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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 Above is the St. Francis Dam Tombstone. On Tuesday, January 21, Lost LA will feature an episode discussing the St. Francis Dam disaster. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo  On Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30pm, “Lost LA” will explore untold history behind Southern California with an episode featuring the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. Above is Fillmore Historical Museum Executive Director, Martha Gentry, with Geoff Manaugh and Nathan Masters being interviewed for the episode. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum “Lost LA” explores the past through the region’s archives, where photos, documents, and other rare artifacts unlock the untold history behind the fantasy of Southern California. The episode airing Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 pm on KCET will focus on the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. Nathan Masters, a public historian of the USC Libraries, is the host of the 30-minute episode. He, accompanied by Geoff Manaugh, architecture and technology writer, begin by visiting the dam site with archaeologist, Ann Stansell, and seismologist, Lucy Jones. Here they discuss the various theories of why the dam failed as well as what evidence is still in the landscape. Their second stop was here in Fillmore at the Fillmore Historical Museum. Executive Director, Marth Gentry, is interviewed about the impact on Fillmore and Bardsdale. She also shares many photographs as well as film made during the recovery efforts and a portion of an interview with Thelma Macauley Shaw, who as a 14-year-old girl was swept from Fillmore to Santa Paula, the only surviving member of her family. Finally, Jose Alamillo, professor of Chicano Studies at CSUCI, talks about the impact on Santa Paula, especially the Hispanic community and how the effects of the trauma can still be felt. You don’t need to be a dedicated “dammie” to enjoy this presentation and even the dedicated “dammie” will probably find something new about the St. Francis Dam disaster. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 The new Poet Laureate of Ventura County, Mary Ann McFadden, was introduced to the Fillmore City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Ms. McFadden read two of her poems to the council. Enlarge Photo ALL MOTIONS APPROVED 5-0 CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PROCLAMATION DEDICATIED TO BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF FILLMORE FOR NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH (JANUARY) 5.B INTRODUCING THE NEW POET LAUREATE OF VENTURA COUNTY MARY ANN MCFADDEN 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDA-TIONS, AND COMMENTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8B. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 14, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 14, 2025.PDF 8.B REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2024 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2024.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A CONSIDERATION OF INFOSEND, INC. SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO CONTINUE DATA PROCESSING, PRINTING, AND MAILING SERVICES SR - INFOSEND SECOND AMENDMENT.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with InfoSend, Inc. (InfoSend) to 9.B APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN REPAIRS TO THE SESPE CREEK BIKE PATH AND REQUEST TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR REPAIRS TO SESPE CREEK BIKE PATH.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve Willdan Engineering’s proposal to design necessary repairs to the Sespe 9.C REALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN WELL NO. 10, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03, AND REQUEST FOR A SR- DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR WELL NO.10 DEVELOPMENT.PDF 9.C REALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN WELL NO. 10, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03, AND REQUEST FOR A 9.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23- 04, FILLMORE PARKS SHADE STRUCTURE PROJECT SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR SHADE STRUCTURES.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 23-04, Fillmore Parks 9.E FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 22-04, CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 22-04, City Hall 9.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CONVERSION OF A TENNIS COURT TO A COMBINED TENNIS AND TWO PICKLEBALL COURTS AT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 24-04, Conversion of 9.G AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-03, PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT (SN23-03).PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1) 2) 3) Approve the award of contract to TORO ENTERPRISES, INC. for the construction 9.H CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BOA ARCHITECTURE FOR THE SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT DORMS AND RESTROOMS.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with BOA Architecture for the schematic design of the Fire Department reserve staff dorm and restrooms. 9.I STAFF REPORT TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE 2024 SB 1205 FIRE INSPECTION REPORT 10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 25-4043 to acknowledge acceptance of a report on the Fire Department’s compliance with Senate Bill (“SB”) 1205. 11. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12. CLOSED SESSION 12.A JANUARY 14, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 14, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 13. ADJOURNMENT |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 Current map of red flag warnings including Particularly Dangerous Situation locations. Photo credit and more information at https://www.weather.gov/lox/ or https://www.vcemergency.com/. Enlarge Photo |
