Fillmore’s new Chief of Police Monica McGrath.

Monica McGrath was recognized by the City Council Tuesday night as the new Ventura County Sheriff’s Captain in Fillmore. She began her duties last week. McGrath, who lives in Ventura, stated “I’m very impressed with your town…I’m very happy to be here.”

But there was a somber feel to the April 26, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting as budget matters continue to take a toll on services. One item on agenda was ballot measure Proposition 218 which will have a direct impact on some property owners by increasing the assessment amounts on six separate tracks in Fillmore’s District 2. Also included with that item was a discussion on the annexation of Central Station Townhomes and Perry Ranch to the City’s Landscape and Lighting.

Other items on the agenda included a proclamation, the Council’s desire to withdraw from the County Library Memorandum and remain in the reformulated Ventura County Library system, the adoption of the Temporary Use Permits to allow Christmas tree sales to begin the day after Thanksgiving, a request by Williams Homes to reassess the Impact Fees on Heritage Valley Specific Plan and support for two State Assembly bills and resolutions.

There was a great deal of discussion between the Council and City Staff regarding the proposed ballot proposition. Several areas in Fillmore are presently not paying enough in assessment fees to cover ongoing maintenance for lighting and landscaping. Those properties assessment fees must be increased or current levels of service will have to be reduced and some may have to be cut altogether.

A proposition and balloting process is required to increase assessment amounts on property which is a lengthy process and takes preparation. The process requires creating an engineer’s report, approval of levy amounts and an election that includes mailing of ballots to the property owners. A public hearing is then scheduled to receive the public comments, determine the election results, approve levy amounts if any and order submittal of the data to the County Assessors for collection of assessments with property taxes. The added assessment costs to the property owners if approved will range from $4-$24 per month per property. The cost to the City for the ballots is $14,500.

The areas in question are: CONTINUED »

Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the pool. A leak detection company was brought in and confirmed there was a leak in a return drain line in the bottom of the pool. The leak was fixed on April 12th, we worked hard to ensure the high school swim team and club swim were not affected. The leak was created during construction of the pool. When the pool piping was laid down it was tested and all the pipes and fittings passed a pressure test. After the piping was complete the contractor put a protective cage over the piping. The leak was created when a piece of rebar was hammered into a recirculation pipe. When the leak was found the rebar was still in the pipe.

There have been ongoing issues with the chemical balance in the pool. It was originally thought to be a mechanical issue and worked with HMH Construction Company, Nadar, and Knorr. With a leak being found under the pool and repaired we hope to have the chemical issues resolved. The pool has been open a week since the leak was fixed and so far the pool chemical balance has been fine.

The City is new to having and operating a brand new aquatics facility. There has been a learning curve and some challenges have come our way during the learning process. We realize it is very frustrating to arrive at the pool and find out that it is temporarily closed. We apologize for any inconvenience it has caused our patrons
The City has spoken to the contractor regarding all costs associated with the leak, including a requesting reimbursement for a portion of the water and chemicals used since construction.

Please join us at the pool for a fun filled summer of events! Hours and schedule of events are posted at the pool window, City of Fillmore, website and on Channel 10. Story courtesy The City of Fillmore.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011 all seats were filled for a special meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Education. In addition to public comment just two items were on the agenda, graduation tickets and a budget discussion including prioritizing with a welcome opportunity to rescind some notices.

