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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 8th, 2015
 Schoolboard member John Garnica presents Piru Elementary School Principal Diana Vides with the Administrator of the Year award. The April 7, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognizing four FUSD Staff and Student of the Year recipients. On the agenda, an update on the Federal Program Monitoring, and discussions on a new Mission Statement for FUSD. The first to be recognized was Student of the Year David Cadena (who was not in attendance). Cadena, a senior at Fillmore High School (FHS), has been enrolled in every AP class starting as a freshman, and received a 4.0 GPA or higher for consecutive semesters. He was also an elected member of the Student Council and has received numerous awards for his academic and sports achievements. Classified Staff of the Year was awarded to former FHS graduate Alfonso Martinez. Martinez has worked as a custodian for FUSD for nine years, previously at San Cayetano Elementary School and presently at Fillmore Middle School (FMS). Martinez, who coaches soccer at FHS, was recognized for his positive impact on his school community. School Board Member Scott Beylik spoke of his dedication and remarked that on rainy nights before the roof was replaced at FMS Martinez would drive to the gym at 2am to place buckets in the gym. Certified Staff of the Year was awarded to Mary Allyn Garcia. Garcia who is presently teaching at Rio Vista Elementary School, has taught at Sespe, Mountain View, and San Cayetano Elementary School. She has four children who have all attended Fillmore schools, and her husband who is also a teacher. School Board Member John Garnica commented he has known Garcia for years and praised her leadership skills. Administrator of the Year was awarded to Piru Elementary School Principal Diana Vides. Vides is a graduate of UC Davis and the credential program at CSUN. She is the recipient of the ConnectED Apple Award and coordinator for the migrant program. The Federal Program CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2015
 Above, a big rig was involved in an accident with a Chevy Cruze, pictured below. The collision took place on Thursday, April 2nd, at 6:45pm, Highway 126 and Olive Street. No injures were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2015
 A car fire destroyed this 2-door fastback on Thursday, April 2nd at 9:15pm. The fire seemed to start in the engine area; no injuries reported. Engine 91 responded and put out the flames quickly. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2015
 Two cars sustained significant damage during a collision on Sunday, April 5th at 3:15pm in front of the El Dorado Mobilehome Estates, on Highway 126. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 7th, 2015
This is the final reminder and invitation to the Fillmore Flower Show, April 18th and 19th at the Senior Center in Fillmore, 533 Santa Clara Street. The theme this year is “Bursting with Beauty.” Anyone, young or old, who lives within the boundaries of the Fillmore Unified School District may enter into the competitive categories. However, others may enter just to display their beautiful blooms and plants. There is also a written composition category for youth. Brochures are available at several merchant locations as well as the library. Or, all information can be found on the website: fillmoreflowershow.com The show is open to the public from 1:00 to 4:00 both Saturday and Sunday. Along with the colorful flowers and lovely plants, the ambiance will be enhanced by piano and guitar music throughout the afternoon. Put the Fillmore Flower Show on the list of things to do as participant or a spectator. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
Dear San Cayetano Elementary School Community: We are working to make sure that we have healthy classrooms and schools for students. Fillmore Unified is focused on keeping our classrooms and schools free of termites. Our staff conducted a full inspection of San Cayetano Elementary School with the help of experts and we are now working to implement a treatment plan during Spring Recess (March 30th-April 3rd) We are committed to making sure that our work to address the termites does not disrupt student learning and that it takes place outside of instructional time. As a result, our experts will be working during the week of March 30 to complete a full treatment at San Cayetano Elementary School. We are using the Spring Recess to complete the treatment and are following all procedures required by state law and Board Policy. The campus will be closed to all staff and visitors during the week of March 30th to make sure that students and staff are not exposed to anything that could be harmful. Staff will work with our experts to prepare our campus for students and staff when they return to school on Tuesday, April 7th. All areas that are treated for termites will be thoroughly cleaned and ventilated as part of this work. We will continue our work to ensure healthy classrooms and schools for students and staff. Thank you for your continued support and enjoy a well deserved Spring Recess. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 3/29/2015, the Fillmore Police Department’s Investigations Unit conducted an alcohol enforcement operation. Underage minor decoys were used, under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, to solicit adults outside California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed stores to purchase alcohol for the minors. The goal of this operation was to limit minors’ access to alcohol. Two underage decoys were used in an attempt to solicit others to purchase alcohol for them in different locations throughout the City of Fillmore and the unincorporated area of Piru. Approximately 20 subjects at four locations were solicited during the operation. 1 adult male purchased alcohol for the minor decoys. The one male subject was arrested for BP 25658(a) / furnishing alcohol to a minor. The Fillmore Police Department’s Investigations Unit will continue to conduct periodic operations in the area in an effort to prevent minors’ access to alcohol. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Fillmore Police Department would like to remind the public that selling alcohol to, or purchasing alcohol for, minors is illegal and that alcohol is a factor in many homicides, suicides, and other unintentional injuries which along with car crashes are the four leading causes of death in 15-20 year olds. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public to report incidents of underage drinking and illegal purchasing of alcohol. Location: Various Locations - City of Fillmore & Unincorporated Piru Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
 Senior Justin Coert, a second year track and field participant, broke a twenty eight year old school record held by Robert Zermeno from 1987. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
 Lupita Perez takes second place in both the 1500m and 3000m at the Santa Barbara Easter Relays. Enlarge Photo  4x100m relay: Pictured (l-r): Junior Aaron Cornejo, Senior Michael Luna, Senior Hayden Wright and Senior Demitriouz Lozano. Enlarge Photo This past Saturday, the Fillmore Flashes Track and Field Team attended the Santa Barbara Easter Relays. This year the team took 23 athletes to participate. At the conclusion of the meet Fillmore High School brought home sixteen medals with nine athletes earning personal records. Senior Justin Coert, a second year track and field participant broke a twenty eight year old school record held by Robert Zermeno from 1987. The old record stood at 147 feet 9 inches, Justin clips that mark with a throw of 149 feet 9 inches. In addition he set a personal record in the shot put throwing 48 feet 7.5 inches. He has qualified for the Arcadia Invitational which is a prestigious invitational that many strive to qualify for and participate in. Currently he ranked number one in CIF Southern Section Division 4 for in the Discus and 2nd in the shot put. Our Varsity Girl runner of the day was Lupita Perez. Lupita is a junior and third year track and field runner for the lady flashes. She was the only lady flash that qualified to run in both the individual 1500 meters and 3000 meters. She earned second place in both races where she ran a 4:58.28 in the 1500m and 10:36.38 in the 3000 meter. Lupita set a personal record that day in the 3000 meter. We are very excited and pleased by her performance and look forward see what she can accomplish this season. In the frosh-soph girls division, our distance quartet earned medals in both the 4 x 800 meter relay placing 5th as well as in the Distance Medley Relay where they earned 4th place. The lady flashes that participated in these relays were sophomores Alyssa Ramirez and Lauren Magdaleno with freshmen teammates Janaey Cadena and Jackie Chavez. Bringing home hardware in the throws competition were both Mariah Gonzalez and Karissa Ibarra. Mariah placed first place in discus and second place in the shot put, while teammate Karissa Ibarra placed fourth in both the discus and shot put. The Fillmore Track and Field Team hosted the first Tri Valley League meet against Nordhoff this past Thursday. The meet was a huge success clinching all four divisions including Girls JV, Boys Frosh Soph, Girls Varsity and Boys Varsity. The closest score was in the Boys Varsity division with only a five point gap. The entire meet came down to the team effort put forth by all runners, jumpers and throwers that day. Way to go Flashes! We would like to invite the Fillmore community to our next home meet on Thursday April 16th.This will be our third Tri-Valley League meet where we will compete against Saint Bonaventure and La Reina. Hope to see you there! |
 Rusty Cochran, owner of Grimes Rock Inc., who donated $9,832 worth of soil for the Pump Track Park, receives a Proclamation from Mayor Douglas Tucker. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