 On January 6, 2024, the Williams Homes released a notice to residence regarding dirt hauling /remedial grading at the Creekside residential development between Sespe Creek on the west boundary and Goodenough Road to the east. And will haul dirt through A Street, Third Street, and Old Telegraph Road to begin January 13, 2024. Read Article for more details. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Notice of Dirt Hauling / Remedial Grading at the Creekside Residential Development Map of Dirt Hauling for TT Map 6053 Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=175 Site Grading and Hauling of Export Rock and Dirt at the Creekside Residential Development Project is scheduled to commence FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA –– Fillmore, CA – January 6, 2025 – Please be advised that site grading and hauling of export rock and dirt at the Creekside residential development, Tentative Tract Map No. 6053, and Development Permit No. DP 20-04 for a land subdivision and development, is scheduled to commence. Residents along the haul route and the adjacent to the development site should have received this notice in the mail. (https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/926/T-6053-Haul-Route-Not...) The Project location and haul route are provided in the notice. Below is the notice to residence NOTICE OF DIRT HAULING / REMEDIAL GRADING Tentative Tract Map No. 6053 and Development Permit No. DP 20-04 Dear Resident/Business Owner – Please be advised that site grading and hauling of export rock and dirt at the Creekside residential Location: See Map on page 2. The development is generally located Approximate Dates of Hauling: January 13, 2025 to May 15, 2025 Hauling Restrictions: To avoid Fillmore Middle School peak traffic hours for following timeframes: 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM or 2:30 PM and 3:15 PM Contacts: Tony Vitale, Williams Homes (805) 587-7062 Brian McCarthy, City of Fillmore (805) 946-1846 We thank you in advance for your patience. We commit to working as diligently as possible to monitor the hauling and have this operation completed as soon as possible. |
 On Monday, January 6th, 2025, 9:02 p.m., Fillmore Police Department responded to the station after a male subject arrived with stab wounds. Arriving deputies discovered a man with non-life-threatening injuries near the rear of the Fillmore Police Station. The victim made his way to the police station on his own. He was treated by AMR paramedics and taken to Ventura County Medical Center. The crime took place near the Fillmore Historical Museum, and deputies and investigators cordoned it off with crime scene tape. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
On 01/06/2025, a stabbing occurred near the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore. At about 9:00 PM, a Hispanic male with two other male subjects confronted an adult male victim on the sidewalk near the Fillmore Historical Museum. During the confrontation, one of the suspects stabbed the victim with a sharp metal object. The three suspects fled on foot while the victim was able to call the police. Fillmore Patrol personnel contacted the victim and initiated an investigation which led to identifying (S) Ivan Hernandez as the stabber. Hernandez is a documented criminal street gang member who is currently on active parole. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit and Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and located evidence consistent with a stabbing. Additional evidence linking Hernandez to the crime was also located at the scene. Hernandez was booked for a felonious violation of Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] and Penal Code § 3056 – [Parole Hold]. He is currently in custody at the Main Jail pending arraignment. Nature of Incident: Stabbing Suspect Arrested Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Sheriff’s Major Crimes, Sheriff’s Bureau of Identification (V) Adult Male Fillmore 47 Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
 The Fillmore Police Department would like to make residents aware of Assembly Bill 413, also known as the “California Daylighting Law.” This bill amends Section 22500 of the California Vehicle Code by adding a new section which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension. For more details see press release on page 8 or you can visit the city website https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=174. Enlarge Photo |
 On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Fillmore woke up ghost town like with power outages throughout the town. Traffic lights on the 126 as well as in town were out all morning. Due to high winds forecasted for the area, the City of Fillmore has issued announcements of potential power shut offs for the area. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore What to Do: - Stay Prepared: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials. - Stay Informed: Track potential shutoffs at SCE.COM/psps. - Be Alert: Check VCEmergency.com for updates. - Safety First: If outages occur, please treat all intersections as four-way stops and use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire risks. - Share this message to help spread the word and keep our community safe! #SCE #PSPS #WeatherAlert #CommunityPreparedness *** Check https://www.vcemergency.com/ for latest updates: Updated January 8, 2025 at 9:25 AM A brush fire ignited in the area of Olivas Links Golf Course and Victoria at approximately 7:50 am. Ventura County fire crews are on scene of the working to contain the fire, currently estimated between 3-4 acres. No structures threatened at this time. Residents in the area of the fire should be alert to changing conditions and leave when the area becomes dangerous with or without an evacuation order. CHP has closed Harbor Blvd. at Gonzalez Road. *** Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a developing strong Santa Ana Wind event expected to impact Ventura County beginning Tuesday, January 7th through