging Water Softener Buyback Program. The City will buy back softeners for $500-$750 each until the allotted $50,000 runs out. Right now, only 50 brine discharging water softeners have legal permits in Fillmore. There are an estimated 385 illegal softeners in Fillmore. The penalty for having an illegal softener is a $1000 fine and up to 30 days in prison. The Council voted to grant amnesty to anyone who voluntarily gives up their illegal softener. If the softener owner wants the City to uninstall the softener, a $50 un-installation fee will be deducted from the buyback price. The City is setting up a hotline so people can call in for more information or voluntarily report illegal water softener use.

According to a City memo, "With the construction on Central Avenue beginning to wind down, the merchants have scheduled a grand re-opening event for October 25, 2008." This event is the ArtHarvest, and it will feature not only sidewalk chalk art, but also visual art hung in area businesses, artists, musical entertainment, interactive art, and dramatic performances. An outdoor market, films, and lectures are also being planned.

The Council is supporting ArtHarvest and has approved a temporary use permit so that streets can be closed, but has authorized advertisement for bids for a Central Avenue Federal Pavement Improvements Project. According to another City memo, "The work consists of: cold planing existing pavement, asphalt hot mix overlay and striping from Hwy 126 to Sespe Avenue." The Council plans to award a contract for this work on September 23, and anticipates construction from October 13, 2008, to February 12, 2009. Public Works Director Bert Rapp assured the Gazette that a construction blackout period will be arranged so that the area will be neat and clean for the ArtHarvest Festival. The City's goal is for the street to be re-paved by Thanksgiving, in time for holiday shopping. Unfortunately, there is only one asphalt batch plant in Ventura County, and difficulties in scheduling asphalt deliveries might prevent this from happening. Rapp explained that the plant gives priority to larger CalTrans projects, and that one-day projects such as this one have lower scheduling priority. Brian Sipes suggested that the city use concrete instead of asphalt, and provided information on the advantages of concrete. The Council was receptive, but this particular project had to be approved by both the Federal Highway Association and CalTrans (an 18-month process), and changing materials now would not be timely. The Council instructed Rapp to submit future paving projects with both asphalt and concrete alternatives. The current project was submitted with asphalt and rubberized asphalt alternatives. Rubberized asphalt is more durable and environmentally friendly than regular asphalt. CONTINUED »

Rev. Ernest D. Miller

The WW II era Navy Chaplain's Gear Case of the Rev. Ernest D. Miller, former pastor of the Fillmore United Methodist and Fillmore Community Churches, has been donated to the Smithsonian Institute, in Washington, D.C.
The Chaplain's Gear Case and military artifacts were of interest to the Smithsonian Institute for their historical value to the Division of Military History and Diplomacy, at the National Museum of American History. The items were presented to Smithsonian Associate Curator, Kathy Golden, in Washington D.C., on July 21, 2008, by Rev. Miller's son, Dan Miller.
After graduating from Andover Newton Theological School, in 1942, Rev. Miller joined the Navy, in June of 1943, and served as a Lt. in the Chaplain's Corp. He ministered to both marines and sailors. He served at sea and on land in the Philippines and New Hebrides, in the S. Pacific Theater of Operations campaigns, during WW II. He also served at Quantico, Virginia, as well as Camp Pendleton and El Toro Marine Bases, in S. California. Chaplain Miller was assigned to the USS Oakland, serving in China, after the war. In 1948 he returned to civilian life and served as a pastor with the United Methodist Church; S. California Conference. He died, in Fillmore, in 1982 while pastor of the Fillmore Community Church.
Rev. Miller's, widow, Ruth E. Miller, a retired Fillmore High School teacher, resides in Fillmore.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 25, 2008, at approximately 0815 hours, deputies from the Santa Clara Valley Station in Fillmore and a Sheriff’s Department helicopter responded to the Sespe Creek area north of Grand Avenue in Fillmore, reference three overdue hikers. One hiker was immediately located by deputies at the north end of Grand Avenue and within minutes the two remaining hikers were located by the helicopter crew as they were hiking out of the Sespe Creek.
All parties were reunited with no one sustaining any injuries.

