The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will accept written comments from the public until March 4 concerning a proposed safety enhancement project on State Route 126 in Ventura County.

Caltrans is formally initiating studies for the project to enhance safety along the highway corridor and reduce the potential for conflicting traffic movements.

The project is located on Highway 126 between Hallock Drive in the city of Santa Paula and E Street in the city of Fillmore. Highway 126 provides an east-west connection between US Highway 101 in Ventura County and Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. The project length is approximately 7 miles.

Caltrans is considering options that include a concrete median barrier or a raised median island with visual markers. Possible features include roundabouts, wider road curves, an acceleration/deceleration lane at railroad crossings, retaining walls and improved highway access including driveways at various locations.

Caltrans is soliciting written comments from public agencies, private entities and interested individuals regarding any potential social, economic, community, traffic, safety and environmental issues related to this project.

Information about the project and the environmental process is available online at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/travel/projects/126/

Caltrans held two public scoping meetings on the proposed project and the environmental process on Jan. 27 in Fillmore and Feb. 3 in Santa Paula. Both meetings were attended by members of the public, elected officials and agency representatives.

Caltrans is interested in hearing the point of view of all parties interested in the project, to ensure that all relevant factors are considered.

Comments, suggestions and inquiries can be submitted (postmarked by March 4) to Tami Podesta, Branch Chief; California Department of Transportation; Division of Environmental Planning (SR-126 Safety Enhancement Project); 100 South Main St., Suite 100, MS 16A; Los Angeles CA 90012.

After reading last week's Fillmore Gazette about a recent theft of softball equipment at Shiells Park a Local Rancher stepped up to the plate and donated $2000 to be used to replace the stolen softball equipment.

Donations like this greatly lift some of the heavy financial burden youth organizations struggle with each year; especially when they get unwanted surprises like the recent theft. The cost to equip and to run the leagues increase each year and much of the increase is passed on to the participants and their families. The generosity of this local rancher will not only help to replace all of the equipment that was stolen but it will allow the organization to purchase additional equipment for the kids. Sports is a sanctuary for many kids who have nothing else to do. Participation is important for the growth and development of young people. They learn teamwork, discipline, self-control, self-respect, and it teaches them how to interact with others and understand that their actions affect others around them. All of these are important in the development of young minds and bodies. The Fillmore Youth Softball program would like to thank the Local Ranch for their very generous donation.

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients by giving blood this February.

During the winter months, inclement winter weather and seasonal illnesses can keep regular donors from giving blood. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in their own communities as well as areas where donors were unable to give due to severe winter weather. Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.

Donor Loretta Brandon knows how important it is to have a readily available blood supply. Her late husband required transfusions from generous strangers multiple times for health conditions. She gives blood as often as she can. “Every time I give blood, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all I have and for the fact that I can share with others,” she said.

Make an appointment to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:
Oak Park
2/23/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oak Park High School, 899 North Kanan Road

Oxnard
2/24/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Rio Mesa High School, 545 Central Ave

Simi Valley
2/20/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
2/16/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road
2/17/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/22/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/24/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
2/16/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce would like to call for Nominations for the 2015 Citizen of The Year and Lifetime Achievement Citizen of The Year. Nominations may be as simple as a few paragraphs stating the reason you feel the individual should be selected as Citizen of the year and any community involvement and or accomplishments. The individual must be a resident of the City of Fillmore. The Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2016. Please email to fillmorechamberc@gmail.com or mail directly to Fillmore Chamber of Commerce P.O. BOX 815 Fillmore, Ca. 93016 or fax to (805)524-2555.

Suspect 1 - Hispanic Male, balding black hair, 5’5” - 5’8”, 180 - 200 lbs Late 40's
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Suspect 2 - Hispanic Female, shoulder length brown hair, 5’2” - 5’5”, 130 – 150 lbs 40's
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On July 3, 2015, a female victim and her family were having dinner at El Pescador Restaurant in the city of Fillmore. The victim hung her purse on the back rest of her chair and enjoyed her meal. After eating, the victim realized her purse was stolen.

Surveillance footage captured the below pictured subjects entering the restaurant. The female enters the restaurant with her cellphone to her ear and pretends to look for her party. The male subject enters shortly thereafter and walks by the victim. The male grabs the purse and covers it with his black jacket. The male immediately walks out of the restaurant, and the female follows a few seconds later.

Both subjects get into a silver or gray early 2000’s Acura MDX, driven by a third subject, and flee the area, west on Highway 126.

The same male subject stole a purse from a female victim shopping at Smart & Final, in the city of Camarillo. The victim placed her purse in the shopping cart. The victim became distracted and, when she returned to her cart, her purse was gone.

Surveillance footage captured the same male subject using his jacket to cover the victim’s purse as he took it from the cart and walked out of the store. In this case, the suspect was seen working with another unknown male subject who also entered the store and appeared to be the primary subject’s “look out.” Both suspects got into the same vehicle described in the Fillmore incident.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and/or identifying the suspects pictured below. If anyone has information or if you have been victimized, you are encouraged to contact Detective Javier Chavez at the Fillmore Police Station.

Nature of Incident: Organized Purse Thieves
Report Number: 15-14958
Location: 1305 W. Ventura St., Fillmore
Date & Time: July 3, 2015, at 9:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
Suspect 1 - Hispanic Male, balding black hair, 5’5” - 5’8”, 180 -200 lbs Late 40's
Suspect 2 - Hispanic Female, shoulder length brown hair, 5’2” - 5’5”, 130 – 150 lbs 40's
Vehicle:
Silver / gray early 2000’s Acura MDX (SUV)
Prepared by: Detective Javier Chavez
Media Release Date: January 29, 2016
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Javier Chavez, 805-524-2233; Javier.chavez@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

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).

Lynda Miller

Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognition of Lynda Miller, President and Founder of Support for the Kids. Miller has dedicated 20 years to charitable organization work helping children and families. Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos introduced Miller stating, "Lynda Miller has touched a lot of lives here in Fillmore." Fillmore Middle School Principal Scott Carroll referred to her as an angel saying, "She's been a model for giving." Other statements were equally praising Miller's dedication saying, "It is wonderful to know there's someone out there so giving and supportive to kids and families time and time again." Testimonies were given of the wide range of support and offerings Miller has given to the community such as stoves, beds, clothes and more for those in need.

Miller responded stating, "Thank you for the recognition. There is nothing greater than giving someone a helping hand." She continued stating that it would not have been possible without the support of her husband Gary Miller, "Without him nothing could have happened."

The first item discussed was a grant presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrea McNeill. FUSD received $287,513 in grant money which is part of the $500 million in one-time monies called the "Educator Effectiveness Block Grant. School districts may use the funding for specific professional development activities such as beginning teacher and administrator support, coaching, support for improvement, professional development, promoting teacher quality and effectiveness. $137,200 equates to $700 per teacher for preparedness for Common Core, Cooperative Learning, English Language Development and other needs, with the remaining $150,313 being used for Literacy Coaches.

The next item discussed was the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) presented by Director Charice Guerra. AVID is a 501c3 nonprofit established in 1980 that provides strategies for encouraging and promoting a path to college for underrepresented students. Fillmore High School, with 122 students in the program, has had the program for a number of years and Fillmore Middle School, with 64 students in the program, recently reinstated it on its campus.

Fillmore High School senior Luis Landeros, who is part of the program, spoke of his future goals of studying engineering in college through grants and scholarships. Destiny Zavala, an 11th grader and also part of the program, spoke of her college goals majoring in either the medical field or journalism.

The last item discussed was Core/Basic Materials presented by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez. The materials discussed was the need for new textbooks. "We are really very behind," Hernandez told the Board. There are a number of new AP classes that need new textbook and other classes that have outdated textbooks. For the new classes; AP Statistics will be issued "The Practice of Statistics," AP Environmental Science will be issued "Living in the Environment" and AP Psychology will be issued.

Other textbooks that are being replaced; AP US History will be issued (new) "American Pageant," AP European History will be issued "Western Civilization" and Native Speakers 2 will be issued "!Ven conmigo! Nuevas Vistas Curso Dos." The new textbooks will be on display for public viewing in the FUSD Boardroom for 30 days.

In final discussions Palazuelos informed everyone that there are presently three new math programs being piloted at Fillmore Middle School.

An action taken and approved was Board Members Sean Morris and Scott Beylik were appointed to the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee for a term of one year.

In a continuing effort to help women advance their education, the local Fillmore chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) will be offering financial awards this spring. To be eligible, you must be a woman who attends or has been accepted to an accredited undergraduate degree program or a vocational/skills training program, live within the 93015 Zip code area, and have at least a 3.5 grade point average. Anyone interested should contact the College and Career Center if you are a student at Fillmore or Sierra High School or contact Patricia Morris at morrisp905@gmail.com. The deadline for application is March 6, 2016.

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout California with filming scheduled for March.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques--from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles, to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank continue their mission to recycle America by rescuing forgotten relics and giving them a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about American history along the way.

AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your buried treasure. They are on the hunt for characters with interesting and unique items. Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, pre-50’s western gear, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items, and clothing. They are always excited to find things they’ve never seen before and learn the story behind it.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection send us your: name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised that although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in California, people should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary. Californians should also be advised of international travel alerts for the countries where Zika virus is circulating.

“Although no one has contracted Zika virus in California, mosquito bites can still be harmful and the public should take steps to protect themselves,” said Dr. Smith. “Help reduce the risk of mosquito bites by removing standing water from around your home and wearing mosquito repellant when appropriate.”

As of Jan. 29, 2016, there are six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California, all of which were contracted when traveling in other countries with Zika virus outbreaks in 2013 (1), 2014 (3) and 2015 (2). CDPH will continue monitoring for any confirmed cases in California and will provide weekly updates every Friday. To protect patient confidentiality, specific locations of infected patients cannot be disclosed.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that can transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes — which are not native to California — have been identified in 12 California counties, although there are no known cases where the mosquitoes were carrying the Zika virus in this state. The six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California were acquired in other countries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: American Samoa, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

People traveling to these and other countries with known Zika virus risk should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets

The CDC and CDPH have also issued guidance for pregnant women recommending they avoid countries where Zika virus is circulating. Pregnant women who cannot avoid travel to these countries should talk to their health care provider and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The CDC and CDPH have also provided guidance for physicians on the evaluation of pregnant women and infants who may have been exposed to Zika virus.

Most people infected with Zika virus will not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash and eye redness. If you have returned from an affected country and have fever with joint pain, rash within two weeks, or any other symptoms following your return; please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. While there is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease, the best recommendations are supportive care, rest, fluids and fever relief.

There is concern that Zika virus may be transferred from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. Preliminary reports suggest that Zika virus may cause microcephaly (abnormal fetal brain development). This possibility has not been confirmed and is being actively investigated. CDPH has requested that health care providers report suspected Zika virus disease or associated conditions of microcephaly to local health departments. Local health departments will report cases to CDPH, which is coordinating referral of any specimens to CDC for diagnostic testing.

For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit the CDPH Zika virus information webpage. www.cdph.ca.gov

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Fillmore Girls Softball/T-Ball League offers players, ages four and one-half to sixteen, living within the Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula communities to participate in a softball program. The goal of the program is to instill and develop good sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and leadership; all excellent qualities our youth need to build along with self-confidence and a strong sense of community.

Sometime between January 14, 2016, at 7:00 pm and January 16, at 9:50 am, unknown person(s) broke a latch to a storage container at Shiells Park and stole several articles of sporting equipment used by the league. Some of the property stolen included three sets of brand new “Easton” catcher’s gear, two five gallon buckets of softballs, and three 100-foot long extension cords.

The Fillmore Police Department is asking for help to track down the softball gear and to apprehend the person(s) responsible for this crime against the community. If you have any information, please contact Detective Javier Chavez at the Fillmore Police Station or any deputy you may encounter. You may remain anonymous and your information will remain confidential.

Nature of Incident: Burglary of Fillmore’s Girls Softball/T-Ball League Equipment
Report Number: Report Number 16-7664
Location: Shiells Park, 649 C Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: Between January 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm and January 16,2016 at 9:50 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Fillmore / Santa Clara Valley Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Fillmore Girls Softball/T-Ball League
Prepared by: Detective Javier Chavez
Media Release Date: January 22, 2016
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Javier Chavez, Fillmore Sheriff’s Station
805-524-2233; Javier.chavez@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

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).

Former FUSD Board Member Dave Wilde raised questions of bullying and harassment by “two council members [who] had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences”. Wilde read an open statement during public forum at Tuesday’s council meeting.

