Mark Pilkington, White, Male, 5'8", 180, 60 years old, brown and gray hair in a mullet style, brown eyes.

On April 18, 2010 at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team searched an area of the Santa Rosa Valley with the use of their K-9s. The Search and Rescue Team’s K-9s are trained in the detection of human remains. During the search, a body was located and was positively identified as Mark Pilkington. Mark Pilkington’s body was found in an open space of land west of Orions Flight Way in the Santa Rosa Valley.

A preliminary finding revealed Mark Pilkington committed suicide by a single gunshot to the head. Mark Pilkington’s body was taken by personnel from the Ventura County Coroner’s Office, and an official cause of death has not been determined pending the autopsy.

Mark Pilkington’s next of kin was notified as well as the adult female victim of this past Friday’s incident.

Location: Open space west of Orions Flight Way within the gated community of Santa Rosa Highlands, Camarillo, Ca. 93021.

Date & Time/ RB#: April 18, 2010 @ 8:00 p.m. / 10-9095

Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Pilkington, Mark Thornton Moorpark, Ca 60

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Jon R.Smith
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jon R. Smith (805) 494-8216
Date of Release: April 19, 2010
Approved By: Capt. Ron Nelson

Roger Keller, owner Nannette Keller Fashion.
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Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel praises the on-going program for properly disposing of all sorts of unused and unwanted drugs.
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Gary Creagle poses for the press.
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Gary Creagle gives his speaking time to Brian Sipes during Tuesday's council meeting.
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Public Forum
Fillmore City Council met Tuesday, April 13, 2010. It was highlighted with an emotional condemnation from Roger Keller, reiterating the damage Measures H & I have wreaked on his north Fillmore business, Nannette Keller Fashions. Keller deliberately addressed Measure supporters Mayor Patti Walker, Councilman Jamey Brooks and Mayor Pro-tem Gayle Washburn, pointing his finger at them, saying the Measures rendered his property worthless.

Prescription Drug Turn-In Program
In only three months of operation, the Prescription Drug Turn-In program held at the Police Station has yielded 32 lbs of unwanted prescription drugs which it then properly disposes. With its no-questions-asked policy of accepting everything from baby aspirin to narcotics, the program helps to make households safer. “It’s been a huge success,” said Chief of Police Tim Hagel, thanking the City Council and citizens of Fillmore for their support.

Presentations
Brian Sipes of Market Mortgage presented the Senior Center with a $500 donation. Senior Center Board President Marie Wren accepted the gift, earmarking it for the Center’s salad bar program.

Senior Center Business and Discussion Items
Senior Center Board President Marie Wren spoke of the Center’s growth from serving 100 visitors per month at its inception two years ago to over 800 last March. Its salad bar is not part of the subsidized federal nutrition program. Wren had estimated it would cost about $25,000 annually, but the program has expanded to being held both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Funding comes from the Redevelopment Agency, and the Fillmore Women’s Service Club provides $100 monthly. Wren encouraged donations of avocados and spring garden vegetables to support the salad bar. Wren noted that the Senior Center, serving citizens over 55 and offering subsidized programs for citizens over 60, has only two paid employees and is otherwise run by volunteer efforts.

Wren also announced the need of various upgrades for the Fillmore Senior Center, including 50 new dining room chairs, restroom renovations, and especially automatic access doors for visitors with walkers and wheelchairs.
Senior Treasurer Dave Roegner announced that the Senior Center’s computer program has graduated 60 students thus far. Classes, held Mondays 10-11:30 am, include learning how to operate the computer, using the mouse, navigating the Internet, making and saving files, and keyboarding. He invites interested seniors to attend the “open class” held Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 am for individual help. The lab now boasts a set of eight Mac computers, a projector, and laptop. Roegner is considering to put on a Paintshop Pro class and hopes to acquire more ergonomic individual computer desks.

City Council Business Items
Business License Fee Prorating
Transitional Finance Director Anita Lawrence recommended CONTINUED »

Members of the Fillmore Unified School District Board met jointly with the North Fillmore Neighborhood Committee Tuesday night in the FUSD board room.

District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney told the board that he attended the recent State Board of Education meeting in Sacramento where the Piru Charter School application was being heard. Sweeney said that parent support for keeping Piru School under FUSD control was overwhelming. He told the gathering that parents paid for buses to go to the hearing. He said Piru School is a neighborhood school and the center of the town. “A charter takes away local control,” Sweeney added.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush said the district would lose $7,500 per student if the Charter School is approved. “For those students who want to come here we will have to make investments to accommodate them,” Bush said. Tony Prado, President of the Board said, “Parents are upset because Charter supporters are saying that the Fillmore District is influencing parents, but we are not. If the majority of parents want the Charter, we will accept that.”

