Fillmore

Piru’s Railway Café & Gifts Press Release

2010-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

“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

2010-02-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

...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?

2009-12-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

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.
# # # #
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

2009-12-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

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

*************************************************************************
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

# # # # # # # #

Mayor asks FEMA for NFIP refunds

2009-12-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

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..

FEMA Update

2009-11-27T10:39:00.001-08:00

By now I hope that most of you are aware of FEMA's decision to postpone adoption of the new floodplain maps until 2012 (estimated). This is really good news for those of us in the new Zone A (100 yr flood) designation. I hope you did not rush out and buy flood insurance yet.

Here is a link to the press release.

Efforts made by Oxnard and Fillmore citizens and staff members, Watershed Protection, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Elton Gallegly were instrumental in getting the reprieve.

FEMA Meeting - Save the Date

2009-10-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the newly released FEMA floodplain map. Many homes in Fillmore will be affected.

Here is Bert's press release:

PRESS RELEASE

FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE UPDATE

PRESENTATION ON NEW FLOOD INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

On Thursday October 22nd FEMA and Ventura County Watershed Protection District representatives will update Fillmore residents on the status of the FEMA Flood Insurance update for Fillmore. The meeting will be held at 6:30 P.M. at the Memorial Building at 511 Second Street.

With the new update approximately 1,500 homes and businesses will have to purchase flood insurance by January 20, 2010. The insurance will cost about $50 to $100 per month. See the attached map for the affected properties. You can see more detailed maps on the City of Fillmore web site at www.fillmoreca.com

FEMA is updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Fillmore and other communities in Ventura County. All properties that will be in a Flood Zone A on the new maps will have to purchase flood insurance when the maps become effective on January 20, 2010. If you purchase your flood insurance before the map becomes effective you can be grandfathered in at a lower rate saving about 50% on your flood insurance. FEMA will have their insurance specialists at the October 22nd meeting to fully explain the insurance options.

The new flood insurance requirements are result of the FEMA policy to reaccredit levees every 5 years. As part of the accreditation review the hydrology for the Sespe Creek was updated and the theoretical 100-year flood was increased from 98,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 135,000 cfs. Also the computer modeling of alluvial streams like the Sespe Creek have greatly improved since the levee was designed 30 years ago in 1979.

The current analysis by the Watershed Protection District indicates the Sespe Creek Levee upstream of Old Telegraph Road is sufficient however between Old Telegraph Road and Hwy 126 the levee needs to be raised as much as 6-feet midway between Hwy 126 and Old Telegraph Road. The District has not yet determined if the levee foundation needs to be deepened. The levee retrofitting cost will likely be $6.5 million or higher.

All of the El Dorado mobile home park will also be in a Flood Zone A when the map becomes effective on January 20, 2010. When the Heritage Valley Parks levee is accredited by FEMA the flood insurance requirement for El Dorado should be eliminated. This may occur in the next two years.

If you have questions you may call Bert Rapp at 524-1500 x 231.

Ramona Days are here!

2009-09-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Rancho Camulos Museum will celebrate "All things Ramona" in October. Proceeds from this event benefit Rancho Camulos Museum's restoration and educational efforts.

October 3 will be the Ramona Benefit Dinner from 3-6 pm featuring the play, "Ramona", by the acclaimed Hemet Ramona Players, a wine tasting with musical accompiment by Xavier Montes as well as the remastered silent movie "Ramona" with Maria Neuman and the Malibu String Quartet.

Ramona Days - October 4, 10 AM- 4 PM.

This unique event featuring performances by the Hemet Ramona Outdoor Play actors and dancers is not to be missed!

$5 in Advance - available by calling 805-521-1501 or visiting Museum or fruit stand. At gate price is $8. Children 12 and under free.

Scenes and dances from the Hemet Ramona Ourdoor play will be performed at 11, 1, and 3

An event to remember...please join us! Contact 805-521-1501 for ticket information and further details or email http://us.mc1801.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ranchocamulos@earthlink.net
or visit http://www.ranchocamulos.org/
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(I love the book Ramona. Talk about a tear jerker. It's my 2nd all-time tear jerker after "Les Miserables".)

Planning Commission Public Hearing

2009-09-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

September 16th was supposed to be a joint Planning Commission/City Council meeting. The City Council part of the meeting is cancelled.

