Above is Fillmore’s Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio’s Professor Michael Torres along with his students who medaled this past weekend at the Jiu Jitsu World League tournament. Pictured (l-r) are Torres, Eric Morales, Jose Ramirez, and Dayana Ramirez who competed at the tournament. See more photos on page 10. Photo credit Emma Torres.
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Pictured above is Perce’s Kenpo Karate’s Fillmore Jiu Jitsu Club’s Emma Lopez raising her hand after defeating her opponent. Photo credit by Emma Torres.
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Story by Michael Torres

Saturday, 11/23/24-Del Mar, CA— The San Diego Jiu Jitsu World League tournament held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of competitors from across the region, including Perce’s Kenpo Karate’s Fillmore Jiu Jitsu Club.

Under the guidance of Professor Michael Torres, a Gracie Humaita Black Belt trained by the renowned Mario Aiello, several club members delivered standout performances that culminated in a series of impressive medal wins.

Jose Ramirez, secured a gold medal in the blue belt heavyweight gi division while earning a silver in no-gi. Ramirez’s strategic approach and powerful techniques were evident as he navigated his matches with composure. His dual medal haul reflects his depth of talent.

Eric Morales, a white belt middleweight competitor, demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, earning a gold medal in his division. Morales’s journey through the tournament was marked by strategic grappling and determination, showcasing the foundational techniques he has honed.

Emma Lopez captured gold medals in both the gi and no-gi white belt womens middleweight divisions. Lopez’s performance was a testament to her dedication and adaptability on the mat. Her ability to transition between styles was pivotal to her success. With her double gold triumph, Lopez is quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor in her class.
Dayana Ramirez showcased her skill and resilience, earning a silver medal in the women’s lightweight white belt no-gi division. Dayana fought fiercely in each match, demonstrating the heart and determination that the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instills in its athletes.

The students’ success at the Jiu Jitsu World League tournament is a testament to the rigorous training and supportive environment fostered by Professor Michael Torres. “I am incredibly proud of the students,” Torres said. “Their hard work and commitment have truly paid off, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their jiu-jitsu journey.”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission grappling techniques, emphasizing the use of leverage and technique to control and submit opponents. The students train out of Perce’s Kenpo Karate studio off of Highway 126 which offer classes for adults and kids throughout the week. For more information call or text Professor Michael Torres at 805-443-8501 or email fillmorebjj@gmail.com.

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On Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, at 11:14 a.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on westbound SR126 at Peck Road, Santa Paula. According to the CHP Angelica Vazquez Reyes, 59, of Fillmore, was driving a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck westbound in the number 2 lane. For unknown reasons, she lost control, and the truck traveled into the number 1 lane into the path of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV, driven by a 40-year-old Santa Paula woman. The Dakota pickup truck was t-boned; the broadsided impact caused major damage to both vehicles. On-scene firefighters reported a total of two patients with major injuries, and extricated one patient from the scene. Both women were transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. The driver of the Dakota pickup truck died at the hospital. The crash closed westbound lanes for about an hour; lanes reopened around 12:30 p.m. Recent rain was a contributing factor to the incident, according to CHP; the CHP’s Ventura-area office is investigating.

Pictured are Paul & Laura Ortega, longtime Piru residents who will be recognized at the Annual Piru Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at noon, with a festival at the Train Depot Park.
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This year’s Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 12pm and will begin at Piru Elementary School and route through Center Street. Immediately following the parade will the be the festival at the Train Depot Park with food, live music, performances, and more for all to enjoy. If you have any questions, call 805-814-6140 or email piruneighborhoodcouncilinc@yahoo.com.

Paul is a lifelong resident of Piru. Paul & Laura met 30 years ago, and Paul proposed to Laura during the Christmas festivities and Laura became a resident of Piru. They have since both been dedicated to our community and have grown their family here. The Ortegas have two children Anissa & Steven, a beautiful daughter-in-law Nikka, and they are expecting their first grandson in February 2025.

Paul has donned the Santa hat and played the jolly character for over thirty years in the Piru Christmas Parade & Festival. He would also be found riding Santa’s sleigh, known in Piru as Engine 28, handing out candy and gifts throughout the town. Paul enjoys bringing smiles and happiness to the children and families of Piru.
Laura has made her mark in her community as well. When her children were attending school, Laura dedicated her time to help start the Friends of Piru PTA group. She also taught catechism for five years at The San Salvador Mission. Laura has filled the role in the past as Piru Neighborhood Council’s Member at Large and she continues today to help with the annual Senior Graduation Dinner event, held at the Newhall Mansion.

Paul and Laura are always willing to help the Piru Neighborhood Council, and our community is blessed from their dedication and care to Piru. They are good examples of what Piru is all about: always ready to help anyone at any time.

Ventura Sheriff’s Office partners with Ventura County Fire Department in Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive.
The Ventura Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Ventura County Fire Department in their holiday toy drive. Collection boxes will be located at all sheriff stations. This community campaign is to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Ventura County. In addition, this campaign is also to support Food Share, to help fight hunger in Ventura County. All non-perishable food and toys can be dropped off any time prior to December 16th.

In 2023, through generous donations from our communities, more than 33,000 local children and teens benefited from the kindness of our community members, businesses, and supporting sponsors. Food Share will also provide food for families served by the toy drive.

Prepared by: Captain Rob Yoos
News Release Date:11/19/2024