Dr. Alan Nishino

The Fillmore Unified School Board is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Alan Nishino as Interim Superintendent. Dr. Nishino will serve the district until the Board searches and selects a new superintendent spring 2012.

Dr. Nishino has served for 14 years as a school district superintendent. He was the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District in Morgan Hill, California, and Alameda Unified School District in Alameda, California; both are K-12 districts with approximately 10,000 students. He was the superintendent of Castaic Union School District in Castaic, California which is a smaller K-8 school district with approximately 2,500 students.

Dr. Nishino was the 2007 San Jose Educator of the Year. He has served on advisory committees for California State University, Northridge, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles County Sheriff. He was a master teacher for student teachers from USC, CSU Northridge and Chapman College.

Many of his early years in education began right here in Ventura County at the Hueneme Elementary School District where he was a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Nishino has lived in Oxnard since 1980.

His many leadership strengths as a district superintendent include increasing district wide test scores and decreasing high school drop-out rates; increasing student passing rates on the California High School Exit Exam; increasing the number of students taking Advanced Placement Classes; implementing a significant number of technology based services for students, staff, and parents; significantly increased the number of middle school students in Algebra and successfully connected the school district to community and civic leaders.

Board President, Virginia De La Piedra, stated, “Dr. Nishino impressed the Board with his passion for academic excellence. He is ready to be a partner with the Board in ensuring that all the students in Fillmore receive the highest quality education. His experience in a wide variety of districts and communities will go a long way in assisting us to positively move forward. The Board believes that we have many strengths in the district but there are also areas where we can improve. We believe that Dr. Nishino will help us develop a road map for that improvement. One of his former board members stated that his absolute strength is that he will always focus on and make decisions on what is best for kids and that is what we want for Fillmore Unified students.”

Dr. Nishino will begin working in the school district on July 28, 2011. To assist with a smooth transition, during the first few weeks he will meet with the Board to clarify key district objectives, meet with teachers, parents, staff and administration to introduce himself, and review data that will help define responsibilities and timelines.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On July 25, 2011, at approximately 7:37 AM., the Service manager for William L. Morris Chevrolet dealership in Fillmore reported to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office that multiple vehicles on the dealership lot appeared to have been vandalized and possibly burglarized as well. Deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to investigate the crime and determined that during the over-night hours, a total of seven Chevrolet Sport Utility Vehicles had been burglarized. It appears the suspect(s) forced entry into the vehicles and targeted the third row seats and the in-dash GPS systems of the vehicles.

The Fillmore Police Department Investigations Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information about the crime or the identity of the suspects, or their whereabouts, is asked to contact either Detective Mario Aguilar or Detective Darin Hendren at (805) 524-2233.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000.00 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).

Multiple 459 PC – Vehicle Burglaries
Location: William L Morris Chevrolet Dealership / Ventura Street, Fillmore, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: July 25, 2011 @ 07: 37 A.M. / RB# 11-16765
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department / Ventura County Sheriff's Office CSI Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Unknown
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Mario Aguilar
Follow-up Contact: Detective Mario Aguilar
Date of Release: July 27, 2011
Approved By: Capt. Monica McGrath

Fillmore residents Katie Ramirez and her son Jason in Rome. They were with a group of 300 who went to Rome for the Official Pallium Pilgrimage.
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On June 25, my mother, Katie Ramirez and I journeyed with a group of three hundred to Rome for the Official Pallium Pilgrimage to witness Archbishop Jose H. Gomez receive the Pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. Also, those from Fillmore who attended the pilgrimage were Vern and Joann Arnold, Ray Talley, Geraldine Lee, and Kathy Otis.

During our week there, we visited Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and Santi Quattro Coronati and celebrated mass with Archbishop Gomez and Cardinal Mahoney, along with Auxiliary Bishops from Los Angeles and several Monsignors, and Priest. Also in attendance were Monsignor Joseph Hernandez and Father John Garnica. We were fortunate to have charismatic and knowledgeable tour guides who shared a wealth of information regarding the history of Rome as well as inside the Balilicas and the beautiful architecture, mosaics, and sculptures inside these spiritual and gorgeous buildings.

Some of the highlights were an afternoon tour of Rome including Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and Piazza Navona. We also attended a full-day excursion to Assisi, where we celebrated Mass of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Getting up early in the morning, jogging through the streets of Rome and observing the beauty that is the city of Rome were also among the many memorable experiences.

The highlight of the trip was three days of touring the Vatican City. We were able to have a walking tour of the Basilica of St. Peter. The size and beauty of this Basilica is truly indescribable. The mosaics and sculptures are breathtaking. My personal favorite was La Pieta by Michelangelo. This sculpture is so powerful. On Tuesday, we celebrated mass within St. Peter with all in attendance from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On Wednesday, we were blessed to attend the Pallium Mass at St. Peter’s on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul, where Archbishop Gomez received the Pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. This was such an honor and privilege to be in attendance and celebrate mass given by the Holy Father. On Thursday, we attended a Special Audience with his Eminence. To be in his presence was a once in a lifetime experience.

This trip was amazing on multiple levels; to visit the Basilicas and celebrate mass, attend a mass given by the Holy Father, witness the beauty that is Rome, and go on this journey with my mother was a blessing. Also, as a 6th grade teacher in which Ancient Rome is part of our curriculum, to share photos and stories of Rome will only bring this ancient civilization more to life for my students.

On July 11, 2011 MacKenzie & Albritton LLP, attorney for Verizon Wireless, sent an eight page letter to Fillmore Mayor Gayle Washburn, Councilmembers Brooks, Walker, Conaway and Sipes, and City Attorney Ted Schneider, with attachments. The letter addressed the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of a Verizon cellular tower and the Fillmore City Council’s appeal of that approval.

Following are excerpts from the letter.

The city narrowly avoided a lawsuit by Verizon Wireless by withdrawing their ‘appeal’ at the July 12th council meeting after closed session held with Schneider, where the letter was considered. Highlights of the letter are: Unreasonable Discrimination in violation of the Telecommunications Act; Due Process, Brown Act and Government Code Violations; Failure to provide Verizon Wireless with a record of the proceedings; Failure to state objections in the Appeal documents; Failure to place consideration of an appeal vote on the agenda; Lack of authority to file the Appeal; and Expression of Bias and Usurpation of Planning Commission’s Authority. Three commissioners resigned over the council’s questionable actions.

THE LETTER
We write on behalf of our client Verizon Wireless to urge that you either withdraw or deny your appeal of the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of a faux water tank telecommunications facility (the “Approved Facility”) to be located at 310 “A” Street in Fillmore, California (the “Property”). There is no evidence, much less substantial evidence, to reverse the Planning Commission’s approval. This project has been pending since February. In order to comply with the FCC’s Rules regarding “unreasonable delay” beyond 150 days, the project should now be finally approved.

The Council’s appeal is CONTINUED »

Teamwork was the word of the day last Saturday when Kavlico Corp. of Moorpark and its parent company Custom Sensors Technology worked on two Habitat for Humanity homes in Piru.

The four bedroom two bath homes, which are owned by the Orozco and Vergara families, are nearly complete, as the teams worked on painting the interior and exterior, and trenches were dug for a retaining wall, and sewer and water lines.

Blistering heat accompanied the day but the dedicated workers pitched in with paint brushes, shovel and hammer to accomplish their goals.

John Kistler, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity in Ventura County, was on-site to direct the volunteers and homeowner Maria Orozco. Kistler said a lot of organizing goes into directing the different volunteers who show up each week. But at the end of the day, the volunteers are glad they put in the work, said Kistler.

Kavlico employee Juanita Pena said working for Habitat is a great feeling, giving back to the community. She recommended it to anyone.

Adam Tabakian, director of sales and marketing at Kavlico said that working together on a project like Habitat is an excellent way for employees to get together.

