09/10/09 Edition Front Page “Council Backs City Peace Day”. $22,000 was printed as $220,000. It should have read, “‘The initial investment for the newest technology system is $22,000.’ When member Gayle Washburn queried concern for new computer investment, ‘You can use the computers you have now.’ Minkx replied. City councilmember Jamey Brooks moved for a vote to purchase the Granicus System, with a second from Council Member Laurie Hernandez. All members voted in favor.”

U.S. Army Specialist Eleazar Lopez.
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Eleazar Lopez, 20 years old, is a 2007 Fillmore High School Graduate and Fillmore native. When I last wrote about Eleazar Lopez in June 2008 he said with enthusiasm, “I graduated with the greatest class ever!” Eleazar also attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. Eleazar was on the FHS Cross Country and Track and Field teams all 4 years at FHS. He also played the trumpet in the band from the 4th grade to his freshman year at FHS.

Eleazar soon after graduation from FHS enlisted in the United States Army on March 31, 2007 and completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Eleazar also told me that he would like to become an Airborne Ranger and have an assignment in Hawaii, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, or Fort Stewart, Georgia. Well he did make it to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been promoted to Army Specialist, and is now with the 82nd Airborne. Since June of this year, the 82nd Airborne Division has officially assumed command of of Regional Command-East, from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during a ceremony at Bagram Airfield on June 3, 2009. As the result of his assignment with the 82nd Airborne Division, Specialist Eleazar Lopez is now stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic, but hopes to go to Airborne Training when he returns from Afghanistan.

The 82nd Airborne Division's Mission is: Within 18 hours of notification, the 82nd Airborne Division strategically deploys, conducts forcible entry parachute assault and secures key objectives for follow-on military operations in support of U.S. national interests. Not an easy mission, but one with men and women serving in that Division the quality of Fillmore's own Eleazar Lopez, I am confident will be accomplished.
Kandahar Province is one of the largest CONTINUED »

The Ventura County Watershed Protection District has stated that a section of the Sespe Creek Levee is deficient, and approximately 1,500 Fillmore homeowners will be required to purchase flood insurance by January 2010.

A public hearing will be held October 22 at the Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building on the required insurance and its cost.

Originally, 3,000 homes were included in a preliminary flood-zone map released by FEMA in May 2008.

According to Fillmore Public Works Director Bert Rapp the lower half of the flood zone, from Old Telegraph Rd. to Hwy 126 will not be certified until the levee is retrofitted. Rapp said the 1,500 homeowners can save considerable money by buying flood insurance before FEMA finalizes its Fillmore flood map, by January 20, 2010.

VCWPD staff has explained that flood insurance would be available until the end of 2009 at a reduced rate of $350 per year. Fillmore residents within the designated floodplain might be required by mortgage-holders to pay $1700 per year if they wait to buy insurance and the levee is not certified. Even if the levee is certified, as expected, the price for flood insurance will rise to $850 per year after 2009.

See flood map attached below.

Pictured above Matt Minkx discussed the Granicus System at council Tuesday night.
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City council members, guests and a community audience heard Mayor Patti Walker declare September 21, 2009, as the International Day of Peace in the city of Fillmore.

At the opening of the regular board session, Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Mayor Walker read the proclamation, then presented it to Ms. Sarah Hansen And Ms. Orelia Herrera, Soroptomist Club President.

Ms. Herrera announced that the celebration is scheduled for September 20, with a rummage sale Saturday on the Sespe School lawn. Donations from the community for the event are still welcomed.

Technology
Matt Minkx, a representative of Granicus Systems explained that the company services cities with records management software including Simi, Moorpark, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. He used a media presentation for the city of Pismo Beach to highlight a few electronic storage capabilities, which provide video streaming services.

Minkx stated that streaming services provide video taped meeting information any where in the world. He went on to say that agenda jackets, staff reports, minutes, votes, or any public issue could be easily searched out by community members. ”We house and store all of your video CONTINUED »

In a two-line email to the Gazette, dated September 9, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney has stated: “Evalene Townend has requested a reassignment from personnel responsibilities due to personal reasons. After careful consideration, I have granted her request for reassignment to a Director of Student Support Services and Special Projects.”

In order to take this action, a new title and a new position had to be created. This, at a time when teaching staff is being cut.

The Gazette has been thrust into a very bizarre scenario regarding Ms. Townend, ongoing for several months. Credible allegations of serious misconduct have been made against her, regarding false and inflammatory phone communications concerning a teachers union official, which has sparked legal activity.

The Gazette has learned that many teachers and other District employees, who are aware of the allegations, are outraged that stronger action has not been taken in this case. More information will be forthcoming in the near future. In the meantime, both the Superintendent and the Fillmore School Board have shown a marked reluctance to take meaningful action in this case. Though the Gazette has been interviewed by Mr. Sweeney and a private investigation firm employed by the School District law firm regarding this case, and has interviewed several highly credible witnesses, apparently regulations make it difficult for either the Board or our Superintendent to comment publically. In the event more information is not forthcoming from the District or the Board, the Gazette will release what information it has obtained.

