California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned parents about the continued dangers of pertussis (whooping cough). The disease has already caused one infant death and at least 126 infant hospitalizations in California this year.

“Vaccinated mothers pass protective antibodies to their infants during pregnancy,” said Dr. Smith. “Right now, it’s estimated that fewer than half of all pregnant women in California are vaccinated against whooping cough. We need to increase that number to help improve the health of our children and of our communities.”

CDPH urges expecting mothers to receive a pertussis vaccine (called Tdap because it covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). Prenatal vaccination will help protect newborn children until they are old enough to receive their own vaccination against pertussis. Because immunity decreases over time, women should receive the pertussis vaccine in the last trimester of each pregnancy.

Pertussis continues to spread at above-normal levels in California following a major epidemic in 2014, when reported disease rates were the highest seen since the 1950’s. Disease rates and risks of hospitalization and death are highest for infants under the age of one.

Pertussis can cause a severe, persistent cough. Historically, unvaccinated children with pertussis would cough hard enough to cause vomiting or a “whooping” breath after a coughing spell.

Symptoms of pertussis vary widely by age and vaccination history. Young infants may not have typical pertussis symptoms and may not appear to cough. Instead, they may have difficulty breathing, episodes in which they stop breathing, or their faces turn purple.

CDPH is working closely with local health departments, schools, media outlets and other partners to inform providers and the public about the importance of vaccination against pertussis, especially for pregnant women during the third trimester of every pregnancy. CDPH also reminds parents that Tdap vaccination is a requirement for advancement into the 7th grade.

Pertussis data, including the number of cases in each county, can be found on the CDPH website. www.cdph.ca.gov

To attain the record-setting $55,920 bid, a consortium of businesses including (not in order) Gold Coast Toyota Dealers, Mission Avocado, T&T Trucking, Bob Jones Ranch, AAA Propane, Quality Agriculture, County Commerce Bank, William L. Morris Chevrolet, The Wharf, Oxnard Lemon Company and Community West Bank pooled financial resources for the purchase. Ventura County’s food bank, Food Share, will benefit from the donation of the steer, with the consortium paying for the processing.
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Chase Bowen, with his FFA Reserve Grand Championship Steer, Bomber. The steer weighed in at 1,267 pounds.
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Jazmine Zavala’s pig, Levina, was awarded 4-H Grand Champion market swine. As a Sespe 4-H member, the pig she raised weighed in at a robust 266 pounds, fetching $12 a pound.
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Jared Alvary, 15, a sophomore at Fillmore High, won FFA Reserve Grand Champion, market swine. And the pigs name: America, garnering $8 a pound.
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Ashleigh Cavey, 17, Bardsdale 4H Club member, raised a healthy 1,125 pound steer named Twerk that was awarded 4-H Reserve Grand Champion. Ashleigh is a senior graduating in 2016.
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As usual, an excited crowd showed up for the Junior Livestock auction at the Ventura County Fair. It soon became obvious they showed with up with plenty of money in hand with which to buy the animals the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H kids raised for just the occasion.

First up were the market swine. A herd of 281 pigs! From all those pigs, two - raised by Fillmore kids - won titles.

Jazmine Zavala, 13, attends Fillmore Middle School. Zavala's pig was awarded 4-H Grand Champion market swine. As a Sespe 4-H member, the pig she raised weighed in at a robust 266 pounds. That's a lot of lovely pork named Levina. Levina? “Because in another language it means 'happy' or 'brave' or something”, Zavala said.

Being her fourth year raising pigs, Zavala is becoming an expert pig farmer. Are you going to continue to raise pigs, I asked? “Yes, because they're really unique”, explained Zavala, adding, I like do it, it's really fun.” Levina fetched $12.00 a pound at auction.

But what about issues raising her pig? “Some”, she said, “making weight or going overweight is a big issue right now. She weighs 266 pounds and the deadline (maximum) is 270 pounds.” With only four pounds to spare from being disqualified, I presumed a quick adjustment to her diet was needed. “Not quickly, had to do it slowly, but in time”, said Zavala. I should have known not to presume. She kept track of Levina's weight by weighing her two days a week. Why not a Jenny Craig for pigs? Hmmm.

