Fair Theme is "The Bounty of the County"

Ventura, CA - The Ventura County Fair is having a poster contest for the 2011 Ventura County Fair. The contest is open to young artists in grades 5 - 12 who reside in Ventura County.

"The Fair brings out the child in everyone," says Barbara Quaid, Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO, "what better way to express those wonderful feelings than through the imagination of Ventura County Children!"

The theme of the 2011 Fair is "The Bounty of the County" and will serve as the only guideline to the imagery. Artwork may be created in any medium but may not be 3 dimensional.

Cash Prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will be awarded to the top 3 winners and every child who enters will receive a pair of Ventura County Fair admission tickets. All children who enter will be invited to ride on the Junior Fair Board float in the Ventura County Fair Parade.

Winning images will be used for the official 2011 Ventura County Fair collectable art poster and for the 2011 Ventura County Fair marketing poster as well as in other marketing materials.

There is a $10 fee to enter. Deadline for Entries is Thursday March 31, 2011.

The Ventura County Fair begins on Wednesday August 3. The Fair continues until Sunday, August 14.

For more information about the Fair, or the poster contest, please call the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 648-3376 x110 or visit www.venturacountyfair.org.

WHO: Ventura County Children in grades 5-12
WHAT: Ventura County Fair Poster Art Contest
WHEN: Deadline is March 31
WHERE: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 648-3376 or www.venturacountyfair.org
WHY: To give Ventura County children the opportunity to get involved in the Fair in a creative and rewarding way!

WASHINGTON — In its latest effort to help struggling taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.

The goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Specifically, the IRS is announcing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.

“We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system.”

Today’s announcement centers on the IRS making important changes to its lien filing practices that will lessen the negative impact on taxpayers. The changes include:

• Significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to CONTINUED »

VENTURA, CA - Straight Up Ventura County wants to hear from youth about making a stand and raising one's voice against the issues surrounding underage and binge drinking and impaired driving.

Young people ages 12-25 are invited to create a video around the subject of speaking out to peers, to parents, to teachers, about making bad decisions about drinking.

"Some people think underage and binge drinking is okay," says Katherine Kasmir, Program Director of Straight Up, a youth development project in Ventura County. "But teens are hurting their bodies, their brains, their families, and their futures. If we want things to change, we all need to speak up. And it's important that we hear the voices, concerns and ideas from our local young people."

Short videos (30-90 seconds) are preferred, but longer videos are welcome as well. The subject matter and tone can be serious or humorous, as longs as the video deals with the powering of speaking up.

A grand prize of $500 will be awarded. The deadline is April 29, 2011 and winners notified by May11.

Downloadable rules and guidelines CONTINUED »

Weights and measures inspectors are rising to the challenge of new technologies in the marketplace. Technology can pass us by in the blink of an eye and the latest innovations in weighing and measuring are no exception. For regulatory officials who are responsible for oversight of software driven electronics that measure our fuel and weigh our food, education is always a top priority. In recognition of their dedication and importance to our society, the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) celebrates Weights and Measures Week, Weights and Measures: Educating Today for Tomorrow, March 1-7, 2011.

"This date is significant as it marks the signing of the first weights and measures law by John Adams on March 2, 1799," said Angela Godwin, Ventura County Sealer. "During the 212 years that have passed since that day, Weights and Measures officials have seen advancements from mechanical devices to highly sophisticated software-based weighing and measuring instruments. Today’s inspectors represent a new generation of highly trained officials with expertise ranging from software security to motor fuel chemistry.”

Weights and Measures week is CONTINUED »

FFA members with South Coast Regional Advisor Mr. Greg Beard and Mr. Ricards at the Ventura Sectional Competition.
Enlarge Photo

The Made for Excellence (MFE) and Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) conferences were held last week and hosted by the California State FFA Officers. Mr. Ricards and our chaperon Rose Martin hauled eight FFA members to Visalia for the night to have an amazing experience. The theme for both conferences was Knowledge is Power. Zahydie Martin, ’12, Jennifer Martin, ’13 and Anthony Perez, ’12 attended MFE which was led by State Officers Casey Erickson, Jacqueline Garcia and Lindsay Anderson. They were divided up into different groups and worked on various team activities, like an obstacle course in which the team was blind folded except for the captain who led them to safety. The members were encouraged to identify their strengths and interests so they could combine them to discover the goals they could achieve. Mean while, Ashley Jackson, ‘11, Candace Stines, ‘12, Alexus Galassi, ‘13, Brandon Pina, ‘12 and Brooke Aguirre, ’13, were busy attending ALA which was led by State Officers Ben Graham, Vince Pellegri and Jessica Vazquez. At the conference, the officers talked about problem solving. Students discovered three important needs our state has which included water, alternative resources and food safety. Then they gained knowledge on these issues and made plans of attacks to fix these problems. The room was energized to the extreme as members participated in team contests like game show quizzes and a dance competition. Everyone who attended MFE and ALA had an amazing time and can’t wait for the 2011 California State FFA Conference in April!

