 (clockwise) Dianne DeGeer, Jo Ness, Fillmore resident Lynda Kagel and Gertrude Ness, who turned 109 years old on April 22. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, April 29th, 2015
One thing I just love about living here in Fillmore is the way its residents share information about the events occurring in their lives. As many of you know a chance meeting in the grocery store, bank, or even while on a recreational walk on the bicycle trail, or in your neighborhood, can bring neighbors closer together by this sharing of information. A few years back I met Lynda Kagel, a neighbor and exercise partner of Jean Dempsey as they walked by my home on Grand Ave. I was out front watching my dogs do their business when we met over the fence. Over the many years since I have heard the story of Lynda's Grandmother, “GMA” as she is referred to by Family. Most of these stories were around GMA reaching another milestone birthday. GMA lives independently with neighbors and family checking in on her. She is a longtime Lakers Fan proudly flying Laker's pennants on her car until she stopped driving at age 104! Although her driving was self-restricted primarily to going to the beauty parlor once a week and picking up a few groceries she is amazingly independent and worked until she was 76 years old! By the time I met GMA, just after her 108th Birthday, she had already reached celebrity status in my home with the stories I enthusiastically listened to in amazement as Lynda shared them! On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 family and friends gathered in Fillmore, at the home of Lynda Kagel, Granddaughter of Gertrude Ness “GMA”, of Glendale, CA, who celebrated her 109th birthday on April 22nd. Also at the celebration were Lynda's husband Dean Glassburn, Gertrude's Daughters, Dianne DeGeer of Dallas, Texas and Jo Ness from Montrose, Ca. Granddaughter Susan Kagel, of Montrose, CA, nephew Ralph Ness of Minneapolis, Minnesota, step-great granddaughter Stacy Fontana, of Thousand Oaks, CA. and close friend Jean Dempsey, of Fillmore. Not able to attend were Granddaughter Amy DeGeer, Great-Grandson Bryson Nolly and Great Granddaughter Ayiana Turner, all of Dallas, Texas and Step Great-Grandson Danny Glassburn of Thousand Oaks, CA. On April 18, 1906, just five days before Gertrude Ness was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, a small farming town some 2,100 miles east of San Francisco, the devastating 7.8 magnitude San Francisco Earthquake rattled San Francisco killing 3,000 people! When GMA was born Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States and she would see eighteen other Presidents serve the United States of America! The RMS Titanic sank when when she was not yet six years old. Gertrude has seen the horrors of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the many other conflicts that have occurred since her birth. Man has landed on the Moon, invented the computer and made the earth a smaller planet with faster modes of travel. Gertrude, one of six children, was born on April 22, 1906 in Bemidji, MN to Noble and Eliza Sherwood. She married Peder Ness in 1933 and they raised two girls, Diane and Jo. Prior to marrying, Gertrude taught elementary school Band. As the Drum Major, the young Gertrude and her young students traveled and entered many parades. When Gertrude married Peder, he was in banking. But after she married the 27 year old teacher was no longer permitted to teach because female teachers were not permitted to teach once married. One account was that teachers held positions of authority and married women were not permitted in that authority role! This prohibition continued until 1919 when the “Sexual Disqualification Removal Act” was passed allowing married women to teach in the classroom. But, because of the Depression of 1920 women were frowned upon for working because so many men were out of work that teaching still was not a woman’s permitted area of work. Gertrude and Peder moved to Glendale, CA in July 1941. Gertrude worked at Lockheed, in Burbank assembling bomber doors to support the War effort. After the war she developed the day care system in the Glendale School District for single Moms. She opened multiple nursery schools. At the end of her career, at 76, she was in Administration with the Glendale School District. Peder continued in banking. Peder passed away of cancer in July 1991. They were married for 58 years. Gertrude continues to live in Glendale, CA in the house that she, and Peder rented when they arrived in CA and later purchased. Gertrude remains an avid Lakers Fan. Gertrude lives independently, with help from neighbors and visiting nurses a few times a week. Gertrude continues to visit the hair salon once a week to have her hair and nails done! Gertrude has many awards from City of Glendale for her work in the school district and Glendale Beautiful as well as recognition from many other organizations. When asked, and she is asked frequently,”What is your secret to long life?” GMA's only answer is, “Growing up on a farm.” From that I take it that farm life was hard and everyone had to learn to work hard to support the family in order for the family to survive. GMA surely has worked hard all her life which could be the key to her longevity! From me, and from the Community of Fillmore, we would like to wish you Happy Birthday Gertrude! You Rock! |
 Names of participants listed at end of article. Some of the categories Post 2958 participated in were: Mud Run, Family Disturbance, SWAT Fitness Challenge, Tactical Emergency Medical Support, and Tug of War. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