Location: Lake Piru
Date & Time: August 25, 2008 @ 5:45 P.M.
Unit Responsible: West County Police Services – Fillmore / Santa Clara Valley Station.

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, City of residence, Age
(V-1) Adult Male, Los Angeles, Ca., 39 yrs.

On August 25, 2008, at approximately 5:45 pm, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to the Fillmore / Santa Clara Valley Station responded to Lake Piru after receiving a call that two people were possibly missing at the lake.

When deputies arrived it was determined that the victim, a 39 year old Los Angeles resident, had possibly drowned after rescuing his five-year-old daughter who had fallen over board during a daytime outing on the lake.
A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter with a rescue swimmer on board was in the area and immediately began search operations. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team was also deployed. Search operations continued well into the night with negative results. Search operations are to continue at daybreak on Tuesday.

We all know it takes money, lots of it these days, to run a country, a state, a business, a household, or a city, even one as small as Fillmore is. On a personal level, most of us understand that the only way to successfully survive and grow within one’s financial means, is to set a realistic budget and stick to it. A budget is a two-pronged battle that includes setting strict guidelines that accurately address anticipated income versus necessary obligations, and having the fortitude to live by them without dipping into savings.

City officials, like the head of a family, are the custodians of the wealth and health of their community. They make decisions that can affect thousands of lives for decades to come. One of their most important duties is to create a workable annual budget that accurately reflects available funds gathered from a great number of sources, and administer it wisely, very wisely! This is not an easy task, especially considering the numerous interests and influences involved. CONTINUED »

Al Huerta spoke at last night’s school board meeting, in favor of public use of the new track and field.

Pictured above (l-r) Eagle Scouts Brian Mckeown, Daniel Landeros, Michael and David Watson. The boys received “Be the Change” honors for their campus improvements throughout the school district.
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Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) School Board held the open session of its regular meeting August 19, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the District Office. The Board implemented a new Public Use of Facilities Policy, approved a consulting contract to improve student achievement at Fillmore Middle School (FMS), and honored four local Eagle Scouts.

In keeping with this year's theme, "Be the Change," the Board honored four Eagle Scouts: Brian McKeown, Michael Watson, David Watson, and Daniel Landeros. The Scouts had improved the signs at the high school farm, the batting cage at the high school, and the landscaping at the high school and San Cayetano. Principal Jan Marholin of San Cayetano also thanked Brain McKeown and Troupe 406 specifically for their work on the landscaping in front of the school.

Also, several members of the public were present to argue that the public should be allowed to use the new FHS track. Several speakers mentioned the need for not only a flat surface, but a surface with measured distances. Reducing knee injuries was also a popular theme.

Everyone agreed that the track had been used by the community in the past, everyone agreed that the community would like to continue using the track, and most of the speakers were hoping for a compromise that would allow public access to the track without significantly increasing the risk of damages.

There was some debate about whether earlier campaigns had assured the public that the track would be for public use. City councilmember Scott Lee explained that people confused the pool initiative with the stadium improvements because the money that the city paid for the pool land was used to partially fund stadium improvements. In the end, it was determined that the decision to improve the track was not finalized until long after the bond and parcel tax had been approved, and that only a small portion of funding for the track came from funds related to Measure E and the pool maintenance parcel tax. CONTINUED »

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
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Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
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Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair (Surveillance photo).
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The Fillmore Police Department is seeking help from the public in the identification of two robbery suspects. Attached are surveillance photos taken inside the business of suspect-1.

Suspect-1: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, 5'6" - 5"7", medium build, short thick black hair ( Surveillance photo ).
Suspect-2: Hispanic male in his early to mid-twenties, medium build, short
black hair

On Wednesday, July 16,2008 at about 8:50 P.M., a male suspect-1 entered Victor's Market located at 365 Main St. in the city of Fillmore. The suspect-1 grabbed two cases of beer and ran out of the store without paying for them. The store clerk followed the suspect-1 in his effort to stop the theft. The suspect-1 turned and punched the clerk on the face, then pulled out a knife and brandished it at the clerk. As this was taking place, a second suspect-2 walked toward the clerk and yelled obscenities at him aiding suspect-1 in his getaway with the beer. Both suspect s are believed to have driven away in a small black car. The clerk suffered minor injury that did not require medical attention.

