Ventura County Sheriff's Department

At approximately 7:18 a.m., 8-19-10, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a vehicle-vs.-pedestrian collision in front of the bus stop in the 500 block of Santa Clara St., Fillmore. The accident investigation determined a sixteen-year-old pedestrian was walking north across Santa Clara St. and failed to yield to a black1997 Honda Civic, which had the right-of-way as it traveled eastbound on Santa Clara St. The pedestrian had complaints of pain to her leg, wrist, and neck and was transported to Santa Paula Hospital, but suffered no major injuries. The driver was uninjured and his car sustained minor damage.

The pedestrian was using a cell phone and may have been distracted at the time of the collision. The driver’s windshield was dirty and, as he was driving into the early-morning sunlight at the time of the collision, may have had impaired visibility. Neither party was cited.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds both drivers and pedestrians to avoid distractions while on the street and for drivers to maintain clean windows for everyone’s safety.

Deputy Gabriel Gonzales
Enlarge Photo

Pre-Departure
For the most part my wardrobe is decided by comfort, but the ride-along form expressly categorizes jeans and T-shirts as What Not to Wear, which means I now need to give it some thought. We’re supposed to look … authoritative. I’ve killer three-inch heeled boots that might do it, but what if, say, there’s a foot chase or else I have to deliver a roundhouse kick to a bad guy? I settle for black sneakers. And charcoal trousers. And a hot pink (1) polo shirt. There’s no sun to justify a pair of aviators, oh well. I’m ready.

The Deputy
At the Police station I’m escorted through the building into the back parking lot where I’m introduced to Deputy Gabriel Gonzales. He opens the side door for me and I sit while he gets the car ready, checking lights and checking equipment. Loading the car with the engine running somehow feels a bit like saddling a horse. I check out the computer screen, which features an Open Patrol Log and a curious list of “Equipment/Qualifications” including: cell phone, evidence bags, rip hobble, crime scene tape, care bear … care bear?

Gonzales gets into the drivers seat and promptly offers an explanation for his haircut (2). “Sorry about my hair—it’s still growing back from when I got it shaved for the Explorers. It’s usually neat and everything.” There isn’t enough for it not to be neat, but judging by the way he gestured at “neat,” I imagine he misses his former coif. He calls his current ‘do “Chia Pet hair,” but until recently, his shaved head was part of the look for directing (and yelling at) the Explorers in their Academy. “The kids really like getting into it,” he says.
Gonzales is from Ventura, worked in the jail for four and a half years, and has been in Fillmore for a year now. And he likes it out here. “I think it’s the best job ever. Every since I can remember I’ve wanted to be a cop,” he enthuses. I ask him about the care bear, and he explains that it’s an actual stuffed animal for young victims or traumatized children. Can I see it? He hops out to fish for it in the trunk. Check the body bag, I suggest. It’s not without considerable difficulty that he pulls out a small, extremely worn plastic package from under a load of equipment. “You can open it,” he says. I extricate a small, new teddy bear wearing an indecently short T-shirt featuring an insurance advertisement. Although his outfit is a uniform infraction in my book, I invite him into the patrol car. Gonzales is also a bit mystified by this fellow. “They’re usually neon blue. And different material—nylon—so it’s easy to clean.” Maybe the bear faded for lack of love and attention in the depths of the trunk.

As we leave the lot, CONTINUED »

City Council candidate Adrian Grimaldo addresses the city's high water and sewer rates.

The City Council meeting on August 24th mainly focused on the increases in fees for the residents of Fillmore of which there were many. The proposed increase in water and sewer fees took front and center, along with an added fee for street cleaning. But also discussed were the increased fees for general service, Police and Fire Department services, filming fees, sports programs, Building and Safety, Public Works along with a proposed increase in Vista transportation.

The meeting was the first reading of the Water Ordinance 10-821, a proposed water rate increase and in preparation for a public hearing for a Proposition 218 protest hearing. Proposition 218 is the proposed increase in fees to the sewer and water rates for properties here in Fillmore.

Starting off the council meeting there was much discussion about the ballots that were sent out recently to the property owners in regards to the water and sewer fee increases. Some found the ballots confusing and others did not know that only property owners had been sent the ballots, and that only property owners could protest the proposed increased rates. It was suggested that the ballots should have read ‘Ballot’ on the front, to avoid some of the confusion, to which the council agreed that having done that would have been an improvement.

Lupe Grimaldo along with Tom Dawson voiced their concern with the escalating water and sewer rates. Grimaldo questioned the council on what exactly the rate increases will be and cautioned that the citizens need a better explanation and that the council should do a better job at distributing the ballots. Mayor Patti Walker stated she’d received many comments similar to Grimaldo’s and that, “The mailer was misleading, we need to get out more information.”

When asked what the CONTINUED »

Tina Wheeler
Enlarge Photo

Anthony Perez
Enlarge Photo

Autumn Inglis
Enlarge Photo

Autumn Inglis
Enlarge Photo

Robert Armstrong
Enlarge Photo

Grand Champion Turkey
Enlarge Photo

David Landeros
Enlarge Photo

Chickens
Enlarge Photo

Aaron Largen
Enlarge Photo

FFA members showng their pigs in showmanship.
Enlarge Photo

Brittany Gurrola with her steer Oreo.
Enlarge Photo

Story and Photos by Bob Crum

Oh yes... what a great time to be young. Genie... oh genie... where art thou? Aaah... if only I could turn back the clock... here I am a teenager in the 4-H or the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program... and I'm raising chickens and turkeys. Because... at the 2010 Junior Livestock Auction at the Ventura County Fair... one turkey sold for $1,250 and another for $2,000. Imagine that? Wait... there's more. Three purdy-white chickens fetched a whopping $3,500! Gasp! On the other hand... if I were the winning bidder... I'd fully expect those chickens to lay golden eggs... or they'd be chicken soup before sundown.

Fillmore and Piru youth snare a share of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors in pig, goat and lamb categories.

Being only her first ever animal raised... Fillmore's Tina Wheeler – Sespe 4-H - won Grand Champion pig. This kind of achievement is not easy to come by and for a newbie... it's quite uncommon. Why raise a pig? “I picked a pig to raise because I think it'd be the easiest animal and the most fun,” Wheeler said. Was that true? “Yes it was” Wheeler promptly replied. Really? “Well... it wasn't very easy... it was hard sometimes... but because he has a really good personality, it was fun” Wheeler confessed. What was difficult about raising Cookie... her pig? “Sometimes while walking her she'd get upset so I'd have to take her back to her pen. Or when I'd feed her she wouldn't eat so I'd have to feed her something else,” said Wheeler., adding that Cookie had a stubborn streak. Um... why the name Cookie? Because she looks like an Oreo cookie” said Wheeler. What about next year? “Another pig”, said Wheeler. Why? “Because they have really good personalities. Cookie weighed in at 276 pounds and brought an amazing $35 a pound at auction. And what will Wheeler do with the money? “Save some of it... and spend some on clothes”, she said with a smile.

This great act was followed by Anthony Perez... Fillmore FFA... who's pig won FFA Reserve Champion. This is his 3rd year raising a pig... always raised pigs... 2 years with 4-H and this year, upon entering High School, switched to Future Farmers of America (FFA). Why raise a pig? “I saw a pig one day and wanted one so... I got one.” Uh huh... makes perfect sense. Why not raise a steer... one wonders. “I thought about raising a steer”, said Perez... “but with the money... it's kind of more a financial matter”, adding, “starting out with a steer project is a lot harder then than it is with pigs.” Translated... steers cost more. Perez's pig's name is Tank... well... because of the size of him.” Tank's show weight was a porky 278 pounds from a diet of Morman 273. Close to Fair time... Tank's weight was a major concern for Perez... worried about Tank making weight... the high end limit being 280 pounds. Would Tank tolerate a diet? We'll never know.

Tank's life was good... roaming around an orchard vs. confined to a pen. As such... how would Tank behave in an arena atmosphere? Like a well-behaved pig to the great relief of Perez. Will Perez raise a pig next year? “Possibly... haven't decided yet... kind of like to end on a good note” said Perez. The auction brought Perez $8.50 per pound - $2,363.00 which will go into a savings account. It should be noted that Perez was extremely appreciative of his great support staff raising Tank. His long range plans? Perez intends a military career as a U.S. Marine.

Ariel Legan of Fillmore - Santa Clara Valley Grange group - won Grange Grand Champion for her 148 pound lamb. Relating her experiences raising Moose the lamb, Legan said, “he was a brat at first but it got better as it went along... as he got used to me and I got used to him.” At auction, Legan's lamb fetched $10 per pound. And her reaction? “It feels good... I made a lot of money.” And the plans for the proceeds? “Save it”, Legan quickly replied. And next year. “Another lamb”, says Legan. Not a steer? “Umm... maybe” she added. I thought about raising a heifer this year Legan said. “My sister's steer is awesome”, said Legan.

Autumn Inglis of Piru – Santa Clara Valley Grange – in her third year of the program raised a goat that won Grange Grand Champion. Raising the goat presented many challenges for young Inglis... one of which was the goat always insisting on chewing her hair every time she tried to give it a hug. Oh... the trials and tribulations of goat raising. What did Autumn like most about raising the goat? “They're like really fun... and once you get used to like having a goat you like get like you get attached to them. And like you want to keep them forever. Like a pet one wonders? “No”, Autumn quickly said... “he's not going to be a pet... he's going to go in someone's stomach. The most difficult part of all? “About when you go to auction... and that you're just about to loose your best friend,” said Inglis. “It's my second year and it's difficult getting used to that he's going to go. Next year? Inglis intends to raise another goat... and a turkey.

Autumn Inglis is an example of the conflicts and triumphs of raising a market animal. However, they know the objective, recognizing that the end result of raising a market animal is for auction. Yet there is no mistaking that perhaps the majority bond with the animal they were raising. Seems rather inevitable. So parting with the animal after the auction is not without a reasonable degree of sorrow and sadness. Most naturally feel a significant loss. However, the level of maturity these young people display in handling their emotions and feelings is astonishing. Perhaps one of the significant reasons is that these youngsters appear to be well grounded. While most clearly understand the goals and objectives the emotional component is always prevalent. And of course there are parents and teachers who graciously accept the tremendous teaching opportunity in raising well-rounded, level-headed youngsters. And let's not forget... there isn't much that teaches responsibility more than raising an animal.

The championship wins in the steer category were a bit slim... but the steer sure weren't... looking mighty well fed and averaging 1,300 pounds.

Robert Armstrong – Fillmore FFA – won First Award for his steer. This being Armstrong's first time ever raising an animal he was obviously very pleased. Most FFA participants obtained their animals from well known breeders. Armstrong did not follow the norm. Doing his own research, he found a Pismo Beach rancher - Geixeira – with a website listing cattle for sale. Armstrong bought one. Turned out to be a very good purchase. Next year? Maybe the same breeder or another rancher closer that has some pretty good steers”, said Armstrong.

Another great job by auctioneers John Dolleslager and David Macedo. These guys are the best... incredibly effective in getting the most money for the youngsters' animals.

To all those 4-H and FFA participants who won honors at this year's County FAIR... congratulations from the entire staff of the Fillmore Gazette. And in all land... there's no one that isn't proud of your hard-earned honors. And congratulations to all the parents who endured equal hardships in supporting their children in their magnificent endeavors raising a market animal. And of course... thanks to all the dedicated teachers who worked diligently with the youngsters all season.

Receptioning
The reception area at the Fillmore Police Station on Sespe is a sage green box with brown square tiles. If you put the image into a giant blender, the result might resemble unappetizing—and in any case inedible—mint-chocolate chip ice cream. A lone red candy dispenser keeps me company, its personality split three ways: it simultaneously invites quarter-laden folk to “Enjoy delicious M&Ms candies—a helping hand is given to local civic activities,” and “Enjoy delicious Skittles Sour Candy,” and also touts, “Bubble King.”(1) By the glass entrance door, a gray file cabinet marked, “Turn in Prescription Medication Program” stands guard, cautioning, “Pharmaceutical drugs only!” (Emphasis not mine.) Behind me on a blind-covered window, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department recruitment poster pitches “$61,400-$84,600 Plus Benefits.”

I have time to notice all this because a concerned, smartly-dressed middle-aged couple stands at the reception window, reporting in great detail a suspicious figure who has been lurking about on his bike in their neighborhood. “We’ve been watching him for over a month now,” they say. A woman with her young son comes in to pick up, fill out, and turn in a ride-along form, and then—and then—I’m ushered past Candy Dispenser, past the security camera that was surely watching every breath I took and every move I made, (2) into the mysterious recesses of the building.

Through the Door
The affable Sergeant CONTINUED »

“Allah willing, with the force of Allah behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism (Israel). Get ready for a world minus the United States.”
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinijad, June 4th, 2008

“It is the mission of the Islamic republic of Iran to erase Israel from the map of the region.”
Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, January 2001

No other country in the world lives under the day to day threat of terrorist attack like Israel.

What we in the United States take for granted, the safety to conduct our daily lives in freedom and lack of fear of being attacked at anytime on any given day, Israel must contend with and prepare for every day.

The dream of the average Israeli citizen is to sit in a public coffee house or restaurant without fear of being attacked by a Suicide Bomber. In June of this year, I sat having dinner at a 5 star restaurant in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is a wonderful metropolitan city, filled with cultural events and entertainment. It was a beautiful evening with the streets and the restaurants filled with Israeli citizens enjoying a night out after a full work week.
As I entered the restaurant I noted an armed guard stationed at the front of the restaurant. I asked one of the Israelis I was dining with why there was an armed guard at the entrance. I was advised the guard was trained to spot the telltale signs of a Suicide Bomber and to attempt to stop any potential attack.

Young grade school students on field trips to visit some of the many historic sites in Jerusalem have to be escorted by former members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). These grade school children must have armed guards with them while visiting their own capital city due to the fact they are targets of shootings and Suicide Bombings. Many of these young children have been killed by Radical Islamists who each day attempt to instill fear in the Israeli citizens. This is the reality of day to day in Israel.

Yet, the Israeli’s have embraced this disarray of their daily lives, and through adversity, there has come cohesion for the people of Israel.

Despite this, and what the mainstream media never reports, Israel has proven its willingness to accept Arabs by the fact they have successfully integrated Arabs into Israeli culture. The population of Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, is 750,000; 250,000 of these citizens are Arabs.

There is no such thing as a “must be solution” to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Radical Muslims are mandated by their interpretation of Islam to dominate the world. Iranian President Ahmadinijad has stated, “We don’t shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world. We must believe in the fact that Islam is not confined to geographical borders, ethnic groups, and nations. It’s a universal ideology that leads the world to justice ... We must prepare ourselves to rule the world.” On February 11th, 2011 Ahmadinejad declared Iran is now a “Nuclear State.”

Iran’s senior leaders have taught in recent years that the revolution is now reaching its climax. They have stated publicly that the end of the world is “imminent.” They have taught that the way to hasten the arrival on earth of the Islamic messiah known as the “Twelfth Imam” or the “Mahdi” is to destroy Israel, which they call the “Little Satan,” and the United States, which they call the “Great Satan.” The key leaders in Iran are determined to accomplish their apocalyptic, genocidal mission. They are feverishly attempting to build, buy, or steal nuclear warheads.

United States leadership has become so politically correct it’s suicidal. Despite Radical Islam’s stated agenda put forth by Ahmadinijad’s declaration of war on the United States and Israel, Eric Holder, the United States Attorney General, who is the top law enforcement officer in the nation, cannot and will not use the terms “Radical Islam,” or “The War On Terror.”

Walid Shobat, a reformed Palestinian terrorist stated, “They (Iranian leaders) want a grand finale; they want one operation, the kind that cripples America once and for all, be it dirty bombs, or a real nuke.”

Mark Trimble is a retired Law Enforcement Operations/Special Operations Commander. He has spent 10 years researching and studying Radical Islam and Terrorism. He has worked as an Independent Security Contractor during which time he has trained with and interviewed members of the United States Army Special Operations Forces who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Trimble also spent time in the following locations: The West Bank; Gaza; Ofer Military Base- For the observation of the murder trial of two Hamas terrorists; Kalkilia- The Arab town which is one of the main terrorists infiltration routes into Israel; Israeli Forward Military Base at the Lebanese Border (area of the terrorist group Hezbollah’s headquarters); IDF tank unit on the Syrian border; Sderot, Israel. A city on the edge of Gaza, which is under constant mortar attacks by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza.

Fillmore resident Zachary Freeman, 24, was killed in an off-road race accident in the Mojave Desert, August 14th.

Freeman was standing in the crowd of spectators with his friend Dustin Malson, 24 of Ventura, and girlfriend Nicky Carmikle, 19. Carmikle had just walked away to use the restroom when a Ford Ranger pickup driven by Brett Sloppy, 28 San Marcos, struck a rock, lost control and rolled into the crowd, killing eight and injuring a dozen. Malson was also killed.

Tens of thousands of people were spread out along the 50-mile track, within 4-feet of the speeding vehicles.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a statement saying state vehicle codes don't apply because the race was a sanctioned event held with the approval of the federal Bureau of Land Management, which owns the land used for the race. They said safety was the responsibility of the race organizer, South El Monte-based Mojave Desert Racing.

MDR's permit required racers to travel 15 mph or less when they were within 50 feet of fans, and allowed no more than 300 spectators for the event. BLM spokesman David Briery said the agency would cooperate with the CHP's investigation.

New allegations have been lobbied by former Fillmore Fire Chief Pete Egedi in his wrongful termination lawsuit against the city of Fillmore. Egedi claims the city has been a defendant in at least two state courts in which it was alleged to violate due process constitutional rights, according to the VC Star.

Egedi was fired in 2008 over allegations of grand theft and embezzlement by a public officer. He faced a criminal trial October 13th in Superior Court, three counts of grand theft and one count of embezzlement. He has pleaded not guilty to the felony charges. Egedi faces five years in state prison if convicted.

Fillmore City Council candidates in alphabetical order:
Adrian Grimaldo
Marcoz Hernandez
David Lugo
Brian Sipes
Patti Walker

FUSD Board candidates in alphabetical order:
Mark Austin
Tony Prado
Lucy Rangel
Kimberly Rivers
David Wilde

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 8-15-2010, the Sheriff’s Department received a call regarding four men trying to break into a home in the 500 block of E. Telegraph Road in the City of Fillmore. The resident also telephoned family members in Fillmore, notifying them of the incident. Deputies arrived on scene and checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. A short time later, Francisco Sanchez, Ricardo Sanchez, and Juan Sanchez arrived at the location in the same vehicle. Francisco, Ricardo, and Juan are family members of the resident at the location. A deputy contacted Francisco, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and observed a loaded handgun on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Francisco was detained and found to have an additional handgun concealed in his waistband. Ricardo claimed ownership of the handgun on the passenger seat. A third loaded handgun was located on the rear passenger floorboard of the vehicle, where Juan had been seated in the vehicle. Francisco, Ricardo, and Juan were all arrested for violations of PC 12031(a) – Carrying a loaded firearm, PC 12025(a)(1) – Having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and PC 12025(a)(2) – Having a concealed firearm on the person. All three were transported and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura.

Location: 500 Block of E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore
Date & Time/ RB#: 05-15-2010 @ 0150 / 10-19768 Unit Responsible: Fillmore Station

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Francisco Sanchez Fillmore 58
(S) Ricardo Sanchez Fillmore 25
(S) Juan Sanchez Fillmore 23

Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Deputy D. Hendren #3693
Follow-up Contact: Sr. Deputy D. Hendren 805-524-2233
Date of Release: 08-17-2010
Approved By: Sgt. Yoos

An impostor Fillmore Gazette Facebook page has been identified. A thief took the newspaper’s logo and other copyrighted materials and created a fake Facebook page. A notice regarding this impostor has been sent to Facebook and a formal Digital Millennium Copyright Act violation has been filed. The matter is currently under investigation.

To become friends with the real Fillmore Gazette. Please follow this link to our real Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000132019191&v=wall&ref=search

To follow us on Twitter, please follow this link:

http://twitter.com/FillmoreGazette

Luis Alberto Rodriguez Pillardo, 29 of Oceanside California.

During the investigation of a marijuana cultivation north of the city of Fillmore on July 29, 2010, sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle associated with the illegal activity. The driver eventually yielded after driving about 2 miles, then fled on foot over a ledge on the side of the road and disappeared. In the vehicle was 78 pounds of processed marijuana.

Through investigation, sheriff’s narcotic detectives learned the identity of the driver. On August 5, detectives arrested Luis Alberto Rodriguez Pillardo at his residence in Oceanside for possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy to cultivate marijuana and resisting arrest. He was transported back to Ventura County and booked for the listed charges.

Location: Oceanside, Ca
Date: August 5, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team
Suspect City of Residence Age
Luis Alberto Rodriguez Pillardo Oceanside 29
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Mike Horne
Follow-up Contact: Sgt Mike Horne 805-383-8700
Approved by: Captain Eric Dowd

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 7, 2010, at approximately 6:15 PM, a helicopter was requested for a male who fell in the punch bowls in Santa Paula Canyon. Initial information stated Marice Lamburt fell approximately twenty-five feet off a rock and sustained traumatic injuries. This is a remote area in the Los Padres National Forest and is only accessible by foot or helicopter.