However, the Planning Commission will proceed with their meeting. There is a notice of public hearing on demolishing a 1631 sq. ft structure(Taco Bell?) at 800 Ventura Street and replacing it with a 2855 sq ft. fast food restaurant(Taco Bell?).

There is a draft Housing Element available at the Planning Department if you would like to review prior to public hearings. The Planning Commission and City Council will be reviewing the Housing Element at a future date.

Pacific Coast Pipelines Superfund Site

2009-09-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Friday I am meeting with the EPA regarding the Texaco superfund site east of Pole Creek.

Here is the community questionnaire that they have provided.

If you are interested, please fill out the questionnaire and fax it to 265-7055.

If you would like to be interviewed by the EPA, call and let me know and I will ask him to set up an appointment.

Update on Sespe Creek

2009-09-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, several residents attended the presentation by Ventura County Watershed Protection. The engineering consultants discussed their findings on hydrology and geomorphic studies conducted since January 2008.

The conclusions are that due to increased frequency and intensity of storms, the section of levee below the Old Telegraph bridge will not be certified by FEMA.

The County and Army Corps of Engineers are evaluating the most cost effective solutions. The recommendation will likely be to raise the levee.

Until any action is completed, homeowners with mortages will be required to purchase flood insurance on homes that are in the floodplain.

Flood insurance premiums can be purchased prior to January 2010 at a reduced rate. If purchased after that time, premiums could be up to $1800 per year.

The City will host a meeting with FEMA and insurance specialists on October 22nd, 6:30 at the Veteran's Memorial building. Notices will be sent out but I hope you put the date on your calendar now.

Sespe Creek Meeting Today 9/3/2009 @ 1:00 pm

2009-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Watershed Protection District
Sespe Creek Stakeholders Meeting

September 3, 2009
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

City of Fillmore
City Council Chambers

AGENDA

Introduction................................................... Sergio Vargas

Opening Remarks......................................... Sergio Vargas

Updates on FEMA Flood Insurance
Study/Levee Certification........................... Sergio Vargas

Sespe Creek Hydrology, Hydraulics,
and Sedimentation Presentation................ RBF Consulting

Questions and Answers............................... WPD Staff/RBF

Stakeholders Comments and Discussion..... WPD Staff/RBF

Adjournment

PiruFest 2009!

2009-08-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2009

Labor Day Weekend offers PiruFest 2009 for Locals and friends

Submitted by Andy Arias 805-521-1554

This coming Saturday, September 5th offers great family fun at the 9th Annual PiruFest, in historic downtown Piru at the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park. Activities for this Labor Day Weekend festival begin at 3:00 pm and continue until 10 pm. Registration for the horseshoe tournament will start at noon with play set for 2:00 pm. The Depot and park are located on Center Street in the downtown district.

The Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC) and Rancho Temescal are sponsors for this annual event and joined this year by MAD Youth, (Making A Difference). MAD Youth are organizing a variety of games for all ages, including the good old fashioned Dunking Booth featuring local community and regional leaders as “dunkees”. Local arts and crafts vendors continue to sign up to offer unique jewelry and other specialty items, as well as information on upcoming health and community events, such as Relay for Life and Ramona Days at Ranch Camulos. Food vendors have also signed on to feature their treats. Food vendors will offer treats from Piru restaurants and shops as well as specialty items such as tamales, bar-b-q pit sandwiches, soft drinks, corn on the cob, hot dogs and more. Handmade quilts, jewelry, and other gift items will be available from a variety of vendors..

Always a hit with the locals and friends, the popular Horseshoe Tournament returns under the skills of Rusty Ortega. Organizers set up the pits in this downtown park to make this activity a center point of this daylong festival. This competition is an annual tradition among the town’s “ringers”. Contact Rusty at 805- 432-6388 to sign up or help organize.

Finally, music fans can enjoy local DJ-DB who will be spinning discs during early hours and then Dan Torres and the Piru River Band will be the featured headliner for the day’s entertainment. Known for their variety of current and “oldie” tunes, Dan and his band always get the crowd on their feet and on the dance floor. The stage area at the depot and gazebo plaza also offers plenty of room to join in the celebration.

