District Attorney Gregory D. Totten issued a Consumer Protection Advisory today to Ventura County residents who may be facing foreclosure due to their inability to make timely payments on their home loans. Homeowners should be wary of foreclosure prevention, delay or “rescue” solicitations where the homeowner is urged to transfer ownership of a portion of their home to another individual or entity. Often, these solicitations offer little or no benefit to the homeowner and may rise to the level of criminal conduct. Homeowners who believe their homes may be in danger of foreclosure are urged to read the complete advisory letter, which is available in English and Spanish at the District Attorney's Office website: http://da.countyofventura.org/refraud_unit.htm. The advisory letter also contains information about resources that offer genuine assistance to distressed homeowners.
The real estate fraud unit investigates and prosecutes crimes involving recorded real estate documents. Criminal real estate fraud may involve home equity fraud, securities fraud tied to real estate, and loan fraud. Victims of criminal real estate fraud and predatory lending schemes are often senior citizens and people with limited English speaking abilities. Real estate fraud strikes at the heart of the American dream, where a sophisticated criminal can victimize dozens of people by stealing their life savings and their home.
Persons who believe they may be victims of real estate fraud are encouraged to fill out and return a Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form for our review.

Simi Valley, CA: The third annual Simi Conejo Friends of NRA fundraising banquet will be held Saturday, September 13, 2008, 5:00 pm at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Proceeds benefit The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are distributed as grants to support projects such as youth firearm safety, women’s programs, law enforcement, and range development.
“The evening will include games, auctions, and drawings for limited edition NRA collectibles,” said Committee Chairman Randy Tackett. “Not only do guests get a great dinner, they can also tour the Reagan Library and Air Force One.”
Ticket packages start at $125 and include a free $100 pack of prize drawing tickets. Request an event flyer by e-mailing llee@nrahq.org or visit www.friendsofnra.org/ca. Views and opinions expressed by Simi Conejo Friends of NRA are not necessarily shared by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation.

By Helen Weathers
Afghanistan
[Helen is a contracted forensic expert teaching the Afghanistan nationals fingerprint technology. She will be there for six months]

A soldier went home today.....only he was not at the end of his leave, he was not getting excited about going home to the civilian life he left to be a soldier, he was not going home to see the smiles on his family's face, yet he was going home.
He was going home for the last night in an American flag draped silver box. As I watched hundreds of soldiers line the main road at the base called 'Disney', I was reminded why I am doing what I'm doing and the reasons that I have left my family. I had to hold back my tears since I was told crying in public is a sign of weakness. I did not want to shed tears of sorrow, rather tears of respect and admiration for this soldier I did not know. This soldier knew dying was an inherent risk of enlisting, yet he did it for me, for my family and for all those Americans that live their daily lives with a freedom they take for granted all too often. I am doing a small part to help identify those that made it their life purpose to send an American home in a silver box. If I am able to help only one soldier be able to go home to see the smile's on his family's face, then my time here will have been the most important thing I have done in my life, besides having the wonderful children that I have. I am ensuring that their future is safe.
My time has only started, yet I know I will be helping to make a difference. For everyone that can not understand my reasons, I hope this sheds some light and some understanding. I am doing this for my family...
Please pass this on if I have forgotten anyone.
Helen Weathers,
Afghanistan

On June 11, 2008, Deputy Probation Officer Monica Rodrigues was severely injured when she was hit by a rock while traveling on the 101 Freeway. The large rock was thrown from the overpass at Wendy Drive in Newbury Park. Monica was struck on the head and had to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove bone fragments. Doctors had to install a titanium plate in her head and she is still recovering from her injuries.

Monica’s family, co-workers, a local business and Crime Stoppers have currently pledged a reward of $6,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this crime.

Please contact the California Highway Patrol at 553-0800 if you have any information about this incident. If you would like to contribute to the reward, additional donations are welcome and can be made by contacting Russ Whitmeyer at 432-0054.

Monica’s extended family at the Ventura County Probation Agency is asking for the community’s help to identify and bring to justice the person responsible for her injuries.

