Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On March 26, Chief Randy Pentis officially began his first day on the job for the City of Thousand Oaks. Pentis succeeded Jeff Matson as Chief of the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

Pentis grew up in Newbury Park and attended Conejo Valley schools. He’s spent most of his 30-year career in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department serving the citizens of Thousand Oaks in patrol, investigations, and special enforcement.

“I’m very happy to be home,” said Pentis. As Pentis reflects on his past, he also looks to the future, “Going from Patrol in Newbury Park during the mid-1980’s, to becoming police chief, is a very humbling experience.

I’m honored for this opportunity and excited to get to work.” Pentis will focus the department on maintaining Thousand Oaks’ historically low crime rate and its standing as one of the safest cities in America.

He also intends to partner with Conejo Valley Unified School District on a variety of initiatives.

Proclamation well earned. Jack Stethem, left, and Victor Gongora receive a city Proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn on behalf of the Fillmore Lions Club for Non-Profit Organization of the Year, at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

It was standing room only as the March 27, 2012 Fillmore City Council meeting began. Most of those in attendance came to voice their concerns over the continued operation of the Aquatics Center or were recipients of the 10 proclamations for various awards of the year. The main items on the agenda were the Midyear Budget Review and Adoption, along with the City declaring a state of fiscal emergency.

Finance Director Glenda Jay gave a thorough report of the City finances, starting with a graph depicting three years of deficit spending and continuing the presentation with more projections of future unmet expenditures. The 2011/12 General Fund saw revenue of $5 million and expenditures of $6 million, with 2012/13 expected revenue $4.7 million and expenditures $6.2 million. The expected deficit by 2013 is $1.5 million.

The bottom line is that Fillmore’s General Fund does not have sufficient revenue to support basic public safety services and further reduction in law enforcement is possible along with more layoffs and creating part-time positions. Other possibilities are; closing park restrooms during the week, change in trash service at parks, contract services (janitorial/custodian), safety tree trimming, no code enforcement and no street repair.
The City is grappling with the question of how much can be cut and still provide a safe town to live in. A couple of years ago, Fillmore increased the paramedic stipend because the City was having a hard time getting enough paramedic to staff the fire trucks. In July, as part of the budget reductions, the stipend was reduced by $25 per shift. The City is considering decreasing the stipend another $25 per shift as part of the next round of budget cuts.

City Manager Yvonne Quiring does not recommended that the City consider reducing paramedic service. The County is proposing to relocate the paramedic out of the Fillmore Station (27) as part of its own budget cuts. Also when there is heavy call volume in the West County, AMR Ambulance is moved to Santa Paula. If Fillmore were to discontinue paramedic service, it would have a two fold impact--first the County won’t have a paramedic on staff and/or AMR may be based in Santa Paula. Often, since by law the City needs three fire fighters to respond to a fire for safety, the paramedic makes up the third position on the truck.

Two of the largest expenditures that rely on the General Fund are recreation and the community pool. The projected Recreation Fund will receive $37,790 less in revenue than originally budgeted. Rental from the parks and community center is down and the revenue from the sports programs is less than expected. The cumulative deficit on June 30, 2012 is estimated to be $75,376 and the ongoing deficit is projected $25,000 annually.
The pool is projected to end the fiscal year with an operating deficit of over $77,000 and a projected cumulative deficit as of June 30, 2012 of $232,263. Closing the pool for three months and the increased advertising and concession stand efforts have not been enough to cover the shortfall. Mayor Gayle Washburn told those in attendance, “We’re going to do our best not to close the pool, but I can’t make any promises. It’s something we have no control over…we may not have a choice.” Councilmember Jamey Brooks presented a motion that the pool not be closed for the next eight months, to which Council Members Eduardo Gonzalez, Brian Sipes voted Yes and Washburn the only No vote.

