City Manager Yvonne Quiring

Following a three hour special meeting Monday, council members discussed and agreed to essentially ignore employee grievances with a statement amounting to “Can’t we all just get along?”

Recently, 32 city employees signed two letters of no confidence in City Manager Yvonne Quiring. These letters were read publically to the council on September 27, 2010. Employee grievances were clearly specified as follows:

“The Management and Represented employees of the City of Fillmore are writing this letter to inform the Council of its displeasure with City Manager, Yvonne Quiring, that the employees have no confidence in Ms. Quiring's leadership, and our concern for the general welfare of the City under her direction.

Thirty-Two of the City's thirty-seven fulltime employees agree that they are being micromanaged, belittled, intimidated, given unclear direction, harassed, and fear retaliation for informing Council of the current status of their working environment. Management staff feels that Ms. Quiring has created a hostile work environment within which staffs ability to focus on and complete work has been stifled. Her contradictory management style consists of speaking kindly before a group of employees then holding closed door meetings wherein staff is unfairly berated bringing the morale of the entire City Hall to a now intolerable low.”

This statement of no confidence, also signed by top level employees such as City Engineer Bert Rapp, is unprecedented in Fillmore’s history. The official statement following Monday’s Special Meeting apparently ignored employee complaints:

“January 18, 2011
City Council Statement re: No Confidence Letter
The Council has taken this issue seriously and we have gone to great expense and effort to work through this process in a fair manner. We have to acknowledge that there are two sides to this story.

We have had an opportunity CONTINUED »

(l-r) Board Member Virginia De La Piedra and Janice Schieferle who received a “Students First” award in recognition of her 35 years of service to the District.
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(l-r) Virginia De La Piedra presents former Board Member Michael Saviers a ‘Students First’ award in recognition of his brief but important time served on the Board.
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During public comment last night’s School Board heard a report from Future Farmers of America Fillmore Chapter Reporter and Ventura Section Treasurer Brooke Aguirre regarding all the events and activities FFA is currently involved in, including the upcoming due dates of expectant heifers and sows.
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On Tuesday January 18th prior to the regularly scheduled meeting the Fillmore Board of Education met for the “first of several study sessions” according to Superintendent Jeff Sweeney. That nights topic was “Program Improvement; what does it mean? What are we doing about it?” The study session lasted one hour, and began with a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Katy Hadley followed by presentations from the principals of each school. Sierra High Principal Cynthia Frutos was unable to attend. To begin Hadley stated “It is our hope to begin a conversation with our principals” with the “objectives… that our Board and audience understand how program improvement schools are identified” and “[what is] being asked of our site principals and teachers once they are identified”. Hadley explained that only those schools which qualify and choose to receive Title I monies (Title I is a federally funded program aimed at benefiting “socioeconomically disadvantaged” students) and do not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years are designated as “PI” schools. She went on to explain that for a school to meet it’s AYP it needs to do four things; 1. Have at least 95% of students participate in assessment testing. 2. Have enough students score proficient. 3. Meet the “target” for Academic Performance Index (API, this program sets scoring benchmarks for student subgroups each year, with an ultimate goal of all “groups” reaching a score of 800 out of 1000). Board member John Garnica caught on and clarified “so wait did I just hear that correctly… a [non Title 1] school… actually doing worse than a Title I school…could be not identified [as PI]”. The discussion went on, and Hadley reported that the District receives $680,000 in Title I funds out of the nearly $30 million budget. Sweeney stated “it is a choice to accept the money and with the money comes restrictions as well as if we are not scoring at a certain level comes the label… what is the stigma that is associated with it…The system is skewed…to where if we run the system to 2014 everyone will be in program improvement.” Hadley also presented to the Board information on what the District leadership and teachers must do each year that a school is in “PI status.” Actions required and suggested include notifying parents of school choice option, setting goals, provide after school tutoring (to qualifying students), state takeover, reopen as a charter, remove and rehire staff and so on.

