From the Acorn...

Businessman, retired teacher, ex-member among 10 Simi school board candidates

The Ventura County Elections Division has released a list of 10 people running for two available seats on the Simi Valley Unified School District Board of Education.

Carla Kurachi and Greg Stratton, the two incumbents, will not seek reelection.

The list of candidates includes a board member who lost his seat in the 2004 election, a local businessman and a retired teacher.

Those who filed papers required for candidacy are Eric Lundstrom, Steven Gould, Thurlow Partridge, Steven Lee Bloore, Tim Camarillo, Raymond Cruz, Jeanne Davis, Larry Kwiatkowski, Bob Labelle and Randy Sundeen.

Members of the board of education have the responsibility of developing policies for the 30 campuses of the Simi Valley Unified School District. They serve four-year terms.

Residents will go to the polls to choose the new board members Nov. 7.

Eight vie for seats on Conejo Valley school board

Eight candidates filed papers before last Friday's deadline and will be on the Nov. 7 ballot, seeking election to the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education.

Three seats will be filled.

The three incumbents running for reelection are Michael Dunn, Patricia Phelps and Tim Stephens.

The five challengers are Tim Penix, Gregory Lennox, John Anderson, Peggy Buckles and John Short III.

Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Moorpark Unified School District board member David Pollock announced earlier this week that he won't seek reelection in the fall. His position is now open to new candidates without the challenge of an incumbent.

"I won't run partly because of my job, which requires a lot of travel," said Pollock, who was hired earlier this year to serve as senior director of governance and policy services program development for the California School Boards Association. Pollock meets with school district personnel and superintendents throughout the state.

The frequent trips out of town make him feel "a bit out of touch" and a local school trustee needs to be connected to the community, he said.

"Pollock has been a fantastic member of the school board- that's a terrible loss to the community," said Councilmember Clint Harper, himself a former school trustee.

It's time for a change now, Pollock said. "Moorpark schools need someone new to

step up and bring new ideas to the table and after 12 years I think it's time for a fresh perspective."

According to Pollock, the ideal candidate should already be involved with schools. He or she should want to join the board to look out for the best interest of students.

"I'll also be looking at the candidates carefully to make sure that the person who follows me will be able to work well with the other board members," Pollock said.

Although he's proud of all the accomplishments the school district has made during the past decade, this wasn't a solo effort, he said.

"Nothing was done alone. It was a collaborative effort with many people involved," Pollock said, adding the candidates for the board should realize the job requires teamwork. "Policies are created with debate, so the new person needs to be able to engage in deliberations."

Applicants must not have children who attend district schools.

"People serve to benefit the community," Pollock said. He joined the board because he was concerned about public school in general and wanted to have a voice in the way local schools are run.

Trustee Bruce Thomas, who was appointed to the board earlier this year to fill a vacancy, said he'll run to complete former board member Tom Baldwin's term, which will end in 2008. Baldwin moved out of state earlier this year.

Hello my name is Tim Camarillo and I am running to be a Governing Board Member of the Simi Valley Unified School District. I am running to continue strengthening family and community partnerships and to continue helping each individual student the opportunity to develop values, knowledge, goals, skills and the self confidence to be life long learners and responsible citizens.

I am a returning Head Start Teacher for the Child Development Resources of Ventura County. I currently hold a Child Development Teacher Permit from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and I am a Professional Growth Advisor. I am a Graduate of Moorpark College with Degree in Child Development Infant-Toddler Studies and have been involved in the education and social service field since 1994, when I was accepted to be in the first AmeriCorps class serving families and the inner city youth of the City of Los Angeles. I am proud to have served two years as an AmeriCorps Member and one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA-Volunteer In Service To America.

I am a graduate of the Riordan Volunteer Development Leadership Program conducted by the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce that trains young professionals to be Governing Board Members.

Two of my inspirations for entering public service is my Mother Lois Camarillo-Sidenfaden who was presented with the American Federation of Teachers "National Diamond Service Award For Paraprofessionals on " July 2, 1990 in Boston for her service to unions, this award is now called the "Porter Award". The other is my Father Timothy Joseph Camarillo who served three tours of duty as a U.S. Marine in the Republic of Viet-Nam.