Zavala obtained her pig from a Bakersfield breeder. Do you get you pigs every year from the same breeder? “Yes, all the time”, she said. Why? Says Zavala: “He has great breeding stock. Ah, so that's the secret? “Yes”, she said, with a chuckle. I offered to keep her secret but she told me I could tell anybody if I want to. But I won't.

Young Zavala's ways of raising a pig may not be universal. Being an experienced pig raiser, what's involved. For one, she explained, “I sometimes stayed in the pen with her all night.” Why? “Because, I don't know, it was cool, I guess”, Zavala explained. Whatever works!

From past experiences, what was different about raising Levina? “For one thing”, she said grinning, “she won market (4-H Grand Champion Swine) and she has a unique personality, unlike the other pigs I had,” said Zevala. But raising a pig is no walk in the park. Which reminds me, any problems walking with Levina? “When she was a baby she'd run away from me but only because she was scared,” said Zevala. After that, a walk in the park... so to speak.

Final words? “Raising pigs is hard work but it really pays off in the end, winning 'market' (championships) or 'showmanship'... she said with a smile.

Next year? Guess! Right... another pig!

Jared Alvary, 15, a sophomore at Fillmore High, won FFA Reserve Grand Champion, market swine. And the pigs name: America.

How come I asked. “I had a hard time thinking of a name but when I got here (the Fair) so a friend suggested America,” explained Alvary. Then America it is.

Any problems or issues raising America? “No, not too many, Alvary said. Adding, “except for walking problems. No sickness or injuries.”

“I would walk her but I didn't walk her as much as I should have”, Alvary said. Why not I asked. “Couldn't find the time”. But every Wednesday we'd have showmanship and our leaders would judge us, explain what we're doing wrong, to help us out to make us better”, he explained.

Any weight issues? (which, I've learned over the years covering this event) can be problematic.) “No, she was fine with the weight the whole time,” Alvary said. You got lucky, I asked? “Yes I did”, he said.

What was her diet, one wonders? “Just her preferred her feed with ground up corn,”, Alvary explained it. Adding, “every once in a while I gave her treats, and Gatorade? Gatorade? That's good for her? “Yes”, Alvary said casually, “it gives her more energy.” Who knew?

Last year Alvary won second in the class (swine) for which he got $12.00/pound at auction. And this year? “I got $8.00/pound for America.” Indeed, the Junior Livestock Auction is without rhyme or reason. In a word: Fickle.

And the money? “It goes into my savings account,” said Alvary, adding, “which I'm not allowed to touch. (A lament I hear often.) “My parents keep that so I have money for college later.” Yet, Alvary explained that if there's something he really needs, his parents will consider a withdrawal.

Alvary's college plans? “I want to go to UCLA,” he said. Though he's not sure exactly what to major in when asked he said: “I'd liked to do video game designing.” Though he is not doing any program coding now he's intrigued and interested in learning more.

At Fillmore High, Jared plays football at the defensive tackle position. Obviously in great physical condition from working out in the gym Jared weighs in at about 240 pounds.

Next year? “I'm going to raise another pig,” Jared said. No steer, or goat or whatever? “I thought about it,” Alvary said, “but when it comes down to it, I think I prefer a pig.” Why, I asked? “I just like the way they are, the way they handle”, said Alvary. From what I gathered, it's all about animal disposition.

What about words of advice for others who might be interested in raising a pig? “Stay calm”, Alvary said, adding, “if the pig starts freaking out don't freak out, be calm and let it do what it wants to do. If it's trying to fight to get out, don't fight back with it.”

On to the next category: Market steer. Three Fillmore winners of championship titles.

Jeffrey McGuire, 18, with the FFA program, won the FFA Grand Championship Steer title with a hefty steer weighing in at 1,398 pounds. (Keep the steer's weight in mind.) Last year, Jeffrey's steer won FFA Reserve Grand Champion.

Jeffrey's steer's name is Moonshine. Jeffrey being deaf communicated with me through his mother Jennifer using hand signs.

Why the name Moonshine? When Jeffrey first got the steer, he was a handful. He'd take off like lightening. And so he named him White Lightening at first which is hard for Jeffrey to say. So he changed it to Moonshine.

Full moon, new moon, quarter moon, Jeffrey walked a mile with Moonshine everyday.

Raising such a large animal must be a challenge. What about Moonshine? As best as Jeffrey could explain, “Moonshine was difficult because in the beginning he want run all the time, not walk. It was difficult to halter train him. It took about a month but Jeffrey succeeded in the end.

