[Editor's note: On Thursday, October 9th, a joint forum was presented by the Fillmore City Council candidates, and the Fillmore United School Board candidates. Following is coverage of the City Council portion of the forum. The School Board portion will be printed in next week’s edition of the Gazette.]

Candidates' Forum October 9, 2014
City Council
Diane McCall Incumbent, Carrie Broggie, Tim Holmgren
Moderator: Dr. Cynthia King, Professor at Cal State Channel Island
Timekeepers: Douglas Tucker and Johan Medina

(1) What is your vision for the future of the City of Fillmore and what qualifications do you possess that will help you achieve this vision?
Tim Holmgren; I see the town revitalized with more jobs...when people are doing well, jobs will grow.
Diane McCall; My vision for Fillmore is a thriving downtown...I can get this done by coming up with great ideas. I'm committed to do that.
Carrie Broggie; What I see is a small town American feel. I'd like to retain that. Whe have to make public safety a priority....help Fillmore to grow.

(2) What do you see as your top three priorities for the city and how would you prioritize them?
Diane McCall; We need economic development...seek out ways to do funding...funding for the gang officer.
Carrie Broggie; We have to have a safe community...economic and business development. It's hard work...monitor what we are spending...be good stewards.
Tim Holmgren; I want Fillmore to get to the point were we have the revenue, jobs needed and it's better for all. Public safety, I have a great appreciation for safety.

(3) What is your experienced with the youth of Fillmore and what are your ideas about how the city could support them?
Carrie Broggie; I'd like to meet with all the organizations and programs for kids and see what they need to be successful.
Tim Holmgren; I love kids and have my own. It's important to get kids involved and participate in the community.
Diane McCall; My daughter went to school in Fillmore. We need more recreation for our youth. All the Boards I've served on usually involve kids such as mentoring for youth gang members.

(4) We have both the highest rate of unemployment in Ventrua County and many people who live in Fillmore and work outside of the area. What are your ideas to enhance employment locally?
Tim Holmgren; I hear people have to leave town to work. Then they spend their money out of town before returning home...with work in town such as the Business Park, everyone benefits.
Diane McCall; I'm engaged with contacts to bring business to Fillmore.
Carrie Broggie; Until we see the revitalization of Fillmore, jobs won't be here. The Business Park will help.

(5) Fillmore has several vacant parcels waiting to be developed into industrial parks and vacant commercial storefronts throughout the town. Our local businesses are struggling. How do you see that the city could address this issue?
Diane McCall; We can outreach to companies to bring business to Fillmore. We've (the Council) been active doing that.
Carrie Broggie; People will come to Fillmore as a tourist destination...people will travel here. We need not just industry and retail, but tourism also. It's a tried and true money generator.
Tim Holmgren; There's a lot of advantages to bringing businesses and being in business in Fillmore. The fee structure needs to be business friendly.

(6) What do you feel might bet eh economic, fiscal, health and environmental advantages and disadvantages of annexing the Chevron property east of the city limits? (A reminder from the moderator NOT to say how they might vote on the issue.)
Tim Holmgren; Until all the information is put together, I'm holding my judgment. Neighbors are not happy, but we need all the information first.
Carrie Broggie; The advantages are potential businesses and jobs. The disadvantages are because of the contamination businesses might not want to be there.
Diane McCall; At this point the property is not within the city limits. I have not make an opinion and cannot comment.

(7) Fillmore has many residents who live in substandard housing (renting garages, multiple families in one home, individuals renting a bed). Give us your thoughts on how to bring more safe and sanitary affordable housing to the residents of Fillmore.
Tim Holmgren; That's what the housing element is for. We need affordable housing...the State directs us on how to fill the need.
Diane McCall; Our (Fillmore's) housing element has been sent to the State, we have not received an answer yet. We can benefit greatly by paring up with companies that can help.
Carrie Broggie; Fillmore has large homes that are the least expensive in the County. We could get companies to build smaller homes.

(8) What are your ideas for maintaining the present balance of budget for the City of Fillmore?
Diane McCall; Fillmore has goals, one is a balanced budget and then increasing the tax base. Identify areas where we can be fiscally sound. We're (the Council) working at having a sound reserve.
Carrie Broggie; I think Fillmore is doing a great job. I support 40% rainy day fund. The key is broadening the tax base.
Tim Holmgren; To balance requires spending less than you bring in. The budget today looks great compared to the past. We're going to spend less than we bring in.