In public comment the Board heard first from Sheila Duckett, Fillmore resident and computer lab instructor at San Cayetano Elementary school reporting “There are several classified employees, [myself] included who find themselves drifting afloat at sea, [we are] puzzled and are trying to come to a decision…based on the information as we know it.” She went on to explain that several classified employees received their 45-day notice following the recent Resolution passed by the Board. She explains that the one day of negotiations set for May 4 with the classified union (CSEA) will be inadequate “This is not a one day process, it will take days of planning, calling people, verifying seniority [and so on].” Duckett also explains that due to missed or looming deadlines several employees feel forced to make a decision regarding retirement or opting for possible layoff which can affect retirement benefits. All this prior to any negotiations taking place and that “The delay in starting the negotiation process has contributed to the sinking ship that some of us classified people find [ourselves] on.” Next for public comment Kassaundra Chambers a first grade teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School reported some data to the Board to demonstrate “what the classified staff has helped us achieve this year in implementing the RTI [intervention program].” She stated that 16 out of her 23 students are reading at grade level or “proficient” and “that is the highest number [she’s] ever had.” She explained “I have taught for 16 years… there are more students coming out of my classroom this year …that are at or above grade level standards and I really think that is in large part due to Sheila [Duckett] and other classified staff that have enabled us to implement the RTI so successfully at our school.” Duckett has reportedly received a layoff notice from the District. Tammy Ferguson a first grade teacher at San Cayetano, teaching in the district for ten years who also has two children in FUSD schools stated “we can’t do our job without the support staff”…programs…services [for our students] are starting to dwindle because of the state of the budget… when you are making decisions… [Remember without the students] there is no need for me and there is no need for you…they are the most important [thing].”

The Board moved to Sespe Auditorium so all in attendance would have seats for the first action item on the agenda, the proposal to use tickets for all spectators at this years Fillmore High School graduation ceremony. Several students, parents and others came to ask the Board to reconsider the proposed plan for this year. Seniors on hand wondered at the lack of communication and even suggested that some of their senior funds could be used for more bleachers if needed. They were reminded that this would not deal with the exit capacity nor put a dent in the nearly $30,000 that it could cost to accommodate a larger crowd making changes for emergency exit access. Principal John Wilbur brought forward the plan in a response to safety concerns following last year’s graduation and the 100th Game with Santa Paula. During Bush’s update on the history of this issue he informed the public “[According to Chief Landeros last year graduation] was unsafe. The facility was beyond capacity; all the exits [and aisles] were blocked. Chief Landeros [was considering] whether or not to close graduation [at that time] and empty out the aisles.” The District does not want that to happen this year, Chief Landeros has been clear that safety is their primary interest and that while the District does have options for expanding capacity for seating and emergency exit access, once that capacity is reached the doors will be closed, making it possible that some waiting family members would not get in at all. Wilbur has come under fire from some parents and students who wonder why they are just hearing about this plan five weeks before graduation. Wilbur takes full responsibility for the timing, offered an apology, and an affirmation that he thinks the plan will work out. The plan as presented made space for 2000 spectators in the bleachers which means each senior would be guaranteed seven tickets, leaving about 400 tickets for families to apply for if needed. Wilbur commented that a “change in culture” regarding graduation may need to take place in Fillmore. Ideas presented included not bringing young children to the event, or having non-family members watch a live broadcast of the event from home. The Board was reminded that some families have already spent as much as $300 on graduation announcements, which indicate that recipients are invited to the ceremony and that limiting families to seven tickets may mean choosing between grandparents. Most parents in attendance emphasized that it is not the tickets they oppose but the short notice and wish they had been told sooner. The Board made no inquiry as to why there was such a long delay in communicating the plan to parents since the District was notified of the issue as early as the end of last school year, and again just following the 100th Game last fall. The District sees tickets as a way to ensure that families of graduating seniors have the seats they want. The Board voted to table the proposal with directions given to Wilbur to obtain accurate numbers. Seniors will be bringing home a letter in the next few days asking families how many tickets they would need to accommodate their family. The Board will use this information to work with staff, parents and safety officials to develop a plan.

The Board began its budget discussion by CONTINUED »

The 2011, Fillmore Flower Show, “ Fantasy of Flowers in Fillmore” sponsored by Vision2020/Civic Pride Committee has come & gone leaving memories of willing volunteers, sweet fragrances, beautiful flower specimens, bouquets and arrangements in all their glory for those who attended.

This year brought 498 entries, nearly double what there were last year! Among the nationally certified judges, Barbara Schneider, Susan Diller & Una Lopez, comments were overheard about the quality of exhibitor finesse in Fillmore & that this was one of their favorite shows to judge.