The Council wants to pursue having businesses take sponsorship of the pool and other projects/operations to help cover costs. A motion was passed authorizing the City to put the effort forward in finding sponsors. There was also talk of having a Volunteer Coordinator in a non-paid position to help with organizing volunteers for various positions no longer provided by City workers. Another idea was to pursue more grants. This would require a 501c3 nonprofit to apply for the grant and the City to partner up. Fillmore Police/Sheriff Chief Monica McGrath has done a great job of obtaining grants and received a $140,000 grant just two weeks ago.

Another area where revenue has declined is from the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) which has been eliminated and the City has become the Successor Agency due to state requirements. The RDA provided $864,000 to pay for General Fund services which the City will no longer receive.

Other source of CONTINUED »

Get along little doggies! Cowgirls were riding the range at RailFest this past weekend. A good turnout on a beautiful Saturday. RailFest is put on by the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society in cooperation with Fillmore & Western.
Enlarge Photo

Opening day, under cloudy skies, locals and busloads of people descended upon Fillmore for the 17 th annual Rail Fest hosted by the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society in cooperation with the Fillmore & Western Railway.

Again... hundreds of people... young, old and everybody in between... came to ogle and marvel the star of the Festival... the magnificent #14 steam locomotive. She never disappoints. Rail fans with cameras of all kinds were in photographers heaven.

But wait... there's more! Those fortunate enough to secure a ticket were treated to a rare experience. Hop aboard... take your seat in an enclosed car... or the open-air car... and hold on as #14 hauls the train east out to the Fish Hatchery Road. After a brief pause... she shudders... belches a cloud of smoke... and begins the return trip. After going through the infamous “tunnel” just west of Highway 126, the train stops. Everybody with a camera... and others who simply desire to witness the pending exciting event... disembark. The engineer puts #14 in reverse to go back through the tunnel. After a brief pause... letting the suspense build... #14 begins her re-run through the tunnel. Rails shivering under her powerful driving wheels... she emerges with a dense plume of smoke and blasts from her mighty steam whistle. A classic Kodak moment with a thrill remembered forever. As she whizzes by the throng of people enthralled with her performance... observant types swear that they saw the proud #14 grinning with glee. Pssst... it's true! Thereafter... passengers climb back aboard the train for the return trip to the depot.

Back at the CONTINUED »

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today the Ventura County District Attorney's Office is currently prosecuting James Homer Schoenhofen (DOB 7/19/43) for alleged crimes involving the sexual abuse of a child. A jury trial is set for May 2, 2012, and Mr. Schoenhofen has pled not guilty to all charges.

Mr. Schoenhofen is a 68-year-old former resident of Oxnard who may have been a foster parent beginning in the 1960s. The District Attorney's Office is requesting that anyone who has ever lived with Mr. Schoenhofen, has information concerning the identity of persons who may have lived with him in the past, or has information about crimes perpetrated against children by Mr. Schoenhofen to please contact the District Attorney's Office at (805) 477-1623.

Jerry Dean Bohannon, 49, Ventura

Jerry Dean Bohannon lives in the Ventura Riverbed west of Hwy 33, near Stanley Avenue. Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes unit have learned that Bohannon was the victim of a violent assault during the third week of January 2012. An extensive search for Bohannon has been conducted with little information revealed as to where Bohannon is or his current physical condition.

Prior to the assault, Bohannon was last seen on January 13, 2012. Detectives have received many conflicting stories as to what has caused Bohannon’s disappearance.

Detectives are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of Jerry Bohannon. They are requesting the public’s help in locating Bohannon or any information that may lead detectives to the reason for his disappearance.

If you have any information about or have seen Jerry Dean Bohannon since 01/13/2012, please contact:

Nature of Incident: Missing Person
Report Number: N/A
Location: Ventura
Date & Time: 01/13/2012
Unit Responsible: Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Jerry Dean Bohannon Ventura 49
Sergeant Evans – (805) 797-6394,
Detective Therrien – (805) 797-6401 or
Detective Lopez – (805) 797-7118
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Evans
Media Release Date: March 26,2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Evans – (805) 797-6394
Approved by: Sergeant Joe Evans
Sheriff’s Major Crimes unit.

