To the Editor:
On behalf of Jessie Olivares I am sending this to the editor.
A Thank You Letter:
With heavy hearts the family of Marcos Olivares would like to thank all who expressed acts of kindness. So many friends and family gave us support through prayers, phone calls, meals, money, and cards. We also thank those who offered to have masses celebrated for the repose of his soul. The family of Marcos is thankful from the bottom of our hearts for all of you that reached out in any way. May God bless each and every one with His mercy and love.

To the Editor:
To all of the merchants and residents of Fillmore and BEYOND:
On behalf of the Soroptimist International of Fillmore, I want to thank everyone involved in making our “Fall in Love” fashion show a HUGE success. So many wonderful gifts were donated to help Soroptimist fund our scholarships and other Club giving Your outpouring of generosity was amazing! The Fillmore Citizen Patrol members stepped up to help with the preparation of the lunch. The Ventura County Explorer Post went above and beyond in their professionalism of serving our food as well as helping with the raffle. I am in awe of the vast knowledge that Kevin of Draper’s and Damon’s Clothing in Camarillo brings to the stage. He is a walking fabric encyclopedia. Our models of the Draper’s and Damon’s clothing were beautiful. Thank you to Peggy, Priscilla, Oralia, Jean and Ruthie. All of you have such grace and elegance. Most of all, I want to thank all of the ladies that call themselves Soroptimist. You worked endless hours to make this a wonderful success. You are the best!!
Jane David
President
S.I. Fillmore

To the Editor:
Re: Oct.31 article “Condors live safely, Oil company claims”.
When I read this artical I had to roll my eyes and shake my head once again. I have lived in Fillmore for the passed 30years and have just moved to the out skirts of town to get way form the “oil company” mess they left me and my neighbors who live 30 feet from their old refinery site. The oil company has left their old refinery site on the east side of town years ago but since 1995 it has been deemed a SUPER FUND site. This means that the soil and the contaminated water below the site and water that have flowed under the neighborhoods are what our community is left with. Funny( not really ) how because the soil has been “cleaned up “ they still cannot build homes, hospital or a school there , but for generations of families on Cook Dr, Casner Way and Loral Lane they live on top of this mess. In many of these homes there have been documented reports of multiple family members passing away for some sort of cancer. The contaminated water started out on the Chevron superfund site but has moved under the soil to its current location under their homes. Is this what we want to happen to our forests? To our community down stream from the up stream oil production? I have worked with Chevron on the Pacific Coast Pipeline (Chevron Superfund site) Fillmore Work’s remediation and redevelopment project for about 4 years and here is what I have learned by working with Chevron and also articles of oil related problems in the newspaper papers. The oil company’s tell ONLY what they want you to know. When you find out information that they have not reported on such as water run off from the superfund site draining into a creek next to the site, inaccurate numbers being reported, telling people the noxious air they smell is safe only to find out that that community was exposed to chemical high levels of contaminants on a few occasions, they will acknowledge the information but ONLY then. These are just a few examples why I fear that the information and the greasing of the palm yet one more time may be harmful to not only we the humans down stream who’s only city water wells are fed from the Sespe River but also the wild animals of our forests and community. If during this drought our city of Fillmore needed to look for another source of water then up the river would be a great place to start , but this will not be possible if the oil company’s are allowed to continue to contaminate water that could be used for drinking. I know oil production has all been practice from years way back but we are a wise group of humans who NOW know the dangers the oil production can leaves to humans and the environment. I am married to an eagle scout and along with “Be Prepared” we also live by the “Leave it better than you found it” principal. I believe that the oil companies have not done this in their past and sadly they don’t give the impression they will be “Leaving it better than they found it” in the future at this site. Those of you who feel that you “can live with that” and all the oil production hazards please consider the health and safety of the humans and wildlife directly involved with this issue.
Kathy Pace
Fillmore

To the Editor:
My name is Theresa Robledo a resident and citizen of Fillmore, and a Broker / Owner of Diamond Realty across the street from City Hall.
I am opposed to Pre-Sale Home Inspection and/or Humane Living Standards Inspection for the following reason:
Just like attorneys have attorney/client privilege, us brokers/Realtors® have Fiduciary Duties to our principals.
Fiduciary duties include, among others, loyalty; confidentiality; the exercise of utmost care (and in certain fact situations, reasonable care); full and complete disclosure of all material facts; the obligation to account to the principal; the obligation to act fairly and honestly and without fraud or deceit; and the duty to "explain" and "counsel" about that which has been disclosed or should have been disclosed thereby permitting the principal to make an informed and considered decision to buy, sell, lease, exchange, borrow or lend.
And for this reason, I am opposed to the Presale Home Inspection and/or Humane Living Standards Inspection imposed by the City of Fillmore. We are not Code Enforcement, nor are we Human Services to make those determinations, but are professionals who assist consumers with selling and purchasing homes.
Should you have any questions for me, I invite them. Thank you for your time.
Theresa M. Robledo
Real Estate Broker/Owner

