To the Editor:
Unbelievable! I attended the council meeting of June 28 and left feeling utterly dejected. How can a city council have such a lack of knowledge of most of the issues on the Agenda that were not even new issues. Case in point, the landscape and lighting maintenance issue. They have had since June 4th via a list of issues that my husband, Ray Dressler gave to each member listing his concerns of the Sorrento tract, to be fully informed of the problems. However it wasn't apparent they knew anything about the concerns of the homeowners - like it was a brand new subject. They had been given this list of concerns to use as reference - if you will - which would give them a heads up enabling them to be fully prepared to answer any and all questions. It didn't appear they had even bothered to read said list. I also noted the constant discussions off- mike amongst themselves, another No No. If the entire council had been present, would there have been 2 council members kicked off with a flip of the coin instead of one (still leaving the minimum 3 for a quorum)? Why? The entire meeting was run in a slip-shod manner, letting the public speak with no thought to the 3 minute time allowed. I'm very disappointed in our council, not even able to run a proper council meeting much less satisfy the general public with answers. Where is Donald Trump when you need him - "You're fired!!!"
Judy Dressler
Fillmore

Upset resident of Fillmore!
To the Editor:
Just as the City of Bell was investigated for corruption in upper management, the City of Fillmore needs to be investigated. They have the audacity to say Fillmore is 1.9 million dollars in debt, and yet they are keeping all the management positions with their extremely excessive salaries in this little town of Fillmore. The position they say they cut in upper management was not filled anyway, so that made no difference. How hypocritical! Even getting rid of one person in upper management could have saved the jobs of 5 full time men. Also getting a car allowance for someone who walks to work every day is ridiculous! Why can’t management cut their salaries, or some of their positions instead of adding more and writing in their raises and other perks into the budget? Instead they lay off all the hard-working full time workers, all of whom have families and homes which they will now loose. I wonder who is in charge? What was the use of spending THOUSANDS on a classification study if the employees that were laid off were the most classified for their positions!!It’s just another waste of money. Furthermore it is very upsetting to watch the city council meetings and see how the city council and management have joined forces together against the city employees, what ever happened to that letter of no confidence in the city manager? it seems like it was just swept under the rug and forgotten. Shouldn’t the city council be unbiased?? The cuts should have been in upper management were they are getting paid excessively for such a little town. They should have kept the public work employees who are the ones that keep our city running and beautiful. This City has really been going downhill!
Raquel Higgins
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Last Tuesday, June 28th, the City Council approved the 2011-12 budget. The City held four budget workshops for discussion and citizen input. The draft was placed on the City website for review and the final budget will soon be available online. Here are some of the budget highlights for your information.
• Combined revenues will be $23 million dollars.
• Expenses will be $24 million dollars
• General Fund revenues will be $3,900,000
• Sewer fund revenues will be $6,000,000
• Water fund revenues will be $2,700,000
At mid-year, (January) staff determined that we would have a $1,900,000 deficit due to State take-aways, a decline in property tax assessments, increased employee healthcare and pension costs and continuing sales tax litigation. To close the gap and to compensate for future increases, 11 positions have been eliminated. Employees will also be seeing a reduction in some benefits and additional furlough days. The Public Works, Planning and Community Services Departments will be consolidated into one new Municipal Services Department. Also, city hall will now be closed every Friday.
In November, you will be able to cast a vote in support or opposition of a .75% increase in sales tax. The increase is for five years and will automatically terminate if there is a favorable resolution of the sales tax litigation.
Unfortunately, the sewer and water rates will be increased by $2.46 for sewer and 10% for water. As you can imagine, having to increase the sewer rates is very frustrating for the Council members who previously objected to the location, design, effluent disposal plan and financing of the plant that unnecessarily increased costs to ratepayers.
We ask for your support and patience during this transition. We hope to emerge a stronger and more efficient organization with a sustainable and fiscally sound budget. For more information please contact City Manager, Yvonne Quiring or Finance Director, Glenda Jay at 524-1500.
Gayle Washburn
Mayor

To the Editor:
Madame Mayor,
I could not believe my eyes or ears while watching the council meeting on June 21, 2011. Mayor Washburn you stated that all city employees were not going to have a cut in salary. It made me realize that you must not know what’s really going on. Last year the employees had to take a cut that involved furlough days, I think that means a cut in pay! This year the city is taking more furlough days, cafeteria plan, PERS and I don't know what else from the employees -- that equals a great SALARY REDUCTION! The city has laid off employees with families, homes and they are bewildered at the future. I understand tough times but for you to sit at the meeting and try to tell the public about wage and job loss and make it sound trifle at the expense of these employees is NOT what I would expect from a Mayor. Now is the time to huddle together, offer support and make these employees realize they have the council support. To all employees that have been burdened with the fact that you have no job, insurance for your families, mental support, please know this, I am praying for all of you everyday and I appreciate the sacrifice that you have had to make. Please citizens of Fillmore pray for these families and know that tough times are ahead for all of them. Thank you.
Donneta Smallwood
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Summer is here. The weather is warm, the days are long and our local citizens and visitors are about the city enjoying the small town ambiance and good feeling. What could be a problem?
Has anyone from the city administration noticed the continued presence of about a half dozen individuals in varied states of drunkenness moving up and down the promenade? Has anyone needed the public bathroom and found it locked because these individuals have so consistently wrecked the inside and made it unsafe for the public? Does City Hall care? Do you care?
I spend many days at the museum very aware of the local surroundings. I hear the comments of the tourists who wonder why we allow the presence of these individuals. I see little children who have to walk past these individuals to go home or to downtown and know that I would not allow my grandchildren to travel alone down the promenade at any time. I spend some of my time cleaning up the mess they leave behind on museum property.
I do want to give my appreciation to the local sheriff’s deputies who come when called and patrol frequently to keep us all safe. But we need to make this blight on our community disappear. Report individuals with open bottles of alcohol who are drinking in public. Think twice about reducing the number of deputies on payroll. If you see a problem report it.
Let’s all help make Fillmore the safe community it should be.
Martha Gentry, Director Fillmore Historical Museum

