Situated about halfway between Moscow and Mongolia, Omsk is a modest city of 1.5 million people desperately in need of more vowels. The city will host the upcoming Siberian International Marathon, which will attract runners from throughout the world, including our own group of adventurers: Cops Running for Charity.

The group, led by Captain Randy Pentis, has traveled the world to participate in grueling foot races on several continents. Last year, the men ran a marathon on remote Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. Previous adventures have taken them to Tunisia, China, Iceland, Chicago and New York.

Many of their previous trips were not traditional marathons. In the Sahara Desert, the men ran over dunes and Mars-like terrain in a multi-day race. In Iceland, they completed an ultra marathon over a volcanic landscape. When they went to China, the men ran a marathon on the Great Wall.

The ambassadors of pain and suffering will once again raise money for medical charities that focus on children.

The group includes Captain Randy Pentis, Captain Tim Hagel, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, Sergeant Paul Higgason, Sergeant Joe Devorick, and Pentis’ brother, Chief Deputy Gary Pentis, who is the “team mom.”

The team has raised an impressive $150,000.00 for local charities. This year, the goal is to raise $40,000.00 that will go to Childrens Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The men pay their own way when they travel, so 100 percent of the money they raise goes directly to the charities.

The team lives by Winston Churchill’s words, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

“What we do is nothing compared to what children and others have to battle with medical issues,” Pentis said.

While this trip is fairly straight forward…it’s only a marathon on relatively flat city streets, the preparation revealed some interesting obstacles. Getting their visas approved for the journey was complicated by the concern of Russian officials that the group was going to Siberia as spies.

The visa application didn’t help. It included questions about experience with bombs and terrorism training. Some of the questions prompted answers other than “no,” which raised more concern.

Captain Pentis had to meet directly with Russian Embassy officials to ease their concerns about the intentions of the group of runners from Ventura County.

“If the goal of a spy is to collect blisters on his feet and be attacked by mosquitoes capable of carrying off small children, then we definitely fit the bill,” joked Pentis. “If they’re still concerned, I hope the FSB can keep up with us, because we’re going there to run.”

Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Captain Randy Pentis directly at (805)947-8067.

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After nearly 27 years of dressing the lovely ladies of Fillmore and the surrounding areas in the latest styles, Shirley Wright owner of Mirage clothing store, has decided to close up shop. Shirley’s impeccable fashion sense was first introduced to her lucky patrons when she opened shop in the “Old” Vons shopping center. She then moved on to the location of “Laura Smith’s Dress Shop” on Central and finally landed in the old Wm L. Morris Chevrolet dealership showroom on the corner of Central Ave. and Santa Clara St. Shirley’s beautiful window displays have caught the eye of passersby on both streets ever since. Shopping at the Mirage can be likened to taking a small vacation. The atmosphere in the store has always been upbeat and fun with selections of clothing available for women of all ages and sizes. Mirage has been like a small piece of paradise located right here in our quaint town. A couple of generations of women have passed through Mirage’s door - always looking for and finding that “just right” item.

Shirley’s customers have quickly become her friends. She is very appreciative of the support they have shown her throughout the years and will miss the contact that running Mirage has afforded her. Shirley is also grateful for the unwavering support of the Morris family.

Mirage’s anticipated closing date is October 1, 2010. Lay-aways will need to be picked up by that time and tanners will want to use their remaining minutes by then. Shirley welcomes customers old and new to stop by. Watch this newspaper for sales announcements as October draws nearer.

One cannot turn on the radio or television or read a newspaper in today’s environment without coming across some political advocate bombarding us with terms like redistribution of wealth and socialism. What do they mean? Are we a nation that is willing to be governed by these concepts and, if so, would that be a bad thing?
A fundamental belief of socialism is the redistribution of wealth. Under this concept the majority of the wealth is entrusted to the state which in turn redistributes it according to what it determines to be each individual’s best needs. That concept, in theory, would result in the elimination of the poorest and richest classes and the creation of a middle class that has a large degree of equality. But it is only a theory and it has never remotely approached reality.

One needs only to look at the countries that have operated under a socialist system for the longest periods of time. They all continue to maintain the “have and have not” classes. Some even have an alarming growth of the “will not class.” The elite still exist and the poor remain poor. Not all of them own a home. Not all of them own a car. Not all of their children go to college.

The preferred method of redistributing wealth is not by appropriating personal property but by placing an inordinate degree of taxes on earnings and property.

In many socialist countries well over 50% of a working person’s salary is withheld as taxes. A very significant “value added tax” is placed on most items not considered as necessities. That results in 60-75% of the proceeds of the workforce going into the government’s coffer who then determines who gets what.
A socialistic society strives to create equality, however, in doing so it must of necessity destroy individualism and initiative. The norm for virtually everything in a socialistic society must be the lowest acceptable performance.

A classic of this method is utilized by some organized labor in the United States. Unions want their employees to be paid equal salaries regardless of the quality or quantity of work performed. Union employees are discouraged from providing performance that might have the outcome of raising what is currently considered to be the lowest acceptable performance. Promotions and pay raises are to be determined by seniority and not by performance. Innovation such as new methods or technology that may result in loss of jobs is highly discouraged.