(9) In this time of high heat, east winds and worry about continuing drought, how do you envision ensuring an adequate water supply for the residents?
Carrie Broggie; There are Fillmore residents who are restricting their water use to save water, we need to make it a benefit to do such things. There are a lot of things citizens can do on their own.
Tim Holmgren; We have our own wells which is a benefit. We could use more wells. We all need to cut back...we all need to get through this drought.
Diane McCall; We should have already been conserving. We are doing a good job compared to many others. We are a community that is using recycled water for our own town's needs. Everyone should be conserving.
Answers to questions from the audience.

(Q) Patrick Maynard's question; The City of Fillmore undoubtedly has a limited tax base. How do you intend on securing funds that are not only sustainable, but capable of ensuring that our local government needs are met?
Tim Holmgren; As businesses are brought in our tax base will grow.
Diane McCall; What we have to do is smart growth. We need companies that will be good for the community. We need to be wise in what companies we choose.
Carrie Broggie; I don't want to see a whole lot of growth. I grew up in the Valley and that's not my idea of growth.

(Q) Kathy Pace's question; How will you as a council member reach out to the Spanish community since they make up half of our community?
Carrie Broggie; We need translators...it should be at the top of the list.
Tim Holmgren; I think we need to reach everyone. I'll do what ever I can to encourage involvement.

(Q) Rick Neal's question; Fillmore is often referred to as a 'bedroom community'. Those viewing it as only a bedroom community are missing out on the best thins about living here. In your opinion what are teh best things about Fillmore and how do we preserve it?
Carrie Broggie; The proximity to Los Angeles will bring in businesses such as tourism.
Tim Holmgren; My family fell in love with Fillmore and we moved here. It feels like a small town. One of the best things about Fillmore is you're able to reach out to people with the same passion to keep Fillmore a small town community.

(Q) Cindy Blatt's question; How important is re-establishing communication with the school disrict and meetings with the Board quarterly?
Tim Holmgren; It's critical the School Board and City Council work together. I get a good feel with the direction now.
Diane McCall; The communication was a big problem. I suggest we get together. The City Council and School Board are now willing to get together.
Carrie Broggie; The School Board and City Council should have meetings monthly. I see the School Board moving in a new direction. I want to see that continue.

(Q) Jayme Laber's question; During your time on the City Council how do you plan to stay engaged with the citizens to assure your decisions are representative of their opinions and desires?
Diane McCall; We are here to speak for the community. I'm always available. I answer emails. I bring concerns back to the council.
Carrie Broggie; I am a people person. I'll be there for anybody. Even if there's disagreement, we need to be able to communicate, be respectful, hear them out.
Tim Holmgren; I would do what I'm doing currently. I attend meetings....I want to know what I can do to help. What ever event I attend....I talk and meet with people.

Closing Statements:
Carrie Broggie; Thank you to everyone who attended the forum. I appreciate being here, I know who to see and who to know to get things done.
Tim Holmgren; Right now is an exciting time for Fillmore. We're in transition. We must keep the City going in a positive direction.
Diane McCall; I appreciate all of you coming. Being on the City Council I've seen great things happening. I committed to this. I want to see the great work going forward.

Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today the deadline to register to vote in the November 4, 2014 Gubernatorial GeneralElection, is Monday, October 20, 2014.

Lunn stated, “All citizens who have notyet registered to vote need to register by October 20 to be eligible to vote on Tuesday, November 4. Your vote is your voice; register and vote on November 4!”

For convenience, voter registration is available online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov. Voters may also callthe Elections Division at (805) 654-2664 to request that a voter registration card be mailed to them.

Voters may still register on a paper form at the Ventura County Elections Division, Government Center Hall of Administration, 800South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Registration forms are also available throughout the County at city halls, post offices, libraries, chambers of commerce, and fire stations.Completed voter registration forms must be postmarked by Monday, October 20, 2014,in order to vote in the November 4, 2014Gubernatorial GeneralElection.

For more information, please visit the Elections Division website at http://venturavote.orgor call the Elections Division at 654-2664.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

There are many things a parent can do to ensure their family’s safety. Adequately preparing your home and teaching children how to use 9-1-1 properly from an early age may, one day, save a life. If you are unsure where to begin, here are a few of the key things you can do and messages you can relay to youngsters to ensure that your household is prepared should a call for help ever have to be made.

