Come experience the thrill of acting in a live community theater production. Sespe Players Inc. of Fillmore is looking for adult actors and actresses (no prior acting experience necessary) to audition for their Halloween Production to be held Fri Oct 23, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25, Fri Oct 30 and Sat afternoon Oct 31, 2009.
Auditions and the production will take place at the Historic Sespe Auditorium located at 627 Sespe Ave. Fillmore. Auditions will be held on the following evenings Tuesday August 4, Wednesday August 5, and Tuesday August 11, 2009 starting at 7:00 P.M. Callbacks will be scheduled as necessary.
Please contact Chris Villegas at 805-524-3275 or Janet Foy at 805-217-2402 or 805-524-2757.
We look forward to see you there. Please bring a friend. We also have positions open for a stage manager, make up artist, lighting and sound technician, and a prop manager. Anyone who is willing to learn about live theater is welcome.

 


 
 


 
Pool is open for business during construction
Demolition took place Monday, July 6th on the play area of the community pool. Construction is expected to continue into next week and open the following Monday, barring unforeseen obstacles.
Demolition took place Monday, July 6th on the play area of the community pool. Construction is expected to continue into next week and open the following Monday, barring unforeseen obstacles.
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The play area must filter its water like a swimming pool and drains are needed around the area to keep deck water from flowing into the play area. Deck water is considered to possibly contain contaminants. The rest of the pool is open for business.
The play area must filter its water like a swimming pool and drains are needed around the area to keep deck water from flowing into the play area. Deck water is considered to possibly contain contaminants. The rest of the pool is open for business.
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Trash
Conway Spitler
Conway Spitler

You wonder about the human race!
After the Fourth of July, celebrating our independence, you drive up Central Avenue from C Street. On the left is the beautiful green grass--which by the way--helps us keep cool during the summer. And how do the Fourth of July celebrants treat the beautifully keep lawn by the city? Well, if you look at it when the "citizens" fired their fireworks, these "citizens" just left the mess of what was left over for someone else to pick up the trash.
Why do we, as a human race, seem to leave our "trash" for someone else to do away with? It doesn't take must effort to pick up the "trash" that you spread about and place it in the proper container. This makes for a cleaner city, state, and nation!

 
The Fireworks education program this year was a huge success. The City took a stance to combo intensive public education combined with strict enforcement. Seventeen tickets were issued at $1,000 each. Fillmore Fire spent weeks placing out banners throughout the city. City staff published thousands of handouts for fireworks booths. In addition, the city emergency services staff placed the educational electronic signs in strategic locations where visibility was pronounced. The Fillmore Unified School District partnered with the city for use of their reverse 911 call program to households educating them on fireworks usage. This combined effort between City public works staff, School District, Fillmore Fire and Police led to a dramatic net result in reduction of illegal fireworks. Some estimates report a 60 to 80% reduction in illegal fireworks usage over previous years. We couldn’t have done this without community support and dedicated city public safety employees. And don't forget, the pool is open!
The Fireworks education program this year was a huge success. The City took a stance to combo intensive public education combined with strict enforcement. Seventeen tickets were issued at $1,000 each. Fillmore Fire spent weeks placing out banners throughout the city. City staff published thousands of handouts for fireworks booths. In addition, the city emergency services staff placed the educational electronic signs in strategic locations where visibility was pronounced. The Fillmore Unified School District partnered with the city for use of their reverse 911 call program to households educating them on fireworks usage. This combined effort between City public works staff, School District, Fillmore Fire and Police led to a dramatic net result in reduction of illegal fireworks. Some estimates report a 60 to 80% reduction in illegal fireworks usage over previous years. We couldn’t have done this without community support and dedicated city public safety employees. And don't forget, the pool is open!
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Above is one of the last family reunion photographs of Virginia Sanchez Alcoser and descendents. Ms. Alcoser died on June 29. Photo courtesy of Celine Hanes.
Above is one of the last family reunion photographs of Virginia Sanchez Alcoser and descendents. Ms. Alcoser died on June 29. Photo courtesy of Celine Hanes.
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Fun Acting Classes for kids

Calling all actors! Hey kids …. If you’re between 6 and 17 years of age and want to learn all about acting, then read on … this class is just what you need!

Through Fillmore’s Parks and Recreation, an 8-week workshop “ACTING SILLY” is now being offered starting this afternoon, 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Fillmore’s Senior Center, 533 Santa Clara Street. Kids will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of acting to include improvisational exercises with scene study and memorization. The 8 wk. series will culminate into a final stage presentation at the Fillmore Towne Theater. Participants must be able to read English.

