Back Stacks Books sponsored by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula is a great place to find just the right books.

The Back Stacks 1st Saturday sale February 6, from 10 AM to 2 PM, will feature 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. The February specials include multi-volume sets, already marked with low prices, now at 50% off. Also, mass market paperbacks, usually $.50, will be $.25 or 5 for $1.00!

Located at 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula, enter via the north parking lot, thru the roll-up door in the back. Normal weekday hours also continue: Wed. 12-4, Thu. & Fri. 12-2. For more information, spfotl@gmail.com.

Hello Friends,

I will be offering a three hour dream workshop on Saturday, January 30 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at our Wellness Center on Santa Clara. There is a flyer (pdf) attached to this email.

We will use various simple methods to explore and illuminate the wisdom and insight that comes to us in our dreams. I have been engaged in dream work with individuals and groups for over 40 years and yet the value of working with dreams continues to delight and impress me. I look forward to sharing this with those of you who are interested in exploring what Freud called "the royal road to the unconscious".

I am offering a $10 discount if you bring a friend who has not previously enrolled in my groups or classes.

Call me at 805-705-0405 to pre-register as there is both a minimum and a maximum enrollment for the workshop.

Wishing you well,
Valerie Rose Brinton

Bank of the Sierra, the banking subsidiary of Sierra Bancorp, (NASDAQ: BSRR), announced that it has entered into an agreement with Citizens Business Bank, the banking subsidiary of CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CVBF), to acquire the deposits and certain loan assets of a branch of Citizens Business Bank located in Porterville, California. Pending regulatory approval, Sierra’s assumption of approximately $22 million in deposits and approximately $1 million in loans is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2016.

Bank of the Sierra President and CEO Kevin McPhaill welcomed the acquisition, stating, “We are happy to welcome the Porterville customers of Citizens Business Bank into the Bank of the Sierra family, and we are committed to ensuring that the transition goes smoothly for them. We are confident that they will enjoy access to Bank of the Sierra’s broad range of financial products and personalized customer service.” Sierra plans to retain the current employees working at the Porterville Branch, which will be absorbed into Sierra’s Porterville Branch located at 90 North Main Street in Porterville.

About Sierra Bancorp & Bank of the Sierra
Sierra Bancorp (NASDAQ: BSRR) is a publicly-traded company with approximately $1.8 billion in assets. Headquartered in Porterville, California, the company operates primarily through Bank of the Sierra (the Bank). The Bank is a multi-community financial institution that offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services, primarily in the central and southern sections of the San Joaquin Valley. The Bank specializes in agricultural lending and works with many of the businesses in that region. Since opening for business in January 1978, the Bank has grown to be the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. More information about Sierra Bancorp and Bank of the Sierra can be found at the following websites:
www.sierrabancorp.com
www.bankofthesierra.com.

About CVB Financial Corp.
CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. The Bank is the largest financial institution headquartered in the Inland Empire region of Southern California with assets of approximately $7.7 billion. CVBF recently earned the ranking of “Best Bank in America” according to Forbes’ America’s Best Banks 2016. Citizens Business Bank serves 44 cities with 40 Business Financial Centers, eight Commercial Banking Centers, and three trust office locations serving the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and the Central Valley area of California.

Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF.” For investor information on CVB Financial Corp., visit the Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on forward looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the health of the national and local economies, the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled employees, customers' service expectations, the Company's ability to successfully deploy new technology, the success of branch expansion, changes in interest rates, loan portfolio performance, the Company’s ability to secure buyers for foreclosed properties, and other factors detailed in the Company’s SEC filings, including the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

Minimally-invasive cardiovascular care and common therapies for it will be the focus of a free seminar that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Omid Fatemi, M.D., who specializes in interventional cardiology, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 N. Brent St.

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with 5 million Americans hospitalized each year with chest pain and 1.1 million suffering heart attacks. Dr. Fatemi will focus on the advances in cardiovascular care and how they have improved quality of life for people with heart disease. He also will cover cardiac catheterization, radial catheterization, peripheral vascular interventions and structural heart interventions such as aortic valve replacement.