The Fillmore City Council received some strong and direct wording during the public comments at their January 26, 2016 meeting. A former Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Member addressed the Council stating, "Good evening, my name is Dave Wilde and I have lived in Fillmore for approximately 40 years. Two weeks ago I would have told anyone who would listen that Fillmore has two outstanding citizens. Both are well respected and popular members of this community. One is seated in this room, the other is Rigo Landeros. I'd known Rigo since he was 14 years old. He was a former student of mine and played high school football for me. His death is both a troubling and confusing loss to both me and this community. In the short time after his death I've heard some rumors that are very alarming. The most alarming is that two council members had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences. If that is true, I am deeply concerned about the lack of leadership and conflict resolution skills that two of our community leaders exhibit. This lack of skill should not be tolerated because of the potential affects it could have on others in Fillmore. This community has a lot of questions about Rigo's death and what drove him to do what he did. They deserve an explanation. I spent four years on the school board and during that time I felt we had made and were making some serious mistakes. A board colleague and myself fought hard for 15 months to stop the direction we (the district) but failed until a third member joined our position. During the election process that followed, both my colleague and myself admitted we felt mistakes were made, but were glad to announce that a new superintendent was hired, positive changes were finally underway. It is hard to admit you had made mistakes and we both knew that we would be seen not as two individuals, but as a group of five. We were all equally to blame. If these rumors of bullying and harassment are true, this council, as a group of five, needs to reflect and take ownership for addressing the questions this community has in regard to Rigo's death. It is what we should expect from our civic leaders."

The meeting began with two Proclamations. The first was presented to Laura Bartels, for outstanding leadership in her efforts in the donation of 700 new winter coats during the holiday season for those in need in the community. Bartels started the coat drive several years ago, and also volunteers for the Santa Clarita Valley Legal Aid. Bartels responded, "It's a real community effort" saying a special thanks to Max Pina, Rigo Landeros and others.

Next to receive a Proclamation was Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ventura County in recognition of National Mentors Month. Mentor Amelia Aparicio spoke of the value of mentoring and importance it plays in reaching a child's potential, "There are 147 mentors at Fillmore High School who volunteer a minimum of one hour per week and some three time per week....the youngest mentored is 6 years old and goes up to 18 years...we give them (the mentors) different resources...to let them know what's available in our community."

A Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on the City's finances was presented by Charles De Simoni CPA and Scott W. Manno CPA, CGMA with Rogers Anderson Melody & Scoll, LLP. "It's important that the public have an understanding of the process," Simoni explained. To test for internal controls entails the accountants scour through council minutes reviewing appropriation reports to assure the public that the city is in compliance with regulations and money is being spent properly. The process takes three months to compile.

In new business the Council addressed preparing a response to a FEMA Map Revision. Roxanne C. Hughes, PE with Willdan Engineering addressed the Council on the revised model of the Santa Clara River asking for public input regarding the flood mapping. Mayor Diane McCall asked if the Heritage Valley Levy had been accredited. Hughes responded, "It's not accredited yet, it is being worked on."

Other new business was the increase on assessments for eight sub-zones within the Landscape and Lighting District No 2. There are 24 zones with 8 operating in a deficit requiring a ballot process to approve levy increases. Cost have increased 2-3% each year in lighting, water and landscape maintenance. Ballots will be mailed out the first week in February to start the 45 day ballot time period and will be tabulated to complete the process at the March 22nd Council meeting.

Questions were asked through emails and directly to the city if there were too many trees planted. Council Member Douglas Tucker responded that city planning requires the planting of trees, but that a developer planted extra trees for the aesthetic value and was suppose to remove them. But, the developer is no longer involved.
Some have questioned extending the recycled water lines and upgrading to more efficient lamps in the fixtures such as LED. Council agreed to consider such things.

The last of new business was disbanding the Sheriff's Contract Negotiating Ad-Hoc Committee. When discussed, Mayor ProTem Carrie Broggie stated "It's a done deal." To which Tucker responded, "Actually it's not." A vote was taken with McCall, Broggie and Council Member Manuel Minjares voting "Yes" and Tucker only "No" vote (Council Member Rick Neal was not in attendance).

