There is a rumor that there is a higher rate of respiratory illness and cancer in Fillmore due to the presence of the oil refinery across Pole Creek. If you purchase a home adjacent to the site, the realtors are required to notify you of potential hazards associated with the site. Yet no one has ever confirmed or refuted this rumor. There has been lots of testing of the ground, water and air, but no testing of the persons living in the area.

Youth, staff and adult volunteers from One Step a la Vez (a teen program in Fillmore) are conducting a survey to get scientific information about the health effects of the toxic waste site. Under the supervision of Dr. James Dahlgren (Environmental Toxicologist) and his staff they are conducting a survey of residents to the west of the refinery site. The survey began on August 1st and will continue until completed. Volunteers will be going door to door asking for residents to fill out a health history form. If you live near Pole Creek, please participate in the study; the more participants who share information, the more accurate the study.

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Hello City of Fillmore, My name is Rachel Lucio I am 16 years old and I am the Historian for Sespe 4-H. I would like to invite you all to come support the Sespe 4-H members as we compete at the 2012 Ventura County Fair. The Sespe 4-H members have all worked hard for this upcoming event. We hope to see you and your friends and family this year. It would be a fun and good time watching us show our animals. We would like to give a special thanks to Sue Maynard for all her help out at the farm.
Yours truly,
Rachel Lucio,
Sespe 4-H Historian

Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters, Mark A. Lunn, announced that the November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election is a partisan run-off election, as well as a regular election date for cities, special districts, and school districts.

“Every election is an opportunity for voters to participate in our great democracy, not only can this election change the course of our country but also our county, cities and various districts,” said Mark A. Lunn. “I encourage every registered voter to mark their calendars and vote November 6, 2012.”

The November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election will include the following offices:
President and Vice President
United States Senator
Representative in Congress – 24th, 25th, 26th and 30th Districts
Member of State Senate – 19th and 27th Districts
Member of State Assembly – 37th, 38th, 44th and 45th Districts
County Supervisor 1st District

General Municipal Elections include the following offices:
City of Camarillo – Two City Council Members
City of Fillmore – Three City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Moorpark – Mayor* and Two City Council Members
City of Ojai – Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Oxnard – Mayor*, Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Port Hueneme – Two City Council Members
City of Santa Paula – Two City Council Members, One City Treasurer and One City Clerk
City of Simi Valley – Mayor* and Two City Council Members
City of Thousand Oaks – Two City Council Members

*Full term of 2 years

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Emem Ekpenyong

Emem Ekpenyong, who works at Fillmore Family Medical Group, is part of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), a team of qualified health care providers who care for communities with limited access to care. In celebration of the NSHC's 40th anniversary this year, the program is featuring one dedicated provider each week for his or service. This week, that provider is Emem Ekpenyong in Fillmore, CA.

In your community, and in communities around the country, many local health care sites are staffed and supported by members of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), a team of quality providers who bring services to communities with limited access to care. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our program this year, we are featuring one clinician a week, and this week our outstanding provider is Emem Ekpenyong at Fillmore Family Medical Group!

For many without medical coverage or reliable income, primary health care providers are essential to the prevention and treatment of major health conditions. Emem is one such provider.

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SACRAMENTO, CA – As students head back-to-school, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman, urges parents to ensure their 11- and 12-year-old children have been immunized against pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and other dangerous diseases to keep them healthy during the new school year. In 2010, more than 9,000 pertussis cases were reported in California, including 10 infant fatalities, the most in over 60 years.

“Immunizations create a shield at school and home,” said Dr. Chapman. “Given recent outbreaks and epidemics nationwide, it is important that children be protected against these dangerous and highly contagious diseases, like whooping cough.”

In 2010, a new law was signed by Governor Brown requiring a whooping cough booster before middle and high school students can re-enter school. All incoming seventh graders must provide proof that they have met the Tdap requirement before starting school.

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Children attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon.
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On Friday, July 20th I had an opportunity to attend the closing ceremonies of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's 2012 Vacation Bible School. This year's theme was “Operation Overboard: Dare to Dive Deep For God!” This year the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School started on Monday, July 16th and ended on Friday, July 20th. There were a total of 102 registered children ages 2 years to 14 years who attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon at the Church. The cost to each participant was $10 which also included daily healthy snacks.

The Director of this years program was shared by long-time Director Sharon Hurd and Co-Director Mimi Burns. There were approximately 20 adult staff/volunteers and 10 youth leaders participating and assisting in this year's Vacation Bible School. One of the volunteers recognized was 15 year old, Fillmore High School Sophomore Billy Vollmert. Billy has been involved with the Bardsdale Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School from when he was one of the youngest in the program trough volunteering and this year he photographed and prepared a slide presentation for graduation day! Of the 102 children, twenty-five were Pre-Schoolers. The Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Pastor Kent Fromer told me, “Preparation begins for the Vacation Bible School months in advance and the Co-Directors work many hours selecting the theme and lining up the volunteers and staff in order to have a meaningful Vacation Bible School!”

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Learn about Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum and find out how you can make a difference as a volunteer ...where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Attend training Saturday August 4 and 11, 9:00 - 12:30 and find your "camulos niche" doing tours, historical research, gardening, fundraising, outreach, maintenance, restoration, and more. Reserve your spot by contacting Kathy at 661-294-0230 or kathimarsden@yahoo.com. To find our more about Rancho Camulos visit www.ranchocamulos.org.

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WELCOME FARM WATCH READERS!

Agricultural Crimes Detective Ray Dominguez had the following update from his activities and investigations around Ventura County:

Winning…folks it looks like we had limited criminal activity reported over the Independence Day Weekend! With only two reported agriculture related thefts during that period, it clearly indicates to me that your efforts combined with that of patrol deputies countywide are paying dividends when it comes to protecting your property.

Since our last edition, I have received reports of farming equipment being stolen from two ranches. The first report was of a stolen Kubota tractor from the unincorporated area of Oxnard, and the second involves the theft of a John Deere farm implement referred to as a “Chopper” from a Ventura farm. I’m still waiting for the victims in these cases to provide some identifying information to share with you in future stolen equipment flyers.

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Members of all Sports Organizations in the City of Fillmore are invited to run for board positions for the newly formed Fillmore Park Sports Group. This is a group of volunteers who will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and scheduling of all parks within the city, should it be required.
Positions to be filled:

• President
• Vice-President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Members-at-Large

Meeting to be held at:
August 9th, 2012 7pm @ City Hall
Questions: RJ Stump (805) 910-8610
Please come and represent your organization!
Get Involved!
Make A Difference!
Support the youth of Fillmore!

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce is now working on the 2013-2014 Fillmore/Bardsdale/Piru telephone directory. If you would like to place an add please call Rosa Martel at 805-625-3010. If you would like to make any changes to your home phone number or business number please give her a call. On September 7, a Friday night, the Chamber of Commerce will hold a telephone directory kick off party at the Movie Train Cafe. A flyer will be available soon with all the details. Thank you!

Ventura, CA - As a valued partner and member of the Livingston Memorial family, Gold Coast CareGivers has been providing personal assistance and non-medical home care to Ventura county residents since 1999. Now, to strengthen that partnership, Gold Coast CareGivers has changed their name to Livingston CareGivers.

Needing help at home is an overwhelming challenge, whether it’s caring for a loved one, concern for elderly parents, or recuperating from surgery. Statistics show that people heal and recover faster when they remain in their own home, thus obtaining help from an organization like Livingston CareGivers is so very beneficial.

As our Baby Boomers come of age, there will be more need for this kind of home care and it’s important to be aware of available resources. When needing help at home, Livingston CareGivers is still the same fine compassionate and professional care that people have relied on for years, but now has a name that is recognized throughout Ventura County and one that is synonymous with quality ... Livingston, one resource for all health care needs. You can reach Livingston CareGivers @ 642-9570.

Members of the Artists Guild of Fillmore have been invited to show their art work in Aaron Brothers Art and Framing Store located off Main Street in the Telephone Road Plaza Shopping Center in Ventura. The framed paintings are presented on easels to the left of the framing desk toward the rear of the store. The exhibit is a first attempt at this location in presenting such an event. The participating artists are Luanne Hebner Perez (watercolor), Lois Freeman-Fox (digital enhancements), Lady Jan Faulkner (collage), Karen Scott Browdy (collage), Judy Dressler (oil), Doris Nichols (encaustic), Wana Klasen (mixed media) and Virginia Neuman (watercolor). The art works can be seen now through August 14, 2012.

All of the artists and store personnel extend an invitation to the public to stop in to see the art and, perhaps, to consider owning a piece of original art work by local artists. The Artists Guild of Fillmore members are honored to participate in this collaborative effort with the business community of Aaron Brothers. Business hours are Monday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm; Sunday: 10am - 6 pm.

Larry Tittsworth, Class of '61, running with the Olympic Torch.
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Julie Preciado and Elden Collins, awarded Best Girl and Boy Athlete, 1960.
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In celebrating our centennial next year on June 15th, 2013, we are taking you on a stroll along memory lane monthly. Today we look back to the year, 1960. Did you know the name of our High School back then was Fillmore Union High School? We are not sure when this changed to Fillmore High School, or why it changed. If you know, please email us at staff@fillmorehighalumni.com and let us know. We'd appreciate your input. In 1960 the ASB President was Art Dawson. The Superintendent of schools was Mr. Donovan W. Main, and the High School Principal was Mr. Harry L. Bigger. One of the highlights that year was having two Fillmore High Boys, Larry Tittsworth and Bob Beal participate in carrying of the Olympic Torch to Squaw Valley in the VIII Winter Olympics. They were chosen from among our cross-country team members to help other outstanding runners in the C.I.F. relay the Torch to Squaw Valley from the L.A. Coliseum. Larry and Bob were chosen for one of the most difficult stretches along the entire route. Each boy had to run a mile leg of the run up through the Gorman Pass in forty-degree weather with snow lying on the ground. What an honor for our runners and Fillmore High School back then. The Student Council Secretary at the High School was Martha Fansler, Speaker of the house was Bob Walden, and the Student Council Adviser was Miss Alice Hansen. Larry Yount was the President of the Pi Theta club. He says in the 1960 annual..."The purpose of Pi Theta, as an organization, is to foster interest in higher mathematics. The most worth-while function of the club is the giving of a fifty dollar award to the most outstanding mathematics student." ($50.00 went along way back then) Judy Rogers was the President of the Theta Alpha club. She says in the annual..."Theta Alpha is a club to assist those students planning to enter into the teacher profession. All activities are planned to give as much information as possible in this field by going into different phases of teaching and giving the students an idea of what it is like." They also had the the Letterwomen's Club, and the Letterman's Club. Best Boy, and Best Girl Athlete in 1960 were Elden Collins, and Julia Preciado. We quote from the 1960 Copa de Oro..."You will have to travel a long, long way to find two athletes that deserve this award more then our own Julia Preciado, and Elden Collins. Julia is very adept at all sports, especially in basketball and track. She is currently taking a business course in school and will go on to higher and better things, we are sure, when she graduates in June with the class of '60. Elden is practically Mr. All-everything; you name it in sports and there he is. He made all-league in football and basketball, and is currently working to better his time in high and low hurdles in which he holds the school records." Retiring from Fillmore High in 1960 was Mr. Glen Stull, who had been teaching at Fillmore High for 37 years. He began teaching at Fillmore High in 1923. In 1960 the adviser for the annual staff was Mr. Howard Cook. The Copa de Oro (Year Book) that year was also dedicated to him for his outstanding advice and co-operation which the annual staff of 1960 received. The Fillmore High Alumni Association has most of the High Schools annuals dating back to 1913, and we have to say, the 1960 annual is truly a treasure. Come celebrate the Alumni Associations 100th Birthday at the Alumni Dinner next year on June 15th, 2013. This is the one you don't want to miss. Don't forget to subscribe to the quarterly Alumni Newsletter, Flashbacks. Go to www.fillmorehighalumni.com and subscribe today! "Like" us on Facebook too. GO FLASHES!!

Carlos Martinez

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBB&T) is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Alberto Martinez as Manager of the Bank’s Fillmore branch, located at 566 Sespe Avenue. A 30-year banking veteran, Martinez joined SBB&T nine years ago and managed branches in Santa Paula and Ventura before his recent appointment to Fillmore. Prior to that, he worked with Wells Fargo and Washington Mutual in Ventura. Throughout his career, Martinez has successfully provided his clients with diverse financial solutions, unparalleled service and dedicated leadership in all aspects of retail banking. He studied Accounting in Santiago, Chile, where he was born and raised before moving to the U.S. in 1970.

“Carlos combines his expertise in financial services with professionalism and enthusiasm,” said Lisa Watson, Executive Vice President and Regional Manager.
“He works closely with his clients to provide solutions that meet their banking needs in a timely and accurate manner and we are fortunate to have a person of his caliber and experience on our team.”

Martinez lives in Ventura with his wife, Magali, and volunteers regularly for local organizations such as Walk of Life, Relay for Life and Walks for Diabetes. He is also a member of SBB&T’s RAVE (Really Awesome Volunteer Employees) team which assists with fundraising events for charitable, educational and community service organizations. Martinez has a passion for soccer and spent a number of years as a coach for AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization).

Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, with 45 branches on the Central Coast, is a nationally chartered regional bank that provides Commercial Banking, Private Wealth Management and Community Banking services. The Bank’s website is at www.sbbt.com.