The Board then heard from principals. San Cayetano Elementary Principal Jan Marholin began by showing that while “making growth targets, and improving in math and science, but looking at reality we are dropping in our English-language arts”. “We tore our whole curriculum apart… we started things differently today” Marholin stated. The staff is also learning from the success at Mountain Vista Elementary “They have proved a certain model to work for language arts… [we are looking at] how can we restructure at San Cayetano with the resources we have without any additional funds?” The other principals joined Marholin in acknowledging where their students need to make improvements, and reported to the Board on changes occurring on their campuses to make that happen. Mountain Vista Elementary Principal Chrissy Shieferle reported that while continuing to focus on what’s working she and her staff are also “reviewing what interventions have been done in the past that did not work… you see many kids on that intervention list from kindergarten to ninth grade…we’re making sure we are not repeating the cycle of what has not been successful.” She also reported that for students who are at grade level or above “core literature” has been added back in. Sespe Elementary Principal Rosemarie Hibler emphasized in addition to onsite collaboration “we are collaborating among the sites… teachers across the District are talking about what’s working and what is not.” Piru Elementary Principal Tricia Godfrey emphasized “adult learning… [Staff learning] from outside resources… observing other classes”. Fillmore Middle School John Schweller, who is new this year, spoke regarding the targeted “rotations” taking place for “direct instruction” with particular students on particular topics as needed. He explained that this allowed some enrichment activities back into the student’s day, which can help “[students] make some of those connections... [Who maybe] weren’t finding the connection to the academics… now we see that level of learning come back.” Fillmore High School John Wilbur continued the District wide emphasis on collaboration. He updated the Board on the ongoing development of the “collaborative culture” at the high school. Answering a question from Board President Virginia De La Piedra regarding where each school is most focused on improving Wilbur indicated “our biggest concern right now is our math performance on CAHSEE (California High School Exit Examination) last year … in math we dropped 7% in passage rate”. Hadley responded that across the state math scores tend to be lower than language arts, and “we are following that trend, we’re lower than we should be, math scores are really much lower than they should be.” The discussion continued with questions from the Board and responses. To see the entire study session watch the video online at www.fillmoregazette.com/blogs look for the School Matters Blog (Video will be posted on Friday Januray 21, 2011).

At 6:30 the Board convened their CONTINUED »

Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn Announces Tuesday, February 15, 2011, Special Primary Election Details.

Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn announced details today regarding the upcoming Tuesday, February 15, 2011, Special Primary Election, which is being held to fill the 17th State Senatorial District seat recently vacated by State Senator George Runner.

Lunn explained, "This special election will be conducted in only four counties: Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino and Los Angeles." Lunn added, "In Ventura County, it will affect approximately 22,000 registered voters in Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, and the unincorporated area of Ojai."

Voter registration forms are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Ventura County Elections Division, Government Center, Hall of Administration, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Registration forms are also available at all city hall offices, post offices, libraries, chambers of commerce, and fire stations, as well as at http://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.htm

Lunn provided the following key dates as a guide for voters in this special primary election:

Friday, January 21: First day Vote By Mail ballots will be issued by the Ventura County Elections Division. This is also the first day that voters can vote their Vote By Mail ballot in person at the Elections Division.

Monday, January 31: Last day for voter registration forms for this election to be postmarked.

Tuesday, February 8: Last day for Vote By Mail ballot applications to be received by the Elections Division. To vote by mail, voters only need to send a completed application on the back of their Sample Ballot booklet or a letter requesting to vote by mail to the Elections Division by Tuesday, February 8.

Tuesday, February 15, at 8:00 p.m.: Last day for completed Vote By Mail ballots to be received by the Elections Division. Voters may also drop off their completed Vote By Mail ballots on Election Day at the Elections Division or at any of the 14 polling places that will be set up for this special primary election.

Lunn concluded, "Although this is a relatively small election, all elections are equally important and I encourage all eligible voters to register and vote in this special primary election."

The Fillmore - Piru Police Explorer Post competed in the Chandler, Arizona Explorer Competition from January 14 thru January 16, 2011. They received 1st place in a difficult competition. Yes, that is first place! Needless to say, there are jealous teen explorers across 5 states that now know of FILLMORE-PIRU. They arrived in Arizona as an underdog, unknown and green. This is the Fillmore teen’s first time attending this National Western competition. The Fillmore-Piru,Teen Explorer post has only been active since April, 2010. There were 9 local teen explorers who attended, along with 3 Sheriff advisors.

