Raelene Chaney from Grad Night Live addressed the Council in regards to an evection notice sent out by Fillmore City Manager Yvonne Quiring.
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The December 14th City Council meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Fillmore Redevelopment Agency was standing room only and with the meeting continuing past midnight as item after item was presented. The scheduled agenda included; the use of the Fillmore High School track to Fillmore residents, the bids on the Two Rivers Park baseball diamonds, the swearing in of the new City Council members, the vote by the new Council for mayor and mayor pro-tem, recognition of the outgoing Council Member, Grad Night Live storage space, and the El Dorado Mobile Home Park conversion.

The many in attendance were the El Dorado MHP residents who came to voice their opposition to the proposed Parks conversion. Also a number of the residence objected to the Park becoming an all age park.

The proposed conversion will remain a manufactured housing community, with the existing Residents having the right to either buy their lot or remain and rent their space. Residents who do not exercise the option to purchase their lots and instead exercise the option to continue renting their spaces are protected from economic displacement by statutory restrictions on rental rates after the conversion date. Government Code Section 66427.5 (f) limits the amount of rent increases for Residents that can take place upon conversion. For low income households, the monthly rent may only increase to market levels as determined by appraisal, and then only over a period of four years. These conditions did not sit well with the residents and they questioned much of the legal jargon and its true benefits.

The MHP has 302 spaces, 293 of which are CONTINUED »

Looking for a unique Christmas Gift for an active-duty service member or Veteran? Help support an Eagle Scout project and honor those who have given their service to our country with a brick specially engraved with their name and service branch. Each engraved brick will be placed in Bardsdale Cemetery’s “Walk of Honor” as part of Sean’s Chandler’s community service Eagle Project for Troop 406.

To build this Walk of Honor, Sean and the other Scouts will remove the aging asphalt walkway near the flagpole and replace it with bricks, many engraved with the names of veterans from our community. The primary goal of Sean’s project is to give Fillmore area residents the opportunity to honor those who have served our nation. To complete the project, a plaque will be installed at the base of the flagpole honoring all veterans.

Each brick purchased, will be inscribed with the name of the service member to be honored and can also include the emblem of their specific military branch. Any active-duty or retired service member, living or deceased is eligible to be honored. Honorees can be anyone worthy of tribute and need not have been interred at Bardsdale Cemetery nor have been a resident of Fillmore.

Engraved bricks are 4” x 8” and cost $40.00 each. The proceeds from these sales will be used to help cover the expenses of this project. The deadline for ordering bricks is January 15th, 2011, this will allow time for the bricks to be engraved and installed by Memorial Day 2011. To receive order forms or additional information contact Sean Chandler at 524-5058 or email walkofhonor@gmail.com

www.refresheverything.com/sespeauditorium or text 73774 message 104492. Keep on voting!

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On 12-15-2010, at about 0618 hours, City of Fillmore patrol units were dispatched to an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Central Ave and Ventura Street (SR-126). Patrol unites arrived a minute later and found that a pedestrian was lying on the eastbound lanes of the highway just east of Central Ave.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1995 silver Buick Regal sedan, driven by Jose Onofre, 27 years old from Oxnard, was driving eastbound on Ventura Street in the #1 lane approaching Central Ave at about 45 M.P.H. The traffic signal was green for east and westbound traffic.

Pedestrian Jason Respo 57-years-old from Fillmore was walking south across in the west Central Ave marked crosswalk with a red traffic signal for north and southbound Central Ave traffic.

Driver Onofre did not see the pedestrian until the collision. The front of the vehicle collided with the left side of the pedestrian. The impact caused fatal injuries to the pedestrian and Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Exact cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Location: Central Ave and Ventura Street (SR-126), Fillmore, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: December 15, 2010 at 0618 hours / RB# 2010-30200
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Traffic Investigation Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(Party #1) Jason Respo Fillmore 57
(Party #2) Jose Onofre Oxnard 27
Officer Preparing Release:
Deputy Jerry Peterson
Approved By:
Deputy Jerry Peterson
805-524-2235

Office Of The District Attorney
County of Ventura, State of California
Gregory D. Totten
District Attorney

December 8, 2010

Laurie Hernandez
Council Member
City of Fillmore
250 Central Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015

Re: Brown Act Issue

Dear Ms. Hernandez:

Through an article in the Ventura County Star, the District Attorney’s Office became aware of the memorandum of October, 6, 2010, from Mayor Patti Walker. The memorandum discusses an article in the Manteca Bulletin that purportedly included statements by you regarding a closed session occurring on September 28, 2010.

Because the District Attorney has authority to enforce provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (public meeting law), I requested and obtained public information on this matter from the city clerk, including agendas, minutes, and recordings of city council meetings, as well as Mayor Walker’s memorandum. The Ventura County Star followed up with two articles stating that the District Attorney’s Office had obtained public documents regarding this matter, and suggesting that we might be conducting an investigation.

I have reviewed the materials I received from the city clerk, along with a copy of the Manteca Bulletin article. While I am aware that City Attorney Theodore Schneider wrote a memorandum to members of the council about this matter, he stated at the meeting of October 26, 2010, that this memorandum is protected by the attorney-client privilege. Accordingly, I have not requested that memorandum and am not aware of its contents.

Of particular relevance to me was the recording of the meeting of October 26, 2010, including your explanation of what you told the Manteca Bulletin reporter, what you were referring to in statements you made, and pointing out factual inaccuracies in the article. The information we have reviewed does not establish that you revealed any confidential information from the September 28 closed session, or that any violation of the Brown Act occurred. Accordingly, the District Attorney’s Office will be taking no action in this matter.

Very truly yours,
Michael D. Schwartz
Special Assistant District Attorney
MDS/ck
pc: Hon. Patti Walker, Mayor
Theodore J. Schneider, City Attorney

Due to a labeling error, mail delivery of the print edition of The Gazette will be delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

At approximately 6:06 p.m., the City of Fillmore Gang Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Nissan pickup truck for a vehicle code violation while in the area of 924 Sespe Ave. The driver, later identified as Angel Lincon 39, Fillmore, failed to yield to the patrol car and continued traveling eastbound on Sespe Ave. Lincon failed to stop at the intersection of Sespe Ave at ‘B’ St continuing eastbound. While approaching the intersection of Sespe Ave at Old Telegraph Rd Lincon discarded narcotics from the vehicle (later recovered and determined to be methamphetamine). Lincon failed to stop at the intersection and turned east onto Old Telegraph Rd. Lincon stopped the vehicle in the Taco Llama parking lot. When detectives contacted Lincon they discovered he was in possession of a concealed fixed blade knife. Lincon was taken into custody without further incident.
Lincon was arrested for the following charges: Possession Of A Deadly Weapon, Destroying Or Concealing Evidence, Transportation Of a Controlled Substance, Possession Of A Controlled Substance, Under The Influence Of A Controlled Substance, Evading A Peace Officer, Reckless Driving.

On Tuesday December 7th the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting that included the required ‘Organizational Meeting’ wherein newly elected members are sworn in, outgoing members are recognized and new Officers are elected. The meeting began with the Board recognizing the service of outgoing Board Clerk Liz Wilde. Wilde was elected in 2006 and served one term. Newly re-elected Board Member Tony Prado presented her with a “Students First” award and expressed his thanks to Wilde for her involvement in and support of several actions taken by the Board during her term, which he felt, benefited the District. Prado commented that he holds Wilde as the “Ideal Board Member” because of her dedication and preparation in making decisions. San Cayetano Elementary School Principal Jan Marholin expressed her thanks to Wilde and presented her with a plaque. Marholin commented that “[she could] always count on [Wilde] to be at [all open houses and school events]”. Wilde thanked all those who voted for her and expressed her hope that she met their expectations during her term. Outgoing Board Member Mike Saviers was unable to attend and will be recognized at a future meeting.

During public comment Janet Foy spoke to the Board about the efforts of the Sespe Players to win a $50,000 grant through the “Pepsi Refresh” program. The money will be used to renovate Sespe Auditorium. She emphasized the need for the entire community to vote to make this happen. There are three ways to vote, email, facebook and by text. The same person can vote every day, voting ends on December 31. For more info call Priscilla at 805-794-6228 or www.refresheverything.com/sespeauditorium

The Organizational portion of the meeting began with Prado, the outgoing Board President, appointing Superintendent Jeff Sweeney as Chairperson Pro Tem to oversee the swearing in of the new Board Members and the election of Board Officers. Sweeney administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Board Members, Lucy Rangel, Dave Wilde and re-elected Tony Prado. Before taking their seats at the Board table the newly sworn in Board Members thanked their family members in attendance with Rangel taking the prize for most family members in attendance. Sweeney then conducted the election of new officers on the Board: President, Virginia De La Piedra, Vice President John Garnica, Clerk Dave Wilde. Sweeney then relinquished the gavel to De La Piedra for her to conduct the remainder of the meeting.