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).

Congratulations to Nico Frias and Sammy Martinez for completing the 2012 L.A. Marathon. They were two of 18817 finishers, they placed 434th overall with an excellent time of 3:17 (3 hours 17 minutes).

Nico is a sophomore at Fillmore High School and this was his third L.A. Marathon. He participates in Cross Country and Track during the school year. Sammy is a junior at Fillmore High School and this is also his third L.A. Marathon. Sammy is on the Cross Country, Track and Swim teams. He is also Speaker of the House for FHS Associated Student Body. Both boys have many extracurricular activities, and have found time to still participate in the training involved to prepare for the L.A. Marathon with Students Run Los Angeles (SRLA). With all these activities they still manage to be good students in the classroom as well.

They were trained by Joel Frias, Nico's father, this was his 12th year coaching for SRLA and has mentored many student runners throughout those 12 years; over 200. He prepares them from August to March and they attend sanctioned practice runs, each one increasing in distance over the months. They also hold regular practices as an individual team.

Congratulations to both boys, hard work and determination always leads to a strong finish!

Fillmore, it is that time of year again to come out and support the local arts. Fillmore High School Drama is again teaming up with The Sespe Players in a production of a drama called "Guides". The play will be at the Fillmore District Auditorium on Sespe Ave in Fillmore. The time and dates are Frida,y March 23rd, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24th, at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday March 25th, at 2:00 p.m. Then again next week on Friday, March 30th, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday March 31st at 7:30 p.m., and the last show will be Sunday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m. Students and senior citizens $5.00... adults $8.00...and $15.00 you can come to as many shows as you like for the one ticket price. All cast members have tickets to sell or call Janet Foy at 524-2757.

The Saturday show on March 24th, at 2:00 p.m. will be a fundraiser for Grad Night Live. All ticket sales for that show will go to Grad Night Live, so that the Seniors of Fillmore High School can again have a safe and fun way to celebrate graduation. This is a good way to help out a good cause, and have some fun doing it.

The cast of... CONTINUED »

At Tuesday night’s school board meeting Joey Orozco (left) received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from a representative of Congressman Elton Gallegly for his achievements at R.M. Pyles Boys Camp.
Enlarge Photo

Vanessa Villa, Student of the Year .
Enlarge Photo

Raina Arrellano, Teacher of the Year.
Enlarge Photo

The March 20, 2012 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with a threat of reprisal from the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and ended with an announcement of changes to Piru’s 6th grade class. Also discussed was Transitional Kindergarten, Classroom Climate Task Force, a presentation by UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program and awards for Student and Teacher of the Year.

Tron Burdick, Labor Relations Representative with the CSEA addressed the Board regarding a contract disagreement. FUSD would not agree with certain retirement benefits asked for during contract negotiations and as a result CSEA is ready to fight for them, with Burdick adding, “The cost to negotiate will far exceed the cost of the benefits we wanted.” Burdick brought up another item CSEA was upset about; the use of volunteers to help in school offices. He told the Board that using volunteers was allegedly against their contract and that CSEA will be fighting to stop it. Burdick also alleges the District is not as financially strapped as they claim. Upon ending his scathing address Burdick was applauded by most of the faculty in attendance; many of whom may be in a fighting mood due to the 25 layoff notices sent out last week.

Dr. Alan Nishino, FUSD Superintendent, answered the allegations made by Burdick regarding the budget stating, “We must budget for three years, which includes this year, next year and the following year” and added, “We must have a rainy day fund…we have to budget without being sure we’ll even get the money.” He went on to say FUSD budgets conservatively whereas some other school districts budget using the best case scenario.