For more information go to www.habitatventura.org.

Nicholas Klopp

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Nicholas Klopp 27, of Piru, was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with a hate crime special allegation, assault, and violation of civil rights, by a Ventura
County jury.

On the evening of December 18, 2010, Brian Schumacher and Aaron Argueta were assaulted outside the Osabi restaurant in Ventura after attending a birthday party for a friend. Mr. Schumacher was hit in the face with a glass thrown by Klopp and Mr. Argueta was punched in the face by Klopp. Before and during the assault, Klopp yelled derogatory statements regarding the race and sexual orientation of the victims and members of their group.

Klopp was immediately taken into custody following the verdict.

Sentencing is set for August 18, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., in courtroom 23 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

On Friday, July 22nd I had an exciting opportunity to attend the closing ceremonies of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School. This year's theme was the “Shake it Up Cafe Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipe!” This year the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School started on Monday, July 18th and ended on Friday, July 22nd. There were a total of 83 registered children ages 2 years to 14 years who attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon at the Church. The cost to each participant was $10 which also included daily healthy snacks.

The Director of this years program, and for the previous four year's, Sharon Hurd, told me there were 14 staff, 31 volunteers and 10 youth leaders participating and assisting in this year's Vacation Bible School. Of the 83 children ten were Pre-Schoolers. The Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Pastor Kent Fromer told me, “We couldn't have done this program and the programs year after year without the hard work of the Vacation Bible School Director Sharon Hurd and all the hard work of the many volunteers, youth leaders and staff! Sharon begins preparing for the Vacation Bible School months in advance and works many hours selecting the theme and lining up the volunteers and staff in order to have a meaningful Vacation Bible School!”

One of the staff members explained to me the choice and meaning of this year's theme: “The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School, Shake it Up Cafe was chosen because Jesus calls us to “shake up” our lives and become his followers. The Bible gives us the recipe and the Vacation Bible School introduces the children to stories of biblical festivals that reveal these ingredients and link the Old Testament, the New Testament, and our lives today. Each day a different lesson was selected and a recipe utilized as a teaching tool; Israelites Celebrate Passover, Festival Celebrations for the Israelites, Jesus Celebrates the Festival Booths, Jesus Celebrates Passover and Celebrating the Festival of Weeks and Pentecost.”

In addition to learning the daily lessons each participant was taught the lesson of giving to others less fortunate and were encouraged to bring a daily donation to be shared equally between two selected causes. The first cause to help feed needy families and individuals through the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore. The Church serves daily meals to 110 people at their Church. The other is the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) in Ventura County. C.A.R.L. advocates for animal welfare, seeking to end the needless deaths of companion animals through adoption, education and outreach programs. At the end of the week $225 had been collected and divide equally among the two selected programs.

Alfred Johnson, 67 of Fillmore, has been ordered to stand trial for dealing drugs at the Fillmore Senior Apartments, 400 block Santa Clara Street, following a preliminary hearing which also discovered he is a convicted murderer. It was revealed that Johnson has a prior strike for the 1960’s murder in Los Angeles County and served prison time.

On January 20, 2011, the Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotics Team concluded a month long narcotic sales investigation on Johnson.

Investigators received information that Johnson was selling Oxycodone from his apartment unit, which is part of a senior citizen living community complex. Investigators obtained enough evidence to get a search warrant for Johnson’s apartment unit. The search revealed approximately 1,000 medication pills the vast majority of them being Oxycodone and other opiate derivative medications. In addition, packaging material for sales, pay ledgers and surveillance cameras were found in the apartment unit. Johnson was taken into custody without incident for possessing opiate medication for the purpose of sales. Johnson’s bail was set at $55,000.00 and his arraignment was held January 24, 2011.

He is now free on bail.

Sierra Huerta

Sierra Huerta, Fillmore, was crowned the national 11/12 year old champion girl in the Aquafina MLB Pitch Hit & Run Competition at Chase Field in Arizona during the MLB All-Star festivities last week.

Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run is a grassroots program that was initiated in 1996 to provide youth across North America with an integrated competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball and softball skills. Free to boys and girls between the ages of 7-14, this year's Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run program had more than 600,000 participants in over 4,000 local competitions. The program features local, sectional and team championships, culminating at the National Finals. The top three male and female competitors from each of the four divisions (7-8 year olds; 9-10 year olds; 11-12 year olds; and 13-14 year olds) advance to the National Finals.

Huerta, representing the L.A. Dodgers, competed against two other girls, The Atlanta Braves rep from Jonesborough, TN and the Cincinnati Reds rep from Flemingsburg, KY. The girls represented the top three in the nation. Huerta defeated them both and was declared the National Champion.

In addition to her individual efforts, Sierra and her twin sister Bailey as well as local teammate Taylor Brown are members of the So Cal Choppers team based in Valencia. They are on their way to ASA Nationals to be held the first week of August in Montgomery, Alabama.

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In June of 2011, Sheriff’s Narcotics investigators located a large marijuana growing operation in the Los Padres National Forest, north of the city of Ojai. Several large plots were found on the north slope of Pine Mountain, east of Highway 33 and south of Lockwood Valley Road.

On July 13, 2011, members of the Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Intelligence Unit, Ventura County District Attorneys Office, Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Police Department and the United States Forest Service (USFS) participated in the eradication operation.

After being airlifted to various sites on the mountain, investigators discovered several campsites used by the growers. These consisted of several hundred pounds of equipment including tents, propane stoves, sleeping bags, fertilizers, pesticides, along with and an enormous amount of trash. Detectives located a 9mm handgun, a .22 calibre rifle and ammunition for a variety of other handguns and rifles. There was evidence of poaching as the remains of deer and other small animals were located near the camps.

Several water reservoirs, lined with plastic tarps, were found dug into the terrain. These reservoirs were supplied by water diverted from their natural course. Gravity fed irrigation lines led to the cultivation locations. Several thousand feet of irrigation hose was spread throughout the hillside to provide water to the plants.

Huge sections of land had been terraced and the underbrush removed, leaving only a thin canopy to hide the growing marijuana. Bags of fertilizer, pesticides and poisons were found within each of the cultivation areas.
Approximately 68,488 marijuana plants were eradicated during this operation, making this the single largest cultivation seized in Ventura County history. Estimated street value of the marijuana is $205,464,000. This brings the season total for eradicated marijuana to over 100,000 plants. No suspects have been arrested at this time, however, the investigation is continuing.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn those using the Ventura County backcountry to be on the lookout for marijuana growers. The high rain fall this year has produced optimum growing conditions in the mountains. If suspicious activity is found, please notify law enforcement as soon as possible.

Location: Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai
Date & Time/ RB#: July 13, 2011
Unit Responsible: Special Services – Narcotics – West County Street Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Mike Horne
Follow-up Contact: Sgt Mike Horne
Date of Release: July 13, 2011

The house BEFORE Habitat for Humanity fixed it up.
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Over the 4th of July weekend, just down the street from the two new Habitat homes under construction in Piru, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County served an additional family through A Brush with Kindness (ABWK), a component of the new Preserve a Home program. The exterior of this home received some TLC thanks to volunteers from the Christian Church and Intuit of Thousand Oaks.

To start things off, Marty Milligan and volunteers from the Christian Church braved 100°+ weather as they removed weeds, dug a trench for a French drain, installed it, placed jute along the back slope of the backyard and spread fresh mulch throughout most of the surface area. To finish the day, the home was power-washed and prepped for paint.

The next day, the hot weather returned as did the volunteers from the Christian Church. While the final part of the landscape work was being finished, the exterior of the home was painted thanks to Mr. Lance Kistler along with additional assistance from the volunteers. At lunch time, Demetrio Silva and Noe Saravia, Habitat for Humanity Homeowners, provided a “carne asada” lunch for the ABWK volunteers as well as for the volunteers working on the new homes.

