Fillmore Unified School District

Around 50 concerned Fillmore residents attended the School Board Candidates Forum held at Fillmore Middle School on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 between 6:00-8:30 P.M. The forum was arraigned by Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) and California School Employee Association (CSEA) and conducted by FUSA President Jennifer Beal and Member Sandra Butts, CSEA Member Luanne Brock with Scott Lee was moderator and Bill Edmonds timekeeper. The candidates included Scott Beylik, Michael Saviers and Sean Morris and the incumbent candidates included Lucy Rangel, Dave Wilde and Tony Prado.

There were nine questions asked of each candidate, eight of those questions are in this report, four questions in this week’s part one edition; next week’s edition will run the last four questions (responses are not verbatim, what is written is a paraphrase of each person's answer) with a closing statement from each at the end of the questioning.

Question (1); What do you see as the school board members' role and responsibility in the effective administration of the schools?

Saviers; "I see us as the ambassadors to the schools...we have to work with the families to make this a good district.....we all have the same goals...everyone needs to be involved"

Morris; "We are your representatives to do what's best for the students and create an open environment. We need to make sure the Superintendent is on the right path and work with the teachers."

Prado; "We are a vision to the community. A Board Member is not effective when they micromanage. We listen to the teachers....the Superintendent is accountable to the Board.

Beylik; The Board develops policy...needs to hold the administration accountable. The last administration spoon fed the Board. I see my roll as to hold them accountable...to visit the classrooms."

Rangel; "I'm happy that we selected the right Superintendent. There was a problem with protocol, Board Members were getting many phone calls....you have to have three Board Members to have any change, I'm only one vote. As Board Members you have to work together as a team."

Wilde; "My job is to listen, to be accessible....responsible for making sure students have the best instruction. I'm happy with the new Superintendent."

Question (2); Money woes and changing priorities in past years led to the elimination of all our elementary library clerks. Are school libraries important to you? Do you have a plan to restore or improve them?

Morris; "Libraries are very important to me. Every student should have the ability to read. Libraries are soon becoming technology centers. They should bring lecturers in.... make them learning centers. If we have the funds hire clerks."

Prado; I was born in Santa Paula. I was fortunate to have had a very good library. If I wasn't playing sports, I was at the library...it was very important to me. Libraries serve a variety of needs for a variety people. We're going to have clerks."

Beylik; "We have a limited amount of money...I would not have cut the clerks. The actual money saved was miniscule....We had to take Title I money to get the library up and going."

Wilde; The library should be the hub of all schools...a hub for learning. Computers have changed what a library is today. We need someone who knows computers working there."

Saviers; "Decisions were made in the past, I'm not here to criticize....libraries are not a frill, they are a 'need to have'. There are grants that could help. Libraries are a necessity. We could have tutoring programs there."

Question (3); Preparing students for America's jobs of the future is a national trend. What would you do in this district to increase and improve student access to modern and traditional job preparation?

Prado; "Over 66% of jobs do not require a college education...We're not sure what jobs will be in the future, but they need to be able to read and write. We need to promote health education and critical thinkers."

Beylik; We need to have career technical education. We need vocational education to provide for those not on the college track...various vocational and various electives."

Rangel; We're going to be partners with Ventura College and Business with 62 different pathways...we should take an inventory of what students are interested in."

Wilde; "The whole concept of career studies is important to me. I love the FAA program...I volunteer to sit in on the Ag Council."

Saviers; "The reality is not everyone is going to go to college...these students are our future leaders and work force....we need to upgrade our technology...we need classes for our students who are not going to college."

Morris; "We need to prioritize funds and work to get grants....we need those occupational classes...I have a lot of dreams, we can get grants."

Question (4); Funding for the maintenance of our schools and grounds has been inconsistent. How would you plan to keep our campuses in good shape?

Beylik; With limited amount of funds and an economy that was up and down the District did not have a Capital Improvement Fund. We need to set money aside, now we're paying interest on a loan...this Board hires people to do things, we need to hold them accountable."

Rangel; "The Superintendents job is to address the issue. We do need to put money aside. There has to be planning. I have great confidence in the new Superintendent."

Wilde; "The roof situation was a nightmare. It took me almost two years to be heard. It should not take two years. We should have a fund set aside. The new Superintendent is making sure there is a plan."