Violin music on Saturday by Asher Smith brought an unknown lady attending to break into song because she knew the words to his music. Sunday classical pieces were played on the piano by Nathalie Miliken, adding ambience.
It was decided that this year’s “Best of Show” award would be presented in memory of Tillie Spitler. Conway & Tillie were major contributors in keeping the Flower Show organized & running par excellence over the years and Conway’s detailed record book, kept meticulously, gave us the courage to undertake the effort to bring back this worthy community event in 2009. Fillmore’s Historical Museum has a scrapbook with news clippings & photographs, documenting the show from around 1925 to the 1990’s.

2011 Flower Show winners by division were: Best of Show, Mark Ortega with his unusual potted plant, Abutilon.
Division I, (Rose: cut, single stem) Michelle Smith; Division II,(Iris: cut, single stem) Charlene Smith; Division III, (Other single stem, cut) Jim Stehly; Division IV, (Bouquets) Tim Klittich; Division V, (Arrangements) Janet Foy; Division VI, (Miniature Bouquets & Arrangements) Helen Archer; Division VII (Potted Plants) Mark Ortega; Division VIII, (Dish Gardens) Dorothy Hunt; Division IX, (Youth Arrangements) Jared Fairall; Division X, (Youth Compositions) Tim Klittich.

We, who work on the shows’ planning team, value the support of Fillmore city staff like Joe Zuniga, Evelia Hernandez, Annette Cardona and Patrick Maynard for helping us with the brochures, the use of the Senior Center location and the brochure layout. Cindy Klittich designed & printed the bookmarks for the youth entrants, the Boy Scouts for use of tables, S Club members for helping with set up & take down, Marcie Thompson & Sarah Hansen for hosting workshops & plant propagation, Ari Lawson for help with the Succulent Wreath sales at Railroad Days, Charlene Smith for leading a workshop, & all who stepped up to volunteer with set up & operation.

Others to be recognized and given “thanks” were: Otto & Sons for donated rose bushes, providing a welcoming entry with roses “For Sale”, giving the show 50% of the profit and a door prize, Carolyn Lasky with shared profits from her beautiful cymbidium orchids & a door prize, Attractions Spa gift certificate, AmPet with gift certificates, Element Computer with gift certificate, Patterson’s Hardware with Seed Tray Kit, King & King Ranches with fruit baskets, The Scented Path with gift certificate, and The Treasure Station with a gift.
It is hoped that all who expressed an interest in entering next year and getting their children or youth groups involved, will begin to plan and prepare their yards now with a little extra care to be ready for 2012.
And please, remember that you are all invited to participate in bringing the flower show and other worthy community projects like historical plaques, “Yard of the Month” awards and flower plantings in the downtown area to fruition. Come add your voice and effort to improve quality of life and esthetic appeal to our community.

Civic Pride Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 PM in City Hall.

Fillmore City Attorney Ted Schneider told the Gazette Wednesday that the recent appeals court ruling had little impact on the outcome of the Livermore-City of Industry lawsuit over sales tax revenue. Schneider stated that the court’s ruling was “very technical, procedural” and in his view did not effect Fillmore’s right to performance under the contract with Owens & Minor. The dispute arose over a 2007 contract permitting Fillmore to receive 15 percent of state sales taxes generated by Owens & Minor, a Fortune 500, Virginia based medical supply company. A sales office was opened in Fillmore but products are stored and distributed from the Cities of Industry and Livermore.

Fillmore collects about $1 million per year under the 20-year contract. Livermore and Industry claim the office and contract are a sham. Fillmore won its main case but, due to a technicality, must pay the other plaintiff’s receipts from October 2007 to December 2008. Following this dispute, then Governor Schwartzenegger signed a law prohibiting such agreements. However, Fillmore’s existing contract with Owens & Minor will stand, according to Schneider.

The owner of B.A. Income Tax Services, located in Santa Paula, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for preparing income tax returns that allowed clients to claim false deductions and helping an individual secure a home loan they were not qualified to obtain.

Benjamin Aparicio, of Fillmore, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dean D. Pregerson. Aparicio pleaded guilty last year to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns and committing wire fraud with respect to mortgage loans.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Pregerson ordered Aparicio to pay restitution. The amount of restitution is the amount of the criminal tax loss of $176,100, plus the loss associated with the defaulted residential home loan, $185,000.

According to his plea agreement, Aparicio aided and assisted clients in the preparation of a false partnership tax return and a false individual income tax return for the tax year 2003. Furthermore, in 2006 Aparicio falsely verified by telephone the contents of a tax reference letter used to secure a residential home loan for an unidentified individual, knowing that the tax reference letter contained false information and causing the home loan to be funded.

According to documents filed with the court, in the months before Aparicio was first contacted by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, defendant was put on clear notice that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny by the IRS. The IRS’s civil division proposed civil penalties against Aparicio for understating the tax liabilities of his clients. Instead of taking into account the clear warning from the IRS that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny, Aparicio continued to prepare false tax returns that understated the tax due.

Even after being confronted directly by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, Aparicio continued to disregard the IRS. In 2006, Aparicio counseled a client to create false documents for the client’s IRS audit. Aparicio was present at the audit when the false documents were presented to the auditor. Also in 2006, Aparicio provided false information with respect to the residential mortgage loan application.

The investigation and prosecution of Aparicio was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

On Tuesday night the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting to another full house. Items before the Board included naming more classified employees that will receive lay off notices pending further state budget information, as well as a consideration before the Board for changing graduation requirements specifically whether or not to keep Health as a required class.

First during public comment the Board heard from Fillmore High School Junior Class President Taelor Burhoe and Vice President Taylor DeZavala regarding the upcoming Junior Prom on May 14th, 2011. The theme is “City and Color” and the event will take place at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street in downtown Ventura. “It is the first time anyone has had a prom at this location, we are very lucky… it is a really cool venue.” Burhoe reported. They also reported that a slideshow regarding the dress code for the event has been shown to all students and is posted on the high school web site. They want to make sure that no one is turned away from prom due to violating the dress code.

The Board then heard from this reporter who spoke at the request of and on behalf of Fillmore resident Scott Duckett who had prepared a statement for the Board but was unable to attend the meeting. In the statement Duckett proposed a solution to the budget situation that should be considered because “Not one service to one student will be lost…Not a single district employee will lose their job… It’s fair to all district employees.” The proposal was an across the district pay cut. “From the Superintendent on down [each employee] takes an equal percentage salary cut.” Duckett suggested that the Board request Assistant Superintendent Director of Business Services Mike Bush to calculate the savings for different percentage cuts in salaries. “If salaries and benefits make up roughly 90% of the districts $30 million budget…if everyone…took a 3% salary cut, the district would save $810,000… a 5% cut would save $1.3 million.” The statement concluded with “I believe going through another round of budget cuts business as usual will only result in the painful process we’ve all witnessed over the past few years [all options should be considered.]” Board Member Tony Prado indicated he thought this proposal was “interesting” and later in the agenda the Board discussed it and directed Bush to calculate the actual savings from a 1% cut across the district. Board President Virginia De La Piedra stated that an action such as this would need to be negotiated with the unions and “We [the Board] do not negotiate, they do.” indicating the District staff members on the collective bargaining team. Contrary to De La Piedra’s statement FUSD Board policy 4143 states, “The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to represent the public's interests in the collective bargaining process. In negotiating agreements on employee contracts, the Board shall balance the needs of staff and the priorities of the district in order to provide students with a high-quality instructional program based on a sound, realistic budget.” While the policy does state “The Board shall establish a bargaining team to assist in analyzing contract provisions and conducting contract negotiations.” The following portion of this policy clearly retains the oversight and power of the Board to direct the negotiating process, “The Board and Superintendent shall provide its negotiator(s) with expected outcomes and clear parameters for acceptable contract provisions which promote the realization of district goals and priorities.” In addition Board policy 9000 titled “Role of the Board” states “The Board of Education has been elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district. The Board shall ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community.” Should the Board want to move forward in exploring and/or implementing such a proposal they need only request the information from the appropriate staff members, and then direct their bargaining team to move in that direction with the two unions they negotiate with. Early response to the ‘Duckett Proposal’ from CSEA members in attendance is positive. At print deadline CSEA had a scheduled meeting for Wednesday, April 20, 2011 to discuss ideas and options to bring to their negotiations with the District.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney CONTINUED »

Outgoing Capt. Tim Hagel was presented with a Proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn at last night’s city council meeting. Capt. Hagel served the community of Fillmore for three years and will transferring to Thousand Oaks.

The April 12, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting came with a sad announcement to the residence of Fillmore. The Council decided that this coming weekend, April 16th and 17th, will be the last days the Fillmore Towne Theater will be open to the public for showing feature films. Closing the theatre was the only reasonable option available due to the City’s budget problems and by doing so the City will save approximately $4,700 for the next three months. The Council suggested Theatre Committee be formed, consisting of residents interested in the theatre’s future and ways to make it self sustaining. Leasing it out was suggested and checking on it periodically to keep it maintained.

This was a joint meeting with the Fillmore Senior Center, the Redevelopment Agency and the City Council. Other items on the agenda included the Senior Center’s budget and activities, proclamations, the City’s budget, a Fillmore resident’s property lien, and an adoption of the revised Central Ave Storefront Rehabilitation Program criteria.

At the previous March 22 Council Meeting a requested was made for more additional information from the City Manager Yvonne Quiring in regards to the 2010/2011 Midyear Budget. To honor that request Quiring put together a Power Point presentation which is available online for Fillmore residences to view at http://fillmoreca.com/mid-year-1011.htm.

The presentation reveals a grim look at Fillmore’s finances. The town is facing a $1.9 million General Fund shortfall which is a 26% cut from previous years and could be as high as 39% if the Police Contract is not adjusted. Revenue from building permits, which averaged 12-22 in previous years, were down to 8-9 houses last year. That, along with lower tax revenues and the possibility of Governor Brown’s plan for the abolishment of Redevelopment Agencies with its uncertainty of what funds will be left available just adds to the budget worries. Quiring told the Council the shear size of the “deficit dictates that no single budget balancing approach will work. It will have to be a combination of cuts, possible additional employee concessions, fee increases, and service level changes.” Quiring stated at present there are no Staff layoffs planned; first is a need to identify the impact of cutting specific services. The City has asked residents for their feedback on what services they would consider less vital before proceeding with cutting back positions. Without the benefit of that feedback the cuts may be premature. The City Council authorized a citizen’s survey which is available online at www.fillmoreca.com . There are three ways to complete the survey; complete it online; fill out the online PDF survey, print it and mail/deliver it to City Hall; and pick up a hard copy at the City Hall Finance front desk or Public Library, complete it and return it to City Hall. The deadline for completing the survey is April 20th. This weekend, Saturday April 16 between 9am and noon, the City Clerk Clay Westling will be handing out the survey at Vons shopping center. Quiring hopes to have the results available to present to the Council for their next meeting.

However, if the budget outlook worsens or other circumstances arise which make it advisable to make reductions prior to the presentation of the budget on July 1st, the Staff will return to the Council with those proposed changes.