Bringing things to a close, Mr. Don Majors, a regular Wednesday Crew volunteer, restored a fallen side gate and installed an irrigation drip line in the backyard. Volunteers from Intuit of Thousand Oaks brought the home preservation project to full completion by placing the finishing touches and performing final clean up.

A great deal of work was completed by the Christian Church and Intuit, and at the end of the day, volunteers were left with a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for the service performed for the homeowner.

“A Brush with Kindness is part of our larger neighborhood revitalization initiative and Preserve a Home program. This initiative gives us a great opportunity to help more families as well as have an impact on the entire neighborhood,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director. “Helping people repair and maintain their homes fits in seamlessly with our core mission of making decent, affordable housing available to families in need.”

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that builds homes in partnership with people in need of adequate shelter. Homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay a no-profit loan, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Loan repayments contribute to help build additional houses. Because Habitat’s loans are no-profit, they are affordable for low-income family partners. Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, a locally-run affiliate, has built homes for 52 Ventura County families and rehabilitated over 500 homes since 1983. This summer, another two homes will be completed in Piru and construction will begin on two single-family homes in Oxnard. For more information, please visit www.habitatventura.org.

A Brush with Kindness is a Habitat for Humanity program that preserves our communities and enables low-income homeowners to maintain safe, livable shelter by focusing on simple, yet necessary exterior housing improvements. Volunteer teams work to improve the condition of homes by painting, landscaping, and completing minor exterior repairs at minimal costs, in partnership with homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. Those who are physically able are asked to work alongside the volunteers throughout the completion of the preservation work. The work is done by volunteers who use donated materials whenever possible. The homeowner must meet the qualifications that apply to all families participating in the Habitat for Humanity homeowner program: demonstrated need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay a no-interest loan. The program is for homeowners earning between 20% and 50% of Ventura County’s median household income. Homeowners are identified based on the greatest possible impact to the appearance of a neighborhood.

Do you have a home or know of one that needs some work? Applications for A Brush With Kindness are available on our website located at www.habitatventura.org. Would you like to volunteer on A Brush with Kindness home? We welcome all volunteers as young as 14 years of age on our sites. Each individual can have a large impact. You can sign up and become a volunteer through our website at www.habitatventura.org.

Planning Commissioner Vance Johnson reads his resignation letter.
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Brooks, Washburn and Sipes look on as Planning Commissioner Vance Johnson resigns.
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There were about 20 people in attendance at the July 12, 2011 Fillmore City Council and very few items on the agenda. One item that was presented was the proposed Verizon tower to be erected on A Street and the Council’s performance on the issue in regards to a possible violation of the Brown Act. The meeting itself was short with a large part being closed session. But what was presented during the open session was sad news for the residents of Fillmore. Two of Fillmore’s Planning Commission members, Douglas Tucker and Vance Johnson, presented letters of resignation to the Council.

Johnson read a letter from Tucker who was not present to the Council first and then his own letter of resignation. Vance Johnson’s letter reads:

Councilmember Jamey Brooks responded to Johnson’s written resignation by saying that he did not feel the comments made by Johnson during the Planning Commission meeting were appropriate. The comments Brooks was referring to included a comment by Johnson that found the City Council members decisions “ludicrous and I’m being gentle.” Brooks also thanked the Commissioners for their service but added a thanks for their resignation also, calling it a political ploy.

Councilmember Patti Walker addressed the Council with two items. The first was an opinion piece written by Martin Farrell in the Gazette that stated Walker was selling her home and moving out of state, which Walker said was partially true; she is selling her home, but is not moving out of state. She stated Farrell should have called and asked her personally if she were moving out of state. Second she asked for the Councils’ help and understanding because she had just recently been informed that a family member is in a medical situation and she is not sure how much of her time she will have in the future to devote to her council position.

Citizen Bob Stroh took opportunity during public comments to call Farrell a liar.

The Council then informed everyone that they had dropped the appeal of the Verizon cell tower and were no longer questioning the Planning Commission’s decision to go forward with it.