Instructor for the class is L.J. Stevens, an industry professional for over 20 years. L.J. grew up working in the family business of movie theater management. Born and raised in New York, she became the in-house manager for Circle in the Square Repertory in NYC, and obtained her BA from St. John’s University in 1985. L.J. has extensive experience in stage performing, managing theaters in and around Ventura County, and has conducted many workshops for children. CONTINUED »

 

Rancho Camulos Museum has been selected as an advance ticket point of purchase for the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival which will take place July 31-August 1 at the East End Soccer Fields in Santa Paula. Advance ticket purchasers (Daily Admission Adults: $7; Children 5-14: $3 and special parking $7) get a discount from the gate price of $10/$5 and you won’t have to stand in line to purchase. You will also be contributing to our nonprofit’s educational and preservation efforts.
The Citrus Classic Balloon Festival is a unique event. It features two thrilling evening Balloon Glows and an exciting Hare and Hound Race as well as entertainment and activities for all ages. See www.Citrusclassicballoons.com for details
Tickets are available in person at our gift shop and at the Camulos fruit stand. Tickets may also be ordered via phone or email (805-521-1501 / ranchocamulos@earthlink.net for either pick up at the gift shop, at will call at the event, or by mail for an additional fee. Please make your family, friends, workmates, church, service, and social organization contacts aware of this opportunity to help Rancho Camulos by purchasing through us in person, by email, or phone.

 

Fillmore Aquatic Center
Programs & Fees Summer 2009
Through August 14, 2009

• Recreation Swim – through August 14, 2009
Monday thru Friday – 1:15 -3:45 PM
Fees: $2.00 per visit/per person 2yrs & under: free
Splash Pass: 10 visits/$18.00 20 visits/$38.00

• Adult Lap Swim – (16 yrs – Adult)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 5:30-7:30 PM
Tuesday & Thursday – 6:00-8:00 AM
Tuesday & Thursday – 11:45 AM-12:45 PM
Fees: $4.00 per visit/per person
Splash Pass: 10 vists/$35.00 20 visits/$70.00

• Water Exercise – (13 years – Adult)
Tuesday & Thursday
8:00-9:00 AM; 9:00-10:00 AM; 7:00-8:00 PM
Fees: $6.00 per visit/per person
Splash Pass: 5 visits/$25.00 10 visits/$45.00 20 visits/$80.00

• Family Night
Friday – 6:00-8:00 PM Fees: $1.00 per person

• Swim Lessons: See class schedule hand-out
Group Lessons: two-week sessions/30 minutes classes
Max. 6 students per class Fees: $50.00 per student/per session
Session I – July 7 – July 17 - sign-ups June 24-July 3
Session II – July 20 – July 31 – sign-ups July 13-17
Session III – Aug 3 – 14 – sign-ups July 27-31
Private Lessons: two-week sessions – by arrangements
• Pool Parties – by special arrangements. Fees: Deposit: $200, Rental fee: $250.00 (2 hours), $350.00 (3 hours), $75.00 each additional hour.

 

Sponsored by El Dorado Mobile Home Park & Fillmore Fire Department.
Attention Fillmore residents and El Dorado Residents—Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10am-2pm, El Dorado Club House, 250 E. Telegraph Rd, lunch included.
Topics covered: What is a mass casualty incident, start triage & assessment, basic first aid certification, and Fillmore specific information.
All are welcome! For more information call Paul Schifanelli at 524-0858 or Patrick Maynard at 524-1500 ext. 228.

 

Ventura County Fair Parade Accepting Parade Entries until July 20
The 134th Ventura County Fair and Elk’s Lodge #1430 in Ventura have announced the date for the 2009 Ventura County Fair Parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM.
This year’s fair theme “Purebred and Home Grown” will be reflected in the floats and presentations in the parade. Schools, organizations, clubs, families, companies and individuals are encouraged to participate.
“We are very excited about this summer’s fair, and we want to ask all of our friends and neighbors to join us in this wonderful Ventura tradition as we march down Main Street,” said Barbara Quaid, CEO of the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The parade Grand Marshal is William P. Clark, National Security Advisor and 44th Secretary of the Interior under President Reagan, former California Supreme Court Associate Justice, and long-time Fair supporter. The parade will include floats, school bands, horses and local celebrities. It will begin on Main Street near Ventura High School and make its way downtown to the Historic San Buenaventura Mission.
Deadline for parade applications is July 20, everyone who is interested in participating may get more information and an application by calling 805-648-3376, or by visiting www.venturacountyfair.org.

 

On Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 3 PM, the Fillmore Friends of the Library will sponsor an exciting new puppet show about a greedy sea monster. Children will learn about colors and making new friends as they follow the monster’s many adventures. The free event is part of the non-profit Friend’s summer program series for patrons of the library.
For information call 524-3355.

 

Ever feel like you’re riding a wave every day? There is nothing worse than living with a child or teen spinning out of control, and no worse feeling than the hopelessness parents experience in the process. Parents can help break such a cycle.

The Dr. Neil Schmidt Fillmore Family Resource Center invites parents of all ages to our United Parents meeting where ideas will be given on how to respond, not react to situations.

Many free resources and information will be given regarding a Ventura County job training program for 18-24 yr. olds, a tatoo removal program, and an exciting Small Business Center Summer Youth Entrepreneur Program.

This support group is intended for the parents, grandparents and guardians of struggling teens, not the teenagers themselves. Parents who would like to join us in a preventive effort for their family are invited as well. Both parents should attend if at all possible.