To the Editor:
Team Gilbert’s Legacy Enchilada Dinner a Huge Success
Gilbert’s Legacy Relay for Life team had an enchilada dinner on Sunday, June 26, that was a huge success! All proceeds go the American Cancer Society. Gilbert’s Legacy relay team would like to Thank Albert and Christina Villasenor for donating and cooking all the delicious food. Also a big thank you to our Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, for his help and allowing us to use the fire station to distribute the dinners. To the community who came out to support this worthy cause, Thank You!
Just a reminder, the Fillmore/Piru Relay for Life is Saturday, September 17-18, 2011, at Shiells Park, starting at 10am. The community is invited to participate. For more information, please contact the American Cancer Society, 805-644-4237.
Pam Garcia
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Sunday the 29th of May we had Grad Nite Live's last fundraiser for class of 2011. We didn't have a lot of time to sell tickets so we had just a small group but a fun group. Must say the paring of the food with the tea was done very well. It was such a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. Only in Fillmore can you sit down and enjoy the people that sit down at your table. Here in Fillmore we're truly family. We will be having a summer Tea Tasting at Bella's for the Class of 2012. Watch for the date in The Gazette.
Thanks
Mrs. Chaney
Grad Nite Live

To the Editor:
Fillmore-Western Railway.
What a asset for Fillmore, a treasure for all. Recently we went on the Mystery Ride, I think we were the only ones from Fillmore but we met people from all over southern and central California. This is not our first ride and for many on the train it wasn't theirs either. We gathered at 6pm and loaded at 6:15 by 6:30pm we were on our way to our big adventure. The tables were set and as we took our assigned places we were entertained.
The food was plentiful and delicious. The waiters kept busy making sure everyone was happy and had enough. All during the meal the entertainers entertained and it was fun and delightful. At times it was corny and that was half the fun. There were many people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Everyone we talked to were impressed with our town, the train ride and remarked on how friendly everyone is in town. I suggest the next time you are looking for a fun place to celebrate a special occasion you try our own train.
City Budget Woes.
After reading that 52% of 250+/- replies to the Survey want to fire all the facilities personnel and hire contract janitors - That's almost as dumb as contracting with Santa Paula Police and continuing to keep on the payroll the assistant City Manager. If any of those people who answered the survey really know what the facilities personnel do they would be ashamed to have answered. I will try to enlighten some of you -Although I am not completely sure of all of their work and experience I do know some - So here goes: They are responsible for the cleanliness of all restrooms in all parks, pool area and all city owned buildings including city hall. They have to do all the set-ups and take-downs for events in all buildings and areas of the city. They must know how to do simple maintenance of all equipment. They are the ones who open and close all facilities, parks and the pool area.
They are the ones who maintain the chemical levels at the pool. Its the same personnel. If the city contracts for janitorial then just think what else they will have to contract for on a daily basis to do all these jobs. Annette Cardona who is in charge of all these persons does a remarkable job. Including reservations for all special events where ever in the city. Now you tell me where you can get all these for the price we currently pay.
Sincerely
Marlene Schreffler

***

To the Editor:
I find many problems with Kimberly River’s hostile article about Patricia Godfrey on the front page of your publication. It would appear that Ms. Rivers made no attempt to interview Mrs. Godfrey, nor did she interview teachers or parents, nor did she visit Piru School. Furthermore, Ms. Rivers begins her article with one headline, then adds another, then proceeds to write about the second headline...then follows up with links to a website where one parent posted a complaint. Meanwhile, she makes a loose connection between Mr. Sweeney retiring and Piru school by using the word "amid." His retirement comes "amid" many things happening in our schools. Are you also connecting those events? What is the connection? Aren’t these two different articles, or did you need something more to make this fit “headline news?” Ms. Rivers then attempts to fool her readers into believing that she interviewed the Principal by quoting her, which she did not. She fails to mention that this statement is from a letter that the Principal herself made public. If Ms. Rivers would have done her research she might have found these facts: 1. More funds were available than previously thought. Mrs. Godfrey took full responsibility for the oversight. 2. Once this was discovered, by the Principal, she made it known to everyone including teachers and parents. 3. Next, teachers got to choose how to spend their money. Funds were not neglected or unspent, as stated in the article. 4. The only mistake is that these funds could have been spent earlier in the school year. This is hardly headline news.
I would assume that Piru teachers were not upset that they were then given the choice of how to spend the money...although it would be hearsay for me to publish that without talking with them. I would actually need to interview someone and do some research to gather that information. Were all teachers happy? Were some upset? How many? How many parents are upset? How many are satisfied with the school? These are questions that a journalist asks. If your sources are anonymous, then quote them in that manner. I appreciate the Gazette and the efforts at hometown news, but Ms. River’s journalistic style makes her article seem like one big heavily-biased blog.
Perhaps Ms. Rivers has negative feelings toward anyone who shared an opposite opinion during the Piru Charter School Proposal, such as Mrs. Godfrey. But this is only conjecture on my part, I am not a reporter, not did I research this topic. One could only guess why such information would be presented with such poor journalistic skill and without any apparent research.
Greg Godfrey, band teacher. 16 yrs. FHS/FMS

[Editor's Note: Ms. Rivers received an email from Superintendent Sweeney in response to an inquiry she sent him. He sent her his statement (stating the district was investigating, etc.) and included a statement from Mrs. Godfrey, which Ms. Rivers assumed was meant specifically for her. Mr. Godfrey has corrected that assumption. The headline and subhead placement were the decision of the Gazette and not Ms. Rivers. Ms. Rivers responded to similar statements from Mr. Godfrey on the Gazette's website. Below is that response in full]

Submitted by Kimberly Rivers on Sat, 05/14/2011 - 8:46am.
Thank you for your comments.
I stand by all facts as stated. All information was provided by the person indicated. The Superintendent provided his own statement in addition to a statement from Mrs. Godfrey in response to my inquiries. Where a name is not included it is due to my agreement to hold that persons identity in confidence (this does include staff members and parents at Piru School) as they are uncomfortable attaching their name to comments which may be critical of the District and/or administrators or how they perform their duties. That is a normal part of reporting and protecting sources of information.
In rereading the article I realized that I did not name (as I had intended) Mr. John Garnica as the School Board member who responded to my request for a comment. He submitted this comment that is in the article above “Superintendent Sweeney is resolving the issue to minimize the impact to students and ensuring that the principal, Mrs. Godfrey, fully understands the SSC budget process and her obligations regarding Categorical Funds (meaning funds which must be spent in a particular way), as well as ensuring that she communicates effectively to the parents and staff about the School Site Council budget process.” Not including his name was an editing error on my part.
Keep in mind the person who has the byline does not always write the headlines.
Again, thanks for reading and commenting.
Kimberly Rivers

***

To the Editor:
Why I Am Not a Member of the Teacher’s Union
Those who ran the death camps of WWII were eugenicists and racists. We all know the evil those fascists did, and we have all asked our parents what they did in the war to try and stop it. Some of us know that before the fascists tried to exterminate the Jews, they got a good start on the mentally handicapped of their country. People were forced to make a choice between joining the resistance against the evil, or becoming a collaborator with it. Someday we will be asked of our children the same question about similar issues.
Margaret Sanger was the founder of Planned Parenthood, a eugenicist and a racist. Sanger felt there were too many poor, disadvantaged minority children being born. Before the war, the United States led the world in forced sterilizations. Today, Planned Parenthood is still going strong, and the National Educator’s Association is in bed with them. If they had their way, my son would be dead today, as 90% of people with his condition are, thanks to fascist, totalitarian ideology and lack of human decency.
Many of you have met my happy, healthy, mentally challenged son. Well, your union dues go right to an organization that would have loved to have gotten their hands on him and those like him. I often wonder how some teachers serving a town of 17 churches can give to their churches on Sunday and then to the NEA on Monday, supporting by free choice, their finances going to organizations like this. I can’t tell you how disturbing it feels to have school district personnel tell me how much they love my kids and appreciate my family, and then allow their dues to be used to war against the very values that make my family the way they are, and which allowed them life.
Allied commanders forced the locals to tour the death camps to break them of their denial and to make them see the results of this totalitarian ideology. I pray that other teachers here and across this country will have their eyes opened, and their consciences quickened, so they can love and serve God rather than Mammon, and fear God rather than fear man. I stand and proclaim that day will come. Come soon!
Richard Hood

To the Editor:
[In response to May 5, 2011 Letter to the Editor Re: Target Sacramento Rally for Education Committee]
The local teacher’s union and Fillmore School District administration are working together to “target Sacramento” with a “protest march” and “Rally for Education.” This, they feel, will help express our “outrage and frustration” as educators. Instead of focusing on ourselves, it might be novel to consider the parents we serve –parents who pay the salaries we constantly whine about, who are our bosses, who struggle with the same dread of layoffs – but don’t have time or energy to protest while continuing to support their families… and ours. Instead of yelling at Sacramento, why don’t we hold protest rallies outside some local parent’s house? We could demand they pay even more in taxes so we don’t have to worry about our own finances. That would be more honest, and no less ridiculous.
While the poster for the rally is characterized by a “target” symbolizing Sacramento as ground zero, it might strike some as ironic that the same mindset that runs teacher unions, which are bent on indoctrinating students to their far-left ideology, has fits when conservative Americans use the same graphics. Did someone say hypocritical? Maybe we should change the target graphic now that the hypocrisy has been pointed out, and so appear less radical.
The organizers of this “rally-to-embarrass-us-in-front-of-our-bosses-the-parents” are blaming the California Legislature – they are the current “boogey man.” Evidently we have to blame someone other than ourselves for our choices. But guess what? – the legislature is a wholly owned subsidiary of the teachers unions. California Teachers Association campaigns for the law makers who will support union salaries and state worker’s pensions. The unions got the budgets and pensions they wanted, but because members have been so mis-educated by the totalitarian left, the inevitable realities of hating our own American capitalist system, and therefore being ignorant of profit and loss, are coming home to roost. Now that we have helped bankrupt the state, we evidently feel it is ethical to shakedown the taxpayers, as the world evidently owes us a living. But should we hold our breath and stomp our feet if we don’t get a raise in our allowance?
Despite all the tax dollars poured into education, test scores continue to drop. Our solution? : More money for salaries, and higher taxes. After WWII, natives in the south pacific would make runways in the hope that American cargo planes would continue landing. We are a “cargo cult”, going through the motions of protest, although those goody-carrying cargo planes will no longer be landing. There’s no more money, okay? It’s over. We helped cause it. We should deal with it like adults. Or, apparently there are those who feel we should threaten or blackmail the public as is happening elsewhere with self-serving unions.
Question: How much money would be enough for teachers? Answer: Just a little more...always just a little more. Has a district ever seen a bond measure it didn’t like? The ridiculous belief that continuing and increasing the very spending and subsequent debt that has caused our financial crisis will be the solution to it is so mind-boggling juvenile, that it should disqualify those who hold it from the responsibility of being in charge of any budget except their own. That way, their own personal bankruptcy can serve as a warning to others.
Strangely, I still have not heard from either the teacher’s union or the administration regarding my multiple offers to save the district money and the union jobs by teaching an extra period for free. Not one word of support from any other teacher, or any administrator. No response. Other teachers could make the same offer, but instead we have decided to hold a “Rally for Increased Taxes.” Wouldn’t a better “target” for our “frustration and outrage” be in making sure the dropout rate is decreased by preventing students from leaving the eighth grade with third grade reading and math levels? What we hear is “kids come first” but what kids see from us is “we get ours first.”
I was taught monopolies were wrong, America-harming, self-protection devices used to discourage competition and would therefore thwart progress. If we want our students to succeed, why then do we fight every attempt by parents to break our educational monopoly, and allow parents some choice instead? Well, you know what they say… that it’s hard to make a person see the truth when their paycheck is dependent on their not seeing it.
Richard Hood

