Picture (l-r) is granddaughter Alina, Dion Brooks and granddaughter Rosalina. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

A lot of people know Dion Brooks. Currently he is helping coach his granddaughter’s 5th-6th grade basketball team for the city. Most know him as Pastor Dion the current pastor at Faith Community Church on D Street. He served as the former youth pastor for the same church.

I know him as a rock of our community. He has been there for my family in our time of need and sadness before I ever regularly attended the church. He always led a great Vacation Bible School for my kids, youth groups, and led the preschool program in prayers. And when I went to church, he was a little on the goofy/humorous side, which made me comfortable, and relaxed. As I have gotten to know him, he is so much more than the church’s pastor. He visits in the hospital to lend encouragement, leads memorials, and attended and prayed for the city at the 9/11 ceremony a few years ago. He is always a levelheaded resource for myself and many other members of the community, in his faith or not. He is of service to this community. Outside of the church, Dion just completed the Iron Man Competition which is a triathlon.

Also, and very importantly, he is loved not only by his church, community and family, but a very special lady calls him her husband, and shares him with everyone, including their three beautiful grandkids. Patricia said that he always tells her, “as long as me and you are good, we can do anything”.

Fillmore is fortunate to have a man who loves God and wants to serve Him and the community.

Dion has been supporting a group called Alpha at the church, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, which offers people a chance to come in with questions and outside opinions. The turn-out has been amazing. They serve dinner and offer childcare. I invite anyone to come to Sunday service at 10am and meet him—we can surprise him!

Thank you, Dion, for being a great father, grandfather, husband and community leader, and continuing to be an outstanding pastor for our church. Fillmore and your church appreciate your service.

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Ventura County 3rd District Area Supervisor Kelly Long attended a luncheon to speak to Thin Blue Line of Ventura County. Pictured (l-r) is Thin Blue Line President Duke Bradbury, Santa Paula Police Chief Don Aguilar, and Ventura County 3rd District Area Supervisor Kelly Long.
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Area Supervisor Kelly Long attended a luncheon after accepting an invitation to speak to Thin Blue Line of Ventura County founded by President Duke Bradbury.

Supervisor Long has been a staunch supporter of Ventura County Law Enforcement and they enjoyed her presentation on her past accomplishments for the county.

Supervisor Long answered questions about her campaign for a third and final term as Supervisor of Ventura County's Third District. Supervisor Long touched on many of her accomplishments over her past two terms including the completion of the Fillmore Library expansion, Spirit of Santa Paula homeless shelter funding agreement between the County and cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula to ensure their doors stay open, the purchase of a new 3D mammogram unit and CT scanner for Santa Paula Hospital, planning for a new medical campus to serve the Santa Clara River Valley, working with the Ventura County Transportation Commission to add a bus line from Fillmore to Moorpark (coming later this year), free bus rides to college program, and much more.

Supervisor Long also spoke about keeping public safety as her number one priority and being proud of the fact that Ventura County is the safest large county in California with the lowest crime rates according to the State Department of Justice. Ventura County had the lowest crime rate in its modern history and that is why she is endorsed by public safety leaders such as Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association, Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association, State Coalition of Probation Organizations, the Oxnard Police Officer's association, and many more.

In addition to public safety, Supervisor Long spoke on how important it is to have a strong economy which will help businesses offer more and better paying jobs. This means supporting our agricultural, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, technology, retail, tourism, and military sectors.

Also in attendance at the luncheon was Santa Paula Police Chief Don Aguilar. Chief Aguilar was just sworn in as the 17th Police Chief since the Department was formed over 100 years ago.

Oxnard, CA (February 16, 2024) - United Water Conservation District’s (UWCD) Freeman Diversion facility diverted 148,000 acre-feet (approximately 48 billion gallons) in 2023, significantly surpassing a record previously set in 1998. The facility typically diverts an average of 60,000 acre-feet a year for groundwater recharge, refilling the aquifers beneath the Oxnard Plain and slowing seawater intrusion.

The Freeman Diversion figures contribute to an unprecedented water year at UWCD, with releases and diversions for groundwater recharge totaling a record 271,000 acre-feet or more than 88 billion gallons. This includes storage and releases from the Santa Felicia Dam and Castaic Lake. The District’s amount of imported water also surpassed a record 24,150 acre-feet.

