Fillmore Unified School District

All School Board members were present for the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 16th. No action was taken from the closed section, which was reported to include discussion on two expulsion cases. No one was nominated from the Board to the CSBA (California School Board Association) Delegate Assembly.

During standing reports, Board Clerk Liz Wilde reported on the recent meeting with the City of Fillmore regarding the status and process of opening the track up for community use. Wilde commented, “We’re getting closer to getting a solution regarding use of the track… now the issue goes to the City Parks and Rec.” During his report, Board President Tony Prado commented on his attendance at the meeting with the City regarding the Track as well,“[The meeting] was well attended… it was well represented by the community.” Prado commented on the report given by Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush regarding the current situation with the track and football field “he emphasized that it’s important for people to realize that it’s not the old situation we used to have… it’s different now… but we’re doing everything we can to… make sure they (the community) have access, of course that’s been my number one concern that the community have access.” Issues being looked at now are how to monitor and control people going in and out to use the track. Prado commented that it is the intention that not only the “competitive” runners have access but also the “recreational” users. “It’s important that [the City] Parks and Rec take the lead in this area”.

Regarding watching the 100th game between Fillmore and Santa Paula, Board Member Mike Saviers showed a small smile when he said, “I sat in the middle… I was sad but not real sad.” Saviers has ties to Santa Paula but lives in Fillmore as Board Member Virginia De La Piedra good-naturedly reminded him of where his loyalties should lie, “Remember where you live” She instructed. All Board members shared the sentiment of expressing thanks to all involved in the 100th game planning, set up and presentation. Board Member John Garnica shared that sentiment and added the Fillmore Boosters to those deserving recognition for their contribution to the event. Jane Munoz a parent and staff member at Piru Elementary School who is also a member of Band Boosters was in attendance, and reminded the Board about the great performance of the Band at the 100th game. Prado agreed that the Band should be commended. Band Leader Greg Godfrey and show choreographer Colleen Anderson were recognized for their efforts with the band performance. Newly elected and soon to be sworn in Board Member Elect Lucy Rangel was in attendance, and commented on the induction of 82 players into the Football Hall of Fame. “It took four hours to get through all 82 players… it was really wonderful to hear about all of their accomplishments.” Rangel went on to thank Fillmore High School Principal John Wilbur, and staff members Lynn Cole and Debora Curnett for organizing the event.

District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney asked CONTINUED »

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Maria Gonzalez-Santos (DOB 9/23/72), of Simi Valley, was arrested and booked in the Ventura County jail for forgery and fraudulent claims to a health care program. In addition, Sorayda Basbas (DOB 7/31/51), of Oxnard; Enriquita Garnica (DOB 2/04/43), of Fillmore; and Martha Hernandez (DOB 1/18/57), of Port Hueneme, were cited and released on charges of fraudulent claims to a health care program. Investigators from the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation, Ventura County Sheriffs Department, and the California State Department of Health Care Services conducted the operation in the mid-morning hours. Investigators anticipate that additional arrests will result from the In Home Support Services (IHSS) criminal investigation in the coming weeks.
IHSS is a government program supported by the State of California and administered by the Ventura County Human Services Agency. The program is intended to assist individuals with physical or medical limitations, allowing them to stay in their own home as opposed to being placed into a care facility. The program matches individuals with physical or medical limitations with care providers to assist them with tasks ranging from shopping and meal preparation to skilled medical care. IHSS awards benefits by hours to hire a care provider.
The District Attorney and the Human Services Agency have combined resources to establish monitoring systems in the IHSS program, to detect fraud and conduct timely investigations. Elderly and medically limited clients can be victimized by unscrupulous care providers. A strong fraud detection program is essential to protect the client and the integrity of the IHSS program. The District Attorney and the Human Services Agency are dedicated to helping qualified IHSS clients live safely in their homes.

Since Election Day many voters throughout Ventura County share the same question “Why is it taking so long to finish counting the ballots?” I too had this question and decided to visit the Elections office to see the process for myself. Many might envision a process where ballots are simply put in a machine, quickly counted and results reported. In reality it’s just not that simple. As of the print deadline the counting continues. In Ventura County there are 423,994 registered voters, with 124,423 voters actually going to the polls, and no final count on total ballots cast.