The Ventura Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspects responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Fillmore Crime Stoppers at (805) 524-0970.

Auction Volunteer Sol Chooljian.
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It's official. Fillmore 4-H and FFA triumph! After months of work... feeding, walking and bathing their animals, cleaning pens, attending animal science classes and record keeping to log expenses... eight exuberant Fillmore 4-H and FFA youngsters were rewarded with championship ribbons. In a word, sweet.
In no particular order, Sespe 4-H Alani Barajas' goat won 4-H Reserve Champion and Bred and Fed Championship. In the market steer category, Fillmore FFA (Future Farmers of America) Aaron Largen's steer won Grand Champion Market Steer and FFA Daniel Landeros' steer won FFA Reserve Champion. In the replacement heifer category, Sespe 4-H Macie Wokal's replacement heifer won Reserve Grand Champion, Fillmore FFA Amber Davis' heifer won FFA Reserve Champion, and Sespe 4-H Brittany Chumley's heifer won the Bred & Fed Championship. In the market swine category, Sespe 4-H Chase Bowen's pig won Grand Champion and Fillmore FFA Keyanna Lucio's pig won FFA Champion.
The goal of all the time and effort spent raising a quality animal was to obtain the highest bid possible at the Junior Livestock Auction held in the Clark Pavilion at the Ventura County Fair August 8.
First up: market pen turkey. When the hootin' and hollerin' was over, and auctioneer Jon Dolieslager yelled 'sold!', the Grand Champion turkey fetched $1,000. Not to be outdone, a trio of Grand Champion Meat Pen chickens sold for... ahem... $2,100; $700 per bird. Would the rest of the days bidding be as generous?
According to Junior Livestock Superintendent Jennifer McGuire, last year's total auction sales were just a little over $700,000. “This year,” she added, “we expect to top $800,000 in total auction sales.
Alani Barajas' 4-H Reserve Champion/Bred & Fed Champion Goat weighed 103 pounds and the winning bid was $4.00 per pound.
Last year, the goat Alani was raising died unexpectedly just three weeks before the Fair. This year her goat entry rewarded her with two ribbons. The Bred and Fed class meaning an animal bred in Ventura County. Her goat is from her own brood stock... her herd consisting of 12 goats.
Asked about raising goats, Alani... in her usual low-key manner... casually said, “It's usually the same thing every year. It gets difficult sometimes... they get stubborn and don't like to be shaved... but this year was not any harder than it usually is. Next year? “Another goat,” Alani said. Why not replacement heifer? Alani prefers raising smaller, gentler animals.
Next year is her last entering a goat in the Fair. All of her accumulated auction proceeds are in a college fund. Not sure of her major yet but she enjoys chemistry, biology, math.... the sciences. If Alani has her way... UCLA is in her future.
Next in the auction ring from Fillmore... Aaron Largen whose 1,366 pound Grand Champion steer fetched $10.00 a pound.
Aaron's face lit up when asked how he felt in the auction ring. “I was excited,” Aaron said, “because I wasn't expecting that much money. I was expecting only $5 or maybe $6/pound.”
At $10/pound, the winning bidder paid $13,660 for Aaron's steer. Whoa. That's not all profit. There are hefty expenses raising a 1,366 pound animal. Lots and lots of Showstrain grains and beet pulp just to mention a couple. The beet pulp was added to his steer's diet when it began to gain too much weight.
As for the 'net' proceeds, “I'm going to buy my first truck,” Aaron said with a huge grin.
The four previous years, Aaron raised pigs for show and auction. This was his first steer, obtained from the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. “I enjoyed raising the steer,” said Aaron, “because I got to spend more time with him. I go to the farm (FFA school farm) everyday for four hours and sometimes go twice a day. I washed him every day, walked him, cleaned the pen, and all that. But taking care of a steer is a lot more rewarding.” Yes, Aaron will be raising another steer for next year's auction.
Danial Landeros is no stranger to the auction ring or championship row. Two years ago his steer won Grand Champion and last year Reserve Grand Champion. This year, his championship steer brought him, like Largen, $10 per pound.