I am also proud to be of the Camarillo Family and their accomplishments and contributions to Ventura County. Starting with my Great-Great-Great Grandfather Juan T. Camarillo who helped form Ventura County. Great-Great Granduncle Adolfo Camarillo who served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 1914. Great-Granduncle Robert B. Camarillo who served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for U.S. District Court, District of California, Southern Division 1921-1924. Great Granduncle Francisco A. Camarillo who served in the Great War and was a protector of immigrant rights in the 1920's and 1930's.

I am a Veteran of the United States Army Reserve who served with Bravo Detachment, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion (Foreign Internal Defense/Uncoventional Warfare), 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.

I think one of my highlights in performing public service was receiving a personal thank you letter from U.S. President Bill Clinton on March 24, 1995 for representing "what is best about America -- a willingness to take responsibility, help others, and make a meaningful difference". I am interested in making a difference again and that is why I am running for the Simi Valley School Board.

Two issues that I am promoting is the expansion of Early Childhood Education and Service Learning in the Simi Valley Unifed School District.

For more information on my background, acccomplishments and contributions go to this web page http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2235307/bio

Thank you,
Tim Camarillo

Look, this is Simi Valley not Camarillo. Seems like you've spent a lot of time not in our community. What have you done here?

I've never even heard of you...

I think the key question is whether Tim Camarillo supports illegal immigrants taking school funds from American citizens.

Hello Tim Fillmore I just wanted to let you know that I was involved in Operation Ground Hog a joint U.S. Army-U.S. Border Patrol Mission in 1987. It was a pilot program for what we know today as Operation Jump Start. You know the Southwest Border Operation that is now being conducted by the California National Guard. I haved served my country and I have served my community in more ways than you will ever care to know.

I am a graduate of the Simi Valley Community Emergency Response Team Training conducted by the Ventura County Fire Department and the Simi Valley Citizens Police Academy. I have volunteered my time with the Simi Valley Youth Employment Service conducting workshops to help young adults integrate into the work force. I have served as alternative board member for the Simi Valley Citizen's Election Advisory Commission. What have you done Tim Fillmore for your community? What have you done Tim Fillmore for your Country?

Yes it is true that I have served in the inner cities of Los Angeles. But isn't true that urban inner city problems are our problems too. Why do you think Simi Valley and Ventura County are growing. Is it because we have a great educational system. Is it because we care about public safety and is it because we care truly about our communities and families.

I will tell you something. Since 9-11 I do believe our borders should be secure. The reason to save lives and because is in the best interest of our national security. But it should also include the Canadian Border as well. But I am not running for U.S. Congress or the U.S. Senate, I am running for the Simi Valley Unified School District and my concern is for the education of all Children, Adolescents, Adults and Families to fufill their hopes and dreams and to become life long learners and responsible citizens.

I will tell you as a teacher the moral thing for me is for me is to teach children and to give each child an opportunity to develop values, knowledge, goals, skills and the self confidence to be life long learners and responsible citizens. If I didn't, what kind of teacher would I be? I believe education is a right not a privilege just like Health Care do we really want deny people access to health care and create a health hazard for others in our community. I as a human being do not want to create an underclass of people. I want a community of responsible citizenry.

Have you ever seen an illegal immigrant try to make it into this country. I have, they travelled through 115 degree heat, faced certain death for what? An opportunity for a better life for them and their families. You know what? Many did not make it and have died in the merciless Sonoran Desert leaving families behind without Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and Mothers.

I will tell you about the ones we did apprehend in Operation Ground Hog they were courageous individuals who were willing to risk their lives for a better opportunity in the United States of America. We as Soldiers gave our water and MRE'S to these illegal immigrants because they were dehydrated and starving. We did it because it was the moral and the humanitarian thing to do. Would you Tim Fillmore, give an illegal immigrant food and water if you knew they were dying from thirst or starvation. I hope you would because it is the moral and humane action to do. Would you deny a child an education because his or her family came here for a better life. No I would think that you would want them to become better citizens and make a contribution to our society.

