Please excuse this unusual informality.

Well, I’m sitting down to write my column at 11:15 PM. Just got back from a devastating house fire. Before that, I had just returned from a long school board meeting concerning the Drag Queen show at an after-school organization designed to assist children with various youth challenges. The audience contained quite a few out-of-towners and demonstrated vigorous pro and con speakers.

Please note: To stop widespread false rumors, it should be noted that neither the Fillmore City Council nor the Fillmore School Board had anything to do with organizing the One Step A La Vez Drag Queen event reported by the Gazette on June 29. Two Council members attended that event on their own time. I have requested information from school Superintendent, Christine Schieferle, about possible presence of One Step A La Vez on the school campus. I apologize to Mrs. Schieferle for the short lead time provided for an answer, but the last 24 hours have been very busy. I’m assured the Gazette will be provided with accurate facts, and I thank the Superintendent for her consideration.

The theater room was packed with a considerate, orderly, and highly involved audience last night. I think everyone appreciated that. More details to follow.
Martin Farrell, Publisher