To the Editor:
This is a special thank you to the community of Fillmore for the support of the International Day of Peace Ceremony on September 21st! It was well attended and we enjoyed not only thinking of peace but also enjoyed the beautiful sunset and the lovely breeze at the city park. Awards were given to Susan and Gerald Fitzgerald for their roles in peace in Ireland as well as to Sarah Hansen for her ongoing work in bringing the Day of Peace and the Peace Pole to Fillmore. A special thank you to Bill Dewey and Paul Benevidez for their hard work in making the day a success, not only the ceremony by inviting the many persons to participate, but also in taking the Peace Day to the schools by participating in making cranes of peace and celebrating the day at the schools. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, Bill lives his belief in creating peace. An additional thank you to the Veterans of Foreign War Fillmore Post, City Council Members, the Fillmore Fire Department, Mary Kay Rummel (Ventura County Poet Laureate), Kate English (Executive Director of One Step a la Vez) and Pastor Bethany Carpenter of Bardsdale Church for their participation in the ceremony and the Lions Club for donating the banner. Thank you all for your participation and for working to spread peace in Fillmore.
Sincerely, Lynn Edmonds

To the Editor:
Hey Fillmore,
I would like to correct my last letter on a statement that I made about city officials and those who attended the Chevron meetings for the last couple of years. I wanted to send a thank you to different member of the City Planning commissioners who attended meetings on a few occasions. I would like to send out an even bigger thank you to Tim Holmgren and Albert Mendez on the City Planning commission who made it to most of the Chevron meetings. Your attendance gave me the comfort in knowing that you two gentleman really care and had an interest in our community and you took the time to listen to all sides of the issue and not just one view.
Thank you again,
Kathy Pace
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Hello Fillmore,
I am sure you have heard the news of the New Chevron project. I was at the monthly superfund meeting and a few things were talked about that you may or may not have interest in knowing. Chevron has decided that now they would like to go in the direction of a solar farm instead of the industrial and business park idea for their site. Why the change of heart? They said that economic viability, permitting, timing, environmental constraints and compatibility had them reconsider there plan A.
Solar has been on the table since the start, but minimal talk of it and even disregarding the idea from most talk was what took some of us by surprise. My feeling is that the recommendation that they received from the geologist that their buildings be 100 feet from the San Cayetano fault line if they were to have humans inside had a lot to with it. They would have had to redesign the entire site possibly. Now I feel that some (not many) felt that Chevron has wasted there time and not been forth coming on plans or did a bait and switch on them and right fully so. But I have said all along look at who you are dealing with. These are the actions that the neighbors and others have been working with this entire time and this is how they work. So do I believe that the solar farm will come to pass, well let’s just say I’ll believe it when I see it. In the meeting concerns about problems that could arise with solar were addressed as well as how it would impact neighbors and the school. So far it seems there are no big problem with the plans with the understanding that they ( Stion) will be looking into dust control for the permanent structure, some kind of security for site and if any thing can be done to mitigate these issues.
It was nice to see for the first time a county represenitive and the second time a city official at the meeting along with a few concerned community members.
The permit application has been submitted to the county so now it is a wait and see mode. If all goes as planned then work should start and end quickly. It was asked what neighbors & the community would see on the site. All solar panels would be south facing, 6 feet high, stationary tilt structure with a small 8by10by10 storage shed. That is it. Now I would have loved to see the site turned into some sort of wildlife preserve and returned to its natural state but…I guess this will have to do. The superfund meetings will be on hold until paper work is approved or not. So now you are in the know of the Chevron (Texaco) pacific coast pipeline superfund site.
A shout out to the ONE STEP Organization for their hard work and bring this superfund site to the attention of those directly impacted by this issue as well as a shout out to all the neighbors and groups that have put a lot of time and effort into keeping the health of our community now and in the feature a top priority.
Thank you again for your time,
Kathy Pace

To the Editor:
A Special Thanks,
On behalf of the Alvarez and Vega family, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the wonderful people that supported us at the loss of our mother/sister ‘Connie Alvarez’.
She will forever be missed, but always in our hearts.
Thank you so much for the flowers, cards, prayers, food, and donations.
A special thanks for those that came to help out at the reception by giving their time and organizing.
We would also like to thank hospice in particular Roze Room Hospice of Ventura for their help and support.
May God bless you all.
The Alvarez and Vega family.

We are writing to provide you with an update on the plans for the Pacific Coast Pipeline (PCPL) site, also known as Fillmore Works.

Chevron has evaluated various commercial uses for the site over the last few years. Both commercial development and/or solar energy have been evaluated and they were discussed at the "Notice of Preparation" public meeting held as part of the environmental review process in November 2014.

Since that time, Chevron has undertaken more detailed evaluation of a commercial solar array at the PCPL/Fillmore Works site. It now appears a solar project may be a feasible alternative for the site and is an allowable use within existing County zoning for the property thus we will be actively pursuing this solar alternative. The feasibility of a solar project depends on Chevron's ability to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Ventura County.

It also depends on the ability of a third party solar company to obtain a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an energy provider and obtain an interconnection agreement with Southern California Edison.

We are pleased to announce that Chevron has entered into a lease agreement with Stion, a California-based solar company (www.stion.com). Stion will pursue the PPA and Interconnection as well as design and construction of the solar project. If the project proceeds, it will be the first commercial solar installation in Ventura County.

While Stion works toward the implementation of the commercial solar project, we are placing our development application with the City of Fillmore on hold. If the solar project does not proceed, Chevron will evaluate the situation and may reinitiate the development application within the City at a later date.

Chevron appreciates the community feedback that helped in selection of the solar option. We will continue to provide you with updates as we confirm the details of the project. There will be additional opportunity for community feedback as part of the County CUP approval process.