Theodore Schneider, Fillmore’s City Attorney, addressed everyone with his comments on whether the Brown Act had been violated along with discussion of a letter sent from Verizon. He went on to say that with regards to the Brown Act, the Council only directed staff to put the item on the agenda and that no decisions had been made. With regards to the letter from Verizon, he stated that what was in the letter that Verizon cited as precedence did not pertain to Fillmore; and that the City received the recordings from Verizon on July 5, 2011 in which the City has 10 days to respond, to which he turned to the Verizon representatives and legal council and said, “We’ve responded, right?” And the Verizon representatives replied “yes”. Schneider stated there was no reasonable delay is addressing Verizon. As to the Planning Commission decision, City Council has withdrawn its appeal.

Local business owner Alex Mollkoy addressed the Council with his concerns about their decisions and actions stating, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the lack of professional knowledge and understanding you have of your duties and responsibilities as a city council. It appears at times you must feel that you can supersede protocol and/or written ordinances for whatever reason you deem fit. I feel this is a flagrant violation of our trust given to you as elected officials; whose duty it is to follow the laws, as you try to represent the best interest of all the citizens of Fillmore. Can you please tell me the City of Fillmore has not in violation of the Brown Act on June 28th, 2011 when you began a twenty minute discussion on how to appeal a Planning Commission’s ruling and decided to appeal this ruling when the item was not on the agenda?.......You have often commented that the council meetings are excessive in length. I feel that this is of your own making, as many times comments are unnecessarily repeated by each of you. It is apparent to many that you are unprepared and ill-versed on the issues before you and it also seems that you are frequently lost with what comes next on the agenda. I feel that if you did your homework the meetings would be shorter in length, thus saving valuable time and money for Fillmore. I believe that the public deserves better representation by and from the City Council.”
Laurie Hernandez, who spent many years as a City Council member, addressed the Council by asking how close they were to expiration of the Federal Communications Commission’s 150 day requirement (shotgun rule) to respond to an application. Schneider, replied the time would expire August 15, 2011. Hernandez went on to add that a local Fillmore business owner, who employees Fillmore residents is being basically harassed by three on the Council. “Is this your idea of economic development?...What you’ve done is potentially harm a local business, broken federal law, increased legal fees for the city and just plain wasted everyone’s time and caused more ill will between this dysfunctional council and City leaders and the community you’re elected or paid to serve. First off, you stuck your nose in business it had no reason to be involved in.” She then rhetorically asked if the City Manager Yvonne Quiring, had helped to prevent this avoidable event from happening and responded, “No, she sat silent and didn’t even try to intervene. The City Attorney informed you of the liability of the appeal and you ignored his legal counsel.” Hernandez went on to ask why Fillmore still has an Assistant Deputy City Manager when we just laid off eleven employees and wasn’t it time that Quiring stepped up and got rid of her right hand and dig in like the remaining few employees Fillmore has left.

There was also a vote on the issue of presenting on the November ballot a measure to increase the sales tax in Fillmore at a cost of $20,000. The vote was 4 yes, 1 no with Councilmember Brooks the lone No vote.

Walker reminded everyone that the Ventura County Fair will be August 3-14 and free shuttle service is provided daily during the Fair between 10:30am and 11:00pm from the six off-site parking locations. Admission is $12 for adults 13 & older, children 6-12 $9.00, seniors 62 & older $9.00 and children 5 & under and Super Seniors (100 years & older) admitted Free.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced Thursday, July 7th, that a jury has convicted Victor Meraz (DOB 9-3-90), of Fillmore, of the first degree murder of 23-year-old Alberto Avalos during a drive-by shooting. The jury also found true the special circumstances and special allegations regarding the use of a gun and that the murder was committed to further the activities of “The Boyz” criminal street gang.

The murder occurred on May 27, 2007. Victor Meraz, a passenger in a vehicle occupied by fellow gang members, drove through Fillmore looking for rival gang members. Meraz called out his gang’s name before shooting Mr. Avalos, who was walking with friends.