Superintendent Sweeney said they've reached an agreement with the certificated and classified employees. Both groups have agreed to work five fewer days next year. Class sizes will increase only by one student. He added that there will be a one-year delay in buying math books. Fillmore Unified School District Teachers' Association President Theresa Marvel told the board that the teachers had ratified the agreement and presented the board with a signed copy. “I thank you very much for supporting our students,” she added.

Under the Power of One agenda CONTINUED »

[Opinion Editorial by Mary Ford]
The Piru Charter Petition was approved 5-2 by the California Advisory Commission on Charter Schools at a hearing on April 6, 2010 in Sacramento. The Commission Chair, Beth Hunkapiller, explained that the legal duty of the Advisory Commission is to determine if the charter petition meets the sixteen required elements. The petition must contain an appropriate educational plan and a budget that is balanced. The charter petitioners and administrators of the Fillmore Unified School District then gave their presentations. Both presentations were followed by questions from the commissioners. Questions to the petitioners were mainly about enrollment and the budget. Questions to the Fillmore District administrators mainly focused on their denial of the charter. Superintendent Sweeney responded to many of the questions by saying, “Ask the parents; they will tell you.” It seems that Mr. Sweeney was oblivious to the fact that the commissioners wanted the superintendent’s professional assessment. In continuingly suggesting that the parents be asked their questions, he embarrassed himself. About fifty people, mostly opponents of the charter, addressed the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting. After public deliberation, the vote was taken. Except for the public comments, all proceedings were bilingual. The last step in converting Piru School to Piru Charter School will be the approval of the California Department of Education in May.

It is unfortunate that many Piru parents do not understand that they are being offered a wonderful gift. Piru Charter School will still be their school. It will be a better school with good programs and more money to spend for their children’s education. The petitioners are dedicated, wonderful teachers. Piru Charter petitioners are great with curriculum. When they began, Piru was a very low performing school. With a team of talented educators, they designed a curriculum for Piru that resulted in students succeeding and API scores soaring. The team that put together the Piru charter is the same group that developed alternative strategies that finally helped these students. There is no question that Piru Charter School will be a success.

The Fillmore Unified School District has waged an unrelenting mendacious CONTINUED »

John Wilson was arrested for DUI, Driving under the Influence and causing injury, and hit and run.

On Good Friday, April 4, 2010, at approximately 11:45AM, deputies responded to an injury accident at A and River Streets, and a hit and run accident at Santa Fe Street and Surrey Way. It was determined that the suspect in the hit and run accident, John Allen Wilson, 47 of Fillmore, was also involved in the injury accident.

Witnesses stated Wilson had collided with a parked vehicle on Santa Fe Street and left the scene without exchanging information. He then collided with the rear of an occupied vehicle, idling at a red light at the intersection of A Street and River Street. Minor injuries were caused to the driver and her 3 year old daughter, who was secured into a child’s carseat. The impact pushed the victim’s Camry into the intersection. The injured parties were transported to Santa Paula E.R. by ambulance.

Witnesses on scene overheard Wilson tell an officer that he was addicted to morphine and that he was taking the drug suboxone, a narcotic inhibitor which contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. According to personnel on scene, Wilson was also taking Xanax.

Deputies contacted Wilson at CONTINUED »

After more than six hours of heated testimony, in a 5-2 vote, the 7-member state Charter Schools Advisory Commission has recommended that Piru School be converted to a charter school. This recommendation followed the same decision by the California Department of Education, Charter Schools Division Staff. Approximately 70 anti-charter persons were bussed from Piru to Sacramento by the school district for the purpose of protesting the charter. The bus left Piru at about midnight with parents, teachers, and District employees.

Arguments both for and against a charter conversion was described by one person attending the commission hearing as “passionate.” Commissioner, Brian Bauer, admonished the District’s educational leaders to “check their egos at the door” in an effort to heal hard feelings in the community. This recommendation will now proceed to the California State Board of Education for a final determination.

The issue of whether Piru School will become independent of the Fillmore-Piru School District in 2011 is now left exclusively in the hands of the State Board of Education, which will make its decision May 5.