Saviers; "It's nice to have a contingency plan. We need our students to be safe, we need to provide the maintenance people with the resources to do the job...address the problems daily...we need to install pride."
Morris; "The roof was leaking for years...we need to set up a capital improvement fund...we need to find ways to do it."

Prado; "The school runs in a deficit, so what are you going to cut to have the funds to set aside? Where's the money going to come from? I want to bring down the classroom size. The money's got to come from somewhere."

Part two in next week’s edition of The Gazette.

Larry Caro, 46 of Piru, has died from injuries sustained in an accident last week.

Caro, a tow truck driver, had stopped his truck on the 3200 block of Hemlock Street, Oxnard at approximately 7:15am on Monday, September 22. He was standing at the back of the truck when he was hit by an SUV driven by a 23-year old Oxnard woman. The impact threw Caro under his truck.

He was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Caro succumbed to his injuries on September 27th.

The woman was treated at St. John’s Regional Medical Center for minor injuries and released.

The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 385-7749.

The Jeff Gorell for Congress campaign today launched its second television commercial, another positive 30-second ad titled, "Leadership."

The commercial begins with a Gorell family home video from March 17, 2011, the eve of Gorell's most recent one-year deployment to Afghanistan serving as a Navy intelligence officer. Testimonials by local veterans and those who served under his command in a war zone, the ad highlights Gorell as the candidate with experience and the leadership skills to best represent the people of California's 26th Congressional District.

"Leadership" will begin running today on cable channels throughout the district.

Commander Gorell, a Navy intelligence officer, was mobilized and embedded with the U.S. Marines in Helmand, Afghanistan from 2011-2012. He was the officer-in-charge of a targeting cell, tracking Taliban movements and other insurgents. He had previously been deployed to Afghanistan in 2002.

The spot reminds viewers that U.S. and coalition forces defeated the Taliban from control over most of Afghanistan. As a result of Operation Enduring Freedom, girls are now able to attend school and women are able to seek employment in Afghanistan - many for the first time in their lives - opportunities previously barred under Taliban rule. Highlights of the ad include medals earned by Commander Gorell, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell was elected to the California legislature in 2010 where he serves as Vice Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. From 1999 to 2006, Gorell served as a Ventura County District Attorney. In addition to his military service as Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Jeff is also on the faculty of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where he been an adjunct professor of public policy since 2006.

Gorell's First Television Ad

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The Fillmore High Alumni Association is going to squeeze in one more Cruise Night before our cold, dark, WET, winter sets in (Positive Thinking) at their last Alumni “Flashback Friday” event this season, on FridayOct 10th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Central Avenue will be closed between Main Street, and Sespe Avenue and it will be transformed into “OLD” Central Avenue, decorated with Classic Cars from years gone by. Come take a look at the beautiful cars that will be displayed. Many Alumni and non-Alumni love to bring their classic cars to Historic downtown Fillmore and show folks what they have,and what use to drive up and down Central Avenue back in the “old days”. Some of the localMerchants will also be openduring that timeto show you their old store buildings they useand merchandise in their store. The F.H.S. Alumni Association cannot stress enough, how lucky we are to have a “Historic Downtown” in our community. They will be camped out at Central Station with all their Flashes gear, Old Photo’s, and inside you’ll be able to see Old Flashes Football game film being played on the Big Flat screen T.V’s. This is a Community Event, so bring the whole family, and take a stroll to Downtown. The Fillmore High Alumni Association invites all the communities of Bardsdale, Fillmore, and Piru to come out and live in the Past at the last Alumni “Flashback Friday”event of the seasonin Beautiful Downtown Fillmore October 10th .Come plop your folding chairs right in the Middle of Central Avenue, and sit and visit with your friends and community, before our cold, dark, WET winter sets in. (Positive Thinking)

Congressional candidate Jeff Gorell will be visiting Fillmore again on Sunday, September 28, 2014 as a part of a continuing effort to reach out to voters in our community. Sunday’s main event will be a free, city-wide BBQ/Rally which will take place from noon to 2:00 p.m. in front of City Hall. The event is open to all Fillmore residents and their families. This will be a great opportunity to meet Jeff and enjoy great food and fellowship.