Because Jeffrey is so quiet... and because he's so gentle... the animals readily bond with him Jennifer explained. Thus he's known as the 'steer whisperer'. To know Jeffrey is to understand that!

One wonders where such an outstanding animal comes from, so I asked. The answer: “Wilson Farms in Iowa.” Obviously Wilson Farms has some outstanding breeding stock.

Besides being at the Ventura Fair, Jeffery has been busy showing throughout the state of California. At Fairs and showmanship jackpots. According to Jennifer, “Jeffrey is currently #2 in the state, probably #1 before the year is over.”

As Jennifer explains, Jeffrey's future plans include attending Reedley College near Fresno, CA, this January to learn Ag mechanics and welding. So will this be his last year raising a steer? Maybe, or maybe not. Jeffrey is not sure he can raise a steer and attend college at the same time but he'd like to if it's possible. Knowing Jeffrey, anything is possible.

Now for the rest of the story. At auction, Jeffrey's steer top bid was an auction record: $40 per pound. Do the math. Jeffrey's 1,398 pound steer garnered $55,920! That's beefy!

To attain that dollar amount, a consortium of businesses including Gold Coast Toyota Dealers, Mission Avocado, T&T Trucking, Bob Jones Ranch, AAA Propane, Quality Agriculture, County Commerce Bank, William L. Morris Chevrolet, The Wharf, Oxnard Lemon Company and Community West Bank pooled financial resources for the purchase.

Ventura County's food bank, Food Share, will benefit from the donation of the steer and the consortium is paying for the processing.

To sum up Jennifer McGuire's feelings: “Overwhelmed!” And what about Jeffrey? “I don't think it's sunk in just yet,” she said. Totally understandable.

Chase Bowen, 18, also with the FFA program, raised a steer of 1,267 pounds, on the hoof. Remember the old commercial: Where's the beef”. Well, it was at the Fair!

Bowen attends Ventura College and has one year of eligibility for Fair entries.

This was not the first time Bowen and I chatted. He reminded me that way back in 2008 he won a championship with a pig. Why of course I remember! OK, not really.

This year he raised a steer named Bomber that won FFA Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Bomber, as Bowen explained, “is a Charolais Composite steer.” I thought an explanation was in order and Bowen obliged. “The composite part means he's a Charolais bred with something else like a shorthorn or an Angus or something.” Where did you get Bomber? “From Wheeler Cattle in Paso Robles, CA,” said Bowen. It's no bull that Wheeler Cattle company has some of the best bulls in the state. Bomber is proof.

Bowen obtained the steer last November. Any issues raising Bomber? “No not really”, said Bowen. “He grew like he was supposed to. It was a little bit hard when I first got him home, halter breaking him. He kind of wanted to jump around a little bit.” I'd call that being frisky. All the while, that was when young Bomber weighed about 700 pounds Bowen said.

Bomber's diet? Four pounds of Rival Beast from Associated Feed & Supply Co. (thank you Google), half a cap of corn and barley, and other assorted goodies. Also Lubrisyn... a supplement for the animal's joints. As Bowen explains: “Because a lot of show steers, after they get going for a while, they start popping their joints. The Lubrisyn makes sure they don't pop their joints... they get their flex back. Once you get them going, and push them hard, they'll loose their flex and you're done.” Done is not good! I learned later that Lubrisyn was developed to provide circulating hyaluronic acid to aid in healthy join function in show livestock. Of course I knew that hyaluronic acid is good!

So, what was involved with raising Bomber I wondered? “I worked with him about five hours a day. Meaning that in the morning I get up a six to rinse and blow-dry him which takes about an hour. Then I come back at noon and give him a nice bath. We have this think called a fogger, put ice water in it, blow him with it. The ice water goes into his hair follicles and expands them so he'll get cooler. Because they don't really sweat, we have to do this, as owners, to keep him cool. Then about 10 o'clock at night, I go down and give him another ice bath so he's cooled down for the night.

Next year? Bowen will be raising another steer. Why? “It's my sport”, explained Bowen, adding that “a lot of kids say that if you're really good a baseball, for example, go pursue that. I'm really good at raising livestock so I'm going to pursue that. Logic rules!