Refugio Ruvalcaba

Friday, April 2, 2010 at 1051 Am Hours: - Fillmore - Threats - 500 Ventura St. - 27 year old Refugio Ruvalcaba, went to a local Fillmore business. Ruvalcaba was described by employees as irritable and at one point during the conversation, threw a softball sized rock at the head of one of the employees. The employee was able elude the rock. Before leaving the business, Ruvalcaba punched an employee and threatened to return and kill everybody at the business. About 15 minutes later, deputies responded to a gun brandishing call at a different location in the city. Deputies determined it was Ruvalcaba who was the suspect in gun incident as well. Witnesses said Ruvalcaba appeared to be under the influence of drugs and had displayed a handgun. Due to the severity of the crimes, Deputies set out a dragnet in the city and in short time located Ruvalcaba on the other side of town and took him into custody without incident. gun Ruvalcaba was booked in jail for felony street terrorism 422 P.C felony assault with a deadly weapon 245 P.C., and misdemeanor battery 242 P.C.

(Information from Cheri Carlson, Ventura Star)
Many teachers’ jobs may be saved next year as a result of a recently announced tentative agreement between the Fillmore Unified School District and the teachers union. According to a Ventura Star report, many of the nearly 70 pink slips recently sent to certificated employees, including teachers, administrators, and others, may be rescinded.

The District and union have agreed to resolve a serious funding problem by cutting the school year by five days, creating a retirement incentive program, and increasing class sizes by one student. Ratification by the school board and the teachers is still necessary.

Union President Theresa Marvel is said to have expressed her satisfaction with this solution, which must still be accepted by approximately 10 teachers.

The District is faced with a third year of state funding cuts for its K-12 classes. State law dictates that school districts must issue any layoff notices by March 15. About $2.8 million is expected to be cut for the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney is noted to have stated that during this three-year period, the state will have cut approximately 20 percent of the district’s budget.

The recommendation of the state Charter Schools Advisory Commission (as of April 6) to approve charter school conversion status on Piru School, may make handing-out some pink slips necessary.

Even with cut-backs in classes, Sweeney is said to assure students that students would not be deprived of college-prep classes.

Alejandro Garcia, 27 of Fillmore, was convicted on April 1, 2010 of Resisting, Obstructing, Delaying of a Peace Officer or EMT, and Battery Upon an Officer and Emergency Personnel.

On July 3, 2008, Garcia was observed by Officer Danny Delpit and EMT Patrick Maynard as he ran from Rite Aid with a suitcase of beer, tossed it into the window of a waiting car behind the store, and dove into the window himself.

Delpit and Maynard were in an unmarked vehicle with emergency lights on top, patrolling for illegal firework activity. Emergency lights and siren were turned on and Garcia and the driver were told to pull over. They stopped in the middle of River Street.

Officer Delpit approached the car, with gun drawn, as Maynard waited in the car.

Garcia argued with the officer and grabbed at her weapon, which she then holstered and tased him. He did not submit, according to witnesses, and raised his fists in a combative stance. Delpit deployed her baton in an attempt to subdue Garcia.

Maynard observed the subjects resistance and exited the vehicle and tased Garcia again, giving Officer Delpit the opportunity to handcuff him.

Other police units then arrived on scene, arresting Garcia, who remained combative.

Garcia has served approximately four months in county jail and was fined $145. He had pleaded Not Guilty to both charges.

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association said “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High.” “Let students win every day in our community.”

Newly appointed provisional Board member Michael Saviers took the oath of office at a joint meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board and the City Council Tuesday night March 29.

A packed audience witnessed the ceremony as Superintendent Jeff Sweeney swore in Saviers, who was then introduced to the City Council. Saviers replaces David Dollar, who resigned. “I look forward to the challenges of the next eight months,” he said. “I'll give it my best.”

Board member John Garnica read a joint resolution between the school district and the city council to have a cooperative governance relationship for the benefit of the community. Mayor Patti Walker said, “When I speak in other communities about our relationship they are in awe and jealous.”

Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association, congratulated the new board member before she asked the board to rescind 67 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices. “You did not create the financial mess we're in, but you do have the opportunity to create a win for students by keeping keeping low class sizes, keeping our graduation requirements and keeping Sierra High,” she said. “Let students win every day in our community.”

Parent Kelly Kause told the board, “I'm concerned about CONTINUED »

The Guiberson fire, which burned 17,500 acres in September 2009 was caused by a spontaneous combustion much pile. Santa Ana winds contributed to the fast-spreading fire which threatened 1,000 structures, with 600 homes being evacuated.

A total of 2,750 personnel were called out to battle the fire, including 200 fire engines, 32 bulldozers, 21 helicopters and 8 air tankers. A converted DC-10 jumbo jet, converted into an air tanker, was used to drop fire retardant on the flames.

