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Dr. Mark Pratt, a local dentist and his daughter Kristyn, a Cal State Northridge student of speech pathology, recently returned from a humanitarian adventure. They traveled to the tiny, northern mountain village of Zacualpa, Guatemala, administering urgently needed dental care for its inhabitants and those of the remote Mayan village of Turbala. Father and daughter participated in a two week hands-on-project coordinated by Amigos de Guatemala, a partnership created by Rotary Clubs International to provide quality international service projects in the Quiche district of the impoverished country.

Mexico’s southern neighbor, Guatemala is a Central American country of 42,000 square miles and nearly 13,000,000 people. Although heavily laced with pure Indian, more than half of her people are of Spanish, Spanish and Indian, and European descent. There are many dialects in use, nevertheless Spanish is the official language and spoken by the majority.

Fillmore dentist realizes humanitarian adventure Amigos de Guatemala Roman Catholic is the predominant religion in Guatemala, a republic since 1889. Upon a trip to the northern highlands of Guatemala, a Rotarian, Bob Hatmaker recognized the intense need of assistance of the region’s inhabitants, especially the Mayan population. He solicited other Rotarians to volunteer their time and funds, and the project Amigos de Guatemala was born. To date, nineteen Rotary Clubs, other service clubs and individuals, participate in the project volunteering time, securing donations of goods and services and raising funds.
This year marked their second trip, and Mark Pratt, a local dentist and his daughter Kristyn’s first to Zacualpa. Joining the group of volunteers on February 3, some on hand from January 27, the Pratts flew from Los Angeles to Guatemala City. They navigated a grueling six-hour trip through the mountains on curving, onelane roads before reaching the village of three hundred poverty-stricken souls.

Twenty-six volunteers, responsible for their own travel expenses, participated during the two-week project, all with the goal to help improve the quality of life in Zacualpa, and the Mayan village of Turbala. The majority of volunteers labored laying brick, hauling fill, mixing cement and pouring concrete to build new school bathrooms, classrooms and a paved path through the rough terrain from Zacualpa to Turbala, location of the only public elementary school. Dr. Pratt, Dr. Rick Holm, from Marina, Ca. and Ms. Pratt set up dental facilities in a garage in Zacualpa. With little indoor plumbing and no sewer system, raw sewerage often floods the streets during the rainy season. Everyone prayed for good weather.

From February 3 through February 9, the two dentists, along with assistance from Ms. Pratt, treated their patients’ decayed teeth and other serious dental problems with equipment and donated pharmaceuticals, including pain medications, antibiotics and dental hygienic supplies, carried from the United States. Dr. Pratt and his daughter report treating as many as fifteen patients a day per dentist, performing simple and surgical extractions, fillings, root canals and cleanings. Every child required major dental work and most visitors to the clinic, child or adult, were in varying degrees of pain. None had ever been seen by a professional dentist. Untrained practices and home remedies, administered without antibiotics or anesthesia are a normal course of treatment.

Donated dental services exceeded over $40,000 in value. The prevalent lack of dental health is attributed to a mainstay diet of corn, poor oral hygiene and preventative measures. In addition, daily consumption of inexpensive candies and bagfuls of sugarcane-sweetened water is rampant among impoverished children. Villagers, most who earn their living from farming the single corn crop per year, appear twice as old as their years, and besides dental disease, suffer from malaria, yellow fever and other contagious illnesses, contracted when they or others work in the coastal areas harvesting sugarcane. To be continued in next week’s edition.

City council agenda item 9-A, Request for Leave of Absence by Councilmember Lauri Hernandez, was unanimously approved at Tuesday’s regular city council meeting.
Ms. Hernandez apologized to the Council for the necessity of her request, stating she was struggling with alcoholism and that she deeply regretted letting people down. She also told the Council she anticipated taking up her responsibilities again sometime in late August.
Mayor Conaway, Councilmembers Scott Lee and Patti Walker expressed their sympathy and support, unanimously approving the request. Councilwoman Cecilia Cuevas was absent.
Administrative Services Manager, Steve McClary, presented a report certifying the Results of the examination of a referendum filed against resolutions approving the Reider project off Goodenough Road, adjacent to the Traditions tract. The referendum was filed May 1, 2008, and 700 signatures have been verified, which exceeds the minimum number required. McClary told the Council it had two options, it could either place the issue on the ballot for the November 4 election, or repeal, in whole or in part, the resolutions which approved the Reider plan. Council certified receipt and findings of the report. The issue will be reconsidered in the near future.
Director of Public Works, Bert Rapp, announced that recently increased sewer rates can now be reduced. According to Finance Director Barbara Smith, “...revised sewer service rates for Fiscal Years 2008/09 ($72.00) and 2009/10 ($80.00) are 15% and 18% respectively below the authorized maximums.” “Since then, WRP construction has progressed significantly (now 50% complete) and is under budget by $3 to 4 million, construction cost savings have been identified and implemented, detail planning for the transition from the existing treatment plant to the new WRP has become more detailed, reducing the number of unknowns and associated contingencies.” The reduction was attributed to the hard work of Roy Payne and Dave Berkhart. He also cautioned that if the future financial picture should change dramatically, the rate could revert to $98 per month because bond obligations required that revenues be maintained in the black.
Council announced that the Fillmore, 1887 Southern Pacific depot will be dedicated an historical building on Saturday, May 31, 2 to 4 p.m. This concludes 10years of planning and restoration. Refreshments will be served and plans for the future discussed. All are welcome at 350 Main Street.
Council was reminded that the lease contract on the Fillmore Equestrian Center will soon expire. No date was mentioned. This lease has been the subject of significant controversy in the past due to alleged breaches of contractual obligations by the lessee.
Approval of a permanent four-way stop at the intersection of Central Avenue and Santa Clara Street was approved. Both the police and acting interim Fire Chief, Bill Herrera and Police Chief Tim Hagel both approved of the plan, stating this move would improve traffic safety significantly.
The plan for the B Street extension from Old Telegraph Road into north Fillmore was approved. Negotiations to acquire a strip of land on the east side of B Street failed, which necessitates building a jog in the roadway. Mr. Rapp told the Council that $400,000 in grant money is available now to finish the work. $25,000 in Redevelopment money was appropriated to pay for removal of sidewalk on the west side of B Street, and the construction of a three-foot tall link fence as well as curb, gutter, and street, all in asphalt.
Mayor Conaway stated that Lemon Way Home Owners Association members were very positively disposed to the work.
Councilman Scott Lee lauded those who attended the special meeting of the Senior Center Board of Directors last week. He said he was anxious to see a staff report of Center issues, and looked forward to more volunteer workers to make the facility more attractive to senior residents.
Lee also alluded to the fact that the construction of Fillmore’s swimming pool complex is taking its first steps with final details on the timeline being discussed with contractors.