More events are being planned so make sure your Labor Day holiday weekend plans include a visit to this fun town and join in what promises to be another successful celebration. For more details or sign up as a vendor, go to the website: pirupress.com or call Chacha Troyke at 805-521-0527.

What about the Texaco/Chevron site?

2009-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Representatives of the EPA will be in Fillmore on September 1st, 2nd and 3rd to conduct interviews about the site.

Specifically they would like to "...better understand what is important about this site from the city's perspective and to learn what your community wants or needs from EPA."

This is a 100 acre site (previously an oil refinery and pipeline transfer station) that the EPA has been cleaning up and monitoring for several years. It is just to the east of Pole Creek and north of 126. You can learn more about the site from the EPA's website.

At some point, hopefully in the near future, the site will be available for some type of redevelopment. It will likely be limited to industrial, passive park or open space.

If you would like to provide input into these interviews or join me in participating, please contact me at 524-7313 or email: gaylewashburn@sbcglobal.net

2009-2010 Draft Budget Available

2009-08-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

On August 25th, the City Council will consider adoption of its 2009-2010 budget. The State has indicated its intention to take Property Tax, Redevelopment Agency Funds and other revenues from the City. The City Council, the Interim City Manager, staff and financial consultant have spent many hours of effort in budget revisions and project deferments to try and balance the budget and still maintain services.

You can view the draft budget at www.fillmoreca.com/budget.htm or request a copy from the City Clerk’s office.

The budget will guide the city in the next fiscal year. You may have comments or suggestions on the financing of the parks, theatre, library, streets and other infrastructure.

Your input and feedback are important so we urge you to contact your council members for more information. We want to hear from you. We also urge you to attend the August 25th Council meeting if you would like to provide input.

Mayor Patti Walker (524-2731)
Mayor Pro-tem Gayle Washburn (524-7313)

P.S. Your comments and thoughts are important - but, as always - please maintain civility. No personal attacks or defamatory remarks are allowed. Stick with the issues. I WILL use the delete key!

Back to the Blog...

2009-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Hope everyone is out there enjoying life. Here are a couple of announcements I wanted to make.

There will be a Homebuyer's Seminar by Morgage Loans by Trinka on April 9th - 6:30 p.m. at the Fillmore Senior Center - 533 Santa Clara Street. Call 524-1701 to reserve your seat!

Be sure and visit the Fillmore Flower Show at the Senior Center on Saturday and Sunday, April 4th & 5th from 1 - 4 PM. It's going to be beautiful!

The City of Fillmore is setting aside two Saturdays in 2009 – on April 4, and Oct. 3 – to allow residents and small business owners to drop off materials that are not accepted in either your trash or recycling bins for safe disposal, free of charge. The Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days. Residents and small business owners can bring their HHW to Fillmore’s Public Works Department yard at the corner of A Street and Sespe Place.

There's even more going on that I have time to list. Get out there this fine Spring and do something!

8-5x11-seminar-flyer-2.pdf

New Council coming to Fillmore

2008-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow(Tuesday) night is the inauguration for new Council members. The community has said they want a change. What are some of the changes that you would like to see?

Stop the madness...

2008-11-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I was enjoying my media/blog fast this week but I guess I’m going to have to respond to some of the comments on the http://www.fillmoregazette.com/ . I have to say that a rational person looking at this City from an objective point of view would have to be shaking their head in disbelief. (and Oceans 11 would not be in that classification – I’m suspecting a local operative)

What is going on here? Some history… Interested citizens read that a huge development is going to be approved for the North Fillmore area. The EIR discloses significant environmental impacts that will affect the community forever and that cannot realistically be mitigated. It also discloses that the General Plan is not consistent with Vision 2020. Many citizens follow the governmental process and write letters and speak at public hearings. While some on the Council articulate their very sound reasons for supporting the project, the citizens also articulate very sound reasons but are ignored and disregarded by some Council members. They are told that Vision 2020 doesn’t matter – it’s not a legal document. (It’s just distributed to everyone’s front doorstep while the legal document -General Plan- costs $100’s of dollars to obtain) Citizens who have never participated in public hearings (me) are surprised to see so many people in the community ignored. There is some shock at some of the behaviors and tactics used at the hearings against the citizens.