The fire cost more than $9 million, and 10 firefighters were injured in the blaze, including smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries.

Mulch piles need to be turned regularly to prevent heat buildup and will combust if not properly maintained. The mulch pile owner has not been cited.

Gerardo Sillas

Fillmore gang member goes on crime spree on balcom at bradley above bardsdale shoots farm dog, robs driver. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Ventura County Sheriff's deputies were made aware of a carjacking that occurred at approximately 0555 hours in the 7400 block of Bradley Road, Somis. A 56 year old male victim was driving his 2006 BMW on Bradley Rd. when he observed an obstruction blocking both traffic lanes in the 7400 block. The victim stopped, exited his vehicle, and began moving the obstruction from the roadway. The suspect, Gerardo Sillas, emerged from the shrubbery and pointed a handgun at the victim. The suspect demanded the victim's wallet and vehicle. After the victim complied with the suspect's demands, the suspect fled with the victim's wallet and vehicle. The victim called authorities using his cellular telephone. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed in the 8000 block of Balcom Canyon. The suspect then fled the area on foot. Deputies searching the area found the victim's vehicle a short time later with major damage in a field. As the search continued, a 911 call was received from a resident in the 8000 block of Balcom Canyon. The caller reported his dog sustained a gunshot wound. It was later determined that Sillas shot the dog shortly after crashing the victim's vehicle. The dog was stabilized and the wound did not appear to be life threatening. Shortly thereafter, a 17 year old male who was working in a field on Posita Road saw the suspect who brandished a firearm at him. As a result of the brandishing, an additional 911 call was received reference a "man with a gun" at the end of Posita Road.

Deputies and CHP units quickly converged on the location and confronted Sillas who was disarmed and arrested. Sillas was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for carjacking, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, brandishing, cruelty to an animal, and resisting arrest. Additionally, Sillas is a known gang member from the city of Fillmore. Therefore he was also booked for street terrorism. The investigation is being handled by the Sheriff's Gang Unit.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Friday March 26, 2010, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested as he arrived at work. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit concluded its investigation of Deputy Anthony LaGrasta. LaGrasta, a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department was arrested for Child Annoying and sending harmful matter to a minor by telephone messages, electronic mail, Internet, or commercial online services.

Anthony LaGrasta was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Detention Facility without incident. He has been released after posting bail in the amount of $10,000. Deputy La Grasta has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and departmental investigations.

Location: Sespe Avenue at Central Avenue, City of Fillmore
Date & Time: March 26,2010 @ 1815 hours
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Anthony LaGrasta Ventura 35 yrs
(V) Female 16 yrs

Preparing officer Release: Sergeant Joe Evans

Follow-Up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio 805-654-2417

Date of Media Release: March 26, 2010

Approval: Captain Rick Barrios

Pete Egedi, former Fillmore Fire Chief

Information from Mike Harris, Ventura Star

Pete Egedi (39) former Fillmore Fire Chief, will stand trial for one count of embezzlement and three counts of grand theft for allegedly stealing money from a city fire department stipend fund.

Egedi is accused of stealing more than $25,000, money spent on his wife, gambling debts, paying for a city employee’s abortion, and for a wide screen TV for his home. All four counts are felonies, and if convicted, Egedi could spend up to four years, eight months in state prison. He has pleaded not guilty and has been released on $10,000 bail.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Drescher is quoted “It’s the people’s position that the defendant had his own personal slush fund.” Detective Sgt. Cary Peterson, of the sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, testified (according to the Star report) that former Fillmore Fire Chief, Pat Askren, revealed that Egedi “spent a lot on cars and boats and had a heavy gambling problem.” Defense attorney, Mark Pachowicz of Camarillo, has characterized Egedi as “a great guy who didn’t do anything wrong. ... He didn’t commit any of the offenses that he is charged with.”

Detective Sgt Peterson stated that Egedi stole the money from a Fire Department account he controlled at Santa Clara Valley Bank. This account also held federal emergency services money and proceeds from benefits.

It is reported that in April of 2008, former Fillmore Finance Director Barbara Smith, following a tip from Fillmore Disaster Coordinator Patrick Maynard, discovered 20 checks in the amount of $27,950 endorsed by Egedi or his wife. Egedi was entitled to $1,200 a year from this account. According to Smith’s testimony, Egedi overbilled the city $13,000 for work not done by his volunteer firemen. Peterson testified that Maynard told him that Egedi kept an emergency services reimbursement check for about $51,000 instead of turning it over to Barbara Smith. Maynard told Peterson that the fire department, under Egedi, was run “like a paramilitary operation where the chief wasn’t questioned.”