“The Freeman Diversion is a vital tool for managing the region’s natural resources. It sustains $1.08 billion in annual crop production in Ventura County,” UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado said. “Our efforts to expand and enhance the facility are already making a difference, and we are eager to see how additional groundwater resources help the Oxnard Plain flourish.

UWCD built the Freeman Diversion in 1991 to redirect water from the Santa Clara River to percolation basins. The 25-foot-high facility spans 1,200 feet across the Santa Clara River, delivering groundwater to the aquifers beneath Ventura County’s productive farms. The groundwater also supplies local industry in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. A fish ladder allows steelhead trout to migrate upstream and a screened fish bay keeps fish out of the canals and recharge basins.

In 2021, UWCD initiated a multiphase, $60 million expansion of the facility to ramp up its recharge capabilities. By 2036, UWCD estimates the expansion will increase groundwater recharge and in-lieu surface water deliveries by 10,000 acre-feet per year. Project highlights include conveyance system enhancements, fish passage improvements, new canals, basin partitioning and underground road crossings.

The expansion will increase the recharge of water from high river flows, which improves groundwater quality, reduces nitrate levels for small mutual water companies and disadvantaged communities in El Rio and Saticoy, and combats seawater intrusion. It also emits low greenhouse gases and provides significant energy savings to customers who use diverted surface water instead of pumping from their wells.

With the record diversions in 2023, UWCD’s expansion projects are having an impact. In 2021, UWCD upgraded the facility’s Grand Canal, significantly improving diversion figures. The District also added Rose Recharge Basin to the facility in 2016, responsible for 6,800 additional acre-feet of recharge in 2023. Basin maintenance and rotation added 7,000 to 9,000 acre-feet of water for groundwater recharge.

To learn more about the far-reaching benefits of the Freeman Diversion, visit www.unitedwater.org/freeman-diversion/.

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United Water Conservation District manages, protects, conserves and enhances the water resources of the District and produces a reliable and sustainable supply of groundwater for the reasonable, beneficial use of all users.

Contact: Tara Bravo, CV Strategies
Phone: (510) 300-5843
Email: tara@cvstrat.com

Pastor George Golden in his office at First Baptist Church of Fillmore. Photo credit Carina Monica Montoya.
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Written by Carina Monica Montoya

Once in awhile you meet someone who is just downright nice. There is something about people like that who simply exude friendship and goodwill. George Golden is one of those people, so it was no surprise when I learned that he ministers at First Baptist Church of Fillmore on 1st Street.

George’s ministering began in Arlington, Texas where he ministered to a small group that had grown to a congregation of over two thousand by the time he left Texas to minister in Ventura, California. In 1970, George founded the Ventura Baptist Church and ministered to another small group that had grown into the thousands by the time he left Ventura to minister in Fillmore. George has been pastor at First Baptist Church of Fillmore for 15 years.

George began work at an early age to help support his family. He worked odd-jobs and had a paper route when he was 9 years old. Life was tough growing up, but little did he know that his life was soon to change for the better. George’s success in ministering began when he was a teen growing up in a plaza town in North Texas where his peers were high school dropouts and engaged in idle activities. George’s goal in life at that time was to “quit school, go to work, buy a car, and meet a girl.” He achieved one of the goals at age 19 when he met and married his wife of 68 years, Dorothy.

George’s life-changing event happened one day when he met a pastor who visited the plaza. The pastor invited George to church and transported him and others in a bus to church. It was after church service that George’s mindset and life took a complete turnaround. From that day forward, George dedicated his life in serving and giving back to others by helping them find faith, love, and hope. He achieved this by acquiring a small fleet of buses to transport youths to church. He attributes his successes in Arlington and Ventura to his busses, which have literally and figuratively transported young people on a journey that transformed lives, as did the bus ride George took over 50 years ago. His ministering has also taken him to faraway corners of the world, such as Korea Russia, England, Australia, Asia, and Africa. George’s ministering in Fillmore will end in April and he will begin ministering in neighboring Santa Paula

George is a familiar face in the community. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Fillmore and dedicates his time in volunteer service and activities. When you see George out and about in town, say “hello.” He is always open to conversation because he is always ready to “give back” to others what he was fortunate to find, which is faith, love and hope.
s ready to “give back” to others what he was fortunate to find, which is faith, love and hope.

