Airman Kailey Andrews

Life-long Fillmore resident, Kailey Andrews, 19 years, a graduate of Fillmore High School (FHS) in 2007 recently finished United States Air Force Recruit Training. Kailey attended Los Nogales Elementary and Camarillo Heights Elementary Schools, and Los Altos Middle School in Camarillo before attending FHS. After graduation from FHS Kailey attended Ventura College before enlisting into the United States Air Force. Kailey was an avid softball player since she was 4 yrs. old and played year-round softball through high school at both second base and center field.
Kailey is the daughter of Greg and Stacy (Robertson) Andrews of Fillmore. Kailey has one brother, Ryan Andrews, 23 years, a graduate from Fillmore High School Class of 2003, now attending Cal Poly Pomona studying Kinesiology. Ryan is employed with 24 hr. Fitness as a Personal Trainer.
Kailey’s maternal grandparents are Grandfather Charles Thomas Robertson of Fillmore and Grandmother Vicki Robertson (deceased). Grandfather Charles Thomas Robertson is a retired Assistant Fire Chief from the Point Mugu Naval Base, Point Mugu Fire Department. Kailey’s paternal grandparents; Grandfather Norman Andrews (deceased) and Grandmother 'Mike' Andrews (deceased). Norman and ‘Mike” were long-time Fillmore community leaders. ‘Mike Andrews’ was a school teacher for many years at the then Fillmore Jr. High School before switching careers to become a Realtor/Broker/Owner from 1977-2006 of Andrews Property Store. Both Norman and ‘Mike’ were active Rotarians and members of the Fillmore Sunrise Rotary Club.
Kailey follows a long line of family members with military service with three of her grandfathers also serving in the Military: Grandfather- Charles Thomas Robertson in the United States Navy, Grandfather- Norman Andrews, United States Navy having served in the Korean War and Great grandfather-Marvin Brandt serving in the United States Army seeing action during The Battle of the Bulge.
Kailey enlisted in the United States Air Force in December of 2007 and completed 6 1/2 wks. Training with the 326 TRS/FLT 444TRS (Training squadron) FLT (Flight) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas graduating on July 11, 2008. At graduation Kailey was awarded the "Thunderbolt" award in physical fitness which is the second tier from the top of the three awards given for physical fitness to graduating recruits. To be presented with the Thunderbolt Award a woman recruit must complete the following tasks within the minimum criteria; Run (1.5 mile) in 12:00 minutes, complete 32 push-ups, 55 sit-ups and 2 pull-ups in the technically correct manner. Airman Kailey Andrews is currently attending Technical School in Wichita Falls, Texas for training as a surgical apprentice.
All of us here in the Fillmore/Piru area are proud of United States Air Force Airman Kailey Andrews’ service, appreciate the sacrifices she and her family have made and wish her safe travel and a successful tour of duty in the United States Air Force.