The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Kim Bergeson, responded with a rescue crew consisting of Crew Chiefs Jeff Golden, Don White and Paramedic Jacyen Justus. After an aerial search of the canyon was initiated, Lamburt was located laying on a rock adjacent to the river in a narrow part of the canyon known as the “slide.”

Due to the unknown medical condition of Lamburt, the rescue helicopter hovered over the area to begin a rescue operation. Justus and crew chief White were hoisted approximately 150’ down into the narrow canyon. Due to the injuries sustained by Lamburt, the decision was made to remove Lamburt from the location by helicopter.

Lamburt was placed on a backboard and secured inside a stokes basket for hoisting. Lamburt was subsequently hoisted out of the canyon and placed inside the helicopter. Justus and White were hoisted into the helicopter and Lamburt was flown to the Ventura County Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Location: Punch Bowls, Santa Paula Canyon, Santa Paula, CA

Date & Time: August 7, 2010, 6:15 PM

Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Aviation Unit

(V)ictim: City of Residence: Age:

V1 – Marice Lamburt Long Beach 39 years

Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Deputy White

Follow-up Contact: Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (805) 388-4212
Date of Release: August 8, 2010
Approved by: Captain Dowd

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 1, 2010 at approximately 2102 hours, Fillmore Deputies were dispatched to 353 Fourth Street, reference a dispute involving a boat. While investigating the incident, the Deputies learned that (S) Michael Elliot May 60, Fillmore, had battered one of the other involved parties. May was arrested for a violation of PC 242 – Battery. May’s vehicle was towed and during an inventory search of the vehicle, a concealed firearm was located in the glove box. May was also arrested for a violation of PC 12025(a)(1) – Possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle. May was transported and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura.

Dr. James Howatt

Ventura County resident James Howatt M.D., Molina Healthcare’s chief medical officer, has been appointed as Adjunct Professor by Claremont Graduate University’s School of Community and Global Health (SCGH).

"We at the Claremont School of Community and Global Health are delighted to have Dr. Howatt join our faculty, said C. Anderson Johnson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Community and Global Health. “His expertise in health maintenance and management of health systems for underserved populations brings an important element to our school. Molina HealthCare is one of our most valued partners and we are honored to have it represented by Dr. Mario Molina on our Board and Dr. James Howatt as a member of our faculty."

As chief medical director for Molina Healthcare Inc., Dr. Howatt is responsible for oversight of the medical management functions of all the Company’s health plan subsidiaries, including utilization management and risk management activities. Dr. Howatt received his Bachelor of Science degree and Medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and also holds a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Health Management from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Howatt is a board-certified family physician and a member of the American College of Managed Care Medicine.

About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) is a multi-state managed care organization that arranges for the delivery of health care services to persons eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and other government-sponsored programs for low-income families and individuals. Molina Healthcare’s licensed health plan subsidiaries in California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Washington currently serve 1.5 members. More information about Molina Healthcare, Inc. and Molina Healthcare of California can be obtained at www.molinahealthcare.com.

Situated about halfway between Moscow and Mongolia, Omsk is a modest city of 1.5 million people desperately in need of more vowels. The city will host the upcoming Siberian International Marathon, which will attract runners from throughout the world, including our own group of adventurers: Cops Running for Charity.

The group, led by Captain Randy Pentis, has traveled the world to participate in grueling foot races on several continents. Last year, the men ran a marathon on remote Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. Previous adventures have taken them to Tunisia, China, Iceland, Chicago and New York.

Many of their previous trips were not traditional marathons. In the Sahara Desert, the men ran over dunes and Mars-like terrain in a multi-day race. In Iceland, they completed an ultra marathon over a volcanic landscape. When they went to China, the men ran a marathon on the Great Wall.

The ambassadors of pain and suffering will once again raise money for medical charities that focus on children.

The group includes Captain Randy Pentis, Captain Tim Hagel, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, Sergeant Paul Higgason, Sergeant Joe Devorick, and Pentis’ brother, Chief Deputy Gary Pentis, who is the “team mom.”

The team has raised an impressive $150,000.00 for local charities. This year, the goal is to raise $40,000.00 that will go to Childrens Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The men pay their own way when they travel, so 100 percent of the money they raise goes directly to the charities.

The team lives by Winston Churchill’s words, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

“What we do is nothing compared to what children and others have to battle with medical issues,” Pentis said.

While this trip is fairly straight forward…it’s only a marathon on relatively flat city streets, the preparation revealed some interesting obstacles. Getting their visas approved for the journey was complicated by the concern of Russian officials that the group was going to Siberia as spies.