Rangel volunteered and was CONTINUED »

The California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) recently completed remediation work at an oil facility to protect public safety and the environment – in particular, a surrounding orchard.

“The oil facility is located within a large avocado orchard, and the owner was thrilled we were stepping in to take care of the problem,” explained Bruce Hesson, chief of DOGGR’s Ventura office.

DOGGR is part of the California Department of Conservation.

During a routine inspection last January, a DOGGR field engineer noted several deficiencies at the Fillmore site. Owned by Crest Oil & Gas Management Corp., the operation had been shut-in since December 2007. A leaking pipe, a standing mixture of oil and water inside a retaining wall, and two leaking 500-barrel tanks were discovered.

After making numerous unsuccessful attempts to have Crest bring the site into full compliance, DOGGR issued a formal order to perform corrective work on July. 22. When the operator failed to appeal or do the necessary work in the time allowed, DOGGR contracted with M.G. Taylor Equipment Inc. to do the remediation.

Work began in early September. As a spill prevention measure, all the remaining fluid in the idle tanks was removed. Two of the four tanks at the site were disassembled and scrapped. One of them contained thick drilling mud. The contractor had to bring in a “super sucker” vacuum truck to get it all out.

All material removed from CONTINUED »

It’s time again for the 2010 Annual Fillmore Christmas Parade sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

On Saturday, December 4th at 1:00 PM the parade will proceed south on Central Ave. from Second Street to Santa Clara Street.

The parade route will be posted with “No Parking Signs” from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM the day of the parade. The Lions Club requests the cooperation and patience of Fillmore residents for this event to ensure the safety of all involved.

The Parade is open to all groups or persons wanting to celebrate the season with a “themed” entry. Applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce Office, Lobby of City Hall or by contacting Bob Klittich, Parade Chairperson at 524-1224, or Klittich@gmail.com.

There is no cost to enter the parade. Parade check-in is at 11:30 AM on Second Street, in front of the Memorial building.

This is the 10th year the Lions Club has sponsored the Annual Fillmore Christmas Parade. The Fillmore Lions Club’s continues to sponsor the parade in honor of long time member, the late Henry “Hank” Carrillo. Hank urged the Club to assume the responsibility of the parade when it was in danger of losing sponsorship.

Santa Clause is expected to be in Fillmore to wish all a Merry Christmas in time for the Parade. Immediately after the parade Santa will be available for pictures, (if you bring your own camera), at the Fillmore Museum, near the train station.

See you all on December 4th! Bob Klittich, Annual Christmas Parade Chairperson, Fillmore Lions Club.

Good news arrived at Fillmore City Hall Tuesday. The long awaited decision of the 5 member California Board of Equalization regarding the issue of tax sharing has issued in favor of the City of Fillmore.

The City of Industry and the City of Livermore petitioned the Board in October of 2007 to invalidate a contract Fillmore entered into with MTS Consulting LC, Inspired development LLC, and Ryan and Co. concerning Owens and Minor, a Virginia based Fortune 500 company, to share sales tax revenue. Fillmore has won at every legal and procedural step. The plaintiffs filed suit in September of 2008 to have the contract set aside.

That lawsuit is still on appeal by the plaintiffs, but according to City Attorney Ted Schneider this should not prevent Fillmore from receiving the tax money which has been withheld for about two years. Continuance of the appeal remaining in Los Angeles Superior Court is now essentially baseless.

60 days remain for plaintiffs to appeal this final decision of the Board of Equalization, and the funds are expected to be released to Fillmore shortly thereafter. The duration of the existing contract is for 20 years and will produce approximately one million dollars per year during that time. It is expected that Fillmore will receive more than $2 million when the tax revenues now withheld are finally released. These funds may reestablish Fillmore’s reserve.

For years the city’s previous council and city manager, Roy Payne, have received harsh and unrelenting criticism from council members Gayle Washburn, Jamey Brooks, and recently elected Brian Sipes, for entering into this contract. This latest validation of the tax contract reveals the criticism was misplaced and that the contract was entered into by the city only after considerable and careful study by the city’s legal counsel. This outcome is a significant financial victory for the previous council and the city as a whole. More details of this decision will be made available as documentation is received.

The Annual Toy Drive sponsored by City of Fillmore Fire is underway! Unwrapped toy donations are currently being accepted at Fillmore Fire Station 91 located at 711 Sespe Place, Fillmore. All donors will receive a ticket for each toy donated good for one BBQ Chicken Dinner. The BBQ will take place on Sunday, December 19th, 2010 between the hours of 4:00PM – 7:00PM. Dinner will be served at the Fire Station or you may take advantage of our drive thru service. Toys may be brought to the station from now until December 19th, 5-7pm.

In addition to our chicken dinner, Fillmore Fire has teamed up with a few local merchants who offer incentives to those who donate to the toy drive. El Pescador is also receiving toys for the drive and will give a 15% discount to anyone bringing in a new, unwrapped toy by December 20th. Pescador owner Chuy Ortiz can be reached at 805-797-4341 or you may call Evaristo Barajas at 805-889-5385 to pick up toys or new children’s coats. Cash for coats may also be donated to Laura Bartels, Director, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, 805-524-1934. You can send checks for children’s winter coats to Winter Coat Fund, c/o Laura Bartels, 540 Sespe Avenue, Suite #2, Fillmore, CA 93015, or to Winter Coat Fund at the Santa Clara Valley Bank, 527 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015 Account #002-112027 or go to wintercoatdrive.com and make a donation using Paypal. Your winter coat donation is tax-deductible if made through the web-site as the Volunteer Legal Service Program has allowed us an umbrella of their 501c(3) status.

Toys and coats will be distributed to Fillmore children on Tuesday December 21st, 3:00PM at the North Fillmore Sheriffs Department Storefront Station located on Lemon Way in Fillmore. Each week hundreds of families in Fillmore struggle to put food on the table and pay rent, leaving many families without money for day to day luxuries. Many of these families are left disappointed when they are unable to provide their children with a new toy during the holidays. With your assistance you can help bring a smile to a child’s face this Holiday Season!
For more information please visit our website at www.fillmoretoydrive.com.

Last year 1,030 coats and toys were handed out to 1,439 kids from 358 families. The Fillmore Fire Department gave out 60 turkeys. Each child who sat on Santa’s lap received a free Polaroid of the moment along with a candy cane.

Make this Christmas a happy one for many children and give!

Please join Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid’s fourth annual Winter Coat Drive. On December 21st we will be giving away new warm winter coats to needy children of the Santa Clara Valley who are standing outside in line in Fillmore to receive their toy from Santa. Please donate either checks or brand new coats with hoods and with tags. There are no “administrative” costs. You send the checks and my teams go and buy the coats. We all feel the effects of this economy and know that there are very financially challenged families who cannot provide warmth for their kids this winter. If you would like to join this community of generosity, you can send checks to: Winter Coat Fund, c/o Laura Bartels, 540 Sespe Avenue, Suite #2, Fillmore, CA 93015, or to Winter Coat Fund at the Santa Clara Valley Bank, 527 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015 Account #002-112027 or go to wintercoatdrive.com and make a donation using Paypal. Your donation is tax-deductible if made through the web-site as the Volunteer Legal Service Program has allowed us an umbrella of their 501c(3) status.
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Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your interest in supporting for our local Coat Drive to raise enough money to put a coat on every child that comes through the line this Christmas in North Fillmore, Ventura County.
This project idea started 5 years ago when I was watching the kids waiting with anticipation to see Santa at the North Fillmore Community Storefront for the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department toy giveaway. Looking at the line, none of the kids had on coats. My mind judged immediately “Did the children forget their coats? They knew it was cold and that the wait was long.” The line snaked as the little boy tucked into his mother and the realization hit me like the cold wind- the little boy didn’t forget his coat. He doesn’t have a coat.

Please join Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid’s fourth annual Winter Coat Drive. On December 21st we will be giving away new warm winter coats to needy children of the Santa Clara Valley who are standing outside in line in Fillmore to receive their toy from Santa. Please donate either checks or brand new coats with hoods and with tags. There are no “administrative” costs. You send the checks and my teams go and buy the coats. We all feel the effects of this economy and know that there are very financially challenged families who cannot provide warmth for their kids this winter.

If you would like to join this community of generosity, you can send checks to: Winter Coat Fund, c/o Laura Bartels, 540 Sespe Avenue, Suite #2, Fillmore, CA 93015, or to Winter Coat Fund at the Santa Clara Valley Bank, 527 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015 Account #002-112027 or go to wintercoatdrive.com and make a donation using Paypal. Your donation is tax-deductible if made through the web-site as the Volunteer Legal Service Program has allowed us an umbrella of their 501c(3) status.

As Marion Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund says: “We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”

When you place a warm coat on cold little shoulders, you know that a warm coat makes a big difference.

Thank You
Laura Bartels, Director, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, 805-524-1934.