Claire Faith, Student of the Year

It is with humility and honor that I, Claire Faith, accept the Student of the Year award. But if I may, I will point out, that I am by far not the most studious nor active senior at Fillmore High School. I say with full belief that it is my attitude and perspective, above skills and commitment, that lead me to success.

I cannot pinpoint one moment that lit a spark in me, but I can say that it was sometime in mid ninth grade. I had always been a “good student”, if you will, but simply because schoolwork wasn't too difficult for me.

Up until that point in ninth grade, I admit I was embarrassed by my background and reputation. That is, I didn't necessarily have pride in my family and I took to wearing black and listening to screaming music. In other words, I was a “wanna-be punk.” Over the course of a month or so during freshman year, my memory assumes, I was intrigued to wear a colored sweater as opposed to my everyday black. As a few weeks went by, I had started arranging odd outfits, following with homemade jewelry. Before I knew it, I was wearing mismatched socks, bottle cap accessories, and what most would call funny hats. More importantly than my outward transformation, my mind was renewed. I suddenly realized that my family was absolutely amazing, and that there were so many fun and active things I could be doing to replace my sourpuss attitude.

The Fillmore music program has been significantly important to me. I participated in winter drum line my freshman and sophomore years, which was demanding, but rewarding. For the past four year, I have committed to concert, marching, and jazz band. I have served as Drum Major all four years (and to clear up any confusion, a drum major leads the band in parades, sports games, and competitions). I have worked in Band Club for the last two years as Treasurer. I believe the music program here at the high school is the most versatile and rewarding program we have to offer. Here, I have not only made the greatest friends and had the most fun of my life, but obtained a strong sense of discipline and commitment. That is, I know that saying you're going to be somewhere means you will, and one must communicate otherwise. In band, there are no bench warmers, for everyone has a part to play, and the music program welcomes and helps along anyone even slightly interested in joining the band wagon. Not to mention, I have enjoyed the wonders of playing, reading, studying, and writing music. These are all skills I will cherish for the rest of my life. I encourage Fillmore as a community to fully embrace and support our local music program.

I was also involved in a number of other school and community activities. I participated in Freshman Orientation last year, a day devoted to welcome and help the new students at the school. I've attended Prayer club for the past three years, and act as student leader this year. Similarly, I've participated in Flashes Go Green for the past three years and serve as President this year. Flashes Go Green cleans up the school every month, cleans out the lockers at the end of the year, and much more. I was lucky enough to go to Rotary International's RYLA youth leadership camp, and received a certificate of completion. I now serve as InterAct Club President. The FHS Ambassador Club hosts several college fairs for the school, award nights for the seniors and more. I have been in the club for two years and serve as President this year. Incidentally, we are hosting a Higher Education Event at the high school on March 1 at 6:30 pm for all interested to learn more about southern, as well as northern Californian colleges and career opportunities. Family of students, as well as Santa Paula students and family are invited. I was a member of Poetry Club sophomore year, Secretary last year, and am now President. We share poetry weekly and we plan on a group performance at the high school art show. This year I am Secretary of Drama Club, and have also had the privilege of being in Drama Class, as well as now being involved in Totally Rad: a joint production of Fillmore High School Drama and Sespe Players. The show will be put on at the Sespe Auditorium in early April. Last year, I had the honor of researching the schools history for the centennial edition of the Copa de Oro. Finally, I have participated in the “S” club sophomore, junior and senior years. During my junior year, I was Chairman of the Peace Pole Project and helped the Soroptomists fund raise and create awareness for the Peace Pole now resting in front of City Hall. I've participate in the Soroptomist bike path clean up, as well as other “S” club and Soroptomists projects, such as the presentation of the Annual Soroptomist Fashion Show. Miraculously, I've upheld my GPA to 4.5!

I graciously thank the Chamber of Commerce for this award, but on a grander scale, I thank the wonderful people of Fillmore. I would like to say once more that it was my attitude that brought me thus far, and I encourage students as well as our community to cherish our schools and all the opportunities they bring. Go Flashes!

Esteban Almazan received a proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn for his Eagle Scout Rank.
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At the January 25, 2011 Fillmore City Council meeting Council Member Brian Sipes stated “There is a lot on the Councils agenda” but the February 22, 2011 open session meeting, which ended just after an hour, did not fit that description. The Council’s agenda was mostly finishing up and approving old business and reporting on committee meetings Council Members had attended.

This meeting’s agenda consisted of the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2010-2011, a Joint Use Agreement between the City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Unified School District, an interim Ordinance Citywide Moratorium on establishment and operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries for 1 year, and approval of Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).