***

To the Editor:
The Seniors that did not participate in our fund raisers will have to pay $100 for their Harbor Boat Cruise and Bus ticket this year. The seniors knew at the beginning of the school year and again it was noted in the Senior Packet that the seniors were expected to help in the fund raisers by selling pies, sandwich meals, See’s candy, suckers, spa (massage/facials) and working the yard sale (parents also) for Grad Nite Live or pay $100. We have a record of the names of students that did work, so we know who is going to pay if they want to go on the Cruise. The money/check is to be stapled to the permission slip signed by the senior and their parent even if the student is 18. Part of it is a medical release so a parent has to give consent. They are to give the permission slip to Jaci in the attendance office and receive a receipt for their money or check. Even though Grad Nite Live had many fund raisers this year and many of the seniors and their families helped, we find ourselves a bit short of the mark of $21,500.
At this time we are $600 short of the boat balance due 5/13/11, $600 for the Magician (has not raised his fee in 20 years), $400 for breakfast, buses (are $1300 each) we need 2 buses for the 100 seniors that are eligible to go now. $2600. The students that pay $100 will be paying for the next buses. So right now we “need” $4200. Thank you to Fillmore Sunrise Rotary for your donation of $750!
Money is tight as we all are experiencing just for the necessary things, I understand that and these so called ‘extra’ things are really hard to come up with, but think of this organization as not just giving a party but a life saving .party - the graduated seniors of 2011 are not only safe from drugs, alcohol and accidents, but they have parents and extended family that are sleeping better knowing their senior is safe.
Thank you for all that you have done and will do for us.
Mrs. Chaney 407-5759 or 525-4909.

***

To the Editor:
The Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru Kick-Off Rally All Aboard for a Cure on April 27, 2011 gained momentum when at the end of the event 26 teams had signed up. The 70 plus guests enjoyed treats and finger foods donated by Bella’s Teas & Treats, El Pescador and Cookie Lee (Ari Larson). Everyone enjoyed listening to information about the Relay in the three train cars provided by Fillmore & Western Railway. Josie Real chairman of the Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru reminded everyone to participate in the 1rst Annual Relay Idol! Auditions will be held at the Fillmore May Festival on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 3:00pm (V.C Trade School Stage-Central Park). Please RSVP/Sign-Up by e-mail: to fillmorepirurelay@yahoo.com or leave a message at 805.524.0149 with your name, phone number, e-mail and audition song request. The winner of the competition will perform at the Relay for Life event in September. “Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru,” says Josie “will also have a booth at the Fillmore May Festival so if you haven’t signed up yet, please stop on by!”
Submitted by Ari Larson

To the Editor:
What a beautiful Bardsdale Cemetery with a lovely view!
After a trip to the Bardsdale Cemetery recently, I was amazed at how well the Bardsdale Cemetery looks now.
So any improvements have been made and the grass is so trim and green.
A big pat on the back to our Cemetery crew!
Helen Lidamore
Fillmore

***

To the Editor:
Fillmore Boosters Club and Fillmore FFA held “Casino Night” back on April 9th. It was a great success! I would like to thank the following for their generous donations and volunteering to make the raffle event a huge success.
AM/PM Pet, KSSP Photographic Studio, La Cabana, Karen Torres – Vanity on Main, Sherri McGuire – Total Concept Salon, Tonya Blankenship – Southern Wine & Spirits, Ernie Quiroz, Coach Tafoya- Cross Country, Track and Girls Basketball Basket’s, Cristina Estrada, Brenda Hampton-Ortiz - Girls Softball. The volunteers who put together the baskets: Ernie and Suzi Ortiz (Girls Volleyball and Basketball), Martha Hope (Cross Country and Track), Lani Farr (Girls Softball and Boys Volleyball), Alisha Duncan, Kathleen Aguirre, and Michelle Pina (Football).
It is people like you who make the town of Fillmore a great place.
Sincerely,
Susan Golson and Lani Farr

***

To the Editor:
Dear Colleagues and Community Members,
The committee charged with planning an end of the year social gathering feels that it would be inappropriate to plan a celebration at a time when so many employees of the Fillmore Unified School District are facing an uncertain future. Instead, we are working with others in our school community to organize a Rally for Education. At this rally we will target Sacramento with a letter writing campaign and demonstration in a show of support for all our colleagues who are affected by this financial crisis.
The Rally for Education will be held on May 11, beginning at 3:00. Staff, their families, and community members are all invited to gather on the lawn in front of the District Office. At that time, Save Our Schools postcards will be available for all to write messages that will be sent to Sacramento. In addition, materials will be available to make signs to be used during our brief demonstration march and then to be taken home for public display. While postcards are being written and signs are being painted, food will be served. There will be a picnic meal of hot dogs, chips and drinks. All attending should bring blankets and lawn chairs. We are trying to identify a motivating speaker (suggestions are welcome) to stir the gathered crowd into action ending the rally with a demonstration march around the block in support of staff, students, and education.
The solution to the District’s fiscal crisis is in the hands of our legislators. These are the ones we need to prod into action. We need to tell them to act now to save education for the sake of our colleagues, students, and community. Through this Rally for Education we will target Sacramento to make a difference for our colleagues and students.
Many classified staff have been notified that they may lose hours or not have a job at all. Many FUTA members have received RIF notices. As well as, some administrator’s jobs are in jeopardy. Any loss of jobs does harm to families and community. This rally presents an opportunity for all employees to show solidarity. We hope that this rally will focus us beyond the boundaries of our individual bargaining units and show, by your participation, our solidarity with all those who will suffer from the political gamesmanship of the legislature.
We need your help to get the word out and to be at the Rally for Education. It is one way we can show our support for colleagues and students. Please pass along any thoughts and ideas you have to make this event successful. If you are willing to help in other ways, your help will be appreciated.
The Target Sacramento Rally Committee
Contacts:
Ann Wade
Todd Schieferle

