Saturday July 04, 2009

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Piru 4-H Involved In Community

Service To Help The Homeless

July 3, 2009

On Tuesday, June 16, 2009, approximately twenty members of the Piru 4-H and their parents went to Harbor Community Church in Ventura.  The church is a wonderful organization which seems to go above and beyond in their efforts to help the homeless population.

The church members go to river bottoms, parks, and other areas to reach homeless people and help them help themselves.  They share the good news and teachings of Jesus Christ, and try to get them back on their feet to become productive members of society.

Their homeless services include shower facilities, food pantry, clothes closets, laundry facilities, education and employment services.  They also serve nutritious hot breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a hot lunch from 1 to 2 p.m., five days a week. They also send their homeless friends with two days worth of food to help sustain them over the weekend. 

Everyone who visits there is assigned to do different tasks daily and no one is allowed to just “hang out,” according to Pastor Dan, who also stated that since they are in a residential neighborhood and very close to a school, they are very careful in their screening process.

Piru 4-H “adopted” this organization for a community service project and were all very impressed by the cleanliness and orderly manner in which this organization is managed.  Due to the present economy, Roseann, the office director, states that many more families are approaching them for help and the need for donations is greater than ever.

The Piru 4-H kids helped prepare, serve and clean up lunch.  They also folded and organized the clothing they donated, stocked the food pantry and made p the bags of food to be distributed to their homeless friends. 

The kids of Piru 4-H were very enthusiastic about this project and brought several bags of clothes, food, toiletries and other needed items.

Piru 4-H heard many success stories and on of the main things the youngsters were heard saying is “When can we come back and help again?”

For anyone wishing more information Pastor Dan’s efforts may call 650-7422 at The Harbor, 3100 Preble Avenue, Ventura, CA. 93003 or email at www.theharbor.us.

Fourth Of July Celebrates Freedom

Recreational Vehicle Refurbishing Scam

June 23, 2009

        There are groups of people that are cruising the beach campground areas looking for campers to become their next victims. The scammers are seeking out trailer and recreational type vehicles that are fiberglass and have a gelcoat application on them. The scam is to offer a new gelcoat application for a fraction of the cost, only to apply a watered down pigmented machinery grease.                          
       Gelcoat is a material used to provide a high quality finish on the visible surface of a fibre-reinforced composite material. It makes the outside of your trailer or boat shine.                          
       The way the scam works is the "Bad Guys" find a trailer where the gelcoat has aged and faded leaving a dull finish. They approach the unsuspecting trailer owner and give them a story that they work for a business that re-applies gelcoat to older or damaged recreational vehicles (RV’s). The scammer will tell you that they noticed your camper has sun damage and they have extra gelcoat product left over from a past job that they can apply to your RV to make it look like new again. The most enticing claim they make is they can do the application right at your campsite. They will even claim that it will revitalize the RV decals and seal them. You may be told that the new coating will last for up to 12 years and it will protect your RV from future sun damage.                                        
       The offer will be that all this can be done for half the price of a regular application due to the product being free. The costs will vary according to the size of the job but normally run anywhere from $50.00 for a front grill area on a motor home to $1000.00 for the whole motor home.         
       The scammers story is they are trying to make ends meet in the rough economy and are looking for side jobs on their weekends                                                                                    
       Once convinced to allow the application, the scam artists begin to apply the gel substance. They will pull out several containers of pink, red, blue, or purple gel-like substances and begin wiping it on your trailer, boat, or motor home. It all looks like it is on the up and up at this point and the RV actually has a nice looking increased reflective sheen.                                                                     
       The distraction they use is to tell you during the application process not to touch the applied surface for up to 15 hours due to the high resin content which could burn or make your fingers stick together like super glue. They are also using a very adventurous and wondering young child they bring along to distract the owners into helping to watch the child and not the application process.          
       The actual scam: the material they are applying to your vehicle is not gelcoat. It is actually machinery grease. The colors are the color of the grease they are applying and when mixed with water the grease color varies to accommodate the colors mentioned earlier. The reason why they do not want you to touch the application is you can tell quickly that it is not resinous but greasy and if you smell the product you will smell the obvious odor of automotive/machinery grease.                         
       The outcome of the scam is, you have just paid up to$1000.00 dollars for someone to wipe grease all over your RV and it will take you hours of hard work to strip the grease back off the RV so a real gelcoat application can be applied. Leaving grease on your RV will cause a great amount of dirt collection to the surface and will become a milky spotted surface when it gets wet.                        
       This scam has recently been reported along the Rincon Beach area north of Ventura City. Do not ever accept services or sales of products from anyone that does not have a valid vendors license that you can verify. If you have been a victim or you are approached by these scam artists please call your local police immediately.

The Fillmore Fire Works Sales Started

June 28, 2009

The fire works booths opened at 12 noon on Sunday, June 28, 2009.  The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce booth is located in the vacant lot between the Shell Gas Station at C Street and Tipsy Fox.  The booth will be opened from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the Fourth of July. 