In a recent study of the nations of the world there was an attempt to identify the happiest people on earth. The results concluded that a small country in Europe, Denmark, was the overall happiest. Denmark has a socialist government and therefore one might argue that if it makes so many people happy a socialist government must be preferable to countries that have other types of governments. When questioned about what was responsible for the level of happiness in their country many of the Danes replied, “We don’t expect much and therefore we are seldom disappointed.”

Our beloved nation was built upon great expectations and a willingness to accept many disappointments on our journey to achieving our full potential. We have prevailed in so many ways because of our individualism, our unwillingness to let others think for us. Where much is given much is expected. We have been given the opportunity to live and thrive in this great land and we need to always endeavor to keep our expectations high and reject the mediocrity that socialism promises.

The following individuals have received papers to become candidates for Fillmore City Council in the November Election:

Brian Sipes on 07/12/10 (certified)

Bernardo David Lugo on 07/12/10 (certified)

Adrian Andrew Grimaldo on 07/19/10 (filed)

Marcoz Hernandez on 07/26/10 (certified)

Patti Sue Koger-Walker on 08/03/10 (certified)

Brian Sipes – Certified by the County
Patti Walker – Filed
Marcoz Hernandez – Filed
Bernado Lugo – Filed
Adrian Grimaldo – Filed
Antonio Hernandez – Withdrew on 8/5/10
Laurie Hernandez – Did not file

Because an incumbent (Laurie Hernandez) did not file by 8/6/10 the nomination period will remain open until 8/11/10 5:00 PM

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

In the night time hours of July 27, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department narcotics bureau, West County Street Team, conducted surveillance of clandestine marijuana cultivations in the backcountry of Fillmore. The Sheriff’s Air Unit, on a routine fly over, had discovered the garden. The garden was split into 2 sections separated by a drainage in the mountains off Squaw Flat Road North of the city of Fillmore. Squaw Flat Road is a single lane, rutted dirt road used to access the multiple oil pumps in the area and the condor sanctuary.

During this surveillance, detectives saw 5 male subjects walk from the direction of the gardens and secrete themselves in the heavy brush. A short time later, a vehicle approached this location and met with the 5 subjects. After a brief exchange, the vehicle left the area and the subjects returned the way they had arrived. The subjects approached the detectives and upon seeing them, scattered, dropping the duffle bags they got from the car. Two suspects were caught and arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana and booked.

The car was followed for the 9 miles to a maintained roadway where a marked Sheriffs’ black and white vehicle was waiting. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to stop and drove an additional 2 miles. The car then pulled over and the driver fled, jumping a K-rail and over a cliff. An extensive search of the area failed to locate the driver. In the car, a rental, detectives located 78 pounds of processed marijuana. It is the investigator’s belief the driver brought food to the 5 subjects and they brought out the processed marijuana.

On July 29, detectives went to the garden sites to seize any remaining marijuana. There they found 1138 plants, but the majority of the plants had been harvested. Additionally, approximately 10 pounds of processed marijuana was located.

Alfredo Botello 22, Temecula, and a male juvenile were arrested at the garden site. This is the second cultivation operation this year where investigators found juveniles working in the gardens. The juvenile arrested during this investigation told detectives that he had been in the garden for about 15 days. Prior to this he lived in Mexico. Wanting to come to the United States, he hired a “coyote” to smuggle him across the border. He said he went to Arizona for 1 day, the coyote then brought him to the Fillmore grow site. He was told that he could pay his debt to the coyote by working in the garden. He told investigators that he did not feel he had a choice in the matter.

Brown Act violations letter page 1.
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Brown Act violations letter page 2.
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Brown Act violations letter page 3.
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Brown Act violations letter page 4.
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Brown Act violations letter page 5.
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At it’s Tuesday, August 3rd regular meeting the Fillmore School Board of Trustees conducted a relatively brief meeting with little public attendance. Board members present were Board President Tony Prado, Board Clerk Liz Wilde and Board Member Mike Saviers.

Board business consisted of approving several ‘action’ items, including the approval of two new job descriptions. These positions represent a consolidation of other positions related to services for migrant and ESL (English as a Second Language) students. These positions will act as liaisons to parents of English learner students, and will work with principals and staff to fine tune the curriculum to meet the needs of the migrant and Spanish speaking population at the schools. According to data at the California Department of Education (CDE) (2008-2009 school year) this will represent about 1,395 students.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney announced the new ‘theme’ for this school year; ”Who’s First?” Last year it was The Power of One. This year’s program will be used to recognize faculty and staff who “put students first” and go “above and beyond” in doing so.

In addition to reminding us about the State budget woes and their affect on the local District budget, Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush reported to the Board regarding a $50,000 grant received for a “Mommy and Me” infant to toddler program supported by First 5 of California. This program will provide a preschool program for children led by licensed pre-school teachers as well as classes focused on literacy, health and nutrition for parents and caregivers. The intent of the program is to get young children “school ready”. The program will have classes in Piru and Fillmore. The start date of the program is not yet known; interested parents and caregivers can contact the District for more information.

