Gold Coast Champions
Approximately 30 young men, ages 6 to 14 years, filled the council chamber Tuesday night to receive a Proclamation, presented by Mayor Patti Walker, in recognition of Fillmore Youth Football League’s winning season. The boys are all part of the 2009 Gold Coast Youth Football Champions. Coaches Ram Medina, Val Pillado, John Ortiz and John Grove were present for the honor; Eddie Ortiz was not present.

Boys & Girls Club Donations
Also, a presentation of donated checks was made on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club. Interim Chief Executive Officer Sheila Tate thanked the community for their efforts in raising funds for the Club, “The Boys and Girls Club Board, staff and members are deeply touched by the generosity of the City employees, Cops Running for Charity and the Ventura County Sheriff's Association. We are working hard to provide critical services to the children of this community and we appreciate the confidence and commitment that the City staff and Sheriff's Department have shown by their generous contributions. This is a great community and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Check amounts totaled $2,350; $500 from Cops Running for Charity, $600 from the City of Fillmore employees and City Council Members; and $1,250 from the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Housing Element
Community Development Director Kevin CONTINUED »

FUTA / CTA / NEA Memo dated February 17th, 2010.
Bargaining Update #3.
In preparation for bargaining, the FUTA bargaining team examined the district documents that they submitted to the county. The team also poured over the detailed budget analysis provided by CTA. Our analysis shows a very different picture than the information that has been presented by the district.

One of the sound bites from the district site presentations is that FUTA is over 70% of the budget. While we recognize that salaries are a large portion of the district budget and that certificated is the largest employee group, we can not find any information that supports this claim. Our budget analysis shows that salaries for our bargaining unit are 43% of the budget. When we include statutory payroll benefits and health and welfare benefits for our bargaining unit, this equals approximately 58%.

We plan to meet with the district to begin negotiations on Tues Feb 23. Pertinent financial information has been requested from district. In order to represent our members at the bargaining table, it is imperative that we have all necessary financial data provided in a timely manner. Repeated requests have been made for documents including the three page document Mike Bush presented at the Feb 2nd board meeting during the budget update. Over the past two weeks, four requests have been made for this data. The district has failed to cooperate. FUTA has filed a grievance and is currently working with CTA legal services to file an Unfair Labor Practice since this is a clear violation of the law under the Educational Employment Relations Act.

We work for a non-profit organization. Fillmore CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

The District and FUTA teams met today. The District proposed to use the session to respond to FUTA’s many data requests, and to provide important information about how the ongoing state fiscal crisis has impacted the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and the 2010- 2011 school year. By law, districts are required to certify solvency for the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years.

The District asked to begin negotiations on two time-sensitive items immediately:
Shortening the instructional year by 5 days, beginning in 2010-2010 with a corresponding 5 days of per diem reduction of the salary schedule. FUTA’s share would provide $390,659 in savings in 2010-2011; and

Modifying health coverage to provide that beginning in 2010-2011, the District will pay the cost of the lowest HMO single, two party, or family health plans. PERS now offers an alternative plan with 100% alignment to Access Plus, meaning no additional employee cost, no change in plan design and no change in doctors. FUTA’s share would provide $205,496 in savings in 2010-2011.

If these savings can be negotiated soon, CONTINUED »

Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels

Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels, submitted a letter of resignation to Fillmore’s new City Manager Yvonne Quiring, Monday.

In an interview with the Ventura Star Bartels stated that he had been considering the move for more than a year. Reflecting on his appointment to deputy, he thought it “the highest honor to have been paid in terms of municipal government [having] support of the council during that transition period.”

A consultant to the city for 14 years, and deputy for nearly three, Bartels was appointed interim city manager following the resignation of City Manager Tom Ristau last year.

Bartels also stated that his time as deputy “has been an incredible, amazing experience. It reaffirms my belief in municipal government.” He also stated that he “hoped that my service has provided stability and continuity during this period of change.”

He had high praise for the city’s new city manager.

Bartels has accepted a job offer to teach music part time, and will be busy managing the family ranch in Bardsdale which they have farmed for more than a century.

Both City Manager Yvonne Quiring and Fillmore Mayor Patti Walker expressed their gratitude for Bartels’s work, Walker remarking that she appreciated his “stepping in to the thankless job of interim city manager."

Once a Marine always a Marine was never more true than it was on Friday, February 12th at Britt Park in Piru at the meeting of the Piru Petroleum Club! I was invited to the meeting by Jerry and Lynda Edmonds to represent the Fillmore Gazette because it was a special day for not only the Piru Petroleum Club, but also for the 1st Marine Division Association and the Bodfish Chapter. As a veteran Marine it was also a special day for me and I was honored to be present!