Last Wednesday the Fillmore Chapter attended the Ventura Section Public Speaking, Job Interview and Cooperative (Co-op) Quiz Competition at Camarillo High School. As a chapter, Fillmore placed 4th for the Co-op Quiz. Alexus Galassi, ’13, placed 3rd for Prepared Public Speaking, her speech was arguing the importance of Certified VS. Uncertified Farmer’s Markets. She also placed 1st in Job Interview. Brooke Aguirre, ’13, placed 2nd in Prepared Public Speaking, her speech was on Farm Theft and ways to prevent becoming a victim. Alexus and Brooke will be attending the South Coast Regional Meeting on March 8th to compete in Prepared Public Speaking against others in the region. Congratulations Fillmore FFA members!

After the heavy rains this past weekend, members took advantage of the sunshine Monday morning to clean the school farm in preparation for the Tractor Competition this Saturday. Wish us luck as we show off our tractor skills to other FFA Chapters!

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

The Rotary Club of Fillmore recently inducted Scott Beylik, local hydroponics tomato grower. Scott is also part of Class 40 of the Ag-Leadership Program.

The Club enjoyed an informative presentation given by San Cayetano Principal, Jan Martholin and two teachers concerning their NASA Explorer School Program and its effect on the students and school staff.

Eric Vigil, owner of Timeless Images Photography, gave a synopsis of his Photography career and showed photos taken at the Great Train Robbery, which was hosted by our club. He has captured images all around town and has received many awards for his photography.

The Rotary Club meets on Thursdays, on the train, for information call 524-5099.

Naval Base Ventura County, CA. - An anti-terrorism training exercise next week may cause some traffic delays around the Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu and Port Hueneme. Exercise Solid Curtain – Citadel Shield 2011 will be conducted on naval bases throughout the country, including NBVC, from Feb. 21-25.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base operations, however some gate closures will be required, which may cause increased traffic around the bases or delays in base access. From the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 23 until mid-morning Thursday, Feb. 24, only one gate will be open at each base. During this period, the open gates will be the Las Posas Gate at Point Mugu and the Victoria Gate at Port Hueneme.
The following gates will be closed: Sunkist, Pleasant Valley and Bard at Port Hueneme and Wood/Mugu Road at Point Mugu. School bus routes onto the bases will not be affected.

Also during this period there will be random vehicle inspections and 100% identification checks, meaning everyone in the vehicle must have a photo ID. Local residents may see increased security activity as well. All businesses on both bases are expected to keep their normal operating hours.

Exercise Solid Curtain – Citadel Shield 2011 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly-scheduled exercise. This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy personnel and installations to respond to threats against bases and units.

For more information, contact the Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Office at 805-989-8095 or 805-989-9234.

VENTURA, CA - The Rotary Club of Ventura will hold its annual Gold Coast Ride for Literacy on April 16, 2011. Riders with various levels of experience will enjoy ocean views and comfortable spring temperatures as they cycle the coastline of Ventura and Santa Barbara County on marked 10, 30, 62 and 100 miles routes.

Gold Coast Ride for Literacy is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Ventura and the READ Ventura County Library Adult Literacy Program. Beneficiaries of the Literacy Ride include the READ program which provides free one-to-one reading instruction for English-speaking adults who struggle with reading and writing tasks, and Rotary Club of Ventura who fulfills its commitment to literacy through programs such as the distribution of 1200 personal dictionaries to all third-grade children in Ventura, and provides backpacks filled with school supplies to underprivileged children in our local community.

For information and registration please visit www.GoldCoastRideForLiteracy.com, email goldcoastride@gmail.com, or call (805) 665-3307.

Rotary Club of Ventura meets Noon to 1:30 on Wednesdays at the Derby Club, Ventura County Fair Grounds, Ventura.

Ventura, CA – The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will be celebrating the groundbreaking of a new apartment community called Valle Naranjal (valley of the orange grove) on Wednesday, February 23 at 10 a.m. The project is located at: 4268 Center Street in Piru. When completed, Valle Naranjal will be an income-restricted affordable rental development of 66 farmworker family apartments that will be rented to very low income families living in the Piru area. Very low income is defined as serving families with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the County. AMI varies yearly as guidelines are annually published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CEDC’s expert Property and Asset Management team will manage the property on site.

The project will be built with “green” features and, when completed, CEDC will seek to attain “Build it Green” certification for the development. Green features include Energy Star rated appliances in all apartments, photo voltaic, ultra low flow plumbing features, tankless water heaters, materials for construction to come from recycled or sustainable/renewal resources. Planted areas will be watered through low flow and drip irrigation sprinkling systems.