An item approved that may please parents with four and five year old children just starting school was Transitional Kindergarten (TK) which the Board voted to continue offering. Last Tuesday there was a 3-1 vote in Sacramento by the education finance subcommittee rejecting Governor Brown’s proposed State Budget calling for the elimination of the program in an effort to save $224 million. TK is a state law that was passed in 2010 and is part of a larger bill known as Kindergarten Readiness Act which advances the date children start kindergarten. By 2014 children must be five years of age by September 1 for kindergarten eligibility. The 2012-2013 school year requires kindergarten students to be five years of age by November 1, 2012. For the 2013-2014 school year, students must be five by October 1, 2013.

In California and nationwide,... CONTINUED »

Fillmore Rotary Sun Risers are pleased to announce that the necessary funds for the much awaited access gate to the High School track have been raised thanks to many members of our community.

Grateful thanks go to the following individuals. Service Clubs and corporate members of our community who made this possible: Joan Anne Archer, Cindy Blatt, Tim Hagel, Mary Joanne Arnold, Marge LeBard, Shirley Spitler Don and Ruth Gunderson, Steve Conaway, John Scoles, Eduardo Gonzales, Fillmore Soroptimist Club, Fillmore Lions Club, Fillmore Rotary Sun Risers, Cops Running for Charity, Fillmore Riverview, LLC, and Ladera Fruit Co..

The combined contributions of this group match the latest invoice price of the gate, $7810.

These funds will be presented to the City Council in the very near future.

Story Courtesy Don Gunderson, Treasurer, Fillmore Rotary Sun Risers

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

It might as well have been 1888. In those days, guns were the law in wild Fillmore. People out of work due to the lack of gold in Sespe Creek or cattle to rustle... held up the Fillmore & Western railroad and robbed passengers. That is... until Judge “Hang 'EM High Hagel and Judge “Bloodbath” McGrath moseyed into town.
But the cantankerous robbers struck first. Holding up passengers on board... the ruthless thugs confiscated everything of value. Easy pickin's... it could be said. But passengers were warned before boarding... rumors portrayed outlaws thick as thieves roamed the Sespe Creek Valley so be prepared to be robbed. Rumor quickly became reality.

As the snarly bandits attempted to flee with their bounty... they were met by lawmen... guns drawn and firing a barrage of lead bullets at the fleeing robbers. Colt against Smith & Wesson. Shiny badges against sweat-stained Stetsons. Justice was swift. When the thick cloud of gun smoke cleared... not a thief or his accomplice was left standing. As the posse's deputies collected the stolen loot... the town's undertaker collected the bodies. Coffin and burial costs cheerfully paid by passing a collection hat among the hoodlum's victims.

Back aboard the train now rambling down the tracks through the bucolic Santa Clara Valley (yes, even at night it's bucolic) passengers relaxed and enjoyed a scrumptious round of chow... BBQ chicken, roast beef, baked beans, garden salad and a grand array of fabulous desserts. For the long of thirst... beverages galore. You should have been there!

Tranquility soon turned to chaos, bedlam... even pandemonium! Besides the departed train robbers... there were scoundrels and scofflaws of all varieties on board the Santa Paula Express. Scofflaws indeed. People were being arrested hither and yon on charges of urinating in public, bigamy, public buffoonery (gasp!), grave robbing, bribery, wife stealing, horse stealing and cattle rustling. It was wild. But of course... to get out of jail... one could always... ahem... bribe a judge. Or even quicker... bribe a lawman. Everyone wearing a badge was on the take. Seems that such shenanigans was commonplace on this Fillmore & Western train rambling down the rustless rails.

When dastardly folks weren't being tossed in jail... the judges were besieged with “shotgun” weddings. Lots of fellers were hornswaggled, handcuffed and hitched which they concluded was a lot better than a load of buckshot in the buttocks. For only $20 a lady could apply for a marriage license and have a ball-and-chain attached to a hapless dude.

While Judge “Bloodbath” McGrath was busy performing matrimonial services... the other judge... “Hang “Em High” Hagel was busy performing “quickie” divorces... which some dudes declared was akin to a “get out of jail” card. For the paltry sum of $30 you could be officially declared “single and available”. But for only as long as you could outrun Bloodbath McGrath's shotgun-toting matrimonial enforcers who were fleet of foot and worked for whiskey.

