Publisher's Editorial
A response to a letter from Regina Stehly Nunez.
A story which appeared in the Ventura Star a few weeks ago has raised the hackles among some Fillmore residents. A remark attributed to Fillmore City Manager David Rolands may be the source of some confusion.

The vote (city council on taxing marijuana) "tells me the community is open to the possibility of cultivation and taxation of marijuana...the thing with Proposition 64 is it has to do with recreational use. They're saying they are comfortable with the medical side, but they do have concerns about the recreational side."

A couple of facts should guide us through this discussion and quiet the alarm bells. First, the City of Fillmore does not want marijuana within its boundaries. The City was the only municipality in Ventura County to vote NO on Proposition 64 which permitted recreational marijuana throughout the State of California.

City groups were formed on short notice before the election for the purpose of saying no to Prop 64. But Prop. 64 passed, subjecting Fillmore to a plague of new issues and challenges.

Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten sent a four-page letter to city leaders two days after California voters approved Prop. 64. He stated "I write to encourage your city council to enact coordinated, uniform regulations preventing the marijuana industry from bringing harm to our communities,". His purpose was to encourage our leaders to enact comprehensive regulations "to prohibit the operation of commercial marijuana enterprises in our county". Totten further warns of the enticement "by the promise of substantial tax revenue from commercial marijuana interests. Experience has shown this promise to be illusory." In other words, the marijuana market is a cash market which easily escapes proper taxation - and the cost of controlling crime can exceed any expected tax revenues. The cost of physical and psychological injury can be huge, and damage to our youth incalculable.

Fillmore approved two local measures Nov. 8 that could tax marijuana sales and commercial cultivation operations, should the city ever allow them. The approval of these two measures is causing the current, unnecessary, uproar. The council could appear to be lying-in-wait, as it were, to approve commercial activities at a later date
I received this response to my inquiry from our city manager: "We took the proactive approach and placed these issues on the ballot this year rather than wait till 2018, which is the next time we could have done it. We did no campaigning nor did we talk about it outside my one article in the paper and both passed with 60%+ of the vote. In order to tax we would need to overturn our bans. Before anything is done we would have a community dialogue. Once again Fillmore was in the forefront on this issue. It's important to remember the residents, not city council, voted and passed taxing marijuana by an overwhelming number.” - David W. Rowlands.

However, if the time came and the city council decided to permit and tax the commercial marijuana industry, nothing could be done without a public hearing. I don't believe that there is an agenda in city hall to permit the marijuana industry in our city now or in the future. If there were such an agenda why wouldn't an attempt be made to implement it today? But, since there seems to be some doubt about this issue now is a good time to ask our council members in person at the next council meeting.

The passage of Proposition 64 is simply another example of what California has become during the past 30 years. It has been taken over completely by the far Left-Progressive-Democrats. Republicans now have only one third of Sacramento government. Governor Brown and his henchman Gavin Newsom, have secured complete control, making California a staging place for every foolish, idiotic, immoral, and ungodly idea conceived of during the past 100 years.

Want a multi-billion dollar bullet train to nowhere, which no one will use? you will find it here. Want a sanctuary STATE for illegals? it's here now. Partial birth abortions? step right up. How about drivers licenses for illegal aliens? we have them. Get out of jail free for felons? we're OK with that as well. California has become absolutely toxic for traditional conservative values under Democratic rule.

So, it was only to be expected that Proposition 64 would flood the state with marijuana; it's the kind of suicidal culture Sacramento encourages.

Maybe if President-Elect Trump cuts-off all federal largess to California it can be tamed.

***

I salute Regina Stehly Nunez for her energetic and persistent opposition to marijuana in Fillmore, as expressed in her letter. She correctly outlines many of marijuana's deadly attributes. Hers' is a great example of good citizenship. I also share her hatred of marijuana, and every other illegal drug. But I disagree with her worry about a council agenda threatening our town. It's time for our council to again speak out clearly on this issue.

***

By the way, I mislabeled Proposition 64 as Prop. 65 last week. It's one thing to grow old - quite another to grow old and be in a hurry. Well, at least I came close.

Martin Farrell
Publisher
The Fillmore Gazette

www.gofundme.com/MonicaHernandez

Carnales MC East County's Toy Giveaway for the Children of Piru Saturday December 10th at 3:30pm in the Piru Square.

Toy donations were received from:
-Members of Carnales MC
-IBEW Union Local 11
-Ventura County Fire Departments Piru Substation
-Residents of both Fillmore and Piru As well as several other Motorcycle clubs from Southern California

Publisher's Editorial:
During the past week the Gazette has received several letters to the editor about the city's preparations to handle the coming of marijuana. The passage of Proposition 64 will permit recreational use of this drug statewide. Californians age 21 and older can now legally possess, transport, buy and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes. One ounce of marijuana is sufficient to produce about 40 "cigarettes". Prop. 64 also permits individuals to grow as many as six plants and allows non-medical marijuana to be sold by state-licensed businesses. State licenses to recreational marijuana retailers will be issued on Jan. 1, 2018.