“I was really surprised,” exclaimed Landeros. With his buddy Aaron's Grand Champion getting $10/pound, Daniel was expecting to get only about $7, maybe $8. “Getting $10/pound is really good,” said Daniel, considering that when he went back in to watch the following bidding on steers averaged only about $3/pound.
To explain the $10/pound, Daniel said, “He's just a better looking cow.” However, there's more to the story than his cow being a better looking hunk. Daniel knew in advance that a buyer for his steer was in the audience. However, to the surprise of everyone, another bidder also wanted Daniel's steer. Engaged in an intense bidding battle, the buyer Daniel knew had to bid up to $10 to win. Such is life at the Junior Livestock auction.
With a three-year winning streak under his belt, Daniel all but officially announced his junior livestock retirement to turn his attention to full time studies at the College of the Canyons where he intends to obtain an AA degree and certification in welding. Thereafter attend Santa Barbara Community College to master underwater welding. Daniel happily attributes his interest in underwater welding to Joe Ricards, Fillmore's FFA instructor and dive master.
In the replacement heifer category, Fillmore youngsters ruled with three championships.
The winning bid for Macie Wokal's Reserve Grand Champion heifer was $2,100.
This was Macie's second replacement heifer and said that it was the nicest. Nevertheless, as Macie explained, “it took a lot of effort and responsibility, and time... 2-3 hours a day... every day.” Obviously all this effort, and responsibility is enough to dissuade Macie from undertaking the task again next year. Wrong. She's planning on doing it all over again. Which leaves one to conclude that “gratification” of accomplishment trumps all the work and time it takes to raise a farm animal. Yes... these youngsters wear pride very well.
It took $2,000 to win Amber Davis' 1,035 pound replacement heifer.
Amber obtained her prize-winning heifer while attending College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA, and brought it back to Fillmore. Explained Amber, “I took her to several shows around the county and did really, really well with her winning a few (belt) buckles and some money.”
Regarding her experience raising the heifer, Amber said “she's a sweetheart... such an angel. And she's pretty spoiled. She had fans, and misters (for cooling), rinsed her twice a day, took her out and worked her (walks).”
Typically, Amber catered to her heifer 2-3 hours a day... 7 days a week. “Once in a while I'd have my parents feed her but those times were few and far between,”said Amber. “Not that they minded but I didn't want to pass off my responsibility.” Besides, added Amber, “I wanted it done my way.” So, your particular about what and how much she got fed , I asked? “Well, I didn't want anybody to have the headache of mixing her feed because I had certain feeds I was mixing,” said Amber. Asked how much her heifer eats a day Amber's quick reply: “a bunch!” How much is a bunch? Sixteen pounds of grain, some beet pulp and hay declared Amber. Ha! So much for just plopping down a bale of hay and going home.
While a small segment of society looks upon raising animals for table fare with disdain, Amber is a great example of how her experiences are prompting her to pursue the respectable, honorable profession of agriculture teacher. A career she eagerly looks forward to. And considering her robust personality, dedication and intellect there's no doubt that Amber will become an outstanding ag teacher.
For next year? “I'm thinking about raising a steer.” If she does... I think the only thing
Amber hasn't yet raised and entered for auction is market chickens.
Brittany Chumley's Bred & Fed Champion replacement heifer weighed in at 1,107 pounds and fetched $1,900 at the auction.
As Brittany explains, “I got her last November so it's been a long project. It's been a lot of fun walking her. Feeding her everyday was a lot of money but still, it's a very great experience and I recommend it for anybody.” Asked about a typical day attending to her heifer, Brittany replied, “I'm gone about 6 in the morning and return home about 9:30 AM.” Besides the usual 16 pounds of grain every day, Brittany adds some Bermuda hay.