Post your address clearly and prominently in multiple locations. Having your address easily visible at the end of your driveway and on your home itself will ensure that first responders aren’t left wondering if they are at the right location. Make sure that you use numbering and lettering that can be seen during the day or night, and are visible no matter which direction you are coming from. Many cities and counties have ordinances that will give you direction on how to post your address properly, so be sure to check with local authorities for more information.

Report missing street signs in your neighborhood immediately. This is even more important for those of you who live in the rural parts of Ventura County. Making sure that your neighborhood has all the proper signage not only helps friends and family find your home, but it can be crucial during an emergency situation where time is of the essence.

Teach your kids what 9-1-1 is. Let them know that 9-1-1 is the number to call when they need help or they see someone who needs help right away.

Teach your kids when to call 9-1-1. It is important that children learn that there are specific times when calling 9-1-1 is the right thing to do. Let them know that they should only call when someone or something, such as an animal, is hurt or in danger or if they need a police officer, firefighter, or doctor.

Last but not least, practice makes perfect. Help your kids memorize information that will be useful to 9-1-1 dispatchers, such as their name, their parents’ names, their address, and their phone number. The more comfortable and calm they are, the more quickly they can provide vital information to the 9-1-1 dispatcher who can then send the appropriate responders to the location.

Once is never enough, as they say, and your job isn’t done after your kids understand the basics. As the years pass, technology will change and so will your child’s capacity for providing crucial details to the 9-1-1 dispatcher. It is up to you to make sure that they are knowledgeable about the features and capabilities of the device they use to dial 9-1-1 and that they are ready to provide the most detailed and useful information possible when they call 9-1-1.

If you or your child is ever in doubt whether to dial 9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s non-emergency number (805) 654-9511, go ahead and dial 9-1-1. We’re here to help you.

Nature of Incident: Making 9-1-1 Work For You, Things Parents Need to Know
Location: 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
Date & Time: October 10, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Communications Center
Prepared by: Erin M. Brockus, Assistant Communications Manager
Media Release Date: October 10, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Erin M. Brockus
Erin.Brockus@ventura.org, (805) 654-5158
Approved by: Captain Luis Obregon

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

City of Fillmore

Carrie Broggie
My vision for Fillmore is to build upon the aspects of Fillmore life that we enjoy, which is a beautiful, historic community that has managed to maintain its small-town Americana feel in spite of its proximity to the sprawling Los Angeles metropolis. To achieve this, I believe the following issues are key:
PUBLIC SAFETY
If businesses and individuals do not feel safe in Fillmore, we will not achieve the business expansion and increased tax base we need to fully recover from the economic turmoil of the recent past. I will work fervently to make sure our law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and EMT/paramedics, have the support they need to make Fillmore a safer place for us to live and work.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / BUSINESS REVITALIZATION
There is not a magic solution or an easy "fix" to recover from the recent economic downturn Fillmore experienced. A healthy, economically sound budget can only be obtained through careful planning and the close monitoring of all expenditures and a well-run City Hall. Key to this is the Council being good stewards of the funds entrusted to the City by the citizens they serve. This includes being prepared for future economic crises by maintaining a healthy “rainy day” fund. I support the City’s current goal to maintain a reserve of 40 percent.
OUR YOUTH
My husband and I raised three children, and we have an appreciation for programs that help build a child's character and self-esteem. I believe in keeping children and teens active and focused as a deterrent to bad choices and irresponsible behavior that can often times have life-long consequences. As a council member, I will focus on ways to support and enhance our community-based groups that serve our kids, and I will advocate for the needs of our school district.

Tim Holmgren
I envision a strong economic future for Fillmore. We’ve been through some challenges in recent years but we made it through them and are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The current council has worked hard to lead the city toward economic stability and now it’s time to focus on economic prosperity. I see a strong Fillmore with a thriving economy, which brings me to my first priority.
The economic well being of Fillmore and her citizens is my top priority. Thanks to the leadership of the council, we are beginning to see stability. We transition that into economic prosperity by promoting a business-friendly atmosphere to attract more jobs to Fillmore, raising everyone’s standard of living. When built, the business park will revitalize our community by creating a positive cycle of jobs, leading to prosperity, leading to jobs. It’s also important to work in conjunction with our schools, preparing our students for the jobs the business park will bring.
Public safety is another priority and I strongly support our police and fire fighters. Fillmore police and fire fighters are always going way above the call of duty to serve our community and they deserve our support. I’ve watched the current council support our police and fire departments. I will add my support to theirs.
Another priority is finding a way to bring down the sewer rates. Everyone I talk with wants to know about the sewer rates and what the city is going to do about them. I know that the council is doing everything they can and looking into every possible way to bring down those rates. A solution needs to be found and I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary to bring some relief to Fillmore citizens’ sewer bills.