[Nathan Oseguera , 27of Fillmore, was sentenced on July 7 to 13-years in prison for participating in a gang related home invasion robbery]

Our family has finally decided to break our silence on the horrible ordeal involving our son/brother/nephew/grandson/friend, Nathan Oseguera. Most importantly, we would like to express our greatest and most sincere condolences to the family of Bret Godfrey. Please know that we have and will continue to keep your family in our prayers. Although we would have preferred to keep this a private family matter, we have heard numerous lies, assumptions, and accusations made about our family as a whole. We have tried to ignore the Fillmore "trash-talk", but it seems that this "trash-talk" has now been accepted as fact by many. We are in no way condoning the actions of this crime; we know and accept the punishment for it. Our family's name has been dragged through the mud. Those of us who have known Nathan's parents all of our lives know that they have been amazing parents, making every sacrifice possible to help their children, family, and friends. Nathan's sisters are both college graduates; one a Special Education Elementary School teacher; the other a Registered Nurse. Our family is active in our communities, churches, and schools. This incident should not be a reflection of our family as a whole. We would really like to try to bring more attention to the problem of methamphetamines in our community. This has been a prime example of how this drug is destroying our cities, our kids, and entire families. This drug turns your loved ones into people you don't know. It leaves you feeling helpless as you watch it destroy your children. It is a dangerous, powerful, highly addicting drug. It is overtaking our country, and has hit Fillmore especially hard. The drug does not discriminate; white, brown, rich, poor, good parenting, bad parenting; it can be ANY our children. Please urge your police department, city leaders, school districts, to put more resources into this fight. They can do more. We must demand it. We cannot continue to pretend we live in a perfect little town. What good is it to have this cute, picturesque town, if our kids are being destroyed. We do not take this seriously or acknowledge the severity of the problem until it hits us personally and is too late. We pray that no other family will have to go through the nightmare we and all involved have had to the past year. He is now paying his debt to society and we hope that people will accept that, do everything to keep your kids safe, rather than "trash-talk." Please respect the fact that no matter what, this is our son and brother who we love dearly and are trying to deal with him being gone on a daily basis. We remember the sensitive, loving, extremely giving person before the drugs, who was loved by his family, friends, teachers, coaches, and friends. His daughter and nieces continue to ask for him. So, please, while we make no excuses, know that there are no winners in this all. Thank you to all our family, friends, and strangers, who have been so supportive. Once again, please put pressure on anyone who will listen about the seriousness of drugs in our community. FORCE them to invest in recreation and safe-alternatives for children.
Sincerely,
The Oseguera Family

Conway Spitler

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; he, who loses faith, loses all. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me..you brought another friends and then there were three. We started our group..our circle of friends and like that circle there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, today is a gift.

County Supervisor Kathy Long, 3rd District would like to announce to all residents of Ventura County that the next Santa Paula Tattoo Removal Clinic will be held on Saturday July 26, 2008 from 8:30 am – 12 noon, no appointments necessary. Orientation for first time participants will be at 9 am located at 1334 E. Main St. the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic. Due to overwhelming response, spaces will be limited.
County Supervisor Kathy Long spearheaded this clinic in collaboration with the following agencies: Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Family Care Clinic, Interface Children Family Services, and CalWORKS.
The clinic not only welcomes participants but volunteers to run the clinic. If you have any questions, or would like to find out how you can help, please call the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic at (805) 933-1242.

C.E.R.T. is about readiness, CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage their utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and, if they desire, assist their community by joining the Fillmore CERT Team.

There is no cost for the training.

WHEN: 7 Wednesdays, 7-9 pm
Beginning August 6th 2008

WHERE: El Dorado Club House

WHO: Adults

HOW TO REGISTER: Attend class

Santa Paula, CA - The 4th Annual Labor Day Parade is held Monday, September 1, 2008 at 10 AM on Main Street in Santa Paula. Entries of all kinds are welcome. Entries representing occupations and workers are especially welcome. Entry deadline is August 22, 2008. Parade entry forms are available online at http://www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us/docs/2008labordayparade.pdf or at Santa Paula City Hall and the Santa Paula Times, 944 E. Main Street. For further information call 933-0701. The Parade is sponsored by the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade Committee, the Rotary Club of Santa Paula and the City of Santa Paula.

