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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 5th, 2024
Santa Paula, Calif. – On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at about 12:25 p.m. a single engine airplane crashed near the Santa Paula Airport. The plane crashed in an open lot at a business east of 12th St. and south of Highway 126. The pilot, identified as Graham Pollock, age 25, of Santa Paula, was treated at the scene and airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. He was listed in critical condition and sustained burn injuries. There were no other occupants in the plane and no one on the ground was injured. After being treated at Ventura County Medical Center, Pollock was airlifted to a Los Angeles County Hospital Burn Unit. His condition remains critical but stable. Through investigation it was learned a Good Samaritan nearby observed the crash and quickly acted by pulling the pilot, who was on fire, from the wreckage. He used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames on the pilot. This heroic action was done prior to Ventura County Fire Department and Santa Paula Police Department arriving on scene. The Santa Paula Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, City of Santa Paula Emergency Services Coordinator, Ventura County Department of Airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) responded to the crash scene. The FAA and NTSB are continuing the investigation. The plane was a Pitts Special Acrobatic type biplane. Press Release Prepared by: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police Media Follow Up Contact: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at 11:53 P.M. the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle versus pedestrian at westbound SR126 just east of Trestle Way, Fillmore. According to the California High-way Patrol the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta, a 37-year-old woman from the Santa Clarita area, was traveling westbound on Highway 126 when the man ran north across traffic lanes in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian was struck and killed. On Monday, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Dario Nicacio Medina, 45 of Moorpark. He died from multiple blunt force injuries, agency officials said. The CHP said the driver was found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The car was going about 50 mph at the time of the collision. CHP closed one lane of the westbound highway for over two hours for the investigation and cleanup. Initial reports said a friend of the pedestrian told dispatchers they had been fishing and were trying to cross the roadway. The CHP incident log said fish guts had been spread across the highway during the collision, which posed a cleanup challenge. |
 Rite Aid shelves will soon be restocked and continue to serve the Fillmore community, according to a Rite Aid employee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
On October 15, 2023, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The filing was part of a restructuring plan to cut debt, resolve litigation claims, and position the company for future growth. The plan included $3.45 billion in financing, an agreement with creditors, and closing underperforming stores. As of June 28, 2024, Rite Aid was approved to exit bankruptcy after a US bankruptcy judge approved a restructuring plan. The drugstore chain has been shrinking its store count for years, losing ground to rivals Walgreens and CVS. Rite Aid has closed almost 550 locations, including 98 in California, and has announced plans to close more in 2024. The company says the closures will help reduce rent expenses and improve financial performance. Rite Aid has also faced more than a thousand federal, state, and local lawsuits accusing it of illegally filling painkiller prescriptions. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 Community: Media Release - Fillmore Arson Arrests Nature of Incident: Juveniles Arrested for Arson (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent (V) Fillmore Historical Museum Fillmore Narrative: 4 Fillmore Juveniles Arrested for Arson On 08/23/2024, four juveniles were arrested for their involvement with two arsons which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum on 08/18/2024. On 08/18/2024, Fillmore Fire Department personnel responded to the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore reference two small fires. The fires were extinguished and determined to be suspicious in nature. On 08/20/2024, another suspicious fire was started in the same area. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the area and collaborated with Fire Investigators from the Fillmore Fire Department to investigate. On 08/22/2024, detectives and Fillmore Fire Investigators conducted follow-up at the Fillmore Historical Museum and located additional evidence showing these fires were intentionally started, in violation of Penal Code § 451(a) – [Arson]. With the assistance of Fillmore School Resource Officers, Fillmore detectives identified the suspects as four male juveniles. On 08/23/2024, during the morning hours, detectives and School Resource Officers contacted and arrested the four juveniles. The juveniles were all cited and released to their parents pending Juvenile Justice Court proceedings. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the Fillmore community how fire safety is a critical issue which affects our entire community. Each year, hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property are lost due to fires, many of which are preventable. Alarmingly, some of these fires are started by juveniles, either accidentally or intentionally. As parents and guardians, it is essential to recognize the signs and understand how to prevent such incidents. Understanding the Risks Key Warning Signs Resources & Support By working together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure the safety of our children and community. Let’s stay vigilant and proactive in educating our youth about fire safety. Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 Marsh-like field conditions at Two Rivers Park make playing and walking a challenge on the uneven, muddy surface. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Wanda Castel de Oro I attended my grandson’s AYSO soccer game on Saturday at Two Rivers Park and was sorry to see the playing fields are still in such poor condition. The ground was extremely uneven with potholes filled with gooey mud and water. When the ball landed on the water-soaked grass, it stayed there instead of freely rolling on the surface, seemingly glued in place. The grass was also in need of mowing, which may not have helped much considering the swamp-like condition of the field. I heard the coach from the team playing after us tell his kids they were going to be playing in the “marsh” today. Last October 2023 a player on my grand-daughter’s team broke her ankle on the park’s field when she stepped in one of the many soggy potholes. Here is what was reported at that time, in part: “From the beginning the underground drip system was a problem. Either the drip lines are too deep or the sod was planted too shallow, and the water doesn’t properly reach the roots of the grass, leaving brown patches. In contrast, after rain, standing water plagues the fields due to poor drainage caused by uneven terrain.” For years I have heard complaints that there is nothing for young people to do in Fillmore besides sports. Now, even that is a challenge. When is the city going to do something to improve the field conditions at Two Rivers Park? I hosed the mud off my shoes when I got home. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 Piru Elementary students would like to give a big thank you to Bank of the Sierra for their generous $1,000 donation of backpacks and their thoughtful contribution to our schools at Fillmore USD! Your support means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for your kindness. Together, we are making a difference! Pictured is Piru Principal Viviana Magaña-Laureano with Bank of Sierra representative Jennie Andrade presenting the check to the school. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/piru-elementary-condors-blog/2024/8/23/thank-you-bank-of-the-sierra-for-your-donation. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 On Friday, August 23rd, Flashes JV and Varsity football teams began their 2024 season against Royal High. Final scores and more photos on page 10. Pictured above is a Flashes Varsity player trying to make his way past the Royal defense to gain some yards. This past week was jam packed for Fillmore High’s first girls Flag Football team hosting their first home game against Buena High on Thursday, August 22nd. Pictured below is a Lady Flashes defense in action as they try to keep a Buena player from advancing up the field in Thursday night’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 On August 23rd, at the Flashes first home football game, the team took the time to honor FHS teachers for helping make a difference in the lives of the players by bringing them down to the field for acknowledgment and a photo. Above are the teachers who were recognized. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 30th, 2024
 August 17 – 24th Fillmore’s California Untied FC 2013 Boys team earned the title of Champions in the NP Elite Summer Bash Tournament. Top Row: Head Coach Octavio Mejia, Julio Vargas, Obie Qualls, Joan Mendez, Jeancarlo Mendez, Julian Martinez, and Asst. Coach Victor Magana. Bottom Row: Vicente Magana, Ethan Lomeli, Antonio Guevara, Jaxon Cervantes, Aydenn Martinez, and Julian Morones. Photo credit Erika Arana, California United FC Public Relations. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Erika Arana, California United FC Public Relations August 17 – 24th, Fillmore’s California Untied FC 2013 Boys played with so much heart, never gave up, and were not coming home empty handed! They went undefeated at Newbury Park Elite Summer Bash Tournament, 4-0 with a nail-biting game in the finals. They fought hard and came back from losing 3-1 with only 3 minutes left to tie it up. They went into Penalty Kicks and won 5-4 claiming the title of champions. Game 2: California United FC 5-1 TO United White 08/17-18/24: Camarillo Cup 2013 Girls - FINALIST Game 2: California United FC 7-0 Union Independiente Semifinal: California United FC 5-0 AYSO United CI FINAL: California United FC 3-4 JOGA |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
 On Sunday, August 18th, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department responded to a suspicious fire on the bike path near the Fillmore Historical Museum, 300 block east Main Street. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a pile of trash on fire on the pavement, as well as a small fire of burning leaves along the bike path and train tracks. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |