A brand new mobile library dedicated to serving local students was unveiled today at the Ventura County Government Center. The School Mobile Library will visit schools throughout Ventura County, with a particular focus on those that do not have credentialed librarians on staff.

The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students.

“Nearly 70 thousand Ventura County students attend schools that don’t have a professional librarian on staff. And some of those schools have no on-site library at all,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “The new bookmobile will bring library services to students where they already are – at school.”

The School Mobile Library will contain $50,000 dollars’ worth of brand-new books. Staff from the Ventura County Office of Education will lead book discussions and lessons on media literacy, financial literacy, and more. County Library staff will provide STEAM kits and other fun activities during school visits. The bookmobile will also provide an opportunity for students to sign up for library cards, which will help comply with an upcoming state requirement that all students get library cards by the 3rd grade.

The School Mobile Library is a joint project of the Ventura County Library and the Ventura County Office of Education. It is made possible by a generous donation of $50,000 from the Ventura County Library Foundation, Premier America Credit Union, CBC Federal Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, and Ventura County Credit Union. This funding is in addition to the $250,000 Stronger Together: Improving Library Access grant received by the Ventura County Library through the California State Library.

The School Mobile Library will begin visiting Ventura County schools during the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

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About the Ventura County Office of Education

The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1323/Aquatic-Center

We appreciate your enthusiasm and support for our community pool. Historically, our pool season has kicked off on Memorial Weekend, marking the beginning of summer fun. However, due to current staffing challenges, we must delay the opening of the pool this year until June 10th.

Key Information:

New Opening Date: June 10th
Reservation System Launch: June 3rd
Reservations: First come, first served
Registration: Online only

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, all pool reservations will be managed through an online system. This system will go live on June 3rd. We encourage you to check this website periodically for updates and to secure your spot as soon as the reservation system becomes available.

How to Reserve:

Visit Our Website: Bookmark this page and return on June 3rd.
Register Online: Fill out the reservation application available on this site.
First Come, First Served: Reservations are limited, so early registration is advised.
Registration Links:

2024 Lap Swim - https:// www.cognitoforms.com/-CityOfFillmore/_2024LapSwimRegistrationForm
2024 Recreation Swim - https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfFillmore/_2024-RECREATIONSWIMRE-GISTR...
We understand that this delay may be disappointing, but the safety and quality of your experience remain our top priorities. We are working diligently to ensure that the pool is staffed and ready for a fantastic season starting June 10th.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to the pool soon!

For questions or concerns, please contact Juana Garcia at jgarcia@fillmoreca.gov or via phone at 805-312-9975 ext. 240.
Stay Updated: Please check this site regularly for the latest information and updates regarding the pool season at https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1323/Aquatic-Center.

PRESS RELEASE

July 12, 2024

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, Ventura County Law Enforcement will continue to approach homelessness and related issues through a multifaceted strategy. Emphasizing collaborative and supportive methods, we will maintain partnerships with social services, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential resources and support.

This recent court decision restores a tool for law enforcement when handling homeless encampments. Increasing law enforcement’s ability to make arrests, when appropriate and necessary, expands our options when responding to or proactively engaging with concerns involving our homeless populations. Ventura County law enforcement will evaluate the need for arrest on a case-by-case basis, understanding that each situation presents its unique set of circumstances.

While other jurisdictions may face different challenges regarding homelessness, Ventura County has found it important to focus not only on illegal behavior but also on the causes of such behavior and the individual’s ability and willingness to receive assistance. Enforcement and arrests are sometimes necessary, but connecting individuals with housing, healthcare, and other support services can often be a more constructive approach. Local law enforcement agencies will always respond swiftly to criminal activity while considering contemporary and emerging practices for addressing the complex societal issue of homelessness.

By taking this flexible approach and working closely with our county and city leaders, along with community partners, we aim to achieve successful outcomes for our unhoused population while improving livability and safety in our communities.

