Proposition 64, which has permitted the recreational use of marijuana throughout California, presents many new
practical problems for Ventura County cities. Fillmore was the only city to reject Proposition 64, voting it down by 52 percent. The passage of Proposition 64 permits anyone age 21and older to possess, transport, buy and use up to an ounce of marijuana for recreation.

Those using marijuana may also grow as many as six plants. A tax of 15 percent is imposed on retail sales. On January 1, 2018, the state will begin licensing businesses for the sale of non-medical marijuana. The Fillmore City Council passed an emergency ordinance in October requiring growers to purchase a permit and abide by other regulations, which include a plan to control odors.

The passage of Prop. 64 raises many serious concerns about health and safety. Residents of other states which have
legalized recreational marijuana strongly urge other states to avoid their decision. Many cities in Colorado warn of driving violations, crime, violence, and detrimental influence of those under 21-years of age. Virtually all California law enforcement groups opposed Prop. 64.

[Editors Opinion: The Gazette believes the approval of Proposition 64 will prove to have a horrendous negative effect upon our school children and upon the health and safety of our citizenry, young and old. These effects will prove to be uncontrollable.]

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., after 32 years, is closing its doors as of January 1, 2017. You have supported us
through the many years and ups and downs we want you to know how much that support has been valued. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you all to keep Fillmore seniors active, mentally and physically.

We are thankful for our wonderful teachers, who gave their time and experience to bring such great programs to the
seniors of Fillmore and the surrounding areas. Thank you to the past and current board members who worked tirelessly to keep FSCI whole and functioning. To the volunteers who gave of themselves to make our gathering space a home. And to our employee, Beverly, who welcomed all through the door.

From the entire FSCI board, we are proud to have been a part of your lives and grateful to you for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Patti Walker

Concise Council Meeting Gives Way to Heartfelt Holiday spirit

City council reconvened late Tuesday, November 16th for a very brief affair, amongst the shortest mayor Diane McCall said to have recalled. Following roll call and approval of the agenda, Richard Torres was called upon for public comments. Mr. Torres explained to the council how he had been raised in Fillmore, but has just recently returned after being away from Fillmore for over 20 years. He went on to clarify that he came on behalf of his sister and brother, whom are longtime residents of Fillmore that have expressed to him concerns for the current proceedings surrounding Fillmore’s water and sewage protocols.

The only order of new business on the agenda was the review draft 2015 urban water management plan update. Such is not to be understated in any sense. The representative speaking on behalf of the water purveyor explained how if there are more than 3000 connections to the city’s water system, there must be a current adopted urban water management plan update in agreement with the state of California. Non-compliance does not mean outright fines or penalties, as elaborated, but rather a loss of eligibility on Fillmore’s behalf for state funding on water projects. The plan will be made available for viewing on the city website and hard copies are to be found in the city clerk’s office. Residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback before it is finalized. Being in the best interest of the city to update said plan, a motion was easily passed to set a public hearing date regarding the matter on December 13th. Water availability is, has been, and will continue to press and act as an imperative to Fillmore’s communal development. Acceding to the state of California and our local United Water Conservation District’s disposition regarding water management will allow for them as well as us to continue to fare well and keep billing rates low.

Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie then followed up with a reminder about the next parks and recreation commission meeting, which will primarily focus on the ongoing discussion surrounding a possible dog park. The meeting will take place Monday, November 21st at 6:15p.m. at city hall.

Mayor Diane McCall proceeded to bring to our attention the Christmas tree lighting which is to take place December 3rd at 6:00pm in front of city hall. Councilman Manuel Minjares then thanked the staff of the Fillmore youth basketball league, whom are in search of coaches for 3rd and 4th grade boys’ team. Both male and female coaches are very much encouraged to apply. The annual sheriff’s toy drive is also underway, with drop off points at every sheriff’s station in Ventura County. Their toy drive has collaborated with the Fillmore toy giveaway, which the Fillmore fire department sponsors. Donations in the form of unwrapped toys or donations are much obliged. Your local fire station will also gladly accept donations as stated. With that, the meeting was adjourned and so in the spirit of thanksgiving and togetherness.

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned holiday travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites when traveling to areas with known transmission of Zika virus, including Latin America.

Many areas of Mexico are now experiencing transmission of the Zika virus, particularly popular tourist destinations, including Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, and Mazatlan. The states of Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located, and Sonora, which borders Arizona, have recently reported local Zika virus transmission. While the state of Baja California bordering California has not reported local Zika virus transmission, the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are present along the border. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers any travel to Mexico to be a potential risk for Zika virus infection.

“Pregnant women and couples contemplating pregnancy need to be particularly cautious because of the severe defects that can be caused to a fetus by the Zika virus,” said Dr. Smith. “Both state and federal public health officials urge pregnant women not to travel to areas with known Zika transmission.”

Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites and can also be transmitted by both men and women during sex. All individuals, particularly women of childbearing age, should take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites while traveling and when they return home. Sexually active adults who travel to areas with Zika transmission should use condoms or other barriers to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex. Couples planning pregnancy when either partner has been exposed to Zika virus should speak with a health care provider about a safe time to try to get pregnant. Men should wait six months to conceive after Zika exposure. Women who have been exposed should wait a minimum of eight weeks before becoming pregnant.