California Highway Patrol

The Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) begins this Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. and continues through midnight, the following Monday. Up to 80 percent of all California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers will be out working the road over the holiday weekend to help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
During last year’s Memorial Day MEP, 37 people were killed in collisions on California roadways. In addition, CHP officers arrested 1,614 people for driving under the influence.

Three “don’ts” for all motorists to remember: Don’t speed. Don’t drink and drive. And don’t forget to wear your seatbelt.

Talk about not going quietly into that goodnight, the Fillmore Senior Center community meeting held Monday, May 19 at 10am was attended by about two dozen feisty 55-plusers, ready to rumble over what many feel is poor activity and financial management.
The hastily thrown together unofficial meeting was originally scheduled to elect new Senior Center Board members, without public announcement. But word of mouth spread through the senior community, resulting in a lively turnout.
Three senior Board members presently serve; Loretta Dunehew, Bill Brunett and Nick Robles, with Dunehew and Robles unable to attend Monday’s meeting. Circumstances in the past year have caused the Board to shrink to three of the required five members, although Bylaws of Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., states “…the corporation shall have not less than seven (7) nor more than fifteen (15) Directors…” (Article III. Directors, Section 3.01 Number*).
Seated at the head table were City Finance Director Barbara Smith, Community Services Supervisor Annette Cardona and Board Member Bill Brunett. City Manager Tom Ristau sat silently at the back of the building, observing the meeting and taking notes. Center Director Lori Nunez spent the first half of the 90 minute meeting in the kitchen, filling in for an ill employee, then joined Ristau at the back of the room.
The meeting kicked off with Smith announcing that a quorum would not take place with only one Board member present. Cardona gave a brief rundown of future center activities to start in June, including Craft Day and Yoga.
Questions hit the ground running with resident Marie Wren asking for a verbal listing of the center’s “chain of command.” Smith stated that the center was an independently run nonprofit corporation under the administration of the City, with Cardona overseeing the operation of the facility from city hall, and Nunez on-site during hours of operation, 9am to 1pm.
The first few minutes were spent with Cardona listing coming activities, with many in the audience asking why activities had dwindled, then ceased in the last two to three years. Cardona explained that it was hard to get instructors to come to Fillmore, stating “they are busy and have children” and “travel” as obstacles.
The crowd protested when Smith said the meeting wasn’t called to answer questions, and stated, “If you want to make public comments you can come up and give your name and address and give us some ideas. There’s no quorum to really answer the questions. If you want to meet with Annette one on one or a group of you, you can certainly do that. I don’t know if Mr. Burnett wants to accept those questions now or not.” The audience reacted negatively to this suggestion and continued to lob questions at the head table.
“I just do the accounting. The Board is in charge of the senior center,” Smith stated, with the city overseeing it, as it does with the Veterans Memorial building. After the meeting, several seniors asked the Gazette why the city finance director and city manager were there if the Board is in charge, and why Smith answered the majority of questions, even suggesting appointments with Cardona, who sat silent during that particular exchange.
Many attending the meeting suggested bringing in quality instructors without going outside Fillmore or spending a lot of money. Volunteerism was a key word throughout the meeting.
Resident Dave Roegner offered to teach a computer class; Sarah Hanson said there are “people willing to offer their time.” She suggested local artists could show their work at the center as a fundraiser for more programs, perhaps joining with the popular Art Walk. A golf tourney was suggested to help fund more activities.
A book club was recommended as was an exercise class, and arthritis class, which at one time in the past drew a large following. Several residents suggested the former arthritis class instructor had been paid by the Arthritis Foundation. A craft class was also a one-time popular attraction with a reported 30 participants who paid a nominal fee to the instructor. But according to one frustrated senior, when the instructor had to resign for personal reasons, “she just simply wasn’t replaced.”
An Alzheimer support group for sufferers and caregivers was also described by one audience member as “very important, very crucial.”
