By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 24th, 2014
On Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21, 2014 hundreds of friends, families, schools and businesses came together at the Fillmore Piru 9th Annual Relay for Life, held at Shiells Park in Fillmore. They walked the track continuously during the 24-hour event because “cancer never sleeps”. By participating, they had the power to continue the American Cancer Society’s progress toward a future where cancer doesn’t take anymore lives. Every dollar raised makes a difference. “There is no finish line until we find a cure!” Photo courtesy Valerie Tovar. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 24th, 2014
09/02/14 - 09/08/14
09/02/14 |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
This morning over 8,100 firefighters continue to battle 5 major wildfires burning in California. Yesterday afternoon firefighters fully contained the Nelson Fire which burned 62 acres south of Ukiah in Mendocino County. This week gusty winds are expected across much of Northern California. In fact a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger has been issued for parts of Siskiyou and Modoc County down the Sierra Nevada range from Shasta County to Tuolumne County. CAL FIRE continues to urge Californians to be extra cautious and take steps to prevent sparking a wildfires as the anticipated winds will elevate the risk for wildfires Learn more way to be prepared at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Fires of Interest: **CAL FIRE Incidents** Nelson Fire, Mendocino County **Unified Incidents** King Fire, El Dorado County **Federal Incidents** Irene Fire, Alpine County Meadow Fire, Mariposa County Happy Camp Complex, Siskiyou County July Complex, Siskiyou County |
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
September 16 School Board Meeting
The September 16, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting lasted less than an hour and besides the District Staff and about 15 faculty along with several members of the community On the agenda was a presentation on the financial statements for 2013-2014 school year and two public hearing items; "Sufficiency of Textbooks and Instructional Materials for the 2014-2014 School Year” along with the "Adoption of Pupil Textbook and Instructional Material for Structured English Immersion Program for the 2014-2015 School Year." Fillmore School District has struggled and failed for years to bring up its academic improvement, and there has been very little community involvement at Board Meetings. There are state requirement that promote parent and community involvement and one requirement is informing the public of time, place and agenda of each Board Meeting and Public Hearing. According to the California Department of Education a Public Hearings regarding sufficient quantity of textbooks, the hearing "must be on or before the eighth week of school and at least 10 days notice of the public hearing posted in at least three public places within the district that stated the time, place and purpose of the hearing, and encouraged participation by parents, teachers, members of the community, and bargaining unit leaders, (if the district of county office has a bargaining unit). In order to be eligible to receive instructional materials funds, the governing board of each district and county office of education is required to hold an annual public hearing and adopt a resolution stating whether each pupil in the district has sufficient textbooks or instructional material in specified subjects that are aligned with the academic content standards and consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum frameworks adopted by the state board." A hearing is required before funds can be used to purchase the textbooks, which include Mathematics, Science, History-Social Science, English/language arts. Other books include foreign language or health classes. Insufficient quantities of the language and health books will not prevent funds being spent. When asked where the District placed the information on the recent Public Hearing, the Gazette was told it had been posted at the front of the District building, and one in each school in the District. When questioned were the third posting was placed it was said to be in the Superintendents office (which is not a public place). Sean Morris, who is running for a seat on the School Board, asked the Board why he had not heard of this Public Hearing stating, "...all kinds of notices are sent home with the kids, it would be nice to have it (notices of hearings) sent to the parents with the children." Scott Beylik, who is also running for a seat on the School Board, stated last month he sent a formal request to the District to have the agenda email to him three days in advance of each meeting as the State requires Districts to do. Beylik then said he did not receive the September 2nd meeting agenda until the 3rd, a day after the meeting. He informed the Board he had not received any agenda information for the present meeting he was attending. Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D. responded to the complaints stating, "We'll review the process and see about putting it in digital form." Michele Reddy, Director of Budget and Accounting, gave a presentation on the past FUSD Budget. The General Funds in 2013-2014 school year were $31,962,811, but the expenditures were $32,088,853, leaving a deficit/deficiency of $126,042. Reddy informed the Board this deficit was covered by a reserve fund established by a previous administration three or four years ago, adding "...the reserve is now almost empty." Board Member Tony Prado asked if the deficit was due to the repair of the roof at Fillmore Middle School. Reddy responded, "No, that hasn't been paid for yet" informing everyone that the district borrowed the money for the roof. Palazuelos introduced those in attendance to two newly hired FUSD employees: Stefan Cvijanovich, Director of Special Programs and Student Services; Gary Hobelman, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Irma Torres, ASB President/Speaker of the House, announced it's currently Santa Paula vs. Fillmore Week and next week students start building the Homecoming Float. Also, Fillmore Cross Country raced at Fastback Shootout on the 6th winning over 18 medals. Other accomplishments included Fillmore Football winning their last two games beating Channel Island 21 to 3 and last Friday defeating Oak Park 53 to 8. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
On Sunday evening this suspect, after a short pursuit, was arrested by Sheriff’s deputies on Sespe Avenue near A Street. A Taser was used to subdue the suspect, who was sought for outstanding warrants. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
Pursuit for Stolen Vehicle, Evading, and Resisting Arrest
This morning at 5:39 a.m., Headquarters Sergeant Jim Kenney was on patrol in the area of Faria Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Sgt. Kenney noticed an older model van stopped on the shoulder with an inoperative rear taillight. When Sgt. Kenney attempted to detain the vehicle for the Vehicle Code violation, the van fled at a high speed southbound on Pacific Coast Highway and then onto southbound US 101. The van exited the 101 freeway and continued to flee eastbound on SR 126. Additional Sheriff’s units responded to assist in the pursuit, which reached speeds in excess of 85 mph. The van continued to South Hallock Road in Santa Paula where it purposely crashed into road closure gates. The driver, and only occupant, Enrique Patricio, ran from the van and into the river bottom intending to continue eluding law enforcement. A Sheriff’s helicopter and two canine handlers responded to the area. At about 8:00 a.m., Patricio was reported by an anonymous resident hiding on the property in the 1600 block of Lemonwood Drive. Sheriff’s Deputies moved to that area and set up a perimeter. A short time later, the Sheriff’s helicopter spotted Patricio walking on Telegraph Road near Farris Drive. Patricio was quickly taken into custody by Sheriff’s Detectives, who had responded from the Fillmore Police Station to assist in the search. Follow-up investigation revealed the van had been reported stolen to the California Highway Patrol in Santa Barbara yesterday. Patricio was arrested and later booked at the Pre-Trial Facility for auto theft, evading law enforcement, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. The length of the pursuit was 23.7 miles. No law enforcement personnel were injured nor vehicles damaged. Patricio sustained a minor laceration to his nose and was treated at the scene. The van sustained significant front end damage and was towed. Nature of Incident: Stolen Vehicle and Pursuit Arrest Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
In remembrance of the 9/11 tragedies, Fillmore Firefighters, Ventura County Sheriff deputies, California Highway Patrol officers, and Servicemen representing all branches of the United States Military, enjoyed recess with the students of Sonshine Preschool for their annual “Hero Day” celebration, September 11, 2014. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
FREE City-Wide BBQ & Rally Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, from 12 noon to 2:00pm at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones! Enlarge Photo |
By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
Alumni Night Downtown Fillmore was a huge success. Even bigger "Pack The House Night" event this Friday September 19th
Thank you all for coming to "Alumni Night" in downtown Fillmore this past Friday evening. What a special evening of catching up with old friends, and taking in a beautiful Summers evening in Downtown Fillmore on Cruise Night. A Great time was had by all! Remember everyone, This Friday, Sept 19th is the Big Game with Santa Paula here at Fillmore Field, and it's PACK THE HOUSE NIGHT. The Alumni Association wants all the community of Fillmore to come out and support our local Students, and Student/Athletes at they play in the 104th meeting between these two schools on the gridiron. Please call the High School at 524-6100 to verify if there are tickets left to be sold. We want everyone to wear Blue and White this Friday. There will be one last chance to get your Flashes gear this Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Alumni Association will be at Central Station one last time before the big game with their Merchandise. Flashes T-Shirts, Sweaters, Caps. They will also be showing Old game Films of the Fillmore / Santa Paula Football games, dating back to 1968 on the big flat screen T.V's. So come out and support our Team, our Town, OUR COMMUNITY!!! GO FLASHES!!! Beat the Cardinals!! |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 17th, 2014
08/26/14 - 09/01/14
08/26/14 |