The March 24, 2015 Fillmore City Council began with two Proclamations and three presentations. The majority of those in attendance came to comment on the first agenda item regarding the renewal contract with EJ Harrison for trash removal. Two other agenda items were a request to name a future park and a service contract to investigate the City's Fee Schedule. The first Proclamation went to the many volunteers who donated their time and effort to build the Bike Pump Track. Present to receive their plaque was Greg and Grant Taylor, owners of MG Taylor Equipment, who donate approximately $25,000 of heavy equipment including backhoes, forklifts, bulldozers, loaders and also provided the volunteers to operate the equipment. During Public Comments it was mentioned that MG Taylor Equipment Company also volunteered in the building of Shields Park. Also in attendance to receive a plaque was Rusty Cochran, owner of Grimes Rock Inc., who donated $9,832 worth of soil. Trucks worked daily nonstop for a week delivering the 99 loads and placing the 1,500 tons of sand and clay, which was over 2,000 yards of export soil. Mayor Douglas Tucker commented, "It means a lot to have good neighbors like Grimes." Cochran replied, "Anything I can give back, I will." Others receiving CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Detectives from the Ventura County Narcotic Task Force concluded an investigation which began in September 2014 into the sales of “Spice” in Ventura County. Spice is a mix of herbs (shredded plant material) with manmade chemicals applied to it which is mind-altering. It is often called “synthetic marijuana” because some of the chemicals in it are similar to ones in marijuana; but its effects are sometimes very different from marijuana, and frequently much stronger. It is most often labeled “Not for Human Consumption” and disguised as incense and potpourri. However, the sellers of Spice know it is being consumed and package labeling to attract young consumers. Some of the packaging labels include, “Diablo, Scooby Snax, Atomic Bomb, Mr. Nice Guy, Dead Man, Frankin Stoned, Bob Marley, Mr. Happy, Mind Trip, and iBlown.” Because the chemicals used in Spice have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit, the Drug Enforcement Administration has made many of the active chemicals most frequently found in Spice illegal. However, the people making these products continuously try to avoid these laws by altering the chemicals in their mixtures to circumvent emergency legislation. Sellers of Spice products try to lead people to believe the ingredients are “natural” and therefore harmless, but they are neither. Spice is the second-most popular illegal drug used by high school seniors (marijuana is the first). Easy access and the misperception that Spice is “natural” and safe have likely contributed to these higher rates of use. Its side effects, like the ingredients, often vary, but emergency rooms report seeing people with rapid heart rates, vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations. Using Spice can lead to abuse and even addiction as the body builds up tolerance to the drug’s effects over time and craves a higher dose to achieve the same effect. (Data from National Institute on Drug Usage NIDA) Detectives began receiving complaints from patrol officers and officers assigned to local schools of incidents where Spice was involved. They found several incidents where students had become violent and aggressive while at school and the officers had to request medical aid for the students that were under the influence of Spice. The detectives found several other incidents where patrol officers had physical altercations with subjects throughout Ventura County under the influence of Spice and they described the individuals as having super human strength. Detectives conducted undercover operations at over 32 smoke shops throughout Ventura County and were able to purchase Spice at 9 locations. Warrants were authored for the above locations. During the search warrants, the detectives located over 43 pounds of “Spice,” a stolen handgun, evidence of sales of prescription drugs and 10 gambling style slot machines. Arrests for the sales of “Spice” are still pending since the substances that were seized are still being analyzed to determine if they contain one of the illegal chemicals per the Drug Enforcement Administration. Four additional arrests were made during the service of the search warrants for the stolen gun, sales of prescription drugs and the slot machines. If you’re a parent, talk to your teens about Spice. It’s not safe. It’s not natural. In fact, no one really knows what’s in a package of Spice. Manufacturers are using a variety of unknown chemical combinations to evade D.E.A. regulations. If you have information about Spice and locations where these products are being sold, call your local law enforcement agency. The Ventura County Narcotics Task Force will continue to investigate the sellers and manufacturers of Spice products. The Ventura County Narcotics Task Force is made up of narcotics detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, California Franchise Tax Board, Oxnard Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in Ventura County. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Search Warrants / Arrests Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
Written By Laura Bartels and Anna Morielli Fillmore High’s legal team made major strides during the Ventura County Mock Trial competition on February 23rd and 24th. In its third year, the team consisted of four seniors, six juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen. At the awards ceremony held at the Oxnard Civic Center, senior Hai Tran won Ventura County Third Place as art expert prosecution witness Bernie Worchester. This year’s case, People v. Shem, involved the felony charge of grand larceny from the alleged theft of a railroad baron’s painting. The students portrayed each principal of the cast in a courtroom, including attorneys, witnesses, defendant, court clerk, and bailiff. The trial played out in real courtrooms at the Ventura Superior Court before actual judges and scored by Ventura County practicing attorneys. The evening began with a pre-trial motion designed to exclude evidence gained by an illegal search. This year’s pre-trial motion focused on the Fourth Amendment protection against warrantless search and seizure -- “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects.” The prosecution team, --Catherine Alonso, Paulina Guerrero, and Misael Ponce, shined in round one against Westlake High School and again in round four against Oxnard High School. Prosecution attorney for pre-trial motion, junior Tatem Forsberg, strongly presented the prosecution’s argument of why the defendant had no reasonable expectation of privacy for items he had consented to be searched. Tatem argued that once the defendant told the officer to “look around the apartment” it was reasonable that the consent extended to the storage unit assigned to the apartment. The officer only needed a “reasonable” belief that consent to “the apartment” would include ancillary uses of “the apartment” and that it would be unreasonable for the officer to ask the defendant every time for every area the officer wanted to search. In a strong opening CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
 The Fillmore Two Rivers Park Pump Track/Bike Park held its grand opening on Saturday, March 21st, 2015, at noon. The City of Fillmore, City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission invited the public to join them for the much anticipated ribbon cutting. Attending the opening ceremony were Councilmember Rick Neal, Rusty Cochran (Grimes Rock/State Ready Mix), Greg Taylor (MG Taylor Equipment), Hans Kiefer (Bellfree Contractors), Mayor Douglas Tucker, Councilmember Carrie Broggie, Camilla Conaway (Parks and Rec Commissioner), Councilmember Diane McCall, and Councilmember Manuel Minjares. A Cobra Rep also attended. The City of Fillmore especially wants to thank Rusty, Greg and Hans for their generous contributions. The Pump Track/Bike Park is a professionally designed facility giving cyclists a safe, off street place to learn to ride, practice and increase cycling skills. The track consists of pump tracks, skills areas, trails area, a practice trail, and jump line. The skills, trails and jump areas will contain features designed to build riding skills such as balance, pedaling, shifting, braking, etc. in a safe, controlled and progressive environment. Everyone from the age of 2 to 102 years old who can ride a bike, is invited to come out and ride! Photos by Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
 A male driver lost control of his car on Sunday, March 15th at 4:00pm, while traveling down Grimes Canyon Road. He plunged down the canyon about 500 feet, coming to rest by the rock quarry access road. The driver was airlifted to Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. His condition is unknown. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
If the economy continues to rebound and recover, Fillmore can expect to see a reasonable amount of growth and development. The market dictates what comes and what goes, but today positive things are moving in Fillmore's direction. Fillmore is seeing a real surge in building, both commercial and residential. Many of the projects have been in the works for years, while some were put on hold due to the economic problems experienced in 2008, and others changed direction due to public concern. In 2007 Fillmore residents rallied together to change the debated high housing density originally proposed at the North Fillmore Specific Plan. This resulted in a ballot measure that allowed the people to vote on the controversial Plan. Another project that garnered a great deal of public attention was the Chevron (Fillmore Works) Specific Plan. Concerns have been addressed in some cases, while others are still ongoing. North Fillmore NLA Community is moving forward with development and preparing to grade their 30 acres of the original 101 acreage. Those 30 acres will have all the required infrastructure to build the 146 homes including utilities. Every lot is both street and alley adjacent and vary in size from the low 3,000 sq. ft. to over 7,000 sq. ft. The developer plans to sell the improved land to someone who will then construct the actual 146 houses. It will take NLA Community one year to grade the land due to the large amounts of boulders present in the area. The area discussed is located north of 7th St., West of Goodenough Rd. southeast of Sespe Creek, with B St. running through it. The density of the remaining NFSP's 71 acres has also been reduced, due to the passing of Measure I, to 355 homes with no multi-dwellings lots available. This averages five housing units per acre, down from about 10 units per acre. Today there are no immediate plans in the works to develop the remaining 71 acres. Edgewood Neighborhood |
 Lifetime Achievement Citizen of the Year Don Gunderson is pictured with his wife Ruthie to his right. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
Don has long served his country and the community of Fillmore. This will detail just some of his contributions. His service in the Navy and to the USA took him to many places around the country and world including Norfork, Virginia; Panama City, Florida; Hawaii; three deployments in Viet Nam; Washington DC; Norfork again; Mediterranean; Command at Sea – based in Charleston, SC; trip around South America; Port Hueneme; and the Pentagon. In 1972, Don was awarded the Air Medal and Bronze Star Medal with combat “V”. He retired as a Navy Commander on February 1st, 1985 after his first wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. They moved to Fillmore in March 1985. Sadly, Don’s first wife passed away in February 1986. This lady from Fillmore, “Ruthie” came into Don’s life and they married in 1987. In 1990 when two members of the City Council announced they would not run for reelection, Don took this opportunity to give something back to the community where he lived. This was not something he could easily do during his Navy career. Ruth agreed to help with the campaign and Don soon learned how deep Ruthie’s roots were in the City. The guy who “married Ruthie” rustled up enough votes to win a seat on the City Council. Don served on the Council for 12 years including a stint as mayor. The 1994 earthquake was probably one of the most challenging times for the City but Fillmore came out strong with hard work by Don, the other Council members, City staff, and City residents. In April 1993, Don joined the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sunrisers and remains an active member of the merged Rotary Club of Fillmore. Don served the club as President (1997-98), secretary/treasurer & Foundation Chair to name a few. Being a Rotarian has provided Don with opportunities to do many projects both in Fillmore an even in international projects. Among Don’s favorite projects has been the provision of Student dictionaries to all third grade students in the Fillmore and Piru schools. Through the years Rotary has given out more than 4,000 dictionaries. After leaving the City Council in 2002, Don became a member of the Board of Directors of the Fillmore Piru Veterans Memorial District in 2003. He served many years and helped the District obtain several grants enabling the District to pay for a number of repairs and improvements. Don and Ruth continue to service the community through Rotary and Faith Community Church of which they were part of the funding group. Don Gunderson is well deserving of Lifetime Achievement Citizen for his many, many, years of service to Fillmore and our country. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
 David Cadena David Cadena is a senior at Fillmore High School. He is a student of excellent academic standing, the recipient of the Renaissance Award of achieving a 4.0 GPA or higher in two consecutive semesters. Enrolled in every AP class starting at Fillmore as a freshman, David is a student who seeks challenge. David is an extraordinary student who possesses strong qualities to fulfill any leadership role. As an elected member of the Student Council, David demonstrates leadership on campus by developing and participating in school sponsored events that enhance the school climate and student body of Fillmore High School. He is reliable, honest, dedicated in his undertakings, well-spoken, generous with his time in helping others, competent in setting examples and a positive role model for others. Indeed, David is the vice-chairperson of the School Site Council; President and founding member of the Leo’s Club. In 2013-14, David received the Leo of the Year award. David is also a member of the Hall of Fame club. In this capacity he reflects a positive image of the school as evidenced by what the students say and do, and by what people read and hear about FHS. His communication skills create goodwill among and throughout the school and community. David has a natural talent in developing and building friendly relations with students, faculty, administration, and the community. He is a member of FLASHES. Excellence in academics, community service and public relations, David also demonstrates effort and commitment to his sports (golf for four years, football for one year), earning recognition and standing including but not limited to: Captain of the Wrestling team for 3 years; on the varsity team for four years. His awards include: TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE CHAMPION, 106 lbs., Varsity Wrestling 2013-14, MVP – LOWER WEIGHT DIVISION Varsity Wrestling 2012-13, MOST IMPROVED JV Wrestling 201-12. David sets high standards for himself, fosters conflict resolution when the need arises, handles difficult situations with confidence and ease. He is not afraid to ask for help when pressing for results. He is a team player, always willing to learn. David Cadena is a superstar! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