Jeff Gorell will begin the day with a coffee meeting for our agricultural/farming community at Wm L. Morris Café from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a. m. After the midday BBQ, he will visit the residents of the El Dorado Mobile Home Estates for an ice cream social from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and finish up the day speaking to residents at an invitation-only meet & greet at a Fillmore residence.

“We deserve a congressional representative who will focus on uniting the community by placing people above party,” said Jeff Gorell. “We need real leadership to fix the broken system in Washington. I have worked hard to build a reputation for being an independent leader capable of working with members in all political parties to achieve results on the issues Ventura County voters care about.”

Jeff Gorell was elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and currently represents the 44th Assembly District where he has earned a reputation as an effective leader and advocate for taxpayers, veterans, small business owners and working families. He is also a 3rd generation Naval Officer who currently serves as Commander and Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. During his military service, Jeff Gorell completed two year-long deployments to Afghanistan where he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for Leadership in a combat zone. Additionally, he teaches Public Policy at Cal Lutheran University, formerly served Ventura County as Deputy District Attorney and owned his own small business. Jeff Gorell currently lives in Camarillo with his wife Laura and their three children.

The family of Adrian Moreno received a Proclamation from Mayor Manuel Minjares honoring their son. Adrian was killed in a shooting on Grand Avenue in January 2014. The homocide remains unsolved. Pictured are his parents Jorge and Elida.

Two proclamations were given out at Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting. The first one went to Fillmore Search and Rescue, and the second to the Moreno family, who lost their son eight months ago to a shooting on Grand Avenue. The homicide remains unsolved.

Agenda items included an authorization to purchase bullet proof vests for the Fillmore Fire Department and other safety equipment, an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club to improve the community center, addressing abandoned shopping carts in town and change in zoning regarding synthetic grass.

The City of Fillmore presented a heartfelt Proclamation to the family of Adrian Moreno, in remembering them and the tragic loss of their son. Jorge Moreno, Adrian's father, told those in attendance he thanked the community for their support and the Council for increasing the reward for information on the crime. Adrian's mother Elida spoke of the difficulty of their loss and how much she appreciates all those that have helped. She ended with, "It's time......the person that killed my some is still out there." She went on to say that some improvements in dealing with such crimes have been made, but then stated that, "Someone out there knows something....someone needs to come forward....We are grateful." Mayor Manuel Minjares responded, "There are kids in our community that know what happened."

Fillmore also honored the Fillmore Search and Rescue with a Proclamation for their 65 years of service. The team of volunteers often search all night in rough terrain or swift water for those lost or injured. Receiving the Proclamation were Stu Long, Laurens Bil, Steve Cohen, Scott Tyrod, Ryan Nelson, Grant Taylor, Jerry Garcia, Kristin West, Dale Velador, Jason Couse and Scott Gillies.

Fillmore Fire Department will be receiving some valuable safety equipment. The Council agreed to the purchase of bullet proof vests by the Fillmore Fire Department to protect the firefighters should they find themselves in a dangerous situation. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros first addressed the Council stating, "How can we save more lives" then went on to explain how "Medical Care Under Fire" has become part of the Department’s response readiness in situations such as school shootings and public gathering shootings.

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The Humane Society of Ventura County is asking for the public’s help in order to care for and feed six neglected horses – four of which were brought into protective custody in the past two weeks.

On Wednesday, Humane Officers brought in a horse, a mare, from a ranch in Fillmore. Dr. MartaGranstedt, DVM,estimated the horse to be close to 400 pounds underweight.

“The condition of the horse is extremely poor. She is very weak and it will take several weeks of ongoing veterinary care before we know if she will survive,” said HSVC Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman. “Humane groups use the Henneke Scale of 1 to 9 to rate a horse’s condition and this horse is a 1, which is extremely emaciated.”

Hoffman said it can take up to nine months of long-term,ongoing care to get the horses back to full weight and that the Humane Society is in need of funds to cover the extreme cost of medical and general care.

“Just to feed them is going to be a great financial burden for us, with the rising cost of hay, due to the drought,” Hoffman said.

The Ojai-based nonprofit also is accepting gift cards to feed stores, alfalfa grade 1 & 2, fly masks of all sizes and fly repellent.