Financial accountability questions were just underway when Bingo, or lack of it, became a hot topic, with Board member Burnett stating the popular game had stopped because people were taking the cards and there were “a lot of complaints.” One audience member asked him what the complaints were about. His answer, “Complaints. About everything.” He said the Board had voted to give up Bingo about three years ago, due to gambling.
Wren offered that the center’s Bingo games were originally intended for fun but several clusters of seniors had wanted the game to involve winnings. She wanted the game to return “just for fun.”
Addressing Finance Director Smith, Hanson said, “Barbara, I’d like to get back to the budget, if we could.” Smith responded, “That’s what I would like to do,” which drew some laughter.
Smith began going down the expense report for the center, stopping occasionally to answer more specific questions. Wren asked that the budget be passed out to the attending audience. Smith promised, “We can have them here once they are published, for people to pick up.”
Financial questions involving the fireworks proceeds, and Cardona’s salary were raised next. Smith gave a verbal breakdown of the fireworks booth monies, stating a $17,000+ profit.
She stated several times that Cardona drew “only 10-percent” of her overall salary from the senior center allotment of $46,000 for “total personnel.” Smith named Cardona’s duties as supervising the operations of the center and writing grants. She named three grants the center is currently receiving: United Way ($10,000), FEMA ($3,000) and Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA, $23,000). She reported total revenue at $97,600, with $40,000 city subsidizing (Redevelopment Agency monies).
With VCAAA, The City of Fillmore gets a grant each year for their Senior Nutrition Program. As a successful grantee they are eligible to renew the contract each year for up to three years. The VCAAA just finished reviewing and approving applications for the next three year contract cycle (2008-11), according to Susan White, VCAAA Senior Nutrition Program funding grants manager. Cardona submits the application on behalf of the City of Fillmore along with a budget that determines where the monies will be spent. Each month the City of Fillmore submits an expenditure report and request for funds to the VCAAA for payment under the terms of the grant. Since the City of Fillmore is a government agency, there is no requirement for oversight by a Board of directors; however, as a non-profit center, Board approval is required. In the case of the City of Fillmore, the grant application and budget are approved by City Manager Tom Ristau, according to White.
Several seniors in the audience wondered out loud how a Board containing only three members and holding no meetings in a year, a violation of the Bylaws, was able to approve anything.
Turning back to operations, Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgy Foundation, strongly suggested the Board reach out to all city seniors through a task force, contacting management at local senior apartments. “There needs to be information everywhere,” Higgins emphasized. He also suggested contacting senior centers in other cities to see how they get the word out and operate successfully.
Others suggested joining forces with management at the El Dorado Mobile Home Estates, including senior center activities in the park’s monthly newsletter and distributing flyers to each coach.
Wren asked why the center was not opened as a cooling center during the recent heat wave; no explanation was offered. Several people suggested posting center activities on the Fillmore City website.
More than one member of the audience, including Higgins and Roegner, said the four hours of operations was too restrictive. Another suggested a once a month visit by the Ventura County Visiting Nurse, who already goes to the El Dorado once a month.
Martin Farrell, owner of The Gazette, promised a senior section would be devoted to center news in the paper as well as updates on its website www.fillmoregazette.com.
A June 23 meeting was announced with Gayle Washburn requesting a meeting in the interim. Burnett considered the request and said they would meet again Monday, June 2. The time will be advertised in The Gazette.
Marie Wren summed it up for everyone when she said, “We need a very active Board; taxes, food, health, recreation, transportation. It is a shame to see it [the center] just sitting on the vine, not doing anything.”
*These Bylaws may be amended or replaced by approval of the Board of Directors, as that term is defined in Sections 5032, 7151 and 7222 of the Corporations Code.
(Are you interested in serving the community of Fillmore seniors? The Fillmore Senior Center has two positions open on its Board. The Board of five meets once a month and applicants must be at least 55 years of age. Applications are now available until May 30th from Lori Nunez at the Fillmore Senior Center, 533 Santa Clara St., Monday-Friday, 9am to 1pm; or from Annette Cardona at Fillmore City Hall, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.)