 Alfonso Martinez Mr. Martinez has been employed by FUSD for nine years. He has worked at San Cayetano and currently works at Fillmore Middle School. He is a Fillmore High School gaduate, coaches soccer at and has been involved in AYSO for many years. He is married with two children and his wife works at Sierra High School. Affonso has provided inspired service as a custodian and works daily to create a positive environment for students and staff. He is respected by his peers and has excellent repport with students. Alfonso makes a positive impact on his school community and is an asset to our district. Congratulations Alfonso. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
 Mary-Allyn Garcia Mary Allyn Garcia has been a teacher for ten years in the Fillmore Unified School District and is currently a fifth grade teacher at Rio Vista Elementary School. Mrs. Garcia has previously taught at Sespe, Mountain Vista, and San Cayetano Elementary schools. From an early age, Mary.Allyn had a calling toward teaching and service. She grew up in a military family and moved frequently as a child. Fillmore was a quaint town and community and Mary-Allyn loved the idea of living and raising her family in a small, close-knit town. Mrs. Garcia is married to Randy, who is also a teacher, and they have four children who all have attended Fillmore schools, two of which graduated form Fillmore High School and have attended California State Universities. She prides herself in representing Fillmore where she has the pleasure to live and educate her neighbors. Mrs. Garcia has a Masters Degree and Preliminary Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and services as an administrative designee, grade level lead, and ASB advisor at Rio Vista Elementary. Furthermore, she is a part of the district curriculum committee where she has been actively involved with the creation of the units for the district. In addition, Mrs. Garcia currently participates in an Educational Leadership Cohort through the Ventura County Officer of Education to help enhance her leadership skills. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
 Fillmore Unified School District Diana Vides was born on November 15, 1970 in Kingsburg, CA. and is the eldest of five children born to an immigrant from Abasolo, Guanajuato, and a Texan father. She was raised in Orosi, California, a small rural community between Dinuba and Visalia, California. Orosi is an agricultural town that cultivates a myriad of crops including grapes, oranges, and peaches. As a child she has very fond memories of working alongside her parents in the fields. Most memorable of these is picking olives in October right before the Fresno Fair and wrapping up her summers by picking table grapes, or better know as "la tabla". She worked in the packing house in high school and cleaned apartments in college. Working difficult jobs has molded her into the person she has become. She knows the value of hard work and understands the struggles that it takes to get ahead. Coupled with these valuable lessons was the privilege she had to count on nurturing parents that showered her with love and support. She was always given an opportunity to focus on education. She enjoyed competing with other students in high school and thrived on receiving report cards with straight A's. Consequently, she finished as salutatorian in her graduating high school class. A graduate of UC Davis with a Bachelors in Spanish, she relocated to Los Angeles in 1993 to enter the credential program at CSUN. She worked as a bilingual teacher in an LA Unified school and taught for 7 years. She has been an intervention teacher, ELL/ Title I coordinator, literacy coach, LEAD intern and assistant principal. She has the honor of being the principal at Piru Elementary school, her little paradise. She is extremely honored to be the recipient of the ConnectED Apple award. This grant will give equity and access to her community at large and create a change in teaching and learning through the use of devices. Every Piru student will receive an iPad and every credentialed teacher will receive a MacBook. She is ecstatic at the possibilities it presents her students and the prospects that it gives her create an institution that embraces technology through transformational learning. Fillmore also presented her with the honor of becoming the coordinator for the migrant program. This program supported her as I a child and now supports children that travel the same path she once followed. Every day she has the opportunity to give back to the community all the support and resources that were given to her. She is an example of how hard work, motivation and determination can get you anywhere you want to go in life. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 17th, 2015
March 17, 2015 - The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need. The Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as volunteer blood donors. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). American Red Cross Blood Donation Center American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Upcoming blood donation opportunities Thousand Oaks How to donate blood High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. About the American Red Cross |