If you can't trust a law-biding judge... then who? Beware the black robe with thirsty pockets.

Both judge McGrath and Hagel ended up behind bars on charges of “bribery”. Gasp! Furthermore, I was accused and arrested for... ahem... cattle rustling. Rumor has it that for a bottle of bootleg hooch a sleazy Bardsdale rancher falsely accused me! Nevertheless, I become a cell mate with the unscrupulous judge “Bloodbath” McGrath... along with bandit Carlos Juarez and another bad-arse fella. Under such dire circumstances one quickly embraces conspiracy theories. I was framed... I tell ya.

This mayhem parlayed into an evening of incredible fun punctuated with huge amounts of laughter. But all for a good reason. Proceeds from ticket sales, bribes, bail, fines, marriage licenses, divorces and extortions were for the benefit of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. The event was hosted by the Fillmore & Western Railway Company and sponsors included Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association, Ventura County Sheriff's Posse and Fillmore Piru Citrus Association.

Space prohibits thanking all the individuals who dedicated their time, work and talent to make the Great Train Robbery such an fabulously successful and jovial event. A job incredibly well done by all involved... all for a great cause. And for those who read this... and didn't ride the train... well... see on board next year. Just think... we might even end up cell mates. Hmmm.

Ray Medrano with the Citizens Patrol spoke to the Council on the need for citizens to be involved and proactive in protecting the City.
Enlarge Photo

The March 13, 2012 Fillmore City Council meeting was the shortest in recent years. With only two items on the agenda the meeting was over in exactly one hour. One item was whether the City should submit an appeal to Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in order to reduce Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the period of 2014 through 2012. The other item was the adoption of an ordinance to repeal a Fillmore Municipal Code due to the City taking over the Redevelopment Agency, which was voted on and adopted.

At the February 28th council meeting Kevin McSweeney, Community Development Director, introduce the SCAG drafted RHNA allocating 694 residential units to Fillmore and requested the Council review the details of the report to determine if the City should ask for an appeal, which is called a Revision Request, to reduce those numbers.
The SCAG was formed on October 28, 1965, with the purpose of conducting growth forecasts and regional planning. RHNA is mandated by State Housing Law as part of the periodic process to address the need for housing within each city or county jurisdiction during specified planning periods. The RHNA is not a construction number where the City is given a quota to construct units. Rather it is a planning number of residential units that the City of Fillmore should plan, anticipate and prepare to accommodate growth to the year 2021. The City has planned and prepared for those residential units in its General Plan Buildout.

The General Plan CONTINUED »

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce is excited about the upcoming Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Veterans Memorial Building. Social hour will be from 5pm-6pm with dinner and the program starting at 6pm. Dinner will be provided by the Fillmore Fire Dept. Attire: Western.
Businesses will have a few opportunities to spotlight their business including:
Business card ad to be included in the program $25. Centerpiece Sponsorship: for $25. Bring a centerpiece having to do with your business and place your business cards on the table.
Purchase eight tickets (one table) at $25 each (total $200) and you get the centerpiece sponsorship for free. This year we will be honoring the following: Lifetime Achievement-Citizen Marie Wren, Lifetime Achievement-Business Wm. L. Morris, Citizen of the Year: Buddy Escoto, Teacher of the Year: Raina Arellano, Student of the Year: Vanessa Villa, Officer of the Year: Gabriel Gonzales, Fireman of the Year: Rob Rolf, Non Profit of the Year: Fillmore Lions Club, Explorer of the Year: Briana Vazquez
Business of the Year: Attractions Spa.
Thank you for your support. Please contact me to purchase: a business card ad, centerpiece sponsorship or tickets for the event. Please help promote the awards dinner at your place of business by placing a flier available at the chamber office on your window or call me & I will bring one to you. We appreciate all you do and look forward to having a very successful event!