Now available home for rent, 3bdr, 2bath, $3250.00 mon., plus deposit. No utilities included. Text Barbara @ 805-797-3697. (7/25)

The Connie Converse Universe Celebrating Connie Converse's 100TH Birthday comes to Ojai on August 3, at 7:00pm at the Ojai Underground Exchange 616 Pearl Street, Ojai 93012.
This one hour very special folk music show/ birthday celebration of “The Connie Converse Universe” is a live acoustic folk cabaret about this true trailblazer and 1st female modern folk singer-songwriter from the early 1950s who disappeared in August of 1974 and whose whereabouts remain a mystery to this day. This show runs 60 minutes and dives into the quirky ahead of her time songs by Connie Converse who predated Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan as well as the genre singer-songwriter! Singer-songwriter performer, Hope Levy tells the true story and mystery of Connie’s life along with some stories of her own (and her very strange connection to Converse as well)! The Connie Converse Universe won the “Outstanding Musical” award at this year’s 2024 San Diego International Fringe Festival. Tix on sale now at https://www.ojaiundergroundexchange.com/shows
Please help spread the word to folk followers and Connie Converse fans and or post our show listing in your calendar of events.
“The Connie Converse Universe” celebrating the 100th Birthday of Connie Converse, Saturday, August 3 at 7:00pm at the Ojai Underground Exchange at 616 Pearl Street, Ojai 93012 Tix on sale here

https://www.ojaiundergroundexchange.com/shows

Written by Carina Montoya

Houry Meguerditchian, local Fillmore resident and co-owner along with her husband, Nerses, of TRACKS vintage shop on Central Avenue since 2021, is one of downtown Fillmore’s friendly and welcoming proprietors. She named the store TRACKS because she came to know Fillmore when the Fillmore & Western Railway Company offered year-round weekend excursions through the valley. Houry and Nerses often made weekend trips to Fillmore from Woodland Hills, where they lived before deciding to move to Fillmore in 2019. They enjoyed Fillmore’s quaint downtown area, antique shops, and the valley’s beautiful landscape.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Houry’s family immigrated to the U.S. when she was 9 years old and settled in Glendale, CA. Today, her career as a second-grade teacher with the Glendale Unified School District keeps her busy during the school year, especially having to make the daily commute, but she enjoys both worlds because she loves teaching and loves spending time at TRACKS. Houry is also a member of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club and volunteers her time in fundraising projects to raise money for youth scholarships and women returning to school. She was also a member of the Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB).

Fortunately, Houry’s associate at TRACKS, Sandi Ward, longtime resident of Fillmore and former owner of Sandi Ward’s Train Stop in Fillmore for 20 years, mans the store when Houry is away. TRACKS offers unique vintage collectibles, antiques, toys, clothes, and knick-knacks. There are a lot of items to browse through, and there is something for everyone, and something for all occasions. Both Houry and Sandi share a passion for unique items, so there is always something new and interesting to be found at TRACKS.

TRACKS will celebrate its second anniversary in August and will offer special deals and discounts all through the month of August. It’s so important to support local businesses, so during Fillmore Family Fun Day to be held on Saturday, July 20th, stop by and say “hello” to Houry and Sandi. They would be happy to show you all the unique items TRACKS has to offer.

Pictured above is Gussie, Alice, Wade and Edith Moore, c 1910. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Above is the Fillmore Unified High School (FUHS) Faculty, c. 1942. Edith is seated at the table on the right; she was a teacher for more than 20 years. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Most 74-year-old people would be thinking about retirement. Edith Moore Jarrett had retired from teaching at Fillmore Unified High School in 1947 after more than 20 years, but in 1972 the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce came to her with a request--to start a museum showcasing the Fillmore, Bardsdale, Sespe area. Edith had no experience in setting up a museum and anyone besides her would have said no, but not Edith. Edith’s work at getting the Museum going has been related elsewhere. Of course she didn’t do it alone – Dorothy Haase, Ruth Walker, Harold Dorman, we don’t have space to list everyone and would undoubtedly leave some out. But from the space the Chamber of Commerce leased on the ground floor of the Masonic Building, the Museum has grown considerably.

So, who was this person who had no apparent fear of taking on this new undertaking—Edith!
Edith was the eldest of four children born to Augusta “Gussie” Brown and Wade Moore. Gussie had met Wade in May of 1897 when she and her aunt came to David Cook’s ranch near Piru from Moorpark to work in the apricot harvest. Wade Moore was one of the supervisors for the apricot drying. Although Gussie was engaged to Levi Bunn, she married Wade Moore on September 29, 1897.

In July of 1898, Edith was born in Los Angeles but a few days later the family moved to Torrey Canyon, south of the Santa Clara River. The family moved frequently for her father’s work, although she seemed to consider the Torrey Canyon area as “home”. Her school records show her enrolled at Sespe and Hueneme.