They competed in several events and competed against 50 other posts from various states. They competed in the many group events that challenged their team skills. The following explorers attended the competition: Sergio Cornejo, Khristian Felix, Josefina Fernandez, Jessica Givan, Eddie Gutierrez, Tyler Hackworth, Brandon Pina, Michael Topete and Briana Vazquez. The following advisors attended: Deputy Gabriel Gonzales, Cadet Leanne Thompson and Deputy Leonardo Vazquez. Our kids could have not done it without these dedicated Fillmore Officers. The competition was a learning experience and the local explorers enjoyed it. They learned how to work together as a team. The community is very proud of the teen explorers, their achievement winning a “First Place” and we all look forward to their future work in organizing the 2011 Fillmore Fourth of July Car Show and Chili Cook Off. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Friday, January 7, 2011, at approximately 7:00 am, gang related search warrants were conducted at residences in the 600 block of Lemon Way and the 800 block of ‘B’ Street in the City of Fillmore by the Fillmore Gang Unit. The search warrants were in reference to an ongoing gang-related robbery investigation, which occurred in Fillmore. The two juveniles were arrested during the service of the search warrants for the following violations, 186.22(a) PC - Gang Allegation, 182(a)(1) PC - Conspiracy, 211 PC – Strong Arm Robbery, and 415(1) PC - Public Disturbance. Both juveniles were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Ariana Medina, Jesse Vasquez and Yvan Hernandez were at the residences during the search warrants and were found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and were arrested for a violation of 11550(a) H&S. The robbery investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected.

Location: 600 Block of Lemon Way and 800 Block of ‘B’ St., Fillmore
Date & Time: Friday, January 7, 2011 at approximately 7:00 am
Unit Responsible: The City of Fillmore Gang Unit
Report: #10-31463

Arrestees, City, Age:
Juvenile, Fillmore, 16
Juvenile, Fillmore, 17
Medina, Ariana, Fillmore, 20
Vasquez, Jesse, Fillmore, 41
Hernandez, Yvan, Fillmore, 19

Officer Preparing Release: Deputy G. Cadman (#3960)
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. David Wareham (805) 524-2235
Approved by: Captain Mike De Los Santos #0730

Bert Rapp Receives Prestigious ACEC Award. Rapp lead the city in engineering excellence for 20 years. The American Council of Engineering Consultants 2010 Engineering Excellence Honor Award for the City of Fillmore Water Recycling Program was presented to exiting Public Works Director Bert Rapp after 20 years of excellent service to the city. Presenting the award was Mayor Gayle Washburn and Doug Haack, Construction Observer with AECOM.
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Bert Rapp being recognized after 20 years of service to the city of Fillmore.
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This Tuesday’s City Council Meeting was the first full meeting for Council Member Brian Sipes, Mayor Gayle Washburn, Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks and the last meeting for Public Works Director Bert Rapp.

The meeting began with Proclamations for the Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee and a posthumous proclamation recognizing the contributions of Roy Arnold. But the accolades going to Rapp for his almost 20 years of service to the City were so numerous it was hard to keep count.

One of the many beautiful plaques Rapp received at the meeting was from Jeff Gorell 37th District Assemblyman and presented by District Director Ernie Villegas. Rapp was thanked for his numerous contributions to the City that included hours of work helping obtain grants to improve the town, along with helping design our City Hall, bike path, flood protection levees, storm drains, water recycling plant, the downtown street design, raised bridges over gutters on Central to cross the street safely, and speed table in front of the Town Theatre to keep the traffic flow at a safe speed to name just a few. Many spoke of how easy Rapp was to work with and Laurie Hernandez, stated Rapp’s leaving was “a tremendous loss to our city”. Hernandez spoke of how much he will be missed and what a pleasure it was to work with him. Council Member Patti Walker stated Rapp always had “environmentally sound designs” and when the town was concerned with flood control problems Rapp was always out there keeping watch. He was so appreciated that every address brought a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

During the Public Comments section a CONTINUED »

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Taurie Banks, of Fillmore, has earned the Instructor Certification for the United States Eventing Association (USEA). She is one of 225 instructors in the nation, and the first horseback riding instructor in Ventura County to earn this recognition.