Diane McCall
One of my priorities for Fillmore has always been, and will remain, job creation for our local residents. Being a small town with minimal industrial development and retailers makes finding employment within Fillmore difficult, if not impossible. As a mentor to several “at risk” youths I have found that the key to their success is securing viable employment opportunities. Quite often these individuals must leave Fillmore to find work. This example is representative of the larger issue for Fillmore, we have become a bedroom community to our neighboring cities. This vision of job creation leads me to my next goal which is moving the business park forward as we work to creatively reduce the development impact fees for initial construction, thereby attracting viable industry to our city. I’m committed to foster the current relationships with land owners and local brokers who can introduce their clients to our community and the diverse workforce we offer. Getting this business park underway is a two fold solution to my visions for Fillmore which is providing viable jobs for our residents and an additional tax base stream coming back from the sale of goods. Lastly, while there are many tasks on my agenda as we move Fillmore forward, one item I feel needs attention is the communication between the City and our School District. As a city we must be able to openly communicate with our school district in order to see where we as a community can work together to improve for our youth. As a current councilmember, I recommended a committee to be formed between city council and the school board to meet on a quarterly basis and bring back that missing communication. I would welcome your support so I can continue working to making my visions a reality for Fillmore.

Fillmore Unified School District

Mike Saviers
The Fillmore Unified School District's Board has the ultimate responsibility to set the direction in which the District will go. With that being said it is also the Board's duty to represent the entire community which makes up the District, including the superintendent, principals, teachers, support staff and the families who we represent. A board member may have a vision of where he/she wants to see the District go but if the community and the staff that make up the District which we serve does not share that vision then discussion, compromise and consensus should take precedent over the Board member's vision and a vision shared by all should be set forth and built on.
I hope that this year will be a new beginning, a beginning of trust and teamwork between the Board and the Superintendent. The Superintendent should work with the Board to implement the policies and ideas we will all share. There will be disagreements, debate can be healthy, but it should be constructive and enlightening for all. We have the opportunity to build something very special within this District and nothing should get in the way of teamwork getting it done.

Scott Beylik
It is the responsibility of the school board to have a broad vision and direction for the school district. Also, to be able to relay that direction and vision to the superintendent and the community. Then the superintendent can implement the direction and vision of the board.
The relationship I envision between myself, the board and the superintendent, is one of mutual respect, and oversight, to ensure the direction and vision of the board is being implemented with transparency. In order to transform that vision into a reality, which will better serve our students and community, I will be available for regular meetings with the superintendent to see that our direction is still on track.

Sean Morris
Who decides the direction of the District-- the School Board or the Superintendent? What kind of relationship do you envision between them if you are elected/re-elected?
The superintendent and the board must align their direction/vision to meet the needs of the district, with the ultimate responsibility of that direction being with the board.
The board’s only direct hire is the superintendent. When hiring a superintendent, the board is hopefully looking to find a leader who has a particular vision. The board should understand what direction they have for the district. The two directions may not be perfectly compatible but should reflect the values necessary to propel the staff and students towards excellence. A unified vision and goals need to be set forth by both the superintendent and the board. The board needs to reiterate that vision and make sure the necessary steps to achieve the vision are being taken and met.
I envision a good demanding relationship with the Superintendent and his direct staff. We need to listen to one another, hotly debate the issues, ask questions and develop a vision and plan to bring our schools out of academic probation. The key to any relationship is communication and trust. We need to rebuild that trust in the district, with the board and community.
The most important role a board member has is to help create an environment that fosters trust, creativity and respect. You do that by setting a clear direction, with specific measurable goals. You do that by reporting to the district and community what has been achieved and what areas need attention.
I believe the direction has been set in everyone’s mind for academic success. I believe I have the experience to help work with all the stake holders to fulfill this vision. Thank you.
Sean Morris for FUSD School Board

Lucy Rangel
According to our Board Bylaws, the School Board works with the Superintendent to fulfill its major responsibilities. One of these, of course, is setting the direction for the district. If it is to govern effectively, the Board must ensure that a long term vision is established for the district. This vision should reflect the consensus of all board members, the Superintendent, staff, and the community as to what students need in order to achieve their highest potential. The focus should be on learning and achievement for all our students. The Superintendent should provide leadership based on the direction of the board; and he should accept accountability for implementing the vision, goals, and policies of the district. Then we have a responsibility to support the Superintendent and staff as they carry out the direction of the board.
Board members have to work together as a governance team with the Superintendent to make decisions that best serve all the students in our community. I envision this team to have a trusting relationship – one of mutual respect. The board and the Superintendent should work collaboratively in order to move towards the district’s vision and goals. Communicating openly with trust and integrity is the type of relationship that is needed to ensure that our students receive the high quality education that they deserve, and that our community should expect.