Sentencing for Meraz is scheduled for August 4, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. in Division 23. Meraz faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Courtesy of Ventura County District Attorneys office.

The Chili Cook-off was sanctioned by the International Chili Society

ICS Red Chili Competition

1st place Gene Beller - Bakersfield

2nd place Howard Choate

3rd place Armando Sanchez - Westminster

4th place Mike Austin - San Bernandino

ICS Salsa Competition

1st Place Mike Austin - San Bernardino

2nd Place Mike Ford - La Mirada

3rd place TIE Paul Laroche - Thousand Oaks and Irene Menchaca - Arroyo Grande

People's Choice

1st Place Troy Leach - Ventura

2nd Place Barbara Vazquez - Fillmore

The car Winners were as follows:

T-Buckets - Tom & Bev Sheehan - Thousand Oaks

Street Rods 1900-1932- John Sheeler - Castiac

Street Rods 1933-1936- Richard Higgins - Lancaster

Street Rods 1937-1941- Peter Moreno - Mission Hills

Street Rods 1942-1948- James & Sally Porter - Granada Hills

Street Rods 1949-1963- Robert Anderson - Ventura

Mustangs - Mark Austin - Santa Clarita

1955-1957 Chevy's - Michael Brinkman - Santa Clarita

Rat Rod - Steve Clark - Fillmore

Ranchero - Steve & Connie - Lancaster

Corvette - Patty Kemple - Canyon Country

Thunderbird - Bob Kaplin - Lancaster

Sports Cars - Darleen & Bill Lyons - Saugus

Camaros - Kenny Bortas - Ventura

El Camino - Adolfo Flores - Ventura

Truck/Pickup - Kevin Warring - Fillmore

Stock Original 1900-1940 - Ron & Sandy Hansen - Fillmore

Stock Original 1941-1951 Errus Trujllo - Palmdale

Stock Original 1952-1974 - Jim & Pat Kitowski - Acton

Street Rod Open - Carlos Reyna - Oxnard

Street Rod Closed - Mike & Liz Wiener - Reseda

Mild Modification - David Moya - Oxnard

Muscle Cars - Steve Rowe - Fillmore

Most Likely to be Stopped - Mitch Allread - Canyon Country

Under Construction - Wayne Smith - Lancaster

Drag Cars - Vic Young - Camarillo

Under 21 - Roy Nava - Santa Paula

Best Flames - Joe Frias - Thousand Oaks

Explorer's Choice - Ted Poliskey - Simi Valley

We want to thank everyone for their help, especially our sponsors and we look forward to future events. The Santa Clara Valley Explorers appreciate all of the communities support.

Wednesday morning at 4:30 am Highway 126/Ventura St. was closed down between Highway 23/A Street and Central Ave for almost three hours as Fillmore City Police, City Fire Crews and Cal Trans had to clean up the diesel fuel that covered the highway and remove two rigs involved in an accident.

One of the rigs, owned by Carpinteria Motor Transit, was hit while parked on the south side of the highway between A and Olive Streets. The driver had stopped to purchase some donuts from Moonlight Donuts in the Baldwin Shopping Center and was just about to clean his rear view mirror on his passenger side, when another big rig traveling east bound hit the parked rigs in the rear, blowing out one of the parked rig’s back tires. The east bound rig then continued moving side swiping the parked rig and finally jackknifed to a stop, landing up on the parkway in front of Papa Loys Liquor Store before spilling its diesel.

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Fillmore resident Marcos A. Ruvalcaba, 34 years, was promoted to Captain in the United States Marine Corps on April 1, 2011. He recently returned from a seven month deployment in Afghanistan and is now stationed at Camp Pendleton, California near Oceanside where he is with the 1MEF at Camp Del Mar with G7 Training and Experiment Group Intelligence Section alongside Special Operation Training Group; assisting the 11th MEU on their pre-deployment training program. This was his third deployment to the Middle East and he is scheduled to redeploy in early 2012 for his fourth deployment.