Future plans? Bowen explains: “After a couple of years at Ventura College I hopefully plan on transferring to the U.S. Air Force Academy majoring in aeronautical engineering, minor in political science.” If the military thing doesn't work out, I would like to go to Oklahoma State University or Texas A & M to study feed nutritionist. Breaking down all the nutrients... we need more of this or more of that.”

Final thoughts about raising a steer? “It takes a lot of work”, Bowen said, adding, there were times, at 9 p.m., I said 'I'm done with this' but it pays off in the end. You just have to keep on going. Have faith in yourself, faith in God, He has a path for everyone of us.” Adding, “I'd like to thank my mom and dad for being there, God, and the Wheeler people.”

Ashleigh Cavey, 17, Bardsdale 4H club member, raised a healthy 1,125 pound steer that was awarded 4-H Reserve Grand Champion. Ashleigh is a senior graduating in 2016. Her future plans include attending Cuesta College then transferring to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. It's not surprising that Cavey aspires to become a large animal veterinarian.

Cavey is a veteran at raising cattle being her 5th year raising a steer. “My first year I raised a heifer, this is my fourth steer”, explained Cavey.

Cavey is not unaccustomed to winning. “At Fair, for the last three years I raised supreme breeding heifers,” she said. Adding, “I've also done pretty well at jackpot shows.This year Cavey's steer won the 4-H Reserve Grand Champion award.

Her steer's name? “Twerk,” said Cavey. Why Twerk? “Because Harlem Shake is a type of crazy dance”, she explains, “so I named him Twerk because it's another type of crazy dance.” Perfectly logical. I think. But does Twerk twerk? Never mind.

I presumed that Twerk must have been troublesome, dancing all the time, but I was wrong. “No”, she said, “I didn't run into any big issues except at the California State Fair an ear got infected.” Which means? “I treated it before it became too infected.” Furthermore, Cavey added “Twerk was pretty easy to work with. He was like a little puppy dog.” OK, on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the easiest to work with? “Probably an 8 because he did have an attitude here and there. He'd get lazy some times and did not want to walk. He got over it eventually.” Good thing. Imagine pushing a thousand pound steer for a mile! Perish the thought.

But there's more to the walking story. “Because he's such a compacted structured steer, he gets really stiff so he has to get up and move quite often or else his back legs don't move as well as they should,” explained Cavey. How much walking? “Supposed to walk him two miles a day but every once in a while I didn't make the two miles because I was busy with everything else in school but he was walked every day.”

Priorities matter. As Cavey explained, “I used to play softball but I quit sports to continue with my cattle project. I couldn't do both because I was being penalized for missing practices to work with my animal. Twerk was a big responsibility and I enjoyed it.”

Part of that responsibility is feeding such a large animal so I asked about Twerk's menu. “He eats about
24 pounds of grains a day – 12 pounds in the morning and 12 pounds at night - and two flakes of oat hay. Supplied by Western Milling in Goshen, CA.

Next year? “I'm going to do another steer,” Cavey said smiling. And she'll be getting her steer to raise from the same breeder in Iowa. But seemed odd to me how she bought her steer. Online? “Yes”, she said, it was an online auction.” Aha, eBay cattle! Just kidding. Cavey said: “It's very stressful because your sitting there at the computer bidding and bidding and then you get outbid and there's a timer. If any steer on that sale gets a bid in the last five minutes, the time goes up again. Sometimes a sale is supposed end say at five but gets extended and doesn't end till 10 o'clock at night. Very stressful, sitting there watching the computer, hoping you keep that bid and not get outbid.”

So, how does one know what steer to bid on, one wonders. “They have different videos of the animals walking and how they look. But you don't want to always judge them by how they look because they may not move correctly. So you always want to watch the videos to see if they're flexible in the way they walk,” explained Cavey. Of course. Still, knowing my luck, I'd end up buying a bow-legged bovine! But I digress... again.

In closing, Cavey said, “I encourage anyone that is interested in livestock to try it out... it's definitely worth it. How about help along the way? “My parents, grandparents, and my breeder,” she said. The grandparents have a ranch to keep Twerk, and of course my mom was always there to take me to all the places and for support and my breeder was always there to help when I needed him.