Peterson also testified, according to Maynard, that Egedi had issued a check from the stipend account for $800 to pay for a city employee’s abortion at Planned Parenthood in Sherman Oaks, and that he had been coerced by Egedi to drive the employee to the clinic.

Egedi had been on administrative leave since April 2008, and he was fired in October 2008. Egedi was Fillmore Fire Chief from 2005 to April 2008. He is scheduled for arraignment April 9.

Louie Cid Garcia

Louie Cid Garcia entered into heaven to be with our Lord on Friday, March 19th surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 28th, 1922, to Epitacio and Refugia Garcia and was one of eight children.

As a young boy, he enjoyed running through the hillsides of Simi Valley. He grew up a rancher's son and learned the trade of farming. He could grow ANYTHING with his green thumb and a nail. Whatever you wanted to know about how to heal a plant or the seasons for growing or planting, he knew it all. His knowledge far exceeded any book you could ever purchase. He was lovingly known by his mother as “mi négro” or “négro” as his siblings would call him.

At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and fought in WWII. With the 5th armored infantry, under General George S. Patton, his platoon stormed the beaches of Normandy and helped to liberate prisoners of war in Germany. He was also part of a secret force called the “Ghost Division” which infiltrated European boundaries. He will always he our hero.

After returning from war, he met his wife Viola and together they raised seven children. For 25 years, he had been employed as a foreman for Livingston and Graham and was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 12.

He was very proactive with the St. Vincent CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

Human Resources Consultant Bev Jones disclosed that 66 Fillmore Unified School District teachers and two administrators received layoff notices for the 2010-2011 school year.

Accusation packets were sent Monday by the District to those employees who want a hearing with a hearing officer and the District, which is set for April 19. Employees who received the reduction in force notices were chosen, based on seniority and job availability in the District next year. For example, 13 of 25 teachers at Mountain View School have received notices. Those laid off can “bump” someone with lesser seniority in positions that they are qualified to fill. The District is trying to eliminate the expected $887,000 deficit in next year's budget. They are currently in negotiations with the teacher's union to try to eliminate the deficit.

Theresa Marvel, the FUSD Teacher's Association President, said they have presented the District with some other ways to cut the deficit then at the classroom level. “We have a great proposal on the table for the District,” she said. The teachers agree to take off five days without pay next year. Marvel said this would still meet the State requirement for 175 student days. Another proposal is to pilot a change in the health insurance program from Net Access to the Net Value program. The union has also put out a retirement proposal for senior teachers. The cost savings would depend on the number of people retiring. Marvel said they are proposing for next year that class size in grades K-3 would increase from 23 to 25 students. That would eliminate the need for one teacher. “I am thoroughly concerned,” Marvel said. “I cannot see how teachers would believe that eliminating class size reduction is helpful. We want our kids to be educated and prepared, she continued. We're here to work at educating students in the best way. We want our community to wear yellow ribbons to show support for our teachers. We also want the community to call school board members and attend school board meetings.”

Marvel feels the District wants to CONTINUED »

Artists Guild
Judy Dressler appeared before the Council Tuesday night, March 23, to represent the newly formed, eight-charter-members-strong Artists Guild, which is looking to grow and find venues to showcase their work. The Guild is holding a Show and Sale at the Giessinger Winery at 365 Santa Clara Street on March 27-28 in conjunction with the City’s RailFest Celebration.

Boy Scouts and Boys & Girls Club
Mayor Patti Walker presented a Proclamation to the Fillmore Boy Scout Troop #406 for Outstanding Service to the Community. The troop filled 1,200 sandbags to protect against potential flood damage at the Fillmore Fire House during the January storms. Eleven of the 16 members were in attendance to receive the Proclamation. Mayor Walker then presented a Proclamation to Sheila Tate to acknowledge March 21-27, 2010 as National Boys & Girls Club Week and commended the new permanent director of Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for the organization’s work in providing comprehensive effective services to over 300 youths annually.

Keeping Revenues Local
David Mullinax of the California League of Cities, which represents 480 cities in the state, spoke on the group’s initiative to gather 1.1 million signatures by the end of April to protect local revenues from Sacramento. They have collected 800,000 signatures to date and are campaigning to mobilize grassroots efforts to meet their goal in order to keep the state government from “balancing their budgets on our backs.” Mullinax said that the beginning of the process starts with the adoption of the resolution he submitted before the City.

Classification and Compensation Study CONTINUED »