United States Navy Electrician Mate Second Class William Foster Stationed in Groton, Connecticut.

2002 Fillmore High School Graduate, William Foster, 24 years, is an Electrician Mate Second Class (EM2) in the United States Navy stationed in Groton, Connecticut. (EM2) William Foster also attended Sespe Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. He is married to Ashley (Dunst), 23, of Fillmore. Ashley is a 2003 Graduate of St. Bonaventure High School. Both swam for the Heritage Valley Aquatics swim team (Fillmore & Santa Paula Club Team) throughout High School. Their coaches were Cindy Blatt and Sheryl Mannis. Both William and Ashley also swam for their respective High Schools. (EM2) William Foster is the son of Joy (Marvin) Oge of Fillmore and Roger (Manja) Foster of Springfield, Missouri. While still at Fillmore High School (EM2) William Foster attended Ventura College and after graduation from FHS he attended the College of The Canyons in Santa Clarita.
(EM2) William Foster and his wife Ashley are expecting their first child, a son, around July 17th, and they have already given him his name; Jeremiah Lawrence Foster. (EM2) William Foster said, “We are very excited and can't wait for him to be here”. (EM2) William Foster’s grandparents are: Paternal Caroline Foster (who lives both in Missouri and Texas) and the late Robert Foster. His Step-Grandparents are Jim & Della Oge from Santa Clarita, California. His Maternal Grandfather is the late William Stonebraker and Maternal Step-Grandmother Barbara Stonebraker who now lives in San Clemente, California. His Maternal Step-Grandfather is the late Lindsey Zunich and Maternal Grandmother the late Mary Zunich. He has an older Step-sister and three younger half-brothers. (EM2) William Foster’s siblings are a sister is Anna Barbie, 29 years, living in Springfield, Missouri, Brothers, Edmond (Eddie) Lee Foster, 19 years and Eric Lee Foster, 14 years, also living in Springfield, Missouri. He has another brother living in Fillmore, Ryan Eric Oge, 18 years. His Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law are Larry and Judy Dunst of Fillmore and operators of Community Pharmacy in Fillmore.
(EM2) William Foster enlisted in the Navy on February 25, 2004 and completed his Recruit Training in Great lakes, Illinois. After Recruit Training he then complete 1 1/2 years of advanced schooling in Charleston, South Carolina before arriving at his assigned duty station in Groton, Connecticut in October 2005.
(EM2) William Foster tells me he has been on one six month deployment and one two month surge deployment to: Rota, Spain; La Maddalena, Italy; Toulon, France; Dubai, United Arab of Emirates; Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad, and Tobago. He has been awarded: Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. (EM2) William Foster is a nuclear trained Electrician Mate Second Class Submarines Qualified. In other words, he tells me, he works in the Engine Room with the Power Plant and is responsible for all electrical panels, switchboards, control panels, and motors on board the nuclear submarine.
Although now assigned to shore duty his previous boat was the nuclear submarine, USS Albuquerque. The USS Albuquerque is the 19th attack nuclear submarine in the Los Angeles class.
Since commissioning, USS Albuquerque has completed several deployments in both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea and has been awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations. At the ship's commissioning on May 21, 1983, the Mayor of the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico presented a set of keys for a new Rolls Royce to the Commanding Officer. The Mayor proclaimed that the first skipper to pilot the submarine up the Rio Grande to Albuquerque for a port visit will win this prize. At each Change of Command the keys to the Rolls Royce are turned over to the new Commanding Officer by the Mayor or his representative. Looks like that port visit still has not been completed!
Recently EM2 William Foster has received orders to report to the USS Nevada homeported in Bangor, WA. Ashley and Will are in the process of moving to Washington. The USS Nevada (SSBN-733), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named for the 36th state. The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 7 January 1981 and her keel was laid down on 8 August 1983. She was launched on 14 September 1985 sponsored by Mrs. Carol Laxalt, and commissioned on 16 August 1986, with Captain F.W. Rhome in command of the Blue Crew and Captain William Stone in command of the Gold Crew.
In 2007 the blue crew was awarded with the Battle 'E' award. This award is for the best boat in the fleet. With inspections for Tactical Readiness, and Reactor Safety, This is the Second consecutive year for the Nevada to get this award. Another note of interest is in Tom Clancy's novel Debt of Honor, Nevada is one of several submarines sent to deal with the Japanese invasion of the Marinas Islands.
Naval Base Kitsap is a U.S. Navy base located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. It was created in 2004 by merging the former Naval Station Bremerton with Naval Submarine Base Bangor. The Mission of Naval Base Kitsap is to serve as the host command for the Navy’s fleet throughout West Puget Sound and to provide base operating services, including support for both surface ships and submarines homeported at Bremerton and Bangor. NB Kitsap also provides service, programs, and facilities to meet the needs of their hosted warfighting commands, tenant activities, crew, and employees. NB Kitsap is the largest naval organization in Navy Region Northwest and is composed of installations in Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport. Naval Base Kitsap was the recipient of the 2005 Commander in Chief's Award for Installation Excellence - the Best Base in the U.S. Navy.
(EM2) William Foster is undecided as far as making the Navy a career and tells me, “That is all up in the air. I am very proud of this country and to serve for it.” We wish (EM2) William Foster safe travel and congratulate Ashley and him on the pending birth of his first born. His service to his Country is something I am sure all his family is proud of and all of us here in the Communities of Fillmore and Piru thank him and his family for their sacrifices.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 13th, 2008, at approximately 07:30 PM, the victim Mario Ramos 23, of Fillmore was stopped in his vehicle in the area of Fourth Street and B Street, in Fillmore. The suspect vehicle, a white newer Chevrolet Avalanche, with paper plates, pulled in front of the victim’s vehicle blocking its exit. Two suspects exited their vehicle and confronted the victim, who was still seated in his vehicle. One of the suspects made reference to a local street gang and punched the victim on his face and head several times. The second suspect entered the passenger side of the vehicle and took the victim’s property. Both suspects fled the area in the Chevrolet Avalanche.
The victim reported the crime several hours later from his residence. The victim was treated and released by AMR for contusions and swelling to his face and forehead as a result of the crime.
Anyone with additional information about this crime is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark), (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme) or Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233.

Bardsdale Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2008 – 11:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks – Monty Winkler
Presentation of Colors – Veterans of Foreign Wars
Pledge of Allegiance – Scout Troop #406 and Cub Scout Troop #3400
Special Music – Heritage Valley Bible Church
Memorial Day Message – Senior Master Sergeant Roy L. Nichols, Retired Air Force Served in WWII, Vietnam and Korean Wars
Placing of Wreath – William Burnet
Memorial Service – Rev. Sherwood Haisty
Special Music – Heritage Valley Bible Church
Reading of the Names of Those Who Died in the Service of our Country – VFW
Commander John E. Pressey
Volly- Honor Guard, VFW
Taps – Bob Thompson
Conclusion of Service

Piru Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2008 - 9:00 a.m.
Introductory Remarks: Patricia Chavez
Opening Prayer: Minister Chuck Mahry, Methodist Church
Opening Song: Dora Sanchez
Presentation of Colors: Veterans Foreign Wars Lead by: Comdr. John Pressy
Pledge of Allegiance: Roshelle Castillo
Guest Speaker: Jay Woods, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Placing of the Wreath: George Real
Reading of the names: Patricia Chavez
Honor Guard Presentation: Veterans of Foreign Wars
Playing of Taps: Bob Thompson
Closing Prayer: Minister Chuck Mahry, Methodist Church
Closing Song: Dora Sanchez
The Piru Cemetery is located at 3580 Center Street. For more information: Piru Cemetery District P.O. Box 516 Piru, Ca. 93040 805-521-1752.

David M. Warnock-Ortiz, United States Army Warrant Officer One (WO1)

1996 Fillmore High School Graduate and United States Army Warrant Officer One (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz, 30 years, is serving at the Army’s Fort Bliss located in El Paso, Texas. He also attended San Cayetano Elementary School and Fillmore Junior High School. While in the Army David is taking college level courses pursuing a degree in computer science.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is married to Sonja (originally from Mississippi), who he met while stationed in the military in Colorado. Together they have three sons; Isaiah 6 years, Israel 5 years and Zion 1 year. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is the son of Julia Ortiz and James Warnock of Fillmore. His Maternal Grandparents are Fred and Virginia Ortiz of Fillmore and his Paternal Grandparents are the late Ronald and Lillian Warnock of Fillmore. He has one sister, Darlene Leighton, 33 years, living in Texas.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz comes from a long line of family members who have served in the United States Army; Grandfather Fred Ortiz served during Korea, Grandfather Ronald Warnock also served in the Army as did Uncles Ray Ortiz Sr. and Pete Cervantez and Cousin Ray Ortiz Jr. all of Fillmore.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz enlisted in the Army in September 1996 after graduation from Fillmore High School where David played football for two-years. He initially enlisted as a Military Policeman and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While there he completed Air Assault School, and then deployed to Egypt as part of a multinational training exercise. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz has also been assigned in Korea, where he worked at a Military Intelligence compound protecting classified materials. He then returned to the United States and moved to Fort Carson, Colorado where he was assigned to patrol and direct combat support of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR).
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz said that while in Colorado, “I married my wonderful wife Sonja and had our first son Isaiah”. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz then deployed to Bosnia with the 3rd ACR as part of SFOR 7 (Stabilization Force). When he returned he was assigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was promoted to sergeant and began working in Military Police Investigations, conducting misdemeanor level investigations. While at Fort Rucker he and Sonja had their second son Israel. At Fort Rucker he submitted an application and was accepted to become a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Agent. CID Agent's conduct felony level investigations for the Army wherein the Army has an interest. He was accepted in 2003 and attended the Apprentice Special Agent Course, which was a four month course where he learned crime scene processing and photography, interviews and interrogations, advanced self defense and weapons training, computer crimes training, fraud training, and investigative techniques pertaining to child abuse, sexual assault, and death/murder investigations. He also attended a second course, where he was trained in Protective Services.
Upon graduation he transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, and then deployed to Taji, Iraq. After his deployment he returned to Fort Benning and he and Sonja had their third son, Zion. While at Fort Benning, (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz applied for, and was accepted to, attend the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. The newly appointed Warrant Officer moved to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas where he is currently stationed. His current assignment is with the 76th Military Police Detachment (CID) where he conducts felony level investigations on a daily basis involving military personnel.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz has earned two Army Achievement Medals, three Army Accommodation Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, Overseas Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Expeditionary Medal, NATO Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Non-Commissioned Officers Developmental Ribbon.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is a career soldier and he is proud to serve his Country protecting all of us here at home. We wish (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz safe travel and thank him and his family for their sacrifices. His service is greatly appreciated.

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

In January, the Governor proposed a $4.8 billion funding cut to education that would have a devastating impact on our school district. In Fillmore, the estimated loss in funding for 2008-09 is nearly $900,000. In addition to this loss due to the Governor’s proposal, an additional $700,000 in on-going costs must be budgeted into the 2008-09 school year budget. The reduction in funds from the state in addition to the on-going costs means that the Fillmore Unified School District must reduce our overall 2007-08 school year budget by $1.6 million for the new school year, 2008-09. In response to this information, the District began immediately containing costs (reduction in office supplies, elimination of conferences, etc.) and developing a potential budget reduction list in January. Our Board has been meeting since February to review potential cuts in preparation for approving a final budget for the 2008-09 school year in June. Be assured that we will do all we can to preserve vital programs and minimize employee layoffs as we develop next year’s budget.

Educational Budget Crisis
On March 4, our Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in opposition to the Governor's proposed cuts, which would be the largest in the history of education in California. Every parent, student and staff member can have a voice in the fight to protect public education in California. I encourage all of you to take a moment and write to our elected officials in Sacramento to voice your concern about the budget crisis and the effect it will have on our children's futures. The names of our elected officials are: Senate-George Runner, 5097 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, phone 916-651-4017, fax 916-445-4662; Senate-Tom McClintock, 3070 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, phone 916-651-4019, fax 916-324-7544; Assembly Audra Strickland, 4208 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94249, phone 916-319-2037, fax 916-319-2137.
I want our employees, parents and community to know that protecting students and staff from the harm the proposed Governor’s budget proposes is our top priority. However, such severe cuts to our funding will necessitate the loss of some services. We have already had to cut some summer school offerings. In addition to this item, the Board has been studying a variety of potential budget reductions. Some areas the Board is considering include: Eliminating in-town bus service; Reducing positions and utilizing their funding sources to provide more service; and Reducing the budget needed to replace aging technology equipment.
We want to keep moving in the positive direction that we have begun together these past two years. Board members, leaders, teachers, support staff, parents, and moreover the entire community have all worked especially hard to make Fillmore Unified a district that focuses on student achievement, providing a safe environment, and meeting the unique needs of all our students.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Fourth Street at B Street, Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: May 13th, 2008 / 07:30 PM

Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age

(V) Mario Ramos Fillmore 23
(S) Unknown Hispanic Male
(S) Unknown Hispanic Male

On May 13th, 2008, at approximately 07:30 PM, the victim was stopped in his vehicle in the area of Fourth Street and B Street, in Fillmore. The suspect vehicle, a white newer Chevrolet Avalanche, with paper plates, pulled in front of the victim’s vehicle blocking its exit. Two suspects exited their vehicle and confronted the victim, who was still seated in his vehicle. One of the suspects made reference to a local street gang and punched the victim on his face and head several times. The second suspect entered the passenger side of the vehicle and took the victim’s property. Both suspects fled the area in the Chevrolet Avalanche.

The victim reported the crime several hours later from his residence. The victim was treated and released by AMR for contusions and swelling to his face and forehead as a result of the crime.

Anyone with additional information about this crime is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark), (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme) or Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233.

First to speak at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Fillmore City Council was Clay Westling. Mr. Westling reminded the Council that they had 15 days to respond to the petition presented to city hall which seeks to halt the Reider housing plan in north Fillmore. More than 800 signatures were collected in a short time to validate the petition.
Westling also criticized the Council for not using PERC, a construction firm, in the competition for the city’s new water treatment plant. He noted that the City of Santa Paula recently chose PERC to construct its treatment plant, adding that PERC “had the lowest capital cost.”
Gayle Washburn also joined in the criticism of the Council for not choosing PERC for the construction of the city’s treatment plant. She told the Council that there was a “substantial difference” in construction cost, and that Fillmore would have saved $16 million with PERC, instead of the company the Council chose. She stated “no one [from the Council] called me” for information.
Council approved funding for the construction of the city’s new swimming complex. Completion is expected by January, 2009.
Former Councilman and Mayor, Roger Campbell, spoke next. He, in an aside, reminded Ms. Washburn that PERC “chose not to bid on the Fillmore plant”, that they had not participated in the bidding, and were, therefore, irrelevant to the issue of cost. This fact has been explained many times to those who repeatedly raise this issue.
Campbell reminded the Council that the highly successful Grad Night Live program was in danger of failing this year for lack of funding. Founder of Grad Night Live, Raelene Chaney, joined in a plea for assistance. This program has saved the lives of countless high school grads since its inception more than 17 years ago. The program provides a free cruise with entertainment, overnight, to help avoid dangerous, often alcohol based activities by exuberant new grads.
The City’s independent audit report was approved by Council for the fiscal year 2006-007.
Agenda item 8-J, a request for approval of the allocation for this year’s work by Boyle Engineering on the water treatment plant was questioned by Councilwoman Patti Walker. Ms. Walker stated that she had trouble with this request, stating “I have trouble trying to explain why I get a $3 million dollar grant and I have to turn it over to you” [Boyle Engineering]? It’s difficult to understand this objection, because the grant money is earmarked for this purpose, and allocating yearly, instead of paying for all work in a lump sum, saves the city money, and can be spent only for this purpose. The Boyle water treatment plant is under budget and on time.
The owner of Fillmore’s Taco Bell contributed $3,500 to the fund, M.T.S. Consulting contributed $2.500, and Campbell presented a check for $250. All Fillmore residents are urged to help this effort in the short time left before graduation.
Director of Public Works, Bert Rapp, told the Council that the El Dorado Mobil Home Park will not get the traffic light they have hoped for on Highway 126. CalTrans has rejected the project because traffic in and out of El Dorado was deemed insufficient to meet its standards. A very strong effort, for many years, has been made, unsuccessfully, to argue for the light. Griffin Industries, developer of Heritage Valley Parks, adjacent to El Dorado, will construct a rear roadway connecting with Mountain View, when the next phase of housing is complete.
Several Resolutions concerning lighting and landscape for District No. 2 were approved. Please refer to the City of Fillmore website link on fillmoregazette.com for detailed information.
Acting Fire Chief, Pat Askren, reminded landowners that weed abatement is absolutely necessary, and that if owners failed to take action to eliminate these fire hazards the city must do it at considerable expense to owners.
Several approvals were granted for contract work on the Waste Water Treatment Plant and requests for changes in other Plant and levee
In executive session, negotiations concerning property owned by Herb Haase in north Fillmore, off B Street were undertaken. The price and terms of payment were at issue, for a narrow strip of land needed for the completion of the B Street extension into north Fillmore.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On April 26, 2008, the Fillmore Police Department and deputies from the Gang Unit responded to a report of a fight in the front parking lot of “Llamas Market”. Investigation revealed that it was not a fight but a robbery of two customers that had just left the market. The suspects battered the victims and stole approximately forty-five dollars worth of merchandise from the victims. The suspects fled the area prior to the deputies’ arrival.
The two involved suspects were identified and subsequently arrested shortly thereafter. The two suspects, Ruben Ramirez 20 and Albert Rodriguez 22 both of Fillmore, were charged with robbery and commission of a crime for the benefit of a street gang. The two suspects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility without incident. The incident is being investigated as a gang-related crime. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III, 23 years old, is a 2002 Villanova Preparatory School Graduate. Located in Ojai, Villanova Preparatory School is a Catholic, co-educational, day and boarding school where cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity are welcomed and embraced. Founded in 1924, Villanova is the only Augustinian co-ed boarding school in the United States. PFC George Poppic III also attended Mt. Carmel School in Santa Barbara for elementary and middle school. After high school, he went to Wyotech in Sacramento; he received his diploma for Automotive Technician. He currently has 1969 Bronco under construction. He is a Fillmore resident and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas with the 3rd Brigade 1st Infantry 6-4 Cavalry.

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III is the son of Debra (Kevin) Edwards of Fillmore and George Poppic Jr. of Sacramento. Grandson of the late Maternal Grandparents Nick and Gladys Niederkorn of Glendora, California and the late Paternal Grandparents George and Lois Poppic of Santa Barbara. Prior to enlisting in the Army PFC George Poppic III was employed at William L. Morris as a mechanic and worked in the oil fields for Excalibur.

PFC George Poppic III enlisted with the Army on January 4, 2007 and his job specialty is as a “Cavalry Scout”. He tells me, “A cavalry scout are usually referred to as the "eyes and ears of the battle field" meaning we are out front watching and reporting on the enemy and their movements. We are sent out in smaller groups than the normal infantry and are not meant to engage the enemy as they are, but to report to the higher echelon and they will make decisions on what to do (have us engage, call for fire, bypass, call for reinforcements).”

PFC George Poppic III will be deploying soon to Afghanistan with the expected departure date of some time in June. He has been awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Army Accommodation Medals.

In addition to anything automotive, his interests, PFC George Poppic III tells me; have to do mainly around any sort of off road racing. He said he mostly likes desert racing.

All the citizens of this Valley wish PFC George T. Poppic III safe travel, deployment and we look forward to his return home.

In the fall of 2005, the citizens of Fillmore passed by a two-thirds majority, Measure B5, a special $15 per year tax per residential parcel or dwelling unit, to generate funds for the maintenance and operation of a new year-round community pool. Two and a half years later, and the heat of summer upon us, the pool is still a daydream to the residents of Fillmore.
When it is built, the new, year-round, competition sized, heated pool will be located on the former site of the old, debris-laden pool that served Fillmore High School and the community for decades. The Ventura County Environmental Health Department closed that pool due to numerous health and safety violations after the summer of 2000. Repairs and refurbishment to bring the pool to code and reopen would have exceeded half the cost of replacement, both options financial impossibilities for the Fillmore Unified School District. The long-standing critical need for recreational facilities in Fillmore, and the passage of Measure B5, prompted the City to purchase the site from the District for full market value as required by law.
Besides the inoperable pool, the property included four community-used tennis courts. Original plans called for construction (financed through the Redevelopment Agency with redevelopment funds) of the new pool, locker rooms and bathrooms and refurbishment of the four existing courts. However, to accommodate parking facilities, new plans account for only two, newly constructed tennis courts. As months went by, the tentative completion date of spring 2007 was extended. The City sites serious challenges and other issues that caused unforeseen delays, including property appraisals, the lack of drawings for existing school plumbing, construction plan changes, sewer plant and storm drain issues, prioritizing the new skateboard park on C Street, and a staffing shortage.
The big question is, will the pool and its accompaniments ever become a reality and when? Councilmember Scott Lee answers with a definite “yes”! The current plan includes; May 5, 2008 contracting bids opened; July, start construction; December 31, tentative completion date; January 2009 through March, limited use; April, opened to the public. Construction issues concerning high school use requirements are in the process of being resolved. The City, owner and operator of the complex anticipates the project (cost estimate: $6,385,000), to be completed on time and under budget. The City Recreation Department and the School District will enjoy joint use the facility.
What has become of the funds collected by the City from the citizens of Fillmore over the past two years? Those funds, deposited in a separate trust account, cannot and will not become part of the City’s general fund, as B5 specifically and legally restricts the use of those funds only for maintenance and operation of a community swimming pool. Additional funds will be collected from the School District and reasonable pool entrance fees for those using the pool.
The pool and tennis courts at the high school location are not the only project underway in this effort to improve recreational facilities in Fillmore. C Street, next to the old sewer plant is the planned site for a new park. The first phase includes a large playfield, a skateboard park, two basketball courts and two tennis courts, at a cost of $4,500,000. The project is out for bids with tentative completion planned for December 2008. Phase two plans (estimated cost $4,830.000) include two additional basketball courts, two additional tennis courts and two baseball fields. In the meantime, the City intends to hydro seed those areas, making them suitable for soccer play.
Whether we like it or not, Fillmore is growing, and it is past time for our recreational facilities to modernize and grow too, to accommodate our residents of all ages. We applaud the City for its efforts on these projects that are definitely a step in the right direction. However, for now, we must continue to daydream, until our promised courts and fields are buzzing with recreational activity, and we see our children splashing happily in the community swimming pool.

We live in a world that loves observances. Holidays are established to recognize presidents, religious leaders, discoverers, laborers and even ground hogs and fools. We observe Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Veterans Day. There are celebrations for New Years Day, Valentines Day and Easter.
There is one observance that deserves the place of honor above all others on that the list - a day that is set aside to honor the person who is responsible for all the good that exists on the planet. The person that God himself has chosen to be His co-creator of life. That person is your mother.
One might ask, “What about Jesus or Mohammad?” The simple answer is that even they would not have been born into this world without a mother.
When I contemplate, “What is God’s greatest gift to mankind?” I can only conclude that no gift could be greater than the gift of our mothers. Anything that we have, anything that we achieve, anything that we hold dear is the direct result of a loving and unselfish mother. A mother who willingly goes through months of discomfort in pregnancy, hours of almost unbearable pain in labor and childbirth, and years of never getting a good night’s sleep, to give us our chance on earth. A mother who had a choice as to whether or not we would be allowed to exist and opted to bring us into the world in spite of the options open to her. A mother whose sacrifices for us were so great as to defy comprehension. A mother whose chose our life over her own.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with a young couple and their beautiful little three-month old daughter. As the new mother looked into the eyes of that recent little arrival from heaven, and the little angel looked back into her mother’s eyes, I witnessed a mutual, unconditional and pure love that is without equal. There is a scripture in the Book of John where Jesus instructs: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” The love shared between that mother and her child is the nearest thing to Christ-like love one will ever witness or experience.
As I continued to watch the mother and child it became readily apparent, even though the infant had no knowledge of where she was or what was occurring around her, that there was an undeniable bond of love between her and her mother that allowed her to identify the sight, sound and very presence of her mother above all others in the room.
It is somewhat ironic that the most beautiful, the most loving, and the most mutually satisfying times of our lives spent with our mothers have been withheld from our memories. They occurred during the first few years of our life and, therefore, only our mothers have the ability to recall them. Those memories cannot be explained to others because there are no words that can adequately describe the beautiful and sacred experience that they shared.
A great many dying individuals cry out for their mothers as their time on earth comes to an end, even though their mothers may have preceded them in death decades earlier. One cannot help but think that perhaps those lost memories are restored and the dying individuals are reaching out to the one person they know, with a sure knowledge, will provide them with peace, comfort and unconditional love.
If a mother’s love could be duplicated and instilled to every person on earth there would be no wars, no crime, no divorce, no dissention and no greed in the world. But fortunately, as long as there are mothers, there is also a chance that this world might just be able to reach a point where it can actually be designated as civilization. Each time a mother brings a new life into the world it is a manifestation from God that He has concluded that there is still justification to allow the world continue.
Mothers should certainly be honored more than one day a year. They should be revered and cherished and placed high on the highest pedestal each and every day of their lives. One can never come close to repaying his mother the debts he owes her, however, that doesn’t mean he should ever stop trying.

Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Unified School District has been very busy overseeing the execution of long awaited upgrades and renovations to Fillmore’s schools, especially at the Fillmore High School campus. The school, main recipient of the District’s recent efforts, was established in 1909. The oldest building on the present campus was erected in 1938, and today, educator to 1000 students, some bussed from as far away as Newhall Ranch.
Those familiar with Fillmore High School could not deny the long deteriorated condition of the buildings and grounds. The high school renovation that began six years ago is nearing completion. Commencing in July 2001 with the rehabilitation and renovation of the Science Building, the modernized structure reopened for student use in August 2002.
More recently, work was completed on a new parking lot and outdoor basketball courts, new concrete in the quad, and replacement of asphalt in the horseshoe. Major plumbing upgrades included the renovation of five previously un-useable student restrooms. Numerous new doors in both the Arts and Administration Buildings have been installed and the cafeteria and gym sport a new, fresh look. Importantly, disability access has been upgraded throughout the campus.
The final phase is noticeably in progress. Improvements at FHS include regrading and resurfacing the football field with artificial turf, regrading and installation of an all-weather track, new lights and fine, no-climb fencing. A new state of the art, remote access scoreboard, financed by the Fillmore Lion’s Club through donations in memory of Hank Carrillo, will be installed sometime in July. Painting of the exteriors of the Library, two classroom buildings and the Administration Building is scheduled for this summer. More obvious however, is the installation of eight-foot fencing along the perimeter of the campus, complying with a 2002 study by the Ventura County Grand Jury, and the recommendation that all high schools in Ventura County install such perimeter fencing in an effort to not keep students in, but to keep perpetrators of problems out. Fortunately, little violence occurs between students. School officials report that every major event on campus has involved non-students against students. However, in 2007 alone, the school suffered costs of $30,000 due to vandalism and $20,000 from burglary offences. Most high schools in the County installed this type of fencing years ago.
Other area public schools have received upgrades as well. In the spring of 2003, work began after the District won State funds to construct twenty-two new classrooms at termite damaged Fillmore Junior High School. The classrooms were operational in the summer of 2005. Recent ongoing projects include new frontage fencing for the Junior High, completion of the new multi-purpose room and cafeteria at Mount Vista Elementary School, and exterior painting and asphalt work at San Cayetano Elementary School.
It takes an enormous amount of money to finance projects of this magnitude. Since 2001, the cost has been $32,000,000 and an additional $7,000,000 planned for the high school, San Cayetano and Piru Elementary Schools. Funds have and will come from a variety of sources including State bonds and grants, an obligation bond, mostly used for Mount Vista, and the sale of high school property (site of the old, debris filled pool and tennis courts), to the City for the proposed community swimming pool and refurbished tennis courts. Upon completion of the heated, competition-regulation pool, an agreement between the City and the FUSD will allow Fillmore High School students to use the City owned facility for physical education and competition. Along with funds collected from the community through a yearly maintenance tax (measure B5), FHS will participate in the maintenance costs.
Dr. Michael Bush, Ed.D., FUSD Assistant Superintendent, Business, is currently managing this enormous undertaking. He stated that budgetary problems in funding education are directly related to low tax levels from years of Proposition 13 (low property taxes), and consequential dependence on other tax revenues, and that the shortfall contributes greatly to California’s ranking of below forty-five, in the country. And since the final phase of renovations is funded through facility funds restricted to capital improvements, the current State budget challenges will not derail the process. Dr. Bush also believes in not allowing funding issues to tear at the fabric of the community. His job, he stated, is to fight hard for available monies and opportunities, and to make sure that Fillmore schools receive their fair share, necessary to realize state of the art learning institutions. He, along with many others, is dedicated to the goals of a finer education and a brighter future for the youths of Fillmore, and restoration of the respect and pride for their schools, displayed by students of previous generations. So much has been accomplished through education in Fillmore’s schools, despite their decaying condition. Could you imagine the achievements in surroundings of which one can be proud?