To the Editor:
[Editor’s note: The main issue in the following letter has been resolved and Ms. Arnett asked that this statement be added on: “Mr. Sweeney has now contacted me and has talked to Mr. Wilbur about removing my son from this class. But there's still a lot of issues this School District needs to deal with.”]
This is in regards to the article on school bullying. I would like to say that what Mr. Wilbur told the parents for the most part is totally untrue. Yes if another student is doing the bullying the school jumps all over it, but when it involves a teacher they do nothing. I called Mr. Wilbur on March 4th regarding an Algebra teacher constantly harassing my son. She has ripped up his personal property and everyday she is making snotty remarks to him. When he got injured in P.E the Doctor had his knee in a brace and he couldn't bend his leg. This teacher kept yelling over and over for him to put his leg under his desk and then almost knocked him out of his chair when she attempted to pull his chair forward, all because she does not like him. And now that she handed my son his score for the High School exit exam and he passed, she has had even a bigger attitude toward him. She even made a comment when she found out that my sons Birthday is on Easter Sunday, which I don't feel is appropriate to repeat. I told Mr. Wilbur that I wanted my son removed from her class. Mr. Wilbur changed the subject to my sons grades and said he would have the Counselor call my son in and discuss everything. On March 9th the Counselor called me at work to discuss my sons grades, I asked how did this turn into a discussion about my sons grades, when the reason I called the school to begin with was about this teacher harassing my son. The Counselor started sticking up for the teacher and said that Mr. Wilbur has sat in on her class and sees nothing wrong. Well duh! of course she is going to be on her best behavior when the Principal is in there. She than said that she was going to speak to Mr. Wilbur, when she called back she said Mr. Wilbur would not remove my son from this teachers class. After loosing my temper with the Counselor, I informed her that I would be contacting Mr. Sweeny. I emailed Mr. Sweeny after getting off the phone. To this day I have not heard back from him on this matter. I feel that I as a parent have the right to ask for my child to be removed from any class that I feel someone is bullying him or her, even if that person is the teacher. This in not the first time that I have had trouble with the High School teachers and the way they talk to the kids they don't like. My son just informed me that a girl in his Algebra class who didn't get harassed by this teacher was able to transfer out last week, so why does my son have to stay in this class, because the teachers and the staff don't like him. I am so tired of hearing that they want parents to be involved more, but the truth is that they don't want to hear from us at all. Last year Mrs. G one of the vice principals got mad at me when I called her out on the way she was treating my son and she rudely hung up on me. Mr. T the other vice Principal walks around after school with Officer V. and sees my son and his friends and ask the officer if he wants to search any of them, what is this all about, kids can't meet up with each other after school without being harassed. Because if they are going to search my son after school is out, they better have a really good reason other than a bunch of friends standing around talking. I am not the only parent fed up with the schools in this town. I have three kids in three different schools in this town and I know which teachers I don't want around my children. There are a lot of really good teachers such as Mr. Olsen, Mr. Moss, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Moore, Mr. Cummings, Ms. Merril and Ms. Shrock that my children have had. I use to be able to pick their teachers at San Cayetano, but for the past two years they haven't allowed me to do that and I haven't liked my youngest sons teachers that they gave him. I was able to transfer him last year before the school year started only because the Principal was standing right there and I told her no way did I want her to be my sons teacher, she was my daughters teacher and she doesn't like parents involved in anything so they put my son with a new teacher Mr. Raymond who I didn't know at the time and he turned out to be a very nice teacher. But this year I was unable to transfer him because he is in the Gate program. After having my other two go through the schools, I know what teachers are good with the kids and which ones I would rather not have around them. The school district really needs to do something at the way these teachers speak to the kids, I know there are a lot of unruly kids, but grabbing a kid by the arm and yelling at him and humiliating him in the lunch line is totally unacceptable, because when I saw that, I just thought to myself, that teacher is so lucky that that was not my child. One of the biggest problems is that this is such a small town and the board members, teachers and staff are to close to each other to discipline staff members because they are all friends with each other. I know people on the Board and the school staff, but when it comes to my kids I am going to speak up about what is going on in these schools and I hope that other parents start speaking up as well. I won't lie for my kids and if one of my kids ditches, doesn't do there home work and they get a detention than that is what they deserve, but they don't need to sit in a class and be yelled at and harassed from the time they walk in. I was sitting at work today thinking about how my kids are in the care of these schools everyday, all day and when I call about a concern of how my child is being treated nothing gets done, they always put the blame on the kid and cover for each other, this is just not right.
Diane Arnett

***

To the Editor:
Carl’s Jr. is donating 25% of what we spend to help us, so mark your calendars!
Fillmore Middle School’s AVID program is hosting a fundraiser at Carl’s Jr. on April 29th from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. Carl’s Jr will donate 25% of the profits earned that day if presented with a flyer at the time of purchase. The Fillmore Gazette has graciously offered to run the flyer in the paper April 21st and April 28th. Please cut out the flyer and help our FMS AVID program succeed. Monies earned will benefit materials and fieldtrips for our AVID students. Thank you for your support!
Heather Atwood
FMS AVID Coordinator

***

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 thirteenth annual arts show "Drawn Into the Arts". 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 Lions Club, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, and Fillmore High School ASB for your donations which help to make this event possible. Thank you to Jessica Mendez and to Lucy Quezada-Romero for your donations and for being a patron of this event. Thank you to the Administration at Fillmore High School for your ongoing commitment to this event, and to Principal John Wilber who has seen to it that we get what we need to keep the show going year after year… 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 Tony -thanks for helping with breaking down the show. Special thanks to Greg Godfrey and the fantastic members of the Fillmore High School Concert Band and the Fillmore High School Jazz Band who played at the event- the musical concert helped to make the evening a resounding success… To Mary Ellen Wortham and FHS photo department and Mr. Henry Beltran and the woodshop classes for your artwork. … To Josh Overton, the drama department and the poetry club for their outstanding performances. 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, photographers, actors, poets, 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 Art Department