Taurie is the owner and operator of Kings Corner Training Stables in Fillmore and has been riding since the age of 7. She started with 4H and Pony Club and went on to compete nationally in Eventing, Dressage, and Show Jumping. She continues to actively train horses and compete.

She began teaching as a Pony Club member at the age of 10, and and continued after graduating as a Chief Instructor for River View Pony Club. She also became a National Chief Horse Management Judge at the age of 22, and was the Camino Real Regional Coach for Championships five times. She has been a Judge, Technical Delegate and Course Designer for Local Competitions. She established Kings Corner Training Stables in 1989, where she developed horses and riders from absolute beginners to competing nationally. She has produced Graduate 'A' Pony Club members, upper level Dressage riders, Event riders and successful English and Western horses and riders.

Although she has had many CONTINUED »

The Major Crimes team arrested two of the primaries from the organized rural-theft ring.

Last week, the Major Crimes Unit served warrants and made an additional arrest. The Major Crimes Unit has been working non-stop on these cases.

Arrested was Jose Dominguez, 22 of Los Angeles, Osman Enamorado, 23 of Los Angeles, and Henry Briones, 26 of Los Angeles.

In July 2010, the Sheriff’s Department’s Agricultural Crimes Unit identified a pattern of activity related to burglaries at construction sites and farms located in the rural areas of Ventura County. A task force comprised of detectives from the Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Departments were formed to investigate this series of burglaries.

During the course of investigating the nearly fifty (50) burglaries in Ventura County alone, detectives learned that suspects were conspiring to commit these burglaries and were targeting “Conex” type metal storage containers.

The suspects used various cutting tools to force entry into locked storage containers to steal tools including air compressors, welding machines, water pumps, drills, saws, grinders, and various hand tools. The stolen property was being taken to a “fence” in Los Angeles County to be sold for cash.

Sheriff's Detectives investigating this series of burglaries identified four (4) primary suspects. Based on the evidence collected at the various crime scenes, detectives were able to link the suspects to in excess of fifty (50) burglaries.

The evidence used included, DNA evidence, fingerprint evidence, shoe impression analysis, and the use of various surveillance techniques.

On July 7, 2011, Ventura County Sheriff’s Detectives served Search Warrants & Arrest Warrants at the locations noted above.

Dominguez was arrested and charged with seventeen (17) counts of Penal Code Section 459 – Burglary. He was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Arrest Warrants were issued for the other three (3) suspects linked to this series of burglaries.

Briones and Enamorado are in custody for their part in a similar burglary in Riverside County.

Wilfredo Jimenez, 34 of Los Angeles, is still outstanding.

The most serious threat to our national security and that of our allies is Iran.

The Iranians are rapidly enriching uranium, and planning to use the uranium to build nuclear weapons. Time is running out. Iran in possession of nuclear weapons poses a threat that will have worldwide ramifications.

Israel cannot allow Iran the ability to have a nuclear weapon. Israel is Iran’s first stated target of attack, and then the United States. The Israeli’s will have to launch a preemptive strike before Iran’s ayatollahs give the order to destroy Israel; an easily achievable objective due to the small geographical size of Israel. Iran in possession of nuclear weapons will force the Arab states into a nuclear arms race so they can have the bomb as well. A point recently highlighted by the statements made by Saudi Arabia’s leadership regarding their concern of a nuclear armed Iran made public by the WikiLeaks documents.

If Israel is forced to launch a preemptive strike on Iran, what will immediately follow is retaliation by Iran and Syria, as well as the terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas, who are both proxy’s of Iran.

Not a single country in the region will remain unaffected. Iran will simultaneously launch attacks against oil fields, oil refineries, and shipping facilities throughout Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Arab Emirates in the Gulf. At the same time, Iranian missiles will be hitting cities and military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Israel will not only be hit by hundreds of Iranian missiles, but also tens of thousands of missiles, rockets, and mortars from Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.