Dr. Fatemi received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas and his fellowship at Georgetown Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Dr. Fatemi is on the medical staffs of Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Registration is free but reservations are required. To secure your reservations please visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Future scheduled educational seminars include: Advances in Cardiovascular Care on Feb. 27 at the Soule Park Golf Course banquet room; Hyperthyroidism on March 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard; and Innovative Management & Treatment of Urinary and Defecatory Disorders on March 15 at CMH.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2015. Sierra Bancorp recognized net income of $18.067 million for the year in 2015, an improvement of $2.827 million, or 19%, relative to net income in 2014. The increase over the prior year is the result of substantially higher net interest income driven by higher interest-earning assets and an increase in non-recurring interest income, a growing level of non-interest income, and a reduced loan loss provision, partially offset by a higher tax accrual and, for the annual comparison, higher overhead expense. The Company’s return on average assets was 1.07% in 2015, up from 1.03% in 2014. The Company’s return on average equity also increased to 9.59% in 2015 from 8.18% in 2014, and diluted earnings per share increased to $1.33 in 2015 from $1.08 in 2014. For the fourth quarter of 2015 Sierra Bancorp had net income of $5.363 million, an annualized return on average equity of 11.25%, and a return on average assets of 1.24%.

Total assets were up $159 million, or 10%, during 2015 due to net growth of $162 million, or 17%, in gross loan balances that was partially offset by slightly lower levels of cash and investments. Loan growth was favorably impacted by increased utilization on mortgage warehouse lines, the purchase of $28 million in residential mortgage loans in March, and strong organic growth. Total nonperforming assets, including nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets, were reduced by almost $12 million, or 48%, during 2015. Total deposits were up $98 million, or 7%, for the year due primarily to a $96 million organic increase in core non-maturity deposits. Non-deposit borrowings were increased by $55 million in 2015 in order to meet the funding requirements created by strong loan demand.

“Never mistake motion for action.” – Ernest Hemingway

“Hemingway gives us CONTINUED »

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites the public to a series of Interactive Transportation Forums to give input on whether the existing transportation system is meeting their needs.

While the forums will focus on the needs and experiences of transit and paratransit riders in Ventura County, VCTC welcomes comments on all aspects of the region’s transportation system from bus and rail to freeways, bicycle paths and local streets.

The forums will be held on the following dates. Additional details are available at www.goventura.org:
Jan. 25. 6-7:30 p.m.
Moorpark City Hall

Jan. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Santa Paula Community Center

Jan. 28, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oxnard Public Library

VCTC will also hold a public hearing from 1:30-3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8 at Camarillo City Hall to gather input on unmet transit needs.

All meetings are accessible by bus. Moorpark City Transit and Heritage Valley extend evening service until 8 p.m. to accommodate attendees.

“We would like to hear what our citizens feel this County needs to keep traffic flowing, people moving and the economy growing. We’d like to hear what they need for better mobility in their daily lives,” said VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. ”These meetings help VCTC understand whether the existing transportation system is meeting the needs of our community, especially those who depend on transit.”

To capture input from people who are unable to attend a meeting, VCTC has created a brief online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZS83C7B. Comments may also be emailed to etalbo@goventura.org or mailed to VCTC, 950 County Square Dr., Ventura, Calif., 93003. The comment period will close on Feb. 15, 2016.

The public meetings are a requirement of the Transportation Development Act (TDA), a California law that provides funds to improve transit service and surface transportation in communities across the state. Under the TDA, VCTC must annually identify any unmet transit needs in the Ventura County region.

Since the priority for TDA funds is transit, a public outreach process is required in counties, such as Ventura, where local street and road projects may be eligible for TDA funding. The law requires that any reasonable unmet transit needs be identified and funded before local jurisdictions may expend the funds on streets and roads.

Beginning in July 2014, only the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark and Santa Paula are eligible to use TDA funds for streets and roads. VCTC works collaboratively with other transit providers, however, to invite feedback from the public about all transit services in the county, so the Commission can work to develop policies that improve regional service delivery.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at www.goventura.org.

Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq:BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, representing an increase of 9% over the dividend paid last quarter and up 20% from the dividend paid a year ago. The dividend was approved subsequent to the Board’s review of the Company’s financial results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2015, which reflect continued capital strength, improved operating results, robust growth in loans and deposits, and respectable credit quality. The dividend will be paid on February 18, 2016, to shareholders of record as of February 4, 2016. Including dividends paid by Bank of the Sierra prior to the formation of Sierra Bancorp, the Company has paid regular cash dividends to shareholders every year since 1987, comprised of annual dividends from 1987 through 1998 and quarterly dividends since then. The dividend noted in today’s announcement marks the Company’s 68th consecutive regular quarterly cash dividend.

Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com), which is in its 39th year of operations, and at almost $1.8 billion in total assets is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over 400 employees and conducts business through 28 full-service branches, a loan production office, an online branch, a real estate industries center, an agricultural credit center, and an SBA center.

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on forward looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the bank’s ability to maintain current dividend payments or increase dividend payouts to shareholder, its ability to continue to generate record financial results, changes in economic conditions, interest rates and loan portfolio performance, and other factors detailed in the Company’s SEC filings. Sierra Bancorp undertakes no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

On January 2nd, 2016, a Kubota RTV 900XT utility cart was stolen from a farm in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. The utility cart is similar in appearance to the one above, however the black numbering painted on the sides is 151371. In an effort to preserve the strong anti-theft culture in Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Office is asking our Agriculture Community for assistance in locating the stolen utility cart. The investigation to locate the individuals who are responsible for stealing the utility cart continues. Any information regarding the stolen utility cart or those responsible is appreciated.

If you have possible suspect information, or the possible location of the stolen property please contact Detective Chip Cadman at 805-384-4726

Message from Detective Chip Cadman:
In this Farm Watch, I want to wish everyone a happy New Year! Let me also remind everyone to take steps in order to prevent becoming the victims of crime this upcoming year.
Ranches and farms are attractive targets of crime because there is expensive equipment, materials and supplies in accessible areas. Ranches and farms are in remote and isolated areas, where criminal activity can occur without being seen. Developing and implementing security practices can help protect you and your property.
Place signs warning potential thieves of video surveillance and alarm systems, security guards, or dogs. No Trespassing signs are useful in establishing your property line. Gates and fences are also effective security measures. Check fence lines to ensure they are secure and intact. Use gates at entrances/exits onto your property and lock them when not in use with heavy duty chains and padlocks. Use other means, such as large posts/poles, drainage ditches, or large boulders to prevent vehicles from accessing your property.
If it is necessary to leave equipment in the field:
• Know what equipment is in the field and ensure it is marked with your OAN. Position the equipment where it can be seen from a house, work station, or by a foreman. Park or place the equipment out of sight behind a road, treeline, or hill.
• Remove keys, have a hidden kill switch, or disable the equipment by disconnecting the power or by other means. If equipment is a vehicle with doors, ensure they are locked when not in use.
• Secure smaller farm equipment to large objects with heavy chains and case hardened padlocks. If possible remove one tire from a side.
• Batteries are easy targets and should have lockable cases over them.
• Place lockable caps on fuel openings.
Farm and Ranch buildings:
• Door hinges should be mounted on the interior of the door. Spot weld externally mounted hinge pins.
• On doors use heavy-duty strike plates and long screws (such as 2½”).
• Secure overhead rolling doors by drilling a hole in the track, above the roller, and insert a heavy padlock.
• Double-swing doors should have a well secured track at its base so the door cannot be swung open enough for a person to gain entrance.
• Windows can be secured using a commercial slide-block or by drilling a downward hole through a bottom sash and inserting a pin.
• Metal bars or heavy screens can be used to secure high-risk windows.
Identification Of Property:
• Mark all tools, parts and equipment with your OAN (If you need an OAN please contact me).
• Maintain a complete inventory listing of all tools, machinery and equipment including any serial numbers and model numbers.
Vehicles and Farm Equipment:
• Vehicles and farm equipment should always be locked. DO NOT hide the keys in or on the vehicle.
• Do not leave tools or equipment in the back of a truck bed.
• Vehicle toolboxes should always be secured with heavy padlock and securely mounted to your vehicle.
• Machinery should not be left in fields overnight, if possible, and should not be parked with easy access to, or visible from a road.
• Chain equipment or machinery together if left overnight in fields.
Fuel Tank Security:
• Fuel tanks should always be locked.
• The control switch for electrically operated fuel tank pumps should be located in the house or a locked building.
• If located above ground, the fuel tank should be visible from the house but concealed from the roadway.
• Areas around fuel tanks should be well lighted.
Fertilizer, Pesticide & Fungicide:
• Remember not to stockpile your supplies, order only what you intend to apply.
• After receiving a delivery of supplies, move the supplies to another secure location in the event the suspect(s) are watching when and where your supplies have been delivered.
If you suspect illegal activity on your property:
• Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.
• Be a good witness; write down any important information and if possible use your cellular telephone to take photos for evidence.
• If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.
• Note suspect(s) description such as age, height and weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.
• Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.
If you’re not sure of how to address a problem or would like additional crime prevention, need assistance, need an Owner Applied Number (OAN), please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at (805) 384-4726 or by e-mail at greg.cadman@ventura.org
Additional station detective contacts;
Camarillo Detective Beau Rodriguez, beau.rodriguez@ventura.org
Ventura Detective Michael Rowland, michael.rowland@ventura.org
Fillmore Detective John Fox, john.fox@ventura.org
Ojai Detective William Hollowell, william.hollowell@ventura.org
Moorpark Detective Kenneth Truitt, kenneth.truitt@ventura.org
Protect yourselves and your property,
Chip
Desk Phone: (805) 384-4726 Cell Phone (805) 797-6424
Geoff Dean – Sheriff
Gary Pentis - Undersheriff

Sierra Bancorp (NASDAQ: BSRR), the holding company of Bank of the Sierra, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Coast Bancorp (OTC: CTBP) of San Luis Obispo County, California. Under the agreement the outstanding shares of Coast Bancorp will be entitled to receive aggregate consideration of $3.2 million in cash and 581,753 shares of Sierra Bancorp common stock. Coast Bancorp shareholders may elect to receive cash, Sierra Bancorp common stock or a combination of both, subject to proration. Based on the closing price of Sierra Bancorp common stock on January 4, 2016, the transaction would have a value of $13.8 million, or $2.37 per Coast Bancorp common share. However, the deal value will fluctuate with changes in Sierra Bancorp’s stock price.

Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin McPhaill said, “We are excited that the employees and customers of Coast National Bank will join the Bank of the Sierra family. Expansion to California’s central coast presents an exciting growth opportunity for Bank of the Sierra. Similar to Coast National Bank, Bank of the Sierra is committed to providing outstanding service coupled with a commitment to improving the communities in which they serve.”

Anita Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coast Bancorp and Coast National bank stated, “Bank of the Sierra is the appropriate fit to continue the commitment by Coast National Bank for the past 18 years in our communities. Our customers will have access to many more products and services together with the additional benefit of a larger lending limit; enabling us to meet all of the needs of our customers and our community. This transaction benefits our shareholders who have been steadfast during difficult times and rewards them with shares in BSRR, providing opportunity into the future.” Ms. Robinson continued, "I am also excited to become part of the Bank of the Sierra team as the Market President for the San Luis Obispo area upon completion of the acquisition."

Sierra Bancorp expects CONTINUED »

Effective January 18, Valley Express is excited to announce revised schedules for both Santa Paula routes A and B; a brand new 15-stop River Central Route in Fillmore; connections between Fillmore and Piru routes; expansion of the Dial-A-Ride program to include full service to Seniors (65+); and an increase in daily fares, but monthly bus pass prices will remain the same.

“The new River Central Route will provide access to places in Fillmore where Valley Express hasn’t stopped before,” said Treena Gonzalez of Valley Express. She added, “Our service enhancements will make it more convenient than ever for people to get to the places they want to go in 2016!”

The new River Central Route complements Valley Express’ other Fillmore route. Valley Express bus service, which launched in March 2015, operates two routes in Santa Paula, one in Piru, and as of January 18, two routes in Fillmore. Both routes in Fillmore will be interlined with the Piru route, meaning a rider can stay on the same bus and get to locations in Fillmore and Piru.

The new River Central Route has stops along Central Avenue that supplement the existing Fillmore Route stops on Central Avenue, resulting in a total of ten stops on Central Avenue. This new route also stops at the following locations: El Paseo Apartments, Two Rivers Park and Greenfield Care Center.

“We’re pleased that we are able to provide all these service improvements without changing our monthly pass prices,” said Aaron Bonfilio, Program Manager – Transit Services for Valley Express. He continued to explain, “A slight increase in daily fares helps us afford these additional routes, connections, and expansion of our Dial-A-Ride program to seniors.”

All of these service enhancements are included in Valley Express’ newly revised brochures for the Santa Paula routes and Fillmore & Piru routes, which are available onboard the buses or by calling (805) 933-2267. New routes and schedules can also be seen at www.valleyexpressbus.org.

Valley Express service is provided through a cooperative agreement between the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). It is administered by VCTC. The fixed-route and Dial-A-Ride service is the Heritage Valley’s own community-based transit program. Valley Express buses run seven days each week, including specialized School Tripper service with additional runs in the morning and afternoon. Day passes, monthly passes, and discounted passes for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities are available. For route and service information, call (800) 438-1112 or visit www.valleyexpressbus.org.

Back pain, which affects an estimated 30 million Americans at any given time, will be the focus of a free seminar when Community Memorial Health System opens its 2016 Educational Seminars series on Tuesday, Jan 26.

Antulio B. Aroche Jr., D.O., who specializes orthopedic surgery, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 N. Brent St.

Nationwide, bone and joint health problems have become the leading cause of disability, and Dr. Aroche will discuss the causes and diagnosis of back pain as well as treatment and rehabilitation options available to patients.

Dr. Aroche was dual fellowship trained in orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is a member of the North America Spine Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and several honor societies. Dr. Aroche is on the medical staffs of Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006, or visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Future scheduled educational seminars include: Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Care & Common Therapies on Feb. 23 at CMH; Advances in Cardiovascular Care on Feb. 27 at the Soule Park Golf Course banquet room; Hyperthyroidism on March 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard; and Innovative Management & Treatment of Urinary and Defecatory Disorders on March 15 at CMH.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash collection schedule in Fillmore on Jan. 22, during the week of Martin Luther King Jr.

For more information, call 647-1414.

On Saturday, Jesus Torres, candidate for Ventura County Board of Supervisors District 3, kicked off the first of two events where he donated and delivered a combined 80 turkeys to families in need in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru.

“The holidays can be a very stressful time for families that struggle to put food on the table,” said Torres. Growing up, my family was a recipient of a free turkey or food stuffs during the holidays. It’s important we come together to ensure we help families throughout our community celebrate the holidays.

The campaign partnered with the Santa Paul Police Department to identify families in need.

On Monday, Torres partnered with volunteers from First 5 for his second event at the Fillmore School District to hand out holiday food baskets (some of which included Turkeys donated by Torres) and toys for kids. Over a hundred families attended the giveaway, which served First 5 families from Fillmore and Piru.

Jesus currently works as a community relations director in the private sector. In this role, he manages a philanthropic budget where he has awarded grants to fund domestic violence prevention initiatives, local youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo as well as literacy grants to the Ventura County Rescue Mission. Jesus has a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and Master’s degree from USC. Jesus’ longstanding involvement in the community includes sitting on the boards of local non-profits and being a member of the Rotary. He has also been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the Ventura County Workforce Development Board.

Jesus is married to Monica and both are raising their two young children; Joaquin, 3, and Raquel, 1 in Camarillo.

Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Health System’s Bariatric Weight Loss Center has achieved a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Adolescent qualifications require the center to provide pediatric and psychiatric expertise, and also to include the very specific health needs of an adolescent. Families are an integral part of the process and are included in this major health challenge.

“Community Memorial is committed to providing our patients with the highest level of comprehensive bariatric care,” said Helmuth Billy, M.D, director of Bariatric Surgery at the Bariatric Weight Loss Center located at Community Memorial Hospital. “Our team never stops striving to improve and including adolescent qualifications is another example of that dedication.”

To earn the MBSAQIP designation, Community Memorial met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement.

For more information about the CMHS Bariatric Weight Loss Center call 805/658-5839.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Friday this year, Santa Clara Valley Disposal delay its regular Friday trash collection schedule to Saturday in Fillmore both weeks.

The regular collection schedule will return the week of Jan. 4-8, 2016.

As a special holiday feature, residents may put out twice the amount of trash at no extra charge during the two weeks following Christmas. Please make sure the trash is in bags. We will also collect extra recyclables, but please make sure to flatten all boxes.

Also, Harrison is making it easy for their customers to recycle their Christmas trees. All customers need to do is remove the ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails and tree stand, then cut the tree into sections no more than 4 feet long and place in the yard waste barrel on their scheduled pickup day. Also, for the first year, flocked trees can be recycled.

For more information, call 647-1414.