***

To the Editor:
The Fillmore Senior Center appreciates the coverage of our senior activities and the “senior column” in each week in the Gazette.
As all of the Fillmore citizens know, funding in our City (and state) is being cut, and priorities must be considered. The majority of our Fillmore-Piru seniors are on a fixed income, and they are no longer physically capable of, or having the option of, taking the extra part-time job to earn “additional income” necessary for survival. Our Fillmore Sr. Center provides hot meals, information, social and physical activities, in a caring family-style environment. We need your support and commitment to continue providing these services to the senior community.
We are asking for your support for our senior center in any way possible: monetary donations (in care of City Hall); excess produce or non-perishable items can be dropped off at the senior center; or good condition office supplies )copy paper, pens, scratch pads, file folders, etc). All of this would be helpful and appreciated. We are a licensed non-profit organization so this would be tax a tax deduction for you. If you have comments or suggestions please e-mail them to fillmoresrcenter@sbcglobal.net and put Attn: Donna in the subject line.
We can always use smiling warm bodies to help us on our “brown bag” and “commodity” days or, if you just happen to have a little time to spare, we can use you on the “host/hostess” desk to greet our daily patrons.
And, last but not least, for all of you who have donated produce, items, time or just moral support…you have made a huge difference. Our center is like the “Little Engine That Could” and has made remarkable progress; which we couldn’t have done without all of you. Thanks so much.
Donna Voelker
President, Fillmore Senior Center Board of Directors

***

To the Editor:
Once again Congratulations are to be lavished on the Vision 2020's Civic Pride Group for putting on the best Flower Show ever! Lots of hard work by many volunteers led in part by Linda Nunes and Joanne King's leadership and involvement put together a thoroughly enjoyable flower show. In spite of our cold winter, the gardeners brought out beautiful displays and bouquets of many varieties of plants for all the good citizens of Fillmore to enjoy. Conspicuous by their absence were members from our city council and our local media. The local turnout was high and the entries were almost doubled from last year. Many thanks and Congratulations to the Civic Pride Committee - Well done!
Judy Dressler
Fillmore

To the Editor:
On behalf of the Visual and Performing Arts Department I would like to thank the members of the Soroptimists International of Fillmore for their donation to the Arts Show. Your support of this event helps us maintain our vision for the show - an evening of the arts featuring Fillmore High School students. We truly appreciate your support.
Rosalind Mitzenmacher
Art Department Chair
Fillmore High School

Sean and April Hastings, Owners of Attractions Spa, Massage ~ Facials ~ Waxing, would like to thank the community and our customers for the success of our new business!
Attractions Spa will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary this April 1st, 2011! Within our first year of business we have successfully gained over 300 customers, moved to a larger location, hired a third therapist and expanded our services. We are now located at 287 Central Avenue and have welcomed Brenda Bush of Fillmore as our third therapist. Brenda comes with over 15 years experience and matches the professionalism we have here at Attractions Spa. New to our menu are the following services; Hot Stone Massage, Custom Mommie to Be Pregnancy Massage, Foot Reflexology Massage and Deep Therapeutic Massage. We still of course offer Swedish & Deep Swedish Massage, Facials and Waxing.
We have decided as a thank you to the community and to our customers, April 2011 will be our Customer Appreciation Month! Attractions Spa will be offering $15 off ANY Massage or Facial throughout the entire month.
Also, Attractions Spa will be hosting the monthly Fillmore Chamber Mixer on Wednesday April 6th from 5:30-7:30pm and all are welcome!!! Come help us celebrate our new location and Attractions Spa's 1 year anniversary! Double A Cafe will be serving Appetizers and Bella's Teas & Treats will be serving Tea, Coffee and Treats! On this night ONLY from 530-730pm, we will also offer an unbelievable special for ANY Massage, Facial or Waxing certificate to be purchase at 50% off!!! (can be used anytime starting April 7th and there is no expiration on the certificates, 2 per person limit.)
This is our way of saying thank you to our customers and future customers. We look forward to seeing you April 6th at Attractions Spa! Please call us with any questions 805-524-7722 or visit our website at AttractionsSpa.com.
Sean and April Hastings

To the Editor:
Civic Pride arrived in the community and is working although many new to the community of Fillmore do not know what it is! Much work went into the many facets of the program which is operating as you read this article. Having been one interested in the program working with various citizens of the city we worked for civic pride in many ways.
A roster came to my attention as I was filing away papers and it was the Civic Pride Roster. So, I felt these citizens should be thanked once again with so many changes that have happened since the program was in operation.
In my opinion thanks should go to these individuals: Helen Archer, Andy Arias, Pat Couse, Bill Dewey, Judy and Ray Dressler, Sarah Hansen, Cindy Klittich, Jan Konter, Linda Nunes, Joe Zunia and Rosemary Fennel.
Conway Spitler
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Thankfully God does not imitate the Supreme Court. The right of the Westboro Baptist Church to express their anti-gay views outside military funerals was upheld Wednesday by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that the free speech provisions of the First Amendment protect the Kansas-based group's public protests. If courts could rule in matters of righteousness perhaps we'd see a different resolve. What is civil and what is lawful aren't synonymous. We can expect anti-Christians to sully the church in the mainstream while media pundits run with this rancor over political and religious speech. In this matter, speech cannot be separated from the inclusive right to assemble. Judges are free to personally comment, even call the actions of the protesters morally reprehensible, but rule according to what the law allows. Here, it's not the law but the gospel that's being perverted by delusional men and women professing to be harbingers of Christianity. The Court did the only thing it could do without subjugating the 1st Amendment.
Bert Castel de Oro
Fillmore

***

To the Editor:
Today I received an e-mail from a friend of mine that I stay in contact with regularly. His letter read, “I am in England, I am in a terrible situation right now and really need your help with a loan of $2700. I know it’s such short notice, but unfortunately for me, my bank does not have local presence here. That's why I have to ask you for help. If you can help out with this money or whatever funds you can come up with, I will greatly appreciate it.” I replied saying it sounded rather strange but in case it was true I would be glad to help. He mailed me back saying this: “I wasn't supposed to spend more than a week but I got mugged and robbed here. I lost my personal effects including my bank & credit cards, my cell phone and other important stuff. That's why I am asking you for a loan but I'll explain better once I get back. I am at this address. (removed)”
I noticed the e-mail address he was using was different than my friends and of course knew it was a scam and didn’t follow up with his request. I tried to get hold of my friend with no luck and then went to the local Sheriff’s Dept. I knew they would not take the time to follow this up and I was right. There are just too many scams going around for the manpower they have available. At least I did the right thing by trying. This all leads up to one of my pet peeves, “using e-mail etiquette.” Once a year I send to all my e-mail friends a special letter hoping it will make a difference; sad to say that I have made very few converts. I don’t know if people are just lazy or don’t give a darn, maybe both. Here is the letter I send every year.
Do you really know how to forward emails? 50% of us do; 50% DO NOT.
Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Do you hate it? Every time you forward an email there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, namely their email addresses and names. As the messages get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds and builds and builds and all it takes is for some poor sap to get a virus and his or her computer can send that virus to every email address that has come across his computer. Or, someone can take all of those addresses and sell them or send junk mail to them in the hopes that you will go to the site and he will make five cents for each hit. That's right, all of that inconvenience over a nickel! How do you stop it? Well, there are several easy steps. Try the following if you haven't done it before:
(1) When you forward an email, you can DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message (at the top). That's right, DELETE them. First though, You MUST click the 'Forward' button, and then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message. If you don't click on 'Forward' first, you won't be able to edit the message at all. Highlight names, addresses and etc. and delete them, backspace them, cut them, or whatever it is you know how to do. It only takes a second. [At this point you can make corrections or additions in the body of the email, if you wish].
(2) Whenever you send an email to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or Cc: fields for the list of email addresses. Always use the BCC: (blind carbon copy) field for listing ALL the email addresses. This is the way the people you send to will only see their own email address. If you don't see your BCC: option click on where it says To: and your address book list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that's it, it's that easy. When you send to BCC: that message will automatically say 'Undisclosed Recipients in the 'TO:' field of the people who receive it.
(3) Remove any ' FW:' in the subject line. You can highlight the FW and delete it or re-name the subject if you wish or even fix the spelling.
(4) ALWAYS hit your Forward button from the actual email you are reading. Ever get those emails that you have to open 10 times to read the one page with the information on it? By Forwarding from the actual page you wish someone to view, you stop them from having to open many emails just to see what you sent.
(5) Have you ever gotten an email that is a petition? It states a position, asks for an address and you to add your name to it. You are to forward it to 10 or 15 people or your entire address book. The email can be forwarded on and on and can collect thousands of names and email addresses. A FACT: The completed petition is actually worth a couple of bucks to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses contained therein. DO NOT put your email address on any petition. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your position may carry more weight as a personal letter than a laundry list of names and email addresses on a petition. (And don't believe the ones that say that the email is being traced; it just ain't so!)
ACTUAL FACT: Most e-mail petitions are worthless because they do not fully identify the signer by street address, etc. nor does it prove that the signer really signed it. Don't forward them. Besides, if you send the petition to several people that means your name is on several other petitions and growing. Not quite legal.
Some of the other emails to delete and not forward are:
a.) The one that says something like, 'Send this email to 10 people and you'll see something great run across your screen.' Or sometimes they'll just tease you by saying 'something really cute will happen.' IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!!! I repeat.... IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!!! (No matter how many you send it to or how long you wait.... IT AIN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!! We are still seeing some of the same emails that we waited on 10 years ago!)
b.) I don't let the bad luck ones scare me either, they should get trashed. The ones that say if you send to x-number of people you will receive a blessing or something...don't be fooled. If you want to bless someone or be blessed send them a direct encouragement. And as for 'send this and don't break the chain', .this is another type of a petition format.
c.) Before you forward an 'Amber Alert' or a 'Virus Alert' a99 or some of the other emails floating around nowadays, check them out before you forward them. Most of them are junk mail that's been circling the net for YEARS! Just about everything you receive in an email that is in question can be checked out at Snopes. Just go to www.snopes.com. It's really easy to find out if it's real or not. If it's not, or seems far fetched please don't pass it on.
So please, in the future, let's stop the junk mail and the viruses.
Also get rid of the advertisements at the bottom of your emails! You pay for your internet why advertise free for them? If they want advertisement let them pay you to use your space!!!
Finally, here's an idea. Let's send this to everyone we know (but strip my address off first, please). This is something that SHOULD be forwarded, so do it, please!
John Heilman
Fillmore

To the Editor:
Tillie Spitler was involved in so many different areas that happy memories of her will live in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to know her We knew her best as a board member of our Santa Clara Valley Hospice/ Home Support Group. Tillie helped represent the Fillmore Area and was conscientious about all information about the services being were publicized in the Fillmore area. She also made sure everyone had an opportunity to purchase tickets for our many fundraising events.
Many of you will remember Tillie, looking adorable, in her sunbonnet at a card table outside Von’s Market, with the information about our Light Up a Life Tree of Life. She was instrumental in our being able to add a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Fillmore. Tillie usually showed up at our very early morning board meetings with little muffins. She initiated many projects with her creative ideas. She had a quick brain, wonderful sense of humor and her enthusiasm was contagious.
We will all miss Tillie very much!
Cathy Barringer
Past President Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group

To the Editor:
Re: FHS AVID Program, Advancement via Individual Determination
Dear businesses and community members,
Last year the FHS AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program had quite a busy and successful year. With your generous support we visited UCSD, SDSU, USD and CSULB. We also had Fillmore AVID students earn honors by becoming finalists in the annual AVID Write-Off Competition. We are very proud of what we accomplished and want to continue this success this year as well.
One of the most important components of a successful AVID program is the ability to take students to visit universities. This spring we will visit Cal Poly-SLO, Cal State Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz and others. With nearly so many students participating, these trips do not come without a cost. Last year, one trip cost us $1100 in transportation fees alone. In our budget for this year, we have decided to raise at least $5000 for our field trips. We are confident that this can be achieved and certain that with the help of the community, we will surpass this goal.
We would appreciate your help and the entire AVID program will benefit from your financial support. As an FHS graduate, teacher and former AVID student, I know that without the aid of businesses and organizations in the community, many school programs would be far less effective. Thank you for your time consideration in this important matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Paul FitzGerald
Fillmore HS
555 Central Ave
Fillmore CA 93015
805-727-1377
Yes, I would like to support the Fillmore High School Avid program by donating to the cause.
Name: ______________________________
Business Name: _____________________
Phone #:____________________________
Amount of Donation:_________________
*All checks can be made out to Fillmore High School
(Tax Id: 95-249340)

To the Editor:
At the risk of forgetting to mention many worthy businesses, I want to share that I'm discovering anew that Fillmore does have a lot to offer. We really don't need to drive out of town for a good meal or something to do. Just lately I had the most delicious potato salad at Central Station - as close to the one my mom made as can be found. And Double AA has a great roasted vegetable salad -so good! It's quite special to be able to have "high tea" available within walking distance at Bella's. One could easily spend a week enjoying the museum - many, many Fillmore stories and pictures. Being home to the Fillmore Western Railway is certainly a bragging right despite having to stop for its crossings! Reading the article about Bert Rapp and what he said about the connection between local services and taxes made me more aware that we really should try Fillmore first before we hop in the car and go!
Sincerely,
Susan M. Cuttriss

To the Editor:
Fillmore High School hosts a Beautification Day twice a year to improve our facility. Staff, students, and the community get together to pull weeds, prune roses, rake leaves, scrape gum from the sidewalk, and undertake other general upkeep tasks. The last Beautification Day was a success! Eighty five students from the local schools volunteered to make Fillmore High School a better place. We assembled twenty two new tables that the Associated Student Body of 2010- 2011 purchased to provide more tables for the students to have a place to sit. We pulled weeds, raked leaves, pruned, roses and scraped gum. The photos were taken by our wonderful photographer Nicole Camarillo.
Kind Regards,
Chloe Keller

***

To the Editor:
My daughter went online to view [an] excellent [feature at www.fillmoregazette.com]. Unfortunately we saw a very offensive video showing Nancy Pelosi getting smashed over the head with a hammer. As a mom of a daughter, I don’t appreciate that the Gazette thinks it is amusing and encourages violence and hatred towards women. I will never buy another Gazette.
Requesting that my name and address be unknown to avoid being bashed by the Gazette.
Anonymous
(The Gazette here and now officially bans ‘Anonymous’ from ever buying anther issue of the Gazette.)

To the Editor:
On Thursday, January 13th we were in a motor home accident on Highway 126 heading to Steckel Park. We wound up in a drainage ditch. People stopped to help us get out of the rig, bring us to a safe place on the road and make the necessary calls for the ambulance, Highway Patrol, etc.
Unfortunately they left the scene all too soon and we never got the chance to thank them properly. Therefore, we want to send out a very grateful THANK YOU for their compassion, selflessness and kindness during this devastating time. We will never forget what you did for us. We wish you a very happy and blessed life.
Bob and Fran Bagdad
(Editors Note: See photos of the accident here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/injury-accident-126-near-tolan...)

To the Editor:
Former Councilwoman Laurie Hernandez sent the following correspondence to Fillmore City Manager Yvonne Quiring, Council Members Washburn, Walker, Conaway and Brooks (asking it be forwarded to Sipes), and City Attorney Ted Schneider.
Dear City Manager Yvonne Quiring, Council Members and City Attorney Ted Schneider,
First of all may I remind you, most of you ran on Open Government and Transparency. I need to know, is it true Yvonne you just hired a part-time employee for the Finance Department? And no Council, I don't mean Finance Director, [I mean]part-time person and at what wage? Why on earth would we hire another person when permanent staff is subject to furlough days, why not give those hours back to our staff that’s sacrificed already? This is a slap in their faces. You have a duty to staff and the general public. My hope is, Council, you have a good reason for continuing acceptance of such hires, because this is against all you preach. As you see I've shared my question with the local papers as well. Look forward to hearing from you.
Laurie Hernandez

To the Editor:
We would like to thank the service clubs of Fillmore for their continued support of the arts programs at Fillmore High School. Thank you to the Fillmore Lions Club and the Fillmore Women’s Service club for their donations to the upcoming April Arts show. We would also like to thank the Fillmore Ebell Club for their generous donation to the Ceramics and Photo departments which allowed us to purchase much needed studio equipment for our programs. Thank you all for your generosity.
Rosalind Mitzenmacher
Visual & Performing Arts Dept. Chair
Fillmore High School

To the Editor:
The One Step a la Vez (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County) would like to thank the Santa Clara Valley Democratic Club as well as particular members Jane Munoz, Steven Lattimore and Ruth Ann Vomund for the generous donation to the program. Their donation will go to support the Food Distribution Program and will feed 60 families for four weeks. Thank you so much for your support of the youth and the families of Santa Clara Valley (and in particular Fillmore/Piru).
Gratefully,
Lynn Edmonds
Program Manager

To the Editor:
Happy rainy day! I hope everyone is safe and dry. I wanted to say what a wonderful job the Musical Theater Workshop kids did with their performance of "Hairspray" yesterday at the Sespe Auditorium. And we had a great and dedicated audience tromp through the rain to see it.
We are holding in the rankings.
www.refresheverything.com/sespeauditorium - text to 73774 message 104492.
Keep on voting!
Janet Foy

To the Editor,
I would like to take the time to formally thank Mr. David Deutsch for his generous donation of time, effort, and energy to make Fillmore Middle School a better place. Fillmore Middle School hosts a parent meet and greet the last Friday of each month. This is an opportunity for parents (both Spanish and English speaking) to become more educated about what is going on at FMS. Mr. Deutsch has cooked breakfast for each of our monthly meet and greets and the food has been amazing. The monthly meet and greets are open to parents and community members and the next meet and greet is this Friday, December 17th at 7:30. David’s wife Ronda Reyes-Deutsch is a counselor at FMS and plans all of our meet and greets. Thank you to both David and Ronda for making a tremendous difference at Fillmore Middle School.
Sincerely,
Scott Carroll
Assistant Principal, FMS