One item on the Redevelopment Agency agenda was a request to accept a short payoff on a First Time Homebuyers Loan (FTHL) of $43,000 taken out in July of 2008 and the home is now for sale due to divorce. The FTHL was used as the 15% down payment on the home’s $292,000 purchase price. The selling agents informed the City the property had decreased in value and the offering price today is $280,000 which is less than the payoff amounts of both the primary loan and secondary FTHL Agency loan. The seller’s settlement shows a shortfall and loss to the city of $18,936.71 with a pay back to the city of $24,863.29 or approximately 57% of the Agency’s original $43,800 loan. All of the loss is coming out of the FTHL which carried the second on the property, but there was little the City could do to prevent taking all of the loss. Both Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme have also suffered such losses. All Council Members reluctantly agreed to accept the short payoff.

The Council approved an CONTINUED »

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FILLMORE, CA. - On 2/16/2011 at 9:45pm the City of Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to the Vons Grocery store located 636 Ventura Street for a reported broken water main. Upon arriving on scene, crews observed approximately 2” of water at the front entrance of the location. Upon further investigation, fire personnel located a severed 4” water pipeline used to supply the fire sprinkler system at the location. It is estimated the damaged pipe line released approximately 1,800 gallons of water per minute into the interior of the structure until the leak could be secured some 15 minutes later. The cause of the pipeline failure remains under investigation however appears to be due to a failure in the iron ductile pipe.

The Vons Supermarket & Wells Fargo Bank were forced to close their doors for approximately 36 hours while cleanup crews worked to vacuum up the water and begin the long process of restoration. It is estimated by store officials that $10,000 worth of perishable products were damaged as a direct result of the waters release. The store has reopened for business however remains under construction as crews work to repair damage done to soaked drywall and carpeting at the location.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 11-1-2010, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2600 Blk of Eucalyptus in the unincorporated area of Nyeland Acres. When they arrived, they found numerous empty shell casings from two different caliber handguns. While deputies attempted to find witnesses at the scene, a 16-year-old male admitted himself into Saint Johns hospital with a single gunshot wound to the leg. Investigators from Major Crimes and the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to take over the investigation.

An initial investigation found that earlier in the day, 24-year-old Liliana Aguilar drove her two infant children and the 16-year-old shooting victim to the 2600 Blk of Eucalyptus. The 16 year old intended to paint over rival gang graffiti that was in the area. Aguilar parked her car near the rival gang graffiti where the 16 year old began to paint over it. The 16 year old was confronted by at least two armed rival gang members. During the confrontation, several rounds were fired at the victim, one of which struck him in the leg.

During the Investigation, gang investigators arrested Aguilar for a variety of offenses including Conspiracy, Street Terrorism, and Child Endangerment. She was booked into Ventura County Jail where she posted $85,000 bail. She remains out on bail awaiting trial.

Gang Investigators quickly identified two possible suspects in the shooting. Investigators had enough evidence to show that Anthony Mendez and Julio Hurtado were both present during the shooting, but were unable to establish what their role was. On 11-29-2010, detectives surveiled Mendez as he sold a sawed off .22 cal. rifle to 31 year old Joe Rivas. Rivas was on parole for robbery at the time. Investigators recovered the rifle that same day and arrested Mendez for the illegal transfer of a firearm two weeks later. On 12-4-2010, Hurtado was arrested by gang investigators for an outstanding warrant and booked at the Ventura County jail.

For the next two months, investigators interviewed numerous witnesses and served several search warrants. During one of the search warrants, they recovered a .45 cal. handgun that was used in the shooting. The second handgun was never recovered.

On 2-19-2011, investigators had obtained enough evidence to show that Hurtado and Mendez were both responsible for shooting at the 16-year-old victim. They arrested both Hurtado and Mendez for attempted murder and street terrorism. Both had been in custody since their respective December arrest. Hurtado remains in custody on $505,000 bail. Mendez remains in custody on $500,000 bail.

Location: 2600 Blk Eucalyptus Drive, Oxnard, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: 11-1-2010 / 10-26618
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects. City of Residence Age
(S-1) Mendez, Anthony Fillmore 19
(S-2) Hurtado, Julio Oxnard 21
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman
Date of Release: 2-22-2011
Approved By: Capt. C. Lathrop

FILLMORE, CA. - On 2/20/2011 at 9:24am the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a possible chimney at 233 Fourth Street in the City of Fillmore.

