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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
 Who should maintain the banners? On March 3, 2015, the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting began with an announcement of the 2014 Annual Community Award Honorees; Student of the Year, Fillmore High School Student David Cadena; Classified Staff of the Year, Fillmore Middle School Staff Alfonso Martinez; Certificated Staff of the Year, Rio Vista Elementary School's Mary Allyn Garcia and Administrator of the Year, Piru Elementary School's Diana Vides. The awards will be presented this Friday, March 6th at the Veterans Memorial Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Also honored will be the Citizen, Business, Firefighter, Officer and Nonprofit of 2014. The first item discussed by the Board was a City/School District Committee Meeting held February 13, 2014 and attended by four Committee Members; (FUSD Board Members) Scott Beylik, Virginia de la Piedra, (Council Members) Diane McCall, Manuel Minjares and two Staff (City Manager) David Rowlands and (Asst. Superintendent) Martha Hernandez, sitting in for Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. Dominating the discussion was the banner program to recognize enlisted men and women from the City of Fillmore. According to de la Piedra the program began during a joint City/School meeting about eight years ago. In attendance at that time were Patti Walker, a former City Council member, and FUSD Board Members (including de la Piedra). All agreed that it would be a great program. But De la Piedra contested that no one on the School Board agreed to fund or provide the labor to hang the banners. She had assumed that the City accepted the responsibility. While discussing it CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
In early January 2015, the suspect in the attached surveillance photographs used several victims’ debit card information to fraudulently withdraw money from ATM machines in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles. The suspect is described as a white male between 60-75 years old and has darker, graying hair. He appears to be unshaven with a thin gray beard and mustache. All the victims still had their ATM cards in their possession at the time of the crimes, and how the suspect obtained the victims’ information is still under investigation. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the photographs. Anybody with information regarding the suspect in the photos is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Jones at 805-371-8396. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind its residents to frequently check their credit reports and monitor their savings/checking accounts for unauthorized activity. If any suspicious activity is noted, immediately call your financial institution and report it to the Thousand Oaks Police Department at 805-654-9511. Nature of Incident: Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying theft suspect 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). |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
Adolfo Huerta was born in Coeneo, Michoacan Mexico in 1954. At the age of 13 he moved to Fillmore, Ca. with his grandmother Lupe Rangel and uncles on a student Visa to continue his education. He attended Fillmore Jr. High and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1974. Adolfo was one of many FHS’s successful long distant runners, still holding a record today. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart Rosa since 1976. They have three children, Erika Arana, Jessica Huerta and Jorge Luis Huerta. Combined they have eight energetic grandchildren. Adolfo has worn many hats in the City of Fillmore; from dishwasher, to busboy, cook, to landscaper, teacher’s aide to working alongside Dr. Nelson as his veterinarian assistant for 17 years all while being a volunteer fire fighter for the Fillmore Fire Department. In 1992 he was hired as the first paid Fire Captain for Fillmore and in 2000 his peers voted him fire fighter of the year. He has served over 30 years on the department. Adolfo has been an active member of many organizations in our community, such as Optimist Club, Boys & Girls Club, Youth Task Force, Lions Club and One Step a La Vez. He has taught CPR, First Aid and CERT Classes for many Fillmore and Ventura Country residents. The little spare time that he has is all spent cheering his grandchildren on in their sports. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
The One Step a la Vez Program actually began in 2004 when 12 youth started advocating for a safe place for teens to go to get services and to hang out. From 2004-2012 other financial agencies sponsored the program, but in June of 2012 the California and Federal NonProfit status was granted. The Mission: Serve the communities of the Santa Clara Valley by providing a safe environment for 13-19 year olds and preparing informed, empowered youth who are equipped with the tools to: • Lead, The One Step a la Vez Program has five main components, all of which are coordinated to provide a fuller experience and support for youth in various stages of their academic, personal and professional lives. The five components are: • A relaxing and welcoming Drop in Center (One Step Center) with fixed hours in which the youth can get help with homework, tutoring, access to computers, fix themselves a snack, kick back with friends and participate in OSALV activities and classes. • Referrals: o Referrals to other services, camps and programs that are available to youth, appropriate to the needs of the youth and with approval from the parents. • Social Justice Committees.These committees give youth the opportunity to learn that they have the power and ability to improve their community. • Academic, College and Career support: Staff works with youth to write scholarships, get into colleges or technical schools as well as providing tutoring and homework support. • Transition support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, either through incarceration or formal or informal probation. Staff works with youth in juvenile hall or on probation to develop a plan for success and then helps them accomplish their goals. • Community Support Groups and Services: In order to provide a wider support for the youth, the OSALV Program also provides classes and support groups for parents such as Domestic Violence Support Groups and Services, Parenting Classes, English Classes, Individual Family Counseling, Classes on legal rights, computer use, Mental Health First Aide, National Association on Mental Illness family information and support group and any other support that the community requests. The services are provided by professionals in the field and OSALV provides the facility, interpreting and child care (if needed). • All youth services are free. A minimal charge may be applied for parent workshops. |
 Adrian Mejia was named 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year by his peers. Mejia is pictured front center. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Adrian Mejia was chosen by his peers to be the 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year. He has shown excellent leadership skills and is a great asset to Explorer Post 2958. Adrian is the son of Adrian Laura Mejia. He also has two siblings, Adael and Laura Mejia. He was born in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. He has been a resident of Fillmore since then. Adrian graduated from Fillmore High School in June 2013. He was a member of the Fillmore 2012 CIF State Championship team in Cross Country. Adrian is currently attending College of the Canyons and majoring in Criminal Justice and has a part time job at Domino’s Pizza. Adrian became an Explorer in 2012 and he has completed over 400 hours of community service which includes: assisting with Lions Club of Fillmore Christmas Parades, Fillmore High School parades, May Festivals, Toy Drives, Toy Giveaways, traffic control for Rotary 5K Runs, Camarillo Air Shows, Ramona Days and Moorpark Safety Days. He has competed in several Chandler and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office competitions and has usually placed 1st in their running events. At every competition, he is looked upon for guidance by his peers due to his leadership skills. He is a great example to every youth that with hard work and a great heart you may accomplish anything. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