Friday, January 10th. High Wind Watches and Warnings will be in effect from Tuesday at 10am through Wednesday at 6pm for most of Ventura County, while Red Flag Warning conditions will be present along the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains, Ventura County beaches, Santa Susana Mountains and eastern valleys. While winds are expected to impact all of Ventura County, the current forecast calls for highest intensity conditions in eastern areas such as Simi Valley where gusts of 50-80 mph may be observed, with isolated gusts of up to 100 mph possible. Southern California Edison is monitoring 83 circuits for possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, with a period of concern from Tuesday at 6pm through Thursday at 12pm, to coincide with peak wind intensities. To follow the weather forecast, visit the National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/lox/. Southern California Edison has opened the following Community Resource Centers for customers impacted by this PSPS event. Each location will be open January 8th from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on January 9th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. 533 Santa Clara Street Fillmore, CA 93015 Courtyard by Marriott 191 Cochran Street Simi Valley, CA 93065 Thousand Oaks Inn 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
 Christine Schieferle, Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District Although, the majority of Fillmore woke up to outages Wednesday morning, including students who were returning to school from winter break. The school district released the following statement on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FUSDDistrict Wednesday morning: FUSD School Community, Due to the high winds, Southern California Edison has shut off power at all of our school sites. We are prepared to keep all of our schools open today. Each school will have one dedicated line for families to use if they need to contact their child’s school. All school offices will also have access to email. See phone numbers below. The Child Nutrition Services Department will serve all students breakfast and lunch. Site custodians and MOT staff will monitor all school grounds throughout the day. All students will be safely in classrooms with teachers and we will utilize natural light. We realize that each family will make the best decision on whether or not to send their child to school today. Therefore, there will be no attendance penalty for absences for today. Please know our schools are safe and we are ready to welcome back students this morning. Sincerely, Christine Schieferle Superintendent MOUNTAIN VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – (805) 524-6781 PIRU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – (805) 521-1709 RIO VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – (805) 524-4210 SAN CAYETANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – (805) 524-6040 FILLMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL – (805) 524-6070 FILLMORE HIGH SCHOOL – (805) 524-6100 Sierra High School and Heritage Valley Independent Study Program (805) 524-8202 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, January 3rd, 2025
Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted extra patrol in a high-crime area, resulting in the recovery of two firearms associated to a Los Angeles County burglary. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to collaborating with businesses and residents in a manner that inspires them to be a force multiplier of safety by empowering them to be the eyes and ears of our community. In the latter half of 2024, community members expressed concerns over a rise in criminal activity in the 100 Block of Santa Clara Street, City of Fillmore. In response to the community concerns, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted proactive foot patrols in the area to engage with community members, deter criminal activity, and enforce laws. Nature of Incident: Christmas Eve Firearms Arrest Prepared by: Senior Deputy Dustin Heersche Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon |
 UPDATE: Carlos Perez, 39, and Maria Ceja, 31, both of Santa Paula, died in the two-vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. They died of blunt-force injuries, and their deaths were considered accidental. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 3rd, 2025
On Tuesday, December 24th, 2024, at 2:22 p.m. Ventura County Fire, Fillmore Fire, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported head-on crash eastbound SR126 at Fine Road. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles with major damage: a 2024 Volvo SUV and a black 2019 Lexus. According to CHP’s initial investigation the 2024 Volvo SUV heading westbound veered across the center median into oncoming traffic, the Volvo had been going about 65 mph at the time. It struck a black 2019 Lexus headed eastbound, per CHP. Two people in the Lexus were found unresponsive,; the 39-year-old man and 31-year-old woman died at the scene. Their names and cities of residence were not released pending family notification. The driver of the Volvo, a 44-year-old Oak View man, was flown by helicopter to Ventura County Medical Center with critical injuries, according to CHP and Ventura County Fire Department. Two passengers in the Volvo, a man, 35, and a woman, 71, suffered moderate injuries and were taken by ground ambulance to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Two dogs also died in the crash, one in each vehicle. A third dog that had been riding in the Volvo survived and was picked up by a family member. On-scene firefighters reported they pulled two trapped patients from one of the vehicles, including the person with critical injuries who was airlifted to VCMC. CHP doesn’t yet know the cause of the crash or whether drugs or alcohol were a factor. No arrests were made. Any witnesses who haven’t already provided a statement to investigating officers are asked to call the CHP’s Moorpark office at 805-553-0800. |
