Let's have some fun. Who has seen a UFO and what's your story?

JB

I see that the city of Wasco, who has now provided us with a city manager and finance director, needs a city manager of their own. Are you listening Bill? The job description is online, but someone should really tell them "esential" is spelled with two s's. Whoever typed it up probably doesn't make $100 an hour.

JB

Fillmore may oppose bill banning cities from using 'leaseback'
By Mike Harris
Saturday, May 9, 2009

Fillmore might join other California cities in publicly opposing proposed legislation by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Moorpark, that would prohibit cities from using a common financing technique.

Officials say her bill, if enacted into law, would prevent cities from using the “leaseback” method, which Fillmore used to finance its new water recycling plant, now under construction.

The method has been widely used by other cities from Oxnard to Thousand Oaks. Westlake Village is using it this year to finance a city park being developed in partnership with the YMCA.

Fillmore Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels recommends that the City Council, at its meeting Tuesday night, direct the staff to prepare a letter opposing Assembly Bill 1192.

The legislation “seeks to take away cities’ ability to issue most types of lease revenue bonds (or) certificates of participation through the typical ‘lease-leaseback’ structure,” Bartels wrote in a report to the council. The legislation would severely affect a city’s ability to fund construction projects and refinance existing debt, according to Bartels.

Michael More, financial services manager for the city of Oxnard, noted concerns about the impact of the bill in a statement posted on the Web site of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers. The League of California Cities, a statewide organization, opposes the proposed legislation.

Reached for comment, Strickland said that while she will take opposition to her bill into account, the proposed legislation “frankly is a good government, taxpayer protection bill.

“It’s supposed to prevent local elected officials from using creative financing schemes to incur debt and to then force their residents to pay more in taxes and not have them vote on it,” she said.

AB 1192 is still in committee.

The letter that Bartels is proposing to the Fillmore council notes that the city’s new water recycling plant could not have been built without this type of public financing.

“At a time of economic crisis, with over 11 percent unemployment, and when ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure and other public works projects are viewed as critical (for) our recovery, the city of Fillmore finds it difficult to comprehend such a proposal,” the proposed letter states.

Bartels also recommends that the council direct staff to prepare a second letter in which Fillmore would join several other California cities in opposing another proposed bill, AB 155.

The second measure, Bartels said, would require a city that wishes to petition for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection to first seek the approval of the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission.

AB 155 has been introduced by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk.

After watching last Tuesday night's city council meeting I have to ask --- how low can you go? During the public forum section of the meeting Gary Creagle took his alloted 5 minutes to point out what he believes are mistruths and under-dealings in the city, as is his right. What I did not understand was why Mayor Walker would not "allow" councilman Conaway to make comment to his fellow council members after Creagle spoke? He asked her permission and was denied----three times. But she did not simply say NO, she hemmed and hawed and asked if he wanted to ask a question or make a statement. Conaway said statement. Then the mayor said he could not make a legal statement, or something to that effect. Then councilman Brooks felt the need to put his 2-cents in where it wasn't necessary---the mayor was handling it. He mumbled (as usual) something about protocal and "by the book". I think I even heard the work "decorum". Personally I would have loved to hear Mayor Walker at that point turn to him and say "I'm handling this" but she seemed a little taken back that Brooks jumped into her give-and-take with Conaway. Conaway said, Let me get this straight---you are telling me I cannot speak to my fellow councilmembers to clarify what I consider is incorrect information presented by the last speaker. Walker said yes. Conaway said it was a non-legal statement, legalities could be left to counsel (city attorney Ted Schneider). At that point Mr. Schneider explained some errors in Mr. Creagle's statements concerning lawsuits and Livermore. Then Mr. Conaway did something that should put the mayor and Brooks to shame. He left his council seat, filled out a public forum card, and spoke AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN from the mic below. He pointed out the difference in land value due to zoning. That was it. Oh and he slightly scolded his fellow councilmembers for not allowing him to make his comment without the gag order. Then he returned to his seat on the council.

Perhaps Mayor Walker should keep a roll of duct tape under her chair for the next time someone wants to say something she fears will go against the fraternity. Walker and Brooks embarrassed themselves with their attempt to gag a fellow council member to protect Brooks former campaign manager, Mr. Creagle. The cherry on top of this whole sorry display was Mr. Creagle springing up after Conaway had his say on zoning, proclaiming "He called me a liar!" Conaway did not call Mr. Creagle a liar, he simply stated that farm land and commercially zoned land will sell for different prices. The meeting is rerun several times a week at 6 o'clock. Watch the first half hour and decide for yourself. Kudos to Ms. Washburn who once again proved to be a class act when the freshman class got rowdy.

JB

I remember a very strict, no nonsense principal, I wish I'd known this George Madsen. How little we knew about so many of our teachers and principals, and the person behind the job.
~George Madsen~
George Madsen passed away March 21, 2009 at his home in Fremont, CA. George was born in Sacramento, CA and attended the University of California, Davis, where he received his degree and his teaching credential. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and was stationed in San Antonio and Reno. He married Esther Bowman in August, 1942, as a result of correspondence to a soldier as encouraged by her pastor. George insisted their marriage was God's will, and it proved to be true for 66 plus years.
They raised three children, Nick, Karen and Linda, in Fillmore where they lived for 25 years. During this time, George was the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Fillmore High, and later became Director of Curriculum and finally principal in 1967 and retiring in 1974.
George taught many students in his agriculture classes, and many went on to become successful in the areas of agriculture and law enforcement. While teaching, George recieved his Masters in Education a USC in the mid 50's.
After retiring, George and Esther became volunteers with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mitla, Mexico, later in Texas, and then in Idyllwild, CA at the orientation for new missionaries. Friendships were made which led to George's correspondence with 80 missionaries around the world. E-mail simplified his efforts tremendously, and everyone will miss his weekly and monthly letters.
After leaving Fillmore, George and Esther set up their retirement home at Dillon Beach, CA., in the house he remodeled that was his boyhood family vacation home. He loved going poke pole fishing and teaching others the skill of fishing under the rocks; he also loved digging clams which his family enjoyed in the form of clam chowder. Another tradition of George's was making applesauce from locally grown Gravenstein apples. A family tradition that is still carried on by his granddaughters. When poor health came upon the scene, their children encouraged them to move to Fremont so they would be closer to their children and to doctors.
George's love of travel took him and Esther to all 50 states and five continents; many of those states were visited during camping trips with their children each summer. George had a personal relationship with the Lord since a young boy. Living with missionaries in southern Mexico gave him the heart for missions and the importance of people having the Bible in their own tongue.
A funeral service was held Saturday, March 27 in Fremont.
Rest in Peace Mr. Madsen.

Is this some new philosophy of or code name for intolerance?

So much is being wound around Fillmore Politics, revisited in nearly every comment, maybe it would be interesting if some of the bloggers will want to get into this one for a change. I have a satellite system, and receive US programming, and other worldwide broadcasting outlets. Although we, as a family, do not watch television much, calculating it to be about 2 hours a day at best, on rainy days like today, we can lay back and watch TV for 6 hours or more; although we are outdoor folks. My favorite programs usually are comprised of the History Channel, CI (Crime and Investigation), National Geographic, CNN and BBC News, Sci-Fi Chananel, Biography Channel, TCM (Turner Classical Movies) and other broadcast movie channels. Wife also watches most of what I watch, but prefers movies. Son watches cartoons coming out of Japan, and local Philippine events, performer shows and local Manila stations. We hate game-shows...they make us nervous for some reason! Maybe too much hype. I was told yesterday that you can sometimes tell what kind of personality people are by what kind of TV programming they watch; usually by their professions or personal interests. So, does anyone want to take a try at this? JK

I am wondering if anyone has heard anything concrete about GM employees losing their retirement? If GM does go into bankrupcy, are the retired employees protected? There are a number of GM employees who are returning to Fillmore, after retirement, from when they were re-located to Texas, Tennessee and Indiana. I just read the latest on Obama's decisions, on the Car-makers bail-outs, and the info they give is vague, and hasnt ever addressed the retirements, just the unions and upper management and auto-workers. Are they in danger of losing their entire retirement, if GM goes under? Just wondering if anyone has heard anything specific, or knows what has happened in similar situations. If a large company folds, how have they handled their retirement owed to there employees, what legal obligations do they have to pay? So many from Fillmore worked at GM--this cant be good.

I’ve been hit several times by supporters of “RENT CONTROL FOR EL DORADO” in front of Von’s and Super A. I’m wondering, with the city facing the significant cost of implementing “Measure I”, what other costs the taxpayers will suffer if the rent control initiative issue makes the ballot. I recall this issue was raised a few years ago and the park owner threatened to go condo if "rent control" was pursued.

What do you think the outcome will be?

Steve, was wondering if you feel the council has any chance of coming together in the future, and maybe mend some of the fences that have been torn down? What is your feeling on the direction the coucil is going in, any chance they'll get back on track, or are you pessimistic about that? just curious! God Bless you for all you do for the community

Does anybody know where the clean up fillmore location site is?

All I can find is that it is located near Ameron Pole Products but I don't know where that is.