Departments have been CONTINUED »

GCYFL awards J-1 Div 1 Fillmore Raiders a win for Super Bowl VI November 22, 2010 Fillmore Raiders played a hard fight game against Valley Panthers. As a defensive battle was on with 4 minutes left in the game and a 0-0 score, Fillmore lost 8-12. But not with out playing their hearts out. Thanks to the awareness of the couching staff and parents, and believing in the team they felt Fillmore’s victory was taken from them, due to a 12 play rule. GCYFL handbook states each player on every team must play a minimum of 12 plays. The coaching staff had GCYFL board members review films and they found that Valley Panthers held back a total of 8 players. Some players didn’t play at all and some played only five plays. Fillmore coaching staff felt with a game that is 0-0 with less than 4 minutes and 8 players not playing has a big outcome of possibly a win or lose situation. The boys played their hearts out and deserved to be treated fairly. Football is an honest game, It’s true to life, It’s a game about sharing, and football is a team sport, so is life. Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. In the end Fillmore Raiders won and hold the Super Bowl VI Title in the Division J-1. They also finish with an overall record 10-1. Thanks to all in believing in us. Courtesy of Daisy Corona team mom. Players: Bryce Farrar #1, Tyler Bode #4, Johnny Grove #6, Anthony Morales #20, John John Gonzales #21, Marco Villa #23, Moy Pedroza #25, Ray Luna #26, Matthew Wilmot #27, Chris Torres #30, Anthony Cardoza #32, Jared Alvary #34, Eric Corona #35, Damian Alvarez #38, Junior Sandoval #52, Christopher Espinosa #54, Vincent Whittaker #62, Marcus Gonzales #64, Cody Isaacs #70, Justin Long #75, and David Vargas #97. Head Coach John Ortiz, Asst. Coach Nathan Page, Coaches Eddie Ortiz, Mike Rivera, Vince Corona, John Grove, Tony Cortez, Rick Myers, Ronnie Ortiz.

Fillmore City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Camilla Conaway, expresses her concern regarding the process accessing the track as “ridiculous”.

In a rare packed house with standing room only and a line out the door the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Public comment began with three speakers regarding the long road to allowing public access to the track. Fillmore City Parks and Recreation Commissioners Kenneth Palmer and Camilla Conaway were joined by Fillmore Resident and Exercise Club member John Scholls who all spoke to the Board indicating their desire to move ahead quickly to find a reasonable solution which addresses the concerns of FUSD, allows sensible access to the track and takes into account the costs which the City will bear. Palmer indicated a plan that will cost $1,000 to $2,000 and makes entry to the track more direct than the current set up. Conaway commented that the current process for accessing the track is “ridiculous” and requires exercise club members to “jump through hoops.” According to all three speakers, the current process requires those accessing the track to check in at the pool, walk around the block, down an unlit alley/sidewalk, and pass through three gates. Conaway commented that she understood the District had concerns over adults having access to the high school, but the current access route provides more opportunity for that compared to the plan they are proposing. Palmer, Conaway and Scholls all suggested an easier and more direct access route utilizing the entrance used for football games. Scholls commented that this entrance is “more direct, less costly, better lighted, [and has] less likelihood of injury.” Board President Virginia De La Piedra commented on “miscommunication on both sides” and that she had previously requested to be notified of any City meetings on this subject and to date has not received any such notifications. Conaway said she would be notified of future meetings. Board Member Tony Prado indicated that he was the Board rep on the sub-committee charged with finding a solution that works for all, but apparently he had not been notified of any meetings and therefore did not attend them. FUSD Superintendent Jeff Sweeney suggested that Michael Bush, FUSD Assistant Superintendent Business Services, should meet with Parks and Rec and other City officials to come up with a plan to recommend for the Boards approval. All parties agreed to this and De La Piedra joined Sweeney in expressing their desire to “expedite” this process while addressing student safety and facility issues.

Next the Board heard from 7th grader Curtis Warring Ponce, a resident of Piru and student at Fillmore Middle School. He began by reporting to the Board “ [we have] great schools…education is very important to me…failure is not an option.” He informed the Board of his perfect attendance record and 4.0 GPA. Ponce informed the Board “[He really likes his school] it’s safe, friendly and it is awesome. Our principals are the best, we have excellent teachers and staff that work hard to make it a great school…[and have activities for each student] something that fits them.” He spoke about his experience in advanced band with the “best teacher, Mr. Godfrey and I want to learn more. Music calms me down and enriches [my life, it is] very important to me to keep music and arts in school.” He stated that he hoped the budget cuts would not affect his school. In conclusion he said “I want to thank everyone who works hard to make our schools great for us kids to keep learning and succeeding.”

The final speaker in CONTINUED »

Above, Linda Arroyo of Interface speaks to parents at Wednesday night’s bullying forum.

On the evening of Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Fillmore Unified School District hosted a Parent Forum with a focus on Bullying. Fewer than thirty parents attended the event, which was held in Sespe Elementary School cafeteria. This event comes just a few days after state lawmakers passed a resolution marking March “Bullying Prevention Month.” Bullying has garnered national attention due to recent suicides attributed to the effects of bullying. Speakers at the forum included Linda Arroyo, a mental health therapist with the Camarillo organization ‘Interface Children and Family Services’, Rhonda Reyes Deutsch counselor at Fillmore Middle School, Deputy Leo Vazquez the School Resource Officer for FUSD, Carol Berringer Director of After School Program/Student Services for FUSD and Fillmore High School principal John Wilbur. Reyes-Deutsch reported “Every day in the U.S. an estimated 150,000 kids miss school due to fear or intimidation [from] bullying.”

Arroyo began the forum by introducing a program operated by Interface, called “Triple P” standing for Positive Parenting Programs. Arroyo explained that this program “support[s] you in your role as a parent.” Some of the issues they help parents with include tantrums, lying, talking back and even motivation for getting homework done. The 8 to 10 week program is available at no charge to all families within FUSD schools. Interested parents or guardians can contact their principal for a referral to the program.

What is bullying and cyberbullying? Arroyo defined bullying as CONTINUED »

FILLMORE, CA. - On 4/5/2011 at 2:44am the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a possible structure fire at 160 Santa Clara Avenue in the City of Fillmore.

Upon arriving on scene, firefighters observed light smoke coming from the single story, single family dwelling. Further investigation revealed the seat of the fire to be in the kitchen and dining room area. Prior to fire personnel arriving on scene, one of six residents had just returned home when he was alerted to the fire by his family. The resident quickly applied water to the fire using a water hose from the yard preventing further spread. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining flames and evacuated the smoke from the structure to prevent further damage.

Five occupants were inside the location at the time of the incident however they escaped the structure without injury. Due to the smoke damage throughout the structure, it was determined to be inhabitable by the Building & Safety Department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

County of Santa Barbara, California

The California Department of Public Health has found trace amounts of iodine -131 (radiation) in milk from dairy cows in San Luis Obispo County. The amount found was so low that it does not pose any risk of human health. The milk in San Luis Obispo and elsewhere in the US is absolutely safe for human consumption.

The California Department of Public Health samples milk, soil and vegetation on a quarterly basis. They have increased the frequency of testing to weekly due to the Japan incident. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has also increased its nationwide monitoring of radiation in milk, precipitation, drinking water and other sources.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the utility provider that operates the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, conducts regular testing in San Luis Obispo County where the nuclear power plant is located. PG&E split a recent milk sample from San Luis Obispo County and sent a portion to the California Department of Public Health for testing.

The level of radiation is very low, described as incidental. Officials say the levels are 5,000 times below levels of concern. The amounts detected are thousands of times less than what someone would receive from an X-ray or from everyday sources such as the sun, air, soil and television viewing. Air sampling has shown no activity for the past few days and the half-life of iodine -131 is short, meaning it will be gone in roughly one week. The actual impact of radiation diminishes daily.

Children are a bit more sensitive than adults, yet the amount found does not pose a health risk for children either.

Public health officials continue to recommend that potassium iodide not be taken.

With close testing by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, there is continued monitoring. The CDPH website provides Frequently Asked Questions about Radiation and regularly updated information at: www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/RadiationFAQS2011.aspx

Charles Mozley (“Mr. Moze")

While there may be disputes about what makes a good or bad teacher, the Ventura County Educators’ Hall of Fame’s debate is over choosing the most worthy candidates among the best, brightest and/or the most beloved.