The Moore family grew adding Alice in 1902, Fred in 1911, and George in 1914. Edith attended grammar school at Sespe School that was on Grand Avenue. In 1912 she entered Fillmore High School, which meant crossing the Sespe to get to school. The flood of 1913 which washed out the Sespe Bridge did not stop Edith attending classes. In her own words, “…onlookers who gathered at a safe distance to watch the railroad bridge go next were shocked and surprised to see a tall lanky girl of 15, schoolbooks under her raincoat, go across the bridge while leaping crests of muddy water splashing around her feet,
Edith thrived in high school. She won the contest to name the Fillmore High yearbook, and it has remained Copa de Oro to this day. In her junior year she was literary editor of the annual and was chosen editor-in-chief her senior year. She also served on the student council as Commissioner for Student Welfare and was a member of the championship debating team. She graduated with honors in the spring of 1916.

In November of 1916 it must have seemed as if her world was crumbling. On November 25, 1916, after the family had finished their evening meal, Wade Moore went outside and shot himself in the head. The newspaper report says he had been in ill health and had been “taken steps to get his worldly affairs in order.” He left Gussie with four children, ages 4 to 18.
Life went on. In 1917, Edith entered the University of Southern California. She graduated in 1921, cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. It was here she met Beryl McManus who would co-author the first volume of El Camino Real with Edith. It was probably here that she also met Charles Dan Jarrett whom she would marry in 1922.

While Edith was at USC, her mother remarried Levi Bunn, her former suitor. They were married and living in the Sespe until his death in 1942.

In 1925, after teaching at Buckhorn and Sespe Grammar schools, she became a member of the faculty at her alma mater, Fillmore Union High School, teaching Spanish. Over her tenure at FUHS she served as advisor to the scholarship society, class advisor, girl’s vice principal and head of the Spanish department.

By 1928, Charles and Edith had moved into their home at 426 Clay. Edith wasted no time in decorating and remodeling the home. This was a hint at what Edith would do in her later home on Foothill Drive.

The Jarrett’s had at least two things in common. They both enjoyed travel and were both writers. Charles was a columnist for the “Fillmore Herald” writing the “As If It Mattered” column. He also wrote a series of profiles of the area’s settlers including C. C. Elkins, Hartley Sprague and Buck Atmore.

On August 23rd, 1927, found Edith on a train returning from Mexico City where she had been studying. Bandits attacked the train, killing one of Edith’s companions.

That experience did not slow Edith down, though at least for a short while she went to more conventional destinations. 1928 found Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett on the S. S. Admiral Dewey going from Los Angeles to Portland. In 1932, Edith and Charles drove a Citroěn all over Spain. By 1961 she had visited every Spanish speaking country except the Philippines. A decade or more after that she told someone she was going to Timbuktu because she had never been there. Her passports sound like a world atlas.

To be continued…

Vikas, 7-Eleven on B Street.
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Article and photo by Brandy Hollis

Whenever I see Vikas working at 7-Eleven on B Street he makes me smile. He loves quoting Gazette articles at me and is always showing with people he works with and in our community the different articles, and happenings in our little town.
Vikas always has a smile, is quick witted, and fun to talk to. When he has noticed that I have been sad has asked me what is wrong--a kind and caring individual. We have even shared how to say things in several different languages. He is a great resource of knowledge that sometimes I lean on.

Don’t tell anyone but as an ice critic, and having the bad habit of chewing on ice, this 7-Eleven beats out all the rest! I really need to invest in an ice machine. But for now, I’ll continue to purchase ice there, where I have a smiling face with our lovely Fillmore Gazette ready for the read!

Thank you for being a bright spot, Vikas!!!

Starting July 1, 2024, the Fillmore Senior Center will be open until 4:30 p.m. throughout the summer (August 30, 2024), giving Seniors a cool, comfortable place to relax and enjoy their day. While the center will be operating past its normal hours, there will not be additional programming in the afternoon, but Seniors are welcome to just come by and beat the heat! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.

Courtesy Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected the yard of Andrea Muehr-Legan and her husband, Doug Legan, at 634 Shiells Drive, to receive the July “Yard of the Month” award.

