On the day the US bombed the moon Pres. Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. To qoute one of his White House Aides "Is it April 1st"?

Last night the Fillmore Flashes began its 2009 home game stand. Flashes hosted Carpenteria Warriors. What a great game it was. With the score tied 21 - 21 with 9:10 remaining in the game Fillmore Defense came up with a massive goal line stand which turned the ball over on downs. Fillmore took control from their own 2 yard line and began to march downfield. 19 plays later the Flashes, on a QB Sneak, crossed the plain and entered into the Blue & White for what ended up being the game winning touchdown.
Got to give credit to the Flashes running backs, Golson, Paz & Golson for their hard work. I've watched these players since they were 8 years old and they continue to impress. What they lack in size they make up for in speed, agility and determination.
Come on out and watch the Flashes next Friday night. Kickoff time for the JV game is 4:30 and 7:30 for Varsity.

The pressbox was recently repaired. Credit for funding the repairs goes to ASB for funding the work. Thanks for giving back ASB.

Go Flashes!

Steve Conaway

http://www.terragalleria.com/
Photography of Quang-Tuan Luong

I was behind one of the W's the other day at the grocery store and overheard a conversation .......the one lady was commenting about the possibility of a pandemic this winter and "W" wanted to know if that meant she had to sterilize her pans! Ummmmmmmm, guess which "W" it was?

I just wanted to add that while watching the council the other night on channel 10, when the vote came up to buy the program for Clay "W", I am sure I heard Brooks arm snap it shot up so fast to vote for this for his ole buddy and supporter. No questions asked by Brooks other than "would you like to have this Clay?"........well if you want it, its yours!! At least a couple of other council members paused and asked a couple of questions but not our Jamie! Stand by your friends and to heck with everyone else.

1,500 Fillmore homeowners must buy flood insurance, officials say?

~RIP~ Fire Capt. Tedmund Hall, and Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones~God Bless these two firefighter's families, comfort them during this time~we are tragically reminded of the sacrifices our firefighters and their families make daily to keep us safe~

Hello All,
I just watched part of the televised council meeting and probably missed the question I am going to ask...........does the new city manager have a probationary period? Also, another comment I want to make it that it is becoming too obvious that Jamie Brooks disagrees with anything that comes out of Conway's mouth. Now I honestly have had a "wait and see" attitude about the council (who are no longer new) I had agreed and disagreed in private with these folks. I can see good and bad, but I am beginning to see something that leaves a bad taste in my mouth!! If Brooks has an issue with Conway or visa versa, these guys should find another way to settle it. May I suggest an arm wrestling match at the city park or something like that? All of this hostility doesn't get by the average person and it is irritating, to say the least. Someone has to step up and be the hero here and stop all the nonsense. Neither of you are going to win in most people's book. Brook's always thinks he wins (by default) because he has the others to back him up. Not a real true win Jamie! Go one on one in some sort of debate, or arm wrestling match and lets see your true abilities. Quit depending on the "girls" so much!! Hernandez is on the cusp here and I wonder why? I had hoped she would be an independent thinker but it seems that belonging to the majority is easier than having to stand up to the majority with an opinion other than theirs. Now where is the fun in that? Is that what you signed on for? Get back to the old Laurie!!
Ok, that's it. I welcome all comments and opinions, like I said before I am not for, or against anyone. Just my two cents!!

Due to recent activities that have come to light regarding my time with the City of Fillmore and this very website, it appears that some of my posts are being used against me in a legal sense. I have been harassed by several of my former coworkers, and while I have made every effort to give them any and all information they have requested, it still seems they are intent on bringing law enforcement into this issue. I have even been told it could lead to a Search Warrant against my place of residence.

In light of these facts, I am taking a brief break from the Gazette website until this matter is cleared up. My posts are being used against me (almost in a sense of evidence contrary to my previous statements), and I feel the best offense is a good defense in this manner.

It's unfortunate that the City of Fillmore has had to stoop to these levels to harass myself and my family (including my 4 year old son). I have had nothing but the utmost respect for the City while I worked for them, but if this is the direction some within the City are taking, I'm glad to be distancing myself from those individuals.

I hope to return to the Gazette website soon, and to be able to update you on the full story regarding this issue. As it stands now, I think the less I say, the better I'll be.

After taking over the REALITIES column, I decided it would be better to create a separate item here, so not to take up all the space there.

I'll be sending over my thoughts from inside the Council Chambers, especially for those who are not able to attend or view the meeting via television or online.

First, the passage of Larry Pennell's additional 100 hours was quite shocking. Of course, only Steve Conaway was the lone voice questioning the need for these additional hours. I know from first-hand knowledge that they had planned on having a permanent City Manager in place by this August 25th meeting. Reasons that would probably include the ability to not come to any sort of agreement on a candidate would not be surprising. Not everyone in this room is qualified to make such decisions.

It's unfortunate, however, with all 5 councilmembers voting in favor of the 100 additional hours that no further questions would be raised regarding this issue.

Much has been advertised and mentioned concerning the newest government-sponsored and funded rebate idea, now that the US government has nearly purchased the American auto industry. I've seen where this rebate system has caused the manufacturer's to eliminate some of the oversupply glut of new vehicles awaiting transport from manufacturer's parking lots and dealerships for the past 8 months or more, frees-up sales efforts, retains employment at dealerships (for the most part), creates a cheap and available need to acquire used steel, etc, to recycle into new vehicles and products, and also caused the window stickers to be 'bumped-up' enough to offset any rebate going back to the customer in a despicable attempt to lower the National Auto Dealer's Association;s (NADA) blue book trade-in allowances for vehicles which meet 'criteria', and other hidden dealership allowances. The emphasis is on pollution; but these very vehicles will certainly need trade-in later on, when they, themselves, create active pollution. The only probable savings will be in the gas mileage. What's behind this? Are there more underlying efforts by the Feds' 'Cash for Clunkers' program than meets the average, not-inquiring eye?

The City of Fillmore will continue to host the annual 4th of July Fireworks show. The aerial show will be shot off from the Middle School. The number count of fireworks has increased from last year so the show should be really nice. The Car Show is being promoted by Fillmore and Western Railroad and will take place along the recently finished Central Ave. All in all it should be a fantastic day if Fillmore. Come on out and celebrate the birth of our Nation!

Steve Conaway

You are sooooooooo correct Fillmore Native!!!! Our beloved pet is at home, safe and in her heated turtle house. Fillmore is so awesome! Everyone we have spoken to was so helpful, one person would report this and than another something else. This blog is awesome...because that is how we got her back.

My family's heart felt thanks go out to Max & Alma for picking our girl up out of the street and caring for her until her return last evening. You guys are the best!

I am just overwhelmed with love for our community and those who live here. I know if someone lost a child, something really important, this town, Fillmore, would rally and be there to help in a minute.

Thank you Fillmore, God Bless and wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July!!!

Looking for some help from our friends on Guiberson Road. We have lost our beloved family pet of many many years. He is a very special tortoise, his shell looks a bit different as it has more square type raised areas on it. He has been passed down for many generations. During some yard work over the weekend he got out. He has been sited by a young woman on Sunday going east on Guiberson road around 11:00am and then crossed over into the row crop areas and possibly the river bed area. If you see him please give us a call, he is very large so pretty easy to spot. We would be happy to give a reward for your help in finding him.

Our address is 202 Guiberson. Call 805-279-7780

Thank you.

With Fillmore starting to feel like summer it's time to go for swim! Look to Channel 10 for more information regarding the hours of opeation for general recreation swimming. Buzz around town is the pool will be open next week.
More information will be posted by the city regarding testing of swimmers, admission cost and hours of operation.

Thank you for your patience and support. Time to cool off and go for swim.

Steve Conaway

It's been overcast for 2 weeks! Is this global warming or just all the crap and hot air emanating from Jamie Brooks at City Hall hovering over our city?

Congratulation to the Class of 2009. Enjoy graduation and Grad Night Live. Good luck to you all as you begin the next phase of your life.

Steve Conaway

Thank you Fillmore Middle School Staff... Our son had a wonderful year! The Staff that I have met have been incredible! I really want to thank Mary and Luann in the Office, Principal Todd, Mr. Fischer, Mrs. DuBois. Mrs. Beal, Mrs. Cone, Mr. Macdonald. And oh yes Mrs. Godfrey For without her I think there would have been more children late for school and probably a child accidently hit by a car in the mornings. This was our first year in this school system and you all made it wonderful and safe. Our son is going off to high school next year and now our daughter will be starting at your school. I hope you all have a Safe, Relaxing, and Fun Filled Summer. I probably sound silly when I say this but its how I feel so here I go... FILLMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL ROCKS!!!! Take Care :)

There's a restaurant at the corner of Hwy 23 and West Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, called Grinders. I've driven by it a hundred times but not being a "grinder" sandwich fan, I never gave it a try. And I have to say, though well-kept, the exterior presents itself on the bland side, giving no indication to what awaits inside. But over the weekend my sis-in-law asked me if I had ever tried it. She said it had great food, pretty good sweet & sour cabbage soup (though not as good as her Grandma Sarah’s recipe), and the best rye bread she's ever had. That peaked my culinary curiosity. There are two people I listen to about food; my sis-in-law and my daughter-in-law. Both are accomplished "chefs". I hate to cook. Then I asked my son, who works in Moorpark, if he had ever eaten there. He got a horrible look on his face and said "Yes, for breakfast but it's just like a (insert lousy restaurant name)," and wished me luck if I decided to try it, which I did. First let me say he had not eaten there in over 3 years. It has since been purchased by a very nice gentleman, Francisco. The first shock comes as you walk in the front door. I was expecting a Denny's-like decor but it had a more upscale feel, with a really nice bakery counter waiting to suck dollars out of you purse/pocket and attach to your hips. There is a 22-page menu. Twenty-two pages. Go ready to read. The menu was reminiscent of Roxie's Deli in TO, which I told the waitress, Nicole. That's when she told my husband and me Francisco worked at Roxie's for 15 years, 10 as manager, which explained a lot. Francisco came over and we talked for a while. I told him he should change the name to Manny's Deli, "Grinders" does not do the place justice. I had the Skyhigh Pastrami (a Rueben with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut) and the rye bread was very good. But it was missing a pickle which I didn't think of until later so I guess I didn't miss it that much. The menu had wine, deli, Mexican, Italian, Steak, desserts, pretty much you-name-it. I love a good deli sandwich (and omelet) and will be returning to Grinder's (until he changes the name). Wanda

I'd like to hear your opinion and review of May Festival. What did you like, what suggestions would you offer up, etc.

Steve Conaway

Anyone excited about this recent unveiling of Ida?