Today marked the first time the 1st Marine Division Association's Bodfish Chapter has met at a different location in over 40 years when the Chapter was formed by the late John Loomis and approximately five other veteran Marines in the 1960's! The 1st Marine Division Association is made up of active, retired and veteran Marines and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Navy Corpsman. The Bodfish Chapter was at their first Campout, of what is hoped to be the first of many future Campouts at Britt Park.

The Bodfish Chapter Campouts began in the 1960’s at the CONTINUED »

The day after a heavy winter rain, the Sespe Oil field is shown steaming from an underground “hot spot”, a thermal anomaly, according to Ron Oatman, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department. This picture was taken January 23rd by photographer Jeff Muth. Geologists and firefighters have surveyed the area, located in the Sespe Oil field, an active landslide zone with a history of shifting for more than 60 years. Pockets of gas, tar and oil lie several hundred feet below its cracked surface. Cracks along the landslide’s slope allow oxygen to enter the earth, and those natural hydrocarbon materials (gas, tar and oil) to “seep out” of the fine-grain shale. Underground combustion is a possible result, and could be as deep as 100 feet. Since 1987, high heat levels have been recorded in the area as many as five times. “Hot spots” are not uncommon in areas around the world with high concentrations of hydrocarbons. Temperatures have been registered in the low 800’s, about a foot below the surface. Firefighters have cleared brush, and cut a fire line around the area as a precautionary measure. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management owns the acreage (near the Sespe Oil Field), and leases it to Seneca Resources Corp. The rugged, steep terrain is devoid of buildings and equipment, and gated off from public access. The 3,000 acre Sespe Oil Field, producing nearly 50 million barrels of oil since its discovery in 1887, contains more than 300 oil wells, of which 210 are active.

School board member David Dollar was presented “the Power of One” award at Tuesday’s meeting.

FUSD Board President Tony Prado announced at Tuesday's, February 16 Board Meeting, that David Dollar was selected as this month's Power of One honoree for his seven and a half years of service to the Fillmore Unified School District.

Prado presented Dollar who is retiring as a School Board Member March 1, 2010, with a silver clock encased plaque. “Thanks for all your time and effort you put in,” praised Prado.

Dollar served on the board from December, 2002 to 2010. Prado said Dollar's successor will be appointed to complete his term until November's election. Applications are being accepted for the position until March 1 at 4:30 pm. Dollar replied, “Thanks to the community for this opportunity. We have some very strong administrators from the top down.” He specifically mentioned Superintendent Jeff Sweeney, Assistant Superintendents Katy Hadley and Mike Bush along with Bev Jones, Human Resources consultant, as well as the rest of the board members.
In light of the current state and local fiscal crisis the district and teachers have agreed to reopen negotiations. Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association questioned the board concerning the districts decision to hire an attorney. “It is the prerogative of the board to have or not to have an attorney for advice,” said Prado. Items in the talks include salaries, and extra pay, health benefits for retirees, early retirement, class size, summer school, salary schedules and extra pay assignments.
School Board member Liz Wilde reported that she attended a collaboration meeting between Fillmore Middle School and High School instructors. She sad they exchanged ideas and methods of instruction techniques. “I was pleased to see the collaboration discussions,” she said.

Superintendent Sweeney said that the district has learned that the Piru School Charter proponents have CONTINUED »

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Fillmore, CA - On February 9, 2010 at approximately 11:15AM a severe weather system packing intense periods of rainfall and thunderstorms passed over the City of Fillmore resulting in a period of concentrated rainfall and treacherous lightning conditions rarely experienced in the Santa Clara Valley. Over a three hour period approximately 6 lightning strikes touched down in Fillmore, two of which occurred in residential areas.

The two lightning strikes that impacted the City of Fillmore occurred simultaneously striking a 480 Volt Edison power pole located at A Street & First Street and a 50-foot palm tree located in the 1000 Block of Sespe Avenue. The strike that occurred in the area of Sespe Avenue was believed to be a “positive” and more powerful strike resulting in both a shockwave and transfer of approximately 1 billion volts through the tree into the ground and surrounding structures. Force from the strike shattered neighborhood windows and damaged a block wall laced with rebar. Palm frowns from the tree were found nearly 150-feet from their origin after being jolted with electricity. No further injuries or damage was reported at the conclusion of the incident.

The last documented lightning strike to occur within the City of Fillmore was in 2000 when a palm tree located in the 800 block of North Fillmore was struck by lightning and caught fire.

Fillmore residents are reminded to seek refuge during inclement weather and let this serve as a reminder that Californians are susceptible to the same dangerous weather conditions many other states experience on a very regular basis. These conditions are rare, however they are real and are armed with the potential to injure citizens and damage property.