If you have questions, please contact Chevron at pcplsite@chevron.com, or call Bill at 805-546-6970 or Leslie at 661-412-6351.

To the Editor:
This letter is in response to Mr. Sanford Sr.’s Letter to the Editor in last week’s paper. I appreciate your point of view, but let me offer mine. Let’s begin with the ‘large body of research that appears to show that sexual orientation is largely genetic.’ Each and every scientific study to prove there is a ‘gay gene’ has been deeply flawed and has not proved anything. I refer you to www.trueorigin.org/gaygene01.php , which lists each study and what their problems are. In the event you do not want to take that author’s word for it, here is another article written by someone who is either gay or is a supporter of the homosexual lifestyle. www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/11/20/the-problematic-hunt-for-a-gay.... You’ll notice in both articles that the major studies have been found to be greatly flawed, offering no proof whatsoever that a gay gene exists. In other words, people are not born that way.
Next let’s talk a bit about history. Historically, one of the reasons nations have fallen was a decline in ethics, morality and values. The values, ideals, customs, traditions and institutions of this once great country have been on the decline for years. Now I know you want to get up in arms because I have just insinuated that homosexuality is immoral and has caused a decline in the institution of marriage (as well as having gone against the tradition and ideals of the USA). From the beginning of this country, it was so. It’s only in recent years that it’s been on the course to becoming ‘normal,’ and thus moral. Now it’s imposing itself into our definition of marriage. In normalizing homosexuality, our society is decidedly turning away from the religion this country was built on (separation of church and state was meant to keep the state from dictating how the church [the people] was to worship). A turning from religion is another characteristic of the decline of many great nations in the past. These are only two factions of the decline in morality, ethics and values in the United States. (Since we are only talking about legalizing gay marriage, I will not delve into any other factions.)
As to your second paragraph regarding the ending of slavery and such, being “accompanied by deluges of hysterical rhetoric predicting the end of civilization as we know it,” it didn’t take our country long to figure out slavery was wrong and so it did what needed to be done - abolished it. The same is said of the Jim Crow laws, “separate but equal,” etc. However, unlike gay people, black people had no say over the color of their skin (unless you were someone like Michael Jackson). Our constitution guarantees that we are all equal: no black, no white, no yellow, no red in the sight of our government and our country. However, remember, that when the constitution was written, homosexuality was immoral and marriage was defined as by one woman and one man. And again, refer to the previous paragraph regarding factors that led to the decline of great nations in the past. What 5 of our Supreme Court Justices have done is re-define what our founding fathers stated and what their intentions were.
Now to your comment about someone wanting “to live in a society governed by strict adherence to religious law:” why would you choose a religion that does not honor human life in the first place? Regardless what ‘haters’ of Christianity might say, Christ is about love and loving each other. He suggested that if someone were to slap you on one cheek, turn the other cheek to him so he could slap that one as well. He promoted love and forgiveness. He told us that to be angry with someone was the same as murder, because it’s in your heart. Doesn’t sound like someone who would even insinuate you should kill another person because of their sin. Unlike in Iran, as you suggested, where their ‘bible’ tells them to kill all ‘infidels.’
However, would I want to live in a society governed by strict adherence to Christ’s laws? Yes. Yes I would. Does that mean everyone would be perfect, without sin? No. None of us will be made perfect until we see Jesus face to face. That means, in a society governed by Christ, we would all strive to love one another, forgive each other, build each other up, help our neighbors when they falter, support each other in our struggles and show compassion, knowing we are no better than they. We would each strive to not give in to our sinful nature, of which we all have. I know you think that Christians are not compassionate towards homosexuals; that we don’t love them. But let me ask you this: if you believed with all your heart and just KNEW hell was real, would you want anyone you love to spend forever in those flames? If we, who know hell to be a real place, approved of practices the Bible refers to as sin, we would essentially be condemning people to this place of eternal torment. It is because of our love for others that we do not want to see anyone suffering in the lake of fire for all eternity. Therefore, it is because of our love for our fellow man/woman that we cannot agree with this ruling.
I’ll leave you with an inspirational quote from Jesus, “If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” - John 12:47
Mikki Hall
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Hope you all had a great 4th of July! What a wonderful thing it is to have so many freedoms.
Well you all know that the long awaited ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) health report has been presented and it is now time for any one who wishes to comment on it by August 31, 2015. The report is on line at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/HCPHA.asp?State=CA. Or the City Clerk’s Office or Fillmore Library.
Not that you are asking for it, but here is my opinion on the report. The repost has a lot of information but what concern me are a few things. A majority of the report is based on information, data and documentation they received from Chevron. In the past Chevron has reported update information to me and others who attended meetings vague information, incorrect information and in some cases did not report things that were of great importance to others. So you can understand my distrust for what they say and how that makes me feel about the reports credibility.
Another thing that makes me wonder what they are thinking is that to my knowledge no one from the ATSDR interviewed/contacted neighbors, teachers or family’s with students at San Cayetano about how they are or were feeling during the clean up time. How can this accurately be deemed not a problem if no one ever talked with those living/working /learning directly next to the Chevron Pacific Coast Superfund Site. In the report it states that ATSDR conducted several outreach activities”. I would like to know when that happened since I and others never heard of these activities.
Through out the report words like “maybe”, “unlikely”, propably are used to describe the possibility of the contaminates becoming a problem to our community’s health. For me those words are not good enough. I would have to counter with it is “unlikely” that we are getting a straight or accurate report. I know for a fact that on at least one occasion I found a machine not properly working, so how does that occurrence fit into the report?
Lead samples were not taken from neighborhoods and the school’ because they were built during a time that lead based paints were used commonly on houses constructed before 1978.”Are you kidding me? I feel these are the places that should have been tested since we have our families and our kids in these locations and would have liked to have the peace of mind of knowing they are safe form the contaminates.
Right about now you maybe wondering if you have been exposed? Well on a few occasions yes you were exposed to higher than normal levels of some of the contaminates over there, but of course…it is highly “unlikely” you will have any long lasting affects if you are healthy.
I find the report interesting, sad, and some what a joke on us the city of Fillmore if we believe it, but some will. O.k., to each his own.
My last thought is no one should work on this site. If it is not clean enough for schools, hospitals or residential use then we should not allow any one over there. It is in the fault zone and it is recommended that people working in the buildings be located 100 ft away from the fault line. It is in the flood zone. How many more strikes do we need before we realize that this is NOT the best idea for Fillmore to get involved in. Guess we’ll see.
Thanks again for you time,
Kathy Pace