From everyone at the Fillmore Gazette, congratulations to the winners of awards. It was another great year at the Fair... for all the kids. The FFA and 4-H programs the kids participate in are awesome. Kudos to all the teachers and 4-H leaders for a magnificent job well done. And to all the parents, grandparents, and other family members... great job helping your kids learn about the importance of understanding responsibility through raising an animal. Raising animals is not easy but from the stories told by each and every kid, it's worth it. Worth it indeed!

Police Chief Dave Wareham said that is officers have been reminding drivers in the school zones to ‘lookout’ for students. In the future, citations will be given to those who do not.

Three presentations were given at the August 18, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting; The Start of School Report, Adequacy to Delegate Assembly and a Quitclaim Ownership Interests regarding FUSD property.

The meeting began with a report by Superintendent Dr. Adrian E. Palazuelos, "The start of school has been months in the process.” He then commented on the many improvements to the district, stating most projects are completed or nearly completed. He also attended the Ventura County Fair and remarked on how well Fillmore Future Farmers of America, 4H and other students had done there, "We had a very good showing."

Todd Schieferle with Human Resources gave a Start of School Report, stating, "There were over 100 items to get through, but things are off to a good start. Most have been completed.....we had a very busy summer." Schieferle showed a PowerPoint presentation of the progress. Fillmore Middle School has new concrete and paint in the eating pavilion, Piru Elementary new asphalt and paint in the student drop-off area along with a new roof and new furniture; and San Cayetano Elementary has a new sidewalk and curb, new asphalt with a drain, new paint and new roof.

Also mentioned was a thank you to the City of Fillmore for signs placed in areas where children cross the street informing drivers’ school had started and to look out for students.

Fillmore Police Chief Dave Wareham, who was seated in the audience, stepped forward and commented that Fillmore Police had worked diligently the first two weeks "kindly" asking drivers to be on the lookout for students and obey the laws. He stated, "In the future they will start writing citations on those that do not." He spoke of collaboration between the Police/Sheriffs, City of Fillmore and FUSD, and ended with saying the door is always open when needing help.

School Board Member CONTINUED »

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What a spectacular day we had Saturday, August 8 at the unveiling of the new Active Adult and Community Center. With over 120 people in attendance throughout the day the Center was full of life and energy it has not seen in years. I want to thank Annette Cardona, Community Services Director for pulling everything together. In addition, our local VFW kicked everything off with a flag presentation, then Mayor Douglas Tucker welcomed everyone and introduced Ernie Morales, Active Adult Commission Chair who addressed the crowd in both English and Spanish letting everyone know this is your Active Adult Center. Mayor Tucker wrapped things up recognizing the ten area agencies and seven instructors offering programs at the Active Adult Center.

The Active Adult Center received a facelift prior to the grand opening with new paint, bathroom fixtures, furniture and polished floors. It looks like a brand new building. Please stop by the Active Adult and Community Center Monday thru Friday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM and participate in one of our programs or just relax watching TV, reading a book or enjoying a cup of coffee. Our active adults will be impressed by the new look and programs being offered.

This is another example why Fillmore is the “Best Last Small Town.”

John Kelly, Vice President of TNT Fireworks

The August 1, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting had a number of items on the agenda, but the Council went into much greater discussion on two; the Chevron Works and the sale of fireworks in Fillmore.

Leslie Klinchuch, representative of Fillmore Works, addressed the Council regarding the use of the Chevron owned property just outside of the Fillmore's city boundary. Klinchuch stated Chevron has applied for a Conditional Use Permit from Ventura County and has elected to lease the land to Stion, a solar manufacturing company, who will be installing solar panels on 25.25 acres of the property. This is the first solar farm in Ventura County. She also stated the "green image" would give Fillmore a bonus. Originally Chevron presented a business park project when discussions began that would have provided hundreds of jobs to local residents.

The Council told Klinchuch they were very disappointed with the turn Chevron has taken. Mayor Douglas Tucker told Klinchuch the amount of hours invested in the project by both the Council and citizens of Fillmore were numerous and spoke of his disappointment with the property not being annexed to Fillmore stating "It's not annexed or in our sphere of influence, which creates problems for Fillmore."

Planning Department Kevin McSweeney told the Council the property is not in the Piru and Fillmore green belt and there was no request for annexation at this time, but he was confident that Fillmore would be notified from the County when needed.

The Council is CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

The first Fillmore School Board Meeting of the 2015/2016 school year focused on food services, the summer construction projects and a budget update.

