The Thomas Fire began on Monday, December 4th at approximately 6:20pm near Steckel Park, Santa Paula. Heavy winds and low humidity have added to the fire growth. At least 27,000 residents were evacuated between Santa Paula and Ventura as of Tuesday afternoon. As of noon Wednesday the Thomas Fire had burned 65,000 acres and over 150 homes, with zero containment. Fillmore Unified School District was closed Wednesday, December 6th due to the Thomas Fire. The Creek Fire in Los Angeles County was at 12,000 acres burned, zero containment Wednesday afternoon. The Rye Fire in Los Angeles County was 7,000 acres burned, 5% contained noon Wednesday. San Bernardino was also battling two fires, Little Mountain Fire and Meyers Fire, both at 100 and 35 acres with structures involved, Wednesday. Los Angeles’ Skirball Fire has burned 150 acres, destroyed at least six homes and was threatening UCLA and the Getty Museum. Go to http://www.readyventuracounty.org for up-to-date fire information.

Bob Crum

Ho ho ho!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Everywhere you go . . .
There's a tree on City Hall,
Holly on the poles and all. . .
Hoping they stay when the wind blows.

OK.. not quite a winter wonderland hereabouts, thank goodness. Black Friday and Cyber Monday came and went and some think that they began the 'season'. Wrong. It's not officially the Christmas season until Santa Claus comes to town.

Well, he's here! Hundreds of people–if not thousands–lined Central Avenue from Second Street to Main Street to welcome Santa's arrival last Saturday. Lacking sufficient white fluffy stuff (snow) he came into town on a Fillmore fire truck. Now 'tis officially the season!

Kudos to the Fillmore Lions Club for a splendid Christmas parade. So much to watch and enjoy. As a photojournalist, it's a potpourri of activity. Also challenging to photograph. Not knowing where any particular group will perform makes planning frivolous. Every photo is composed at the last moment. There is no redo. Miss it forget it and get ready for the next activity.

Like all photographers, I photograph parades from the sidelines... the side of the street depending on where the sun is in the sky. But upon looking at the photos afterward, I thought too ho hum. So, not long ago, starting with a July 4th parade, I decided to get as many photos as I could shooting from the “middle” of the street. Interesting but also a tad daunting. Though I didn't get it, I applied for hazardous-duty pay. But I digress.

I liked the results and so continue doing so as much as feasible. As hoped, it presents a different and interesting perspective. What I also hope is that while I risk limb and camera the photos take you into the parade while you lounge comfortably in your armchair.

The Fillmore High School band is a good example. Notice that I'm in the middle of the street as the flag girls passed by on each side of me. Then waited to get the photo of the drum major moving out of the way at the last moment. By the way, I never speak to any of the parade participants before a parade so they don't know what I might do. Everything is totally spontaneous. Scooting out of the way at the last moment, some parade watchers have told me that I've become part of the entertainment. Hmmm.

As Santa makes his way down the parade route, everyone is thrilled! At that moment, there's no one else in town more popular.

Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus took positions in the pagoda at the Historical Museum. There, they entertained a parade of youngsters. Photo ops galore! Of course all the kids were good all year so didn't hesitate to tell Santa what they hoped to see under the Christmas tree as parents intently listened. Some kids weren't sure about Santa and cried. A few slept through it all. Me? Yeah, I handed the jolly ole fella my list too. The kid in me made me do it. All the while, many kids were delighted to have their faces painted by members of the Artist Guild of Fillmore. What a treat!

Afterward, Santa left to attend festivities in Ventura... returning on a Fillmore & Western train pulled by the ever fascinating #14 steam engine. Then as the sun set and the moon rose, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at City Hall. What a day! Oh by golly, a jolly time was had by all!

Happy photoing. As always, send your questions, comments or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

Camarillo, CA - December 5, 2017 — Overnight approximately 600 residents sought relief from the Thomas Fire in Red Cross shelters. The American Red Cross of Ventura County is now operating three shelters for residents affected by the Thomas Fire:

Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001
Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023
Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033

The fire is fast moving and rapidly changing. Visit readyventuracounty.org for the latest information.

“Our Red Cross volunteers have been working through the night to provide relief and comfort to hundreds of residents impacted by this fast-moving fire,” said Red Cross Executive Director Kimberly Coley, “We will continue to provide assistance for as long as there is a need.”

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and have an emergency kit ready go for any disaster including wildfires. Visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire to learn more.

How to Help
The Red Cross is able to provide disaster relief services during wildfire season thanks to the generosity of the community. The best way to currently help wildfire relief efforts is through a financial donation. Visit redcross.org to make an online donation to your local chapter.

Red Cross volunteers train for and respond to disasters every day. New volunteer opportunities may become available in the coming days as the Red Cross determines additional needs for the community. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to begin the application process.