I believe that I have made efforts to remain professional and polite in all dealings with staff and Council members. While I know many people who are angered at some of our leader’s actions, I have still tried to maintain an objective point of view. I understand the difficulty that these Council members go through with their decisions. I understand what a thankless and low paying job this is and I applaud anyone who gives their time and energy to serve their community. But, I also understand the anger that many in the community are expressing and I sympathize with those who feel they are being disenfranchised by their local government.

So, how is it possible that such division exists? I think those in power have to assume the bigger part of the responsibility. The citizens in this community have little power and no voice (that is heard). Some of those in power now or in the past have engaged in a negative and divisive warfare and now try to blame it on the victims of their abuse!

On my blog (http://www.fillmoreblog.com/) I have bent over backwards to try to engage in a productive and thoughtful conversation and then been blasted repeatedly by “all caps” and others trying to keep the status quo with innuendo and abuse directed at Patti Walker, myself and others. Then when supporters rise up in outrage to defend us, the offenders have to make up lies and spread rumors to try to discredit citizens with no power. What are they so afraid of?

So, with that said, I want to go on the record and respond to a few remarks.

To Mr. Ray Johnson (or is this...?????) This can’t be the same Ray Johnson who was in my computer class. I don’t think so, since my Mr. Johnson was a delightful and adorable student who didn’t express an interest or technical expertise in these issues. I hope someone is not using Mr. Johnson’s name for political purposes. As far as mismanagement, please get your candidates straight. My issues are capital costs and development that doesn't fit Fillmore in size or density.

As far as the FEMA issue, after attending the two most recent (7/17 & 10/14) FEMA/Watershed Protection meetings I am not convinced that all of the effort and money that we are expending on consultants and trips to DC will change the outcome of this study. When the challenge was made, the draft sedimentation study had not even been released. I suppose a challenge would be in order - but with a cost limit. As it stands right now, we are looking at another open ended contract.

As far as an… “…Industry standard MBR Water Recycling Plant with a 50 year life expectation”. That would be a great if we will have the electrical energy to run it for 50 years and could afford it. The future water issues will only be matched by future energy issues (supply and cost). The future “requirement” that you refer to is only for agencies using State Water Project supply. (Mr. Johnson, have you been reading the State Water Board draft notices again?). Yes, using recycled water is a good idea…for LA County…but not for Fillmore. Using recycled water is going to cost us $26 million just for capital costs! The $3 million grant application showed a 1% cost benefit at a cost of $11 million. At $26 million it will NEVER have a benefit for Fillmore. Especially now that it is determined that San Cayetano and the High School fields can’t be used for recycling. By the way, we are not “conserving” very much water. We are just percolating it at a different location - uphill. As L.A. Sanitation and United Water stated at last week’s Council meeting, river discharge is a BENEFICIAL use of the water.

Parks: I’m happy that we are getting a pool and a few tennis courts. Well done by all who participated in getting that pool through. That goes back to many people and many years of effort. I wouldn’t think any current Council member could take credit for that (except maybe Scott Lee). I hope our $15 per year pool tax will provide enough income to pay the expenses. The 22 acre park is currently only funded for the skatepark and most recently the concession stand. It may be years before the funding exists to complete the park. There’s talk of raising taxes via a Parks and Rec District to pay the maintenance for them because we can’t afford it.

As far as the Business Park, I can’t wait to see these jobs. I’m not convinced that Long’s Drugs and a Public Storage will provide the kind of jobs people are looking for though.

Now, on to Mayor Conaway’s comments. Mayor, I am speaking to you directly. The American Water trip…Yes, American Water booked and arranged for the trip. You were reimbursed by the Mayor’s Water Council that American Water is a full member of. While you did speak on the benefits of DBO contracts, you have yet to show how it has benefitted Fillmore. As I stated at the most recent debate, DBO is supposed to be done by an integrated company that “turnkeys” the entire project. That’s where the alleged savings come in. However, American Water is not that kind of company and you cannot document or prove any savings in this instance. The DBO was misused. You were referred to the report from the Inspector General of Massachusetts in the Lynne, MA case, yet there was no discussion of this issue which would have been appropriate and balanced. That’s all I have ever asked for is some balanced dialogue about all of the issues involved in this project. That is not an unreasonable request and in fact would be a requirement for any agency spending this much public funds. There is no acknowledgement of these issues and the response is to attack myself and others for asking about it. The impacts on this community are so severe and far reaching, yet you never asked for an economic feasibility analysis during this process. However, I will acknowledge that when the contract was signed, you were not the Mayor.

