Courtesy Jan Lee

The Fillmore Flower Show is just around the corner, April 6 &7, 2024. The theme this year is “Flower Power”.

There are many divisions. Two of the popular divisions are: Division VII—Potted Plants and Division VIII—Dish Gardens. Potted Plants are a single variety in a container that is not too heavy to be carried by the exhibitor. The categories in this division are: African violets, Orchids, Cacti and Succulents, Other. Division VIII—Dish Gardens are only limited to size and weight that can be carried by the exhibitor.

Over the years there, have been many creative and beautiful entries. Some dish gardens are newly created, others have been years old. Even if you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you can still enter something in the Flower Show. There have been years when a potted plant has won the Best of Show award.

There is an entry fee of $5 for each adult exhibitor no matter how many entries. All youth entries are FREE. There is no charge for public viewing between the hours of 1-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Flower Show is a lot of fun. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. For more information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org

Ventura, CA, February 28, 2024 – Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2024, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $64,000 are eligible to use the free services.

On Saturday, March 16th, the VITA eBus a self- contained mobile VITA center will be in the parking lot at the Fillmore Community Service Center, 828 Ventura Street, Fillmore to provide free tax preparation for residents of Fillmore and Piru. You must schedule an appointment either by calling 211 or by self-scheduling at MyFreeTaxes.org.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases, save you money. To qualify for the EITC, you must have worked at least part of 2023 and meet certain income requirements.

In addition to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California. CalEITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 regardless of qualifying children. Tax filers with an ITIN or Social Security Number are eligible for the CalEITC. California EITC requires earned income reported on a W-2 form, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and self-employment income (such as 1099 and cash-earnings). Together, these state and federal credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families.

If you “miss the bus” you can have your tax return prepared and e-filed VIRTUALLY by a tax preparation volunteer. Visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway to upload tax documents using either a computer or smart phone.

For more information, visit VITA Program.

About the United Way of Ventura County
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, please visit www.vcunitedway.org.

By Louise Lampara

Executive Director

Ventura County Coalition of Labor Agriculture and Business

Email: llampara@colabvc.org

California is the proud home to some of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions, producing over 1/3rd of all the fruits and nuts consumed in the United States. Here in Ventura County, we are proud of our standing as a top 10 California agricultural region, distributing our locally-grown produce, fiber, and ornamentals to the nation and the world. But Ventura County’s continued agricultural sustainability is under many threats - and one of the biggest threats is the lack of stable and reliable sources of water.

Ventura County has long been a leader in water conservation efforts to support our Ground Water Sustainability Plan process. In addition, our local water agencies are actively seeking out innovative solutions to improve and expand our water supply. But despite these complementary efforts, Ventura County's unique geography and water needs mean that our county relies heavily on state water. Disruptions to water deliveries through the Delta have the potential to leave our residents, businesses, and local agricultural producers without enough water for even the minimum health and safety needs.

Nearly one-third of Southern California's water supply comes from the Sierra Nevada. This resource provides the backbone water supply for about 27 million people statewide, millions of acres of farmland, Southern California's $1.6 trillion economy, and our environment. But the current delivery system relies upon aging, undermaintained levees that are vulnerable to climate change, earthquakes, floods, and rising sea levels.

The Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (VC CoLAB) has long advocated for critical upgrades to California's water delivery system. As Californians, we understand that it is not "if" a major disaster will occur; it is "when and where." California must invest in critical improvements to protect the water delivery system that nearly 30 million people and our agricultural producers rely upon - and one of the most critical of these improvements is the Delta Conveyance Project.

Not only would the Delta Conveyance Project help protect our water supply from climate change, sea level rise, and natural disasters, but the project is also designed to capture water when it is plentiful so it can be moved, stored, and saved for use during periods of drought. If the Delta Conveyance Project had been operational during the rain events of January 2024, the improved State Water Project infrastructure could have transported an additional 220,000 acre-feet of water – enough to supply 2.3 million people for a year - while still meeting environmental, fish, and water quality requirements.

Ventura County’s agricultural producers must have reliable water sources in order to sustain the agricultural production that feeds the nation and the world. With the recent confirmation of the Delta Conveyance Project’s Environmental Impact Report, we urge local water agencies that are part of the project to move forward to support the infrastructure upgrade. The cost of doing nothing is too great.

February 27, 2024

Santa Paula, Calif. – The County of Ventura Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, will host a free, public information outreach event to discuss the HLB Quarantine on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Teague Park, located 300-310 S Steckel Dr. in Santa Paula.

In addition to Q&A by inspector/biologists, a variety of community outreach materials will be readily available. Coffee and donuts will be provided free of charge.

Spanish interpretation will be available. For all event information, please contact our office at (805) 933-2926 or (805) 388-4222.

To learn more about HLB in Ventura County, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/press_releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=23-1...

Again, this year, the Civic Pride Committee will hold their Annual Fillmore Flower Show. The theme is: Flower Power-get your gardens ready.

Competitive categories are single stem cut roses, single stem cut iris, other single stem cut flowers, bouquets, arrangements, miniature arrangements and bouquets, potted plants, dish gardens, youth arrangements, youth composition about the theme.
There is also a non-competitive youth art category. See our web site for complete information and photos, fillmoreflowershow.org.

According to Otto and Sons Nursery, the rain has moistened the soil, now is the time to fertilize your garden. When the sun returns, everything will begin to grow. If you are wondering what the best fertilizer is to use? See the Otto and Sons web site. Prepare your plants to have the best blooms ever. The Best of Show award may be in your future!

Pictured above are Fillmore High School graduates and FHS runners, the Chavez brothers. Pictured are (l-r) John Chavez, Vincent Chavez, and Anthony Chavez, who competed in the Ventura Marathon and the Half-Marathon this past weekend. Photos courtesy of the participants.
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Pictured above (l-r) are Fillmore Alumni Valentin Gonzalez, Martin Arredondo, and Eddie Farfan who participated in the Ventura Marathon and the Half-Marathon. Photos courtesy of the participants.
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Article by Epi Torres

On Sunday, February 25th, while most of us were still wrapped up in our warm blankets, several Fillmore athletes took up the challenge and ran the Ventura Marathon and the Half-Marathon. This article started out as a piece on three athletes, but as I discovered, many other Fillmore athletes ran as well.

Martin Arredondo and Eddie Farfan both ran the marathon, a distance of 26.2 miles, and Anthony Chavez ran the half marathon. The races are mostly downhill with a few risers. This type of course appears to be easy, but the down hills chop up your quads and most of us know what the up hills do to us. The race started at 6:30 a.m. in Ojai and followed the bike path into Ventura.

This is Martin’s running history prior to Sunday’s run: Martin ran the Ventura Marathon in 2022 in 3 hours 34 minutes. In 2023, he also ran the Ventura Marathon in 3 hours 12 minutes. In 2023, he also ran the Camarillo Marathon in 3 hours 14 minutes. On Sunday, Martin ran his personal best time of 2 hours, 58 minutes. This is Boston Qualifier for Boston 2025.

This is Eddie’s prior to Sunday: Eddie ran the Camarillo Marathon in 2018 posting a time of 3 hours 39 minutes. In 2022, he ran a Boston Qualifier in the Ventura Marathon with a time of 3 hours 11 minutes. In 2023, he ran the Boston Marathon in 3 hours 6 minutes. On Sunday Eddie ran a 2-hour 58 minute, a personal record at the Ventura Marathon. This is a Boston Qualifier for Boston 2025. Eddie currently resides in Bakersfield. He has also run several Ultras: in 2017, he ran the Ray Miller 50 miler in 11 hours 19 minutes; in 2020 the Zion 100 Kilometer in 16 hours 26 minutes; and in 2021 the Bryce Canyon 100 miler. Wow, quite a list!

Other marathoners from Fillmore also ran and posted times; they were Eric Magana in 4 hours 23 minutes, Jacqueline Reynoso in 4 hours 35 minutes, and Marissa Lopez in 5 hours 16 minutes.

The Chavez brothers, John Chavez, Vincent Chavez, and Anthony Chavez ran the Ventura Half-Marathon on Sunday morning. Top finisher for the trio was John Chavez, who posted a time of 2 hours 19 minutes, followed by Vincent Chavez in 2 hours 33 minutes, and Anthony Chavez in 3 hours 27 minutes.

Other runners from Fillmore in the Half Marathon were Francisco Bernardino in 1 hour 41 minutes, Julio Chavez in 1 hour 57 minutes, Diane Munoz in 2 hours 45 minutes, Samantha Loza in 2 hours 47 minutes, and Jacqueline Chavez in 2 hours 50 minutes.

Well, let me say, I started to write this article about Martin Arredondo, Eddie Farfan, and Anthony Chavez. In the end I discovered many more Fillmore runners. I was unable to do a rewrite, so I’m going with this one. Finding more participants was great. I was overwhelmed by the number of participants and the number of miles covered.

Congratulations to all those who took up the challenge. You make us proud, and you represented our community well. Run on!

All items passed 5-0 with item 8C removed from the agenda

8.E APPROVAL OF SECOND READING TO ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 7.12, VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS, TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council approve second reading to adopt Ordinance No. 24-963 to amend Chapter 7.12 of the Fillmore Municipal Code entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 7.12, “VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS,” TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 WHOSE OPERATIONS CONSTITUTE AN IMMEDIATE THREAT, HAZARD, OR DANGER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA”.

9.A TAX-EXEMPT LEASE-PURCHASE FINANCING FOR WATER METER REPLACEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve a $5,599,000 Equipment Lease financing with Webster Bank for water meter replacements and infrastructure upgrades under an Energy and Water Savings Performance Contract with Willdan Energy Solutions by adopting Resolution No. 24-3988 approving the equipment lease purchase agreement, escrow agreement and related documents to implement certain energy savings equipment for the City.

9.B APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council, consistent with the recommendation from the Mayor, appoint Carina M. Forsythe to fill the vacant position on the Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commission.

9.C CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DIVIDING EXISTING JOB CLASSIFICATION (PLANNING AND BUILDING TECHNICIAN) INTO TWO JOB NEW CLASSIFICATIONS (PLANNING TECHNICIAN AND BUILDING AND SAFETY TECHNICIAN) AND ADOPTING NEW JOB DESCRIPTIONS
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 24-3927, approving two new job classifications of Planning Technician and Building and Safety Technician and adopting job descriptions for these position. These two new positions, if approved by the City Council, would replace the current Planning and Building Technician classification.
9.D DISCUSS INCREASING CITY CLERK SALARY AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-965

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss whether to increase the City Clerk’s salary from $300 per year to $600 per year effective July 1, 2024

9.E CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REMOVE CHAPTER 6.09 "GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN" REGARDING THE NUMBER OF ALLOTMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION YEAR FROM THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTION OF AN EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
RECOMMENDATION: City Staff requests that the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24- 966 to update the Fillmore Municipal Code to delete Chapter 6.09 “Growth Management Plan”:

"The Ventura County Garden Club celebrates its 100th Year Season in 2024. On March 6, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am, we are excited to offer our members a unique opportunity to tour the National Park Visitor's Center - Channel Islands National Park, Garden and History Museum. Following the tour, (at 12:30 pm) we will enjoy an optional lunch at Brophy Brothers Restaurant, located at 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA. Organizer of this tour is Santa Paula Director, Patti Handfinger. We welcome new members. For more information, visit our website at VenturaCountyGardenClub.com."

Pictured (l-r) are Communications & Engagement Manager Jannette Jauregui, Dave Nafey, Casey Pullman, Barb Filkins, and Rotary President Scott Beylik. Article and photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson.
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At last week’s Fillmore Rotary meeting, Rotarian and certified flight instructor Barb Filkins introduced the Rotary speakers, Dave Nafey and Jannette Jauregui. Dave and Casey Pullman are Deputy Directors of Department of Airports; Jannette Jauregui is the Communications and Engagement Manager. They talked about studies being done at Camarillo and Oxnard airports, FFA requirements and plans for the future. They have many volunteers. Barb flies for Lighthawk which is in partnership with Nature Conservancy and Al Cossey flies for Angel Flight West and flies people to medical appointments and hospitals. They have a program called Young Eagles for students ages 8-17 that teaches them about aviation and the sciences. There are also pilots who transport animals to safety. There are educational tour opportunities at both airports to learn what they do.

Picture (l-r) is granddaughter Alina, Dion Brooks and granddaughter Rosalina. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

A lot of people know Dion Brooks. Currently he is helping coach his granddaughter’s 5th-6th grade basketball team for the city. Most know him as Pastor Dion the current pastor at Faith Community Church on D Street. He served as the former youth pastor for the same church.

I know him as a rock of our community. He has been there for my family in our time of need and sadness before I ever regularly attended the church. He always led a great Vacation Bible School for my kids, youth groups, and led the preschool program in prayers. And when I went to church, he was a little on the goofy/humorous side, which made me comfortable, and relaxed. As I have gotten to know him, he is so much more than the church’s pastor. He visits in the hospital to lend encouragement, leads memorials, and attended and prayed for the city at the 9/11 ceremony a few years ago. He is always a levelheaded resource for myself and many other members of the community, in his faith or not. He is of service to this community. Outside of the church, Dion just completed the Iron Man Competition which is a triathlon.

Also, and very importantly, he is loved not only by his church, community and family, but a very special lady calls him her husband, and shares him with everyone, including their three beautiful grandkids. Patricia said that he always tells her, “as long as me and you are good, we can do anything”.

Fillmore is fortunate to have a man who loves God and wants to serve Him and the community.

Dion has been supporting a group called Alpha at the church, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, which offers people a chance to come in with questions and outside opinions. The turn-out has been amazing. They serve dinner and offer childcare. I invite anyone to come to Sunday service at 10am and meet him—we can surprise him!

Thank you, Dion, for being a great father, grandfather, husband and community leader, and continuing to be an outstanding pastor for our church. Fillmore and your church appreciate your service.

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Ventura County 3rd District Area Supervisor Kelly Long attended a luncheon to speak to Thin Blue Line of Ventura County. Pictured (l-r) is Thin Blue Line President Duke Bradbury, Santa Paula Police Chief Don Aguilar, and Ventura County 3rd District Area Supervisor Kelly Long.
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Area Supervisor Kelly Long attended a luncheon after accepting an invitation to speak to Thin Blue Line of Ventura County founded by President Duke Bradbury.

Supervisor Long has been a staunch supporter of Ventura County Law Enforcement and they enjoyed her presentation on her past accomplishments for the county.

Supervisor Long answered questions about her campaign for a third and final term as Supervisor of Ventura County's Third District. Supervisor Long touched on many of her accomplishments over her past two terms including the completion of the Fillmore Library expansion, Spirit of Santa Paula homeless shelter funding agreement between the County and cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula to ensure their doors stay open, the purchase of a new 3D mammogram unit and CT scanner for Santa Paula Hospital, planning for a new medical campus to serve the Santa Clara River Valley, working with the Ventura County Transportation Commission to add a bus line from Fillmore to Moorpark (coming later this year), free bus rides to college program, and much more.

Supervisor Long also spoke about keeping public safety as her number one priority and being proud of the fact that Ventura County is the safest large county in California with the lowest crime rates according to the State Department of Justice. Ventura County had the lowest crime rate in its modern history and that is why she is endorsed by public safety leaders such as Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association, Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association, State Coalition of Probation Organizations, the Oxnard Police Officer's association, and many more.

In addition to public safety, Supervisor Long spoke on how important it is to have a strong economy which will help businesses offer more and better paying jobs. This means supporting our agricultural, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, technology, retail, tourism, and military sectors.

Also in attendance at the luncheon was Santa Paula Police Chief Don Aguilar. Chief Aguilar was just sworn in as the 17th Police Chief since the Department was formed over 100 years ago.

Oxnard, CA (February 16, 2024) - United Water Conservation District’s (UWCD) Freeman Diversion facility diverted 148,000 acre-feet (approximately 48 billion gallons) in 2023, significantly surpassing a record previously set in 1998. The facility typically diverts an average of 60,000 acre-feet a year for groundwater recharge, refilling the aquifers beneath the Oxnard Plain and slowing seawater intrusion.

The Freeman Diversion figures contribute to an unprecedented water year at UWCD, with releases and diversions for groundwater recharge totaling a record 271,000 acre-feet or more than 88 billion gallons. This includes storage and releases from the Santa Felicia Dam and Castaic Lake. The District’s amount of imported water also surpassed a record 24,150 acre-feet.

“The Freeman Diversion is a vital tool for managing the region’s natural resources. It sustains $1.08 billion in annual crop production in Ventura County,” UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado said. “Our efforts to expand and enhance the facility are already making a difference, and we are eager to see how additional groundwater resources help the Oxnard Plain flourish.

UWCD built the Freeman Diversion in 1991 to redirect water from the Santa Clara River to percolation basins. The 25-foot-high facility spans 1,200 feet across the Santa Clara River, delivering groundwater to the aquifers beneath Ventura County’s productive farms. The groundwater also supplies local industry in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. A fish ladder allows steelhead trout to migrate upstream and a screened fish bay keeps fish out of the canals and recharge basins.

In 2021, UWCD initiated a multiphase, $60 million expansion of the facility to ramp up its recharge capabilities. By 2036, UWCD estimates the expansion will increase groundwater recharge and in-lieu surface water deliveries by 10,000 acre-feet per year. Project highlights include conveyance system enhancements, fish passage improvements, new canals, basin partitioning and underground road crossings.

The expansion will increase the recharge of water from high river flows, which improves groundwater quality, reduces nitrate levels for small mutual water companies and disadvantaged communities in El Rio and Saticoy, and combats seawater intrusion. It also emits low greenhouse gases and provides significant energy savings to customers who use diverted surface water instead of pumping from their wells.

With the record diversions in 2023, UWCD’s expansion projects are having an impact. In 2021, UWCD upgraded the facility’s Grand Canal, significantly improving diversion figures. The District also added Rose Recharge Basin to the facility in 2016, responsible for 6,800 additional acre-feet of recharge in 2023. Basin maintenance and rotation added 7,000 to 9,000 acre-feet of water for groundwater recharge.

To learn more about the far-reaching benefits of the Freeman Diversion, visit www.unitedwater.org/freeman-diversion/.

# # #

United Water Conservation District manages, protects, conserves and enhances the water resources of the District and produces a reliable and sustainable supply of groundwater for the reasonable, beneficial use of all users.

Contact: Tara Bravo, CV Strategies
Phone: (510) 300-5843
Email: tara@cvstrat.com

Pastor George Golden in his office at First Baptist Church of Fillmore. Photo credit Carina Monica Montoya.
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Written by Carina Monica Montoya

Once in awhile you meet someone who is just downright nice. There is something about people like that who simply exude friendship and goodwill. George Golden is one of those people, so it was no surprise when I learned that he ministers at First Baptist Church of Fillmore on 1st Street.

George’s ministering began in Arlington, Texas where he ministered to a small group that had grown to a congregation of over two thousand by the time he left Texas to minister in Ventura, California. In 1970, George founded the Ventura Baptist Church and ministered to another small group that had grown into the thousands by the time he left Ventura to minister in Fillmore. George has been pastor at First Baptist Church of Fillmore for 15 years.

George began work at an early age to help support his family. He worked odd-jobs and had a paper route when he was 9 years old. Life was tough growing up, but little did he know that his life was soon to change for the better. George’s success in ministering began when he was a teen growing up in a plaza town in North Texas where his peers were high school dropouts and engaged in idle activities. George’s goal in life at that time was to “quit school, go to work, buy a car, and meet a girl.” He achieved one of the goals at age 19 when he met and married his wife of 68 years, Dorothy.

George’s life-changing event happened one day when he met a pastor who visited the plaza. The pastor invited George to church and transported him and others in a bus to church. It was after church service that George’s mindset and life took a complete turnaround. From that day forward, George dedicated his life in serving and giving back to others by helping them find faith, love, and hope. He achieved this by acquiring a small fleet of buses to transport youths to church. He attributes his successes in Arlington and Ventura to his busses, which have literally and figuratively transported young people on a journey that transformed lives, as did the bus ride George took over 50 years ago. His ministering has also taken him to faraway corners of the world, such as Korea Russia, England, Australia, Asia, and Africa. George’s ministering in Fillmore will end in April and he will begin ministering in neighboring Santa Paula

George is a familiar face in the community. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Fillmore and dedicates his time in volunteer service and activities. When you see George out and about in town, say “hello.” He is always open to conversation because he is always ready to “give back” to others what he was fortunate to find, which is faith, love and hope.
s ready to “give back” to others what he was fortunate to find, which is faith, love and hope.

Above is the Fillmore High School Wellness Center, a place of safety and comfort for students at FHS. Photo credit Nancy Luna LCSW, Wellness Center Coordinator.
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Article courtesy Brandy Hollis

Today I would really like to talk about the FHS Wellness Center, what it offers, and how important it is.
On back-to-school night I joined my daughter who is a senior this year, and while visiting all her classes I noticed the Wellness Center sign and went to take a look. I was surprised to find a serene and tranquil space, with comfy bean bag chairs and a couch. The atmosphere was spa-like, with plants filling the room, and paper and colored pencils and markers to doodle away stress.

There was a fridge and a big cupboard full of hygiene products to help make life a little easier including shampoo, deodorant, hairbrushes, socks, perfume, toothbrush/paste, feminine products and deodorant.

There was a wall containing resources of every kind, with loads of information and just the right amount of appropriateness that a school environment should have.

When kids are experiencing a hard time, this is a place to feel comfortable where they can cry or reflect in private, cool down instead of getting mad, write or draw out their feelings.

My son recently told me FUSD shirts say Kids First. If they keep that motto they can’t go wrong. That is what we all have in common, kids first. I am glad that is the focus of the district.

Let your children know there is a quiet, safe corner on campus and if they’re feeling bad hygienically, bad socially or having dark thoughts, someone is in their corner and is willing to listen and help. That, my friends, is how you make a lasting change.

Pictured are Heather and Emmett Swetman riding in the Lions Club Christmas Parade. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

Do you run into Vons, grab a cart and see Escalera Pest Control on the AD space? Do you see their trucks drive through town? Or spot a house tented with an Escalera sign posted nearby? Well, that company is owned and operated by none other than the Swetman family (Fred & Heather), which has been an asset in Fillmore as long as I have been here and long before that. I first met Heather when our young sons attended Sonshine Preschool. From business, kids’ activities, 4H, and philanthropic efforts, you will find them throughout our community, possibly with a grandkid in tow. Escalera Pest Control serves Santa Barbara, Ventura and L.A. Counties and is known for their excellent service. And they give free estimates (escalerapest.com / 805-920-8842)! Tell them Hi next time you see them, and wave when they ride their horses in a parade or have a set-up at Trunk or Treat.