Dave Wilde
Together, the school board members have to develop a vision or direction they see the district moving towards. That direction is shared with the district administration and it is their responsibility to do what must be done to accomplish those goals. The superintendent and other staff members are the hired experts to decide what programs or policies are developed to assist in their achievement. Most school board members don't have the expertise to do that on their own. The board becomes the oversight group to insure we stay on focus. Recent history suggests that the board does not always agree on the direction the district is moving in at any given time. At that point the leadership ability of your superintendent becomes very important in his/her ability to pull the board together. In my opinion the last administration failed in that category. However, I have a great deal of confidence in the people skills demonstrated by our new superintendent these past two months and don't see that being a problem. I am very excited about prospects for our district in the coming years.

Fillmore Unified School District

The School Board Candidates Forum held at Fillmore Middle School on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. The forum was arraigned by Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) and California School Employee Association (CSEA) and conducted by FUSA President Jennifer Beal and Member Sandra Butts, CSEA Member Luanne Brock with Scott Lee was moderator and Bill Edmonds timekeeper.

The candidates included Scott Beylik, Michael Saviers and Sean Morris and the incumbent candidates included Lucy Rangel, Dave Wilde and Tony Prado. There were nine questions asked of each candidate, eight of those questions are in this report, four questions in last week’s Gazette edition; this week’s edition is running the last four questions (responses are not verbatim, what is written is a paraphrase of each person’s answer) with a closing statement from each at the end of the questioning.

Question (5) At last spring's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) meetings, the most frequently raised concern by parents, teachers and community members was reducing class size. The district instead offered to convert more teaching positions into peer coaches, known as Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSA). Do you support pulling excellent teachers out of the classrooms to coach their peers or do you have other ideas?

Rangel; I do not CONTINUED »

Enlarge Photo

SACRAMENTO – As of October 1, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection in 14 patients in 2014. The patients are residents of San Diego (5), Alameda (2), Los Angeles (1), Riverside (1), San Francisco (1), Santa Cruz (1), Solano (1), and Ventura (1) counties, and Long Beach City (1) it was announced today by Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer.

Thirteen of these patients have had respiratory illness and one has had acute flaccid paralysis. There are other specimens from throughout the state being tested at CDPH laboratories and more cases are anticipated in the coming weeks. CDPH continues to work with local health departments to collect and test specimens from patients with severe respiratory illness and acute flaccid paralysis without other known cause.

“We are not surprised to find EV-D68 causing some illnesses in California given the apparent widespread nature of this virus in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Chapman.

On a separate investigation, CDPH has identified 35 patients as of October 1 with acute flaccid paralysis and spinal cord involvement since 2012. Of these patients, three have had infection with EV-D68, two in 2012 and one in 2014. Because EV-D68 was found in respiratory specimens from these patients, it is not known whether EV-D68 was a cause of paralysis or a coincidental finding.

EV-D68 causes respiratory illness and the virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of EV-D68 include fever (although fever may not be present), runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Some children have more serious illness with breathing difficulty and wheezing, particularly children with a history of asthma. EV-D68 can rarely cause neurologic illness.

Parents should seek medical attention immediately for children who are having any breathing difficulty (wheezing, difficulty speaking or eating, belly pulling in with breaths, blueness around the lips), particularly if the child suffers from asthma. There is no specific treatment for persons with EV-D68, nor is there a vaccine to prevent it. However, everyone six months of age and older should receive influenza vaccine every year to protect themselves against that important cause of respiratory disease.

Health care providers should consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of acute, unexplained severe respiratory illness, even if the patient does not have fever, and consider laboratory testing of respiratory specimens for enteroviruses when the cause of respiratory illness in severely ill patients is unclear. In addition, health care providers should contact their local health departments to report cases of acute flaccid paralysis with spinal cord involvement and test these patients for possible enterovirus infection.

The best way to prevent transmission of enteroviruses is to:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Additional information about EV-D68 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enterovirus D68 page.

www.cdph.ca.gov