You are correct that there is no levee required for Santa Paula. Well before the FEMA maps our plant was NOT IN THE FLOODPLAIN and didn’t require a levee. However, KDF properties did require one so we pitched in half to help them out.

Now you may perceive my comments as criticism and politicking but no, this is not meant to insult you it is only meant to stop the insults that you are hurling at me.

"Oh ya, your Candidate lambasted Fillmore for going with a DBO Contract. In Santa Paula your Candidate couldn't have been more supportive that they choose to go with a DBOF Contract. I don't think a fish out of water flops that fast.”

Yes, my mom lives in Santa Paula so I was happy for the citizens of Santa Paula. They got more for the money than we did. You cannot deny that fact. No matter how you try to spin and manipulate the numbers. They paid less, even when you take out the levee, percolation and financing. And, their DBO was handled more efficiently. The RFQ was less burdensome and costly, the RFP was less burdensome and costly, the contract special counsel was far less costly, and the project management was far less costly. They followed the intent and process of a true DBO company.

You are also taking credit for reducing sewer rates since the last increase was lower than projected. Have you looked at the proformas? The higher projections were based on the operating expenses for the NEW plant which isn’t even online yet. The savings occurred when those line items were removed because they weren’t even needed. There was no reduction or true savings and I am surprised that you would use it on your campaign flyers.

I could go on but I won’t.

“Roberto”: Umm…”Jamey, Gayle, Clay and Brian group” have used lies and fear in their campaigns for years.” What are you talking about? Clay Westling never participated in any citizen advocacy until less than a year ago. I’ve been involved for about two years. The others, I don’t know about since I wasn’t here before 2006. No credibility for you. “Please stop it.”

LOL: I want to point out that the American Water contract had already been signed before Mayor Conaway went on the trip. I don’t believe that there were any other approvals after that. And, it is also a little premature to call the election at this point. The results might not even be known for days or weeks after the election.

Bottom line, there are emotional insults flying from all directions. I’ve taken a lot of abuse, as have some other candidates. I guess it’s part of the game but I have to say that your support has had more practice with these tactics that don’t belong in Fillmore. And, I will say again as I have many times on my blog, to my supporters who engage in these discussions, stick to the facts of the record and the issues, no insults or personal attacks. Disagreement is normal and expected but adults are to be role models of decorum and diplomacy and that is the way I want to conduct myself – even though I can’t control others.

This is such a long read, I doubt that many will read every word. That's okay though. Now I'll be reviewing the new Draft Housing Element – don’t have time to discuss anymore.

Is this a "special project"?

2008-10-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

There is a lively discussion going on at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/

One of our readers left this comment recently...

"Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The fleecing continues...": from fillmoregazette---"missplechkr, thank you forSubmitted by Roy Payne on Fri, 10/10/2008 - 11:10am.missplechkr, thank you for your response to my letter. However, don't feel the need to try and interpret what I have said, just ask me. My statement regarding Ms. Washburn's potential for getting the City into lawsuits still stands. According to the City Attorney, if Measure I passes it will more than likely end up in a lawsuit. Ms. Washburn has been a vocal advocate and initiator of Measure I. Ms. Washburn advocated for PERC to build the new sewer plant in both Fillmore and Santa Paula, PERC is now in a lawsuit. Her actions, lead to lawsuits---"

what say you?"

and here is my response...

"Lawsuits...as I’ve stated before, the lawsuit scare tactics are so hypocritical. I was given a document showing that the City has been engaged in 46 lawsuits while Mr. Payne was City Manager. Six of them are eminent domain actions.

I’m not an attorney but it is my understanding that the issues would be number of affordable homes not built in North Fillmore. That could be resolved by planning 52 more affordable homes elsewhere in Fillmore. The other issues would be inconsistency with the General Plan and Housing Element. It seems to me that those documents could be updated and amended. The City actually amends the General Plan with almost every development approval.

Then the developers with current entitlements: while I am not a lawyer, it is my understandig that to prove a "takings" that a reduction in density would cause, there has to be proof that another plan that is in compliance with the Initiative would not work.