Any member of the public can get a visitors badge and take a tour to observe the process of counting ballots. The Elections Division is part of the office of Mark Lunn, County Clerk and Recorder, located in the lower level of the Government Center on Victoria Avenue in Ventura. There are a few rules, no cell phones, no talking with any elections workers, no cameras and no food or drink around the ballots or machines, and there are three areas that the public is not allowed to enter but that can be viewed through windows. In my opinion it’s a very visible process and I encourage anyone who is interested to check it out. Visitors are also likely to gain an appreciation for those carrying out the tedious but important task of processing the ballots. Many are working long hours (8:00am to 7:00pm) and coming in on Saturdays to get the counting done.

The Journey of a Ballot: First let’s look at ballots filled out on election day at the correct polling place by a voter who does not receive a Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot. These voters are verified and confirmed at the polling place, the completed ballot is put in a secure box, and a cartridge from the polling place keeps track of who has voted in person to ensure they do not submit more than one ballot. Polling place ballots get picked up from the polls on Election Day, and are delivered to the receiving area at the government center. Delivery usually occurs before 9:00pm. First these ballots are hand inspected for any damage, stains or for “incorrect” marks, which if found means the ballot will be counted by hand. The data held in the cartridges from the polling stations is transferred into the system to record that voter’s ballot as received. The system is designed to “catch” a voter who has submitted more than one ballot and keeps track of the method in which someone votes. An undamaged and correctly marked ballot goes directly to the ballot counter, a machine called the “400C”. Four of these machines are in a room off limits to the public but easily seen through two walls of windows. The 400C looks similar to a copy machine with a stack of ballots inserted into a tray on one side pulled through the machine one at a time, and being spit out the other side. There is a computer attached to each machine that records the count. Ballots submitted at the polls get counted first and fastest.

Next are the Vote By CONTINUED »

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Greetings Farm Watch.
Happy Veterans Day. Everyone of us at Farm Watch give thanks to you, our Veterans, who one way or another, gave up a today for our tomorrow.

In addition, we would like to welcome our 23 new Farm Watch members.

It is amazing, we have just grown to over 600 Ventura County Farms, Nurseries, Ranchers, Packing - Supply Houses and Oil Operations.

Lets get started. First the good news.

BOOK A CROOK:

Sheriff Detective Ray Dominguez and his partner Sergeant Steve Rhods have been the Sheriff's lead agents in our Rural Crime Task Force. For the last 10 months, their mission and passion has been to catch these connex-shed thugs. I mention "passion," because these two detectives were and are "motivated and driven," 24 hours a day, to stop this organized crime ring. Time and time again those bandits have been using the cover of darkness to break into your storage sheds on rural properties. They have plundered over $100,000 in loot.

Ray and Steve were not alone and have been supported by their Captain, Rick Barrios and an army of crime analysts, crime scene scientists, technical surveillance units and 12 detectives from Major Crimes, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, El Rio and Moorpark.

In addition, their task force worked regularly with Santa Barbara, Monterey, Riverside and Los Angeles Sheriff detectives.

It has been hard during the last 3 months to not brag to you about their hours and hours of surveillance work. The tide changed and on November 8, 2010, Ray and Steve were deep into Los Angeles and Riverside working yet another surveillance on our primary theft suspects.

They were side by side with an CONTINUED »

The official poster for the 100th meet between Fillmore and Santa Paula, drawn by Santa Paula 2010 graduate Alex Adams.
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Fillmore Athletic Booster club President Andy Aguirre presented a poster drawn by 2010 Santa Paula graduate Alex Adams. (l-r) Santa Paula Mayor Jim Tovias, Fillmore Mayor Patty Walker, Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti, County Superintendent of schools Stanley Mantooth, FUSD Superintendent Jeff Sweeney, and Fillmore principal John Wilber.
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Coach Matt Dollar spoke to the audience about the history of the game in his family. To his left is Santa Paula Head Coach Teohua Sanchez and Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti.
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Fillmore DUCKS! Green and white school colors! Say it ain't so Joe! The “DUCKS” is rumored to be the name of the of the original school mascot for Fillmore High School, but that was in the 1920's! That is, according to the Master of Ceremonies Steve Conaway for the Fillmore High School Booster Club Banquet, held on Sunday, November 7th. Steve was quick, however, to attribute that historical fact to Fillmore High School Coach Joe Woods who was not present to defend himself. Steve then went on to relate the “myth” of how the Fillmore High School Football Team received their current mascot name, the Flashes: “In the early 1920's the Fillmore Ducks were playing a football game when late in the second quarter the sky opened up and lightening and thunder rocked the Fillmore area. When Fillmore came out after half time Fillmore came out and played with the power and speed of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Fillmore won the game and the very next week Fillmore was known as the flashes!” Seems like a good story Steve!

The Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters kicked off a week-long of activities by hosting a dinner at the Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building for both teams and coaches from Santa Paula and Fillmore. The dinner was prepared by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and his merry band of cooks; Laura Landeros, Don Palmer, Scott Beylick and Joe Ricards. The meal menu was Fillmore's favorite of Tri-Tip, chicken, baked potatoes, salad and finished beautifully by an orange sherbert ice cream presented in a half orange shell from a local citrus grower. The meal was served by nicely dressed cheerleaders and pep squad members from each school.

Welcoming both teams, their coaches, dignitaries and others in attendance was Fillmore Mayor Patti Walker with follow up comments also given by both school superintendents; Fillmore Superintendent Jeff Sweeney and Santa Paula Superintendent David Gomez. Master of Ceremonies and sitting Fillmore City Councilmember Steve Conaway gave a short history of this long-standing rivalry which is said to be the longest standing rivalry, based on games played, in Ventura County and possibly in the State of California.

There were many proclamations presented to the teams by local government representatives including Ventura County Board of Supervisors District-3 and Board Chair Supervisor Kathy Long. Supervisor Long told the football players, “You will always remember this game. Enjoy! Have fun!” She then in a true politician's fashion said as she left the podium, “Go Flashes! Go Cardinals!” United States Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman for California District 24 Elton Gallegly, although not present, provided proclamations to each team. Congressman Gallegly also presented a United States Flag to fly during the game on November 12th. The flag had been flown over the White House prior to being presented for the game. Proclamations were also received from California State Senator George Runner and California Assemblywoman Audra Strickland.

Other dignitaries at the event were; Fillmore City Councilmember Laurie Hernandez, Fillmore School District Board Trustee Liz Wilde, Fillmore Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike Bush, Fillmore High School Principal John Wilber and Assistant Principal Ellen Green, Athletic Director Ernie Quiroz, Fillmore Police Chief Captain Tim Hagel, County Superintendent of Schools Stanley Mantooth, Santa Paula Principal Paul Marietti, Santa Paula School Board Trustees Diana Ponce-Gomez, Christopher Wilson, Assistant Principals Robin Gillette, Elizabeth Garcia, Director of Educational Services Tony Gaitan, City of Santa Paula City Manager Jamie Fontes, Santa Paula Mayor JimTovias, Santa Paula City Councilmembers Fred Robinson, Ralph Fernandez and Bob Gonzales.

Both teams head coaches and CONTINUED »

Raelene Chaney spoke to the city council Tuesday night in regards to the storage area used by Grad Nite Live. Chaney asked that it be put on the agenda for discussion at the next city council meeting.

The November 9th Fillmore City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting main focus was adopting resolutions, authorization to advertise for bids and approving the 2011 City Council Meeting Calendar. The Meeting seemed interrupted though, with the Council vacillating between open and closed sessions.

Most pressing on agenda was an item on the Redevelopment Agency agenda was a huge money item that left the City of Fillmore with a great deal less money in its coffers. The Redevelopment Agency Board was asked to convert an Agency loan to a Grant due to present economic downturn. In 2007, the Agency conveyed the land to the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Developer) for the purpose of construction 8 units for sale to extremely low and very low income families (Affordable Units), and made a loan to Developer in the amount of $1,318,348 (Agency Loan). The Agency also agreed to assist homebuyers with additional loans of $50,000 per unit (Homebuyers Loans). Since 2007 the estimated fair market value of the unites has dropped by approximately 50%, and like many similar projects started at the height of the real estate market, the project can no longer be sold for what it cost to build. The Developer has requested that the Agency convert its Agency Loan and some of the Homebuyers Loans to non-repayable grants.

The Developer has made similar requests to the other governmental lenders to the project, and the County of Ventura has agreed. The Developer has agreed to cover any cash shortfall up to $5,000 per unit from the sale of the Affordable Units and to reduce its Developer Fee of $150,000 to $30,000.

The Developer has not identified buyers for 4 of the units, 2 of which are currently to be sold to households earning no more than 45% of Area Median Income (AMI). The Developer has requested that if such households cannot be located by December 31, 2010 it be permitted to sell those two units to households earning up to 50% of AMI which would broaden the number of potential buyers.

The Council had no CONTINUED »

On 11/05/10, at approximately 4:30 PM, the store manager of Central Market reported a theft in progress. He reported that approximately 25 subjects entered the market to cash checks. After cashing the 10th check, the store manger realized the suspicious activity. When the store manger picked up the telephone to call and verify the checks, all of the subject inside the store who were waiting to cash the checks, ran out of the store and fled the scene. Per the investigation, it was determined all the checks here counterfeit. The four listed subjects, Ramiro DeLaCruz 35, Compton, Juana Marquez 47, Compton, Cecilia Hernandez 35, Los Angeles, Hector Mora 42, Compton, were apprehended after fleeing the scene and arrested. The charges include forgery, burglary, and conspiracy. All four suspects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, with bail set at $20,000.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the motorist responsible for a hit-and-run collision that left a young man dead on a Thousand Oaks street in Thousand Oaks.

The collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of Lynn Road just west of Kelley Road, when Bautista, who was a pedestrian, was struck by a vehicle traveling at least 45 miles per hour. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid or notify police. Bautista was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering massive trauma to his upper body.

Bautista had attended a nearby house party at a residence in the 400-block of Whitegate Road earlier that night.

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a large older vehicle that sustained moderate damage to the front end and hood. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle involved in this collision is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers at (805)494-8222.

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

Location: Lynn Road west of Kelley Road, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Oct. 24, 2010 @ 3:20 a.m. / 10-25909
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau / Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Bautista, Salvador Simi Valley 21
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow
Follow-up Contact: Detective Eric Buschow (804)494-8226 / (805)947-8129
Date of Release: Nov. 9, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

On November 11 there will be a dedication ceremony to pay tribute to 18 men of our community who have served their country and their name plaques have been placed on the Memorial Wall. The public is encouraged to attend. The ceremony will take place at The Veterans Memorial Building 511 second Dt. Fillmore at 10:30 am. If you have any questions regarding this ceremony please contact VFW POST 9637 or Commander Jim Rogers 524-0202 or Senior Vice Commander Vic Westerberg 524-0011.

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The suspect robbed a branch of Pacific Western Bank located at 550 North Moorpark Road Thursday afternoon. Nobody was injured during the heist, and the suspect fled the bank within minutes, carrying an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was seen, but the suspect alluded to being armed.

The investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s department’s major crimes unit in conjunction with the FBI. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jon Smith at (805) 494-8201, or Special Agent Pat Conley of the FBI at (310) 629-9553. Please see the attached three images for a description of the suspect.

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

Location: 550 North Moorpark Road, CA, 91360
Date & Time/ RB#: November 4, 2010 @ 11: 15 a.m. / 10-26819
Unit Responsible: East County Sheriff’s Major Crimes / Federal Bureau of Investigation
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Black Male Unknown Early 20’s
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Jon R Smith
Follow-up Contact: Det. Jon R Smith (805) 494-8201 or SA Pat Conley (310) 629-9553
Date of Release: 11/03/2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM

58.3% of the votes counted
247,205 votes counted of 423,994 total

FILLMORE City Council
7/7 100.00% Votes Counted
PATTI WALKER 1,392 26.84%
BRIAN SIPES 1,312 25.29%
DAVID LUGO 999 19.26%
ADRIAN ANDREW GRIMALDO 361 6.96%
MARCOZ HERNANDEZ 966 18.62%
WRITE-IN 157 3.03%
Total 5,187 100.00%

FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
LUCY RANGEL 2,518 30.08%
DAVE WILDE 1,734 20.71%
TONY PRADO 1,467 17.52%
KIMBERLY RIVERS 1,447 17.28%
MARK A. AUSTIN 1,174 14.02%
WRITE-IN 32 0.38%
Total 8,372 100.00%

FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
WILLIAM L. MORRIS III 1,935 38.60%
THOMAS MCGRATH 1,926 38.42%
ARNULFO ''AC'' CARBAJAL 1,131 22.56%
WRITE-IN 21 0.42%
Total 5,013 100.00%

Fillmore Election Results

Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM

FILLMORE City Council
7/7 100.00% Votes Counted
PATTI WALKER 1,392 26.84%
BRIAN SIPES 1,312 25.29%
DAVID LUGO 999 19.26%
ADRIAN ANDREW GRIMALDO 361 6.96%
MARCOZ HERNANDEZ 966 18.62%
WRITE-IN 157 3.03%
Total 5,187 100.00%

FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
LUCY RANGEL 2,518 30.08%
DAVE WILDE 1,734 20.71%
TONY PRADO 1,467 17.52%
KIMBERLY RIVERS 1,447 17.28%
MARK A. AUSTIN 1,174 14.02%
WRITE-IN 32 0.38%
Total 8,372 100.00%

FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District
20/20 100.00% Votes Counted
WILLIAM L. MORRIS III 1,935 38.60%
THOMAS MCGRATH 1,926 38.42%
ARNULFO ''AC'' CARBAJAL 1,131 22.56%
WRITE-IN 21 0.42%
Total 5,013 100.00%

The highlight of the November 2nd Fillmore Unified School District meeting was the discussion of safety while attending the upcoming 100th football game between Fillmore and Santa Paula.

The Fillmore School Board (FSB) went into a detailed discussion of the preparations needed for the upcoming game. With 3,000 or more expected to attend, safety is a major priority. The Board has had numerous meetings with both the Fillmore and Santa Paula Police/Sheriffs along with each town's Fire Departments to iron out all the safety issues.

Extra bleachers will be set up to accommodate the 2,500 tickets already sold with 140 more on the waiting list and the additional 500 more persons with passes expected to attend. The maximum that can safely attend the game is 3,400 due to the field having only three exits. With an unknown number of attendees who already have passes, the number of tickets sales must be kept well below the maximum.

The gates will be opening at 3:00 pm and close when maximum occupancy is reached.

The Sheriffs Department is providing an extra 15 Officers and donating up to $5,000 worth of Deputy time to help with security.

The two entry gates will be CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 28, at approximately 6:23 p.m., deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Fillmore Shell gas station. When they arrived, they learned a suspect had passed a note demanding money from the cashier and subsequently fled with an undetermined amount of money. No weapon was seen and no one was injured.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man, in his 20’s, approximately 5’5”, 120 lbs., wearing black hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. He fled in a silver or gray four-door car with dark tinting on the rear and rear side passenger windows. The vehicle, driven by another unknown suspect, was last seen traveling westbound on Ventura Street from the gas station. Anyone at or near the gas station around the time of the robbery are asked to contact the Fillmore Police with any information concerning these suspects and their vehicle.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission will consider a possible increase in the cost of VISTA bus fares at its Friday, November 5, 2010 meeting. The proposed fare increase would impact intercity bus service within Ventura County, VISTA’s Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride service, and VISTA’s premium monthly pass.

Fares for VISTA transit services have remained largely unchanged since VISTA began intercity bus service in 1994. Since that time, both annual ridership and annual operating costs have increased significantly. Compounding the situation is actual and forecast reductions in federal and state transit funding.

“Across the past few years, VISTA’s operating costs have increased in large part due to contractor costs,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While a fare increase is the recommended solution (to help offset increased costs), the Commission encourages the public to weigh in on this matter before taking action at its November 5 meeting.”

Persons unable to attend Friday’s Commission meeting (slated for 10 am at Camarillo City Hall) are encouraged to contact VCTC by phone (800) 438-1112 or via email (VISTAcomments@goventura.org).

On the eve of the "Great California Shake-Out" (October 21, 2010) twenty-eight Piru Community Members graduated from Piru's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The graduation was witnessed by a packed, standing room only, audience of family friends and local dignitaries at the regular meeting of the Piru Neighborhood Council. CERT training is offered by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VCFD and FEMA have joined together to assist Piru residents with disaster preparedness education and training. The training is also available in other communities of Ventura County.

In attendance for the graduation were District 3-Supervisor Kathy Long, the current Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Division Chief Keith Gurrola of the Ventura County Fire Department, Captain Tim Hagel of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Tony Prado, Trustee of the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees and Dave Wilde, retired educator and candidate for the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees.

The CERT Graduates were:
Gilbert Rodriquez, Paul Alverdi, Robert Alverdi, Roy Ruiz Jr, Vanessa Castenda, Julio D.
Perez Jr, Sandra Barragan, Hector Sanchez, Victor M. Prado, Becky Pillado, Patti Alonzo Carlos Puga, Robert Montiel, Heladio Hildalgo, Salvador Hernandez, Kevin Keehl, Faith Lugo, Monica Orozco, Tomas Torres, Danielle Banales, Michele Wadsworth, Tim Pillado, Val Pillado, Fredy Galan, Danny Golson, Nicholas Wadsworth, Robert P. Fernandez and Irene Ruiz.

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Scott Lee addressed the city council during Tuesday night’s meeting in regards to the employee’s letter read back on September 28. On Wednesday the City of Fillmore released this memo: “The City of Fillmore is committed to addressing the concerns in the September 28, 2010 and October 26, 2010 letters submitted by employees to the City Council. In response to the letters, the City Attorney’s Office will provide grievance forms to the employees. An independent party will review the grievance forms and report back to the City. The intent of the process is to be fair to all concerned. The City is anticipating a quick resolution to this matter.”
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With over 80 persons in attendance the October 26th Joint Fillmore City Council/Fillmore Public Finance Authority Meeting was standing room only. There was a great deal to cover, but most came about two items, the City Manager and the closing of the Aquatic Center. The meeting began with the Council Members asking City Manager Yvonne Quiring if she wanted a non-biased third party facilitator, which her contract states she has a right to, with Quiring at her evaluation. At first Quiring stated she reserved that right, but later stated the Council should go ahead with her evaluation. This evaluation has become a heated situation due to a Letter of No Confidence in the City Manager presented by the City Staff at September 28 City Council Meeting.

Vic Kamhi, Bus Transit Director for Ventura County Transportation Commission, was first on the agenda and gave a presentation regarding the proposed VISTA fare increase. VISTA was introduced in 1994 and has seen a significant increase in service with annual intercity ridership increasing from 150,000 to 800,000 today resulting in an annual operating costs increase from $400,000 to $2,000,000. These increases along with loss of state transit funding have resulted in the necessary fare increases. The proposed fare increases are projected to be; Base fare $1.25, Senior/Disabled/Medicare $0.60, Adult Monthly Pass $50, Adult Premium Monthly Pass $60. Senior/Disabled/Medicare Premium Monthly Pass $38.

Also affected by proposed increases will be the Haritage (Dial A Ride)DAR-Program which was also introduced in 1994 and has expanded significantly. Annual ridership has increased from 50,000 to 215,000 with annual operating cost increasing from $250,000 to $950,000. The current Monthly Pass which costs $16 will see a proposed increase to $20, cash fares to $1.75 with seniors paying $0.85 and DAR/VISTA Daily Pass to $3.50.

Another change being considered is raising the age for “Senior” eligibility from 62 to 65 years. The Ventura County Transportation Commission with be holding a public hearing on these proposals on November 5, 2010 at 9:00 am at Camarillo City Hall. Contact VISTAcomments@goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112 for more information.

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November 2nd you will be able to vote for TWO City Council candidates

Question #9: The City has a list of “City Goals” - please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.

Patti Walker: I believe the Goals in their present form are vitally important for Fillmore - Economic Development, Engaging Community, and finally, Public Safety.
Our business community needs to know they have our support when making purchases for home, family and friends. They need to know we value their effort and skill by owning and operating a small business.
Hwy. 126 connects Fillmore to travelers between the I-5 and Hwy. 101. We have opportunities to promote and support our downtown center. With 10's of thousands of visitors coming to ride the Fillmore & Western Railroad, we need to foster that relationship, recognize its importance and work to make Fillmore a destination. This Council implemented the Farmer’s Market on the first Friday, pro-rating the business license fees, and connecting businesses to EDC-VC.
Second, what occurs at City Hall is your business. I have received comments from citizens and business owners who what assurance their concerns are being received and acted upon. I have worked to do just that. The City website now posts agendas and staff reports allowing the opportunity to be informed on issues and matters the City is addressing.
Finally, fire and police services affect everyone. I have received comments of the gang influence and how we are responding. Crime is down in Fillmore. Under the leadership of Chief Landeros the Fillmore Fire Department had the first graduating class of volunteer firefighters. The City continues with the CERT training program and the 2010/2011 budget continues to support both police and fire services.