The development is situated on a former farmworker labor camp site built in the 1950’s and CEDC is constructing a special on-site exhibit documenting the history of the labor camp and the agricultural legacy of the area. The camp previously was owned by the Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association as a site for its migrant workers. Cabrillo’s project will be reserved for families headed by farmworkers who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.

The 8-acre development will have apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms. Rent will be approximately $1,000 a month for the biggest apartments. To qualify, a family must make less than 50 percent of the county’s median income, or about $35,000 a year for a family of four, and the head of the household must be employed in agriculture.

Site amenities will include: CONTINUED »

The Camarillo Police Station will host the Kid Print fingerprinting and child identification event on Saturday, February 26th from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM. This is open to all members of the community and is free of charge. Parents or guardians may bring their children to the Camarillo Station's community room to have their children's fingerprint and vital information digitally printed on a two-sided vinyl card. The card will allow parents to have a current picture, essential personal information and a readable fingerprint available in the event their child is lost or abducted.

This service will be performed by volunteers with the Camarillo Citizens Patrol, and is sponsored by the City of Camarillo.

The Camarillo Police Department recommends that children's information and pictures should be updated at least once per year. The Kid Print program gives parent the opportunity to have this service completed at no cost. If you have any questions, you may contact Community Resource Officer, Todd Eskridge at (805) 388-5129 or todd.eskridge@ventura.org

Location: Camarillo Police Station
Date & Time: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Community Resource Unit/ Camarillo Citizen Patrol
Officer Preparing Release: Community Resource Officer, SST Todd Eskridge
Follow-up Contact: SST Todd Eskridge, (805) 388-5129 or todd.eskridge@ventura.org
Date of Release: 02/15/2011
Approved By: Commander Steve DeCesari

For 20 years Soroptimist International of Fillmore has helped keep a portion of the Fillmore bike path clean.

Initiated by former SI of Fillmore President Marie Wren and Sarah Hansen in 1991, it has continued to be organized by Soroptimist Sarah Hansen. Throughout the years, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and most recently, Cindy Klittich and the 4-H group have been a constant presence at the monthly hour long clean up along with Soroptimists, the Fillmore High School “S” Club Girls, Big Brothers/Big Sister mentor teams and Friends of Soroptimist. To celebrate the 20th anniversary children went on a treasure hunt that was set up beforehand with various fun trinkets! President Ari Larson wishes to thank Marie Wren and Sarah Hansen for their foresight and vision along with everyone that has been a part of keeping the bike path clean throughout the years! For the date of the next bike path clean up or if you would like more information on joining Soroptimist please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590.

In attendance:
Soroptimist International of Fillmore members
Aguirre, Terri
Alonzo, Nancy & daughter Miranda
Brooks, Lynne
Hansen, Sarah
Herrera, Oralia
Krushell, Cathy
Larson, Ari
Vargas, Kathy
“S” Club of Fillmore High School
Villa, Norma
Villa, Valeria
Villa, Vanessa
4-H
Berrington, Chris
Hamilton, Justis
Hamilton, Oryon
Stewart Sarah
Stewart Tracy
Zavala, Karl
Friends of Soroptimist
Sanchez, Ale
Sanchez, Gracie
Sanchez, Marcos

The 2011 World Ag Expo, held in Tulare, CA, was over 2 million square feet of land covered in agriculture machinery and equipment! In other words, a farmer’s paradise.

Fillmore FFA started the fun-filled day bright and early as we loaded the bus along with Santa Paula FFA at 6AM. A couple of hours later we found ourselves listening to Michael Peterson, a motivational speaker who came to talk to the FFA members, explain that “life is full of uncertainty” and we should “deal with the uncertainty with out hesitation.” Mr. Peterson’s main goal during his speech was to have us realize that “when you change the things you look at, the things you look at will change,” meaning that we shouldn’t look at the bad in the picture, but the opportunity in it. After the motivational speaker, we were given the chance to roam through the show. We saw many different types of machinery like John Deere tractors, tillers and implements. Students also got to experience seeing Fillmore member Brandon Pina, ’12, test drive various tractors. Don’t worry folks, they checked his driver’s license! As well as displays, there were about 1600 agri-business booths including everything from chemicals to technology. Students who are enrolled in the Ag Fabrications class were excited when they came across the welding tent. There, members were able to see new welding tools and helmets being demonstrated. All the business representatives were excited to see the 2,000 FFA members in attendance. I even got to enjoy hearing a farmer’s FFA story from when he went to high school. The World Ag Expo. was definitely a great way to show students just how many job opportunities agriculture has to offer. The Fillmore and Santa Paula FFA chapters enjoyed their visit to the World Ag Expo and look forward to attending next year’s event.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce is holing their annual Community Awards/Citizen of the Year Dinner on February 24th, 2011 at the Memorial Building in Fillmore. No host cocktails. Begins at 6:00pm followed by dinner (provided by Double AA Cafe) and dessert (provided by Bella's Teas and Treats) at 7:00pm.