During final comments City Manager David Rowlands commented on the good relationship between FUSD and the City adding that there is now a Fillmore High School Water Polo Team and thanked all those involved in the tribute to Fire Chief Rigo Landeros.

Minjares commented of a problem between the City Council and City Staff. McCall added that the City Council should be included in the staff training sessions. Broggie agreed that the training sessions could improve the Council and staff relationship.

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The Fillmore Explorer post #2958 recently competed in the Chandler Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona on January 15, 2016.

The Explorers are a group of young people aged fourteen to twenty one, who are in the ninth grade or above, and have an interest in law enforcement. As explorers they participate in ride-alongs with Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, assist with community events and are involved in community outreach. The explorer program helps build strong leadership and communication skills that are crucial in today’s society. The explorer program helps prepare individuals to succeed in all of their current and future endeavors.

The Chandler Tactical Explorer Competition is put on every year by the Chandler Police Department, in Chandler, Arizona. Most events were scenario based, meaning that the explorers were presented with situations and they had to resolve the situation with the tools that were provided. Some of which are: Marijuana Field Raid, 5 Man Hostage Rescue Team, 10 Man High Risk Warrant. These scenarios were graded on the teams overall teamwork, leadership, and execution. The other types of events that the explorers participated in were a three mile run, five and ten man swat truck pull, and the tactical relay.

At the tactical competition, the explorers participated in a plethora of events. The post placed in three events. They received a third place trophy for the five man swat truck pull. In addition, they received a second place trophy for the Shoot/Don’t Shoot scenario and Sr. Explorer Isaiah Galvez placed fifth in the explorer pistol shoot.

If you have any interest in joining the explorer program you are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings that take place at Sierra High School at 5 PM. There will be a recruiting period in the month of February, 2016, accepting any males or females ages 14 to 21 that have completed the 8th grade. We encourage all who are interested to join the explorer program.

Prepared by: Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels and Explorer Senior Danielle Ramirez

The Fillmore & Western Railroad (F&W), with the sound of its whistle and the sight of the tourists waving as the train crosses Highway 126, is now part of Fillmore and the charm that brings both tourism and new residents to town. But there is a legal battle that continues between Ventura Country Transportation Commission (VCTC) and F&W over the cost of maintenance that has left the future of the railroad in question.

Back in 2001 a 20-year maintenance contract between F&W and VCTC was agreed upon that stated VCTC would pay to maintain the tracks and that F&W could renegotiate some terms and conditions every three years. The contract was renegotiated in 2007 where it was agreed VCTC would pay $321,000 per year for F&W for maintenance.

There are six and a half years remaining on the original contract with both parties disagreeing for years on exactly what the contract represents. VCTC has a claim against F&W stating they have not fulfilled their part of the contract and a breach has occurred. The claim states the lines/track have not been maintained properly. F&W countered that railroad signals and crossings are not line maintenance and are VCTC responsibility. Superior Court Judge Rebecca Riley delayed the eviction until the latest appeal is resolved, which to date is in its fourteenth year of legal wrangling. Both parties will be back in court the second week of February as the battle continues.

The contract states that F&W will maintain the 30-mile rail line of track that runs from Ventura to the Los Angeles County line east of Piru. It was agreed that F&W would do the service maintenance, but not the cost of capital repairs; which F&W billed VCTC separately. The question of what is considered a capital repair created a huge difference of opinion between the two which VCTC maintains F&W is responsible for both. VCTC, which owns the line, has been trying to evict F&W and stopped paying for track maintenance in 2013, saying the line is too costly for the county to maintain.

F&W owner Dave Wilkinson disputes VCTC claims and maintains VCTC must honor the legal binding contract. Wilkinson, who said he has invested $2 million in F&W explained that maintenance is only part the cost of operating trains; there is also the cost of replacing parts and paying for fuel and oil that F&W pays for along with employees to run the train. According to Wilkinson VCTC is trying to force F&W out of business, "We have suffered such losses....Thomas the Train won't return until this legal court business in over....we've lost all our tour buses, and so many people think the train is shut down they don't bother coming."

The problems began years back when the VCTC hired So Pack Rail to upgrade the tracks west of Santa Paula from "excepted grade" to Grade 1. Excepted grade is the lowest of train track grades and trains must travel under 10 mph with no passengers, only freight. Grade 1 allows trains to travel 15 mph with or without passengers.