Do you know why The Camarillo Family came to California from Mexico City in 1834? Because my Great-Great-Great Grandfather Juan T. Camarillo saw an opportunity to improve himself and to escape the tyranny of Santa Ana's Mexican Government. Do you know why my Great-Great-Great Grandfather was proud to be an American? Because of the opportunities for all men regardless, of race, creed or religion. He believed in this country so much he acted a mediator and was involved in helping resolve many racial clashes in Santa Barbara County including the Township of Ventura.

Have you ever talked to an immigrant family? I have! They are here because they want their family to have a better life, a better education and a home. They work hard for their money and they want to make a contrbution to our society. I have met with families from Mexico, China, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Canada, India, Brazil and France and they all share a hope for a better life for their children and you know what they were all illegal.

Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door. When I think of these words I think of all immigrants legal and Illegal and their contributions to this great nation.

I am still proud of my Great-Granduncle Francisco A. Camarillo for standing up for immigrant's rights. Here is a man who served during the Great War and was interested in people's rights. There were mass deportations in the 1920's and there was a strong Ku Klux Klan presence in the City of Santa Paula with nightly cross burnings. Do you want to go to the past? Do you really want this country to look like Nazi Germany with mass deportations. I don't think so! Many families were seperated in the 1920's and many Mexican-Americans were deported to Mexico even though they were born in the United States. We are an America that believes in people. Peoples dreams of a better life, a life full of hopes and dreams, and a life of a better future.

The name Camarillo stirs up many responses from people in this County either you hate us or love us, but for better or worse we have tried to make this County, State of California, and United States of America a better place for all to live. Sure we have our personal Success and Failure, but at least we try to do the right thing.

The key question is, do you want to create an underclass of people and make the problems of our communities worse than before? or Do you want a community of life long learners and responsible citizens who make our communities strong and great.

Thank you, Tim Fillmore for your statement. Like me or hate me I am here to make a difference in this upcoming Simi Valley School Board Election.

Well said, Tim Camarillo! I would hope that "Tim Fillmore" would spend some time reflecting on why immigration is such a hot button subject for him and perhaps find out more about the issue. It may remain his most important issue but perhaps he'll feel the need to get involved in its solutions. Good luck in your race.

One of my goals in this campaign is to promote Preschool For All children. As a preschool teacher I have seen many families seek an Early Childhood Education for their children and the struggle to pay for it. As a Head Start teacher I have seen the disappointment of families who barely make money to live in this County and yet make to much to qualify for a quality Head Start Program. Some people may argue that we would drive private preschools out of business and yet we have private high schools and public schools that offer the best choices for families and their children. That is what I would like to offer Simi Valley families a Choice of quality public preschool for their children in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Here is the website for Preschool for all. http:/www.preschoolcalifornia.org/

OOOPS Website sshould be http://www.preschoolcalifornia.org/

For a Ventura County viewpoint for Preschool For All go to http://first5ventura.org/preschool.html.

As a Former AmeriCorps Member I am interested in expanding Service Learning Opportunities in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Here is a website that has some information on Service Learning Opportunities for K-!2 students. http://www.servicelearning.org/k-12home/index.php

Why Should Simi Valley have a Service Learning Program?

We can enhance student learning by joining theory with experience and thought with action. We can fill unmet needs in the community through direct service which is meaningful and necessary. We can enable students to help others, give of themselves, and enter into caring relationships with others. We can assist students to see the relevance of the academic subject to the real world. We enhance the self-esteem and self-confidence of your students. We can develop an environment of collegial participation among students, faculty, and the community. We can give students the opportunity to do important and necessary work in Simi Valley. We can increase pride and the civic and citizenship skills of students. We can expose students to societal inadequacies and injustices and empower students to remedy them. We can develop a richer context for student learning. We can better prepare students for their careers/continuing education.We can foster a re-affirmation of students' careers choices. We can give student greater responsibility for their learning. We can help students know how to get things done! We can impact local issues and local needs in Simi Valley.

As a former AmeriCorps Member I know the value of service and the pride in serving one's community. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.

Here is a website that has some information on Service Learning Opportunities for K-!2 students. http://www.servicelearning.org/k-12home/index.php

Camarillo,
Why don't you live in Camarillo? This is Simi. Don't you like Camarillo?