Fillmore Explorers Post #2958 participates in Games On the weekend of April 11th – 12th Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Explorers from Headquarters, Fillmore and Camarillo participated in the Los Angeles County Explorer Tactical Competition in Castaic. Competing in this competition were 19 Explorer Post from throughout California. This competition is scenario based focusing on tactics, physical fitness and officer safety. The Explorers competed in various events including Hostage Rescue, Tubular Assault, Marijuana Field Raid, High Risk Stops and Active Shooter. In addition to team events there were several individual and group events including SWAT Fitness Challenge, 4 Mile Mud Run and a 3-mile race. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Explorers brought home the following awards: 1st Place Family Disturbance(Fillmore) There were 12 Fillmore Explorers that competed along with 6 Sheriff’s Advisors. The following This year with a combined VCSO Explorer Team our Explorers won the competitions biggest event the 10 Person Tug of War, easily beating Bell Police Department in the Finals and dethroning the events previous winner Oxnard PD. Thank You to all of our VCSO Explorers and Advisors for your hard work and dedication. The Law Enforcement explorer program is a non-profit program. It consists of young men and women ages 14-21 with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of Law Enforce-ment. The explorer program provides law enforcement career experiences, leadership opportuni-ties, educational training, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to be-come responsible citizens in their communities and the nation. If you would like more information about your local explorer program, please contact your local police department for more information. Nature of Incident: Las Angeles Sheriff’s DepartmentExplorer Tactical Competition |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
June 6, 2015
The Fillmore Firefighters Foundation invites you to participate in our 2nd annual Golf Tournament that will be held on June 6th 2015. Last year was a fun and well attended event. We recommend you to sign up early this year. For information contact Bill Herrera at (805)797 5280 or Rigo Landeros at (805) 727-0935 or visit our web site www.fillmorefiregolf.com Come join us for an afternoon of Golf, BBQ cooked by our Firefighters and great raffle prizes. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
 Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2015 Miss Fillmore, Miss Teen Fillmore pageant. (l-r) Miss Teen Fillmore Chloe Stines and Miss Fillmore Stephanie Meza. The event was held on Friday, April 20th. Photos courtesy of KSSP Photography Studio. Enlarge Photo  (l-r) Miss Princess Irma Torres, Miss Fillmore Stephanie Meza, Miss Princess Danielle Ramirez. Enlarge Photo  (l-r) Miss Teen Princess Natalie Johnston, Miss Teen Fillmore Chloe Stines, Miss Teen Princess Sarah Stewart. Enlarge Photo |
 Fillmore High school Senior Jorge Hurtado was awarded a $40,000 scholarship from Edison International on April 15th, 2015. Jorge, who plans to major in electrical engineering, is one of 30 high school scholars Edison International awarded a $40,000 scholarship and planning to pursue college studies in science, technology, engineering or math, also known as STEM. Photo credit: Southern California Edison. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
Fillmore High school Senior Jorge Hurtado was awarded at $40,000 scholarship from Edison International on April 15th, 2015. Photo credit: Southern California Edison. A total of 30 high school seniors across Southern California Edison (SCE) have been named 2015 Edison Scholars and each will receive a $40,000 scholarship from Edison International, the parent company of SCE. As an energy company, Edison International and SCE recognize the skills needed for its future workforce and the country, and focus its educational funding on programs that prepare students to excel in the science, technology, engineering or math fields, also known as STEM. The graduating scholars, who live in or attend public or private high school in SCE’s service territory, plan to pursue college studies in the STEM fields. Under the $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program, each Edison Scholar will be awarded a $40,000 scholarship paid over four years. Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. Since 2006, Edison International has awarded more than $5.3 million in scholarships to 490 students. Edison International’s support of charitable causes is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders and SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
 Fillmore Unified School District The April 21, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting began with a recognition of those that participated in the Fillmore High School (FHS) Art Show along with two announcements and five agenda items requiring approval. Of the four Art Show honorees to be recognized, Rosalind Mitzenmacher, who teaches art at FHS, was the only recipient in attendance. Mitzenmacher commented that although the Art Show is in its 17th year, this was the first time she has been recognized. Board Member Lucy Rangel, in recognition of Mitzenmacher's efforts stated, "She brings out the best in our students and provides a service they enjoy and learn." Board Member John Garnica mentioned that not everyone who made the program a success could attend the meeting, but "...all that contributed to the Art Show would receive a certificate later on." Those to be acknowledged are honorees; Josh Overton-Drama and Glee Club, Greg Godfrey-Band, Lourdes Juarez-Ballet Folklorico. During information/discussion Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos announced there will be a Joint City/School District Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Fillmore City Hall. Palazuelos informed the Board there will be three FUSD items discussed; (1) Military Banners, (2) City Mobile App., (3) Joint Use Agreement with the City of Fillmore and FUSD. A contract was approved CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