David Lugo: #1 Incentives for local businesses, we need to give them first shot at all bids in their realm of work before we send it to outside companies plain and simple.
#2 Incentives for small businesses, we must work with all small businesses to make it a smooth transition to start a business here in Fillmore we need someone in the city to walk them through the process to make it that much easier.
#3 We want to hear from the public and we intend to respond quickly, we must take the time and listen to the community after all we work for them and they voted for you in, we can not ignore their concerns. Wether the answer is good or bad we must answer them in a timely manner and explain all answers.
I would like to thank the Fillmore Gazette for giving me the oppurtunity to take part in these questions they were great questions. I would also like to thank you for your endorsement. To the City of Fillmore thank you for your support it means alot to me. On Nov 2 vote David Lugo for city council. 'Your Voice'

Adrian Grimaldo: List of City Goals: (1) Vote YES on Prop 19 and take the edge off our economy. The tax dollars generated by this cash cow can lower consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and generate the needed funds to upgrade our schools. Big corporations are afraid of this and will do anything to keep it from passing. Only through your vote for wise economic development can we create the time and money needed to spend on Public Safety and community involvement. By voting yes on Prop 19 now, we are enabling a revolution.
We are finally putting an end to all the prosecution and countless years of propaganda. The final days are counting down and it looks as if California will legalize it to create a means of paying off debt.
(2) Today’s job market has never been tougher. Adding an incentive for local business to acquire bids from our local city municipality is a MUST.
We need to create workshops so local small businesses can acquire the know how to apply for pre-proposal meetings and further understand why they were not given the work. Job creation is key to supporting our community.
(3) Grants design a way to improve. With the pressing economic times we have to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity. By having an effective grant writing team we can offer a foundation of success to each small business and new entrants. Everyone should apply for and win a grant. Make it a goal and never give up.

Brian Sipes: When I attended the City Council's Goal Setting Workshops, I made suggestions as a private citizen and businessman. A few of my suggestions were incorporated into the goals. I concur with the top three goals that were chosen by the City Council on March 16, 2010.
Economic Development: To help Fillmore remain solvent, sustainable economic development is necessary. The City Council and taxpayers have financially supported the proposed business park above and beyond the call of duty. If it is economically viable, the business park will create jobs.
If elected, I would pursue stream lining the business license process so City Hall is a bona-fide, business friendly community. Economic sustainability is collaborating with our current small businesses so they remain strong. Our small businesses, most notably our downtown merchants, are the backbone of our community. My commitment to them is to develop a cohesive partnership so businesses are creative and our downtown remains intact.
Engaging Our Community: Part of my vision for Fillmore, is an annual Town Hall Forum. This would allow the community to interact with their elected officials and City staff in a friendlier, less formal environment.
Public Safety: I am committed to a safe community. We are extremely fortunate as a City to have proactive Police Department and a partially volunteer Fire Department. My commitment is to provide support to our departments so they are well equipped to protect our community.

Alex Mollkoy: The city has a list of ‘City Goals’ – Please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there.
Answer:
1.) Public Safety
3d.) Adopt a budget with public safety funding.
2.) Engaging the community
2a.) We want to hear from the public, and we intend to respond quickly.
3.) Economic Development
1a.) Spruce up Highway 126 & Central Ave.
Foremost, we must have a sound budget with public safety funding, because it is our duty to remain fiscally sound and every citizen is entitled to feel safe in their community. Engaging the community and hearing from the public is vital, for without this aspect we have nothing. Once we have accomplished these first two goals we will be ready to tackle the big one Economic Development. I chose 1a.) Sprucing up the entrance to our historic downtown, because the completion of the business park was not on the list. I do believe that first impressions are very important and I strongly believe that this entrance to our downtown must change before anyone will see Fillmore as a vibrant community. Let’s get going and stop all the bickering. Fillmore can be a Great Town again!