The Fillmore Bike Park is coming along, but needs additional funding to be completed. Ride Heritage Valley (RHV), the volunteer group supporting the project, is seeking donations to complete the project and for future maintenance. Tax deductible donations to the Fillmore Bike Park Trust Fund can be made at Fillmore city hall during business hours or over the phone 805-524-1500.

Ride Heritage Valley- RHV can be found on either Facebook or Twitter for updates. RHV can be contacted at: rideheritagevalley@gmail.com

Thank you!

The Friends of the Santa Paula Blanchard Community Library invite all book lovers to their First-Saturday-of–the-Month book sale on May 3, 2014 from 10AM to 2PM.

Again there will be selections in fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and collectible books. New arrivals have been coming in daily so there will be lots of new choices. Most books are priced from $.50-$2.00. Rare and collectible books start at $4.00.Everyone can join the fun searching for literary treasures.

The event will be at the library, 119 N. 8th Street, Santa Paula. Patrons should enter through the roll-up door behind the library to access the sale.

For more information email jhawkc@gmail.com

Ventura, CA - May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Community Memorial Health System encourages the community to better understand the risk factors and symptoms of stroke, a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States.

“Time is crucial in the treatment of stroke, as on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke,” said Stephanie Lara-Jenkins, RN, Stroke Coordinator at CMH. “The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater chance of recovery.”

Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When this occurs, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying millions of valuable nerve cells within minutes.

“If you suspect a stroke, remember the word FAST – F-A-S-T,” said Lara-Jenkins. “F is for face – is your face drooping? A is for arms – can you lift both arms? S is for speech – are you slurring your words and T is for time, call 9-1-1 immediately because with stroke, time is brain.”

The primary stroke symptoms include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping
• Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Lara-Jenkins emphasizes stroke risk factors, which include:

• Hypertension
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Diabetes Mellitus
• High Cholesterol
• Inactivity/Obesity
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Tobacco Use
• Blood Disorders

Stroke is a leading cause CONTINUED »

Oxnard, CA - Nasal congestion – which the average adult suffers from two to three times a year – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, April 29.

Dr. Elisabeth Barbosa, M.D., a Ventura ear, nose and throat specialist, will lead the seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, located at 600 E. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.

Dr. Barbosa will cover the cause of nasal congestion and the treatment options available. She also will discuss the risks involved when treating nasal congestion.

Dr. Barbosa received her medical degree from the Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed her internship and residency at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She is board-certified and is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Barbosa also is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Admission is free but space is limited, and reservations are required. Call 1-800/906-6093 or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Irma Magana

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as President and be given the opportunity to participate and share the path to improve and support our Community to make it a great place to have a business. I Thank all of our current members for all of your support and allowing us to serve you. As some of you have traveled long distances to begin your businesses here to serve our community and remind us all just how important our work and support is needed here. Your new Board of Directors and I are committed to actively raising the quality of the services we will provide for all of our current members and new members as well. We want to assure you each and everyone of us is here to serve you and better what the Chamber can offer you, regardless of any obstacles we are faced with to achieve the full potential of The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce. Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is simple to provide practical, step by step assistance to help you grow your business in our beautiful hometown of Fillmore. This year our goal is to offer you tools and new ideas from already very successful business owners to improve your businesses. I would like to thank you once again and invite you to get involved with Fillmore's Chamber of Commerce upcoming events and get to know your Board of Directors as we too live and have our businesses in our beautiful City of Fillmore.

On behalf of The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and myself we Thank you for your continuous support.

Thank you,
Irma Magana
2014 President

VENTURA, CA - On Friday, May 2nd, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m., Anacapa Surgical Associates will offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings at their office located on the Ventura County Medical Center campus, 3291 Loma Vista Road, Building 340, Suite 401, Ventura.

This event, which is open to the public, is designed to provide Ventura County residents with access to free cancer screenings as well as to raise awareness of these lesser known and often misunderstood cancers. Increased understanding of the warning signs of cancers of the head and neck region combined with earlier treatment interventions will lead to higher survival rates.

Each year, over 50,000 American citizens are diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck region and less than 60 percent are still alive 5 years later. Common warning signs of oral, head and neck cancers include a mouth sore that doesn’t heal, persistent mouth pain, difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue, soreness in the throat, a lump in the neck or changes in your voice.