Hey Jimmy I live with my girlfriend in Simi. I've been here for about ten years. I wouldn't have it any other way. However if it is any consolidation for you, my cousin Frank Camarillo lives in Camarillo. He has a nice house in Spanish Hills. I also have cousins in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. I love Simi because of it's sense of community. I am close to Camarillo to visit my family and close enough to commute to Hollywood and make movies. Tell me this Jimmy why don't you live in Camarillo. Don't you like Camarillo?

Hey Tim Fillmore I was thinking of you when I read this article on the internet. This is about Joseph Turner and his school board campaign to make immigration an issue in San Bernadino. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_4187292

Here is another article I found from the American School Board Journal. http://www.asbj.com/current/yourturn.html

Hello. I am running for the Conejo Valley School Board. Rather than take up a great deal of blog space to present myself, I encourage interested readers to visit www.greg4schoolboard.com.

A brief background: I am a business executive, married 25 years with five children who has lived in the Conejo Valley for 18 years. I believe we have great schools, but that we need greater balance on the Board, which currently has four educators and one fire fighter.

My business background should prove extremely useful as we tackle the challenge of declining elementary enrollment and resulting decreases in State funding. We need to prioritize spending on the classroom, not on district overhead.

Thanks for your interest!

A big thank you to Donna Prenta for inviting me to attend her Thursday event and big thank you to Tim Prenta for supporting her run for Ventura County Board of Education. He is the Man. I want to also thank Rob Collins, SVUSD Trustee & Marcia Schneider, RN, CPNP. Thank you Aileen Archibald, RN for hosting your home for a nice gathering and talk and Kudos to Janice Difatta, SVUSD Trustee, Jean Borowsky, RN, Allen Westheimer, Kim Rubenstein, Eileen Duarte, Cyndi Page, Sue Martinez, CNA, Tammy Moro, RN and Aley Casillas for lending me their ears. I want to thank all the school nurses for their hard work and service to the Simi Valley School District. Good Luck to Thurlow Partridge and your journey as a school board candidate and thank you for sharing your reptile and snake story with me. Thanks again Donna for a wonderful event.

Mr. Lennox,
What is your opinion of Mr. Dunn?

Hello, Doc. I pledged to maintain a positive campaign, and focus on the issues rather than focus on pros and cons of the other candidates. Everyone, Mike Dunn included, is frustrated by the breakdown in working relationships on the Board. That's something I believe I can help with. As I was quoted in the Star, I believe it's time for everyone to step back, agree to disagree on certain issues, and avoid personal attacks. I would agree with Mike on many issues, but differ in my approach. For more information on my position on issues and priorities, visit my website www.greg4schoolboard.com.

Mr. Lennox,
On which issues do you agree with Mr. Dunn? Also in terms of "running a positive campaign" how was my question of what is your opinion of Mr. Dunn a negative thing, unless you were thinking negative comments about him? Did you agree with him on the health textbook issue? The Calendar issue? Seems to me that he caused the breakdown on the Board so why would he be frustrated with his own actions? Sounds to me like maybe you are a big Dunn supporter.

Mr. Lennox,
Your silence is deafening!

Well, Doc, I don't visit this blog daily. Sorry!

I would have voted for the Texas version of the 9th grade health textbook, which defined marriage as a commitment between a man and a woman. That is consistent with the clearly expressed sentiment of the Conejo Valley--something like 75% of voters here approved Prop 22 defining marriage exclusively in those terms. On the vacation issue, the Board also seemed to turn a deaf ear to parents who rallied around an earlier start. So on those two issues, yes, I agree with Mr. Dunn.

From my experience as a business executive and board member, I must say that responsibility for a breakdown in working relationships is rarely the fault of one individual. It is usually a collective failure. Our new Superintendent is attempting to build a common vision through upcoming training sessions, which is a good start. Real progress is dependent upon the willingness of everyone to respectfully engage in a constructive dialog and, when necessary, respectfully agree to disagree.

Mr. Lennox,
We already have one nut Board member in Dunn, we don't need another, I won't be voting for you!