For this round of annual inductions, five educators of varied talents were selected, representing a historical look at the human foundations of Ventura’s educational system.

They are: Jim Lane of Oxnard, Andy McEuen of Oxnard and three who are being inducted posthumously, Leslie (Les) Meredith Jr. of Camarillo, Charles Mozley (Fillmore High School) and John Devine (Isbell School in Santa Paula).

All will be honored at a county-wide fete Friday, June 17th at the Courtyard Marriott in Oxnard, along with the Ventura County Teacher of the Year, who is chosen separately by the Ventura County Office of Education.

In contrast to the Teacher of the Year award, the Hall of Fame’s scope casts a wider net, as it may also honor administrators and classified employees, and takes in to account those working in higher education.

The idea for an Educators’ Hall of Fame was initiated in 2005 by Darrin Parrent, who was inspired by the experiences he had going through the local Ventura County school system. He contacted a number of prominent educators – notably former Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chuck Weis – and together they formed a committee of 15 education and civic leaders to hammer out the details for the first induction in 2007.

“The Hall of Fame selects individuals to be honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of education,” Parrent said. Details about this year’s selections are:

√ John Devine literally lived education, going so far as bringing kids home and ensuring others that they had lunch money or decent clothes.

He spent much of his career at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula, where he taught industrial arts and organized trips to sporting events. He passed away in 1982.

√ Jim Lane was born and raised in Oxnard, and he stayed local, becoming a business teacher and coach at Hueneme High School where he helped set up a student mentor program. His experience converted well into writing articles on education for the Ventura County Star.

Although he retired in 2002, he stays involved in the community, such as helping out the mentor project at Hueneme and developing a boys and girls club at Meiners Oaks Elementary School in Ojai. Aware of school cutbacks, he also helps raise money for athletic programs.

√ Andy McEuen began as a business teacher at Oxnard High School after serving in WWII in a combat battalion. His administrative skills as a principal were later tested and he was so good that he became principal of the new Hueneme High School in 1959, and later became superintendent of the Oxnard District until his 1980 retirement.
Under his direction, Hueneme became a state model for parent and student involvement.

√ Les Meredith Jr. was a teacher-principal at the Santa Rosa Elementary School and prior to that, an assistant principal at Los Altos Intermediate School, both in Camarillo. He developed 7th and 8th grade programs at Santa Rosa that included vocational and science instruction, the latter from grades 2-8.

He also became versatile in creating counseling and disciplinary plans and helped with teacher evaluations. Beyond the school, he was an instructor in scuba diving who ran oceanography workshops and served as a long-time member of the county sheriff’s Underwater Search and Rescue team. He passed away on July 17, 2009.

√ Charles Mozley taught at Fillmore High School, adult education in Ventura and Oxnard and even had a stint as teacher in the Youth Authority. Known affectionately by some as “Mr. Moze,” his grasp of issues was wide as he taught politics, journalism, psychology and consumer issues.

Clearly beloved, he was also well known as the announcer at football games and involved in pep squads, plays, graduation ceremonies and as an advisor. He passed away in 2007.

The Educators Hall of Fame dinner event Friday, June 17th at the Courtyard Marriott opens at 5 p.m. so that friends, colleagues and family members can converse before a dinner around 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person; the best way is to log on to the website, www.vceh.com, or you can call 805-482-1492 or email president@vceh.com.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

An attempted car jacking left a 30-year old Fillmore man stabbed early Monday morning in Oxnard, 4500 block Saviers Road.

At approximately 1:50AM, two men in their 20s approached the vehicle and demanded the Fillmore man and 27-year old Oxnard woman get out.

The man resisted and was stabbed; the assailants fled. The victims drove away from the area, and called 911. The Fillmore man was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, where he was treated for a non-life threatening injury. The investigation is ongoing.