For more information, call Anacapa Surgical Associates: (805) 652-6201

The May 7th meeting of the Ventura County Garden Club will be a tour of the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens at 1212 Mission Canyon Rd in Santa Barbara. The cost is $8.00 admission fee with an additional $3.00-$5.00 cost for tour fee based on size of group. There will be a carpool leaving the parking lot on 10th Street near skate park at 9:30. Those attending are to bring lunch with beverage being available in the gift shop. Time at the garden will be from 11AM to about 2PM. For non members wishing to attend there are limited spaces available and reservations should be made with Lora Clarke at 218-2105 before Apr 30th.

Free health screenings, demonstrations and health information will be available at the Spring and Your Health, Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26 at the Ventura College Foundation’s weekend Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held on the Ventura College campus east parking lot at the corner of Telegraph and Day roads.

Health screenings will include blood pressure; height, weight and BMI; blood glucose levels; and anemia. Information will be available in English and in Spanish on Covered California, Cal Fresh/Food Share of Ventura County and MediCal, along with programs related to women’s health, domestic violence, senior services, mental wellness and employment. Kids Dental Kare will provide dental health information on services for children on MediCal and other programs, and the American Center Society will have information on cancer prevention, screenings and treatment.

Additional participating agencies include the Promotoras y Promotores Foundation, St. John’s Hospitals, Community Memorial Health System-Centers for Family Health, ASPIRA Counseling, Mil Mujeres, Gold Coast Health Plan, Linderes Campesinas, Inc., Every Woman Counts, HICAP and California Rural Legal Assistance.

Rancho Camulos Museum and National Historic Landmark Volunteers Needed
Volunteer Open House May 3
Become a part of where the history, myth and romance of Old California still linger. Lead tours or volunteer to assist with other museum activities depending on your interests and availability. Join us as we expand to meet the needs of our new Visitor Center. May 3 at 10:00 AM is your opportunity to learn more about our local history and how you can make a difference in bringing history alive for others. The museum is located on Highway 126, just 10 miles west of the I-5 freeway near Piru. For more information about Rancho Camulos Museum visit www.ranchocamulos.org. Email (info@ranchocamulos.org) or call the museum (805-521-1501) to sign up for the Volunteer Open House or to get more information.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Rancho Camulos Museum May 10
On Saturday May 10th bring your Mom for a unique Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark experience. Bring a picnic and blanket and spend some quality time enjoying the beautiful gardens. The roses are in their prime and the aroma is breathtaking. Docent-led tours will focus on the stories of mothers throughout Camulos history and each touring mother will receive a freshly cut rose from the garden. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Reservations are not required but are appreciated. Email (info@ranchocamulos.org) or call the museum (805-521-1501). Rancho Camulos is on Highway 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles west of the I-5 at Santa Clarita and will be open for tours at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. See www.ranchocamulos.org for more information about the museum.

Rancho Camulos Museum Artist’s Day May 16
Calling all Plein air painters, photographers and others seeking visual inspiration to fuel
their creativity. Rancho Camulos' gardens are at their peak. Set up your easel, explore the grounds with your camera, or settle into a quiet spot to begin mapping out your next novel, screenplay or other creative project. Cost: $25 per person. Price includes breakfast, lunch and a museum tour. Reservations required by May 10th. Call 805-521-1501 or email us at info@ranchocamulos.org.

Ramblings at the Rancho – Western State of Mind May 17
Western State of Mind led by John Bergstrom performs music from and about the west, including tunes from the old west, the heydays of movie westerns, and original songs telling stories about the west. You sometimes catch them including a classic country tune to round out the show. May 17th, High Noon at Rancho Camulos Museum. The $5 suggested donation also includes a docent- led tour.
Reservations are not required but are appreciated. Rancho Camulos is on Highway 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles west of the I-5 at the Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road exit and will be open for tours at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. See www.ranchocamulos.org for more information about the museum.

Rancho Camulos Museum Contact Information
5164 East Telegraph Road /P.O. Box 308, Piru CA 93040 /Hwy 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles West of the I-5 at www.ranchocamulos.org /info@ranchocamulos.org

Boys & Girls Club members enjoyed making arrangements with flowers and fruit.
Enlarge Photo

In order to encourage and prepare more children to enter Vision 2020, Civic Pride’s Flower Show, members Sarah Hansen, Joanne King, Cindy Klittich, and Linda Nunes held a workshop at the Boys/Girls Club on March 25 from 2-3 PM.

Fresh flowers and various natural items such as twigs, fruit on branches, dried seed pods, and ferns, along with florist foam that had been soaked overnight and different types of trays or containers were brought to show the children how to make their own arrangement that would meet the judge’s criteria for the show.

Joanne King talked about the basic rules that are listed in the bright yellow brochures that are available around town at the city hall, library, Patterson’s Hardware and the Treasure Station. Each child filled out an entry tag that they can bring to the show on Saturday, April 12 between the hours of 7:30am to 10:00am, along with their flowers and other items to make their arrangement in the “youth room”. The entry is free for all school age children living within the Fillmore Unified School district.

The children let their creative nature take over and had great fun producing beautiful arrangements. These were lined up by the “artist” and Joanne King talked about each one’s good points.

The Fillmore Flower Show will be held April 12 and 13 at the Senior Center at 533 Santa Clara St. Entry time is Saturday, April 12 from 7:30-10:00 am only. Adults have an entry fee of $5.00 for unlimited entries. Adults may bring their bouquets and arrangements ready to show. Youth must bring all their flowers, containers or other items for their arrangement to make the arrangement, or bouquet in the youth room without parental assistance. The young people come up with fantastic creative “master pieces”. Youth can also enter a previously written poem or essay of one page on the show theme, “100 Years of Flowers”.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Taurie Banks has received the honor of being accepted by the Southern California Equestrian Sports organization (SCES), for the development of National and International Riders.

Taurie has been riding horses since she was 7 years old. She knew at a young age that horses would be her life. For over thrity years she has trained and studied horsemanship and riding from sources all over the world. She now has the opportunity to use grants to help fund her in her journey.

Taurie is no stranger to International competitions, having competed many horses in many disciplines successfully over the years. She had two horses that she trained selected for the 1984 Olympic Modern Pentathalon, and has ridden with many Olympic Riders and Trainers. Last year she won two World Championship titles at the Pinto World Championship Show in Oklahoma, on two different horses.

The Southern California Equestrian Sports, Inc. (SCES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help equestrian riders and organizers raise tax deductible funds to compete in or support their National and International competitions throughout the United States.

SCES is designed to help athletes and owners expand their financial resources to train and compete by allowing supporters to receive a tax deductible benefit for contributions. SCES understands the financial commitment it takes to compete at the highest levels of equestrian sports; therefore established an organization to help foster development and competition

SCES has been granted a tax exempt status under Section 501C3 of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax deductible at the maximum allowed by law and donations can be made on behalf of Southern California Equestrian Sports, Inc.

Taurie was accepted by the group by achieving certain riding and competition requirements and having glowing recommendations from International riders and coaches.

“I’ve known Taurie for over 10 years and have had the great pleasure of watching her develop into a world-class equestrian,” stated Daniel Stewart, United States Equestrian Team Coach. “I believe Taurie would be an admirable choice (for the SCES program) because of her incredible natural talent, high degree of coachability, hard-working and positive attitude, skilled riding ability and incredible dedication to our sport.”

With the grant funding available to her, Taurie hopes to continue to develop her team of horses, and get them the mileage that they need to become top horses.

“I have always been able to manage the daily upkeep of the horses and get them started on the local level, but as you start to compete at the larger competitions, the fees and expeneses go up.” Taurie explains. “I have had some wonderful owners, and friends and family, to help me through the years, but we are looking at the big leagues now!”

Taurie is hoping to find supporters looking for the financial benefit of a tax deductible donation, who love horses and would like to be a part of her team, or possibly future horse owners who may enjoy the thrill of owning, or part owning, one of these amazing equine athletes.

“I really would like people to be a part of the journey with me,” Taurie added. “No matter the size of their financial support, I want them to see what a difference they can make and how amazing this sport is. I am honored to be selected and cannot wait to get out there and really go for it!”

Donations of all sizes are welcome and can be made through her website www.tauriebanks.com, or through the SCESports.org website. If you would like to send a check, make it payable to SCES:
SCES
1902 Orange Tree Ln, Ste 130
Redlands, CA 92374
Make checks payable to SCES, and add a sticky note with “Taurie Banks” so that the funds will go to her Grant Program.

If you are interested in information on horse ownership or more information about Taurie Banks, go to www.kingscornerstables.com, or call 805 727-3444.

Livingston Visiting Nurse Association will hold Diabetes Classes to introduce basic information regarding diet, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, new developments and common problems. Open to the public and free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call 805-642-0239 for information. The classes are held:

• In Ventura, first Tuesday of the month: May 6 10 @ Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #109, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm.

• In Camarillo, first Wednesday of the month: May 7 @ Camarillo Community Center, Room 3, 1605 Burnley Street, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.

• In Simi Valley, first Wednesday of the month: May 7 @ Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon.

• In Thousand Oaks, fourth Wednesday of the month, May 28 @ Goebel Senior Center, 1385 E. Janss Rd, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.

Enlarge Photo

It has been a long time since there has been a good astronomical event over Fillmore. This Total Lunar Eclipse will be seen, weather permitting, over most of the western United States.

Here is the timing of the event...
Partial phases begin at 10:59 p.m. 4/14/14
Totality begins at 12:08 a.m. 4/15/14
Greatest phase of eclipse at 12:46 a.m. 4/15/14
Totality ends at 1:23 a.m. 4/15/14
Partial phases ends at 2:32 a.m. 4/15/14

The moon should be easy to see, because it will be nearly overhead around midnight. If you want to try and photograph this event, it is best to use a long telephoto lens. Try frame the eclipsed moon with a palm or other large tree, or a person “holding” the eclipsed moon in their hand. Be imaginative and try to get a picture of this very unusual total lunar eclipse. Just imagine trying to take a picture of a giant orange-colored peach setting in the sky. The color of the eclipse will depend on the dust or particulates that are in our atmosphere. It can range from light orange to blood red. Just go out, bring a blanket or bundle up on a lounge chair and find a nice seat with a view of the open night sky and look for the Total Lunar Eclipse after midnight. Enjoy this astronomical event!

Carmelita Miranda
Dreamweaver Observatory

Spend a morning at beautiful and historic Rancho Camulos Museum and learn how you can use your time and talents to preserve and share this unique site. We are a small but active museum with a dedicated group of museum volunteers. Our program on May 3 will include a brief overview of the history of Rancho Camulos and its origins as a Mexican land grant. You'll also learn about the many volunteer opportunities available at our museum, and introduce you to some of the friendly members of our volunteer team.

We are seeking tour docents, gardeners, help with special events, historic preservation projects, and all those interested in protecting and sharing this National Historic Landmark site. Come learn more about the museum and how you can make your mark on local history.

Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Health System is pleased to announce it has recently earned the CNOR® Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). The CNOR Strong designation is given to facilities having at least 50 percent of its OR nursing staff CNOR certified, and provides programs that reward and recognize its certified nurses. This is the first year CCI has awarded this elite status to facilities nationwide.

The CNOR® certification program is for perioperative nurses interested in improving and validating their knowledge and skills, and providing the highest quality care to their patients. Certification also recognizes a nurse’s commitment to professional development. It is an objective, measurable way of acknowledging the achievement of specialty knowledge beyond basic nursing preparation and RN licensure.

Research shows that nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice. Thus, a team of certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice provides even more empowerment, further advancing a culture of professionalism and promoting improved patient outcomes. This strength in numbers is why CCI launched the CNOR Strong program; to recognize those facilities committed to making a difference for its patients both inside and outside of the OR.

Patient safety and CONTINUED »

Cal Fire

Sacramento, CA - CAL FIRE inspectors have begun conducting Defensible Space inspections throughout the 31 million acres of State Responsibility Area (SRA) in California.

"Creating and maintaining Defensible Space is critical for the protection of homes," said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. "It has never been more critical to strengthen our fire prevention efforts in light of the elevated fire conditions we have been experiencing in California. We have increased our inspection staffing and now we need the public to make sure they, too, are prepared for the increased fire risk due to drought."

Defensible space inspections are supported by the SRA Fire Prevention Fee, which is an annual fee assessed to rural residents for fire prevention activities in the SRA. The Fire Prevention Fee resulted from a law signed by Governor Brown in 2011 which imposed a fee to residents owning habitable structures in the SRA.

California Public Resources Code 4291 requires homeowners living in State Responsibility Area to maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space around structures. CAL FIRE inspectors will be educating residents and evaluating properties to make sure they are in compliance with state law.

Here are some tips that can help homes survive wildfires:

•Maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space around all structures.
•Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
•Trim branches six feet from the ground.
•Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m.
•Landscape with fire resistant and drought tolerant plants that require little water.
•Remove branches away from roofs and 10 feet from the chimney.
•Keep wood piles and flammable materials at least 30 feet from the home.
•Use fire ignition resistant building material

For more information on preparing for wildfires and defensible space visit: www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Watch this short video on Defensible Space: Click Here and on this year's dry conditions: Click Here.

Remember Defensible Space is YOUR responsibility.