Awards to Police officer/Fire Fighter/Student/Business and Citizen of the year will begin at 08:00pm with President Dave Crockett's welcome and remarks to the group.

Representatives from several city/county and state officials will be presenting certificates to these individuals.

Highlight of the evening will be Sheriff Greg Dear presenting the sheriffs awards to the deputy of the year.

Please join us for an evening of appreciation for the Best of Best from Fillmore.

Tickets are currently on sale at the chamber office for $20.00 each.

For any further questions of comments you can contact event chairperson, Ruth Uridel at (805) 302-3238.

LOS ANGELES (February 11, 2011) – Specific route details for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race were revealed this week through a progression of daily video posts highlighting each of the race’s eight stages. Each of the specially produced “features” was created by Local Organizing Committees representing the 15 Host Cities. The sixth-annual event will take place over eight consecutive days from May 15-22, covering more than 800 miles of scenic California roadways, highways and coastlines.

The 2011 Amgen Tour of California will wind through miles of beautiful California terrain, beginning with the first-ever visit to Lake Tahoe, a well known cycling destination and home of “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride.” The eight-day race will travel through some of the state’s most scenic landmarks, with the overall finish taking place in title-sponsor Amgen’s hometown community of Thousand Oaks.

The 15 official stage start and finish communities that have been selected for the 2011 race include: South Lake Tahoe (new for 2011), North Lake Tahoe-Northstar at Tahoe Resort (new for 2011), North Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley USA (new for 2011), Sacramento, Auburn (new for 2011), Modesto, Livermore (new for 2011), San Jose, Seaside, Paso Robles, Solvang, Claremont (new for 2011), Mt. Baldy (new for 2011), Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks.
This week, eight videos created by the host cities were released via the Amgen Tour of California website, Facebook and YouTube to reveal the specific route details of each stage. Showcasing the race’s start and finish communities, the creative and distinctive videos highlight the unique features of each stage.

“Creating the route each year for the Amgen Tour of California is a difficult task, but luckily, the state of California is rich with beautiful yet challenging terrain, prefect for our race” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports. “We are really excited about this year’s route as it is by far the most challenging course to date, and we are thrilled to announce our route through some really creative, unique videos that were created by the race’s 15 Host Cities. Each video showcases our detailed route, as well as the communities themselves, from a local perspective.”

Considered cycling’s most important and CONTINUED »

Ventura County Library will be conducting the final phase of systemwide computer hardware and related work that impacts computer use at the Ventura County Libraries.

Beginning Thursday, February 24, 2011 and continuing through Thursday, March 3, 2011, online capable computers including public internet, wireless and the in-library catalog will not be available for public use.

Home access to the Ventura County Library website, www.vencolibrary.org will not be affected.

Library staff will be available to assist during the transition. The libraries impacted by this are: Avenue, Fillmore, E.P. Foster, Meiners Oaks, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Piru, Ray D. Prueter, Saticoy, Simi Valley and Soliz-El Rio.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

At their February 22nd meeting, the Fillmore Ebell Club will recognize its past presidents. To be honored at the luncheon meeting are the following past presidents:

Current President and past President, Fay Swanson - 2010, 1999-2001 and 1995-1997

Current Treasurer and past President, Mary Ford - 2008-2010

Current Yearbook Chair and past President, Wanda Haynes - 2007-2008 and
2001-2003

Past President, Pat Murray - 2005-2007

Special Activities Co-Chair and past President, Charlene Smith - 2003-2005

Current Meeting Co-Coordinator and past President, Marlene Schreffler - 1997-1999

Past Presidents (Pro-tem) - 1993-1995

Past President, Lorraine Finch - 1991-1993

Past President, Margaret Haskell - 1989-1991

Past President, Donna Zaelke - 1987-1989

Past President, June Cochran - 1985-1987

Past President, Jeanette Anderson - 1972-1974

Past President, Edith Felsenthal - 1971-1972

Past President, Harriet Phillips - 1970-1971

Life Member and past President, Ruth Musgrave - 1968-1969

If you are interested in becoming a Fillmore Ebell Club member, please contact Melodie Stich at 521-1400.

Applications are available for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant. Applications are available in the Office at the Middle School, at Fillmore High Schools Student Store, the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Pageant Director Lori McLain at #524-4432. The Mother/Daughter Tea is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd 6:30PM at the Memorial Building. The first practice begins Wednesday, March 2nd.