The track previously Excepted Grade, had been maintained by Southern Pacific Railroad. After the upgrade, Southern Pacific refused to maintain the Grade 1 track due to the increase in labor and added cost. Grade 1 requires the tracks be inspected two times per week, whereas the Excepted Grade requires only one inspection a week; basically half the labor.

At that time, the part of track running to the east, between Santa Paula and Fillmore, was being maintained by F&W and VCTC could not find a company to maintain the track north of Santa Paula. That was when, in 2001, VCTC went into the 20 year service maintenance contract with F&W to maintain the full 30 miles of track. Wilkinson maintains the contract does not cover the cost of capital repairs; which F&W billed VCTC separately. The capital repairs are such things as train signals and crossing guard rails.

Wilkinson is also dealing with Homeland Security, as worries of track maintenance and tampering by terrorists has become an even bigger issue. "They (Homeland Security) just contacted me last week. They do about four times a year now," Wilkinson stated, "That doesn't bother me."

At present Speers Plastic, which manufactures artificial turf and a large amount of irrigation, plumbing and fire protection products, is hauling freight on the Montalvo to Santa Paula line. The plant where the plastic are manufactured and shipped is still being upgraded and there is a likely need of the use of the track in the future.

Fillmore & Western's trains, trestles and railway line have been featured in more than 300 commercials, TV shows and films and have put both towns on the map as filming locations. According to Wilkinson his collection of antique trains is the largest in the country, maybe the world. That in itself adds value to tourism in both towns.

Both Santa Paula and Fillmore residents enjoy the charm the trains bring to their town and are cheering for success in court and a future of continuing to have the trains stay in their town.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross encourages blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.

Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small, across the country every day. For Heather Von Glahn, it was a personal emergency – her 8-year-old daughter’s leukemia diagnosis – that inspired her to make the commitment to give blood regularly. “I’ve seen blood save her life at least 10 times,” said Von Glahn. “When friends and family ask what they can do for my daughter, I tell them to donate blood. It matters so much!”

Blood donations are needed now and throughout the winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:

Oxnard
2/8/2016: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oxnard Fire Department Headquarters, 360 W. 2nd Street

Simi Valley
2/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
2/1/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
2/10/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
2/2/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ventura Museum, 100 E Main St

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Video clips courtesy Sebastian Ramirez, Andrew Castel de Oro, and Scott Duckett.
[Editor's note: The Gazette did not want any ads to appear in this video. Any ads that appear in this video do so beyond our control. A YouTube user has claimed copyright ownership of the bagpipes song "Going Home" and YouTube is displaying ads on their behalf.]

Fillmore Unified School District

The first Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting of the 2016-2017 school year began with heartfelt eulogy by Board President Virginia de la Piedra addressing the loss of Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, "If you knew him, you knew he impacted your life." She spoke of Landeros' positive impact on Fillmore and the board members themselves. Board Member Sean Morris spoke of how their paths had crossed at Rotary Club where Morris was President just before Landeros took over that position. Landeros was very helpful when two Rotary Clubs merged and "strong minds" were present stating "Rigo always showed concern....he'd be there, he'd help you." Board Member Lucy Rangel said she remembers having Landeros as a 6th grade student and that you just knew he was going places and how he will be missed. Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos commented that Landeros was the first person to introduce him to Fillmore and remarked of his genuine honesty and warmth. At the end of giving their thoughts, de la Piedra asked everyone in the room to stand for a minute of silence in recognition. As the meeting continued, de la Piedra holding back tears and visibly upset, Palazuelos stepped up for a few minutes until de la Piedra gained her composure and she continued chairing the meeting.

The first item presented was recognition of Fillmore High School Drama Class teacher Josh Overton and his students Fatima Bazurto, Israel Brooks, Trysten Riddle and Nicholas Podada for their 2015 performance of The Rainmaker. Also recognized, but not in attendance were Blake Paloiso and Rachel Rivera.

During the Superintendent Report Palazuelos spoke of the resources coming from Sacramento, which he stated are good at present, but the coming years may be lean. Palazuelos emphasized that money must be reserved for the possibility of "resources getting tight" and the need to prioritize..."Right now things are positive, but that could change in a minute."

In the Governor's CONTINUED »