“One of the horses from a previous neglect case is at full weight and available for adoption,while the other five are in protective custody waiting for court proceedings to be finalized,” Hoffmann said.

Donations may be brought to the Humane Society shelter at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai or sent to PO Box 297, Ojai, CA. 93024. For more information, call (805) 656-5031, or visit www.hsvc.org.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

City of Fillmore

09/02/14
Burglary
300 Blk. Chambersburg Rd.
Theft
400 Blk. Clay St.
Search Warrant
700 Blk. Island View St.
Theft Vehicle
600 Blk. Ventura St.
09/03/14
Abandoned Vehicle
Howard St./King St.
Vandalism
400 Blk. Foothill Dr.
Fight
500 Blk. Central Ave.
Theft
400 Blk. Orchard St.
Disturbance Party
B St./Sespe Ave.
09/04/14
Elder Abuse
400 Blk. Mallard St.
Theft
700 Blk. Edison Ln.
Search Warrant CONTINUED »

Cal Fire

This morning over 8,100 firefighters continue to battle 5 major wildfires burning in California. Yesterday afternoon firefighters fully contained the Nelson Fire which burned 62 acres south of Ukiah in Mendocino County.

This week gusty winds are expected across much of Northern California. In fact a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger has been issued for parts of Siskiyou and Modoc County down the Sierra Nevada range from Shasta County to Tuolumne County.

CAL FIRE continues to urge Californians to be extra cautious and take steps to prevent sparking a wildfires as the anticipated winds will elevate the risk for wildfires Learn more way to be prepared at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:

**CAL FIRE Incidents**

Nelson Fire, Mendocino County
off Nelson Ranch Rd, 9 miles south of Ukiah
* 62 acres – 100% contained

**Unified Incidents**

King Fire, El Dorado County
CAL FIRE / USFS – El Dorado National Forest
northeast of Pollock Pines
* 89,574 acres - 35% contained
* Evacuations in effect for about 2,800 people
* 21,000 structures threatened

**Federal Incidents**

Irene Fire, Alpine County
USFS - El Dorado National Forest
Mokelumne Wilderness area
* 94 acres – 91% contained

Meadow Fire, Mariposa County
Yosemite National Park
east of Half Dome in the Little Yosemite Valley
* 4,772 acres – 98% contained

Happy Camp Complex, Siskiyou County
USFS - Klamath National Forest
Near Happy Camp
* 131,996 acres – 85% contained

July Complex, Siskiyou County
USFS - Klamath National Forest
Several locations throughout Siskiyou County
* 50,042 acres – 98% contained

School Board candidate Sean Morris

The September 16, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting lasted less than an hour and besides the District Staff and about 15 faculty along with several members of the community On the agenda was a presentation on the financial statements for 2013-2014 school year and two public hearing items; "Sufficiency of Textbooks and Instructional Materials for the 2014-2014 School Year” along with the "Adoption of Pupil Textbook and Instructional Material for Structured English Immersion Program for the 2014-2015 School Year."

Fillmore School District has struggled and failed for years to bring up its academic improvement, and there has been very little community involvement at Board Meetings. There are state requirement that promote parent and community involvement and one requirement is informing the public of time, place and agenda of each Board Meeting and Public Hearing. According to the California Department of Education a Public Hearings regarding sufficient quantity of textbooks, the hearing "must be on or before the eighth week of school and at least 10 days notice of the public hearing posted in at least three public places within the district that stated the time, place and purpose of the hearing, and encouraged participation by parents, teachers, members of the community, and bargaining unit leaders, (if the district of county office has a bargaining unit).

In order to be eligible to receive instructional materials funds, the governing board of each district and county office of education is required to hold an annual public hearing and adopt a resolution stating whether each pupil in the district has sufficient textbooks or instructional material in specified subjects that are aligned with the academic content standards and consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum frameworks adopted by the state board."

A hearing is required before funds can be used to purchase the textbooks, which include Mathematics, Science, History-Social Science, English/language arts. Other books include foreign language or health classes. Insufficient quantities of the language and health books will not prevent funds being spent.

When asked where the District placed the information on the recent Public Hearing, the Gazette was told it had been posted at the front of the District building, and one in each school in the District. When questioned were the third posting was placed it was said to be in the Superintendents office (which is not a public place).