Suicide bombers will be released en masse throughout Europe and the Middle East. Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians will die; Jews, Christians, and Muslims. More will be left wounded and homeless. The United States will also be affected; sleeper terrorist cells in the U.S. will be activated, hitting American and Canadian targets.

The economic repercussions will be felt around the world, oil prices will skyrocket to two or three hundred dollars a barrel. Such a dramatic rise in oil prices that will occur overnight and may last for years could sink an already fragile global economy. Soaring energy prices would trigger hyperinflation, sending the cost of many goods beyond the capabilities of the poor and lower middle class. Millions of people would be pushed into poverty. People would stop spending money on almost anything but food and basic needs for survival; this would trigger massive business failures. Tens of millions of people would soon be out of work. As the dominos fell, a global depression could ensue.

And this scenario only includes conventional warfare, if nuclear warfare ensued, the above estimations could be like none other in modern history.

On Tuesday December 4, Fillmore Unified School Board President Virginia De La Piedra presided over a relatively short regular meeting, which was sparsely attended by the public. All members were present except for Lucy Rangel who is out of town.

Upon reconvening from closed session the board voted to approve recommendations of Superintendent Jeff Sweeney, resulting in one expulsion and a reinstatement of five students who have completed their expulsion period.

During Board reports Member David Wilde commented on his tour of Sierra High with Principal Cynthia Frutos that “Everything seems to be moving in the right direction [there]”, and he praised Frutos for her “specific goals” and enthusiasm. The Board then heard from Dave MacDonald from the Physical Education Department at Fillmore Middle School. MacDonald notified the Board of his being awarded a scholarship from the Monkey Bar Gym in Moorpark to attend a six day training and testing in April to become a Certified Natural Trainer. He requested from the Board financial support to attend the training in Madison, Wisconsin. He let the Board know that he is already committed to attend, and has already paid out of pocket for his travel expenses. MacDonald reported that he is one of 84 people in the world who are Level Two Certified through the International Youth Conditioning Association and that adding a CNT to his skills would benefit the students and allow him to continue to build on the changes he has made to the PE program at the middle school and if there is support to create a District wide program. He commented that the “program [he has] implemented is unlike any other I’ve seen… at a middle school.” In responding to question from De La Piedra about what exactly the changes are MacDonald explained “before… everything was group centered… and now we have benchmarks for each student.” MacDonald explained that it moves the PE class away from a focus on team sports, where some kids excel but others struggle, to a program that allows each student to find success and improve their fitness, strength and overall wellbeing. Board Member Tony Prado stated “I want to see health and wellness become dominant in our physical education program…can it be extended to [all grades], I know Piru was toying with that idea, the kids were running, walking and exercising every morning… that was fantastic, I wish we could mandate that through all our schools.” Prado continued, “I want to give you some money.” Board Member John Garnica expressed his support of the changes that are taking place and but mentioned the Board’s decision to not fund any conferences at this time. Garnica stated “I support what you are doing, I in good conscience could not support voting for dollars for a conference when I couldn’t [do the same for] another staff member.” Garnica proposed an idea that there may be another way “to help out.” De La Piedra mentioned a new recommendation from the E-Scrip program that 20% of funds be used for fitness and she stated, “This is exactly what [E-Scrip wants].” Prado explained “I’m opposite of Dave and Virginia I have no problem spending money on a case by case basis” he went on to comment that “There is money in the budget [for this] but Dr. Bush …has to balance the books, he gives us pros and cons of how money can be spent… again I understand there is money available… I see no reason why we can’t spend it for these types of activities.” Wilde stated “PE is in such dire straights across this country and at most schools sites I think it needs a boost and a change…I see that almost as important as curriculum.” De La Piedra asked Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush to comment about the available monies that Prado referred to. Bush stated that “[the Board previously heard from Assistant Superintendent Katy Hadley regarding] Title II monies available, however we’ve been living off of that carry over and it’s been dwindling every year… there is several thousand available, it’s the money we use to have speakers come in for staff development.” The Board was not slated to take action on this, and there will be further discussion at another time when they have more information on the State budget and any other possible funding sources. MacDonald did remind the Board that over the past four years the PE program has been entirely “self funded”. They have raised over $4,000.00 for needed equipment and “have received no funds to speak of from any budgetary source [within the District]”
The Board received a packet of information regarding the new mandates coming from the state regarding student fees. Sweeney commented on materials that the then Governor Schwarzenegger sent to all Districts reminding them of a recent ACLU case dealing with whether or not various student fees are allowed under the states guarantee of a “free public education”. Sweeney indicated that “we will be scrutinized, and we will have to change our practices.” The Board will be receiving more information on this as the outcome of the case is interpreted and explained for Districts.