The first day of school is only two weeks away on August 13th; schools are gearing up for the start of a new year. Over 3,800 children will be enrolled in Fillmore public schools this year.
Four schools have new principals. The Larkins’ retirements created two openings, and Superintendent Jeff Sweeney took the opportunity to shuffle staff so that the right people are where they need to be to accomplish the most good. John Wilber has returned from teaching to be principal again at Fillmore High School (FHS). Todd Schieferle, formerly Dean of Students at Fillmore Middle School (FMS), was promoted to Principal of FMS. Tony Held, who had been the Principal of FMS, is the Principal of the recently re-named Sierra High School (previously known as “C” School). Chrissy Schieferle is now Principal of Mountain Vista Elementary School.
Ms. Schieferle was an Assistant Principal at FHS last year, and had been a teacher at FMS. She explained that her first quasi-administrative position as a coordinator, "Opened my eyes to the big picture and the impact that administrators have on school systems." She is an idea person who appreciates the opportunity to make her ideas happen, and is looking forward to bringing teachers together and supporting them. She grew up in Fillmore, and her children are attending public schools here.
This is the third year Mountain Vista has been open. This year's motto is "Be kind, be responsible, be the change." There is a new character development program with monthly character education assemblies and a rewards system. The staff is disseminating a Wildcat Pledge for Success which includes listening, treating others as I would like to be treated, respecting diversity, remembering that people care about me, and trying my best. There is also a new staff development plan. Mountain Vista will be having a kindergarten orientation August 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be a Parent Tea August 13th at 8:30 a.m. to allow parents to meet school staff and ask questions.
San Cayetano Elementary School enters its second year of being a NASA Explorer School. Teachers Melanie Schrock and Brandi Walk attended a one-week robotics workshop at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. This year fourth and fifth graders at San Cayetano will have the opportunity to participate in a beginning robotics program, which will culminate in a team being sent to a robotics competition this spring. Principal Jan Marholin and Teacher Inger Overton attended a one-week workshop at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia regarding the NASA Explorer program. San Cayetano will continue to be a NASA Explorer School possibly forever, and NASA will continue to provide resources and opportunities, but NASA will not provide funding beyond the third year, so San Cayetano is looking into alternative funding.
San Cayetano has purchased digital learning network equipment that will allow video conferencing. Marholin plans on using the equipment in assemblies to provide virtual educational field trips. The school will be able to connect not only to NASA-related researchers and test pilots, but also to California state parks and museums. The researcher would appear via a projector and the assembled students would be able to ask questions. This equipment could also be used between schools; for example, an assembly of students at a school in Missouri could meet with the assembled San Cayetano students.
San Cayetano's field has been graded and re-seeded. San Cayetano also has a new classroom, a new cafeteria floor, and new blue exterior paint. Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troupe 406 have landscaped the front of the school.
Some storage buildings were eliminated at Piru Elementary School to clean up the campus, but otherwise education continues as expected. Principal Richard Durborow commented, "This school year we will continue to offer challenging and information-rich learning environments where students are encouraged to become critical thinkers who not only learn California content standards but also learn invaluable lessons of self-control and mutual respect. . . . We look forward to a great year working with [students and their families]."
Sespe Elementary School is closed for vacation this week, so staff were unavailable for comment, but the office will re-open on Monday.
Todd Schieferle, the new Principal at FMS, had been an Academic Counselor for over 10 years before becoming Dean of Students. The Dean of Students is similar to an Assistant Principle, but mostly handles discipline. Mr. Schieferle states, "My personal vision for the school includes three main priorities: school safety, high quality education, and creating a positive school environment." He believes middle school is "one of the most important times for parents to be involved in their children's lives at school." He encourages parnets to visit and volunteer, and wants them to feel welcome. For more information, parents can contact the Academic Counselors Dena Wyand and Ronda Reyes at 524-6055.
FMS is implementing a new rotating schedule. Although the classes will stay the same, the order of the classes will rotate every three weeks so that teachers will be seeing each class at a different time during the day. There will also be an advisory period for students to receive extra help or enrichment. FMS will also have a late start on Wednesday mornings, starting the second week of school, to provide teachers with collaboration time.
There will be new drop-off and pick-up procedures at FMS this year. Cars are required to enter at the 2nd and Yucca St. entrance, and exit only through the A St. gate. This is expected to reduce the risk of accidents.
There are six new teachers at the middle school. FMS is continuing the skateboarding program which started last year as a part of P.E. This year's school mission is "Together we will . . . think, believe, create, achieve."
FMS and FHS have new Assistant Principals. Tricia Godfrey used to teach at FMS. Last year she was the district office coordinator for the Bridges after school program. This year she will be back at FMS as Vice Principal. Carol Barringer takes over the Bridges coordinator position, and will also be job sharing with Geri Lunde, who continues as Principal of Sespe Elementary. Geri Lunde will be principal 80% of the time and Carol Barringer will cover the remaining 20% on a pre-arranged personalized schedule. Ellen Green, previously at Maricopa High School in Kern County, will take Chrissy Schieferle’s place as the new Assistant Principal at FHS.
Fillmore Community High School, commonly known as "C" School, was renamed at the end of the last school year. The students themselves, through their own ASB, suggested a new name and made their case to the School Board. The school is now Sierra High School. The students also selected a motto and a new mascot, the Warrior. According to Tony Held, the new name reflects a shift in philosophy. The school is moving away from being a continuation high school and becoming more of an alternative high school. An alternative high school combines elements of a traditional high school with a focus on individual needs; it provides allowances for alternative learning styles and smaller classes. Sierra will be offering more direct instruction than "C" School did. Plans are being made to move the school to a new campus, located where a few old junior high buildings still remain, for the 2009-2010 school year. Held is looking to expand the program when the school has more space, but for now he is looking forward to getting to know the students and school.
FHS is holding Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 4th, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration will be August 7th and 8th. If parents have not received registration materials, they should contact the school at 524-6100.
FMS will be distributing schedules and registering students on August 11th and 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s investigation into allegations of misuse of funds by Fillmore Fire Chief Pete Egedi has been completed and sent to the District Attorney’s Office, according to VC Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Ross Bonfiglio. The DA will now decide whether to file charges.

Egedi was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday, April 7th, 2008. He receives base pay of $79,987, and benefits of $70,887. Egedi became fire chief three years ago, is an at-will employee of the city, and does not have a contract with the city. He has been on paid administrative leave since early April.
Reports state Egedi has hired Camarillo attorney Mark Pachowicz to represent him in the matter. Pachowicz was a senior deputy district attorney with Ventura County before going into private practice.

The theory behind Rain Gardens is that they will soak up rain water, mainly from roofs, but also from driveways and lawns. They are landscaped areas planted with wild flowers and other native vegetation to replace areas of lawn. The gardens fill with a few inches of water and should allow the water to slowly filter into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.

Holding back the runoff helps prevent pollutants such as fertilizers from washing off of yards into storm sewers, and eventually into nearby streams, rivers and lakes. By reducing the amount of water that enters the local storm drain systems, rain gardens can reduce the chances for local flooding, as well as bank and shoreline damage where storm drains empty into streams and lakes.

Go to http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/home.gardens.pdf for more information. One of the reasons given for rain gardens at the site is “reducing the need for costly municipal storm water treatment structures.”

The Gazette received a frantic phone call Tuesday from someone who told us that “They’re cutting down the sycamore tree on Kensington!” The tree is estimated to be more than 200 years old. It grew beside Pole Creek when the creek passed through the center of what later became Fillmore. It turned out that Donald Ebell, owner of that tree, was just giving it a much-needed trim. The enormous, triple-trunk tree was suffering from a drought condition, and limbs had fallen recently. The historical tree had been a meeting place for local Indians,
early Spaniards, and Franciscan friars for many years. Ebell has unearthed horseshoes and square nails around the tree over the years.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Continuing his commitment to public safety, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed legislation to hold offenders accountable for crimes of vandalism and to remove graffiti from California's streets and neighborhoods. AB 1767 by Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) mandates community service for a person who has committed a criminal act of graffiti vandalism, and AB 2609 by Assemblymember Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) requires defendants convicted of graffiti vandalism to clean up or repair the defaced or damaged property.

“As Governor, I have made the safety of our communities my top priority,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “By cleaning up graffiti and holding offenders accountable for their actions, this legislation will make our streets and neighborhoods a safer and cleaner place to live.”

AB 1767 authorizes the courts in San Francisco to launch a pilot program where violators of graffiti vandalism are ordered to participate in a minimum of 24 hours of community service, when available, if they have reached a civil compromise with the victim. This law targets graffiti abatement service programs as the community service outlet for offenders and remains in effect until January 1, 2012.

Similarly, AB 2609 requires the court to order offenders paroled for a graffiti violation to clean up, repair or replace the damaged property. Defendants would also be required keep the damaged property or another specified property in the community free of graffiti for up to one year.

Earthquake Details

Magnitude 5.4

Date-Time Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 18:42:15 UTC
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 11:42:15 AM at epicenter

Location 33.955°N, 117.765°W
Depth 13.6 km (8.5 miles)
Region GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIFORNIA

Distances
4 km (3 miles) WSW (240°) from Chino Hills, CA
7 km (4 miles) SE (135°) from Diamond Bar, CA
8 km (5 miles) NNE (16°) from Yorba Linda, CA
12 km (7 miles) S (184°) from Pomona, CA
46 km (28 miles) ESE (104°) from Los Angeles Civic Center, CA

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 0.3 km (0.2 miles); depth +/- 0.6 km (0.4 miles)

Parameters Nph=095, Dmin=9 km, Rmss=0.34 sec, Gp= 25°,
M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=S

Source California Integrated Seismic Net:
USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR

On July 16, 2007, the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the City of Fillmore's plan to annex 41 acres for the development of a business park, despite a LAFCO staff report recommending that Fillmore not be allowed to annex the land. Staff had cited FEMA's preliminary flood map as the main reason for the negative recommendation. Supervisor Linda Parks and Special District Member George Lange of Thousand Oaks were the only two Commissioners who voted against the annexation due to safety concerns. The annexation passed by a 5 to 2 vote. The proposed business park would be approximately 90 acres, and 41 of those acres are currently outside Fillmore city limits.
The annexation is now in its 30-day reconsideration period. If no one requests that LAFCO reconsider its decision, next step will be for LAFCO to complete protest proceedings. During protest proceedings, people who own property in the area to be annexed can file written protests against the annexation. According to Fillmore Special Projects Manager Roy Payne, “Not all property owners have consented to the annexation.” Payne explained that one property owner has not signed the consent form, but emphasized that this does not necessarily mean that the man is opposed to the annexation. Protest proceedings must culminate in a public hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. When these and other qualifications have been met, LAFCO can issue an order of annexation and a certificate of completion that will finalize the annexation.
Mayor Steve Conway was pleased by the news that LAFCO has approved the annexation. He said, “The Business Park is an important addition to our community which will provide job opportunities for our residents. I'd like to thank the council members, staff and consultants who spoke before the Commission and advocated for the annexation. Clearly their message was heard by the LAFCO Commission Board Members and I'm pleased a majority supported our efforts.”

Taylor Atkins, our reigning Miss California Teen will be leaving in a few weeks to compete for the title of Miss Teen USA 2008. Taylor’s competition begins in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island on the morning of Tuesday, August 12th and continues through the final evening of Saturday, August 16th when the beautiful Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007 will crown the new title holder.
Accompanying Taylor for family support during her competition on Paradise Island will be her mother, Tamie Chessani who resides in Piru and her father, Todd Atkins who resides in Ventura. Also leaving on this monumental journey will be her grandmother Donna Chessani of Piru, whom to this day has never taken flight on an airplane to go anywhere and is now planning to travel out of the country none the less! This is one event that Grandma Donna would not dream of passing up to see Taylor vie for the national title.
Taylor will work very hard and is determined to do her best from the minute she steps foot on the beautiful tropical island to the final night of her competition. Upon her return on the following Monday, she will begin her senior year at Fillmore Senior High and will continue to exceed in her studies to graduate with high Honors.
Please wish Taylor the best of luck in her wonderful adventure and keep in mind that whatever happens in the Bahamas whether she will still reign as our Miss California Teen or becomes our next Miss Teen USA, we can truly expect to see Taylor come back home as the same “girl next door” ready to pursue what lies ahead in her future.
The following are Q & A’s Taylor provided: How old are you? I am sixteen years old. What city do you live in? I currently live in Piru. What school will you attend in the fall, and what grade will you be in? (if you are going to college in the fall, what college will you attend and what major?)
I will be a senior at Fillmore High School.
Where and when does the Miss Teen USA pageant take place? The Miss Teen USA pageant will take place on August 15th and 16th in the Bahamas. I will be arriving on the 12th to begin rehearsals and promotional events.
How many girls will you be competing against at this event? (52?)
I will be competing against 52 other girls, one from each state, including Hawaii and District of Columbia.
How do you feel about getting this far in the pageant? (this is a huge accomplishment to get this far: what does this mean to you?)
I find it absolutely amazing that I've made it this far because I'd never had the desire to enter in pageant before. Being that I entered on a whim, I am extremely grateful for everything that has happened to me since then and it means so much to me that I have gotten this far. I never thought I would be where I am today, and because of this, I am very proud of what I have accomplished.
For folks unfamiliar with what it takes, exactly, to make it this far in the pageant, what did it take for you to get this far?
I would say that the largest influence has been that of my family and friends. Their encouragement and support has been such a necessity for me, personally. They have given me the ability to stay levelheaded and sustain a positive attitude.
Regarding the Miss Teen USA Pageant: what will this particular competition involve/entail?
This pageant will include an interview portion with a panel of judges (this takes place before the actual show itself), swimsuit competition, evening gown competition, and if chosen as a top five finalist, an on-stage question.
How will you stand apart from the competition? (what is your "edge"? what makes you unique?)
Being that I've only been in two pageants, I would say that I have a very fresh outlook. In addition, I am currently the ambassador for "Network For a Healthy California: Champions For Change". This position enables me to travel through the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura educating elementary school children on nutrition and opting for healthier choices. Physical health is something that is extremely important to me and I love that I now have the opportunity to share that with others.
Please add anything else you'd like me to include in my story:
Regardless of what happens in this next pageant, I hope to continue to enrich the lives of others.

Mary Farkas led the City Chloride Control Committee in a productive, two hour meeting, Monday, at the Senior Center. Eleven volunteer Committee members worked diligently to find ways of ridding the city of brine discharging water softeners. Each of these devices puts one pound of salt into the city sewer system every day. It is estimated that about 450 city households are using these softeners, which means they deposit at least 450 pounds of salt into the system every day.

The State of California threatens severe fines against the city of Fillmore does not reduce the present chloride content to something under 100mg. At present the city is discharging water into the Santa Clara River with a chloride content of close to 140 mg. Eliminating the brine softeners will quickly bring the city into compliance with the new state regulations.

If the brine water softeners (those using salt) are not taken out, every Fillmore household
will have to pay an extra $21 a month. The fines are mandatory, and reach up to $50,000 per day against the city for non-compliance. The fix remains simple: Fillmore residents must stop
using brine softeners.

The city has a program to buyback these brine units, and the passage of Assembly Bill 2270
would make it unlawful to operate a brine discharging water softener. The Committee urges
everyone to vote yes on AB 2270 in November. A chloride level above 100 mg has been found to be detrimental to agriculture (particularly citrus and strawberries) and fish.

A strong effort is being undertaken by the Committee to inform the residents of Fillmore of the importance of halting the use of these brine softeners. Churches and social and business organizations will be contacted for assistance in getting out the word. The Committee urges all users of brine discharging water softeners to sell them back to the city, which will avoid making every household pay an additional $21 to $31 per month for water. Flyers, in English and Spanish, will be distributed around town in this effort.

United States Environmental Protection Agency

The July 15, 2008 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) meeting resulted in the approval of a Resolution which might allow Fillmore to borrow money for some water-related projects at a reduced annual rate.
The Fillmore Gazette received a publicity fax from Ventura County Supervisor John K. Flynn stating that the SWRCB had approved extended term financing for El Rio and Piru. His fax indicated that the EPA still had to approve the loans and that the loans were not available yet. He was probably referring to the following Resolution listed on the SWRCB Meeting Agenda as: "Consideration of a Resolution granting authority to the [SWRCB's] Executive Director to apply to the [U.S. EPA] to implement an Extended Term Financing program as part of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program." Judie Panneton at the SWRCB verified that the Resolution had been approved without any modifications. This Resolution might apply to the City of Fillmore.
An attachment to the SWRCB Meeting Agenda explains: "The SRF Program is a joint federal/state funded program designed to help California meet the goals of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The SRF Program provides below market rate financing for waste water and water recycling system improvements, correction of non-point source and storm water pollution problems, and implementation of estuary enhancement programs." This language seems to indicate that some of Fillmore’s storm drain and chloride problems might be addressed with SRF funds, but the SRF Fact Sheet specifies, “To be eligible for SRF loans, projects must be on the statewide SRF Priority List.” A preliminary version of this list, available online, includes the following projects in Fillmore: Fillmore Water Recycling Plant Replacement, Recycled Water Treatment Facility, Recycled Water Distribution System, and Desalting Plant Construction Project. The list also includes projects in Piru and El Rio.
According to the Agenda attachment, "Currently the SRF Program only finances projects for a maximum term of twenty years. CWA and the California Water Code (CWC), however, allow the Program to offer financing on longer terms if approved by U.S. EPA. Extended Term Financing (ETF) has been approved by U.S. EPA for several other states nationwide to reduce the debt service for disadvantaged communities." The Executive Director of the SWRCB is expected to submit the application for ETF to the U.S. EPA in late July, according to Panneton. The Agenda attachment notes, "Increasing the term of SRF financing from 20 to 30 years reduces the annual payment by approximately 25 percent."
There is a catch. As the Agenda attachment states, "ETF will only be offered to small, disadvantaged communities." The SWRCB defines small as "a community with a population of 20,000 persons or less." A report from the California Department of Finance indicates that as of January 1, 2008, Fillmore's population was almost 15,650 persons.
It is unclear whether Fillmore would qualify as disadvantaged under the SWRCB's definition, which will be used on its application to the U.S. EPA. There are two ways Fillmore could qualify as disadvantaged; both depend on the calculation of Fillmore's Median Household Income (MHI). According to the U.S. Census, Fillmore's MHI was $45,510 in 2000. The first way is if Fillmore has an MHI "equal to or less than 80 percent of the statewide MHI". City-Data.com estimates that in 2005 Fillmore's MHI was $51,000 and California's was $53,629. Those numbers are inconclusive, but suggest that Fillmore's MHI is closer to 95% of California's. The second way that Fillmore could qualify as disadvantaged would be if Fillmore paid "at least four percent of its MHI toward waste water rates". Without recent data and specific instructions for calculating waste water rates, it is difficult to determine whether Fillmore qualifies. In any case, the attachment stipulates, "Communities with an MHI greater than 80 percent of the statewide MHI applying for ETF solely on the basis that they pay more than four percent of their MHI on waste water rates must receive approval for ETF on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the State Water Board."
According to Fillmore Finance Director Barbara Smith, the City is currently paying back a loan from the SRF. It is a no-interest loan that the City received in 1993 and will finish paying off in 2014. Smith believes that the City might consider borrowing money from the SRF for NPDES and the Water Softening Plant, but stressed that there have not yet been any discussions about how to finance those items. She implied that such discussions would be premature at this point.
Public Works Director Bert Rapp was on vacation and not available for comment.

The Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission announced Wednesday to hold off on the Ventura County Grand Jury’s recommendation that the Fillmore-Piru Memorial District be reorganized into a subsidiary district of the city of Fillmore. LAFCO members voted to approve a response to the Grand Jury that the district be allowed to repair several issues brought to attention by LAFCO and the Grand Jury had discovered. LAFCO recommended that the District hold elections in 2010 instead of appointing board members, and that members should receive ethics training required by law. The District will be re-examined by 2013. The city of Fillmore expressed that the District remain as it is.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

At approximately 10:15 am on Saturday, July 12th, 2008 (suspect) Phillip Guevara entered the Fillmore Branch of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Guevara approached a teller at the bank and said he wanted a large sum of money, then passed a demand note for a smaller amount a few moments later. Bank employees placed a 911 call and reported a robbery in progress. Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded to the scene and apprehended Guevara without a struggle. Guevara did not present a weapon during the robbery attempt.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau and the FBI responded to coordinate the investigation. Guevara was later booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for robbery and an outstanding, unrelated, felony warrant.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Monday, July 7, 2008, Nathan Oseguera 27 of Fillmore, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for participating in a gang related home invasion robbery. The crime occurred last year in the city of Fillmore.

On 4-28-2007, Oseguera and several other armed Fillmore gang members went to a residence in the 300 block of Guiberson Road, in the city of Fillmore. The suspects knocked on the front door and forced their way into the home when the resident, Bret Godfrey, opened the door. The suspects tied Mr. Godfrey’s hands together with zip ties and took him into a back room of his residence and proceeded to ransack his house.

During the robbery, a friend of Mr. Godfrey’s inadvertently drove up to visit him. Oseguera met Mr. Godfrey’s friend in the driveway, pointed a gun at him, and forced him into the house. The friend was also tied up and placed in the same room as Mr. Godfrey.

The suspects took numerous items of value including several rifles and shotguns. Before leaving the residence, the suspects told the victims that they would come back and kill them if they reported the robbery to the police.

After a series of gang related shootings in the city of Fillmore, Mr. Godfrey eventually reported the home invasion robbery to Fillmore P.D. officials in July of 2007. The Sheriff’s Gang unit took over the investigation and identified several suspects, including Nathan Oseguera. On October 17, 2007, Sheriff’s gang investigators located Oseguera at a residence in the city of Santa Maria and took him into custody when he was seen leaving the residence in a truck.

Sheriff’s Gang investigators proceeded to serve several search warrants associated with this crime. Evidence from these search warrants revealed the identity of the other gang members involved and also arrested, Edward Alvarado 21, Armando Alvarado 27 Martin Gaspar 18, and a 16 year-old juvenile for participating in the robbery.

During the investigation, Sheriff’s Gang Unit members learned some of the weapons might have been sold to Daniel Medrano 30, a known Santa Paula gang member. On 11-21-2007, gang investigators served a search warrant at Medrano’s home in the 100 block of Moultrie Place, Santa Paula. Medrano, who had a prior conviction for robbery, was found in possession of a handgun and he was arrested for being a felon in possession of firearm. In February 2008, Medrano was sentenced to 16 months in State Prison.

On 11-16-2007, victim Bret Godfrey unexpectedly passed away in Santa Barbara County. Due to Mr. Godfrey’s sudden death, the District Attorney’s Office could only file charges against Oseguera due to needing his testimony for the prosecution of the others involved.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit was created in February 2007, with the goal of addressing a rise in gang related crime in Ventura County. The six- person unit investigates violent crimes involving gang members, actively patrols gang areas, and is often called upon to assist in the prosecution of gang members in gang enhancement trials.

The housing market has entered a downward spiral. The circumstances are under nation-wide scrutiny, but the consequences are affecting even those who do not own real estate. Fillmorians are no exception.

Trinka Reynolds, Karin Diaz, and Brian Sipes are real estate mortgage professionals who work here in Fillmore under Market Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage. They volunteered some information regarding the current crisis. Reynolds explained that mortgage brokerages have the ability to submit a standard loan application on behalf of their clients (home buyers) to various banks or lenders. The lenders then draw up the loan terms. This shopping process can result in better rates for home buyers. Karin Diaz mentioned that Market Mortgages prides itself on non-predatory tactics and finding appropriate loans for their clients, so that the loans are affordable long term.

According to Reynolds, bad decisions and introductory "teaser" rates were major contributing factors but not the only cause of the problem. In Fillmore, the situation was complicated by property taxes. Reynolds explained that the average property tax in Ventura County is 1.25%, but in two new developments—due to bonds for schools, levies and parks—the property tax is 1.95%. She demonstrated that on a $400,000 house, the typical property tax would be $5000 per year. Property taxes in Bridges and River Oaks would be $7800 per year. This difference of over $200 per month (and in some cases the difference is even greater) can stretch a family budget past the breaking point.

Reynolds explained that when a borrower fails to make a payment, the borrower’s credit is affected after 30 days, and continues to worsen with each passing month as more payments are missed,. Reynolds stated that after three missed payments, the bank can send a Notice of Default (NOD). This is the first step towards foreclosure. According to First American Title Company, 39 NODs were filed on housing units in Fillmore between December 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008. When asked if any first time homebuyer loans have gone into default of foreclosure, City Planning Assistant Manuel Minjares responded, “Not that I know of.” A report from the California Department of Finance indicates that as of January 1, 2008, Fillmore has approximately 4,400 housing units.

Reynolds, who has been in the real estate loan business since the mid-80s, believes that the current crisis differs significantly from the real estate crash of the late 80s early 90s. This time a majority of the foreclosures are on owner-occupied housing. She says that there is also a greater "saturation level" of foreclosures. These two factors have increased borrowers’ ability to arrange for modified notes. A foreclosed house is a non-performing asset. Lenders make money by being paid back. It is usually better for a bank to modify the note rather than foreclose. In Fillmore, Market Mortgage alone is averaging two inquiries per day from borrowers wanting to modify their notes. Reynolds explained that lenders can modify notes by lowering interest rates or allowing a temporary forbearance. A forbearance allows borrowers to skip some payments in case of a financial emergency, such as illness, but usually extends the loan so that the payments are caught up at the end of the loan. Reynolds believes that many people who had been living in the newer tracts and can no longer afford to keep their homes are moving into rentals. She says some are leaving Fillmore due to increased costs of living here.

Because banks are foreclosing on many properties, and sometimes losing money in the process, many banks are failing. Bank deposits are only insured by the FDIC for up to $100,000. If an account holder has more than $100,000 in any one bank, then any money beyond that amount may be forfeited if the bank goes under. To avoid losing money, account owners should either divide their money among multiple banks or set up multiple ownerships such as trusts so that no one owner is associated with more than $100,000 in deposits.

When asked whether vacancies due to foreclosures were increasing crime in Fillmore, Detective Macias of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department replied that the department does not track that information. According to Macias, there has been only one recent incident involving a house in the process of foreclosure. The house was vandalized, but search warrants were issued and arrests were made. Macias mentioned that because the foreclosure had not been completed, the home owners in this case were responsible for repairing the damage and were as much victims as the community.

A Fillmore resident was killed Tuesday afternoon on Grimes Canyon Road, between Moorpark and Fillmore, near Egg City. Robert Retzinger, 47, died in a solo motorcycle accident while driving northbound on Highway 23 at 3:50 p.m. Retzinger was transported to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks where he was pronounced dead at 4:53 p.m. The crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Fillmore Director of Public Works, Bert Rapp, shows a map of the city’s 11 storm drains, which flow into the Santa Clara River. A workshop on the new storm water permit and water softener prohibition was held Monday, July 7. Several hundred residents attended.
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A City Workshop was held at the Memorial Building on Monday, June 7, 2008 to discuss three major issues facing Fillmore residents. Approximately 300 citizens and City Council members were in attendance to watch the presentations by Public Works Director, Bert Rapp.
The first presentation was on the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The new permit will require, among other things, retrofitting 22 miles of public streets with bio-retention areas and that each existing home and business install onsite storm water treatment. Bio-retention areas are grounds that have been landscaped with plants that can absorb pollutants and naturally convert them into non-hazardous materials. The city installations and maintenance would cost residents $900 per year or $75 per month in addition to their cost to install and maintain their own onsite storm water treatment devices. Existing City storm drains must have treatment installed within two years. Automatic mandatory minimum penalties for violations would be $3,000 per offense. This could escalate into $231,000 per day in fines for the city.
The second presentation was on the chloride levels in city water. The city is exceeding the current 100 milligrams per liter of chloride limit by approximately 37 milligrams per liter. The primary cause of this overage is the approximately 450 Fillmore residents who use Brine Discharging Water Softeners. If all in-home Brine Discharging Water Softeners were eliminated, the city would be in compliance and could avoid charging all residents an estimated $35 dollars per month fee.
The third presentation was on the FEMA Flood Insurance Survey. FEMA is in the process of revising the Fillmore Flood Insurance Rate Map. The preliminary map would require any resident with a federally insured home loan to purchase flood insurance as well as restrict the city’s ability to issue building permits for room additions, new homes, and business buildings. Rapp noted there were several errors in the report and he believes once these errors are corrected, these new requirements will be lifted.
Many public comments were heard by Rapp, city council members, and fellow citizens. One resident, referencing the spirit of the founding fathers of this country, stated, “The presentation, as good as it is, and as accurate as it is, seems to be geared toward: this is what we have to do, we’re asking you, ‘how are we going to do it?’ But I take the attitude is, we’re having to deal with an agency that’s out of control; totally out of control, made up of avid environmentalists. Rather than think, ‘how are we to do it?’ I’d rather have the council and the citizens’ figure out how do we not have to do it.” The sentiment received much applause.

Please find below all three power point presentations that were presented at the meeting.

Here’s a scoop from a life long Fillmore citizen who is currently deployed to Iraq with the US Army. My name is CPL Jesus T. Lomeli, son of Jesus and Elisa Lomeli, and older brother of former Miss Fillmore Yeseni Lomeli. I also have three other sisters, Susie, Briana and Deanna Lomeli, who are currently attending school in Fillmore and actively involved in the community.
I was born at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital and attended San Cayetano and Sespe Elementary schools. I attended Fillmore Middle School during the building process and graduated from Fillmore High School, Class of 2002. I then attended Oxnard College full time and worked at the local Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep dealership in Fillmore. The financial burden of attending school was creating a problem and the first solution I came across was a GI Bill offered by the Army to pay for my schooling.
I enlisted in the Army in October 2003 and attended Basic Training in March 2004 at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Once I completed Basic Training, I attended Advanced Individual training as an Automated Logistical Specialist in Ft Lee, Virginia which I graduated at the top of my class being recognized as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. I was then stationed in Baumholder, Germany and have lived in Europe since. I deployed for the first time in 2005 in support of OIF III in the volatile Anbar Province on a Marine Base called Al Taqqadum. I returned the end of 2006 and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
I then spent another year in Germany on track to separate from the Army in March 2008 and return to California and finish my schooling. I was involuntarily extended by the infamous stop-loss and am currently deployed in support of OIF V at Forward Operating Base Hammer in Eastern Baghdad. I am currently assigned to the Convoy Security Platoon and provide security in Combat Logistics Patrols through downtown Baghdad. I am on my second tour in Iraq assigned to the 47th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
I am currently taking on-line college courses, working on completing my BA. Once I am done with this tour I am separating from the Army and pursuing a career in the medical field. I have every intention of returning to Fillmore once I am ready to start a family.
I have seen a lot of the continental states, many European countries and parts of Southwest Asia, and nothing compares to the weather, scenery, and community that Fillmore has to offer. I am proud of my little town and can't wait for this tour to end so I can once again become a permanent resident of Southern California.
CPL Jesus T. Lomeli, 1AD 2BCT 47TH FSB, US Army. P.S.: If any community members would like to contribute any care packages, as hygiene and other items become hard to come by they can mail them to: Convoy Security Platoon, B CO 47TH FSB, 1AD 2BCT, APO, AE 09308.

Fillmore City Council held its regular monthly meeting July 8, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Councilmember Laurie Hernandez was welcomed back. The City of Fillmore Redevelopment Agency also met during the Council meeting.
The North Fillmore Area General Plan Amendment Initiative was thoroughly discussed. City Attorney Ted Schneider explained that because the initiative has received verified voters’ signatures for over ten percent of the City’s voters, the Council must either adopt the initiative or place it on a regular election ballot. The initiative must be placed on the ballot at least 88 days before the election. The Council also had the option of ordering an impact report. The Council ordered an impact report, including an analysis of the initiative’s impact on affordable housing, circulation, and its potential economic impact on jobs. The report will be ready by August 7th, and is estimated to cost less than $20,000. The Council voted to put the initiative itself on the November 4, 2008 ballot.
The Council approved the “Fillmore Realities” position paper in response to the FEMA flood map problem and its impact on the proposed annexation of certain areas to the City. The Council adopted the June 27th Addendum to Initial Study and Negative Declaration Fillmore Business Park Master Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. The Addendum and position paper will be conveyed to the Local Agency Formation Commission of Ventura County (LAFCO). The Council approved sending the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to Washington D.C. to lobby against the FEMA flood map. The Council approved a Memo of Understanding with Ventura County Watershed Protection District for preparing a response to FEMA flood map revisions.
Marcus Hernandez alleged that a volunteer firefighter has been carrying a taser and harassing and intimidating people in Fillmore. Hernandez pointed out that there were no city guidelines regarding the use of tasers by city employees, and asked the council to look into whether the use of tasers was appropriate and authorized in this case. Mayor Steve Conaway stated that this was a personnel matter, but added, “City policies stipulate that harassment is not tolerated.” The council respectfully considered Hernandez’s comments, requested that any victims come forward to provide the council with more information in writing or in person, and assured the public that complaints like those are confidential. This matter was placed on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
The Council adopted resolutions regarding a change in the Traffic Level of Service for the intersection of Highway 126 and A Street. The standard was lowered from D to E. This accurately reflects the number of lanes and turn lanes there. The City’s General Plan was amended accordingly. No physical development is involved. The change was reflected in the Fillmore Business Park Master Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.
The Council approved a response to the Ventura County Grand Jury report titled “Fillmore-Piru Memorial District Reorganization.” The Grand Jury’s report called for the special district responsible for operating and maintaining the Memorial Building to be dissolved. The Council is urging the LAFCO board not to dissolve the District because it provides and maintains an essential service to the community.
The Council approved a letter from Mayor Steve Conaway to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors regarding the truck traffic going through Ojai from the Ozena Valley Ranch Gravel Mine. The strongly-worded letter effectively argues that the trucks should not be re-routed through Fillmore.
There was discussion about which position the Council should take on Proposition 7. According to a representative from Southern California Edison, the proposition would “mandate utilities by the year 2025 have 50% of the energy that we procure on behalf of all of our customers be renewable.” He argued that the proposition does not take into account the costs to do so, is poorly written, and does not provide enough time. Brian Sipes made a public comment that the proposition is 42 pages long, and should be thoroughly considered before the Council determines its position. The matter will be discussed further at the next City Council meeting.
A representative from the Ventura County Fair presented this year’s Fair poster. The Ventura County Fair will be from July 30th to August 10th. The entertainment schedule has been determined, and the Beach Boys will be performing.
Upon the recommendation of Public Works Director Bert Rapp, the Council approved the contract plans and specifications for the construction of the Santa Clara River Permeable Weirs. The Council also authorized advertising for bids on the project.
A loan agreement was made between the Council and the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency. The City is providing a short-term loan of $142,500 for the Central City Project Area Fund.
The Council designated Mayor Steve Conaway as the voting delegate to the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach in late September. Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Cuevas and Patti Walker are alternates.
The contract for Fire Department and Public Works Yard Improvements is going back out for bids because the generator was not included in the original advertisement.
Construction on River Park is proceeding. The contract was awarded to PIMA Corporation. If the contract’s contingency money is not spent, then the City will add tennis courts, more bathrooms, and/or basketball courts to the contract later. The skate park will be finished in December.
The Council approved a change order enlarging the drainage pipes for the Fillmore Recycling Plant. The cost increase will be paid for by the two developers involved. The exact amount of the cost increase is not yet determined.
The Council discussed the deplorable state of the Shiells Park restrooms and is considering remedies.
At the August 26th City Council meeting, the policy of publicizing city employee salaries will be discussed. Jamey Brooks had commented earlier that he did not believe city salaries should be secret.