Above is the Fillmore High School Wellness Center, a place of safety and comfort for students at FHS. Photo credit Nancy Luna LCSW, Wellness Center Coordinator.
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Article courtesy Brandy Hollis

Today I would really like to talk about the FHS Wellness Center, what it offers, and how important it is.
On back-to-school night I joined my daughter who is a senior this year, and while visiting all her classes I noticed the Wellness Center sign and went to take a look. I was surprised to find a serene and tranquil space, with comfy bean bag chairs and a couch. The atmosphere was spa-like, with plants filling the room, and paper and colored pencils and markers to doodle away stress.

There was a fridge and a big cupboard full of hygiene products to help make life a little easier including shampoo, deodorant, hairbrushes, socks, perfume, toothbrush/paste, feminine products and deodorant.

There was a wall containing resources of every kind, with loads of information and just the right amount of appropriateness that a school environment should have.

When kids are experiencing a hard time, this is a place to feel comfortable where they can cry or reflect in private, cool down instead of getting mad, write or draw out their feelings.

My son recently told me FUSD shirts say Kids First. If they keep that motto they can’t go wrong. That is what we all have in common, kids first. I am glad that is the focus of the district.

Let your children know there is a quiet, safe corner on campus and if they’re feeling bad hygienically, bad socially or having dark thoughts, someone is in their corner and is willing to listen and help. That, my friends, is how you make a lasting change.

Pictured are Heather and Emmett Swetman riding in the Lions Club Christmas Parade. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

Do you run into Vons, grab a cart and see Escalera Pest Control on the AD space? Do you see their trucks drive through town? Or spot a house tented with an Escalera sign posted nearby? Well, that company is owned and operated by none other than the Swetman family (Fred & Heather), which has been an asset in Fillmore as long as I have been here and long before that. I first met Heather when our young sons attended Sonshine Preschool. From business, kids’ activities, 4H, and philanthropic efforts, you will find them throughout our community, possibly with a grandkid in tow. Escalera Pest Control serves Santa Barbara, Ventura and L.A. Counties and is known for their excellent service. And they give free estimates (escalerapest.com / 805-920-8842)! Tell them Hi next time you see them, and wave when they ride their horses in a parade or have a set-up at Trunk or Treat.

Trash Collection Schedule Unchanged During Week of Presidents Day

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collection schedule in Fillmore during the week of Presidents Day, Feb. 18-24.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Newbury Park, Piru, Pt. Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Santa Paula, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena, the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

The Ventura County Garden celebrates its 100th Year Season in 2024. The Club will be holding its annual Valentine's Day Luncheon at noon, on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, at 117 N. 7th St., Santa Paula. There is a planned art project (paint a porcelain pendant), with instruction/materials supplied by member, Jill Sepulveda (suggested $3.00 donation). There will also be a board meeting at 10:00 a.m. Bring items to sell and exchange at the Plant Table. Organized by Santa Paula Director, Alicia Ferreria. We welcome new members. For more information, visit our website at VenturaCountyGardenClub.com.

Pictured (l-r) is Fillmore Rotary President Scott Beylik presenting a mug to Rotarian Reverend George Golden for sharing his story with the club. Photo courtesy Martha Richardson.
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Rotarian Reverend George Golden was the speaker on January 17, 2024. He was born in Texas and never went to church until he was 16. As a young man he rode Brahma bulls, played softball, knew Larry Gatlin and the Oak Ridge Boys; one of them is his cousin. He modeled clothes for a few years and was a stand-in in movies for a while. After he became a Christian, he went to college to become a pastor; he was 55 when he got his Doctorate. For several years he worked with churches to raise money for their projects. He also raised money to build a water well in Africa as well as solar for electricity. George was a pastor in Ventura for 28 years, Fillmore for 15 years and will be starting a new church in Ventura soon. George and his wife Dorthy have been married 69 years, have five children and 44 grandchildren. George likes to say, “Your past makes you what you are now”.

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Vidal Vargas Morales (DOB 12/30/60), of Fillmore, was sentenced on January 23, 2024, to two years state prison and is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code section 290. Morales was previously convicted on December 12, 2023, of one felony count of lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. The special allegation that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense was also found true by the court.