To the Editor:
In light of the recent Supreme Court decision that effectively legalizes gay marriage in all 50 states, and in giddy anticipation of a particularly vitriolic, hate-filled and bigoted editorial from this newspaper’s publisher, I wish to offer these two words of comfort for those whose moral consciences have been so terribly afflicted: “neener, neener.” Followed by an inspirational quote from Annie, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow.”
The ending of the slavery of African Americans, the abolition of Jim Crow laws, the Voting Rights Act, the ending of “separate but equal,” gays serving openly in the military, and yes, gays having the right to marry, have all been social events accompanied by deluges of hysterical rhetoric predicting the end of civilization as we know it. But here we are.
Historically, many cultures labeled those in the minority whose behaviors they didn’t understand as evil, sinister, unnatural. Yes, I’m referring to left-handed people. Left-handedness in children was supposed to be corrected in schools by tying the child’s left hand to his or her desk and forcing the child to use the right hand. This practice only resulted in dyslexia, stuttering and humiliation.
I’m not a scientist but there is a large body of research that appears to show that sexual orientation is largely genetic, i.e. predetermined. Once we accept those who might be different from us and respect their fundamental rights, we will be a lot better off in this country and able to channel our energies into solving real social and economic problems.
On the other hand, if someone wishes to live in a society governed by strict adherence to religious law, I suggest taking up residency in any one of the countries of the Middle East, such as Iran, where, according to their former president, there are no homosexuals.
Respectfully,
Art Sandford Sr.
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
In a country where the courts give women the right to kill their unborn children, the ruling last week by a majority on the Supreme Court that homosexuals have the right to marry shouldn't really surprise us. Whether such marriage will be honored and accepted by all of the states remains to be seen. First indications are that it will not be. One thing that we can be sure of, though, is that it is not accepted by God, nor is it accepted by Christ's Church nor by true members of it. Christians don't make their judgments as to what's decent, right, true, and dignified by what the world thinks, but by what God says in His word (Isaiah 8:20, Psalm 119:105, John 8:31-32), and God calls homosexuality sin (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:18-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Any church that supports homosexual marriage is an apostate church, not Christ's church, and anyone who calls himself a Christian (whether the name is Obama, Kennedy, Pelosi, or whatever), and sanctions homosexual marriage is only deluding himself. He may say, "Lord, Lord," when Christ comes to judge, but the Lord will say, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matthew 7:21-23)
But why shouldn't homosexuals have the right to marry, some ask. How does that harm our country or traditional marriage? First, it is an affront to God and outright rejection of His word. To sanction homosexual marriage is to call good what God calls evil, and God says, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil." (Isaiah 5:20) Secondly, homosexual marriage lets what is perverse stand along side of what is true and right and instituted by God. Thirdly, if this ruling stands, homosexual marriage won't be the end. Next it will be polygamy and marrying animals, for if homosexual marriage is moral in the eyes of the state, why shouldn't they be as well? And Lastly, if error is allowed to stand, it eventually shuts out and shuts up the truth. We see that happening already. If you dare oppose homosexual marriage, even on biblical grounds, you're labeled as a bigot, a hater, and a homophobe. If you speak publicly, the homosexual rights crowd will seek to destroy you. It's interesting how those who argued and pleaded for toleration are so intolerant to those who oppose their lifestyle.
What can be done? As Christians, we should speak up and defend the truth when the opportunity arises. Christian pastors and leaders should take the lead. Since some of the most prominent backers of homosexual marriage are Roman Catholics (Justice Kennedy, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, to name a few), the pope should give them two options: either repent and confess what's decent and true, or be excommunicated from the church. Souls are more important than climate change, so we should see such ultimatums shortly. And, we should pray for our country, because God will destroy, not bless, the nation which turns its back on Him.
Rev. Leslie R. Lanier, Pastor
Wayfarer's Chapel Lutheran Church, Fillmore