Captain Ruvalcaba attended Fillmore schools until the 9th grade when he transferred to St. Bonaventure High School. At St. Bonaventure he participated in soccer and baseball before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in February 1998. While in the United States Marine Corps he attended Chapman University from 2002-2005 where he studied Criminal Justice. Captain Ruvalcaba continued his college education as an enlisted Marine and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree which allowed him to attend Officer Candidates School. After completing Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on March 30, 2007 just nine years after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

Captain Ruvalcaba is the son of Aurelia and Jose Refugio Ruvalcaba of Fillmore. He is married to Carmen of Palmdale and they a 10-month old daughter, Elisa Brianna born August 22, 2011. Elisa is the first grandchild for Aurelia and Jose and they are very excited for this new addition to their family. His siblings are Pablo 32 years of Fillmore, Victor 30 years of Santa Monica, CA, Jose 28 years of Fillmore and Mariza 25 years of Northern San Francisco. His maternal Grandparents are Manuel 89 years and the late Inez Aparicio of Fillmore and paternal Grandparents the late Longinos and the late Pachita Ruvalcaba of Fillmore.

When I did an earlier article on Captain Ruvalcaba, approximately one year ago, he was a Ground Intelligence Officer with the Military Transition Team 0720 (MiTT) from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California embedded with an Iraqi Army Brigade in Al Anbar province Baghdadi, Iraq. He had been deployed for one year and had five months remaining on his deployment. That was his second deployment to Iraq. When 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on March 30, 2009 an Iraqi Army Officer (Lieutenant Colonel equivalent) pinned his silver bars on his collar. 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba believes this was the first time an Iraqi Officer participated in the promotion of an American Officer!

As a result of his distinguished service to his Country, Captain Ruvalcaba has earned the following awards and medals; (1) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, (3) United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, (1) Combat Action Ribbon (1) Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2) Iraq Campaign Medal, (1) National Defense Medal, (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the Combat “V”, (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1) Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, (8) Letters of Appreciation, (1) Certificate of Commendation (individual award), (3) Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, (1) NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan (3) Meritorious Mast and (4) Certificates of Appreciation.

In November 2010 then 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat “V” for his heroic actions while on his third deployment. The document recommending the medal outlines his actions leading up to this medal being awarded states: “Heroic achievement in the superior performance of duties while serving as a platoon commander, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division Forward from April 3, 2010 to November 10, 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. First Lieutenant Ruvalcaba successfully planned and executed hundreds of Dismounted Combat Patrols and 25 Cordon and Knocks Missions while his tactical patience, mature understanding of Counterinsurgency Principals, and use of Tactical Site Exploitation led directly to detention of ten insurgents during Operation Roadhouse II, the clearing of Safar Bazaar, he boldly conducted an explosive combined arms breach of a minefield and maneuvered his platoon to seize a key southern blocking position, isolating the Bazaar to the south along the forward line of enemy troops. His subsequent actions during 18 direct fire engagements displayed composure and decisive action while in contact that resulted in 15 enemy casualties. First Lieutenant Ruvalcaba's initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Captain Ruvalcaba stated that, “The best satisfaction besides getting the mission accomplished and bringing the fight to the Taliban was bringing my platoon back home to their families in one piece. That was a collective effort between my Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leaders, Fire Team Leaders and our training together.”

All of us here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru are proud of United States Marine Corps Captain Marcos A. Ruvalcaba for his service. As a former Marine myself I can say Captain Ruvalcaba is a textbook Marine and an officer I would have been proud to serve under. The communities of Fillmore and Piru wish him a long and distinguished career, safe travel and safe return home from his fourth tour to the Middle East in early 2012. We thank Captain Ruvalcaba and his family for the sacrifices they have already made and will make in the future. Captain Marcos A. Ruvalcaba is one of our own and is truly an American Hero! Semper Fi Captain!