Andrea moved here from Bonn, Germany in 2014 and Doug has lived in Fillmore all his life, being involved in the oil industry.
Doug made it clear that Andrea has done all the work creating the beautiful flower beds and planters and maintaining the yard. He only takes credit for the interesting and unusual lawn sculpture - a small, actual Pump jack, used in pumping oil, that he acquired in Tapo Canyon.

Andrea is an animal trainer for the movie industry and has a business called Backstage Animal Services. Her interesting website is at www.backstageanimalservices.com.

The planters near the house, contain Blue Chalk Fingers, Mexican Sage, Lantana, Society Garlic, Citronella, Jasmine, red Geraniums, Bird of Paradise, and Plumbago, displaying blue, purple and red/yellow tones. The side bed contains Solanum in tree form, Alstromeria in yellow and rust, purple Lantana and Lavender. Near the street, Butterfly Iris, yellow Lantana and a beautiful, dark purple, foliaged plant with purple blooms make a welcoming statement. I had to look this plant up and it is Trachelium caeruleum, or Blue Throatwort, a Mediterranean native.

Andrea and Doug received a gift certificate from Otto and Sons Nursery, who have supported this project since the beginning. Thank you, Otto and Sons Nursery, and thank you Andrea for allowing us to learn about your lovely yard.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to rejoice and celebrate over the Fourth of July weekend responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Department will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city over the holiday weekend.

The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind community members of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:

“Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed within the city limits of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.
Fireworks that are not labeled “Safe and Sane” or do not have the seal are considered illegal and dangerous. Anyone who possesses or manufactures illegal fireworks will be subject to arrest pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 12677, 12305, and Penal Code section 18710.

Violators may also be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine.
If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call our Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1.

Fillmore residents can also remain anonymous and report illegal firework activity by calling the City of Fillmore’s fireworks hotline at (805) 524-1500, extension 350.

The City of Fillmore does not condone the use of illegal fireworks at any time, or the use of safe and sane fireworks outside the designated dates and times noted above. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Nature of Incident: Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks
Report Number: N/A
Location: City of Fillmore
Date & Time: June 28 through July 05, 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: June 27, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Fourth of July approaches, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is issuing a warning to residents and visitors about the severe dangers associated with illegal fireworks. The presence and misuse of these fireworks pose significant risks across our communities, leading to fires, injuries, and loud explosions that scare our dogs and cats and can be particularly distressing for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In Ventura County, the sale, use, and possession of fireworks are strictly regulated. Only "Safe and Sane" fireworks are permitted, and these are only legal within the city limits of Fillmore. It's crucial to note that even if you legally purchase "Safe and Sane" fireworks in Fillmore, their use or possession outside of Fillmore is illegal throughout the rest of Ventura County.

Fireworks are hazardous and can result in serious injuries. Sparklers, often mistakenly considered safe, burn at a scorching 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit—significantly hotter than boiling water at 212 degrees or wood burning at 575 degrees. These temperatures can cause severe burns, particularly to children's hands and fingers.

All aerial fireworks and those that explode are illegal. This includes common types such as skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. These items are prohibited throughout California due to their dangerous nature.

"Let’s safely celebrate the Fourth of July," said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. "Illegal fireworks are a real danger and can quickly start fires or seriously injure our loved ones."

Violating fireworks laws carries serious legal consequences. Under California Health and Safety Code sections 12500-12702 and Penal Code sections 18710-18750, individuals found in possession or using illegal fireworks may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Penalties include up to one year in jail for misdemeanors and up to three years for felonies, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the violation.

Stay safe and enjoy a lawful Fourth of July celebration by attending public fireworks displays conducted by professionals: Ventura County Fourth of July Events

Bardsdale United Methodist Church has just become a member of the Little Free Library network of small neighborhood libraries in order to encourage reading and to build community through the sharing of books.

The library was constructed by local craftsman Jack Stethem and is a replica of the historical church that was erected in 1898 by farming families south of Fillmore. Months of detailed work by Jack shows minute details of the building including stained glass windows and a chandelier above the Sanctuary entrance. Two doors on either side of the structure allow easy access for you to donate or retrieve books.

Jack has several replica libraries located in Fillmore including the Fillmore Historical Museum, Trinity Episcopal Church, Otto and Sons Nursery as well as various private residences. While Jack’s specialty is old historic structures, anyone can build their own library and begin sharing books with friends and neighbors.

Little Free Library is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to promote reading and to get books into the hands of readers of all ages at no cost. For more information about this great organization, go to www.littlefreelibrary.org. You may even want the satisfaction of having a library in front of your home.