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To the Editor,
I am writing as a long time city resident. I have been an advocate for our community and my family, as we all have endured the pain and hardship the Pacific Coast Pipeline Superfund Site has caused. I attended a recent community meeting about the health concerns voiced over the years by impacted residents, including me and my family. I am a regular vocal participant in these meetings and have strong feelings on the matter as they hit me pretty close to home after the death of my son.
I was shocked when friends in town approached me about my quote in the VC Star, which after I read the article about the event, is clearly not an adequate representation of my feelings and stance on the matter. Can you help my voice be heard?
Tony Biasotti misquoted me in his article, (Federal agency says former refinery does not pose risk), published on June 25, 2015 in the Ventura County Star. I attended the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) Community Meeting at Mountain Vista school in Fillmore on June 24, 2015. I had met with the ATSDR staff at a One Step A La Vez meeting a few years ago here in Fillmore. I also attended a community meeting in 2013 hosted by the EPA and the ATSDR. The ATSDR staff seemed to be honest and I felt that they were the best group to look at the contamination at the Pacific Coast Pipeline site here in Fillmore. The ATSDR only looked at data from 2012-2014 provided by Chevron and the EPA.
Mr. Biasotti from the Ventura Star misquoted me in reaction to the cleanup. He quoted me as saying to him, "I feel better now than that I ever had out about it. I believe it's cleaned up now." That was a misquote. What I did say was that I was "happy" that the ATSDR staff were here and I have been waiting for their report. Mr. Biasotti also stated that I accepted the report's conclusions and that there is no danger. That was definitely a misquote. I did not completely read the ATSDR Health Consultation report until June 27th, three days later. I did say I thought the Superfund property was probably cleaned up as best as it could be. I did say that I don't want any building on the property.
The 56 acre PCPL site cleanup has been overseen by the EPA. In 1986, 38,000 tons of waste and contaminated soil were removed from the site. In 1992 the EPA determined the site was still contaminated. In 1992 the ATSDR completed a Preliminary Health assessment of the site but determined they needed more data to evaluate the potential for health effects. I don't understand this because in 1992 the EPA still had the site on the superfund priorities list. Between 1993 -1996 Vapor Extraction wells resulted in the removal of 600,00 pounds of total hydrocarbons and 700 pounds of benzene from the contaminated water plumes under the site and nearby homes. Now 20 years later the property still needed to be cleaned up. Why did the EPA wait so long? Since 2011, EPA has been overseeing Chevron's site activities to remove contaminated soil from the site. In 2013 Chevron dug out 42 cubic yards of contaminated soil. Highly toxic soil was disposed of offsite transported in biohazard red toxic waste bins. Other contaminated soil was disposed in two consolidated areas next to Pole Creek. A cap was put over these areas. Currently a Soil Vapor Extraction and Air Sparging Well has been set up on site and is removing benzene from the still contaminated water plumes. The ATSDR said that the dust contamination from the Superfund Site was inconclusive because dust comes from other sources. They also said that the lead contamination from the site was inconclusive because those residents that lived in homes built before 1978 could have had their homes painted with lead based paint. They did agree with the site deed restrictions to redevelopment plans. The site may only be used for commercial, industrial, or recreational purposes. They did limit daily time children and adults can spend on the property. Well you decide what seems worse. Years of constant exposure to the horrible contamination right next to the neighborhoods and San Cayetano School or a house painted with lead based paint 50 years ago.? If the paint was a problem wouldn't 1,000's of households in the USA have one too! Just double talk to me.
Now, Mr. Biasotti I do know that I told you at the meeting that I would continue to argue against any building on the property. I will do that! I say the property would be better off left in a natural state and replanted with native California drought resistant plants. It would truly complement this designated Ventura County Open Space area. I think annexing this property into Fillmore would be a mistake. I say let this land rest. It's been through a lot these last 100 years. I need the citizens of Fillmore to help stop Chevron with it's redevelopment plans. Contact your City Council members and voice you concerns about building on this still contaminated property.
Thank you,
Christine Villasenor

To the Editor:
I would like to personally thank Moon Valley Nursery and Otto and Sons Nursery for their generous assistance with the 8th grade promotion ceremony at Fillmore Middle School on June 11th. Both nurseries loaned trees and plants that helped make for a great environment for the ceremony. Thank you again and best of luck to the class of 2019!
Scott Carroll
Fillmore Middle School Principal

To the Editor:
Fun day at the fish hatchery
(a mini adventure) On a partially overcast day in late April, my daughter and I took a short drive from Santa Clarita to the Fillmore, Trout Fish Hatchery, passing through a beautiful agricultural landscape on our way.
As we neared, there was a road sign indicating that the hatchery was on the other side of the highway. Once we crossed, we proceeded to drive down a narrow road one-quarter-of-a-mile to our destination.
After arriving, we ambled over to a sheltered area in front of the hatchery where we could read about the Rainbow Trout. We also learned that to keep the trout safe from prey swooping down to devour them, a complete top-to-side fence had been constructed over their living area.
We then freely entered through the hatchery's gate, eyeing a primitive vending machine that allowed visitors the opportunity to purchase 10-cent, fish food for the trout. Unfortunately, my coin purse held only quarters.
As we walked over to watch the swimming trout, I was disappointed my daughter would not have the opportunity for a hands-on experience feeding the fish; but before leaving the hatchery, we approached a gentleman I hoped could provide one or two dimes in exchange for a quarter. Luckily, he gladly traded two of his dimes for one of my quarters. My daughter and I then walked over to the food machine to begin our adventure.
After inserting our dimes into the slot, we filled our hands with fish morsels. With a cool, moderate wind blowing, we carefully sprinkled the square-shaped nourishment into the water above the trout. Suddenly, and without warning, they attacked the food like ferocious piranhas, causing the water to bubble and churn. Before the frenzy stopped, we stared in total amazement at their mad rush for the food and were just as equally amazed at their calm demeanor as they fell back into their regimented, school line.
Our mini adventure was a surprising learning experience in more ways than one. As we once again drove past the beautiful, agricultural landscape to return home, we could not complain.
Toni C. Smith