Upon arriving on scene, firefighters observed light smoke coming from the attic vents on the exterior of the structure. Upon further investigation, it was determined the source of the smoke was a small fire that had extended through the brick and mortar fireplace construction and into the adjacent wall space. Firefighters were able to make quick access through a lathe and plaster construction and extinguish the fire in its incipient stage approximately ten minutes after arriving on scene.

Due to the quick action of responding personnel, damage was limited to the fireplace and adjacent wall, resulting in a structure both habitable and safe for occupancy.

Residents are reminded of the dangers associated with older building construction and fireplace use. Chimneys should be swept and inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep service equipped with the knowledge and tools insure safe operation of your fireplace.

Bob Scott, 2010 Firefighter of the Year. Photo courtesy Timeless Images Photography

As Fire Chief of the Fillmore Fire Department I am proud to announce that Bob Scott has been chosen by his peers as the 2010 Firefighter of the Year.

Bob Scott was born in the San Fernando Valley and grew up in Chatsworth; Bob currently lives in Ojai with his Lovely wife Susan and their kids Bobby 17, Samuel 16 and Sarah 11.

In 1984 Bob became an EMT and worked for Schaefer Ambulance for six months to get into paramedic school. He graduated paramedic school in December of 1985 and continued to work for Schaefer until deciding that Ventura County was the place to be.

Bob was hired at Oxnard (now Gold Coast) Ambulance in August of 1986 and worked there until 1992. Bob worked as a paramedic, community educator and as a paramedic supervisor.

Bob attended fire academy at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, Class 54 in 1992 and started his AS degree in fire science.

Starting In September of 1992 Bob was hired with Pruner Ambulance--Careline, Medtrans and currently American Medical Response. He has been a Field Training Officer and Clinical Supervisor with them.

And if that wasn’t enough, Bob pursued extensive volunteer activities.

Bob was one of the original Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Medical Team Paramedics. He served as team captain, training coordinator and equipment coordinator and just retired this year after serving 20 dedicated years. Bob also assisted in creating a tactical medical team for the Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT team and was an active member for eight years.

Bob started with Fillmore Fire in March of 2004 to assist with building our new paramedic program in response to the closing of Santa Paula Hospital. Bob has been active in EMS education, applying for and receiving Ventura County Approved Continuing Education Provider for our Department. He is also our continuous quality improvement and currently EMS Program Administrator.

Bob has been the driving force behind what he refers to as the Fillmore Fire style of care. Great bed side manners, making sure that patents and family members are well informed and make sure that our citizens receive the highest quality of pre Hospital care.

Bob is always making sure that Fillmore Fire is keep up to date on all new policy and precedes that County EMS has implemented.

Bob’s love and dedication for EMS and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2010 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year.

The Fillmore Unified School Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 15 at Piru Elementary School for a regularly scheduled meeting. The evening began with a welcoming speech given by Piru Elementary School Associated Student Body president Angelica Orozco who also led the pledge of allegiance. ASB vice president Michael Sanchez presented each Board member with a school t-shirt.

The first speaker during public comment was Karen Torres who spoke regarding her concerns over how the “special services department [will be affected by budget cuts]… and how the department is being managed… there are services that my [child] and other children are [entitled to] to meet the needs of their individualized education that are not being met [by the District] I am told it’s because of funding.” Torres went to on express “There is a lot of focus in our community on football and pageants while some children graduate without being able to read, write or do basic math.” She expressed regret at seeing her own son struggle with reading and knows that there are other students whose “parents are not able to speak up for them.” She went on to ask that before the Board vote to reduce funding for student services or aids in the classroom that “[the Board] investigate the policies and procedures of our special services department, consult with teachers and parents to ensure [that available funding] is going to meet the needs of children [as required by law]. Torres volunteered to join a committee to ensure that such an investigation is “being done.”

Next the Board heard from Eva Magness, grandmother of a former FUSD student. Magness reported to the board that she was there to make sure the Board is aware that “ FUSD administrators are spending taxpayer dollars to delay or deny [her grandchild] the education that [he/she] is entitled to by law.” Magness told the Board of how her grandchild required hospitalization for an emotional breakdown and depression following an incident of bullying via text messaging. The family was communicating with administrators at the student’s school, and was told that the student would be receiving five hours of instruction per week while unable to attend school. “I want you to know that from November [2010] to today [her grandchild] receives not five hours of [instruction] but five to ten minutes a day, that is not an education.” She explains that her grandchild was an honor student, in advanced classes and in the end of January was ready and released by doctors to return to school. It is her position that “the administration is not interested in providing an education [to my grandchild] or is paralyzed in decision making.” She reports the school administration did not return phone calls until the family contacted an attorney. The school administrators suggested to the family that they could get a transfer to Moorpark “[since they] had more to offer in educational services.” Magness also emphasized that her daughter, the mother of the student was told by the school principal that she could petition the Superintendent for “some kind of consideration for transportation costs”. She read the education code to the Board “[Ed Code] reads a child is entitled to a free appropriate public education and related services. Precedent in court has said that transportation is considered a related service.” She asked the Board if they “really support an administration that seeks to deny this student the education they are entitled to?”. The only point of disagreement now, according to Magness, is who will pay the transportation costs? She left the Board with a request for assistance in resolving this matter, and if needed for it to be put on a future agenda for further public discussion.

