Piru’s Railway Café & Gifts Press Release

“Piru’s Railway Café & Gifts Opens with fresh new look, Mouthwatering menu and more”

For Immediate Release February 8, 2010
Submitted by Andy Arias (805) 521-1554/tactman@aol.com

Situated on Center Street and just across from the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park, owner Edith Smith has seen her dream café and shop open this week with a sparkling new kitchen, upgraded flooring, a fresh coat of paint and home-style décor. Edith and her colleague’s have also focused on getting the menu fine tuned and featuring the freshest and highest grade meats, produce and delicious home-baked treats.

This long-time Piru establishment, formerly home to the Blue Bird Tavern, has been transformed these past months to meet the highest quality standards around.
Morning offerings include fresh brewed coffee, pies and baked-goods made fresh daily, and good ‘ol comfort food like biscuits and gravy, French Toast, fresh fruit bowls and a host of other American staples. Joining Smith in this venture are locals Joy Zavala preparing some of the best baked goods around. I was privileged to “sample” the daily peach cobbler and can’t wait to taste her next offering.

At 10 am the crew shifts to daily lunch and dinner specials. In the kitchen, associate Jeff Peterson was noting the prime meats he will grind daily for the 8 ounce burgers, and even offered some insight to his cooking secrets. Grade A meats are featured in choices ranging from tri-tip, pot roast, meatloaf and great burgers. JP’s bar-b-q specials feature all the trimmings. All bar-b-q specials, sandwiches and dinners come with choice of salads or baked beans as side dish.

Their hours are Wednesday through Friday, 6 am to 8 pm. Saturday and Sunday hours are 7 am to 8 pm. Monday and Tuesday they head to market to pick up the freshest, locally grown produce and choice meats. They are also available for groups and other events, and will work with event planners to even open on any day for the right cause and with ample notice.

Railway Café & Gifts is located at 3989 Center Street at Via Fustero. Come on down and treat yourself and your family to some rib-sticking treats. The phone number is 805-398-5031.

L.A. Times Travel and Adventure Expo

...If you click on the link below it will take you to the homepage of the LA Times Travel & Adventure Show being held this weekend Sat. & Sun at the LA Convention Center. The normal admission price is $10 per person, but through this link you can download and print a free pass. This is open to all consumers.

Fillmore & Western Railroad and the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau have a booth to exhibit this weekend at the show. We will be showcasing all that Fillmore and the Heritage Valley have to offer.

Approximately 22,000-25,000 people attend this "grandaddy" of travel shows. There are over 300 exhibitors from travel destinations all over the world, it is quite an experience. Find out all you wanted to know and get great deals at this show.

I hope that you can take advantage of the free pass and come visit our booth.
Please feel free to send this email and link to your friends and co-workers.


To Access the free ticket offer, visit:

www.adventureexpo.com/consumer
Type in PROMO CODE: EXHFREE

Know anyone who needs a pet?

Dear Senior Service Partners in Ventura County:

Attached below is a flyer for the "Seniors for Seniors" Discount Pet Adoption Program offerred through the Ventura County Animal Shelter. Seniors age 55+ who adopt a dog or cat 5 years or older are eligible for a reduced $75 adoption fee which includes:

• Spay/Neutering
• Licensing
• Microchip implant
• Rabies shot
• Certificate for a free vet exam
• 6 free dog obedience lessons

For more information, please call the Ventura County Animal Shelter at:
805-388-4341

Piru Veterans Brave Soggy Day to be honored in 32nd Annual Parade

For Immediate Release Story submitted by Andy Arias
December 14, 2009 805-521-1554/tactman@aol.com
Piru Veterans Brave Soggy Day to be honored in 32nd Annual Parade

Sitting proudly aboard a decorated truck and trailer ensemble provided by OST Trucking, nearly two- dozen Piru Veterans waved and saluted the crowd lined up along the route through this historic downtown district on Saturday. These men were clearly full of pride as many dressed in military hats or attire. With a banner of the days’ theme, “Merry Christmas to our Soldiers”, the lead vehicle was a 1968 “deuce and a half” military transport vehicle provided by local businessman and classic car restoration expert Ellery Engel. The final vehicle in the convoy was Gilbert Zavala’s restored 1971 Chevy truck, with patriotic flags waving in the wintry conditions. Zavala was also part of the tribute as a Vietnam War Veteran himself. This celebration literally covered the bases from A-Z, or Korean War veteran Lupe Alcozar to still-active Gilbert Zavala Jr., who just returned to the states after serving in the Middle East wars. Over 70 current or former Piru residents have been identified for serving our country and range from Manuel “Sleepy” Martinez who served during WWII to men and women still on active duty.