Sean Morris, who is running for a seat on the School Board, asked the Board why he had not heard of this Public Hearing stating, "...all kinds of notices are sent home with the kids, it would be nice to have it (notices of hearings) sent to the parents with the children."

Scott Beylik, who is also running for a seat on the School Board, stated last month he sent a formal request to the District to have the agenda email to him three days in advance of each meeting as the State requires Districts to do. Beylik then said he did not receive the September 2nd meeting agenda until the 3rd, a day after the meeting. He informed the Board he had not received any agenda information for the present meeting he was attending.

Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D. responded to the complaints stating, "We'll review the process and see about putting it in digital form."

Michele Reddy, Director of Budget and Accounting, gave a presentation on the past FUSD Budget. The General Funds in 2013-2014 school year were $31,962,811, but the expenditures were $32,088,853, leaving a deficit/deficiency of $126,042. Reddy informed the Board this deficit was covered by a reserve fund established by a previous administration three or four years ago, adding "...the reserve is now almost empty." Board Member Tony Prado asked if the deficit was due to the repair of the roof at Fillmore Middle School. Reddy responded, "No, that hasn't been paid for yet" informing everyone that the district borrowed the money for the roof.

Palazuelos introduced those in attendance to two newly hired FUSD employees: Stefan Cvijanovich, Director of Special Programs and Student Services; Gary Hobelman, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.

Irma Torres, ASB President/Speaker of the House, announced it's currently Santa Paula vs. Fillmore Week and next week students start building the Homecoming Float. Also, Fillmore Cross Country raced at Fastback Shootout on the 6th winning over 18 medals. Other accomplishments included Fillmore Football winning their last two games beating Channel Island 21 to 3 and last Friday defeating Oak Park 53 to 8.

Enrique Patricio

This morning at 5:39 a.m., Headquarters Sergeant Jim Kenney was on patrol in the area of Faria Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Sgt. Kenney noticed an older model van stopped on the shoulder with an inoperative rear taillight. When Sgt. Kenney attempted to detain the vehicle for the Vehicle Code violation, the van fled at a high speed southbound on Pacific Coast Highway and then onto southbound US 101. The van exited the 101 freeway and continued to flee eastbound on SR 126. Additional Sheriff’s units responded to assist in the pursuit, which reached speeds in excess of 85 mph. The van continued to South Hallock Road in Santa Paula where it purposely crashed into road closure gates. The driver, and only occupant, Enrique Patricio, ran from the van and into the river bottom intending to continue eluding law enforcement.

A Sheriff’s helicopter and two canine handlers responded to the area. At about 8:00 a.m., Patricio was reported by an anonymous resident hiding on the property in the 1600 block of Lemonwood Drive. Sheriff’s Deputies moved to that area and set up a perimeter. A short time later, the Sheriff’s helicopter spotted Patricio walking on Telegraph Road near Farris Drive. Patricio was quickly taken into custody by Sheriff’s Detectives, who had responded from the Fillmore Police Station to assist in the search. Follow-up investigation revealed the van had been reported stolen to the California Highway Patrol in Santa Barbara yesterday.

Patricio was arrested and later booked at the Pre-Trial Facility for auto theft, evading law enforcement, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The length of the pursuit was 23.7 miles. No law enforcement personnel were injured nor vehicles damaged. Patricio sustained a minor laceration to his nose and was treated at the scene. The van sustained significant front end damage and was towed.

Nature of Incident: Stolen Vehicle and Pursuit Arrest
Report Number: 14-20776
Location: US 101 from Faria Beach to South Hallock Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time: September 11, 2014 0529 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Headquarters Patrol and Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Enrique Patricio Ventura 29
Prepared by: Captain Patti Salas
Media Release Date: September 11, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Captain Patti Salas, 805 797 6392
Approved by: Captain Renee Ferguson

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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Thank you all for coming to "Alumni Night" in downtown Fillmore this past Friday evening. What a special evening of catching up with old friends, and taking in a beautiful Summers evening in Downtown Fillmore on Cruise Night. A Great time was had by all!

Remember everyone, This Friday, Sept 19th is the Big Game with Santa Paula here at Fillmore Field, and it's PACK THE HOUSE NIGHT. The Alumni Association wants all the community of Fillmore to come out and support our local Students, and Student/Athletes at they play in the 104th meeting between these two schools on the gridiron.