Hmmm... I wonder if that's like adding dessert to the main course?
Excited about her first Bred & Fed win this year... Brittany is already planning on raising another replacement heifer next year. In the meantime, she is suffering a missing toenail.
What happened? “My heifer stepped on my foot,” Brittany said with a giggle. Perhaps silly questions are best not asked.
Brittany was lucky loosing only a toenail. Susana Lamb, Camarillo, was not so lucky. Her 1,322 pound steer stepped on her foot breaking her leg (tibia & other bones) requiring surgery and a metal plate. Her steer's name? Bone Crusher. Destiny in a name?
The winning bid for Chase Bowen's 268 pound Grand Champion Market Swine was $16 per pound.
At the young age of 11, Chase is already an accomplished pig farmer... being this was his fifth pig entered at the County Fair. As for the experience, Chase stated that it was an easy and fun pig to raise. Did the pig get Wheaties... the breakfast of Champions for breakfast? “Actually no he didn't,” replied Chase with a grin, “he got special feed called Sunglo. Considering that his pig won Grand Champion... Sunglo must be great stuff.
And the auction money... I asked? “Half goes into my college fund,” Chase said, “the rest is to buy another pig (next year).” Why raise another pig? “It's fun,” he said. I left Chase as he basked in the accomplishment of having raised a Grand Champion.
Samara Acosta received $12/pound for her 136 pound Reserve Grand Champion Market pig. Winning Reserve Grand Champion with her first pig entered at the County Fair is a great accomplishment. Though she didn't say... I suspect that she fed her pig Wheaties for sure. What did Samara do special that produced her award winning pig? “I worked hard,” she said. Adding... “I cleaned him, I fed him, I bathed him, I walked him around... everything.”
OK... so what did Samara feed her pig? Mooman's #237. And the plans for the money? “Some I'm going to save and the rest to buy school clothes,” explained Samara.
From her experience, Samara said, “raising the pig was a lot of work... a lot of responsibility... like having a kid.” Why undertake raising a pig. “I thought it'd be a good experience for me,” said Samara. Did you know what you'd be getting into when you decided to raise a pig?, I asked. “No,” was her immediate reply. Perhaps sometimes not knowing is better.
Last in the swine category, Keyanna Lucio's 111 pound pig was bought for $8.00 a pound.
Raising a champion pig can be trying at times. Besides being pigheaded... oops... ummm... stubborn... Keyanna said that “she loved to dig holes and it's really hard to fill them back up. And some days she'd dig holes faster than I could fill them back in” added an exasperated Keyanna. When asked why pigs like to dig she promptly said, “looking for bugs.” Then quickly adding... “just kidding!” I wonder why I still ask “why” questions. Besides her pig's obsession to dig... the silly swine loved to blow bubbles in her bath water. Furthermore, Keyanna had a tempermental pig on her hands. But not when it came to chow time. Miss piggy's diet? A bunch of Moorman's Showtec #237 feed. And if needed for weight control... toss in some beet pulp. Yummy.
Will Keyanna do it again next year? “Yes,” she said, “because it's fun... and all worth it.
The 4-H and FFA provide the youngsters numerous benefits and one that comes through clearly from talking with them at the Fair is their acquired 'work ethic'. An invaluable trait that will undoubtedly serve them well as they venture forth into the workplace. Kudos to all the parents who support their children's endeavors with immeasurable compassion and also have to rise with the sun... everyday... to get their children to the 'pens' so they can execute their daily chores. To all the 4-H leaders... congratulations for an exceptional job teaching and guiding. Accolades to Joe Ricards, Fillmore FFA teacher extraordinaire and to Junior Livestock Superintendent Jennifer McGuire for an outstanding performance.
To all the 4-H and FFA young persons who raised a farm animal for show and auction, a hearty congratulations from the Fillmore Gazette staff. To those who were honored with championship ribbons, a special round of applause for a superlative performance.