Bill Morris, of Wm L. Morris Chevrolet Fillmore, addressed Council Tuesday night, thanking it for considering larger businesses in its Local Small Business Resolution preference.

Fillmore Senior Center
Tuesday night’s city council meeting began with a report from Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels, reviewing the Fillmore Senior Center. Bartels touched on the background of the City and Center’s relationship, Use and Service Agreements, On-site staff and volunteers, and budget.

In 1989 the City and Fillmore Senior Center entered in to a Lease and Service Agreement for the purpose of allowing the Center to operate a multipurpose senior citizens social services center at the facility. In 1995, the City and Center replaced the 1989 Lease with the current Fillmore Multipurpose Senior Center Use Agreement. The purpose of the new agreement was to more correctly define the duties and responsibilities of the parties for operation of the facility.

Councilmember Steve Conaway recommended revising the 1995 agreement and bringing it back to Council. Who has authority over city employees was “murky” stated Conaway. He said he would like clarification on “who is responsible, who they report to and take direction from,” calling for “better language and clarity” in the “line of authority”.

Councilmember Laurie Hernandez thanked CONTINUED »

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to a longtime Fillmore area resident to cleanup rocks and other fill in the Sespe River he placed there in an attempt to build a crossing in the river.
James Van Trees has to come up with a solution to reverse the fill material and restore steelhead passage, encompassing approximately ¾ of an acre.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers first inspected Van Trees’ property last year and issued a cease and desist order demanding he stop putting rocks and dirt into the creek. The EPA later inspected the river and began its investigation. The EPA is now requiring Van Trees provide documentation of all his activity in the river since 2005. He has several deadlines over the next two months, to present a solution to the problem. Failure to meet the deadlines could result in the EPA filing charges against him.

Also, the Ventura County Resource Management Agency has noticed Van Trees of violation regarding a bridge he built across Sespe River, and an unpermitted mobile home on the property. He has until February 22 to correct the violations or face possible civil penalties.

On Sunday, January 31st. at approximately 7:46 p.m. Santa Paula Police Officer Michael Hoppin was on routine patrol when he drove into the overpass in the 900 block of Faulkner Road. When he did so he discovered four subjects had been spray painting the walls of the underpass. The four subjects were identified as Rene Mariscal, 22 years old, Saul Torrez, 22 years old, Martin Torres 21 years old, and Jose Lira, 21 years old. All four subjects are from the city of Fillmore. Inside their vehicle, located under the underpass, were numerous spray paint cans, rubber gloves, and marijuana paraphernalia. All four subjects were charged with felony conspiracy and misdemeanor vandalism. Martin Torres was also charged with felony vandalism due to previous convictions for the same offense. All four subjects were transported to Ventura County Main Jail.

By Rich McKee
Californias Aware
While the City Council's public statements suggest a commitment to open government and the requirements of the Brown Act, their actions tell an entirely different story.

In the City of Fillmore’s January 27th press release, the City attempts to absolve itself of its most recent Brown Act violation. But their cries of innocence sound oddly familiar. Maybe that’s because it’s not the first time the City has denied violating the Brown Act.

After we demanded cure for Brown Act violations involving illegal closed sessions back in August, the City Council and City Attorney immediately declared we were wrong. However, less than two months later, they admitted to the violations, paid our attorney’s fees, and attended a Brown Act refresher training in order to settle our lawsuit.

This time the City Council held a closed session to CONTINUED »

Submitted by the City of Fillmore
As the City of Fillmore moves forward with efforts to be the "last best small town in Southern California," by providing efficient services and open government, and enhancing community parks, business opportunities, swimming pools, and theaters--staff and the City Council must continue to divert their attention to defending unfounded demands, like the one filed December 3, 2009 by Richard P. McKee. McKee erroneously alleges that a violation of the Brown Act occurred when the City Council met in closed session on November 24, 2009 under the “pending litigation” provisions of the Brown Act. This meeting was held to discuss enforcement of a prior settlement agreement the City had entered into with McKee.

Despite efforts by City Attorney Ted Schneider to amicably resolve McKee’s current ultimatum, including offering to submit McKee’s question at the City's cost to the California Attorney General for an opinion, McKee changed his mind and withdrew his offer of settlement in favor of pursuing costly litigation. McKee’s attorney, Kelly Aviles, informs the City that McKee has instructed her to file yet another lawsuit against the City of Fillmore.

As Schneider explained during his 90-minute Brown Act CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

David Dollar has resigned as a trustee of the Fillmore Unified School District and board members decided at Tuesday’s board meeting to appoint his replacement.