Suzanne Stamp, Director Child Nutrition Services, gave a presentation on the meals served to students throughout Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD). FUSD participates in the National School Breakfast & Lunch Program which was established by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Breakfast Child Nutrition Act in 1966.

Breakfast and lunch are free to all students attending FUSD regardless of their family income. The District qualified for a federal program called Provision 2 back in August 2012, which allows schools to establish low income claiming percentages (when the threshold is met) and thus serve meals at no charge to all students (not just those that qualify) for a four year period.

Provision 2 option in the federal School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program allows for schools to reduce the paperwork and simplify providing school meals. It reduces application burdens and simplifies meal count and claiming procedures; schools do not have to collect or process school meals applications, keep track of meal categories, or conduct yearly verification. Verification, when needed, can include low family income and/or receiving a State entitlement such as SNAP (formerly known as food-stamps). Eighty-three percent of FUSD students fall into federal guidelines as low income which qualifies FUSD for Provision 2.

Under Provision 2 CONTINUED »

Daniel Nuno

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Daniel Nuno (DOB 06/07/1982), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of first degree murder for killing Ricardo Gonzalez, a chiropractor from Oxnard. The jury returned their verdict after two hours of deliberation.

On August 9, 2012, Nuno armed himself with a loaded handgun and traveled to the home of Mr. Gonzalez’s mother in Fillmore. There, Nuno confronted Mr. Gonzalez as he stood in the driveway beside his elderly mother and four-year-old son. After a brief conversation, Nuno quickly drew his firearm, pressed it to Mr. Gonzalez’s head and fired a single shot that killed him. Nuno then fled the scene and disposed of evidence, including the murder weapon which was never found. Nuno was apprehended two hours after the murder by deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to eyewitness testimony identifying Nuno as the shooter, Mr. Gonzalez’s blood and DNA were located on Nuno’s clothing at the time of his arrest.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 27 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura.

Steven Cortez

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on August 4, 2015, Superior Court Judge Mark S. Borrell sentenced Steven Cortez (DOB 03/09/94), of Santa Paula, to serve 39 years in state prison for two counts of attempted murder. A jury convicted Cortez in June 2015 of two counts of attempted murder in violation of Penal Code section 664/187(a), street terrorism in violation of Penal Code section 186.22(a), and two counts of assault with a firearm in violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2). The jury also found true special allegations that the defendant intentionally discharged a firearm during the commission of the crime, and that the crime was committed in association with the 12th Street Locos criminal street gang. Cortez and Santa Paula
gang members Christian Castaneda and Ricardo Magana were arrested in December 2014 after Cortez shot two victims as they walked on a street near their home in Fillmore. The crime was investigated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Castaneda previously pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle,
and was sentenced on July 15, 2015, to serve 19 years in state prison. Magana previously pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a firearm and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2015.

Adrian Cervantes, passed away on August 4th, 2015 in a tragic car accident. Anyone who knew Adrian knew he lit up the room with his smile. He was always positive in his demeanor and joking around with family and friends.

Adrian is survived by his young children, Ava and Andrew, his wife, Lisa, and his extended family.

Adrian will be truly missed to all those who knew him and he will forever live on in our hearts.

www.gofundme.com/bng3ye46

San Cayetano Elementary was able to replace its roof thanks to a grant from the State Allocation Board.
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Workers have been busy over the summer at San Cayetano and Piru Elementary Schools replacing roofs, asphalt and improving our play structures.

Applications for Emergency Repair funding were submitted to the State in 2008. Due to the many years of the State’s fiscal crisis the funds were not awarded. In October 2014 FUSD, the only Ventura County district to receive these funds, was granted $3,091,742 by the State Allocation Board. This represents 3.3% of the total funding that was distributed State-wide.

This grant was allocated to 2 schools:
San Cayetano - $1,764,393
Piru - $1,327,349

These funds can be used for repairs to roofing, asphalt, playfields, paving concrete sidewalks, communications / fire alarm systems, painting, windows, flooring, fencing and replacement of one portable classroom at each school.

Some of this repair work has been completed since the time of this application. The district is reviewing prior payments to show that this work was done so that the funding can be moved from one project at the site to another project at the same site. This will help with the current cost, as the allocated amounts approved were based on 2008 costs.

We’re in the final stages of finishing the roofs, striping the parking lots, raking the play areas and getting ready to welcome our students for the new school year.

