Don Downey and wife Deena enjoy the cool summer night at the Herrera home.
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President Oralia Herrera and past president Terri Aguirre.
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Elaine Dunst, a charter member, was welcomed at the party with members of her family. Greetings were sent from early members such as Lorraine Galvin Jones and Janine Rees.

Other dignitaries included City Council members, Patti Walker and Scott Lee, who presented a proclamation, signed by Mayor Steve Conaway, from the City of Fillmore. City Staff was represented by Assistant City Manager, Bill Bartels. Also helping to celebrate were representatives from service groups such as the Rotary Clubs--both SunRiser and Noontime--Lions, which sent greetings, Fillmore Historical Museum, and Camulos Ranch.

Mistress of Ceremonies was Kathi Marsden. Chair for the Event was Kathleen Briggs and her Committee's participants were Terri Aguirre, Oralia Herrera, Jeri Schleimer, Cleo Friddle, Marianne Crane, Sandi Ward, Jeanne Warren, Norma Mercado, Kathy Vargas, and Sarah Hansen.

Arriving guests were greeted in the evening with classical music performed by Joe Aguirre. While overlooking the San Cayetano Mountains, the group was served outdoors by Food and Beverage Caterers Dan Herrera, the Rick Wattles, and the Tom Curnetts.

Part of the evening's activities included installation, by Soroptimist International Governor Sharon Seldon-Lyde, of the new 2008-2009 officers, who will be Oralia Herrera, President; Marianne Crane, Vice President; Terri Aguirre, Recording Secretary; Lynn Edmonds, Corresponding Secretary; and Cleo Friddle, Treasurer. Others to serve will be Jeri Schleimer and Sarah Hansen, Directors; Sandi Ward and Kathy Vargas, Regional Delegates; and Cleo Friddle and Kathleen Briggs, Alternate Delegates. Past president for these past two years has been Terri Aguirre.

Over the years this service club, with its fundraising and talented members, has made memorable contributions to the Community, which initially included a resuscitator to the newly opened Santa Paula Hospital in 1959 and the concrete benches for the Fillmore Library. Also later, given to the City and Community were downtown business trash containers, Christmas trees and other decorations, rose bushes for street planters, trees planted along the bike path and the Gazebo. Display cases were given to the Fillmore Museum. More recently, the group has promoted the welfare of women and girls through local scholarships and health and protection issues, contributed to school activities, such as Art Show, Sespe Players, Writing Awards, Citizenship and Grad Night Live, and assisted with beautification projects, including wild flower plantings and bike path maintenance. The Fire Department has also been a recipient of various donations for equipment and projects.

Through its efforts, over the past 50 years, Fillmore Soroptimist, along with other local service groups, certainly has made a remarkable difference for the Community and demonstrated the need for continuing service and club activities, which benefit all the Community, including the awareness of its own members.

St. Bonaventure High school Valedictorian Linnea Fechtner, of Fillmore, is on her way to Notre Dame in the fall. It’s no surprise to anyone who knows the accomplished young woman who held a cumulative GPA of 4.24.
Linnea has been garnering awards and academia for years. Some of her awarded accomplishments are: Ventura Count Star Scholar, Bank of America Achievement Award-Liberal Arts, Life Membership Award from CA Scholarship Federation, Member of the National Honor Society, Member of the National Society for High School Scholars, National Merit Scholar Finalist. She also received the President’s Education Awards Programs Outstanding Academic Excellence Award, Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition Program, Senior Award for Journalism-People Editor, Qualified for Bronze level with Merit for acting from the London Academy for music and Dramatic arts, and Valedictorian of the St. Bonaventure High School graduating class of 2008, where she sang lyrics from a Beatles tune, “I Don’t Know You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello.”
Linnea’s proud family congratulate her on her many accomplishments: parents Micheal & Diane Fechtner, grandparents Mercy & Lupe Ramirez and Howard & Linda Fechtner, and sister Sigourney Fechtner, who also graduated from St. Bonaventure and is now finishing her first year at UC Davis.
In her farewell speech as Valedictorian Linnea summed up the bases of her academic success, “The beauty of education is not that it teaches you facts and figures. It’s that in learning the information, you learn about yourself. Take what you are and present it to the world with courage and integrity, without apology or submission.”