In 2013, Morales worked as a youth coordinator for a church in Fillmore. During that time, he met the victim who attended catechism classes. Between October and November 2013, Morales began inappropriate communications with the victim, both verbally and through text messages. In early
November 2013, Morales grabbed and fondled the victim. The crime was reported years later.
Other victims who had similar experiences with Morales testified during the trial.
Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The defendant used his position of trust and authority as a respected member of the church and Fillmore community to inflict emotional, spiritual, and ultimately, sexual abuse against the victim,”
Mr. Kern said. “The severity of the sentence reflects the severity of the conduct. And while this sentence can never fully remedy the harm suffered by the victim in this case, hopefully it serves as one step in this continued healing process.”

Morales will be back in court for a restitution hearing scheduled for January 31, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 14 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

Release No.: 24-006
Case: 2016023855
Defendant Information:
Vidal Vargas Morales (DOB 12/30/60)
Fillmore
Charges Convicted of:
• PC 288(c)(1) – Lewd act upon a child
Special Allegations:
• CRC 4.421(a)(11) – The defendant took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Rescue Team is seeking qualified SCUBA divers who are skilled and reliable and willing to volunteer their time, resources, and efforts in a commitment to their community.
Prospective candidates must attend the orientation session for the Underwater Academy on Friday evening, March 8th, at 7:00 PM, at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 106 Durley Avenue, on the grounds of the Camarillo Airport. Water evaluation will be on March 10th, at 8:00 AM.
To be eligible for team membership, candidates must demonstrate a mastery of advanced diving skills by successfully completing the training program. Classes are held on select Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, from March 8th through August 25th, 2024.

Candidates must:

• Be 21 years of age
• Own their personal dive equipment
• Be a resident of Ventura County or immediate vicinity
• Hold an Advanced Diver Certification
• Possess a Rescue Diver Certification (may be obtained concurrent with the dive academy)
• Possess a valid Driver’s License
• Meet all background check requirements of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
• Demonstrate strong watermanship skills and a commitment to the program
• Possess a current First Aid/CPR Certification (may be obtained concurrent with the dive academy)

Course Fee: There is a $250.00 fee to offset the cost of the training.

Location: Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center (106 Durley Ave)
Date & Time: Friday, March 8th, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Prepared by: Deputy Maxwell Ellis
Approved by: Captain Downard

CAMARILLO, Calif. – In honor of Transit Equity Day and the birthday of civil rights leader Rosa Parks, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the county’s transit operators will provide free bus rides on Monday, Feb. 5.

Participating operators are Camarillo Area Transit, Gold Coast Transit District, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express and VCTC Intercity.

Camarillo Area Transit and Valley Express will provide free on-demand dial-a-ride services on Monday, Feb. 5.

Transit Equity Day honors Rosa Parks' birthday on Feb. 4 and highlights Parks’ role in igniting a change to advance a more just and equitable public transit system for all. VCTC is observing the day on Feb. 5 to ensure all local operators can participate.

“Transit Equity Day is an opportunity for VCTC to put our values into action by honoring those who have worked to ensure equity in transportation. On this day, we are reminded that VCTC must continue to fulfill our core mission, which is to create a more connected, resilient, equitable and user-friendly transportation system for Ventura County,” said VCTC Public Transit Director Claire Grasty.

Transit Equity Day is part of VCTC’s new Free Fare Days Program, which began in September 2023. The pilot program allows people to ride any bus service within Ventura County for free on designated days through June 2024. In addition to Transit Equity Day, the remaining Free Fare Days are Earth Day on April 22, 2024; Bike to Work Day on May 17, 2024 (only for those who are also biking); and Dump the Pump Day on June 17, 2024.

“Our Free Fare Days Program is just one of our many projects that focuses on ensuring fair and equitable access to high-quality transit service for all residents and visitors who travel within Ventura County and beyond,” Grasty said.

The Free Fare Days program is funded by a grant obtained and administered by VCTC from California’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), a part of the state’s cap-and-trade program. LCTOP provides funds to public transportation agencies for investments in capital projects and services that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve mobility. Other local programs supported by LCTOP are Youth Ride Free, College Ride and Metrolink’s Ventura County Line Weekend Train Service. For more information about the Free Fare Day Program, visit goventura.org/free.

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About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.