Pictured (l-r) are Dan Phipps, Ken Van Fleet, John Gartman, and Larry Jennings. Article/photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Last week I asked a friend if he knew anyone or anything that I might have missed when writing about the good people of this community. He said yes—the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society (SCRVRHS).

Last night was the fireworks booth safety meeting at the city and I was introduced to the kind group of SCRVRHS men who told me they have been in existence since 1993. Their main goal is the preservation and education of the railway used by Fillmore Western. Larry was an engineer and the others were mechanics. They also restored an old engine right here in town. They are headed up by their president John Gartman.

They maintain the property that meets up with Mountain View with the train turntable. Since the railway is no longer in operation their organization needs all the help they can get to keep operating with their mission. This year they will have a fireworks booth at the old Texaco station on the highway. All proceeds from their Safe & Sane fireworks booth will help with the preservation for generations to come.

The public is welcome to their monthly meetings the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm; they run railroad videos at this time as well. On the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm they hold their board meetings and the public is welcome but only members are allowed to vote. The meetings are held at the old Fillmore Fire Station on Main Street, north of city hall.
For more information follow up at www.scrvhs.org.

Dr. Minako Watabe

Courtesy Dr. Minako Watabe- Chief Medical Officer of Santa Paula Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center and OBGYN
It is understandable why some residents of the Santa Clara Valley are upset over the recent announcement to relocate Labor and Delivery and Intensive Care services from Santa Paula Hospital to Ventura County Medical Center.

The difficult decision was made after months of careful consideration, evaluation, and discussion with key leaders. We believe that this will promote the long-term sustainability of Santa Paula Hospital.

Last week the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. In turn, the recommendation to relocate Labor and Delivery and ICU services 14 miles away to Ventura County Medical Center was finalized.

Santa Paula Hospital is not closing and will remain open and ready, with a 24-7 Emergency Department, expanded availability for surgical services through access to an additional operating room, and gastroenterology services. We will continue to provide Santa Clara Valley residents with the compassionate care our staff is known for.

While there have been concerns voiced, as well as inaccuracies communicated, about these changes, it is imperative to understand that this decision was rooted in several pivotal factors. These factors are aimed at enhancing the ability to deliver high quality care to Santa Clara Valley residents, and to support the long-term sustainability of the hospital as we continue the planning process for the new Santa Paula Hospital.

Healthcare industry dynamics are constantly evolving. It’s not uncommon for the industry to be influenced by shifts in the insurance landscape, patient preferences, population demographics, and advancements in medical technology.

Our responsibility as a health care delivery system, and public safety net system, is to evaluate the impacts these factors have or will have. We then can initiate strategic changes that allow us to meet the evolving needs of our patients.
Despite numerous multi-faceted efforts, which included traditional marketing, grassroots communication and strategic collaboration with local community partners and health care stakeholders, we, like many communities across the state and nation, saw a continuing decline in birth rates as well as the number of women delivering their babies at Santa Paula Hospital. As we have also seen, this has shaped the decisions of other hospitals, including local area hospitals, to no longer provide labor and delivery services.

Similarly, while our Emergency Department volumes have increased, the number of patients that required ICU level care at Santa Paula Hospital has also declined.

Relocating labor and delivery services to VCMC affirms our dedication to ensuring that expecting mothers in the Santa Clara Valley and greater Ventura County have access to the highest levels of comprehensive and specialized care.

VCMC is a Level II Trauma Center (only one of two trauma hospitals in the County), a training hospital, and home to the county’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and oldest Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

More importantly, Women’s Health care services will not disappear in the Santa Clara Valley. We will continue to provide pre-natal, post-partum, and comprehensive women’s health care services through our four primary care clinics in the Santa Clara Valley, staffed by the same team of excellent providers.

This restructuring will in fact enhance our commitment to providing women access to essential healthcare services close to home. As well, it will continue to address health care inequities for Latina women, through expanding in-demand services such cancer screenings and the early detection and treatment of cancers such as breast and colon cancer.

Looking ahead, plans for a new hospital in the region reflect our commitment to prioritizing, modernizing, and providing the best in healthcare services and facilities to Santa Clara Valley residents. This initiative will continue to involve careful planning to anticipate and accommodate the healthcare needs of a growing population.

We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our community.