(l-r) Mike Mobley, Cindy Jackson, Jan Marholin, Citizen of the Year Buddy Escoto, Ari Larson, and Tammy Hobson.

The Fillmore Citizen of the Year is Evaristo Escoto (affectionately known as “Buddy” for his friendly demeanor). Buddy is a lifelong Fillmore resident and a product of the Fillmore school district. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1994 and from Ventura College in 1998 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts he also attended Cal State University of Northridge and majored in Sociology. Buddy has been married to Selina A. Escoto for 12 years; he is the son of Evaristo & Marylou Escoto and is the oldest and only boy in a family of 6 sisters. Buddy started working for the Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore-Piru in 1995 he has worked for the same organization for the past 17yrs. Buddy believes that the future is now for the youth in our community and that as role models we should teach children to reach for the stars. Buddy has been part of many civic & community groups in Fillmore and throughout Ventura County as an advisor and also a volunteer. On Buddy’s down time he enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, deejaying, photography, & walking his dog rocky. His most used quote is, “Life Is Good!”