Please call the High School at 524-6100 to verify if there are tickets left to be sold. We want everyone to wear Blue and White this Friday. There will be one last chance to get your Flashes gear this Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Alumni Association will be at Central Station one last time before the big game with their Merchandise. Flashes T-Shirts, Sweaters, Caps. They will also be showing Old game Films of the Fillmore / Santa Paula Football games, dating back to 1968 on the big flat screen T.V's. So come out and support our Team, our Town, OUR COMMUNITY!!! GO FLASHES!!! Beat the Cardinals!!

City of Fillmore

08/26/14
Accident – Non Injury
B St./Ventura St.
Theft
300 Blk. Central Ave.
300 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Search Warrant
900 Blk. 4th St.
Trespass
200 Blk. Cook Dr.
08/27/14
Accident – Non Injury
500 Blk. Mountain View St.
Theft
600 Blk. Ventura St.
Keep the Peace
700 Blk. 4th St.
1000 Blk. Olive r St.
Burglary Vehicle CONTINUED »

The Fillmore High Alumni Association presents two upcoming Alumni Events. On Friday, September 19th they are hosting their annual “PACK THE HOUSE” night for the Fillmore/Santa Paula Football game at Fillmore Field, and they want the whole community to come out to the game and support our local student athletes as they compete in the 104th meeting between these two High Schools on the gridiron. To gear up for this great traditional game, they are also hosting “Alumni night” at Central Station this Friday evening Sept 12thin beautiful downtown Fillmore. The Alumni Association wants to paint the town Blue and White for Santa Paula week, so come out to Central Station this Friday between 5:00pm and 10:00pm and get your Flashes Game day wear. They will be there with their Flashes T-shirts, Ball Caps, Bling wear, and sweaters and hoodies. It’s also the last Cruise Night of the summer, so come out and see the beautiful classic cars parked along Central Avenue between Main Street and Sespe Streets. If you have a classic car that you would like to park and show the whole community, please enter from Main Street, and someone will help you find your parking spot. It’s the “Kick Off” to Santa Paula week, so come out and help the Alumni Association paint the town Blue! GO FLASHES!!

Local business owner Norma Amaro questioned the city council’s plans to restrict “Sandwich-Board” sidewalk advertising on Central Avenue.

There were four items on the agenda at the September 9, 2014 Fillmore City Council meeting. First was a budget adjustment for the Mountain View/Highway 126 traffic signal; then approval of supporting an increase in Medically Needy Only Beneficiaries; next a report on the status of the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency/Successor Agency; and last were discussions on what priorities to put forward to the Ventura Council of Governments.

The meeting began with Public Comments as three Fillmore business owners addressed the Council on the crackdown of advertising "bootleg/sandwich boards" signs discussed at the last Council Meeting. The business owners complained about the signage removed stating they all struggle to be successful and need signage. Some stated the ordinance prohibited signs but not banners and flags. Minjares responded later that banners are ok and the Council agreed to discuss the issue directly with the business owners on Central Avenue and Sespe Street.

Norma Amaro said the foot traffic on Central Avenue is less than it has been in the past, stating it might be due to less tourism and the question of the train continuing. She asked for better communication between the City and business owners which would dampen the gossip and everyone would be informed, adding.
"Before any decisions are made, talk to the business owners."

Another question Amaro raised was if the Council had considered the possible loss of foot traffic on Central Avenue if the Chevron project is built. She also asked if the Mayor had voted against keeping the train, to which he responded later that the train was not financially feasible.

The Council wants the light signal on Mountain View and Highway 126 as a priority project. The cost of design, construction management and construction of the signal was not included in the original FY 2014/15 Budget. The Council agreed to adjust the budget allowing the project to move forward. Willdan Engineering will handle design, manage construction, and submitting the plans to Caltrans for permits. Their contract is for $100,300 plus $15,000 to cover the cost of research and applying for grants to fund the project. The total cost is expected to be $547,730. Funding will come from the anticipated advanced payment of Transportation Development Impact Fees (DIF) for approximately 48 units Hearthstone will build, other DIF and grants from the Highway Safety Improvement Program, and the Active Transportation Program. At this time the grants have not been applied for.

The second agenda CONTINUED »