Fillmore was the only city in Ventura County to reject Proposition 64. 52 percent of Fillmore voters voted against Prop. 64.

Fillmore City Manager David Rowlands has been unfairly criticized for his recent statements reported in the Ventura County Star. The report reads, "...But voters approved two measures on the local ballot that will tax marijuana sales and commercial cultivation operations, should the city ever allow them" "Rowlands replied: "It tells me the community is open to the possibility of cultivation and taxation of marijuana. The thing with Proposition 64 is it has to do with recreational use. They're saying they're comfortable with the medical side, but they do have concerns about the recreational side." The letter with the harshest criticism of Rowlands was withdrawn at the last minute. But its sentiments remain in the media elsewhere so this response will remain until the letter is resubmitted next week.

Fillmore passed an emergency ordinance in October requiring recreational home-growers to get a city permit and follow other regulations, including a plan for odor control. Rowlands stated that the city council would decide how much to charge for permits early next year.

Fillmore City Manager David Rowlands is not promoting marijuana use, nor welcoming the weed to Fillmore. He is simply stating the facts of state law following the passage of Prop. 64, and our city's preparations to handle the expected marijuana onslaught; it's his job to plan for the best possible outcome.

Fillmore has firmly rejected the marijuana industry and its million dollar enticements. But it must prepare to deal with the aftermath of Prop. 64 approval within the state. As has happened everywhere that marijuana has been legalized, crime and health issues will rise significantly.

I am among those who strongly reject anything which promotes or accepts marijuana. I've made my opinion on this issue clear and often. But the City of Fillmore cannot avoid the ramifications of state law. In the future, we may have no better choice than to strongly tax and regulate the private sale and use of this gateway drug - if only to cover the new heavy costs involved in dealing with the crime and health consequences, which are well known.

***

For my response to a hostile letter addressed to me, see "Letters to the Editor" section.

2016 Youth Sports Group - Fillmore So Cal Bears.
Enlarge Photo

2016 Outstanding Community Service Award - Dr. Hakansson.
Enlarge Photo

2016 Non Profit of the Year - Fillmore Explorers.
Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and the community will be honoring people businesses and organizations that help make Fillmore such an ideal place to live.

Congratulations to some of the honorees:

2016 Outstanding Community Service Award-Dr. Hakansson

2016 Youth Sports Group-Fillmore So Cal Bears

2016 Non Profit of the Year-Fillmore Explorers

More honorees will be forthcoming.

New this year will be 2016 Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year-Female and 2016 Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year-Male. Also, Citizen of the Year-Female and Citizen of the Year-Male. Nominations are being accepted until December 9, 2016. On a piece of paper write why your nominee should be honored and mail to Fillmore Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 815 Fillmore, CA 93016. Attn: CAD.

Join us in celebrating our honorees on Friday, January 27, 2017. Social Hour: 5:30pm-6:30pm, Dinner/Ceremony 6:30pm. Location: Veteran's Memorial Building (511 Second St.) Attire: 50's theme (highly encouraged), Tickets $35 per adult, $20 under 17-years-old. Tickets will be on sale at the following locations: Diamond Realty (460 Santa Clara St.), Bank of the Sierra (527 Sespe Ave.) and Fillmore Police/Sheriff's Station (524 Sespe Ave.) Questions please call the chamber office at 805.524.0351.

Proposition 64, which has permitted the recreational use of marijuana throughout California, presents many new
practical problems for Ventura County cities. Fillmore was the only city to reject Proposition 64, voting it down by 52 percent. The passage of Proposition 64 permits anyone age 21and older to possess, transport, buy and use up to an ounce of marijuana for recreation.

Those using marijuana may also grow as many as six plants. A tax of 15 percent is imposed on retail sales. On January 1, 2018, the state will begin licensing businesses for the sale of non-medical marijuana. The Fillmore City Council passed an emergency ordinance in October requiring growers to purchase a permit and abide by other regulations, which include a plan to control odors.

The passage of Prop. 64 raises many serious concerns about health and safety. Residents of other states which have
legalized recreational marijuana strongly urge other states to avoid their decision. Many cities in Colorado warn of driving violations, crime, violence, and detrimental influence of those under 21-years of age. Virtually all California law enforcement groups opposed Prop. 64.

[Editors Opinion: The Gazette believes the approval of Proposition 64 will prove to have a horrendous negative effect upon our school children and upon the health and safety of our citizenry, young and old. These effects will prove to be uncontrollable.]

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., after 32 years, is closing its doors as of January 1, 2017. You have supported us
through the many years and ups and downs we want you to know how much that support has been valued. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you all to keep Fillmore seniors active, mentally and physically.