Walking groups with banners, musical groups, floats, workers riding in work-related vehicles, equestrians, and all groups representing a Labor Day theme are invited to participate. The parade starts at 7th and Main Street and ends at the Gazebo at Santa Barbara and Mill.

Trophies for “Most Original,” “Most Participants,” “Best Overall Use of Theme” and “Most Animated” will be awarded in ceremonies at the conclusion of the parade at the Gazebo. This year’s Grand Marshall is Dr. and Mrs. Carlson. The 2008 theme is “Celebration of Working People.”

For more information, please contact Al Guilin (805) 525-8839.

California Highway Patrol

Motor vehicle collisions nationwide are the leading cause of death for drivers between the ages of teenagers. California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between the ages of 15-20. “This tragic loss of young lives is a concern to us, and we hope this program can reduce the death toll,” stated CHP Officer Mike Untalan.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with local teenagers and their parents/guardians on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 pm at the Ventura CHP office for a program called “Start Smart” specifically geared towards the reduction of collisions and injuries involving teen drivers.

Start Smart addresses traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers. Start Smart speaks directly to the newly licensed drivers and their parents/guardians. This program entails collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, driver responsibilities, and local area traffic collision trends.
Start Smart makes teens and parents aware of the responsibilities they face and teaches what precautions to take to stay safe. For reservations, please contact Officer Mike Untalan at (805) 477-4130.

Fillmore, CA – HANDS-ON Consultations (HOC), Computer Support Services, a Fillmore, Ventura County based company, is pleased to announce their ten (10) year anniversary as a full-time computer support company serving the communities of Ventura County and beyond.
In July of 1988, acquiring a city business license and registering with Ventura County, Harv & Patti Oliver established their computer support services company out of their home on Goodenough Road in Fillmore, CA. In their original business plan, there was never intent for a storefront, but to provide “HANDS ON” services in the field or in their offices as required. Since that time, due to business expansion and requirements, the office has been transitioned and services provided out of their offices in the Gurrola Building at 606 Sespe in Fillmore. Harv provides the lead technical support services and manages the day-to-day operations with Patti’s experience and MBA providing support in appropriate business operations and continuing business development. They’ve also added additional technicians, administrative personnel, and program and web developers to their support staff.
“Providing professional, friendly services, while building mutually beneficial relationships has always been our goal.” stated Harv in noting the decade milestone. “When we started, I asked myself 'how can we separate our services and rise above the multitude of other support services out there?’ In any service industry, providing outstanding customer service and dealing honorably with our clients are the most important factors, in my opinion, and that’s what we’ve always tried to do. We all know you can’t please everyone, but at HANDS-ON Consultations we do our very best and our continuing success in the local communities reflects that. Word of mouth and referrals is the key to success for any business. 10 years and growing stronger speaks louder than any words I can share," Oliver added.
For the past tem years, HOC services have been provided for business and home users alike with a strong focus on providing professional support for current and developing operations in the business world. Ranging from hardware/software troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, computer components, new computer systems to network design, development, & support to web design, development, and hosting to training for Windows and associated applications, and program and database software development. They provide incidents support services, along with scheduled maintenance plans and also are aligned with other vendors in various support contracts. Expansion of services has pushed out to include not only Ventura County, but Los Angeles County and beyond.
“I’d like to thank all the members of the private and business communities of Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and beyond for assisting us in reaching this milestone. Success is many things and we are meeting and achieving the goals we set for ourselves 10 years ago,” acknowledged Oliver. “The number of years we’ve been in business may seem small to some however, surviving each and every year and staying afloat in any kind of business for 10 years is tough and this is something we’re very proud of. We look forward to continuing to assist our friends and associates in this ever-developing and exciting field now, and far into the future.”