“The mosquitoes that can carry and infect people with Zika live in many areas of California,” said Dr. Smith. “If one of these mosquitoes bites an infected person, it can spread the virus by biting another person. That is why we ask people traveling to Mexico, or any other place where Zika exists, to take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after a trip, even if you don’t feel sick.”

While there has been no local transmission of Zika virus in California to date, CDPH has confirmed 362 cases of travel-associated infections in the state.

To prevent mosquito bites, apply repellents containing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Individuals should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors. Be sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Most people who are infected with Zika do not experience any symptoms. However, symptoms of infection can include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika other than rest, fluids and fever relief.

More information about Zika can be found in the November 2016 CDPH Health and Travel Advisory, and on the CDPH and CDC websites. In addition, the Mexico Ministry of Health website contains more Zika-related information.
www.cdph.ca.gov

The Proposition 64, permitting recreational use of marijuana in California, has passed and the City of Fillmore's Measure I approving the taxing of the sale of marijuana at a rate of up to 15 percent has also passed. Measure H, that would tax commercial cultivation operations at up to $30 a square foot for the first 3,000 square feet and up to $15 a square foot beyond that.

State law requires voters to approve the maximum level of any new city taxes. The Council can set the rate lower at a later time if it chooses.

The new legislation would allow people 21 or older to possess, transport and use up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes and would allow them to grow as many as six plants.

This new revenue would be used to cover costs for expenses related to public safety, code compliance, drug education and mental health programs, according to city authorities.

Growing marijuana in the city will be regulated by an emergency ordinance passed by the City Council in October. The ordinance bans the cultivation of more than six plants in any one household. Outdoor growth operations are banned and indoor operations must be inspected by city officials and requires a permit. Growing without a permit will be a misdemeanor.

The SOAR proposal to extend the SOAR measure A to 2050 appears to be winning.

Measure G, placed by the City Council to extend the deadline to 2030 seems to be winning.

The three open City Council seats will be filled by the only three candidates running for office. Councilman Manuel Minjares, seeking re-election, had a majority of votes at 38 percent (1,957). Mark Austin, City Planning Commissioner, came in second, with 1,640 votes, and Tim Holmgren, also City Planning Commissioner, finished with 1,405 votes. There were 93 write-in votes.

Olivia Carrera-Lopez, running unopposed, has won City Clerk's position, and Shannon Godfrey running unopposed, has won 97 percent of the vote. Three percent of the vote went to a write-in candidate.

Thanks to the dogged efforts of Raymond S Brown Sr., Fillmore will soon have a traffic light on Highway 126 and Mountain View.

On Monday of this week the construction of the new light will begin with a survey team plotting the location. The Gazette will follow this story until construction is completed because it is an urgently needed safety feature. Many children cross fast-moving streams of traffic to and from school each day near Mountain View.

Mr. Brown is the true hero of this story. In a determined, single-handed effort, begun March of 2012, Brown has preached and prodded city and state organizations to take action. He worked closely with Caltrans and spoke-out at several city council meetings prompting action on the project, for four years and eight months.

The city owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Brown for his support for this life-saving project.

A 33-year-old Camarillo man was found by Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team following a 26-hour hike into Los Padres National Forest. The man set off from Dough Flat and planned to bike east to Piru. The experienced set off on a mountain bike thinking that the trail would be more open than it was. He had few supplies except for water and a “space blanket”. When he recognized that his trip would take longer than he anticipated, he hunkered-down through the night. Helicopter attempts to find him after 8 p.m., resumed early the next day with a search-and-rescue volunteers. Rescue crews flew the route that night, using night-vision goggles and, later, infrared technology. Because he was located in a steep canyon there was no heat signature to see. At 2:00 p.m., 26 hours after leaving Dough Flat, above Fillmore, his tire tracks were which led to his rescue.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross of Ventura County is hosting the Second Annual Operation: Ride for the Red cycling event on November 12, 2016, at the Red Cross office located at 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA 93012. The event, which will benefit the local Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Program, begins with the first riders leaving at 6:30 a.m.

This event has received a proclamation from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in support of the ride and its cause. Support has also poured in from local companies who have joined the ride as sponsors including California Resources Corporation, Wells Fargo and Aviara Real Estate in Thousand Oaks among others.

There are four ride routes to choose from which vary in length between 5, 30, 50 and 100 miles, traversing Port Hueneme, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, and Channel Islands Air National Guard Station. All routes will start and end at the Red Cross office. Registration fees start at $50. Participants are asked to fundraise additional money for the cause and will receive a free t-shirt for participating. Anyone who does not wish to ride but would like to donate to the program, can do so online through the event’s Crowdrise page.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Red Cross SAF program which aims to provide humanitarian support to military members, veterans and their families around the clock and around the globe, under a trusted symbol. These support services include 24/7 global emergency communication services and support to military and veteran health care facilities across the country and overseas. The Red Cross helps families cope with deployments and support returning combat veterans as they reintegrate into the community.

Last year the Red Cross provided nearly 36,000 emergency communication services to more than 115,000 military members and their families, distributed more than 136,000 care, comfort and therapy items at military hospitals and medical facilities, and served nearly 23,000 individuals through rehabilitation and morale programs.

The SAF goal for the Central California region is to continue providing exceptional support to our military members and their families while expanding our direct support services to veterans. With increased support from this event, the Red Cross would be able to provide increased comfort and morale items and events, reintegration training and education, as well as improved support and partnership with other Veteran Service Organizations.

Learn more by visiting RedCross.org/OperationRide.

About the American Red Cross Central California Region
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten counties across Central California that is home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

The Share-iff’s Toy Drive has been a tradition in Ventura County for 31 years. Many families do not have the resources to provide their children with a traditional Christmas celebration. Each year, thousands of children experience a Christmas morning with no gifts to open.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office respond to calls throughout the county and encounter families without the means to exchange gifts during the holiday season. Fortunately, some of these families will be the recipients of gifts this holiday season, thanks to volunteers who participate in the Share-iff’s Toy Drive.

The Sheriff’s Office will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 13 and younger. All of the toys will be distributed to children within the cities of Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Fillmore, Ojai, and the unincorporated areas served by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

All of our patrol stations will have boxes where staff members and the public can leave their unwrapped toys Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm between November 01th and December 15th.

On December 17th, members of the Sheriff’s Office will open Santa’s workshop and provide some Christmas magic to those who need it most.

Toy drop off locations:

Camarillo Police Department 3701 Las Posas Road, Camarillo (805) 388-5100

Thousand Oaks Police Department 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 494-8200

Moorpark Police Department - 610 Spring Road, Moorpark (805) 532-2700

Fillmore Police Department - 524 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore (805) 524-2233

Ojai Police Department - 402 S. Ventura Street, Ojai (805) 646-1414

Sheriff's Headquarters - 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura (805) 654-2304

For more information about how you can help, please contact:

Corina Lozano at corina.lozano@ventura.org
Victor Flores at victor.flores@ventura.org
Tim Lohman at tim.lohman@ventura.org
Jennifer Sezzi at jennifer.sezzi@ventura.org

Caltrans is proposing to build four roundabouts on Highway 126 to slow traffic. This plan is opposed by the Fillmore City Council. The Council also hopes that Santa Paula and county transportation agencies will join in this opposition.

By constructing these large traffic circles on the highway between Santa Paula and Fillmore Caltrans believes this measure will slow traffic and reduce the number of fatal accidents.

The council voted against this plan 5-0 and hopes to show that it would slow traffic and interfere with emergency response vehicles. The Council also sees no safety benefit to this construction and worries about the probable need to take farmland as well.

The Fillmore Council has drawn a resolution opposing the project and has asked the City of Santa Paula and the Ventura County Transportation Commission to join in this opposition. Councilman Doug Tucker has called for additional collaborative efforts to stop this plan.

Concerns about the roundabouts safety has become public following the death of Ryan Osler who was riding in a water truck, through a roundabout on Highway 246, when it overturned after hitting a curb. The event occurred near Lompoc.

Councilman Manuel Minjares expressed concern about the construction slowing ambulance traffic to the hospital in Santa Paula or Ventura. In February a Caltrans official told the Council that the roundabouts would probably slow traffic by up to three minutes between Fillmore and Santa Paula.

California has released a new surveillance, prevention and care plan designed to dramatically reduce new HIV infections in the state, with the goal of eventually getting that number to zero. The “Getting to Zero” plan is a blueprint for state and local health departments and community organizations working to achieve a more coordinated statewide response to HIV.

“Thanks to better treatment and prevention options, new testing technology and better access to health care, California has reached a point where we can begin to envision the possibility of zero new HIV infections,” said California Department of Public Health Director State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “In a state as large as ours, it will take an incredible amount of coordination, innovation and work to make this vision a reality. This report lays the foundation for achieving our goals.”

The “Getting to Zero” plan was developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in coordination with local health officials, other state departments, medical and non-medical providers, and HIV community organizations and planning bodies. The report set four goals to be achieved by 2021. The four goals are to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care, reduce disparities in underserved communities and achieve a more coordinated statewide response to the HIV epidemic.

To achieve those goals, the report outlines 15 strategies and 12 key objectives that will be monitored on an annual basis by CDPH’s Office of AIDS. Some of the strategies include improving HIV testing and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization, enhancing availability of HIV care and increasing community collaboration and involvement.

“This comprehensive plan reinforces the state’s ongoing commitment to address the HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Karen Mark, Chief of the Office of AIDS at CDPH. “This commitment includes supporting people living with HIV, reducing the rate of new infections, and recognizing that not all communities have been equally impacted by this epidemic, and making those most at risk a high priority.”

The full Laying a Foundation for Getting to Zero: California’s Integrated HIV Surveillance, Prevention and Care Plan report and Executive Summary are available on CDPH’s website.

www.cdph.ca.gov