Lynn Edmonds from CONTINUED »

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On Tuesday February 15th, Piru Elementary School and its proud principal Tricia Godfrey hosted a crowd of approximately 70 parents, district staff, community members and students for the dedication and unveiling of the new marquee sign. The brand new sign, paid for through community fundraising efforts of The Friends of Piru (FOP) parent group is a new and important way for the school to communicate with parents and the community. For approximately four years the parent run group Friends of Piru had it’s sights on a marquee for the school all the while funding other needs at the school. Parents at the school choose the sign and FOP wrote the check for nearly $6,000.00 At the dedication Godfrey recognized the work of John and Luanne Schaper, as well as “Mrs. Dollar… thank you so much for just not giving up.” Friends of Piru Board members and Piru residents Katherine Ponce and Maria Villa were thanked although they were unable to attend. The final president of Friends of Piru Kelly Baker was the only board member able to attend the event and receive the thanks in person. Ponce, Villa and Baker were instrumental in organizing many fundraising drives which allowed the group to purchase many items for the school, recently including: paper (nearly $400.00 current school year) headsets and supplies for computer lab, “Bellworks” books ($2,500.00), kindergarten and after school rugs, coordinating a grant for over $1000.00 in library books and supporting the 6th grade annual science camp.

At the beginning of this school year Friends of Piru disbanded due to the fact that the children of all board members either moved up to the middle school or transferred to other elementary schools and there were no current Piru school parents who had been involved with the organization in the past. Current Piru school parents formed a new parent group, Friends for Change, its new name chosen by students at Piru Elementary School. Friends for Change will be planning many new fundraising efforts to continue to supply items requested by the school.

31-year-old David Morales of Fillmore has been ordered to stand trial for the alleged killing of his sister, Maricruz Morales, 20, also of Fillmore and assaulting his mother.

Morales is alleged to have beaten his sister to death and assaulted his mother while in a rage over the fact that they had packed his personal belongings in preparation for moving into an adjacent apartment. Thursday, Morales was ordered to stand trial for the murder of his sister who died from blunt force trauma to her head possibly inflicted by a hammer and other objects. Testimony at David Morales’ hearing showed that he became enraged when he learned that his mother and sister had packed all the family’s belongings for the move to the new apartment. Morales’ bail has been set at $525,000 and he remains in the Ventura County Jail.

See original story here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/brother-accused-killing-sister

Kindergarten registration will be held on March 28– April 8, 2011, at San Cayetano School, 524-6040, Sespe School, 524-6161, Mountain Vista, 524-8302 and Piru School, 521-1709. Piru residents may register at Piru School.

Parents are to register at the school site within their boundaries.

In order to complete registration, parents must have birth certificate, verification of adequate immunization for their children, verification of address (such as utility bill or driver’s license).

Parents must provide documentation that their child has completed a Physical Examination; (physical needs to be dated after March 1st, 2011), and Dental/Oral Examination. All four elementary schools have a supply of the physical examination forms and forms for the dentist.

Immunizations: Required doses of Polio, DPT, MMR, Hepatitis B and Varicella vaccines.

For additional questions, contact the elementary school sites, or M. E. Romero, R.N., District Health Coordinator at 524-6029.

The February 8, 2011 Fillmore City Council and Redevelopment Meeting was all about money, or more correctly stated, the lack of it, as the Council struggled to make recommendations in regards to redevelopment monies that may not be available when needed. On the regular agenda was a proposal by Chevron to develop the old Texaco Refinery, Santa Paula East Area Development Project, appointments to the Planning and Film Commissions, and the vacating of Orange Grove Easement to aid Grad-Night-Live (GNL). Items on the Redevelopment agenda included awarding the contract for the baseball field at Two Rivers Park and a request for an extension of KB Homes Participation agreement.