Fillmore resident and former Mayor Gary Creagle protested loudly concerning the several unfunded state mandates at Thursday’s special city council meeting. If all the new state requirements, including the water treatment plant, possible chloride control plant, new flood control demand threats, and new surface water treatment requirements are all implemented, the City of Fillmore could find itself wiped-out financially.

Fillmore City Council held a special meeting on August 7th to review the North Fillmore Initiative Impact Report. The Council also conducted some other business.
The Council had ordered an Impact Report when it voted to put the initiative on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The Council requested the report to provide accurate information to the public about the consequences of voting yes on the initiative. The full analysis will not be ready until August 26, 2008, but Andrew Belknap, Regional Vice President of Management Partners, Inc., provided a summary presentation for discussion purposes. Belknap's summary letter to City Manager Tom Ristau was included as part of the Council meeting packet.
The analysis indicates the initiative is inconsistent with the city's plans for development and infrastructure. If the initiative passes, then the city's plans can be changed, but not without some negative consequences for the city as a whole and the North Fillmore area.
The land in question is approximately ten percent of Fillmore's acreage, and is mostly vacant. The initiative calls for a maximum of 350 units on that land instead of a maximum of 700 or 894. It would also reduce the potential density of development: instead of five to twenty units per acre, development would be limited to a range of one to five units per acre. The most significant change would be a drop in the number of affordable housing units in the area: from 105 to 53. State authorities have approved Fillmore's development plans with provision for 105 affordable housing units. If the initiative passes, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will almost certainly require the building of 52 affordable housing units in other parts of town to compensate for the difference. Belknap wrote, "[I]t is going to be difficult for the City to comply with the state's requirements for affordable housing if this initiative is approved, which could put the City at risk legally and financially."
There would be less of a traffic increase with 350 new units instead of 700 new units, but the smaller increase in traffic would fail to meet the threshold required for road improvements to be affordable. Utility fees, water fees, sewer fees, and storm drain costs would be higher because the base costs would be divided among fewer residents.
Restricting development to 350 units might prevent development by making development economically unfeasible for developers. Belknap wrote, "Infrastructure costs may make development at levels allowed by the Initiative prohibitively expensive." If the initiative passes, it is uncertain whether anything would be built on the land in question. If less than 320 units are built, the imbalance between City-provided services and taxes will cause the City to lose money. The City could lose $106,000 to $146,000 per year. If the land were developed at previously planned levels, the City could see major increases in tax revenues: possibly one to two million dollars annually.
The initiative would not significantly impact Fillmore's school system.
Some proponents of the initiative were present to argue that Fillmore citizens approve of the initiative, and that the benefits outweigh the costs. Two of them stated that people do not want dense development, particularly in that area. Smith suggested that the Impact Report is based on uncertainties and might be unreliable. The third speaker talked about over-crowded units, people living in garages, and the lack of street packing. He implied that the state has overestimated the number of affordable housing units needed in Fillmore, and that development planners should consider person-density instead of unit-density. He spoke passionately about fighting the state on affordable housing. He also suggested that the Impact Report might not be trustworthy.
The Council adopted an official weapons policy. The policy will not be part of the employee handbook, but will be circulated among city employees for signatures.
The Council voted to remain neutral on the proposed conversion of the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility into a Medical and Mental Health Facility for 1,500 adult male prisoners. Assemblywoman Audra Strickland had written a letter of opposition to the proposed conversion and sent a copy to the Council members encouraging them to follow suit. Scott Lee seems to be in favor of the proposed conversion, and Patti Walker is opposed. She voted against the Council remaining neutral as a whole. City Attorney Ted Schneider is looking into whether is would be legal and ethical for individual Council members to write letters indicating their personal positions as Council members.
The Council voted to approve the release of construction bonds on the Griffin Housing Tracts. The bonds were no longer needed to ensure completion of the work.
Public Works Director Bert Rapp reported that only one bid had been received on the Effluent Disposal and Re-use for Fillmore Middle School and Railroad Right of Way Project. He requested that the Council reject the bid, because it is over-budget by almost two million dollars. After discussion, the Council agreed to reject that bid and make modifications in the re-advertisement for bids. The modifications and re-advertisement will cost $23,000.
The Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Remedial Grading agreement to facilitate construction on the Water Recycling Plant.
At a previous City Council meeting, Marcos Hernandez had alleged that a firefighter had harassed and intimidated people. At the August 7th meeting, the Council reported that Sergeant Wareham, of the Fillmore branch of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, had overseen an investigation into the allegations. Of the people supposedly harassed, only one came forward. The firefighter apologized to that person for the inference of intimidation and that person accepted his apology. Wareham exhausted all available leads, and was unable to find any other person who claimed to have been harassed or intimidated.
Marcos Hernandez requested that the Council pursue his allegations further. The Council appropriately refused to comment on any personnel issues, but eventually agreed to place the matter on the executive agenda. Even after an executive session on the matter, Council members would be legally prohibited from commenting.
City Staff were praised for convincing the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to approve the annexation of 41 acres for the development of a business park. Patti Walker, Laurie Hernandez, and Cecilia Cuevas were praised for their persuasiveness. Roy Payne, Bill Bartels, and Supervisor Kathy Long were also praised for their help with the annexation, as was City Attorney Ted Schneider. The final public hearing for protest proceedings is scheduled for August 19, 2008. If there continues to be no public opposition, LAFCO will finalize the annexation after that hearing.
Mayor Steve Conaway and Mayor Pro-Tem Cecilia Cuevas will report on their lobbying trip to Washington D.C. at the August 26th City Council Meeting.
Upcoming special events mentioned: Downtown Merchants Meeting 8/14/08, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall; Relay for Life 9/13/08 and 9/14/08 at FHS Baseball Field; International Day of Peace 9/21/08; Citywide Clean Up Day 9/27/08, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall Lot; and Household Hazardous Waste Day 10/4/08, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at Public Works Lot by appointment only.