 SANTANA CARRERA is the daughter of Jose and Francine Carrera. She is 18 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  JUSTINE DELAROSA is the daughter of Javier DeLaRosa, Mike and Patty Kapp. She is 18 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  ISIS GARIBAY is the daughter of David Munoz and Sylvia Garibay. She is 18 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  STEPHANIE MEZA is the daughter of Daniel and Lilibell Meza. She is 17 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  JAZMIN OLVERA is the daughter of Samuel and Silvia Olvera. She is 17 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  DANIELLE RAMIREZ is the daughter of Raul and Diana Ramirez. She is 18 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  ANIKA ROMANO is the daughter of Sergio and Lina Romano. She is 16 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  ANTOINETTE RUIZ is the daughter of Reginald Ruiz, Kimberly Ruiz and Nick Edwards. She is 18 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  IRMA TORRES is the daughter of Michael and Maria Torres. She is 17 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
 NATALIE JOHNSTON is the daughter of Doug and Christine Johnston. She is 16 years old and attends St. Bonaventure High School. Enlarge Photo  ROKLYN LEIGHTON is the daughter of Willie Leighton and Heidi Zavala. She is a 14 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  ANAHEI MANRIQUEZ is the daughter of Jose and Marisol Manriquez. She is 13 years old and attends Fillmore Middle School. Enlarge Photo  AALIYAH MORALES is the daughter of John Cervantez and Anabel Aguilar. She is 13 years old and attends Fillmore Middle School. Enlarge Photo  GABRIELLA MUNOZ is the daughter of Michael Munoz and Lisa Munoz. She is 16 years old and attends Moorpark High School. Enlarge Photo  CHLOE RICHARDSON is the daughter of Mike and Heather Richardson. She is 16 years old and attends Grace Brethren High School. Enlarge Photo  ALEXIS SIERRA is the daughter of Hector Sierra and Stephanie King. She is 15 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  SARAH STEWART is the daughter of Avery and Tracy Stewart. She is 15 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  CHLOE STINES is the daughter of Ernie and Cindy Stines. She is 15 years old and attends Fillmore High School. Enlarge Photo  ALEXIS VANWHY is the daughter of Mathew and Megan VanWhy. She is 13 years old and attends Fillmore Middle School. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
On April 9, 2015, at approximately 4:40 PM, emergency personnel with the Fillmore Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Santa Paula Fire Department, American Medical Response, and Gold Coast Ambulance responded to a two-car, injury traffic collision at SR 126 (Ventura St.) and Santa Clara St., Fillmore. The collision occurred when one vehicle, driven by John Toy, 65 of Fillmore, attempted to turn left from southbound Santa Clara St. to eastbound SR 126 and was struck by the second vehicle, driven by Michelle Artran, 36 of Oxnard, as she drove westbound on SR 126. Mr. Toy was injured as a result of the collision and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Ms. Artran and her four passengers (Nahun Orizabal, 25, and Lissette Ochoa, 24, both of Oxnard; Margaret Brown, 55 of Ventura, and Yvonne Bucio, 18 of Santa Paula, were injured and trapped in the vehicle for a short time. Ms. Artran and two of her passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the other passengers were treated at the scene and released. The collision caused significant traffic delays in the area for about two hours. The investigation into the cause of the collision is being conducted by the Fillmore Police Department. |
 The City of Fillmore was awarded the Platinum Tier Level Status by Southern California Edison (SCE) Energy Leader Partnership Program. A check for $122,098.92 representing the cumulative rebates was paid to the City for completing its energy efficiency projects. Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore City Manager David Rowlands, Annette Cardona, SCE Rep Anna Frutos-Sanchez, Mayor Douglas Tucker, and SCE Rep Sue Hughes. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
The April 14, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting had five agenda items however five presentations and two Public Comment speakers filled the majority of the two hour meeting. The City of Fillmore was awarded the Platinum Tier Level Status by Southern California Edison (SCE) Energy Leader Partnership Program, presented by Anna Frutos-Sanchez and Sue Hughes. Fillmore was honored for reducing its carbon footprint through its conservation practices. A check for $122,098.92 representing the cumulative rebates was paid to the City for completing its energy efficiency projects. Fillmore is the first city in Ventura County to receive the SCE Platinum Award. Hughes told the Council, "The Energy Leader Partnership Program helps cities raise community awareness of the importance and impact of saving energy and Fillmore has been a great partner and sustainability leader, retrofitting their own facilities to be more energy efficient as well as providing leadership in the community....It gives me great pleasure to present the Energy Leader Partnership Platinum Award to the City of Fillmore, in recognition of your outstanding energy efficiency achievements." Since Fillmore began the program it has achieved 1,273,294 in kilowatt-hours, enough to power 121 homes for one year, resulting in the elimination of 878 metric tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to removing 185 cars from the road. Mark Lawler General Manager of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) presented an update on where the District is today. VRSD manages the 343 acre Toland Road Landfill and a state of the art solid waste processing facility that extracts methane gas for future energy purposes. The landfill processes 460,000 tons of trash each year. Lawler explained that CONTINUED » |