Stay Connected
Impacted residents can safely and securely list themselves as safe and well by registering at redcross.org/safeandwell. Friends and family are able to search the database for messages from their loved ones.

Download the Red Cross Emergency App for preparedness information and shelter locations at your fingertips. Look for it in your app store, or text GETEMERGENCY to 90999.

About the American Red Cross Central California Region
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten counties across Central California that is home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the Ventura County Superior Court has vacated Craig Coley’s convictions for murder, and has made a finding that he is factually innocent.

Mr. Coley was found guilty of the 1978 murders of Rhonda Wicht and her 4-year-old son Donald. He served over 38 years in custody for the crimes. New evidence obtained during an investigation by the Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, including DNA evidence, determined that Mr. Coley had not committed the murders. On November 22, 2017, with support by District Attorney Gregory Totten and Police Chief David Livingstone, Governor Jerry Brown issued a full and unconditional pardon, concluding that “Mr. Coley did not commit these crimes.” Mr. Coley was released from prison the same day.

The Ventura County Public Defender, on behalf of Mr. Coley, filed a motion to vacate the conviction and for a judicial finding of factual innocence. The District Attorney joined in the motions. In a brief hearing today, the Ventura County Superior Court, the Honorable Ryan J. Wright, Judge presiding, granted both motions. Mr. Coley was not present but was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.

Today’s rulings are a judicial determination of innocence and bring the court records in line with the Governor’s determination in the pardon. The rulings also ensure that Mr. Coley will receive monetary compensation from the California Victim Compensation Board.

Mr. Coley suffered a profound injustice in this case. The District Attorney remains committed to reexamination of cases in which claims of factual innocence are made and the use of modern scientific techniques that were not available when the cases were tried.

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten invites victims and survivors of the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival Concert Shooting to attend an informational forum coordinated by the Federal Office of Victims of Crime and the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) on Thursday, December 7, 2017. The forum will provide an opportunity for victims and family members to share information about their current needs and receive important information on resources to assist with recovery, coping with trauma, grief and depression, and what to expect in the months and years to come.

The address for the forums is confidential and will be provided once participants RSVP. Space is limited. If interested, please RSVP to anita.ahuja@victims.ca.gov. The District Attorney’s Office continues to offer direct assistance to victims and their family members through the District Attorney’s Crime Victims’ Assistance program and encourages anyone present at the concert that night to attend.

The Fillmore Lions Club Christmas Parade is right around the corner. This year’s Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. Please note that this year’s parade will begin at 10:00 am, three hours earlier than previous years. As always, Santa will trade in his sleigh for the morning and make his special trip down Central Avenue aboard a Fillmore Fire Department fire truck. At the end of his ride, Santa will make his way to the depot to take photos with the kids, so make sure to bring your camera to take pictures.

The Christmas Parade is open to individuals, businesses, civic organizations, school bands, church groups, car clubs and equestrians. Just about any group or person who wants to celebrate the season with a “themed entry” is welcome and there is no cost to enter the parade. To be a part of the Christmas Parade, send an email to FillmoreChristmasParade@gmail.com and an application will be sent to you. For questions or additional information, please contact Lion Scott Lee at 524-1896.

Please remember that the parade route will be posted “No Parking” from 8:00 am to approximately 12:00 pm on the day of the parade on Central Avenue from Third Street to Santa Clara. Cooperation from residents is needed in order to keep vehicles off of the parade route during that time for the safety of parade participants and spectators.

Although the Fillmore Christmas Parade has a long standing tradition in Fillmore, it was in danger of being cancelled in 2001 when the parade lost its’ sponsor. The late Hank Carrillo suggested the Fillmore Lions Club assume the responsibility for the Christmas Parade as a service to the community and the Lions Club continue to sponsor the Parade in Hank Carrillo’s honor. Fillmore Lions wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you on December 2nd!

On 11-21-17, deputies went to a residence in the 700 block of B Street as part of an investigation into a violation of a domestic violence restraining order. The suspect, (S) Eduardo Jimenez, was at the location and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance, as was (S) Xochitl Cervantes. During a search of the residence pursuant to a search warrant, methamphetamine, marijuana, three firearms (a pistol, a shotgun, and an AR-15 rifle), ammunition, and money were located and seized as evidence.

Jimenez was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on the following charges and has a bail of $60,000:
• Penal Code Section 273.6(a) – Disobeying Domestic Relations Court Order (Misdemeanor)
• Penal Code Section 27545 – Unlawful Transfer of Firearm (Felony)
• Health and Safety Code Section 11550(e) – Under Influence with a Firearm (Felony)
• Health and Safety Code Section 11378 – Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Health and Safety Code Section 11370.1(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance with Firearm (Felony)
• Health and Safety Code Section 11364(a) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

Cervantes was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on the charge of Health and Safety Code Section 11550(a) – Under Influence of a Controlled Substance and later released on her own recognizance.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis