Federal and local authorities this morning arrested 13 individuals linked to mortgage fraud operations that filed fraudulent loan applications with several banks and other lenders, generated millions of dollars in loan fees and real estate commissions, and caused millions of dollars in losses when the homes went into foreclosure because the purchasers were unable to make their monthly payments.

Those arrested this morning are among 14 charged in two federal indictments that were returned last week by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles . The indictments outline schemes in which real estate professionals prepared mortgage applications that contained false information about borrowers' income, employment, assets, and intent to occupy the properties. In the first case, which names 10 defendants, investigators estimate that the conspiracy was responsible for banks funding at least $25 million in mortgages. In the second case, which names four defendants, authorities believe that banks funded at least $10 million based on fraudulent loan applications.

The defendants in these cases generated huge commissions and fees through the mortgage application process, with the largest commissions coming when the banks approved loans and paid "yield spread premiums" or "rebates" to mortgage brokers who convinced borrowers to seek high-risk "option ARM" and similar mortgages that started with low monthly payments that dramatically increased after the "teaser" period, leaving many borrowers unable to make their payments.

Today's arrests were CONTINUED »

Bill Burnett spoke to council concerning proposed business park.
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Announcements
Mayor Patti Walker thanked the Board of Supervisors for their approved $50,000 to support the transportation of youths from Piru to Fillmore’s Boys & Girl’s Club.

The Budget Workshop has been rescheduled for Tuesday July 13 at the regular City Council meeting at 6:30 pm; the budget will be available on the City website on June 28.

From the podium, Walker presented the plaque she received from Cabrillo town homes on Main Street on behalf of the efforts of past councils, the present council, and staff to bring the housing project to fruition.

City Planner Kevin McSweeney announced the upcoming Friday Farmer’s Market to be held at the northeast corner of Sespe and Central Ave, starting July 13, running from 4pm-9pm. Thirty booths will be available for rent.

The Fourth of July hot rod show put on by Fillmore & Western is expected to run as planned at Central Park.
McSweeney also noted that the City has issued only two block party permits. Though the registration deadline has passed, the City will not turn anyone away this week, but McSweeney warns that it is not possible for authorities to process many permits at the same time. Permit seekers are asked to apply by July 1.

Public Comments
Resident Dave Roegner expressed CONTINUED »

A student listens to Clara Knopfler as she speaks.
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Eighth grade students at Fillmore Middle School had a rare opportunity Tuesday May 25th. They heard the testimony of a Holocaust survivor, Clara Knopfler. As Clara related her story of life in Transylvania she emphasized she was the same age as FMS students when her country was occupied by Hungarians, Hitler‘s first allies in World War II. As she spoke the silence in the FMS gym was palpable. Eighth graders have been reading the Diary of Anne Frank in Language Arts and studying the Holocaust in their history classes. They sat mesmerized by actually hearing the history from a woman who lived it. As Clara explained, she was first made to live in the ghetto, an old brick factory with no restrooms. She was then transported to Auschwitz and later ended up in Riga concentration camp where she made gun powder for the German army. Luckily she lived through these trials with her mother at her side, Pepi Deutsch, who’s spirit led she and her daughter through the darkest times. From Riga she went to the Eastern front to dig anti-tank trenches. There she confronted a German soldier beating her mother. By the simple, but strong statement, “don’ t you have a mother?” actually got him to stop hitting her mother.

Lastly Clara and her mother were forced to CONTINUED »

Mr. Chuey Ortiz, owner of El Pescador was awarded with a Power of One certificate.
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Receiving recognition for participating in the “E-Scrip” program was (r-l) Kathy Lisle of Vons and Martin Hernandez of Super A, along with the E-Scrip coordinator Lori Dyer, and school board member Virginia De la Piedra.
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On Tuesday, June 15th the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting. The school year ended last week, Board President Tony Prado was not present, but school business carries on with concerned citizens asking the Board for clarifications on spending while the Board scrambles to cover it’s next payroll payment as the County claims money recently put in District accounts.

The Board heard again from Mrs. Mary Ford of Fillmore regarding concern over the situation in Piru and referred to the recent actions of Sweeney in hiring a mediator to help, but “how can the mediator do her job if these teachers are going to be moved” asked Ford. Board materials confirm that the District paid Ms. Cynthia Kings company Communication Catalysts $10,000.00 for “mediation services” over the next year. During an interview King commented that following a year end meeting with staff last week she feels the process is “Off to a good start, [emphasizing start] and I have met some wonderful people that I look forward to working with”. King was not part of the decision making process to pass the Resolution allowing the involuntary transfer of teachers from Piru School but she does intend to meet individually with all School Board members as part of the process. King will be meeting with community members in Piru and then performing “in-service” work during the upcoming school year.
Public comment continued with Fillmore resident, Ms. Ide Ramirez presenting questions to Sweeney regarding options for parents wishing to transfer students out of the District. Ramirez demanded that the District stop giving parents false information regarding their legal options. “We have been in touch with Moorpark, Ojai, Santa Paula, Ventura Unified and [they] have no recollection of denying enrollment to Fillmore [students] as a matter of fact they have asked us to give you the message that as long as they have room in their non “PI” schools they will continue to welcome FUSD [students]”. The final two public comment speakers brought questions to the Board regarding records of expenditures specifically at Piru School, for programs to benefit the students, and for facility improvement. Sweeney commented, and Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush later confirmed that $1.3 Million in projects have been applied for to go to Williams Act projects at Piru School, but that the District has been waiting for two years for the funding to be approved, although Bush did mention that he expects approval in July, the money will not come until the State releases funds. Bush emphasized that “we have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars already” on Piru School facility projects - including painting and repairing asphalt which the District felt was an “immediate safety risk” - and that those dollars will be reimbursed to the District when the money arrives from the State.

In recognizing the great contribution of CONTINUED »

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As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal between June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area please report it. Please call 805-524-1500 ext. 350 with any information you can provide. An illegal fireworks enforcement team dedicated to responding to fireworks related calls for service will be on hand to insure violations are resolved both quickly and safely.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.
Fire Safety
• If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.
• Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
• Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.
• Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.
• Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A detailed "Farm Watch E Newsletter" will be sent out in a week or so. We wanted to get these important details out to you fast.

BURGLARY WARNING

If you have rural farming, ranching or nursery property in the Las Posas Valley, Tierra Rejada Valley , Oxnard Plains, Santa Rosa or Santa Clara River Valley.

In the last 7 days the Sheriff's Department has responded with our deputies and CSI Unit to a sudden increase in rural burglaries at nurseries and farms. We believe that at least two of them are connected and are located 7 miles apart.

Here are the Highlights:
Waters Road - Barn - Horse Equipment
Sunset Valley Road-Tierra Rejada - Barn - Special Event Equipment
Balcom Road - Shed - Landscaping Equipment
Balcom at South Mountain Connex Boxes Ranch Welding Equipment
Bradley Road - Barn - Landscaping Equipment
Bradley Road- Nursery Grounds - 350 flats of plants
Pancho Road -Pancho Road - Trailer and Pipe
Berylwood Road- Diesel Fuel
Los Angeles Ave- Somis- Connex Box- Gardening Equipment
Foothill Drive- Santa Paula / Ventura- Forklift

What does all this mean?
The suspect(s) are using the concealment of darkness and targeting the rural locations and standard "Connex type" 20 and 40 foot boxes at unattended locations.

Who are they?
They are bold, aggressive in technique and any property is fair game. They likely blend in using farm type trucks.

What do we know about them?
They will likely have bolt cutters in their trucks. We know the same crook has hit multiple locations in the same night and that the victims have unrelated agriculture activities.
These miscreants are criminal foragers, opportunistic and will take what ever they can find.

What can you do?
Be extra vigilant, block remote access gates with heavy equipment that cant be hot wired and stolen. Install camera systems (Although one was stolen, we will mention that in our newsletter later). Teach employees to report any suspicious vehicles, often the drivers ask for casual farm work and they may also be crooks casing out your farm.
Install Motion Lights, Driveway electronic detection systems, Alarms and Reenforce your storage sheds.

ALSO:
Cancel the lookout for the White Pick Up Truck that was a suspect in last month's large diesel theft.
We had 3 Farm Watch members email tips in, and we located the truck and suspect.
We couldn't have solved this caper without your Farm Watch tips!

Be safe Farm Watch!
Tim Hagel
Captain
Ventura County Sheriff Department

Ruben Sauceda speaks to the school board during the June 3rd meeting.
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FUSD Board Resolution Page 1
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FUSD Board Resolution Page 2
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In a special meeting held on Thursday, June 3rd, the Fillmore School Board of Trustees unanimously approved Resolution 09-10-25. By passing this Resolution, the Board has granted themselves the ability to circumvent part (Article 10) of their collective bargaining agreement with the Fillmore Unified Teacher Association (FUTA), and thus giving themselves “sole discretion” in making transfers and reassignments “to and from” Piru Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year. In letters dated June 4, 2010 five teachers at Piru Elementary School were notified of their reassignments. Four of these teachers were petitioners in the effort over the past year to convert the school to a charter school; these four teachers are Mrs. Susan Jolley, Ms. Shara Elliott, Ms. Jill Kelley and Mr. Chris Pavik. A Piru second grade teacher, Mr. John Schaper who was opposed to the charter petition has also received a transfer notice. Schaper did not respond to requests for comment. The letter to teachers signed by Superintendent Jeff Sweeney states that this action is “non-disciplinary”, and does not signify that the District is charging any teachers with “specific acts of misconduct”. Sweeney states in the letter that this is “one of a number of changes that will be made to begin the healing process of the Piru school community…” At press time Sweeney was unable to respond to comment requests due to not having enough time with end of year business. School Board members did not respond to requests for comment made via contact information provided on the District website.

