Cindy Diaz-Telly of the Fillmore office of Troop Real Estate.

“You can be passive. Or, you can be part of the solution.”

It’s a guidepost that has played a central role in bringing Cindy Diaz-Telly of the Fillmore office of Troop Real Estate, Inc. a successful residential real estate career. This was underlined recently with her designation as “REALTOR of the Year” for the Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS.

The coveted designation also accents Diaz-Telly’s ongoing involvement in her profession and community, something she’s convinced enables her to better serve her clients. Previously, she served as president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of Ventura County, and is a current member of the Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team (REFAT). Diaz-Telly also serves as the 2010 secretary/treasurer of VCCAR as well as being a member of several other committees.

“When I first became a REALTOR, my broker Bob Harrison (Troop’s West County Regional Manager) taught me the right way to do things. He showed me that the successful brokers were the ones that were informed as well as involved.

“I’ve made a point of serving my industry CONTINUED »

Lake Piru’s Bass Tournament will be held March 21st, 2010. Day Tournament Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass.

April 24th, 2010 Night Tournament, Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass. May 7th, 2010 Night Tournament, Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass.

All tournaments are open to the public call ahead and register with the front office at (805)521-1500 (X 500); Boats are available for rent during tournament hours; All California boating laws apply; Location is available for private tournaments as well public. Day or Night (805) 521-1500 (x 500).

The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by The Razzmatappers, a tap dance troupe, at the Veterans Memorial building on March 23, 2010.

Formed in 1998, this lively troupe of seniors perform for charitable organizations and events, clubs, fairs, retirement and nursing homes and private events. The Razzmatappers' repertoire includes upbeat tap routines using their favorite music from Broadway shows, the 30's, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Their members include performers who have appeared on Broadway, TV, variety acts and dance competitions. Some have owned dance studios and have been instrumental in developing many of the fine performers active in the dance world today. Others started dancing later in life, but all share their love of dance and performing.

In July 2000, 6 members of the Troupe traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the North American Tap Dance Festival. Their routine to “Green Eyes” won them 1st Place and a Gold Medal in the Senior Category, and Choreographer Lee Olsen won 2nd Place over all the other competitors for her choreography.

The Troupe rehearses 3 times a week at California Dance Theater in Agoura, and can be reached at 805 381-9080 or 805 376-0153, for more information, or to arrange for a performance.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Trisha Armstrong at 727-1901.

DeAnna Villagomez

DeAnna Villagomez is being recognized by Soroptimist International of Fillmore for her volunteer service and her deep commitment to her community. She has volunteered for four years as well as being a captain for Relay For Life to raise monies for cancer research and treatment. In addition, has been a Big Sister for two years in the Big Brother Big Sister of Fillmore/Piru for a Fillmore Middle School Youth. In 2009 she was mentor of the year. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters/One Step a la Vez, Ms. Villagomez was able to attend a Just Communities leadership camp (CommUnity Leaders Institute) in the summer 2009. Ms. Villagomez states, “I had no idea what I was getting myself into and how this could affect me. Little did I know how oppression was occurring all around me, every day.” Following the camp, Ms. Villagomez and other attendees at the camp formed a group to stop bullying and harassment of youth at Fillmore High School as well as giving twice monthly workshops on social justice issues and equality.

The Violet Richardson award is an award given out yearly honoring young women who have made a difference in their community. Soroptimist International of Fillmore is honored to have Ms. Villagomez as the 2010 awardee.

Welcome to the second February 2010 Ventura County Sheriff Farm Watch.
Uniting farmers, ranchers, supply houses, nurseries, oilfields and our entire agricultural community.
For our newest members, remember you will never get spammed. You can un-subscribe any time, just send us an email.
Congratulations Farm Watch members!
What a perfect Saturday morning to be writing our newsletter.
We just broke the 500 member mark.
Who would have ever thought 500 ranches farms, nurseries and such..?
500 different sets of crime fighting eyes, keeping Ag-crime abated in Ventura County and joining one another in an entire virtual rural community.
Be on the Lookout (B.O.L)
Ag Commissioner Henry Gonzales and his team of investigators, combined with the Farm Bureau, state and federal scientist are looking for a fugitive called the Asian Psyllid. This critter is trying to destroy our California's $1.2-billion Ag-industry.
Just as the Asian Psyllid silently prepares to strike local farmers, so does another element of well organized fugitives.
We have recently been contacted by CONTINUED »

Conway Spitler

How many of you, in the City of Fillmore, remember the "Statement of Vision" from the Fillmore Vision 2020 Steering Committee? This was when a group of leaders in Fillmore worked on a vision plan needed to bring Fillmore's Future into Focus!

There were seven key areas of focus for Fillmore: Keeping agriculture economically viable; Recreation opportunities; Keeping agriculture economically viable; Recreation opportunities; The need for neighborliness and civic pride; Shared responsibility to the community's health, education and safety; the importance of community volunteerism and finding an economic balance involving agriculture, tourism and small, local businesses.

It was stated at the time: "The Vision Committee wants to emphasize that this is an open process. We are open to a variety of ideas and we will listen to what the public has to say. The challenge is advancing these wants and needs in a way that is most beneficial to everyone in the community. But we shouldn’t be afraid to aim high."
Where do we stand now?

Many people in Fillmore do not know that any veteran’s name can be added to the wall at the Memorial Building. If you are interested in having a deceased family member or friend added, get a permission letter from the family, attach a check for $125 to cover the cost of the name plate, and deliver both to Annette Cardona at the
City Hall. Since these name plates are cast in bronze, it takes several months. This is a fitting memorial for
anyone who has served in the military. Our WW2 veterans are passing away quickly now and often we forget there is a place for their name to be included on the Memorial wall.

Applications are now available for the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Educational Scholarship for adult women returning to college or a trade school. Applicants must reside within the Fillmore School District. For information and an application form please telephone Susan Banks at 524-1470.

Educational Scholarships
Applicants are now available for the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Educational Scholarships. Any graduating senior who resides within the Fillmore Unified School District and is continuing on to a College, University or Trade School can apply. Applications are available at Fillmore High School or by telephoning Susan Banks at 524-1470.

City of Fillmore

Citywide Clean Up Day Set for March 27, 2010

Got too much junk around the house or office?

If so, the next Fillmore “City-Wide Clean Up Day” is March 27, 2010. City residents and small-business owners are encouraged to bring their unwanted clutter to well #4 located at 728 Goodenough Road, across the street from Ameron Pole Products Saturday, March 27, 2010, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Trash, recyclables, furniture, appliances, old tires, refrigerators, computers, television sets, stereos and cathode ray tubes are among the materials that will be accepted, free of charge.

Note that oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and household hazardous waste such as cleaning solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, batteries and paint will not be accepted during the “City-Wide Clean Up Days.” However, Ventura County’s Pollution Prevention Center (5777 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura) is available for Fillmore residents and small business owners to dispose of toxic materials, also free of charge. Appointments are required. Call 658-4323. For more information on the “City-Wide Clean Up Days,” call 524-3701

Applications are now being taken for Citizen of the Year. Applications can be picked up at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, 557 Ventura Street in Fillmore. (805) 524-0351.

A fashion show luncheon to raise money both to provide nursing scholarships and to support community volunteer work will be held on March 20, 2010. Altrusa International Inc. of San Buenaventura Foundation is hosting the annual fundraiser at the Courtyard by Marriot in Oxnard. The theme this year is “Dream . . . A String of Pearls.” Assistance League Bargain Box will present fashions suitable for casual, business, and evening wear.

The luncheon will include raffles and a silent auction. Lynn’s Jewelry Studio has donated an exquisite pearl necklace to be raffled. Baskets of goodies will also be raffled, and there will be door prizes. Fashions will be sold at the event. For luncheon tickets and reservations, contact Sharon Knapp at 805-654-0545. Tickets are available now.

Altrusa members donate their time and money to various causes throughout the year. They feed the hungry at Family-to-Family, give books to teenagers at Blanchard Community Library’s Teen Scene in Santa Paula, and are working to supply the Point Mugu Naval Base Recreation Room with entertainment resources. They also support Khepera House, Project Understanding Tutor Centers, and Westpark’s afterschool program.

Adrian Hernanadez and Ben Prado having a great time at the library.
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Peggy Escoto shares a book with her granddaughters Ariana Ocegueda and Kaeleigh Ellis. The book was purchased with funds from the Books For Children grant.
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Piru Library started 2010 with great excitement because of the new books we have on our shelves. Thanks to the Libri Foundation of Eugene Oregon and our local sponsor The Friends of Piru School the Piru Library received a BOOKS FOR CHILDREN grant for $1400 worth of books. The newly purchased books include picture books, math, science, and novels for children of all ages. The Libri Foundation awards grants to rural public libraries matching funds that have been raised by local sponsors. Friends of Piru School is an organization of parents, teachers and community members who work to enrich the learning experience of Piru School students.

The Piru Library is unique in that it is the Piru School Library during school hours and a branch of the Ventura County Library System open to the public after school, evenings and Saturdays. Visit www.vencolibrary.org, call 521-1753 or stop by at 3811 E. Center St. Piru on Mon.,Tue.,Wed.,Fri 3pm -7pm, Th. 1pm-5pm and Sat. 10am-2pm, to check out all of our new books.

Cindy Escoto is Piru's Librarian.

At their February meeting, the Fillmore Ebell Club recognized its past presidents. Honored at the luncheon meeting were the following past presidents:
Current President, Mary Ford - 2008-2010
Current Yearbook Chair and past President, Wanda Haynes - 2007-2008 and
2001-2003
Current Membership Chair and past President, Pat Murray - 2005-2007
Current Meeting Co-Coordinator and past President, Charlene Smith - 2003-2005
Current Treasurer and past President, Fay Swanson - 1999-2001 and 1995-1997
Current Meeting Co-Coordinator and past President, Marlene Schreffler - 1997-1999
Past Presidents (Pro-tem) - 1993-1995
Special Activities Co-Chair and past President, Lorraine Finch - 1991-1993
Current Parliamentarian and past President, Margaret Haskell - 1989-1991
Past President, Donna Zaelke - 1987-1989
Past President, June Cochran - 1985-1987
Past President, Jeanette Anderson - 1972-1974
Past President, Edith Felsenthal - 1971-1972
Past President, Harriet Phillips - 1970-1971
Life Member and past President, Ruth Musgrave - 1968-1969
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Trisha Armstrong at 727-1901.

This 1 ½ hour class will meet weekly on Saturday mornings 11 – 12:30.
Learn all aspects of musical theatre by a professional Director/Choreographer. Sign up now to perform in an exciting summer stage musical. (Location of the class TBA).

Students will be trained in dance, acting, voice, audition prep and stage performing. Cost for this 1 ½ hour class is $55 a month. $5.00 off for siblings.
Expert training right here, close to home! You can’t go wrong … save your gas money and learn from the very best! Right here in your own backyard!

Expand your horizons through the arts! It has been said that children involved in the arts do better in math and language. Moms have verified this ... On occasion I’ll hear, “My child has been doing so much better in school since taking the actor’s workshop”, another class offered weekly here in town. Indeed, this has been a well-known fact, children’s self-esteem just gets better and better! Learning in a fun environment and making friends is essential to the growth of our youth.
Give your children the chance to express themselves through performing arts and watch your precious little flowers bloom and grow!

For information on this upcoming newly formed musical theatre class or the
on-going actors workshop class, taught by Hollywood Acting Coach,
Stephen Burhoe, please call: Priscilla (805) 524-0553 or (805) 794-6228 or email mrzeus@att.net