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To the Editor:
Would you like to memorialize a family member or honor a friend, your high school class or club? The Fillmore Historical Museum will be accepting orders for customized pavers to be ordered after the 4h of July and installed in August. The price for each paver is $100.00 with funds used for the programs and operations of the museum.
You can see the pavers which have already been placed by checking the memorial area on the south side of the Gazebo on Main St. For more information come by museum office in the bunkhouse at 340 Main St. , Fillmore or call 805-524-0948.
Martha Gentry
Director, Fillmore Historical Museum

To the Editor:
Since I wrote so many letters to the editor regarding Fillmore High School in the 2013-2014 school year, I feel that I should provide an up-date from my perspective.
FHS has been transformed back into the school where I loved working for 27 years. As soon as I entered the main office, I could see and hear the difference. Under the leadership of Mr. Tom Ito, people are smiling and laughing again. I noticed the changes when I started substituting for teachers and administering tests in the fall. Once again students were attentive and happily learning and working. It was great to be back.
Most importantly, however, I am very proud of the staff especially the teachers. They should and need to be commended for their excellent demonstration of the competence of the teaching staff and curriculum with the WASC visiting team in the fall. It was a great relief and pleasure to hear that Fillmore High School received a 6 year WASC accreditation with a one day visit for a mid-term evaluation. If the school’s leadership had not changed, the WASC visit would have been a different story.
Congratulations to the students, certificated, classified, and administrative staff at Fillmore High School for a job well done.
Additionally, it is wonderful being welcomed back on the FHS campus.
Sincerely yours,
Karen Ashim, Retired Head Counselor Fillmore High School
MS Counseling & Guidance
MA School Administration

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To the Editor:
This last months Chevron superfund site meeting at the senior center was informative as always. We had an update as to the time line of the air sparging unit will be up and running. It has been installed and is waiting for power. In the past it was mentioned that there maybe noise, and they will put a blanket on it to lessen the noise. How nice they want it to be cozy. They are still watering the dead flowers and some shrubs that they are trying to get established along the hill side. My comment was why they are doing this during a drought in the middle of the day. The answer is they will be watering the shrubs the first year to establish it, so glad we don’t want that water for drinking later down the road.
Our guest speaker talked on Hydraulic studies and flood plan along pole creek. If you look at the FEMA flood maps on line you can see where your house is in the flood zone.
Traffic studies are still bening done. There are questions about traffic issues on Santa Clara and 126. Some time in June the plan is to have a community work shop for the specific plan, the date is currently unknown.
The ATSDR health report is finally done and the plan is to present it to the general public June 22nd 2015 time and location TBA. This is the report some have been waiting years to hear.
Our next meeting is Tuesday June 23rd 5:30 p.m. at the senior center.
Kathy Pace
P.S
Shout out to the Leo’s Club from FHS who helped Just Serve clean the Fillmore Equestrian Center and another shout out to the FHS students who participated in the special needs Night to Remember Prom in Ventura, you are known county wide for being students who really support your fellow friends.

To The Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who contributed to the success of Fillmore High School's seventeenth annual arts show “Visions & Voices”. It takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work, dedication and talent to coordinate an event such as this. Thank you to Fillmore Ebell Club, Fillmore Lions Club, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Soroptomist International of Fillmore, Fillmore Rotary Club and Fillmore High School ASB for your donations which help to make this event possible. Thank you to Lucy for being a patron of this event. Thank you to Mr. Ito, Mrs. Dabbs and Ms. Morielli for your support of this event… To the staff and teachers at FHS who supported the student’s efforts and allowed students to take part in hanging the show…To the custodial staff , Baldo and Johnny- thanks for your help. Thank you to the students who stayed late to break down the show and clean up after the event. I am so appreciative of your help.
Special thanks to Greg Godfrey and the fantastic members of the Fillmore High School Concert Band and Jazz Band who played at the event- the musical concert helped to make the evening a resounding success….To Josh Overton and the drama department for their outstanding performances. … and to Ms. Juarez and the Folklorico dancers-your participation brought added excitement to the show. Thank you to the parents and the community who attended the show and helped to make this a special night for the students. Last, but not least, to all the student artists, dancers, actors, and musicians who put in numerous hours preparing for this event, hosting and cleaning up after a long day and night- especially my Art students and former students who came back to help- thank you- without you there couldn't be a show. I am very proud of all of you.
Rosalind Mitzenmacher
Fillmore High School
Visual & Performing Arts Department