San Cayetano and Piru Elementary Schools are located in Ventura County and is part of the Fillmore Unified School District.

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Congratulations to the 2015 Fillmore Little League Intermediate 50/70 boys’ baseball team for such an outstanding season of baseball. Back in 2014 Fillmore Little League introduced this new division to the local citizens and it has been a success to say the least.This latest team accomplished to not only represent the City of Fillmore very well during the regular season but go on to represent the entire District 63 in the state tournament in Sub Divisional play.Great job and kudos from the local Board and the District. This is Fillmores second District and Section Championship in a consecutive 2 year period.

• Regular season record 21 wins – 1 loss ,runs allowed 45 –runs scored 239

• All StarCalifornia District 63 Champions 2015

• All Star Southern California Section 1 Champions 2015

• Appearance in Sub Divisional State Championship 2015

Aaron Keith Setty made his debut in grand style on July 27th—he was born in his parent’s kitchen. That wasn’t the original plan.

Clif and Christina Setty had prepared to give birth to their third child in a hospital, just as his sisters Michelle, 7, and Christina “Teeny”, 4-years, had been.

But around midnight Christina started contractions. Nothing to worry about, she thought. Braxton-Hicks, she thought. She had had two other children and recognized early labor. So she slipped downstairs and started doing dishes, straightening up the house, thinking the birth would be hours away. “My mistake,” she said laughing, “I thought I had plenty of time.”

Then the contractions started increasing in intensity and coming closer together, three to four minutes. That was when Christina considered the possibility that their baby was going to be born—now.

She did what any woman would do; she called her mother in Los Angeles and said it’s time.

About that time Cliff came downstairs to see if everything was all right. Christina told him to bring down some towels and get ready to go to the hospital. That was when things went into overdrive. Her water broke, and then the contractions became "very quick, very intense." Clif called 911 and the baby started to crown. So with his cell phone wedged between his shoulder and ear, Clif caught his son as he entered the world on their kitchen floor. Aaron was 8.2 pounds, 21.5 inches long, born at 2:10 a.m.

They wrapped the baby in towels, cleared his airway and he start breathing. Fillmore Fire arrived in time to "clamp the cord and I cut it,” said Clif, "Then it was off to the hospital." Christina wanted to thank the paramedics “for keeping us calm.”

“I wanted a natural birth, but not this natural!”

As for delivering his own son, Clif said, "Not too many people can say that. It was scary at first, then exciting."

Mama and baby were taken to CMH where they were both pronounced healthy; Daddy and sisters followed in the family vehicle.

The Setty’s have lived in Fillmore since 2007. As of next month Cliff will have served in the US Navy for 16 years. His rank is E8 Senior Chief, Navy NMCB3 at Port Hueneme since 2000. Cliff has served in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Fuji Japan, Okinawa, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Christine served in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2003, an E5 Second Class Petty Officer. She was stationed with Port Hueneme NMCB5. While it the service Christina served in Kuwait, Spain, Japan, Okinawa, and Cuba.

When asked what they would advise another expecting couple who might find themselves in the same predicament, they said, "Have lots of towels and try not to panic!

Daniel Nuno will stand trial for murder.

Daniel Nuno, 33 of Fillmore, will stand trial on charges he shot and killed Ricardo Gonzalez, 41 originally from Fillmore, on August 8, 2011.

A jury was sworn in Monday, July 27th, to hear the murder trial.

In 2012, Nuno allegedly shot Gonzalez in the driveway of Gonzalez’ mother’s home. He has been charged with first-degree murder with special allegations that he used a firearm to commit the crime. Nuno has pleaded not guilty.
According to Gonzalez’ mother, Irene, 77, Nuno walked up to Gonzalez and shot him in the face in front of her and Gonzalez’ then 3-year old son.

Gonzalez was a chiropractor in Oxnard and was picking up his son from his parent’s home.

According to Irene, Nuno had been to the Gonzalez home twice earlier in the day looking for her other son, Eric Gonzalez. Nuno and Eric were involved in a drug arrest in the past according to the Ventura County Star. She said Nuno said something in English to Ricardo which she didn’t understand, but he responded he would loan him money the next day. That is when Nuno pulled out a gun, shot Gonzalez and drove away. The defense has raised issues about her ability to have clearly seen the shooter.

Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday.