(l-r) Ari Larson Vice President of Fillmore Chamber, Francisco and Francisca Cardenas, Theresa Robledo Board Director and President Cindy Jackson presenting their Business of the Month certificate. Francisco and Francisca, husband and wife, opened up their fruit stand in 1984 by selling their citrus from the family farm. They grew selling local farmers produce, citrus, honey, jerky and olives. They have supported the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce for many years as well as the community. During the May Festival they donate their building for use as a command post. Since 1984 Francisco’s Fruit, has been located at 1782 E. Telegraph Rd, just 3 miles east of Fillmore on Highway 126. They grow their own oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and avocados as well as other fruit. 80-90% of the produce they sell comes from local farms. They also sell premium beef jerky, raw honey olives, nuts and candies. Seasonal items are available throughout the year such as: pumpkins, blueberries, pomegranates, blood oranges, cherimoya, persimmons, dragon fruit and much more. They are open seven days a week including holidays. As an added treat, on Sundays, Francisco plays Latin music from 3-7pm, for anyone that wants to join the fun.

For all of us who have been watching this building project from the first day, We cannot express to you how excited we are to see the very first floor of the new Community Memorial Hospital.

Crews will now focus on waterproofing the basement walls, then backfilling dirt around the exterior. As they complete this process, we look forward to the initial shipments of steel that will signal the beginning of the installation of the steel skeleton of the hospital.

Please enjoy our latest film documenting the “concrete pouring of the first floor”.

Thank you,
CMH Staff

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A message from Detective Ray Dominguez:

Greetings Farm Watch readers, recent reports indicate that avocado and copper wire thefts continue to be a problem. A substantial theft of avocados was reported from a farm in Santa Paula, luckily an observant security officer found the fruit piled under trees and was able to recover the fruit, thus thwarting the crooks plan to return for it at a later time.

A copper wire theft was reported in the Ventura area, but no suspects have been identified in this case. Unfortunately, the victim’s pumping equipment was targeted at a time when the farm was not being actively worked. Just this past week, two theft reports came in from the Camarillo/Oxnard Plains area, where fungicides and a forklift were reported stolen. There are no suspects identified in either case.

Remember, if you discover a theft has occurred, please contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 654-9511 or 911 in an emergency, and keep people and animals out of the area to avoid contaminating the crime scene. Please do not allow anyone to touch or move anything in the area as they may be contaminating or destroying otherwise viable evidence.

On another note, in early June I along with numerous representatives from various county, municipal and state public safety and regulatory agencies attended a “Pre-fire Season” meeting hosted by the Ventura County Fire Department. As many of you know, we had already experienced several fires in the county by the time the meeting was held, and it appears the fire season seems to start earlier each year.

The meeting was well attended, as they packed the room. The meeting was an open forum allowing attendees to comment and share ideas. The focus of the meeting was on the “Springs” fire and a debrief of the incident to discuss what went right, and how we could improve in the area(s) where deficiencies were identified. Overall, things went well based on the discussion and analysis of the incident.

However, I would like to share a couple of things with you that came out of the meeting. I believe they are of particular interest and benefit to those of you involved in the local agriculture industry. They included the discussion about the “Agricultural Pass Program” and the “Ready, Set, Go!” program covering wildfire preparedness for farmers, ranchers and growers. If you haven’t done so already, I highly encourage you to visit the Ventura County Fire Department website at fire.countyofventura.org and read the information related to these two programs. Once you access the website, click on the “Wildfire Action Plan” in the Quick Links section found in the lower right corner of the home page.

The Agricultural Passes, I mentioned CONTINUED »

The second event in a community discussion series about the Pacific Coast Pipeline Fillmore Site (PCPL) is happening. A community technical advisor from EPA's Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) program will present information about soil vapor intrusion and current air monitoring at PCPL and answer community questions from the first and second workshops.

Last year, TASC met with the community to better understand educational needs related to the PCPL. This discussion series will revolve around the major topics of interest expressed by the community.

Date, Time, and Location:
Thursday, July 18, 2013
6:30 PM Presentation and Open Discussion
One Step A La Vez
400 Fillmore Street
Fillmore, CA 93015

VENTURA COUNTY, CA - On Sunday, July 28, Ventura County Animal Services, in partnership with Rescue Me, Inc., will host the 9th Annual Dog-Gone Cat-a-Strophic Hugs, Slurps and Slobbers Pet Adopt-a-Thon.

This free family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Way, and will feature fun, food, live music, entertainment, vendors and the chance to adopt a furry or feathered best friend at 50% off the regular adoption rate.

Sponsored by Rescue Me, Inc., an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for orphaned animals, the adopt-a-thon is a fun way for the public to visit the Ventura County animal shelter, meet the caring staff and volunteers and be introduced to the wide array of cats, dogs, rabbits and reptiles available for adoption.

“Each year, we welcome the public to the shelter during the adopt-a-thon and introduce them to the hundreds of animals that wait patiently for a loving family to call their own,” said Donna Gillesby, VCAS interim director. “Our goal is to empty the shelter of every adoptable animal. Many currently housed with us ran away from home on the 4th of July and have not been reclaimed by their owners.”

On the Saturday before the adopt-a-thon, Warren Eckstein, host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show, The Pet Show, will broadcast live from the Camarillo animal shelter from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Eckstein will preview many of the animals that will be available for adoption on the following day.

For more information, call VCAS at 1-888-223-PETS (7387), 805-388-4341 or go to www.vcas.us.

OPEN helps unemployed professionals jump start their job searches. We provide an intensive, five half-day outplacement training workshop that covers online and traditional job search strategies, network building, cover letter and resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiation, skills analysis, and more. These workshops are offered at NO COST to participants.

The next Workshop will run Mon, July 29th – Fri. August 2nd, 2013. Daily workshop hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at County of Ventura’s Job and Career Center, 980 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065-1998.

Reserve your place in our next workshop before Friday, July 26th by pre-registering online at www.EU-OPEN.org.

OPEN, a chapter of Experience Unlimited, is a no-fee service, sponsored by the State of California Employment Development Department.

Professionals who want more information or would like to network with other professionals are invited to attend our Friday meetings from 9 to 11 a.m. where guest speakers/presentations are provided. All professionals in Ventura County and surrounding areas are eligible. Previous workshops have drawn job-seekers from Monterey Park to Santa Barbara.

Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Health System’s Healthy Women’s Program is hosting a Community Outreach Day which offers free mammograms and healthcare education to the first 35 women who qualify. This event will take place at the Center for Family Health in Ventura on Saturday, July 27.

The women will arrive early at the CFH office at 120 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura where they will be transported to The Breast Center at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, and then back to the center’s office.

In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and early detection and awareness is the key to fighting this life-threatening disease. The Healthy Women’s Program provided through CMHS benefits women in the community who are uninsured, under-insured or lack funds to pay for mammograms and follow-up treatment, if necessary.

“These women have nowhere else in the county to go to get these services; that’s why they come to us,” said Patty Jimenez, Healthy Women’s Program outreach coordinator.

The Healthy Women’s Program is made possible through funds raised by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s annual Gold Dust Gala, along with the support of the Wallis Foundation.

For eligibility requirements, call 805/651-2661. For more information on the Healthy Women’s Program visit www.cmhshealth.org/healthywomen.

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.

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: August 6 @ Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #109, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm.

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

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

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

The Fillmore FFA Freedom Breakfast is being held at the Memorial Building on Thursday July 4th. The breakfast runs from 7am-10am and serves sausage, eggs, coffee, orange juice, and all you can eat pancakes. There is a $5 suggested donation and Veterans eat free with ID. We would all love to see you there in support of our FFA!

Livingston Hospice conducts several Adult Bereavement support groups to help those who have experienced a loss. Explore and express feeling, understand the grief process and receive emotional support. Open to the public, free of charge, all are welcome. The groups are held at

The First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Drive, Oxnard; Every Wednesday, (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31); from 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Livingston Memorial VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave (#112), Ventura; Every Wednesday, (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31); from 6:30 – 8:00

Help of Ojai, 370 Baldwin Road, Ojai; On 2nd & 4th Tuesday, (July 9 & 23); from 10:30 am – 12 noon

For the newly bereaved: at Livingston Memorial VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, (#112), Ventura; On second Thursday, (july 11); from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Call 642-1608 for more information.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services wants to make sure you and your pet beat the heat this summer. It only takes a few minutes for your pet to get overheated, which can ultimately result in the animal’s death. Although pet owners mean well by wanting their animals to enjoy the outdoors, hot weather can cause serious health issues. There are several activities you should avoid and signs to look out for to help keep your pet safe during this heat wave.

Never leave your pet in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked. “The greenhouse effect can quickly become lethal for your pet. Avoid tragedy and leave your animals at home when hot weather strikes” says Jan Glick, Animal Services Director. The temperature inside a car will rise and can quickly cause your pet to become overheated and possibly die.

Active animals are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Try to keep the activities and places you take your pets to a minimum while the outside temperatures are high. Avoid rigorous activities like running or hiking with your pet. If your pet is going to be outdoors, make sure that there is plenty of cool shade. Bring pets indoors periodically so they can escape the heat and cool down. Give your pets plenty of cool water in a container that they cannot spill.

If your pet is active in the heat there are many signs that he/she may be suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Things to be aware of during weather with such high temperatures are: high body temperature, heavy panting, rapid pulse, lethargy, darkening of the tongue, unsteadiness, vomiting, and/or glazed eyes. If you notice any of these signs on your pet you must lower their body temperature immediately. Get your pet into a cool or shady area. Apply cool water to their whole body. Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pets head, neck and chest. Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water. Most importantly, get your pet to the veterinarian right away.

If you notice an animal in distress please contact your local Animal Services Shelter; Santa Barbara at 681-5285, Santa Maria at 934-6119, Lompoc at 737-7755, or Santa Barbara City Animal Control at 963-1513. Be aware of the effects of high heat and keep your pets cool all year long.

“Window Dressing” by Carmelita Miranda
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Carmelita Miranda, of KSSP Photographic Studios, has won Best In Category – High School Senior Portrait at the quarterly competition of the Channel Islands Professional Photography Association (CIPPA). Earlier this year she also won CIPPA Architectural Photographer of the Year for 2012. An award she also won in 2011. One of Carmelita's architectural images merited at the Western State competition and was put on International Loan by the Professional Photographers of America.

Photographic competition is one way professional photographers hone their skills. In these competitions, images are judged by three judges at the local level and six judges at the regional level. Images receiving a score of 80 or greater receive a 'merit.' Typically, only one in four images receive a merit.

Carmelita's portrait of 2013 FHS senior Billy Gabriel entitled 'Playing Softly' won Best in Class for High School Senior. Her architectural portrait “Window Dressing” was put on Loan.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in high school senior, family, children, glamour wedding and quinceanera photography. KSSP Photographic Studios is the school photographer for Fillmore High School. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com.

The 2013 Ventura County Fair invites participants for this year's Ventura County Fair Parade. This year's parade is themed "Boots, Barns & Banjos", and takes place on Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 am in Downtown Ventura.

Divisions for this year's entries are:
Color Guards
Bands
Equestrian
Floats
Antique Automobile (over 50 years old)
Classic Automobile (under 50 years old)
Miscellaneous

Deadline for entries is July 13th. For a complete list of guidelines or to apply, visit the Ventura County Fair's website at www.venturacountyfair.org.

WHO: Ventura County organizations (Youth or Adult), Color Guards, Bands, Equestrian groups, antique or classic automobile owners (individuals or clubs), Ventura County businesses

WHAT: The 2013 Ventura County Fair Parade

WHEN: Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 am

WHERE: Downtown Ventura

WHY: To showcase your organization and to be a part of the 138th Ventura County Fair.

4th Annual Fillmore FFA Freedom Pancake Breakfast Thursday July 4th, 7am-10am at the Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building. Suggested pre sale donation $5.00, or $6.00 at door, Veterans eat free.