A group of Middle School Students addressed the School Board about positive changes happening at their campus.
Enlarge Photo

The March 1st Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was long and ended after 11pm as many of the approximately 80 in attendance gave their opinions on the upcoming changes to the school district. There was a wide breadth of comments ranging from thanking the Board for the gate to the school track field, wanting tests taken during school hours, low teacher moral and requiring too much extra work from teachers to the meeting’s main issues of layoffs and curriculum changes.

Fillmore schools will be hit hard by the cuts Governor Jerry Brown is proposing leaving no other choice but to cut expenditures. Assistant Superintendent Business Services Dr. Michael Bush explained that a total of $5.5 million over the past four years has already been cut, but more cuts may have to be made. Bush remarked that at best a 6-10% cut will happen if the tax initiatives in the November elections do not pass, losing the district another $600,000. Teachers lose pay when days are eliminated, he added and went on to say “The teachers took five furlough days last year and 10 this year.” Boardmember John Garnica responded, “This is an absolutely awful situation.” Superintendent Dr. Alan Nashino told those in attendance “We’ve been kicking the can down the road for years….if we’d addressed this problem three years ago it would have been better.”

FUSD may be laying off over 10% of its 200 certified teachers with about 14 of the 22 possible layoffs in grades k-6. Preliminary notices will be sent out by March 15th and final notice by May 15th. Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson said the number of teachers to be let go “…is not set in stone, but the money is what dictates it.” Some of the layoffs are expected to come from the music department and others from health. Teacher Debra Galarza said she was very excited about the changes but added, “I know music is on the chopping block…I think that is a huge mistake.” She suggested there are other ways of saving money such as investing in solar panels as a school in Oxnard has installed. Christy Neal, owner of Central Music, told the Board, “Schools with music programs have higher standards.” Prado responded, “I know how much the music is good for the school and students…I want to do some investigating about the music and counselors.”

Another of the expected changes is the high school graduation requirements which will focus on providing classes for both college and work force bound students. Requirements such as Health Education will be met by integrating health in other classes like physical education, history and biology. The administration explained that the State requirements allow an invited guest speaker to discuss the HIV/AIDs requirement if a qualified teacher is not available. An example of integrating health into other subjects might be; while discussing the Black Plague during a history class, teachers would go into greater detail as to the reasons the plague occurred and the advances made in prevention. Other changes to the curriculum include the English department working on a speech class, ninth grade biology class will have a lab and earth science will be eliminated since it is not a college bound course.

There will also be a graduated increase in community service to 60 hours as a graduation requirement. Starting in 2013 the community service hours required will be 15 with an additional 15 hours added each year until 2016 when the full 60 hours must be met.

It was announced that higher mathematics will be introduced at the middle school level allowing those students with the ability to grasp the knowledge a head start to go onto higher levels in high school. Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson spoke with conviction as he addressed the situation stating, “We’re coming at this with high expectations for our students.” He went on to say that middle school students can be successful at algebra and geometry and their studies and grading will be the same as those offered to students at Fillmore High School. Classes taken at the middle school will count as one year of math if completed successfully. Mathematical reasoning is a natural phenomenon with a wide range of normal variation with many children having math skill abilities at a very early age and able to comprehend higher levels than was being offered in the past. Compared with their peers in Europe and Asia, U.S. students are two to 2½ years behind in math. California students are 1½ years behind, with many students not reaching the level they are capable of.

The new changes do not reduced the amount of math required, but instead the classes are offered in middle school which allows those students who want to continue on to higher math the option of doing so in high school and all students the ability meet their math requirements sooner leaving room for electives. To be competitive in a global society graduating students will need to keep up with India, Singapore and Europe in mathematics. Johnson ended the presentation with “Let our children compete.”