All action items were approved and the Board adjourned to it’s next meeting on Tuesday January 18th at 5:30, which is a study session, open to the public on “Program Improvement; What it is? What does it mean? What are we doing about it?” with the regular meeting starting at 6:30pm.

“They (Iranian leadership) want a grand finale; they want one operation that cripples America once and for all...be it a dirty bomb, or a real nuke.” - Walid Shobat, Former Palestinian Terrorist

On April 1st, 1979, Iran became the first Islamic republic in history. Three decades later they are the largest state sponsor of Fundamentalist Islamic terrorism in the world, and we are rapidly approaching the most dangerous moment in the history of the Iranian Revolution.

Iran’s senior leaders have taught that the Revolution will soon reach its climax. They have stated publicly that the end of the world is “imminent.” They have taught that the way to hasten the arrival or appearance on earth of the Islamic messiah known as the “Twelfth Imam,” or the “Mahdi,” is to destroy the United States who they call the “Great Satan,” and to destroy Israel who they call the “Little Satan.” Iranian president Mahmouud Ahmadinejad has stated he has a “written contract” with the Islamic messiah.

Iranian leadership has vowed to annihilate the United States and Israel, and have urged Muslims to envision a world without America and Zionism. The key leaders in Iran are determined to accomplish their apocalyptic, genocidal mission. They are desperately attempting to build, buy, or steal nuclear weapons. Iran is actively testing advanced ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

Iran has built alliances with CONTINUED »

Francisco “Turtle” Estrada pictured with his family (l-r) Rafael Estrada, Jose “Froggy” Estrada, and Norma Ramos, right after he won the Championship at the Westlake Hyatt.
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Championship Belt
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One of the benefits of writing articles for the Fillmore Gazette is that I have the opportunity to meet and learn about some very interesting people, doing sometimes incredible things, who live right here in Fillmore! I had just that opportunity the other day when I met with Francisco “Turtle” Estrada! Francisco prefers to be called Turtle and I do call him Turtle for this article.

Turtle fights under the name of Francisco “Turtle” Estrada and fights with and trains in Oxnard at the West Coast Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Center. The West Coast Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Center, under the management of Coach Brian Espinoza, offers training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai (kick boxing), Boxing, Woman's Self Defense and Fitness. Francisco is the son of Rafael Estrada and Norma Ramos of Fillmore. Francisco has one brother, Jose “Frog” Estrada 20 yrs of Fillmore.

Turtle is 21 years old and recently received the Combat Fight League's Championship Belt the result of his winning the inaugural Combat Fight League amateur Mixed Martial Arts event competition on December 2, 2010 against Jon “The Gladiator” Gorton at the “Havoc at the Hyatt” Westlake Hyatt in Thousand Oaks. Both fighters were pretty evenly matched going into the fight; Turtle's record was 3-wins and 0-losses and The Gladiator's was 3-wins and 1-loss. From the Combat Fight League's rendition of the fight on their website: “It took Frank "Turtle" Estrada 1:07 of the first round to win the first ever Combat Fight League Championship. In the main event Estrada survived a series of punches and knees from Jon Gorton before finishing "The Gladiator" with a guillotine submission! The raucous Estrada supporters exploded once referee Cecil Peoples indicated the fight was over!” If you would like to watch the title fight that Turtle earned his belt you can view it on You Tube; Francisco “Turtle” Estrada vs Jon “The Gladiator” Gorton. I did and was totally impressed to watch the Turtle take on and beat the head taller opponent into submission!