Discussion and time was spent presenting various facilities issues. Both previous complaints filed regarding substandard facility issues, as well as improvements and new construction that has taken place over the summer. The new campus for Sierra High School is not quite complete but according to Board Member Liz Wilde is looking wonderful. The school will be open for students on the first day of school, with finishing touches still going on. Sweeney indicated that once complete a grand opening will be planned for the community to come and view the new campus.

Prado read a statement regarding complaints made against the Board regarding various Brown Act violations. His statement was brief and indicated that they were fully cooperating with the District Attorney and that the Board was in full compliance. The Gazette has obtained a letter dated July 16, 2010, from Special Assistant District Attorney Michael Schwartz addressed to Prado. The letter states that according to complaints made and evidence corroborating them; the School Board was in violation of the Brown Act. Schwartz notes that the Board is required to allow members of the public to record all parts of a public meeting, so long as it does not disrupt the proceedings. Schwartz finds that on May 18th, when Prado asked Fillmore resident Rita Avila to cease recording he was acting in violation of state law. The letter goes on to state that requiring a person who is speaking during public comment to provide their address is an “unauthorized limitation on the opportunity for public comment”. This violation took place on May 18, 2010 as well but at that meeting Board Vice President Virginia De La Piedra actually stated that she had been on the Board for 14 years and they had always asked for individuals addresses. It would appear that the Board has been in violation of state law for 14 years. The letter from Schwartz also indicates possible violations regarding the Board’s conduct around holding closed sessions. The letter states “It does not appear that the subject matter or statutory authorization for the second May 18 closed session was stated either verbally or on the agenda, as required by the Brown Act”. Schwartz goes on to indicate a similar apparent violation at the June 15 Board meeting. The letter explains that if closed session business was not completed prior to a public meeting, that the Board may reconvene into closed session so long as they inform the public of this. But that the Board may not convene into closed session on an item that was not on the agenda, without stating the code that allows them to do so. Schwartz asks Prado to notify him if the public was somehow informed of the subject matter, actions taken and that the public was given opportunity to be heard on the items discussed in closed session following the May 18 and June 15 Board meetings. Schwartz does indicate that if not, the Board has 30 days to “cure or correct” this by “ placing the subjects that were discussed on the agenda for a future meeting, allowing public comment on them, reconsidering them (in closed session, if authorized) and reporting back in open session whatever action was taken.” The letter concludes by reminding the Board that the District Attorney has authority to “bring civil action to enforce provisions of the Brown Act” but prefers that the Board voluntarily comply. A copy of the Brown Act was included as well as an offer by Schwartz to come and do a one-hour presentation to the Board regarding the provisions of the Brown Act. Prado made no comment about having Schwartz do such a presentation.

At the June 15th Board meeting in addition to CONTINUED »

Robert Katz of Ventura assists with the breathing apparatus in Operation: Deck the N00b, a timed team exercise. Photo Credit: Bill Herrera, Fillmore Fire Department.
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The Cab
In the cab of the fire engine, I sit high above the ground facing backwards, surrounded by a pristine black interior. The cleanliness is striking: this vehicle is summoned to the streets twice or thrice a day, yet four years on, it looks brand-new, not a mote of ash in sight. The closest things to clutter are the weathered turnout gear nestled on the floor, standing ready for action.

What really tickles me is the rectangular chrome handle on the outside of the cab door, the ease with which it opens, and the satisfying “click” of the door securely closing*—nothing at all like the loud slamming of a truck door. This engine feels like an exquisite model car, only it’s a fully operational machine.
Across from me is a clean black seat with a breathing apparatus neatly slung over the shoulders. It’s so the firefighters can readily slip them on, Mercado explains. It also makes the seats look like rocket chairs.

More Maneuvers
After an episode involving a demonstration of the loudspeaker, we find ourselves at a littered grass lot where three crows march about aimlessly. I’m handed a water bottle extracted from one of Engine 91’s many compartments, and the crew sets out to execute an appropriately called dry run of a structure fire simulation: orange cones mark the perimeter of the hypothetical high-rise building. Tinker gives directions, asking questions to check for comprehension and explaining details. As I listen, my vocabulary expands to include “dc,” or disconnect, as in nozzles from hoses. I also learn that a Gated Y is a red metal Y-shaped valve with handles to cut off water in either of the diverted flows—a mid-hose faucet of sorts.

Scanning the couple hundred feet of snaking speed lays set up on the grass, Herrera tells me that dehydration kicks in after seven minutes in turnouts, so efficiency is key. A firefighter works for 20 minutes before he replaces his air bottle to work for another 20, after which, circumstances allowing, he breaks for “rehab” to take off his gear and cool down for 20 minutes of rest before returning to action. A bottle holds about 30 minutes of air, but its effectiveness varies; someone out of shape can deplete it in 15 minutes.

The work shifts also CONTINUED »