We will be meeting at the One Step Center, “Chocolate Church”, Episcopal Church (corner of Saratoga St. and Second St.), between, 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009 Questions? Please call Norma Pérez-Sandford (805) 208-0712 or leave a message for María Wells, United Parents (805) 384-1555.

Please join us, we understand. We are not here to judge, we are here to help and empower you with information in both this difficult and joyous journey called Parenthood.

 

On July 11th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Santa Paula Hospital will host a community health fair to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of its re-opening. The event is open to all residents of Ventura County and will offer a variety of entertaining and educational booths of interest to all ages. The fair will be held on the grounds of the hospital, located at 825 N. Tenth Street.

Food, like Dominos Pizza, as well as barbequed hot dogs, will be available, and Public Health staff will offer testing of cholesterol, blood sugar and more, at no cost. The County’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be available for those making appointments in advance, by calling 677-5202.

 
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Enlarge Photo
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Enlarge Photo
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Enlarge Photo
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Enlarge Photo
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please help us by adding any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom of this posting.
Enlarge Photo
 

VENTURA, CA. – The magnificent Blue Whales have returned to the waters of the Channel Islands National Park. According to Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire, sightings are averaging from four to ten blue whales per trip on Blue Whale Watch excursions, now offered.

One of the most amazing natural wonders just off the California coast, the giant 90' Blue Whales are being sighted between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.

Every summer hundreds of Blue and Humpback Whales congregate in and around the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to feed. Ocean currents and underwater features create nutrient up dwelling, which is the first link in a very productive food chain. During the spring and summer “blooms” of plankton attract birds, fish and mammals to the waters surrounding the Channel Islands. The area has become a destination for researchers and
whale watchers from around the globe to come and experience one of the world’s largest concentrations of Blue Whales. Intensely hunted in the past, the Blue’s population is estimated at only 5,000 to 12,000 world wide; 2,000 of those in the Eastern Pacific. Each year, approximately 200 of these leviathans come to the local waters to feed. The Blues are the largest of the whales, at 33 meters (110ft) and close to 200 tons; they may be bigger than the largest dinosaurs. CONTINUED »

 
Thanks to Carls Jr. corporate office for getting on the ball and raising a new American flag, after a little nudge from The Gazette.
Thanks to Carls Jr. corporate office for getting on the ball and raising a new American flag, after a little nudge from The Gazette.
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When the Revolutionary War was over and the Founding Fathers met to draw up a plan for the future of the fledgling new nation they concluded that a federal government was necessary, however, that such government’s existence should be contingent upon its being accountable to its citizens. They also concluded that this accountability could only be sustained if the citizens were informed of what the government was doing and were able to intercede. The task of disseminating the vital information to the citizenry fell upon the press. Additionally, they insisted that such press should be a free press that is not operated or controlled by the government.
When the Bill of Rights was added to our Constitution it was apparent by its placement on the list as the “First Amendment” that freedom of speech and freedom of the press were of paramount importance. As the supreme law of the land the Constitution has made it extremely difficult to abridge this right to free expression. With few exceptions those rights have been preserved. Those exceptions have been outlined in recent decisions by the Supreme Court which has interpreted the guarantee of freedom of speech and the press to “provide no protection to obscenity, child pornography, or speech that constitutes advocacy of the use of force or law violation where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.” CONTINUED »

 
Central Ave.
Conway Spitler
Conway Spitler

What a sight--going north on Central Avenue after you leave Highway 126!
As you cross Highway 126 you come upon the scenic center plantings with the new clock You stop at the railroad crossing and come upon the new parking "stalls", the new center divider with all new paving! Quite an up-lift to Central Avenue.
On top of that the old red brick has been painted which makes it stand out once again.
It is great to have the business block looking so neat and clean.
Our thanks to the city employees for making the area shine once again.

 

Piru Petroleum Club's Annual Melinda Bishop - Bruce Smith Memorial Horseshoe Tournamentwas held on Saturday June 27th at Britt Park. The Tournament is held annually on the Saturday before the 4th of July and is a fundrsaiser for the Scholarship Program. This year there were 22 teams participating with participants from as far away as Bakersfield, California City and Los Angeles. This year's winners were Jake Ellis and Oscar Diaz. Second place went to Victor Vaiz and Henry Carbajal and third place winners were Rick Vaiz and Popeye Hernandez. There was a water slide for the kids along with Hot Dogs, Burritos and BBQ sandwiches. Club President, Gil Escoto thanked one of the largest crowds for attending and supporting the Club and a special thank you was given to Victor Piche for all his hard work in re-working the horseshoe pits. This year's scholarship winners were Katy Talon, daughter of Robert and Annette Talon, who will be attending Chapman College; Bailey Pina, daughter of Max & Michelle Pina who will be attending Boise State; Jayme Harter, daughter of Debby & Lawrence Boschee and Mike Harter who will be attending UCSB; and Taylor Atkins, daughter of Todd Atkins and Tammy Atkins who will be attending UCLA. Piru Petroleum Club meets on the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month for lunch and has a Family Night Dinner on the 3rd Thursday of each month and the public is invited.