The Chamber is asking everyone to supervise young children in the use of the fireworks due to the number of injuries which occur during this particular holiday.  There is a fine for anyone caught using illegal fireworks in the city or county of Ventura.  An illegal firework is anything which explodes, or leaves the ground, such as M 80’s or more or bottle rockets.  This also includes even the home made type bombs or rockets. 

If all residents would give their best to have a safe and sane holiday with no fires or injuries the city will be able to continue to sell the safe fireworks and donate the money earned to our youth, whether it is for new ball game uniforms or scholarships to help further their education.  The more cooperation the city gets from the people who enjoy celebrating this nation’s holiday the more people will benefit from the fun in years to come.

Editor of The Sespe Sun    

Two Garages Damaged In Traffic Collision

Two Arrested For Drugs

July 1, 2009

On Monday, June 29, 2009, at approximately 10:58 p.m. Fillmore Sheriff’s deputies witnessed a suspect driving erratic, running several stop signs and stoplights.  Deputies were able to get the vehicle stopped at Saratoga and Sespe Streets, but the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Jesus Ramirez, 24, exited the car and ran from police.  Ramirez was wanted for the traffic violations of reckless driving, resisting and fleeing, Health and Safety possession of Methamphetamine

At the time a search of the area failed to turn up Ramirez, however his passenger, Martin Gonzales, 21, was arrested for being under influence of Methamphetamine and was booked in the Ventura County Pre-trial Detention Facility.  Ramirez was a wanted felony suspect until Tuesday, June 30, 2009, when he turned himself into the Fillmore Police Station.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club Installs New Officers

June 24, 2009

The Fillmore Women's Service Club installed a new board for the 2009-2010 year at a special dinner held at Logsdon’s Restaurant in Santa Paula.  This year the club's motto is “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude,” and we are going to be guided by Jeanne Klittich, as President who is an outstanding long time member.

Her board consists of:  First Vice President Jan Nehrig; Second Vice President Marci Thompson; Third Vice President Dorothy Hunt.; Fourth Vice President Susan Banks; Recording Secretary Fay Swanson; Correspondence Carolyn Collins; Parliamentarian Tobey Bowers; and Treasurers Dee Rojo and Donna Voelker.  

This year Jeanne is implementing chairperson positions which consist of:  Elaine Bashford, for Amenities; Dorothy Hunt to over see Senior Meals; Donna Voelker for Computer Support; Rita Avila has Door Prizes; Michele Smith, Historian; Glenda DeJarnette, Inspiration; Mimi Burns, Press; Marci Thompson, Social; Marilyn Griffin  Spaghetti Dinner Assistant; Kathy Changus, Telephone.

We are proud of the support the community has given us each year. This enables the club to give numerous scholarships to our outstanding senior's on their way to college.  This year we were also able to help two women in the community that were returning to college to strengthen their careers.

Our next fund raiser will be our Annual Fireworks Booth, which will be located in the parking lot of Margaret's Cocina Drive-In.  The club is looking forward to another successful year.  Thank you all for your continued support with all our fundraisers, and we look forward to seeing you on the Fourth Of July.

The club meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center at 7 p.m., guests and new members are always welcome.  Please come join us.

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Goodenough Training Burn

July 1, 2009                                                                                                                                                                                     
         The City of Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura County Fire Department Wildland Fire Division will be conducting a live fire training exercise. The training will commence July 6 to July 8 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the 1200 block of Good Enough Road in Fillmore, weather permitting.
       Training is slated to include the burning of low-level grasses found throughout a 30-acre parcel slated for development in the near future. Smoke and flames will be visible throughout the area however should have a minimal impact on both traffic and routine activities.
       The purpose of this exercise is to provide fire personnel the rare opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with live fire in a controlled non-emergent environment. The process will be supervised by experienced personnel and will follow strict safety guidelines set by the California State Fire Marshal. This process provides invaluable training experience for fire personnel while simultaneously reducing the amount of weeds and hazardous debris commonly found in the urban-interface areas.
 

Volunteer Leaders Receive Inaugural President’s Award

July 3, 2009

Ten volunteers who have donated their time and talents to bettering the lives of thousands in Ventura County have been honored with the new Ventura County Community Foundation’s President’s Award.

Presented at the community foundation’s biannual volunteer reception on June 23, the honor recognizes community volunteers whose commitment has significantly furthered the success of VCCF’s programs and services. Recipients were chosen for their outstanding service on VCCF committees, or as volunteer faculty members for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership or as past Board members who remain active with VCCF.

“Our almost 400 volunteers provide crucial assistance in distributing grants, developing policies and priorities, reading scholarship applications and sharing information and wisdom through the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and the Ventura County Civic Alliance,” said Hugh Ralston, president and CEO of the community foundation. 

Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figure of $28 per hour for the value of donated time, VCCF volunteers give the equivalent of more than $100,000 annually when all their hours are tallied, Ralston noted.

“We simply could not accomplish all that we do for Ventura County without the contributions of these community leaders,” Ralston told the roughly 75 attending the reception at the Commemorative Air Force WWII Aviation Museum in Camarillo.