With all of the problems and apprehension we are experiencing during these recent and challenging times, a number of groups have evolved that want to stand up and have their voices heard. If we agree with their message we consider them mainstream; if we disagree we consider them to be dissenters. The founders of this great country faced the same ordeal back in the 1700’s. Our citizens were being subjected to many laws, taxes, regulations and hardships administered by a heavy handed and somewhat unbending monarchy located thousands of miles away.

The result was a significantly large number of people gathering together to make known their feelings. Not all sought the same outcome. Some wanted to remain loyal British subjects while others desired to be governed by their own people in their new land. While it was certain that the bearers of both the philosophies were sincere and dedicated to their personal desires and individual loyalties, they ultimately came together and created the greatest groundswell of dissent of modern times. The results were The Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our nation.

The first statement of the Declaration declares “…a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them…” The ability to dissent has been an absolute CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Conrad Fimbres

Date and Location of Robbery:
August 30, 2009, ARCO Station 3907 E. Telegraph Road, Piru
Date and Location of Arrest: September 1, 2009, 10:53 A.M, Moorpark, California
Report: 09-20643

On August 30, 2009, shortly before midnight, a male adult brandished a handgun and robbed the ARCO gas station located at 3907 E. Telegraph Road, Piru

The suspect ordered an employee to remove money from the cash register and place it into a bag. The employee did as the suspect ordered and then the suspect fled the area on foot.

Deputies responded to the scene and soon developed a lead on the suspect. Detectives contacted local law enforcement agencies and learned that the suspect was possibly driving a stolen U- Haul truck.

On September 1, 2009, at about 10:53 am, Sheriff’s Patrol Sergeant Gregg Willson was patrolling the City of Moorpark, when he observed a U-Haul truck driven by a man matching the description given by the Piru deputies.

Sergeant Willson detained the driver and passenger as possible suspects in the robbery. The truck was confirmed stolen, and the passenger, Hollie Briant, 32 years, was arrested for outstanding felony warrants. The driver, Conrad Fimbres, 42 years, was arrested for the felony armed robbery and felony possession of the stolen vehicle.

Briant and Fimbres are both residents of Piru and were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail.

Fillmore Unified School District schools have shown increases in STAR test results, according to numbers revealed before District Trustees Tuesday night, September 1, 2009.

According to the most recent report the District English Language Arts rose to 40.6 percent passing, compared to the 2008 score of 31.1 percent. Math scores for the District this year are 35.4 percent, an increase from 31.9 percent last year. Most sub-groups showed improvement in English and math as well.

Two schools had exceptional improvement from last year. Katy Hadley, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Curriculum and Assessment told the board that both Sespe and Piru went up in English and math. Sespe increased 10.1 percent in English and 12.8 percent in math. Piru grew 18 percent in English and 10.4 percent in math. “The staffs and principals have worked so hard to support student needs,” she said. “They should be commended.” She continued, “It is a privilege to work with the principals and the staffs.” District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney said he was pleased to hear the results.

Results for other district schools include San Cayetano School with a 3.3 percent jump in English and a 5.6 percent improvement in math. Mountain Vista was CONTINUED »

This coming Saturday, September 5th offers great family fun at the 9th Annual PiruFest, in historic downtown Piru at the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park. Activities for this Labor Day Weekend festival begin at 3:00 pm and continue until 10 pm. Registration for the horseshoe tournament will start at noon with play set for 2:00 pm. The Depot and park are located on Center Street in the downtown district.

The Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC) and Rancho Temescal are sponsors for this annual event and joined this year by MAD Youth, (Making A Difference). MAD Youth are organizing a variety of games for all ages, including the good old fashioned Dunking Booth featuring local community and regional leaders as “dunkees”. Local arts and crafts vendors continue to sign up to offer unique jewelry and other specialty items, as well as information on upcoming health and community events, such as Relay for Life and Ramona Days at Ranch Camulos. Food vendors have also signed on to feature their treats. Food vendors will offer treats from Piru restaurants and shops as well as specialty items such as tamales, bar-b-q pit sandwiches, soft drinks, corn on the cob, hot dogs and more. Handmade quilts, jewelry, and other gift items will be available from a variety of vendors.

Always a hit with the locals and friends, the popular Horseshoe Tournament returns under the skills of Rusty Ortega. Organizers set up the pits in this downtown park CONTINUED »

On Wednesday, September 9, United Water Conservation District will begin its annual fall release of water held behind Santa Felicia Dam in Lake Piru.

The release is expected to last 50 days through about October 29, but the period may be adjusted depending upon weather. During this 50-day period 21,000 acre-feet will flow down Piru Creek to the Santa Clara River -an acre-foot represents the amount of water sufficient to cover an acre of land to a depth of one foot and is the amount generally used by two average households in one year--. Approximately half of the water will recharge the Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula Groundwater Basins as the water moves down the river to the Freeman Diversion at Saticoy.

The other half of the water will be delivered directly to agriculture on the Oxnard Plain and will help to prevent groundwater pumping from overdrafted coastal aquifers. This irrigation water will be provided during a period of high demand, since it is during October that a large share of strawberry seedlings are planted.

As a result of the release the amount of water stored in Lake Piru will drop from 41,000 acrefeet down to minimum pool at CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

VANDALISM
08/19/09
646 Block Lemon Way
08/22/09
700 Block Edison Lane
08/23/09
Fillmore St. / Main St.
08/23/09
500 Block Mt. View St.
THREATS-VERBAL/WRITTEN
08/19/09
900 Block Ventura St.
08/20/09
700 Block 3rd Street
HIT & RUN/NON-INJURY
08/20/09
900 Block Ventura St.
08/20/09
A St. / Ventura St. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

211 P.C. Armed Robbery
Location: ARCO Station 3907 E. Telegraph Road, Piru
Date & Time: August 30, 2009, 11:55 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Santa Clara Valley Patrol Station

Shortly before midnight, on August 30, 2009, what witnesses described as a male, Hispanic, bald, thick mustache; wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, white tennis shoes and blue motorcycle gloves, entered the ARCO station in Piru.

The suspect selected a couple of beverages from a refrigerator and walked up to the cash register. At this time, all of the other customers that were in the store had left and no one was in the store but the suspect and an employee. The suspect brandished a pistol and told the employee to put the money from the cash register into a bag.

The employee did as the suspect ordered and the suspect left the area of the station on foot.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Tuesday evening, August 25, in Executive Session, Fillmore City Council voted 5-0 to offer the position of Fillmore City Manager to Yvonne Quiring, of Lathrop, CA. An agenda notice was posted on the city’s website Wednesday morning announcing an open forum meeting, according to Councilmember Laurie Hernandez. Hernandez stated that the position was offered to Quiring, and she accepted, pending salary and benefit discussion at the Friday meeting. Quiring will be offered a standard International City Managers Association contract “revised to fit our city government,” stated Hernandez.
Quiring has 22 years experience in municipal government, including 17 years in Fresno, two years in Stockton, and three years in Lathrop, as Assistant City Manager from April 2005 to January 2007, and City Manager from June 2007 to October 31, 2008, when council accepted her offer of resignation, with a 3-2 vote. Quiring’s run as Lathrop City Manager was not always a smooth one. In February 2008, the Service Employees International Union, Local 1021, sent a letter to the city voicing displeasure with Quiring and the management staff of the Community Development Department.
The public is welcome to attend the public meeting at Fillmore City Hall chambers, 2 p.m., Friday, August 28th.

Soroptimist International of Fillmore (represented by Sarah Hansen, Lynn Edmonds, and President Oralia Herrera) requested permission to install a Peace Pole in Central Park.
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The Fillmore City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 25th was long and controversial. The City budget, the RDA budget, and a raise for one City employee were all approved by votes of three against two. Public awareness of and input into Council actions was discussed extensively. The Council held a closed executive session regarding an alleged violation of the Brown Act due to “spoke and hub” meetings. Council Member Steve Conaway urged the Council to postpone adopting the budget because the latest version had been drafted on Monday, and he believed the Council and public needed more time to absorb the changes. More changes to the budget were requested during the Council meeting. The Council also approved some less controversial matters, including the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau lease, Pole Creek bike path development, appointments to the Parks Commission, and a Peace Pole.

The Council narrowly approved the Budget. Financial Consultant John Wooner, who developed the Budget in cooperation with Pennell and City Staff, used all of his contracted hours, and graciously donated his time at the end of the process. The latest updates were made on Monday afternoon, August 24th, and the Budget is available online at www.fillmoreca.com

Transitional City Manager Larry Pennell summarized the allocations. The City’s budget is $56.8 million, which includes $23 million in CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

08/10/09 – 08/18/09
Thursday – 08/13/09 - Fillmore -S092250795- Elder Abuse- 400 Block Blaine: Frank Lozano 21 yrs, had battered his Grandparents. Lozano was arrested for 368 and 591.

Saturday – 08/22/09 - 0935 am - Saratoga Street and Main Street. Senior Deputy Hendren and Deputy Brown contacted four subjects in the park and arrested 52 year old Bobby Buckman for fugitive parole violation PC 3056 / 242 PC.

Saturday – 08/22/09 - 618pm hrs: Fillmore, call slip S092340532, suspicious subject Stop, 827 Ventura (Best Western): Officer Rodriguez observed a 17 year old female, walking away from a parked vehicle that did not have plates. Deputy Rodriguez became suspicious and contacted the female. The car was stolen and she was arrested. When Deputies went to retrieve property from her motel room a suspect named Joseph Cook 22yrs, fled by breaking and jumping out a second story window. He was chased by our fast running Fillmore Deputies, caught and determined to be wanted as a fugitive for State parole violations.

Friday - 08/21/09 - 418pm : FILLMORE - Arrest / CONTINUED »