The text of the Resolution contains 14 paragraphs describing why the Board feels action must be taken. Nine of the paragraphs clearly make reference to the fact that certain teachers were part of the charter petition over the last year. The Resolution states “fifty percent of Piru Elementary teachers submitted a petition to the District…seeking to convert Piru Elementary school to a charter school”…”the petition to convert Piru Elementary to a charter school was opposed by other Piru teachers, many classified staff and a majority of Piru parents”…” throughout the entire hearing and appeal process, both proponents and opponents vigorously advocated their position”…”on June 1, 2010 the District received a petition signed by 97 parents, expressing and requesting the removal of certain Piru Elementary teachers who were proponents of the charter petition.” The entire text of the Resolution is available to the public at the School District office.

The bargaining agreement between CONTINUED »

Announcements
Fillmore High School Graduation is this 7 pm Thursday, June 10 at the Fillmore Football Stadium.

Presentations
Mayor Patti Walker presented a proclamation to the Fillmore High School Fillmore Flashes Cheerleading Squad in recognition of their winning track record at numerous competitions including March’s California State Championships, where they won First Place for the third consecutive year. Of over 30 squad members, 16 are on the Competition Team. Walker commended coaches Katrina Tafoya, Eddie Rios, and Katie Aguilar “for motivating the cheerleaders to be champions.”

Public Comments
Councilwoman Laurie Hernandez announced a slow pitch softball tournament fundraiser for the Amber Leon Memorial Fund at 9 am Sunday June 13 at Shiells Park. Cost is $300 per team. Please support the Leon family with the cost of Amber’s memorial service. Contact Melissa Long: 794-5280.

Fillmore Chamber of Commerce President David Crockett announced an open house at the Fillmore Family Medical Group to be held 5-7 pm on the first floor at 828 Ventura Street.

Crockett also gave a CONTINUED »

Noah Stoessl, 8, of Fillmore, was airlifted by a VC Fire Department helicopter out of a remote section of Los Padres National Forest, Saturday, north of Fillmore. As of Sunday Stoessl was in good condition at the Ventura County Medical Center. He had been hiking with his mother and a group of people on a trail above the U.S. Forest Service’s Oak Flat Ranger Station, when he fell about 10 feet, hitting his head on a rock. He has been reported in good condition.

Mike Saviers

Mike Saviers’ grin was audible through the phone, and now his self-deprecating humor comes through from the other side of his sunglasses. The sun’s higher in the sky and he’s no longer sitting in the shade; would he like to move? “Oh, I could use some color on my head,” he laughs as he runs his hand over his shiny scalp. Powered by a can of Diet Coke, he thinks through his answers yet displays a surprising degree of candor, remaining patient through equipment malfunctions, flying papers, and a deluge of questions; he’s an advocate of the slow pace of small town life.

It’s what he likes about Fillmore, where he moved his family in 1991; the city is about the same size as Santa Paula when he was growing up there. “I’m as local as you can get without being from Fillmore,” he jokes. Saviers waves back to someone rolling by in a sedan, “The people here are awesome. It’s fun to walk around; people know each other. Before we lived here in Fillmore, we lived in east Ventura. Life is different—it’s more kick-back and relaxed here.”

After thirty-some years in law enforcement, Saviers appears to fit the bill of a capable cop—approachable, but someone you don’t want to mess with. When asked how he ended up the provisional school board member, he seems surprised himself.

Saviers originally wanted to go into CONTINUED »

On Thursday, June 3, Fillmore River View LLC, the partnership made up of several developers responsible for the Fillmore Business Park Project held an informational meeting for the community at the Senior Center in Fillmore. Over 30 residents and local business owners came to hear the presentation. Presenter, Ray Harper of KDF Communities, one of the developers, believes that Fillmore with the addition of this Business Park is ideally situated to attract some large and diverse companies, bringing with them jobs at all levels of pay, expertise and skill.

What Happens Next?

As the development phase of the project is complete, the phase of a joint venture group taking possession in now in process. The project is currently in escrow with a joint venture group consisting of PacTen Partners and The Southwest Carpenters Pension Fund. According to Harper, both of these groups fund their projects with cash, so there is no dependence on approval from any lender or need for a line of credit. If things progress on schedule escrow will close in the next few months, and at that time the venture group will begin the process of developing building plans, obtaining contractors, and receiving necessary permits from the City for Phase One of the project. Phase One will consist of nine separate buildings on 7.76 acres; totaling 122,162 square feet of interior space being built according to previously approved master plans. The process of obtaining permits generally is a back and forth ongoing event between the City and the venture group that may take several months of negotiating.

How will this project benefit Fillmore?

Fillmore residents and CONTINUED »