To the Editor:
Anyone who wasn’t able to attend the “Visions and Voices” celebration of Fillmore High School’s visual and performing arts last Thursday night, really missed a great evening. The students learned how to put together the gallery “opening” from creating the art, designing the programs, hanging the pieces, even providing chocolate covered strawberries to top off the experience! All the students circulated among the visitors to explain, help, and otherwise make one feel welcome. The performing aspect of the evening was also a great success. The high school concert band was magnificent, receiving several standing ovations. Mr. Godfrey, the band director, said that the band is one of the largest Fillmore has ever had - over 75 members - and could they play! The Ballet Folklorico dancers performed in the courtyard to a large, appreciative audience. I heard one visitor ask a dancer, “Are you really all from our high school?” He was understandably proud! And the performing arts were concluded with dramatic vignettes by the drama club, some with musical elements of solos, duets, and trios, and all spoken or sung from the heart. Thank you to all who worked so hard to put this together, it was well worth it!
Sincerely, Susan M. Cuttriss

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To the Editor:
Regarding the discussion of loitering on Central Avenue at the April 14, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting:
Section 15.34 of the Fillmore, CA Code of Ordinances addresses loitering. Police officers can take enforcement action against offenders and can issue citations. Public alcohol consumption, public urination, and littering by loiterers have apparently already been observed. Why, then, is Chief of Police Wareham unsure about how to deal with this problem, asking the City Council for direction as to whether loiterers should be "removed by law" or by "cooperative means"? The City seems to be taking a very restrained approach to addressing obvious violations of the law. Do they really think handing out a pamphlet "explaining what is expected of people in public" is going to have any real effect? Why are they bending over backwards to avoid offending these people?
I avoid the downtown area if I possibly can, and this loitering problem is one of the reasons why. If the City wants to encourage more tourism downtown, they need to do a better job of enforcing the laws. Central Park has plenty of shade and seating for those who wish to sit and chat. The businesses on Central Avenue should have clear and unobstructed access for those who wish to actually spend money there.
Marjie Bartels
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Hi Fillmore and Happy Spring to you all!
I thought of stopping the updates on the Chevron superfund project but just when I think that then someone comes up to me asking to know what is going over there. So here’s what I have been told. In the remediation meeting two months ago we had Elaine Freeman talk to us about the part LAFCo (Local Agency Formation Commission) plays into the development with in the county and on this project. The information was nice but I take it with a grain of salt since she is also a consultant for Chevron while serving on the LAFCo committee. The thing I found most interesting is that Chevron now comes to the meetings with a group of about 6 people to these meetings. I wonder why? Most meetings that I attend for school, community or church there are 3 at most running meetings, guess they have more money to spend on things like this.
This last month’s Remediation meeting we had a gentleman named Dan who is a engineering geologist who came and talked to us about the San Cayetano fault and how it will impact the Chevron project(Fillmore Works project). If you do not know where this fault line runs it is at the base of the hill that the Fillmore F sits on, right behind San Cayetano School and runs north to south. It runs around the base to about the 126 and then turns to the east. After a lot of information it was reported that the fault is considered an active fault from Piru through Fillmore and then up to Ojai. Structures for human occupancy would need to be set back 100 feet from this fault line. I questioned that if the plans were to be developed as to the specific plans that were submitted then the main road artery wound be on this fault line and if there were a sizeable earthquake then the road may not be accessible to emergency personal who would need to help people on that side of the site. I was told by Leslie that other smaller roads would also be scattered thru out the site. Leslie was also asked what was to happen now with this new information and we were told that other ideas were being looked into.
Next month’s meeting is to be held April 27th @ 5:30 senior center. We hope to have a rep from ATSDR with the health report (waiting since 2013) but we will see what happens. The public workshops that the community is invited to participate in have not had a date set, but will be done after the city reviews stuff. We were told to look for the ERI report to come out in the fall.
I hope this helps keep you in the know,
Kathy Pace

To the Editor:
Re. our current trash contract with Harrisons. This is from the 1939 Fillmore Annual City Report:
“Garbage collection is headed by Mr. N. McKenzie, who operates a hog ranch near Santa Paula. He is under a ten year contract, expiring January 22nd, 1945. He collects garbage on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays of each week. He does the collecting in return for the garbage, so long as the price of hogs does not go below five cents a pound on foot. If the price of hogs should go below five cent a pound, then he is to receive $10.00 a month.” Times have definitely changed!
Sincerely, Susan M. Cuttriss

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To the Editor:
My mother became ill and I had the opportunity to care for her until her passing. We had always been on the opposite side of the fence, but we became best friends and this experience enriched my life, until I lost her. At that time I became despondent. I did not have proper hygiene, eat or socialize. I was literally the walking dead.
I was passing through the Fillmore Senior Center parking lot and felt drawn to it. Upon entering I was greeted warmly and asked if I wanted a cup of coffee and a pastry. That was the beginning of my new life. I started going everyday. library, computer room, cable TV. wi-bowling and I started to socialize and made new friends. I couldn’t believe they offered such classes as Spanish, Tai Chi, Senior Yoga, Watercolor, Gourd, Busy Hands (knitting and conversation), Line Dancing, Senior Exercise, Social Media and so much more. I wanted to give back to my community and I volunteered at the reception desk a few times a week. Soon it became a daily ritual.
Being a senior citizen I was faced with the obstacles of searching for a job and found the courage to do so due to my volunteering. I entered a program that would pay me to volunteer at a non-profit organization while looking for steady employment. Unfortunately, the Fillmore Senior Center had the carpet pulled from under them by the Fillmore City Council and they were not able to utilize me. The Fillmore Senior Center Board Members, visitors and I were heartbroken.
That did not detour me. I found another job in the program for the County of Ventura and due to the experience, strength and hope the Fillmore Senior Center had given me I am now working and for the first time in six years I will receive a paycheck.
I walk with my head held high and have a sense of completeness in my life. I am grateful to the visitors and members of the Fillmore Senior Center for their encouragement and the restoration of my desire to live a productive life.
I prayed for God to lead me to my path for a better life and later (with the prayers of the Faith Community Church) my prayers were answered. My path started the day I stopped at the center to have a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Thank-you Fillmore Senior Center and Faith Community Church.
All I have to say to the Fillmore City Council is, “SHAME ON YOU!
Gratefully,
Daisy Rodriguez