Turtle brought to the CONTINUED »

Many Fillmore residents didn’t know a man named Roy Arnold who worked to serve them for the last 18 years. He was a quiet man who enjoyed bike riding, hiking, planting oak trees and serving Fillmore. Roy passed away on Wednesday December 22nd at age 85 after suffering a major stroke a year ago that left him partially paralyzed and never again able to walk or ride a bike. Fortunately Roy was able to stay at the Fillmore Convalescent Center where he was well cared for by the caring staff and his extraordinary wife, Luisella.

Roy began working for Fillmore as a part time engineer in 1992 after retiring as a wind tunnel test Engineer for Lockheed. His favorite project in Fillmore was building bike paths. Roy designed the Sespe Creek bike path from E Street north to 7th Street and most of the Railroad bike path. A special feature Roy added to Sespe path was the picnic table in the nook upstream of the railroad. He planted cottonwood trees around the picnic table for shade.

You may have seen Roy riding his bicycle down the sidewalks of Fillmore with a clipboard on the handle bars. He was looking for broken sidewalks to add to the repair list. Fillmore has 64 miles of sidewalks and about every four years, when the City could find the money, Roy would survey the sidewalks and prepare plans and specifications for their reconstruction. Then he would make sure the contractor would fix them correctly along with lawns and sprinklers that would get damaged by the construction.

Another specialty of Roy’s was running the City’s Pavement Maintenance computer program. Roy would ride his bike down the City streets and document the condition of the pavement noting how many cracks there were or if the pavement was failing. He would then enter that information into the Pavement Maintenance program along with the amount of traffic on each street including how many buses or trucks used the street. Then Roy would run the program and it would tell him which streets should be slurry sealed or paved first. Then Roy would put together the plans and specifications for the paving project and make sure the contractor did a good job during construction.

With Roy’s help Fillmore was the first city in Ventura County to install handicapped access ramps on every street corner. He also designed parking lot behind the Theater and prepared multiple contracts for replacing fire hydrants, water services, water valves and pipes throughout the City.

One of my greatest pleasures was riding bikes around Fillmore at lunch time with Roy inspecting the various projects underway or just enjoying beautiful Fillmore. Roy did exceptional work for the City and his quiet presence will be greatly missed.

Bert J. Rapp. P.E. Public Works Director

It’s not news to the police, sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers that New Year’s is prime time for drunk driving. They made 152 DUI arrests over the two-day holiday last year.

“Whether we reach that total depends entirely on drivers in Ventura County,” warned Cmdr. Martin Meyer of the Oxnard police, coordinator of the Avoid the 14 campaign, which is 13 days in to a winter holiday campaign ending Sunday, Jan. 2, at midnight.

Police plan intense DUI enforcement for New Year’s Eve and for New Year’s Day. There will be extra DUI patrols in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. The freeways will be teeming with black-and-white California Highway Patrol cruisers.

“You’ll see a patrol car or a police motorcycle everywhere you look,” Meyer said. “Everyone who pins on a badge to go to work every day knows the completely unnecessary problems that drunk drivers cause. We take great pride in getting them off the street to keep the public safe.”

So far in the 17-day campaign, police agencies have arrested 161 DUI suspects. This is down from the 220 suspects in handcuffs at the same time last year. No one has died at the hands of an impaired driver so far in this crackdown. Last year’s winter holiday effort ended with one DUI death.

Funding for Avoid the 14 comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The crackdown is named for the 14 law enforcement agencies in the county.

Details from USGS:

Magnitude 3.6
Date-Time Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 08:36:50 UTC
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 12:36:50 AM at epicenter

Location 34.518°N, 118.681°W
Depth 18.9 km (11.7 miles)
Region SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Distances 6 km (4 miles) W (262°) from Castaic Lake dam, CA
16 km (10 miles) NE (41°) from Piru, CA
17 km (11 miles) NW (322°) from Valencia, CA
20 km (12 miles) NW (305°) from Santa Clarita, CA
65 km (40 miles) NW (322°) from Los Angeles Civic Center, CA

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 0.3 km (0.2 miles); depth +/- 0.7 km (0.4 miles)
Parameters Nph=124, Dmin=8 km, Rmss=0.43 sec, Gp= 29°,
M-type=local magnitude (ML), Version=1
Source California Integrated Seismic Net:
USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR

Event ID ci10863861