We are thankful for our wonderful teachers, who gave their time and experience to bring such great programs to the
seniors of Fillmore and the surrounding areas. Thank you to the past and current board members who worked tirelessly to keep FSCI whole and functioning. To the volunteers who gave of themselves to make our gathering space a home. And to our employee, Beverly, who welcomed all through the door.

From the entire FSCI board, we are proud to have been a part of your lives and grateful to you for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Patti Walker

Concise Council Meeting Gives Way to Heartfelt Holiday spirit

City council reconvened late Tuesday, November 16th for a very brief affair, amongst the shortest mayor Diane McCall said to have recalled. Following roll call and approval of the agenda, Richard Torres was called upon for public comments. Mr. Torres explained to the council how he had been raised in Fillmore, but has just recently returned after being away from Fillmore for over 20 years. He went on to clarify that he came on behalf of his sister and brother, whom are longtime residents of Fillmore that have expressed to him concerns for the current proceedings surrounding Fillmore’s water and sewage protocols.

The only order of new business on the agenda was the review draft 2015 urban water management plan update. Such is not to be understated in any sense. The representative speaking on behalf of the water purveyor explained how if there are more than 3000 connections to the city’s water system, there must be a current adopted urban water management plan update in agreement with the state of California. Non-compliance does not mean outright fines or penalties, as elaborated, but rather a loss of eligibility on Fillmore’s behalf for state funding on water projects. The plan will be made available for viewing on the city website and hard copies are to be found in the city clerk’s office. Residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback before it is finalized. Being in the best interest of the city to update said plan, a motion was easily passed to set a public hearing date regarding the matter on December 13th. Water availability is, has been, and will continue to press and act as an imperative to Fillmore’s communal development. Acceding to the state of California and our local United Water Conservation District’s disposition regarding water management will allow for them as well as us to continue to fare well and keep billing rates low.

Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie then followed up with a reminder about the next parks and recreation commission meeting, which will primarily focus on the ongoing discussion surrounding a possible dog park. The meeting will take place Monday, November 21st at 6:15p.m. at city hall.

Mayor Diane McCall proceeded to bring to our attention the Christmas tree lighting which is to take place December 3rd at 6:00pm in front of city hall. Councilman Manuel Minjares then thanked the staff of the Fillmore youth basketball league, whom are in search of coaches for 3rd and 4th grade boys’ team. Both male and female coaches are very much encouraged to apply. The annual sheriff’s toy drive is also underway, with drop off points at every sheriff’s station in Ventura County. Their toy drive has collaborated with the Fillmore toy giveaway, which the Fillmore fire department sponsors. Donations in the form of unwrapped toys or donations are much obliged. Your local fire station will also gladly accept donations as stated. With that, the meeting was adjourned and so in the spirit of thanksgiving and togetherness.

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned holiday travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites when traveling to areas with known transmission of Zika virus, including Latin America.

Many areas of Mexico are now experiencing transmission of the Zika virus, particularly popular tourist destinations, including Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, and Mazatlan. The states of Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located, and Sonora, which borders Arizona, have recently reported local Zika virus transmission. While the state of Baja California bordering California has not reported local Zika virus transmission, the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are present along the border. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers any travel to Mexico to be a potential risk for Zika virus infection.

“Pregnant women and couples contemplating pregnancy need to be particularly cautious because of the severe defects that can be caused to a fetus by the Zika virus,” said Dr. Smith. “Both state and federal public health officials urge pregnant women not to travel to areas with known Zika transmission.”

Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites and can also be transmitted by both men and women during sex. All individuals, particularly women of childbearing age, should take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites while traveling and when they return home. Sexually active adults who travel to areas with Zika transmission should use condoms or other barriers to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex. Couples planning pregnancy when either partner has been exposed to Zika virus should speak with a health care provider about a safe time to try to get pregnant. Men should wait six months to conceive after Zika exposure. Women who have been exposed should wait a minimum of eight weeks before becoming pregnant.

“The mosquitoes that can carry and infect people with Zika live in many areas of California,” said Dr. Smith. “If one of these mosquitoes bites an infected person, it can spread the virus by biting another person. That is why we ask people traveling to Mexico, or any other place where Zika exists, to take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after a trip, even if you don’t feel sick.”

While there has been no local transmission of Zika virus in California to date, CDPH has confirmed 362 cases of travel-associated infections in the state.

To prevent mosquito bites, apply repellents containing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Individuals should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors. Be sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Most people who are infected with Zika do not experience any symptoms. However, symptoms of infection can include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika other than rest, fluids and fever relief.

More information about Zika can be found in the November 2016 CDPH Health and Travel Advisory, and on the CDPH and CDC websites. In addition, the Mexico Ministry of Health website contains more Zika-related information.
www.cdph.ca.gov