It is with great pleasure that the members of the Fillmore Fire Department announce the 2014 Fire Fighter of the Year, Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Panke. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. Firefighter/Medic Panke’s love and dedication for EMS, firefighting and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2014 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Alex Ortiz has been in the real Estate business over 9 years after being associated with Large Franchises decided to be independent and join American Dream Realty in 2014. Servicing the Ventura County area since 2004, I want to make my hometown your hometown. My clientele personally believe in my Integrity, Reliability, Professionalism and the expertise that I provide. I am a fulltime Bilingual agent and pride myself in helping all my families find the home of their dreams that fits their needs. I believe in maintaining that small town feeling with my attention to detail. I believe in investing in my community and am a proud sponsor of Fillmore Athletic Boosters, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clara Valley Neighborhood for Learning and a proud resident of Fillmore. |
 Fillmore’s Finance Director honored. Presented to the City of Fillmore’s Finance Director Gaylynn Brien from the California Society of Municipalities, was a Finance Officer Certificate of Award of Excellence for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The award was for meeting the criteria established to achieve the Operational Budget Excellence Award. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
 A Proclamation went to Joemil Reguindin, District Liaison, California State Board of Equalization, for their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) which offers free income tax preparation in Ventura County for those with incomes less than $53,000. Pictured right, Mayor Douglas Tucker. Tuesday's Fillmore City Council meeting contained three new business items and three proclamations on its agenda. The restructuring of the Fillmore Senior Center was the first agenda item, with a new web site developer and appointments to commissions the second and third items. During Public Comments Donna Volker, past President of the Fillmore Senior Center (FSC) Board, Charlie Alvarez, a present Board Member, and Bob Stroh addressed the Council. All spoke of their displeasure over the loss of the Multipurpose/Senior Center Building lease. There were a number of accusations directed at specific Council Members and statements that letters from FSC Board Members to the City Manager David Rowlands had been ignored. Volker asked if any of the Council had visited the Senior Center during regular hours, then answered herself stating "No" adding they had only came during their Open House. She then accused Council Member Diane McCall of turning her back on her when Volker tried to speak with her. She also stated that Rowlands purposefully refusing to speak with her. Members of the Council expressed surprise at the accusations. Immediately after speaking the three walked out of the Council Chamber. The Senior Center was the first agenda item. It addressed creating an Active Adult Commission (AAC) for the Center. This is the first step in establishing an oversight to the Center. The AAC's responsibility will be to advise the Council on the establishment and provision of services to seniors in the community. They will make recommendations on the best way to operate the FSC including programs, activities and policies with a goal of promoting and assisting seniors to maintain maximum health, well-being and independence. A big concern of the Councils’ was adding layers of red tape to getting things done. Council Member Manuel Minjares told the other members he wanted quick decisions and questioned who should make the final decisions regarding the FSC. McCall agreed with Minjares adding she wanted the people to have a voice. Mayor Douglas Tucker CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
 Pictured are the Cops Running for Charity team from a past run. Left sitting/standing are Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Tim Hagel, and Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Randy Pentis, Retired, each served as Fillmore’s Chief of Police. Stock photo. Enlarge Photo After years of running all over the world and burning through countless pairs of shoes, Cops Running For Charity has reached a major milestone. They will be running a marathon in Antarctica. This will mark the realization of a long-standing goal to compete in marathons on all seven continents. Logistically, running in Antarctica requires much more planning than their previous trips abroad. Just getting there will be an adventure in itself. The group will travel from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, and then on to Ushuaia in Tierra Del Fuego. From there, the men will board a Russian icebreaker that will take them across the Southern Ocean via the Drake Passage on a four-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite it being summertime in the southern hemisphere, the race will take place in sub-freezing temperatures on ice-covered roads linking scientific research stations along the peninsula. Race organizers will have their hands full ensuring runners are adequately equipped for the difficult conditions during the race. For years, CRFC has been making its mark in major running events throughout the world, including a multi-day run in the Sahara Desert, a marathon on China’s Great Wall, as well as events in Iceland, Siberia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Easter Island, Patagonia, Ireland, and numerous major marathons in the United States. All of their events fulfill multiple goals for the group. They raise thousands of dollars for local medical charities, they promote physical fitness, and they enjoy the camaraderie of sharing their travels and adventures throughout the world. The Antarctica team will consist of Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Tim Hagel, Ojai Chief of Police Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin Ret., Captain Paul Higgason Ret., and Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Randy Pentis Ret. The team has raised more than $300,000 for organizations such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, ALS, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Ventura County, Camarillo Hospice, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. The idea of starting CRFC started on the back of a cocktail napkin more than ten years ago. The team’s motivation can be summed up by a quote from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” For more information about the team and how you can help support their charities, visit www.copsrunningforcharity.com or contact Commander Tim Hagel at (805)947-8189 or retired Commander Randy Pentis at (818)661-8540. Nature of Incident: Cops Running For Charity To Run On Seventh Continent |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
01/21/15 to 01/26/15
 City of Fillmore 01/21/15 |