By Conway Spitler — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
An innovative research project puts new focus on California’s 446 Billion-a-year Problem. An “average” high school graduate earns $290,000 more over a lifetime—and pays $100,00 more in federal, state and local taxes—than a high school dropout. Between 26 percent and 35 percent of all teenagers in California today are high school dropouts. One of every three students who dropped out of 10th grade in 2004 was doing nothing four years later—neither going to school nor working. The problems costs the state’s taxpayers $6.4 billion annually (from UC Santa Barbara Today). |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Where: North Fillmore Police Storefront |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Unlicensed Peddlers & Junk Food Share Restricted
Thanks to our Sheriff’s Department for recently issuing citations to four men selling toys on Central without a city business license. A group of these L.A. hard core peddlers shows up in our town from time to time. They are very aggressive, to the extreme of being brazen, tactless and very bold. Hopefully anyone approached by peddlers will demand to see their Fillmore, up-to- date business license and call City Hall should they refuse. On a similar note, it’s time that the combined City Council and School Board take a stand against the absolute garbage that’s being peddled outside our schools. Here we live in a valley with magnificent fruit and produce growing abundantly; and our students get released from school to see peddlers selling fake flavored chicharrones with 15 or more artificial colors, preservatives and worse. I’ve looked and read the labels on some of this stuff. It’s like reading the glossary in a chemistry textbook. License or no license, these school peddlers must be restricted. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
“31st Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Set for Saturday, December 20th” |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Enjoy free admission, cookies and cocoa at the Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark Holiday Open House Saturday December 13. Visit the Museum Gift Shop and gently used book emporium for some unique holiday gifts from 11-3. Shop at the Camulos Antique and Craft market for reasonably priced treasures and quality holiday crafts from 9-4. Mrs. Santa will be there too. There is something for everyone at the Rancho Camulos Museum. Enjoy our unique setting and selection. Proceeds benefit our non-profit’s historical preservation, restoration, and educational efforts. Shop where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo |
John Holladay is in charge of Christmas tree sales at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Highway 126 and C Street. The trees are watered daily for freshness. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
A crescent moon highlighted Venus, lower left, and Jupiter, upper right in this week’s night sky. It’s not going to happen again for 50 years according to Carmelita Miranda with Dreamweaver. According to Jose Pepe Mendoza of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, there was a similar “planetary conjunction” of the same planets in February “but only in the morning sky... It is pretty rare to see this in the evening sky.” Enlarge Photo |
By Conway Spitler — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Always interesting to look back in history so as to remind us of "What was" and "What is"? The first teachers at Fillmore High School in 1913 were L. J. Clary, E. K. Durkee, G. A. Willett and H. Barr. These names were obtained from the school annuals. In the year 1921 Marie Schibsby came to Fillmore High with teachers Whipple, McGree, Davis, J. A. Galvin, Converse, Manske, Vine, Homrighausen, Milligan and Parker being colleagues. Year of 1938 was my graduation year and had these teachers at the high school: J. Alman, E. Jarrett, E. Kennedy, D. Main, C. Mitchell, W. Ross, M. Schibsby, B. Seimears, A. Smith, H. Bigger, A. Hansen, H. Kershner, W. Marple, L. Smith, W. Tilleson, M. Von Kanel, F. Walker, A. Case, V. Fremlin, E. Graham, and W. Knight. When we look back, too many of us, it seems like so many years since graduation, yet when you have a reunion those memories of teachers come back very quickly. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
The city had problems with flooding in the vicinity of A Street at the railroad crossing during the last storm. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Ventura County, Calif. – The American Red Cross of Ventura County invites children from 3rd to 5th grade, to participate in the free Safe Kid’s Day on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Jack Boyd Community Center in Sarzotti Park, Ojai. Hosted by the American Red Cross of Ventura County Youth Services Program, children will learn all types of emergency training during the day-long event. Highlights include the four-step Emergency Action Plan where kids learn what to do in an emergency, how & when to get help and what to do when help arrives. In addition, students will be trained in Water Safety, learning ways to prevent drowning and using safety precautions and rescue procedures for water activity. The Fire Safety segment will help kids understand how to prevent fires, the importance of controlling air flow to fire and developing ways to prevent burns. Students will also learn ways to avoid motor vehicle injuries during the Safe Wheels training and learn the importance of using safety belts, cycling helmets & knee pads. Rules for school bus safety and preventing bicycle injuries will also be presented. Other training includes Lost & Found, which outlines ways to prevent getting lost, and teaches kids how to make a preparation plan if lost. Students will also learn how to prevent choking and first aid procedures during All Choked Up. The emergency training is conducted by high school students in the American Red Cross of Ventura County Youth Services Program. To prepare for training, high school students undergo First Aid Training and other emergency preparedness programs to instruct kids 7-11 years of age in safety skills. To register for the event, call the American Red Cross of Ventura County at 805-987-1514, ext. 304 or email to youthvc@usa.redcross.org. Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Fillmore, CA…..Santa is gearing up for his famous Christmas Eve journey to the homes of children all over the world. But first, he is making a few stops along the way, most notably on the Fillmore & Western Railway’s variety of holiday trains. There are still seats available for families on the North Pole Express Wednesdays through Sunday evenings, Nov. 28-Dec. 26, with trains departing at 6:00pm and 7:30 pm. The one hour train ride journeys to the North Pole east of Fillmore, where it picks up Santa Claus, who climbs onboard to visit with all the children. Elves are onboard each railcar and entertain passengers by reading a Christmas story and leading everyone in singing Christmas carols. The jolly elves distribute a Christmas cookie and chocolate milk to everyone during the trip. Once back in town, Santa poses for photos with children and happily accepts their Christmas wish lists. Families are also invited to stroll through Santa’s Village in Central Park, downtown Fillmore, where there are craft and Christmas vendors, a Carousel and a food booth available. The Christmas Tree Train runs on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29 through December 21 with two departures each day at 10:00am and 2:00pm. The 2-1/2 to 3 hour train ride takes passengers to a private Christmas Tree Farm, where they seek out and cut down their “perfect Christmas tree”. The tree is then loaded onto a flatcar and transported back to town. Santa visits with children and their families onboard the trip over and sits on the backporch of the business car while at the farm to pose for photos and collect wish lists. An onboard restaurant is also available during the trip. “Dinner With Santa” trains depart on Friday and Sunday evenings at 5:30pm, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Families get to dine with the ole’ gent himself during the two hour trip. For more information or to book passage on one of the Christmas Holiday Trains call 805-524-2546 or visit Fillmore & Western’s website at www.fwry.com All Aboard for Christmas Fun! |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
The Ventura County Library community libraries will be closing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and will be closed Thursday, December 25, for the Christmas Day holiday. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
New Exhibit at the California Oil Museum
On Sunday December 7th, the California Oil Museum in conjunction with the students of Santa Paula High School’s Mexican American Studies Course will be premiering its new exhibit, Mexican American Heritage. Running through February 24th 2009, this new exhibit will be available for viewing every Wednesday through Sunday 10am-4pm. Opening reception will be December 7, from 3-5pm featuring dancers, music and crafts. Admission to the museum is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $1 for youth, and free for members. Santa Paula High School’s Mexican American Studies Course is a college preparatory class taught by Karen Calhoun that emphasizes the following three components: Mexican History, Mexican American History, and culture. With students selecting topics across this spectrum -- from the Aztecs, the Spanish Conquest, and the Mexican Revolution to Diego Rivera, Zapatistas, the Zoot Suit Riots, the Chicano Movement, and recent hate crimes against Latinos -- the exhibit wonderfully captures all three of these elements. While many students are presenting issues close to their heart, other students admit that the project has helped them learn about things they previously knew little about. And while many of the exhibit boards present topics that are sources of pride for the students such as Ballet Folklorico and Mexican art, many others, especially those dealing with poverty, pollution, corruption, and human rights express concerns of the students and are written with a tone of reflection and even criticism. “The community will be impressed by our wonderful pictures and facts, it’s for the community” (Jesus Alvarez). What: “Mexican American Heritage” |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Many Community members and local businesses have stepped up to help FOOD Share tackle hunger this holiday season. Annual sponsors PODS and VONS have been joined by Longs Drug store, Ventura Credit Union and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the fight against hunger. There are many opportunities to donate food and make a difference this holiday season. December events: Dec. 5, 6 & 7—Bring 10 cans of protein rich food to Plaza 14 Cinemas in downtown Oxnard and receive a free large popcorn Dec. 6—Visit Oxnard’s Christmas Parade in downtown Oxnard at 10 am followed by the Tamale Festival and donate canned foods to marked barrels Dec. 6— Come to Holiday Traditions at Pacific View Mall between 2pm-6pm, and receive a $5 Target gift card when you donate a toy and 2 cans of food Dec. 8—Jeff Grodin of Captain Hook's Sportfishing is encouraging fishermen to grab their tackle boxes and fish for FOOD Share. For a cost of only $25.00 people can go deep sea fishing and all fish caught will go to help the hungry at FOOD Share. To reserve your spot call 805-382 6233 or book online at www.captnhooks.com. In addition to large community events, many people are tackling hunger one neighborhood at a time. People have started organizing neighborhood food drives to collect protein-rich canned food items to donate to FOOD Share. To register your neighborhood food drive call (805) 983-7100 X135 or email fooddrives@foodshare.com. What to donate Questions or for more information, please call: (805) 983-7100 |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Steve McQueen's last hometown is paying tribute to its most famous resident with a weekend of aviation and family-related activities.