Conway Spitler

It was interesting to attend the recent special meeting of the Fillmore City Council in the Memorial Building about the storm drains, water softeners and flood zones.!
First, in my opinion, the handling of the special meeting was done in an outstanding manner by our Mayor Steve Conaway. Each and every one--from both sides of the issues--were given an opportunity to express their opinion.
There are so many points of interest that really hit right to the local individuals--costs of water, sewer, and flood control presented by Bert Rapp, Public Works Director. It seems, in my little knowledge of the situation, that State and Federal agencies meet, discuss and without consulting with the local groups, say this is what happens.
It seems the current 100 milligrams per liters of chloride limit by approximately 37 milligrams per liter could be settled by individuals who continue to discharge this chloride should pay the cost as the rest of us do to have the water softener company come and take the tank away monthly. Personally, this has been done by us since we lived in the City of Fillmore.
The "problem" of the FEMA flood map shows that the "governmental" officials are sitting in their seats and don't know what is actually going on in the City of Fillmore.
Other matters have come about--Memorial District, the Senior Center, etc. It appears to me that citizens need to volunteer, as I personally did years ago, to service on these boards. In my opinion we seem to have some lapse in the City administrative structure to oversee these various departments.
These items, along with several others, such as the use of the new stadium will be even more interesting. We need individuals who will meet, get the "rules" together and then enforce these rules without giving in to this or that group within the City! These facilities, committees, boards, etc. are for the public's use--with the actions being done by the know rules!
Let us have some "working" volunteers to assist!

Be WARNED...Where you place your money for safe-keeping and how long you leave it there may be simply preparing to hand it to the State of California!
It happened to me...
Last week I received two bank statements from Bank of America. The quarterly statements that I received for my daughter and son had a different total in their savings account ($0) and under that it read: “Your account has been closed. Account Turned Over to the State of California.”
I was shocked to discover that due to inactivity, the bank reported this to the State Controller’s office and handed my money over to the state! How can this be? This is my children’s money that I placed in a Savings account for safe keeping. I thought the idea was to place money in a savings account and leave it alone! I had no idea that if you leave it alone for more than 3 years, the bank or financial institution will report this to the state for the state to take!
After speaking with Bank of America on the phone waiting almost 30 minutes to speak with a live person, I was given the toll free number to the California Unclaimed Property State Administrators Office 1-800-992-4647. The State Controller’s Office website to reclaim abandoned property is: www.sco.ca.gov I also called the State Controller’s office and was told that it takes about 6 months for the abandoned monies to be recorded before I can begin to reclaim what is mine!
I think it is shameful that the state or any financial institution has the right to take my money simply for the reason that I didn’t touch it often enough. I thought the whole idea of savings was to leave it alone… Evidently not. Bottom line, my money is gone. I was not notified by Bank of America that I needed to deposit or withdraw money in order to keep my account active. They evidently had the right to report the account to the state and the state in fact did take my money. I’m not dead, nor are my children. (Thank God), but the State of California now has my money and I do not. (Granted, there was not much money in the account, but in my opinion whether it is one cent or a million, no one should be able to touch my account without my permission.)
According to the California State Controller’s Office, it is possible to reclaim the money, but now I have to wait for all the paper work to be processed before being able to reclaim it along with having to fill out an official form, copy my driver’s license, and social security number in order to get back is rightfully mine. According to Bank of America, they normally send a courtesy notice to their clients, but I never received anything in the mail. They also have a general statement in their fact booklet that they give to people opening accounts. (Like any of us read all of the small print.)
The irony to this, is the time and all the people I have spoken with in the last few days has cost more than the money I had in the accounts when calculating hours on the phone with employees, as well as, my time and frustration.
I think it is shameful that the state can just take someone’s money without permission or verification that a person has passed away. Be careful where you place your money. It may not be as safe as you think.

Its still not to late to reserve your place. We have extended payment till July 25th. Please call Shelley Boblett at 805-650-8267. We will not take payment at door and you will not be let in unless you pay full price. Classmates of 1987 & 1989 if you are still interested please call me for details. There will not be any invites sent out. It’s by word of mouth only, but we need a head count.