Board Member Virginia de la Piedra said she was pleased with the changes in math and believes the changes will have a positive impact. She added, “Health is important, but there has to be changes. I wish we didn’t have to make the cuts.” Prado said he felt the changes should have been done sooner, adding “Asian countries have been teaching Algebra in the 7th grade for 15 years.” He continued with, “Moorpark graduates are ready to enter the work force. Health is integrated into the other subjects like history. There are many other disciplines that can teach health. Now we have a plan…the students will learn health.” Boardmember David Wilde responded, “Changes are tough…there was a feeling of apathy, sometimes there’s a time for change. I’m never one to be afraid of change.” Garnica added, “We care enough about our kids to spend the time.”

FUSD has been in academic decline for a number of years now. This decline is described by the State of California as needing Program Improvement (PI) which is part of the State’s integrated accountability system that reports both the state Academic Performance Index (API), and the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) of schools in the state. The State gives each school a number that ranges from 200 to 1000 which is calculated from the results for each school’s students on statewide tests (California Standards Tests CSTs) to arrive at the API. The adequate yearly progress (AYP) report is a federal reporting requirement. AYP indicates if schools and district are performing at or above the proficient level on the CST’s. Each year the targets increase until 2013-2014 when all schools must have 100% of their student’s proficient. In the 2011-2012 school year all FUSD schools fell into PI with every school failing to meet the State’s requirements.

Fillmore Middle School has been in PI since 2003; Piru, San Cayetano and Sespe since 2006; Mountain Vista since 2008; Fillmore High School, the most recent to become PI, starting in 2010. Fillmore Middle School had made intermittent adequate yearly progress in 2007-2008 and 2009-2010, and Mountain View in 2010-2011.

Schools that have been in PI can met the criteria for what is called ‘safe harbor” which is an alternate method of meeting the Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) if a school shows progress in moving students from scoring at the below proficient level to the proficient level and a waver to the testing standards may be given to students with special needs and learning disabilities.

A problem that the administration said needed to be addressed is the percentage of students graduating from FUSD with the required courses to enter a UC/CSU is far lower than the county or state regardless of ethnicity and no ethnic group has met the State criteria in English-Language Arts or Math except when given a waver. FUSD is at 20.2% while the county is at 34.8% and state at 36.3%.

Nashino told those in attendance “From kindergarten to third grade children learn to read and from forth grade on they read to learn.” Understanding both math and English are needed to be successful in the work force and why the two are important subjects to master. The California English Language Arts (ELA) Standards Test is administered to students in grades two through eleven and students in grades two through six are administered the appropriate grade-level California Mathematics Standards Test. Students in grade seven can take either the grade seven math test or the Algebra I test. The State’s percentage considered proficient AMOs in ELA is 67% and Mathematics is 67.3% which FUSD is not meeting.

Mike Bush addresses the FUSD School board meeting, Tuesday night.

[Video of the meeting coming soon...]

At the March 6, 2012 Fillmore Unified School Board (FUSD) Meeting Financial Director Dr. Michael Bush gave a presentation on the district’s financial outlook for the next three years due to state budget cuts and asked the Board for approval of a loan to pay expenditures. Also there was a presentation on improving the transfer process of student at Heritage Valley Independent Studies and Sierra High School, and comments on proposed cuts to the music program.

To close the $9.2 billion shortfall, Governor Jerry Brown is proposing $4.2 billion in cuts primarily to education and health and human services, increasing revenues and making other funding shifts. Those proposed cuts and the loss of revenue to the district over the past years have put FUSD in a position where there are few choices. Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino told those in attendance, “We cannot keep deficit spending…they (Sacramento politicians) expect us to make predictions…we’re being forced to make decisions that may not come true…the politicians are killing us.”

Bush gave a brief talk on what California’s Legislators have been up to; he found something both democrat and republican politicians could agree upon, Proposition 98 may be illegal. Proposition 98, the Classroom Instructional Improvement and Accountability Act, which is part of our State Constitution, requires a minimum percentage of the state budget be spent on K-12 schools and community colleges. This funding constitutes over 70 percent of total K-12 funding and about two-thirds of total community college funding. The legislature could potentially suspend the Proposition 98 guarantee to achieve savings, which would take a two-thirds legislative vote.