The visa application didn’t help. It included questions about experience with bombs and terrorism training. Some of the questions prompted answers other than “no,” which raised more concern.

Captain Pentis had to meet directly with Russian Embassy officials to ease their concerns about the intentions of the group of runners from Ventura County.

“If the goal of a spy is to collect blisters on his feet and be attacked by mosquitoes capable of carrying off small children, then we definitely fit the bill,” joked Pentis. “If they’re still concerned, I hope the FSB can keep up with us, because we’re going there to run.”

Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Captain Randy Pentis directly at (805)947-8067.

Enlarge Photo

After nearly 27 years of dressing the lovely ladies of Fillmore and the surrounding areas in the latest styles, Shirley Wright owner of Mirage clothing store, has decided to close up shop. Shirley’s impeccable fashion sense was first introduced to her lucky patrons when she opened shop in the “Old” Vons shopping center. She then moved on to the location of “Laura Smith’s Dress Shop” on Central and finally landed in the old Wm L. Morris Chevrolet dealership showroom on the corner of Central Ave. and Santa Clara St. Shirley’s beautiful window displays have caught the eye of passersby on both streets ever since. Shopping at the Mirage can be likened to taking a small vacation. The atmosphere in the store has always been upbeat and fun with selections of clothing available for women of all ages and sizes. Mirage has been like a small piece of paradise located right here in our quaint town. A couple of generations of women have passed through Mirage’s door - always looking for and finding that “just right” item.

Shirley’s customers have quickly become her friends. She is very appreciative of the support they have shown her throughout the years and will miss the contact that running Mirage has afforded her. Shirley is also grateful for the unwavering support of the Morris family.

Mirage’s anticipated closing date is October 1, 2010. Lay-aways will need to be picked up by that time and tanners will want to use their remaining minutes by then. Shirley welcomes customers old and new to stop by. Watch this newspaper for sales announcements as October draws nearer.

One cannot turn on the radio or television or read a newspaper in today’s environment without coming across some political advocate bombarding us with terms like redistribution of wealth and socialism. What do they mean? Are we a nation that is willing to be governed by these concepts and, if so, would that be a bad thing?
A fundamental belief of socialism is the redistribution of wealth. Under this concept the majority of the wealth is entrusted to the state which in turn redistributes it according to what it determines to be each individual’s best needs. That concept, in theory, would result in the elimination of the poorest and richest classes and the creation of a middle class that has a large degree of equality. But it is only a theory and it has never remotely approached reality.

One needs only to look at the countries that have operated under a socialist system for the longest periods of time. They all continue to maintain the “have and have not” classes. Some even have an alarming growth of the “will not class.” The elite still exist and the poor remain poor. Not all of them own a home. Not all of them own a car. Not all of their children go to college.

The preferred method of redistributing wealth is not by appropriating personal property but by placing an inordinate degree of taxes on earnings and property.

In many socialist countries well over 50% of a working person’s salary is withheld as taxes. A very significant “value added tax” is placed on most items not considered as necessities. That results in 60-75% of the proceeds of the workforce going into the government’s coffer who then determines who gets what.
A socialistic society strives to create equality, however, in doing so it must of necessity destroy individualism and initiative. The norm for virtually everything in a socialistic society must be the lowest acceptable performance.

A classic of this method is utilized by some organized labor in the United States. Unions want their employees to be paid equal salaries regardless of the quality or quantity of work performed. Union employees are discouraged from providing performance that might have the outcome of raising what is currently considered to be the lowest acceptable performance. Promotions and pay raises are to be determined by seniority and not by performance. Innovation such as new methods or technology that may result in loss of jobs is highly discouraged.

In a recent study of the nations of the world there was an attempt to identify the happiest people on earth. The results concluded that a small country in Europe, Denmark, was the overall happiest. Denmark has a socialist government and therefore one might argue that if it makes so many people happy a socialist government must be preferable to countries that have other types of governments. When questioned about what was responsible for the level of happiness in their country many of the Danes replied, “We don’t expect much and therefore we are seldom disappointed.”

Our beloved nation was built upon great expectations and a willingness to accept many disappointments on our journey to achieving our full potential. We have prevailed in so many ways because of our individualism, our unwillingness to let others think for us. Where much is given much is expected. We have been given the opportunity to live and thrive in this great land and we need to always endeavor to keep our expectations high and reject the mediocrity that socialism promises.