Crime is everywhere, even in Fillmore! What are its causes and effects on our city and what measures are taken to combat criminal trends and behaviors? According to Fillmore’s new Chief of Police, Captain Tim Hagel, and statistics gathered by the Department of Justice, crime varies from year to year, community to community and from neighborhood to neighborhood. Even the frequency of specific criminal activities changes from season to season and is weather related. It is a fact that social issues, suicide and domestic violence peak during the winter holidays while home and vehicle burglaries rise in the summer. Crucial components to combating crime and preventing criminal activities even before they happen include; early recognition of current trends in the local area, superior officer training, teamwork, accessibility, dialogue and a solid relationship with the community.

Crime in Fillmore, as in most communities across our nation includes; gang and tagging (the gateway to gang membership) activities, drug use, production and dealing (crystal methamphetamines and cocaine, a serious problem everywhere), domestic violence, homicide, burglary (breaking in), theft (vehicle and property), extortion, robbery (by force), rape, assault, driving under the influence and traffic violations. The difference between Fillmore and uncountable cities large and small across this land is the effectiveness of our police force, in part due to its rapid ability to shift focus, as reflected in the large decrease in crimes committed in our city over the past years. During the period of April through June of 2008, a decrease across the board of 30% is noted compared to the same period in 2007. Although robbery remains steady, this number includes a 9% reduction in burglaries, a 30% reduction in assaults, and a total 43% reduction in violent crimes over the same period last year.

Chief Hagel attributes these statistics to the past efforts of former Chief Macedo and his staff, as well as the present ongoing 24/7 efforts of his team. Captain Hagel, a Ventura County native, father, husband and ranch owner (he grows tangerines and avocados), oversees a force that includes a total of twenty-seven officers. A standard day shift includes, four patrol officers, one patrol sergeant, three detectives, two gang officers, one very aggressive motorcycle officer (known as Stinger Bee), and one school patrol officer who shares his time between the high school and the middle school.

The violence at Columbine High School in 1999 brought home the need for improved school security measures and new methods of dealing with our students in an age of cell phones, blackberries, instant text messaging, video phones, internet access and blogs. With the installation of the school patrol officer (funded this coming school year through the City’s reserves and the FUSD), there is zero tolerance for gang and drug related activities and probation violators are incarcerated immediately. Unfortunately, this officer makes more arrests and citations during a regular shift than an average police officer. In an effort to improve the situation, regular meetings are attended by school counselors, school principals, the school patrol officer and Captain Hagel. These measures have diminished gang and tagging activity as a whole, along with the work at the North Fillmore Police Station storefront staffed by retired Fillmore Police Officer Max Pina, and counselor Selina Escalo. They interface and provide free counseling to gang members and their families.

Nevertheless, Chief Hagel admits that without the support, cooperation and vigilance of the community at large, our city would not be the relatively safe and charming place it is today, in many ways, a mid-twentieth century town in a twenty-first century world. Budget cuts due to an ailing economy might in time force changes in the Department; yet Chief Hagel advises that our first line of defense against crime is secure for at least this fiscal year (July 1, 2008-June 30,2009) adding, “Fillmore is not a good place to live, it’s great place to live.”