The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula will welcome home Barbara McQueen with a VIP reception, dinner and booksigning on Saturday, December 6 at the Santa Paula Airport. The 5 p.m. reception will include a catered dinner, slide show and booksigning for Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. “Santa Paula was the beginning and end of Steve McQueen's aviation roots, and realized the airport had never recognized him before. Steve used to say, 'Santa Paula Airport is my kinda country club,'” said Mike Dewey, a museum board member who has a long history with the privately owned airport. “We also felt this was a good opportunity to promote our new 3,000-square foot museum headquarters.” This is Barbara McQueen's first trip back to Santa Paula since her late husband's 1980 death. “Santa Paula was Steve's church and he really loved the city with all of his heart and soul. He was treated like a normal person there where he could relax and be himself, hang out with friends and fly his planes,” McQueen said. “I'm really looking forward to coming back because it was a big part of my life. It'll be good to renew some of those old ties and make new friendships.” The tax-deductible (as allowed by law) dinner is $50 with proceeds benefiting the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula. Seating, however, is limited and attendees are asked to RSVP by December 1, 2008. Please call (805) 525-1109 or e-mail mcqueenevent@amszp.org to RSVP. The Santa Paula Airport will salute the life of Steve McQueen on its “First Sunday Open House,” on December 7. Privately owned hangars open their doors to unveil a variety of vintage aircraft, cars, and memorabilia, which are on display for the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several other aircraft owners will put their antique aircraft on static display and many vintage aircraft also fly in each month. Car and motorcycle clubs will also display their machines on the airport's taxiways and the Museum Tram will provide travel between hangars. The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723 offers free airplane rides to kids ages 7-17. Barbara McQueen will also sign, Steve McQueen: The Last Mile at the five-hour extravaganza. Steve McQueen: The Last Mile is a photo book that captures wonderful and unique images that the very private actor allowed to no one else. Barbara soon discovered that the screen legend she had idolized since a kid was a determined individualist who loved vintage planes, motorcycles and cars and admired the men who flew and drove them above all others. For more information on both McQueen events, visit www.amszp.org. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
It takes more than locks to secure your home, think about security
A message from the Moorpark Police Crime Prevention Those of us who work in law enforcement will tell you that if a thief really wants to get into your home, he probably will. However, there are some easy steps to make your house unattractive to the bad guy. We will call these techniques “Target Hardening”. Lighting (The Crime Prevention Staple) Bad Guys don't like to be seen, so install lights that will light up the outside of your home. Motion detecting fixtures work great. Remember to install them where they can't be reached or the bulb removed or broken. Placing a double light motion detector on all exterior corners of your home should sufficiently light your entire yard. Most double light motion detectors have directional light fixtures. Each light should be aimed down a side of your home allowing full-lighted coverage of your exterior walls. Remember to be courteous to your neighbors when aiming your lights. Environmental Design Plants and shrubs growing around your home can provide a great place for a burglar to lurk unseen. Keep your bushes trimmed so a burglar can't hide in them, out of sight. In crime prevention we call this the 2 and 6 concept. All shrubs should be trimmed at a maximum height of 2 feet and all tree skirts should be trimmed above 6 feet. Don't advertise that there are things worth stealing in your home. If you get a new TV or computer, don't just put the box out by the curb on trash pick up day. This is like a billboard to the bad guys telling them you have a nice TV for them to steal. Break down the box or turn it inside out, so no one passing by will be able to make a shopping list of what is in your home. CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo Can you identify this picture? Do you know any of the people in it? Please let us know so we can add a caption here. Thank You. Enlarge Photo |
Grad Nite Live pie sale coordinator Raelene Chaney pulled off another year of record-breaking pie sales-- 1,435 pies sold! Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Thank you to the community and all the wo helped make it a success, including Loretta Shaw, Joleen Stethem, Terri Metzler, and Tenea Golson. Patty Cisneros sold 80 pies,winning a $50 gift certificate, and Rene Paz sold 54, receiving a FHS Senior sweatshirt. Enlarge Photo |
By Conway Spitler — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
This week the California state accreditation committee visited the local high school. The committee meet with a number of the teachers of the high school as well as student representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to gather from the teachers and students about various aspects of Fillmore High School. The commitee has the report given by the school prior to their visit. |