Fillmore, CA……Classic car owners with pre 1975-era, show quality vehicles are encouraged to enter their cars in the Sespe Creek Car Show being held in downtown Fillmore on Friday, July 4th. There will be 32 categories of judging from street rods, mustangs, stock, modified, muscle, drag and many, many others. Each vehicle owner chooses the category they wish to compete in. The event will begin at 9:00am and winners will be announced at 3:00pm. Fillmore & Western Railway is the event coordinator and will be accepting entries through the end of the month, but car owners are urged to register their vehicles as soon as possible for best street placement. Over 300 cars are expected to be displayed during the event.

The car show is part of an all-day festival in Fillmore’s downtown Central Park. Activities include a horseshoe tournament, commercial vendors, arts & craft vendors, food vendors and live music by House Arrest on the steps of City Hall.

For an application or more information, please call Fillmore & Western Railway at 805-524-2546.

Conway Spitler

Class of 1938 70th anniversary reunion is just about to come about. In fact, June 14 to be exact. As of this writing there are thirteen members indicating they are coming for luncheon at Mama Sues Kitchen. With twelve attending the alumni banquet in the evening.
Also accompanying these 1938 graduates are a number of wives and the grandchildren of the graduates. Also we have a number of special guests including our new superintendent of schools, Jeff Sweeney, and Bill Reaves from Fife, Oregon. Bill comes down every year to help the alumni set up the alumni dinner. Yet, the alumni has difficulty in getting locals to help set up the dinner.
Those attending previous alumni dinners knows that Bill Reaves '60 comes down every year to help the alumni set up the alumni dinner facilities. He has done this for a number of years!
This year we are going to miss Benny Benson Ward, who also has helped with the dinner, as her daughter is graduating this year! She is also a faithful graduate of Fillmore High.
The cities Class of 38 members are coming from include: Santa Cruz, Bakersfield, San Antonio, Texas; Roseburg, Oregon; Ventura; Olympia, Washington; Arroyo Grande, Woodburn, Oregon; Carpenteria, Long Beach, Riverside, Fillmore, and Laguna Hills.
Each member attending will be given a reunion booklet, containing over 190 pages of history of the class, history of the calendar year of 1938, and history of Fillmore and surrounding area, including a quiz about the area!
Those scheduled to attend are: Priscilla Cobb Baker, Santa Cruz, CA; Barbara Ellsworth Bates, Bakerfield, CA; Stowell Bursonn San Antonio, TX' John Couch, Arroyo Grande, CA; Bernice LeBard Lander, Fallon, NV; Harry Peyton, Carpenteria, CA, Conway Spitler, Fillmore; Virginia Swaffield, Long Beach, CA; Betty Pearson Tavaglione, Riverside, CA; Elton Wagner, Fillmore, CA; James Walker Laguna Hills, CA and special guests: Bill Reaves, State of Washington, and Jeff Sweeney, Superintendent.
Our classmates will miss the following graduates who indicated they are not able to attend the reunion or the alumni dinner: Ethel Everson Berrington, Fillmore; Louise Russell Cummins, Nevada City, CA; Virginia Scott Edwards, Marysvale, UT,;Dora Siechert Hall, Schenectady, NY; Mildred Clark Kalie, Orange, CA; Richard Mayhew, Ridgefield, CT; Helen Coleman McNair, Woodburn, OR.; Barbara McLean Nichols, Prescott, AZ; Janice Taylor N, Tulare, CA; Barbara Hall Stillman, Lompoc, CA' Dr. Isabel Tavares, Berkeley, CA; Beverly Burke Thomas, Sonora, CA;SS and Jack Wilson Ventura, CA.

California Highway Patrol

Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.

Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. The second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a hands- free device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. According to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, with the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.
Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.

DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?
A: NO. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free. EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: NO. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?
A: No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

Fillmore Fire Department

The City of Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura County Sheriffs Department would like to remind citizens of our Illegal Fireworks Ordinance.
In 2006 the Fillmore City Council adopted ordinance 15.39.010 of the Fillmore Municipal code making it illegal to possess, discharge, or sell any type of non-approved firework within City of Fillmore city limits. The fine imposed upon violators is $1,000.00.

It is the goal of the City of Fillmore to eliminate any unnecessary hazards generated by the use of illegal fireworks. By enforcing this ordinance the City of Fillmore hopes to curtail the widespread problem. Citizens are reminded that there will be zero tolerance for subjects found in violation of this law.

Citizens should expect to see increased patrol efforts by Deputies and Fire Department Personnel beginning the first week of June continuing through the Fourth of July Holiday Season. A fireworks task force has been established and will be responsible for the investigation and enforcement pertaining to fireworks related activities in Fillmore. In addition to increased patrol, illuminated sign boards will be placed alongside highway
126 as well as posters throughout the city, reminding citizens Fillmore is not the place to discharge illegal fireworks.

If you witness any illegal activity please call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-1500 ext 350. All reports may remain anonymous.

The Club was chartered on May 24, 1924. Five high school seniors and counselor Al Arguelles were honored at a luncheon on May 22. Each scholarship recipient will receive $1000. The recipients from Fillmore High School are Ashley Grande, Kassaundra Sandoval, Shaun Stehly and Julio Chavez, David Wareham is from St. Bonaventure High School, in Ventura. The Scholarship Committee was made up of Dick Richardson, Ed McFadden and Barbara Smith. These scholarships were made possible by the money made at our fireworks booth. Please continue to support our booth next to Vallarta Restaurant and Papa Loy’s. The Club was also honored by a visit and program from Supervisor Kathy Long. She updated us on what is happening in the county especially concerns effecting Fillmore and hwy 126. Fillmore Noontime Rotary meets every Thursday at Mama Sue’s Kitchen. For information, call Martha Richardson, President, at 524-5099.

This Sunday E.T.I. Corral 126 will be having their regular June horse show at the Fillmore Equestrian Center at 308 Chambersburg Road just off the 23 Highway south of the Santa Clara River Bridge. There will be Halter Classes in the morning and the English Jumping classes starting after 11:00 am. Anyone interested in attending or watching the show can look on their website at www.eti126.org for more information.

Conway Spitler

Hey Class members of 1943, 1973, 1978, 1983, or 1988. If you are not planning an “Official” class reunion for the weekend of June 13, and 14, 2008, The Fillmore High Alumni Association invites you to attend the annual dinner on Saturday night, June 14, starting at 4:00pm., dinner at 6:00. You do not have to send out any invitations, receive and account for money, or make elaborate plans for a Restaurant, or Hotel. Just have your classmates send in their reservations to the Fillmore High Alumni Association, P.O. Box 385, Fillmore, CA 93016-0385, and we will reserve tables for your class, and give you an opportunity to visit with other classmates. The cost is $30.00 per person for “Flashbacks” subscribers and $35.00 for non-subscribers. For further information, please call the alumni office at 805-524-0416. Come support your Alumni Association, and reconnect with your class.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Gazette’s website (stats: 15,000 unique visitors per month viewing nearly 130,000 pages), we’ve been hard at work developing a new and improved website that will feature larger photographs, more video, and countless new features that we, as a community, will all benefit from and enjoy. In anticipation of the new website’s launch, we’re asking service organizations, clubs, and all community leaders to contact us via email and learn more about how we can support and promote what you do in the community. Please email us anytime at mail@fillmoregazette.com for more information.

The Family Resource Center has these services available FREE of cost: They may obtain and complete forms, conduct research, view video or internet workshops read self help manuals, obtain information on the law, procedure and legal process in the areas of Family law (including divorces, paternity, custody, and support issues), Domestic Violence, Guardianships and Step-parent Adoption. If you need more information call (805) 981-5974.

Healthy Life Seminary offered June 7, 8:30am to 12:15pm, First Methodist Church Hall, 421 Sespe St., Fillmore. Sponsored by Young Women of Destiny, Young Men of Destiny, Higgy Foundation, Ventura Public Health, Bautista Medical Clinic. All are welcome.

Seminar topics are nutrition a gift to a healthy life (Ruth Ricards); Exercise a way of living for life (Michelle Pina); and Being as healthy community and family.

No cost, it’s free! Bring a friend. For more information please call 524-5807.

From cattle kings and cowpokes to pioneer women and saloon gals, all “fun-slingers” are invited to claim a stake in a unique fundraiser when Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group opens the doors to the Old West on Saturday, June 21.
The 2nd Annual Western Casino Night to benefit the River Valley Adult Day Program will be held at the historic Glen Tavern Inn (134 N. Mill St., Santa Paula) from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are only $65 each ($75 at the door).
The evening will feature celebrity dealers, prizes, gourmet “chuck wagon vittles” followed by a hearty dinner and old West fun.
Western style hors d'oeuvres and cocktails (each ticket includes one courtesy drink, beer, wine or soda only) will start the party at 5 p.m. and a hearty Western dinner prepared by the Ironhorse Restaurant will be served at 5:30 p.m. on the wide-open spaces outside the Inn.
Games of Chance will be held from 6:15 to 9 p.m. with the initial stake of $50 in play money included with each ticket.
Players will “Git along!” with games of skill (bring your best poker face for Texas Hold 'Em and Blackjack!) and chance (Roulette and Wheel of Fortune).
The Western Casino Night will offer musical entertainment, a no host bar and plenty of “Celebrity Dealers” such as “Deadeye” Bob Gonzales (Mayor of Santa Paula), “Calamity” Kathy Long (Ventura County Supervisor), “Gun-Slingin'” Steve MacKinnon (Santa Paula Police Chief), City Council members and a whole posse of River Valley Club supporters.
Casino fun will be in the lobby of the historic Glen Tavern Inn as well as in the “South 40” Annex where a Silent Auction will offer something to please every cowpoke and Prairie Princess.
Opportunity drawings will offer real life gambling destination trips among other prizes.
“People really enjoy our Casino Night partly because it's an informal evening…the Western theme really appeals to people,” says Cathy Barringer, former longtime President of Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group.
The River Valley Club, now approaching its second anniversary, offers activities to seniors with special needs (Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), featuring current events (conducted each Monday by Barringer who notes “I really enjoy it!”), visits with a therapy dog, arts and crafts, light physical activity and numerous other planned activities.
“The club serves nutritious and delicious hot meals and snacks and has a wonderful, inspirational staff,” who Barringer says especially enjoy working with seniors.
So corral your energy, polish those boots, press the jeans and get ready to kick up your heels in support at this rootin' tootin' cabaret.
River Valley Club supporters are sure that all Cowboy Joes and Calamity Janes will have a bronco-busting time at a Western Casino Night...make sure you don't miss this Gold Nugget party where you can dress Western from your finest Stetson down to those spurs that jingle jangle jingle!
Call 525-1333 for more information or to make reservations.

The Los Angeles-Ventura Counties Affiliate of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be hosting an upcoming orientation and training for volunteers. Learn about MADD’s programs, services and volunteer opportunities in your area. The event will be on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Proud Bird Restaurant. Lunch will be provided.
Each year, over 17,000 people die and over a half a million people are injured in alcohol related traffic crashes. Approximately 1.4 million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 139 licensed drivers in the United States. This problem affects all of us!
If you are wondering what you can do to help make our communities safer, then attend and find out how you can make a difference in your area!
For more details and to RSVP regarding this training, or to volunteer, contact MADD at 310-215-2905.