The winners of the 2009-2010 President’s Award are as follows:  Fred Bauermeister, of Moorpark, who serves on the Center for Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Committee; Doug Green, of Santa Paula, a faculty member for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership; Ted Jensen, of Port Hueneme, who volunteers for the VCCF Scholarship Advisory and Selection Committee and coordinates compliance for over 3,000 applications per year; Lois Manning, of Ventura, for her work on the Partners in Nursing Committee and oversight of the Medical Education Fund;  Richard Shipley, of Camarillo, a former VCCF Board Member, who also serves on the Administrative & Finance and Investment & Strategic Planning committees as well as the board of Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation;  Shred Rite, of Oxnard, which donated shredding services to the Scholarship Program to protect applicants’ personal information;  Nancy Stehle, of Oxnard, chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance, with its major initiatives around sustainable development, expanding livable communities and strengthening workforce education; Alex Teague, of Santa Paula, who co-chaired the 80 in 08 campaign which raised over $90,000 in funds for the development of new farm worker housing for the region’s agricultural employees;  George Tillquist, of Ventura, a member of the Program and Grants Committee, who devotes significant hours to reviewing compliance and other related issues for possible grants; and Peter Wakeman, of Westlake Village, who serves on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Charitable Gift Annuity Committee, was instrumental in several projects, including establishing the TAC as a grant making fund.

       More than 375 people volunteered at VCCF in 2008 and 2009, participating in advisory committees, board committees, grants and review committees as well as supporting program initiatives like the nursing initiatives, the Civic Alliance and ArtsLIVE in Ventura County. Along with the President’s Award honorees, some of the most dedicated work behind the scenes assists the community foundation’s scholarship program, which awarded $1.35 million to more than 380 students this year. This year, a team of 18 volunteers processed the more than 3,060 applications. Sixteen screened the applications to make sure they complied with the eligibility guidelines set by donors who founded the scholarships. A committee of 40 volunteers rated the 1,371 eligible applications, which resulted in recommendations to the VCCF board for this year’s grantees from the more than 70 scholarship funds at the foundation.

       “In this time of computerization and depersonalization, our volunteers go the extra mile to make sure every scholarship applicant receives a full and complete review,” Ralston said. “Their service helps give the next generation a step-up in their lives, strengthening our community in so many ways.”

       The Ventura County Community Foundation is a family of 500 charitable funds with total assets of $96 million, and distributed $5.3 million grants and pledges in 2008. The Foundation’s mission is to promote and enable philanthropy to improve our community for good for ever, building long-term charitable capital to benefit Ventura County . The Foundation has been confirmed in compliance with national standards by the Council on Foundations, a reflection of the highest peer review across the nations 700 community foundations. For more information, visit www.vccf.org.

Residential Burglars Arrested

July 2, 2009

On June 29, 2009, at approximately 11 a.m. Camarillo deputies responded to a possible burglary in progress in the 5900 block of Palomar Circle.  Responding units arrived within minutes, and found Joey Moore, 32, and Jose Aguilar, 26, both of Santa Paula, leaving the area.  The deputies’ investigation revealed the screen on the rear sliding glass door had been pried open.  The deputies on scene were able to connect both Moore and Aguilar to the attempted burglary.  Deputies located Jessica Leal, 28, also of Santa Paula, in a vehicle down the street.  Further investigation revealed Leal was acting as a look out of the crime.

All three suspects were subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for conspiracy, attempt burglary, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.  Bail was set at $50,000.

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind all residents in the county not to ignore someone knocking at their door.  They may be better served to equip themselves with a phone and without opening the door, acknowledge the person’s presence.

Suspect Arrested After Jamming Security Radio Frequencies

July 2, 2009

In the recent past, an unidentified male voice began broadcasting on the radio frequency used by The Oaks Mall Security personnel.  The unknown male voice broadcast profanity toward the security officers and informed security they needed to give up their radio frequency to him.  The unknown man threatened to jam the Oaks Mall frequencies if they did not comply with his demands and stated the police and the Federal Communications Commission would not do anything to him.

Security reprogrammed their radios so they could block the unknown person.  However, the suspect hacked into the malls frequencies and said he would continue to harass and jam their frequencies until they surrendered to him their radio frequencies.

The malls security filed a crime report with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the FCC.  Through a coordinated effort, an agent of the FCC and deputies located the suspect as he was making further demands, again via their radio frequency.  The suspect also admitted to “jamming” and “pulsing” the frequency in his effort to shut down the mall’s radio transmissions.  

During the conversation, the FCC agent and deputies arrested the suspect, who was later identified a Kevin William Bondy, 25, of Northridge, CA.

The FCC found that Bondy willfully and repeatedly violated FCC regulations by engaging in unlicensed radio operation and intentional interference with licensed radio operations.   

       The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July weekend. Citizens are reminded that “safe & sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal between June 28 12:00 p.m. – July 5 12:00 p.m.. The use of any type of non-approved fireworks is never legal and will result in criminal charges and the potential for a $1000 fine.  If you witness any illegal activity please report it! An anonymous tip line has been setup to report violators. Please call 805-524-1500 ext. 350 to report illegal activity.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day Celebration.

Fire Safety

• If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.
• Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
• Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.
• Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.
• Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.