Dollar submitted his letter of resignation to the County Board of Education where it was forwarded to Fillmore Board President Tony Prado. Prado read the letter to an overflow crowd at the February 2 meeting.
Instead of holding a special election run by the county, which would be billed to the district, Prado said: “Consensus is that we will appoint someone to fill the position.” Under FUSD bylaws the board shall advertise in the local media to solicit candidate applications. A committee consisting of less than a quorum of the board shall ensure that applicants are eligible for board membership and announce the names of the eligible candidates. The board shall interview the candidates at a public meeting, accept oral or written public input and select the provisional appointee by a majority vote.

Interested applicants must be 18 or older, a U.S. Citizen, live in the FUSD boundaries and not be an employee of the district. Applications should be submitted by March 1 at 4:30 pm Applications can be picked up at the FUSD office at 627 Sespe Avenue. Interviews will take place at the regular board meeting on March 9. The appointment will be made on March 23. The new board member will take the oath of office on March 30 during a joint session with the City Council at the City Hall.

San Cayetano School was chosen last year to participate in a NASA grant for a program called Space Kids where they interact with astronauts. They are one of 10 schools in the country to be chosen and even had to compete with college students to get the grant. Four students, along with their fifth grade teacher Melanie Chisolm and school Principal Jan Marholin, demonstrated their project. The project concerns reduced gravity, also know as micro gravity. The students have participated in video conferencing with their assigned astronaut. The community is invited to their Science Night April 8 where the micro gravity will be present to give more information.
The board heard an updated report from Fillmore High School Principal John Wilbur on graduation requirements and the advanced placement program. He said their goal is to provide students with a rigorous high school experience, similar to other California high schools. He told trustees that they have four reading intervention classes for students who are reading at the sixth grade level or below. They also have three math intervention classes. Wilbur added that the WASC Accreditation Committee recognized the rigor in FHS curriculum and graduation requirements and the number of students meeting the challenge. The AVID program is also there to help all students, whether or not they are in the advanced placement program or not.

Karen Ashim, FHS Head Counselor told the board of recent college graduates from Fillmore, including two from Harvard, one from Stanford, one from the Air Force Academy, two from the University of San Diego, two from USC, three from Cal Lutheran University, one from Loyola and one from Azusa Pacific University. “We have more students graduating from college than Moorpark High,” said Board President Prado.

Mike Bush, Assistant Superintendent for Business told the board that the budget shortfall is still unresolved. What the budget gap will be is still uncertain and Bush said the district is still in talks with the CSEA (California State Employees' Association) and the FUTA (Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association). Bush said one possible avenue to make up for the budget gap would be to cut student days by five, which would save $578,000. “The board can set the calendar but the employee work year is negotiable,” Bush added. Another budget saving idea would be to switch the health benefit plan. That would save $500,000. The last idea is the realignment of categorical funding.

The next regular board meeting will be held February 16 with a closed session at 5:15 pm and the public session at 6:00 pm in the board room at 627 Sespe Avenue.

State Route 126 hosts upwards of 100,000 vehicles per day resulting in several fatal traffic collisions each year. City of Fillmore Firefighters are faced with the constant challenge of responding to major traffic collisions and providing citizens top-notch service with aging equipment.

The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded the City of Fillmore Fire Department a grant in the amount of $10,889.00 to purchase additional heavy rescue tools and vehicle stabilization equipment to be used for traffic collision responses.

“As firefighters, it is imperative we reach traffic accident victims as quickly as possible” said Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. “This new and improved equipment will add to both the safety of the victim and the firefighters working. Another added benefit is the increased efficiency of which the rescue is performed.”
The grant package received is part of a State of California Office of Traffic Safety grant made available to all California fire agencies. In 2008, City of Oxnard Fire Department Firefighter Alex Hamilton began orchestrating local agency efforts by compiling the regional application, representing all Ventura County Agencies. Each local entity was responsible for submitting a list of their needs as well as justification supporting those requests. Following a competitive review of applicants, Ventura County was selected to receive upwards of $182,000 in grant funding.

Grant funding comprises approximately 5% of the City of Fillmore Fire Departments annual operating budget making it instrumental in the ongoing fiscal health an stability of the organization.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

01/20/10-01/26/10
Search Warrant
01/20/10
300 Block Clay St.
01/20/10
100 Block Main St.
01/22/10
100 Block Main St.
01/25/10
500 Block Main St.
Theft Other
01/20/10
500 Block Central Ave.
01/25/10
Central Ave. / Santa Clara St.
Threats – Verbal/Written
01/20/10
700 Block 4th St.
Narcotics Violation CONTINUED »