Also, the continuing problem between the City, City Council and the non-profit Grad-Night-Live was again addressed at Tuesday’s Council Meeting. Mayor Gayle Washburn softened the city’s commitment to provide two storage containers to GNL which was made at the December 14, 2010 meeting. At that meeting, Council Member Jamey Brooks said that the city was going to extra effort to help GNL, “Even to the point with Rigo, I guess they’re looking for containers.” Council Member Patti Walker said, “We have located two cargo containers.” And City Manager Yvonne Quiring said, “…and we’re gonna find two containers for her [Chaney] because Rigo has already taken care of that.” So the question remains, will the city honor its commitment to provide two containers for GNL?

It all started with a complaint back in July 2010 by Marina Martinez who was upset with GNL’s donations being stored on a City easement. Brenda Ortiz, the owner of Super Seal where the easement is located, originally gave Gary Copeland permission to fence in the area, and had assumed formal permission had been given to her to use the street. Super Seal and Coachcraft, two businesses with joining properties on Orange Grove, had both donated the space to the non-profit. The misunderstanding happened when permission had been given to Ortiz, but not formally. Ortiz addressed the Council and stated, “This is all a huge misunderstanding.”

Quiring directed the City staff to CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On January 6, 2011 at about 12:15 a.m, deputies working gang crime enforcement were driving in the 700 block of Akers St. in the city of Fillmore. Deputies saw the three suspects crouch behind a parked car in an effort to hide from them. The deputies recognized the three as local gang members, with two currently on probation. As deputies approached to investigate, the suspects fled a short distance, but deputies quickly caught and detained them. An investigation at the scene led deputies to the discovery of a loaded handgun hidden where the suspects initially attempted to hide from the deputies. They also found one suspect with a collapsible baton hidden in his pants.

Deputies arrested Jonathan Ramirez for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, being under the influence of a controlled substance and street terrorism. He was booked at county jail with bail set at $110,000.00.

Deputies arrested Steven Chaveste for possession of a deadly weapon, being under the influence of a controlled substance and for street terrorism. He was booked at county jail with bail set at $100,000.00.

Deputies arrested Martin Gaspar for being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, under being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and street terrorism. He was booked at county jail with bail set at $115,000.00.

Location: 700 Block Akers St. Fillmore, Ca. 93015
Date & Time/ RB#: February 6, 2011 @ 12:15 A.M. / 11-3044
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Gang Unit
(S)uspects City of Residence Age
Ramirez, Jonathan Fillmore 25
Chaveste, Steven Fillmore 30
Gaspar, Martin Fillmore 21

Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Taurino Almazan
Follow-up Contact: Senior Deputy Taurino Almazan @ (805) 524-2233
Date of Release: February 8, 2011
Approved By: Captain O’Hanlon

City of Fillmore

The year is 2011. Across the United States counties, cities, and neighborhoods are working with constricting budgets and some residents are worried. Major issues moving forward this year for Fillmore are: more budget reductions and how they affect services, the working environment in City Hall and the publics perception of how it’s city government conducts business all the while keeping the future of the City in mind.

What is the State of the City’s Finances? Council member Steve Conaway comments, “The State has removed over $2.5 million from Fillmore… and we haven’t seen the end of the state take-aways.” According to City Manager Yvonne Quiring her focus going into next year will be “the Budget… and how do we make this work given the resources that we have… subject to [what the Council decides].” Quiring explains that the City has been “burning through… and living off of the savings account…[current projections show] no money being available next year.” Realistically she continues, there will be some nominal amount available, but “reserves [are] not enough to cover expenditures… [The City is] not getting enough money in the checking account to write checks.” Washburn reports “We have been told we [are likely to] have a $2 million shortfall, we have redevelopment money to payback, we are not getting [our] sales tax revenue [as] that issue has not yet been resolved, the county assessor is looking at another decrease in property tax assessments, so we’ll be getting less property tax.” She explains that the recent development and growth in the City has occurred “based on assumptions… that there was no bubble. We took out a lot of debt based on ever increasing revenues.” According to Washburn the City has several bonds with “increasing debt service levels, which is not good in a declining revenue situation. The assumptions were way to… optimistic.” Washburn suggests that city government and the services provided “may look different” as a result of the financial hurdles that need to be dealt with. Some areas where she thinks residents can expect to see a difference are with street repairs, landscape and lighting, pool hours, and tax increases. While generally opposed to new taxes, Washburn states, “we may be required to implement a new storm water treatment tax.”

Regarding budgeting issues Conaway states “As a city…we’ve lost sight of our city finances since 2008 due to revised budget formats and reallocation of funds and are only now starting to gain stability in our budgeting process.” He feels that continued focus on this, “defending [the City’s] economic interests in the courts… will provide a boost to our local economy.”

According to the Budget CONTINUED »