"Diminished property values are considered incidents of ownership, and as long as there are some profitable uses remaining, the loss of a property's best use is not sufficient grounds to find a taking has occurred. (See Lingle, 544 U.S. at p. 538; Del Oro, 31 Cal.App.4th at p. 1080- 81.)"
The project was never feasible at 700 homes anyway due to the high cost of the infrastructure.

What also concerns me is that there have been many anonymous postings on my blog (http://www.fillmoreblog.com/) over the last couple of years using the exact same language and scare tactics about how Patti Walker’s actions “lead to lawsuits”. This may be a stretch but is Mr. Payne at the heart of the Friends of Fillmore or has he been politicking behind the scenes all these years against Patti? I believe that it is against Government Code for City staff or officials to engage in that behavior. And yes, Roy, you are still on the payroll via your retainer (and I hope you are not using that retainer time to campaign against H&I and myself and campaigning for Conaway and Cuevas). It certainly looks that way.

If you want to fear a lawsuit, fear the Sales Tax Agreement issue. While, at this moment, it may still be legal, the legislature and the affected cities consider it highly unethical. The complaint reads...

..."In August, 2008 the BOE determined that several of these sham offices were improper, reallocating almost $6.5 million in 4th Quarter 2007 sales taxes from Fillmore to the proper cities."

Is "improper" the same as illegal? If so, maybe we can get that money back. But we'll probably have to have a lawsuit to get it back!

As far as PERC in a lawsuit, I can find no such article in the Star. Nor could I find any such filing in Ventura County Court records. So I need to see some proof of that allegation. In any event, Mr. Payne was not concerned about the many more lawsuits that American Water was involved in, which we brought to the City Council’s attention in 2006. If you Google “American Water” and “lawsuits” you get about 58,000 hits.

Gayle

Where did the time go?

2008-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the election is only 25 days away! It seems like only yesterday I was still deciding whether to run or not.

Did you watch the debate on Tuesday night? If not, Channel 10 is showing reruns throughout the day. Did you like the questions and answers that were presented to the candidates? It was important to hear all of the candidates answers whether I agreed with them or not. Everyone spoke from the heart and in their own way wants the best for Fillmore. I'm always impressed with Jamey Brooks' delivery.

What did you think of the answers? Was there a response that any candidate made that you really liked or disliked?

What other questions would you have wanted to be asked of the candidates?

There's a lot of activity going on on all the blogs around. I think it's time for me to get back to work on my writing and start discussing more local issues.

Let's talk about issues...

The fleecing continues...

2008-10-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have an idea if you are reading this you already know the implications of the economic crisis we are in and the pluses and minuses of the "$700 Billion Bailout".

From Reuters news..."But in signs of the spreading crisis, California said it was running out of money"

Read more here...

As the details filter out and we realize how little it will do for taxpayers and how much it will do for the big banks (and their foreign investors!) you have to ask yourself what the best strategy is for your own financial future.

What can we do as individuals to protect ourselves? I would avoid buying into a system that is only designed to hurt you in the long run.

Please don't take this as investment advice but this is our strategy. Avoid large corporate banks.

Support your local non-corporate bank. Review their balance sheet and talk to the banker and managers.

This financial meltdown is not over.

In the dark of night...

2008-09-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ouch...another $25 billion down the drain. Late last night - maybe to avoid a stock market crash - the government announced they are negotiating a bailout for Freddie and Fannie. After hours trading saw declines of 20% - 25% of their stock prices. Stay tuned for Monday.

Here's a link to the AP story on yahoo.com

"The news also followed a report Friday by the Mortgage Bankers Association that more than 4 million American homeowners with a mortgage, a record 9 percent, were either behind on their payments or in foreclosure at the end of June."

Here's the Wall Street Journal article.

Do you think these taxpayer funded bailouts will help the economy?

Just one more...

2008-08-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Please indulge me one more time for a reality check.

Chatstack's comments on the previous post were very poignantly stated. My heart goes out to all who have been struggling to achieve the "American Dream".

In my opinion, this dream is fading for the "middle class" and certainly for the "lower income" folks.

Wages for working people have been in decline since the mid-70's. And, while we've had the illusion of propserity with SUV's, big screen TV's, etc., we all went into debt to achieve it.

I saw this great video series today. There are about 17 videos and I only made it to number 11. Check it out if you want a great class in economics. Number five is my favorite.

~Enjoy.