This annual parade and festival, sponsored by the Piru Neighborhood Council, continued into the evening as locals did not let the occasional downpours damper their spirit. This year’s event was orchestrated by Chacha Troyke and her merry band of community volunteers. Grand Marshal Donna Chessani, known by many as “Mrs. Cheese”, has served the town’s youth through her work with Piru School and other local causes. She offered words of thanks and holiday reflections during a brief stop at the judges’ stage, provided by Rancho Temescal, and was acknowledged for her many years of service by parade announcer Stephanie Acosta.

The parade began at the west end of Center Street near the Piru Elementary School, itself a major institution and rich in history on its own. The parade then proceeded down Center Street to the heart of the downtown business district. This area is known for its longtime use as a focal point for film and television productions over the years. The route then turned left onto Orchard Street and terminated at Warring Park, home to “One River Stadium”.

One project leading up to this much-anticipated celebration was adorning the town’s district in holiday decorations along the route. This included setting up 15 potted holiday trees donated for this holiday season by Moon Valley Nurseries and “adopted” for decoration by local businesses and organizations. This included U Scream Ice Cream, Poncho’s Place Restaurant, Elva’s Center Street Market, Arco/AM-PM, Railway café with A&E Hair Salon, plus Sanchez and Piru Markets. Some local groups that jumped into action to add the holiday ornaments included Piru-Fillmore Relay for Life, San Salvador Mission’s Choir and seniors groups, Making A Difference (MAD) Youth, the youth sports league, local boy scouts, Piru Elementary school kids and support from Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association.

Immediately after the parade youth lined up for gifts from Santa Claus donated by the Carnales Motorcycle Club. The festival included entertainment featuring DJ music by Chuck Castro and live music by Mariachi Jalisco and headliner group Dan Torres and the Piru River Band. Local games for youth and enthusiastic volunteers from Relay for Life continued to be featured despite the cold and wet conditions.

This was clearly a celebration of Piru’s contribution to America’s armed forces and a festival of community spirit and pride.
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This 1968 Kaiser M35A7, referred to a “deuce and a half” due
to it’s 2.5-ton weight, served as lead vehicle in tribute to soldiers.

"Merry Christmas to Our Soldiers” Piru Parade Theme

For Immediate Release Story submitted by Andy Arias
December 7, 2009 805-521-1554/tactman@aol.com
A-Z Covered in 32nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival

Volunteers and community organizations in Piru have been busy preparing the town and surroundings to show their support and honor those that have and continue to serve America in our Armed Forces. This year’s celebration is a tribute and recognition of our country’s men and women who so bravely serve our country with the theme “Merry Christmas to Our Soldiers”. This 32nd annual event is set for Saturday, December 12th in the heart of the historic downtown district, with the parade set to launch at noon and followed by a day-long celebration.

This celebration will literally cover bases from A-Z, or Army to Zavala, as the locals are set to celebrate the season and pay tribute to Piru residents, past and present, that have and continue to serve in various branches of our military. The volunteer committee, working in partnership with the event organizing local Piru Neighborhood Council, has been set on dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s to make this another successful and memorable celebration of the town and its contributions.

The parade begins at the west of Center Street near the Piru Elementary School, itself a major institution and rich in history on its own. The parade will then proceed down Center Street to the heart of the downtown business district. This area is known for its longtime use as a focal point for film and television productions over the years. The route then takes a left onto Orchard Street and terminates at Warring Park, home to “One River Stadium”.

So far, nearly 70 current or former Piru residents have been identified as having served in literally all branches of the military. Further emphasizing the commitment to serve, these men and women represent the period dating from World War II to current conflicts in the Middle East and all points in between.

It is projected that about 30 of these valiant individuals will be riding in the parade and be hosted in the all day festival. Riding aboard vintage military vehicles, provided by both local and regional historic vehicle enthusiasts, they will be saluted and recognized for their valued service.

One project leading up to this much-anticipated celebration was adorning the town’s district in holiday decorations near the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park, the site of the all-day festival. This includes setting up 15 potted holiday trees donated for this holiday season by Moon Valley Nurseries and “adopted” for decoration by local businesses and organizations. This includes U Scream Ice Cream, Poncho’s Place Restaurant, Elva’s Center Street Market, Sanchez and Piru Markets, along with others. Some local groups that have jumped into action include Piru-Fillmore Relay for Life, San Salvador Mission, Making A Difference (MAD) Youth and Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association.

The festival will include DJ music by Chuck Castro and live music by Mariachi Jalisco and headliner group Dan Torres and the Piru River Band. Activities are planned for all ages and include the popular horseshoe tournament, a bike rodeo and jolly jumpers for kids. The adults have a range of options from local food and crafts to sitting down for bingo to support local causes, including Relay for Life and Piru Seniors and Active Adults League, which serves the Piru community in partnership with San Salvador Mission.

To learn more about this event visit www.pirupress.com

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For Immediate Release Submitted by Andy Arias
December 1, 2009 805-521-1554/tactman@aol.com

Piru Nursery Shows Holiday Spirit With Christmas Trees and
Pledges Support to Area Youth Sports Leagues


Reflecting the true reason for the season, Moon Valley Nurseries of the Piru-Fillmore area has come forth with two significant efforts to support the upcoming 32nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival as well as support the valley’s seasonal holiday dressings. This year’s celebration, organized primarily by the Piru Neighborhood Council, celebrates with the theme “Merry Christmas to Our Soldiers”. More than 60 current and former Piru residents have been identified by the committee for active or prior military service. They will be honored during the parade and festival and many of them will be on hand during the day. These brave Americans have served our country from the period of World War II to current conflicts.

In preparation for this salutation, Piru’s historic downtown will be graced with over a dozen potted Juniper trees to decorate the area’s business district, compliments of Moon Valley Nurseries. Local community and youth groups will decorate these trees, once placed on the town sidewalks, with colorful trimmings. This will truly light the way for the spirit and will be in place throughout the holiday season. These temporary ornamental trees will adorn Center Street in the downtown area between Main and Orchard Streets. This comes just in time for the annual parade, scheduled for noon on Saturday, December 12, 2009. The parade will be followed with a community festival and continuing with music until 10 pm.

The festival will feature music by DJ Chuck Castro, Mariachi Jalisco, and then Dan Torres and the Piru River Band will be day’s headliner on the Gazebo Plaza. During the afternoon and immediately after the parade, local and regional vendors will be in the Depot & Gazebo Plaza Park for your holiday shopping and munching pleasures. There will also be activities for all ages, including jolly jumpers for the kids and more.

For the adults, a horseshoe tournament and 50/50 Bingo Games will be set up in the park area at Center Street and Piru Square, directly across the street from the Gazebo Plaza. The proceeds from the bingo game will be divided, with half of each game to winner and balance as a dedicated fundraiser for Relay for Life and Piru Seniors & Active Adults League.

In addition to this effort, Moon Valley Nurseries, a year-round business right here in Ventura County, has a huge selection of super fresh Christmas Trees in their temporary lot in Piru at the corner of Highway 126 and Main Street. (See website for map.) They have a unique promotion pledging to donate $5 from every Christmas tree purchased to four Piru-Fillmore youth organizations. You make your choice of tree, then pledge your donation to one of the following four youth sports groups: Piru Youth Sports League, Fillmore AYSO Region 242, Fillmore Raider Youth Football League or Fillmore Little League.

For more information about the 32nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade and Festival visit www.pirupress.com. To learn more about Moon Valley Nurseries www.moonvalleynursery.com

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Mayor asks FEMA for NFIP refunds

If you went and bought flood insurance shortly after the FEMA information meeting in October you may be able to get a refund. Update: according to FEMA, you will most likely not be able to get a refund.

First, you may want to check with your insurance agent and see what their policy is for cancellation and refunds.

In the interim, the Council is sending a letter to FEMA requesting that they support a mechanism for refunds.

Here is a copy of the draft letter for your information. Update: letter is being revised.

P.S. Remember that a map certification delay doesn't necessarily mean that you don't need flood insurance. It just means that your lender won't require it yet.

More good news...Executive Order 13490

This isn't local news but I was recently sent an email about it. That is that back in September the White House implemented a new policy barring lobbyists from sitting on influential boards and commissions. I hadn't heard anything about it before.

Here's a quote from the White House Blog.

"The White House has informed executive agencies and departments that it is our aspiration that federally-registered lobbyists not be appointed to agency advisory boards and commissions. These appointees to boards and commissions, which are made by agencies and not the President, advise the federal government on a variety of policy areas. Keeping these advisory boards free of individuals who currently are registered federal lobbyists represents a dramatic change in the way business is done in Washington."

This is a significant policy change aimed to stop revolving door politics and corporate interests from controlling the dialogue on issues..