Another change to education and part of Brown’s budget proposal is a new ‘weighted student’ funding model that would be phased in over five years. It starts with each student generating a base grant amount, expected to be $4,900 per student, then additional funding is given to districts with high concentrations (60% or more) of disadvantaged students such as large numbers of English-learning students and those from families with low incomes. FUSD certainly falls into the additional funding category, but whether or not these changes happen will depend on what the voters decide in November.

Brown’s plan for increasing revenue to pay for the changes he’s proposed calls for an increase in personal income tax on the state’s wealthiest taxpayers and boosting sales taxes by one-half percent for five years. This, if approved, is said to generate up to $31 billion over the next five years; half of which, supposedly, would be set aside for public education. Californians already pay some of the highest taxes in the country and tax increase ballot measures have failed in the past, so there is no guarantee any of Brown’s plans will come about.

Bush gave a spreadsheet presentation on where the District is headed over the next three years. He explained the District is down about $100,000 but expenditures are up $195,000 and that given the best scenario the District may barely come out of the hole it has dug itself into through years of deficit spending. Nishino reminded everyone that 12 to 13 of about 600 school districts throughout the state are bankrupt. It was then asked what happens when a district is bankrupt. Bush explained that the state takes over and all contracts and collective bargaining become null and void with a state trustee approving all future decisions.

An item up for Board approval was a loan of $9.5m for fiscal year 2012-2013 needed to pay expenditures. It was explained that the State is giving the District only $.79 on every $1.00 owed with Sacramento expecting school districts to borrow the difference because schools can get a better interest rate than the State. The Board had little choice but to approve.

Cynthia Frutos and John Wilber on the new independent study transfer committee gave a presentation on the new procedures for students at Heritage Valley Independent Studies and Sierra High School. It was explained that for some students transferring from one school to another is not always a smooth process and that not all students in the process are troubled. Some may have had an injury such as a broken leg and others are excellent students but simply bored. The committee has worked on new guidelines for transfer and explained the decision to transfer a student is a collaborative effort.

Kathy Pace, whose four children have received music/band instruction at a FUSD school, addressed the Board with her concerns over the elimination of the Elementary Band Program. She reminded the Board of the benefits that music education has on students and that most who participate in the music program are Gate, Honor and AP students. “I understand that you need to cut spending to have money for the schools, but I have noticed that the cuts have come to the certificated and no-certificated, but I have not seen any come from the district office itself …if you’re going to have to do cuts then you need to do them all around, district office included,” Pace told the administration. She went on to say the Board Member Virginia de la Piedra had mentioned the middle school band program would be next and it was her (Pace) belief that the next cuts should be to athletics since it is such a big expense on the District.

Seneca Resources, an oil company who conducts operations in the Sespe mountains north of the city of Fillmore, is generously donating $7,000 to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Search and Rescue Team (SAR). Seneca, whose employees live and work in the area, have recognized the benefits the SAR volunteers bring to the community and have graciously donated the funds to support these efforts.

It’s this type of private company and government partnerships that ensure when an emergency occurs, proper equipment and people will be able to respond with the training and expertise to handle the incident.

The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team is comprised of 30 volunteers, who respond to lost or overdue hikers and hunters in the back country at a moments notice, often times during inclement weather and at night when these types of calls have a tendency to happen.

The team is also trained in Urban Search and Rescue so that in the event of a catastrophic event such as flooding, fires or earthquakes, they can respond and supplement the Fire Department’s personnel and Sheriff Deputies.

Each year the Fillmore SAR team donates thousands of hours of their time in training and actual searches for missing persons in the backcountry, and during mutual aid requests to other counties throughout the state.

Seneca’s donation will greatly assist in the purchasing of an off-road capable vehicle that will enable the SAR members to search more effectively and transport critical rescue gear and personnel to remote rescue sites.

The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are extremely grateful to the Seneca Corporation and its employees for this donation.