Thanks

Thanks to Kevin McSweeney for his patience and knowledge. Barbara Smith (hope you are feeling better) seems to have a real base of knowledge also. But I did wonder why council asked her directional questions. She seemed to be making some decisions for them, beyond finance information. I'll have to watch the rerun to be more specific. I think they should sit Steve Conaway and Jamey Brooks next to each other--it will bring up the ratings! Laurie Hernandez reminded me of that movie where the mother and 13 year old daughter exchange bodies. She needs to reel it in. Loved Cecelia Cuevas, part one and two. They need a split screen so people at home can watch the audience yell at each other. Again, higher ratings! The only other suggestion I can offer to improve the meetings is an open bar.

JB

So...exactly where IS Centurion? Inquiring minds wanna know...vacation? On strike? Tired of the silly stuff? The boomerang misfired?

Does anyone know where the buried time capsule is? Was it reported in the Herald or the Gazette?

JB

THE SKY IS FALLING?

SOAR Will Be Costly, City Manager Says (LA times)
By Traci Isaacs
June 13, 2000
Residents will pay more for city services if a slow-growth initiative passes, according to a study conducted by City Manager Roy Payne.
The study also predicted that if voters approve the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources initiative in November, less money will be available for police and fire protection in Fillmore.
Although Payne said the report reflects the difficulty of improving the city's bottom line without growth, initiative supporters said the report is desperate election-season politics.
"This is totally alarmist," said slow-growth leader Paul Harding. "They [City Council members] are fearful the people of Fillmore will be involved in the decision-making process regarding development because they know we have a whole different vision of growth."
The measure's emphasis on affordable housing will mean less sales tax money for fire and police protection, according to Payne's memo. It would wipe out 2,500 potential jobs from a planned industrial center, transfer $2.1 million in debt to residents and wash away $500,000 in yearly revenue expected from a proposed housing development on the Santa Clara River, Payne wrote.
"These aren't scare tactics; they are facts," Payne said of the report, which will be presented to the City Council at tonight's meeting.

Fillmore the Last to Join SOAR Fight (LA times)
By Fred Alvarez
January 27, 2002
Forging the final link in a countywide chain of growth-control measures, Fillmore officials have adopted restrictions that shield hundreds of acres of farmland and open space surrounding the city from urban development.
The new law, approved this month by the Fillmore City Council, prevents the city from growing beyond designated borders without voter approval until 2020.
The small Santa Clara Valley farm town became the eighth of Ventura County's 10 cities--plus the county at large--to adopt the slow-growth measure known as Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources or SOAR.

My question-----did Payne's prediction come true?

I guess there was a huge flood here at the storage spot. Did anyone else have stuff ruined like me????

I just thought it was worth reporting that Fillmore High School Sr. Nathan Ibbara broke the County RBI record this past Saturday. Nathan hit 2 grand slams, had a triple and a double to bring in 11 runs for the Fillmore Flashes Varsity team. The prior record was set by major leaguer, Mike Lieberthal from Westlake set in 1990 with 10 RBI's. What an accomplishment. Way to go Nathan Congratulations. The Flashes are currently 3 and 3.

Does anyone know the current status of the illegal dumping that has been taking place for two years on and around Guiberson Road? The last comments I saw were a little while back when a fire broke out on the river and some posts were eluding to the mulch, aka trash that appears to look like mulch, catching on fire.

There was an article in the Fillmore Gazette, November 2007, with a map showing the location, and it was regading fines given out to a waste managament company for illegal dumping and not following procedure to optain permits prior to the dumpimg. This company claimed to be restoring the land...with glass, styrofoam, plasic and who knows what else is in this junk called "mulch" being hauled in from LA.

What I want to know is, have the necessary permits been optained? Or has everyone forgot or turned their backs to that same canyon area being filled to the brim with the supposed mulch on a continuing basis. I walk in the hills above this canyon and can barely believe that this is being allowed to continue. What is going to happen when we get another rain that takes all that trash to the river?

I have also walked the orchards within this same area and found beneath the "mulch" plastic oil bottles, bleach bottles and tons of other trash.

I am angry about this beautiful area being turned into a dump and endless trucks on this road arriving with more trash on a daily basis. Why would we let this happen to what was once upon a time known as... one the most scenic byways by Sunset Magagzine.

Fillmore officials please go out there and take a good look.

>:( >:(

I heard $300,000. Is that true? What does the city get in return? Will it be repaid? Or is this all just erroneous rumor?

Congratulations Lady Flashes!
That was an AWESOME game Saturday night! The article in the Daily News says it all!!!"Chaminade girls' basketball can't quite measure up" - By Jon Gold, Special to the Daily News.

For those of you who havent read the article you must! You girls played tuff, played hard, and didnt give up!

Good luck on Wednesday, I'll be there cheering you on!