To the Editor:
El Dorado Mobile Home Park Mailboxes
According to the US Postal Service Post Master in Fillmore the reason for putting mailboxes in the park at the clubhouse, instead of delivering it to mailboxes at the units, is because it has become unsafe for them to drive in the park since it has been switched to a “family park”!
Illegal streets (too narrow), cars not making the stop signs, kids running out in front of them, people driving too fast and all the cars parked on the streets now have created an unsafe environment. Not to mention all the thefts that have been going on since the change.
And where are the extra parking spaces and play areas that were to be put in?
Also there are only to be two people per bedroom according to the park rules. NOT SO!!! This is why there are so many cars and kids running around.
It still amazes me that over three quarters of the park voted “NO” on El Dorado becoming a family park. But the City of Fillmore had to stick their nose in it. One day it was an adult “safe park” and the next an “unsafe” family park according to the US Postal Service Post Master of Fillmore.
There is even a warning in the Park Bulletin to be on the watch for suspicious activity, to call the Fillmore Police or dial 911 immediately, printed more than once since the change.
Also check and see just how many pedophiles live in the park. A lot!! Did these families know this when they moved in?
Please understand that this is an anonymous tip because it really is a shame that a lot of people moved into this park some years ago knowing it was an adult safe park and now it is not! I have nowhere else to go being retired for awhile now. I moved out here for the quietness that once was and felt very safe out here.
No more!!
Anonymous
[Editor: Starting in August 2014 to the present, the Fillmore Sheriffs Police Blotter has recorded the following activity at the El Dorado Mobile Home Park: Shots Fired-2; Disturbance Party-5; Theft (Residential and Other)-5; Vandalism-1; Search Warrant-5; Burglary-1; Keep the Peace-2; Battery-1. There may have been unreported activity.]

Dear Mr. Farrell,
It was "fortuitous" good luck to meet you today, one day after the church meeting where I was charged to put this tribute into your hands. Pastor Kent was a special man, and he will be missed by those who grieve him. Who are those who grieve him? That would be just about all the congregation at Bardsdale United Methodist Church. Just because some of us didn't know him that well didn't mean that we felt less bereft at his passing.
Having said that, you can see why we think our loss is noteworthy. Now our church is special, thanks to his commitment to serving us, guiding us, and inspiring us.
Thank you for supporting all of the Fillmore churches. Sincerely, Tom Somers and Teresa Norris
Tom Somers
P.S. We are long-time subscribers to the Gazette.

A tribute for Pastor Kent Fromer
Goodbye, Pastor, and I’m glad we spent some time together
Thanks for getting me out of the house, I need to go to church
Thanks for getting me out of the house, I need to be in a house not my own
Thanks for chaperoning me in God’s house, helping me sing songs of joy, joyfulness, hope in love, hope in love eternal, Jesus himself… would be challenged to teach third grade.
Thank you for your recent thank-you note. Before I read it, I cooked up this stab at a eulogy, but therein lies the point: to see you mugged by cancer, stabbed, so to speak, is more than a bit violent. Perhaps I would feel better if I fell back upon the support of the vernacular, “Yeah, we had a good I mean great pastor at my church, but cancer took him out.”
But I ramble, due to grief, grief and old age. I’ll tell the jury
‘Twas grief and old age that caused this tribute to run on and on Finally, I can share with you, my dear ones, my sweet heart, my friendly neighbors in this wrinkle in time called Fillmore/Bardsdale, a decent effort, worthy of a bard perhaps…
Poem for Pastor
It’s possible that you loved and cared for me, like I love Los Angeles. We are both fans of L.A.; you like the Dodgers, I love the city. So you can guess I love the energy of L.A.
Sorry, where am I going? Here’s where I am going:
It’s that possibility that you cared for me sitting in the back with my wife, with my neighbor next door, Mrs. Olson,…
Speaking of her reminds me of coffee, and coffee reminds me
I’ll seldom drive by our Starbucks without thinking that you had your first date in Fillmore. Very sweet. And so I have a question today: Why do you make everything so, what is the word, EPIC? Classy? Important?
We could have been an ordinary church. But ordinary isn’t your style. The headlines SHoUT IT ouT: Fromer Slams a Homer. Epic times for Bardsdale as church mourns its classy leader.
They say the good die young. Adieu! Merci beaucoup, for warming our drought-resistant hearts, for sharing with us angelic heat.
Good night, faithful Sir. We pray in gratitude for your time with us! Go, Dodgers! and Go, Bardsdale!
Amen.