I don’t remember when I first noticed it, but I have lived on Grand Avenue for thirty years and it seems like it has been there at least that long. I do remember wondering why it had been placed there. And at some point the words to a song I had heard at some time in my life became associated with it each time I looked to the ridge of the mountain peak known as Nellie’s Peak, as I drove up the canyon; “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross...” is the first line of a song written by George Bennard, 1913, The Old Rugged Cross, and the only words I know.

A few months ago while I was on a walk on Grand Avenue, longtime Grand Avenue resident Regina Stehly stopped to visit. Since we were standing below the location where the cross was stationed high above us, approximately 900’ in elevation west and above 2213 Grand Avenue, I asked Regina if she knew anything about the cross placement. Regina said she did and that her brother Vince Stehly and her father Jim Stehly had placed the cross there many years ago as an expression of their strong Catholic faith. I contacted Vince and he said that in the early 1970’s, when he was about 10 or 12 years old, his family, including cousins, all drove up with their dad to the location where the cross now stands. They placed the approximate eight foot tall white cross made out of wood into the hole they had prepared for it. All the family had carved their names into the cross to memorialize their involvement.

Vince said he replaced the cross about ten years ago because of damage it sustained from another fire that burnt from Piru to Grand Ave. As I recall that fire was named “The Grand Fire” and that fire happened sometime in the late 1990’s. Vince said he will soon replace the cross standing there now because of the damage from the Thomas Fire.

Well there you go. I now knew something about that often viewed cross. But, I believe there is more to wonder about that cross and it has to do with another fire--the Thomas Fire, and the loss of the life of a 32-year old CalFire Firefighter/Engineer from San Diego.

The Thomas Fire began on December 4, 2017 at 6:28 PM, 281,893 acres consumed, 1,063 structures destroyed, 280 structures damaged. It began west of Fillmore and near Santa Paula. The Thomas Fire has been recorded as the largest fire in California History! Not including the 21 lives lost, and the two additional persons that are still missing, from the devastating floods in Santa Barbara after the fire, there were two lives lost as a direct result of the fire. One of those was 32-year-old Cory Iverson, who died in Fillmore in the hills to the west and above Grand Avenue on the morning of Dec. 14, 2017. The other was 70 year old Virginia Pesola a Wheeler Canyon resident who died in a car crash in Wheeler Canyon fleeing the fire on December 6, 2017. The Thomas Fire was officially 100% contained on December 27, 2017 according to CalFire.

Firefighter Iverson was married with a 2-year-old daughter. His wife, Ashley, is pregnant with their second child, due this spring. From the findings of an official CalFire Report, Cory Iverson and four other firefighters were laying hose along a bulldozer-created fire break. All five wore packs, each containing 300 feet of 1.5-inch hose, the report states. Iverson also was carrying a scraping tool. Iverson was attempting to put out a spot fire, which was on the edge of the fire line, with his hand tool. A second fire flared up about 20 feet deep in an unburned area. Iverson, with 200 feet of hose remaining on his back, headed toward it. "As [Iverson] reached the second spot and began to take action, it erupted," the preliminary report states.

At the same time, more spot fires broke out along the fire line west of the original spot fire. Those fires grew quickly and could not be doused by the water one of the firefighters sprayed on them. “Iverson's escape route was cut off,” the report states. He started moving southwest, parallel to the fire break. Faced with the intense fire, he turned and headed south down the slope. He requested air support. It was his last confirmed radio transmission.

Whether you are a person of faith, or not, you do have to consider how that old wooden cross, now scorched and leaning at about a 45 degree angle, could have survived such intense heat and flame of the Thomas Fire? I say this because since the Thomas Fire came over the mountain moving eastward towards Grand Avenue, on the morning December 14, 2017, taking the life of CalFire Engineer Cory Iverson, that old rugged cross now leans a little to the southwest.

I would like to think that the cross survived with now an added duty! Although I don’t know the exact location of where CalFire Firefighter/Engineer Cory Iverson spent his last moments of life fighting the Thomas Fire, I do know where all the after activity and removal of his body occurred. That Old Rugged Cross is now pointing towards the approximate location where Firefighter Iverson lost his life that day, protecting the homes of those of us living on Grand Avenue. I would like to think that the Old Rugged Cross has accepted the duty of forever keeping the sacrifice of his life and his bravery in the consciousness of all that experienced the Thomas Fire by pointing towards the last location Cory walked on this earth doing what he was born to do and loved--being a firefighter!

CalFire Firefighter/Engineer Cory Iverson is truly an American Hero who sacrificed all. Thank you Firefighter/Engineer Cory Iverson for your, and your family’s, sacrifice! “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross...”

Former Fillmore City Manager Roy Payne spoke at last night’s City Council meeting to give information as well as concern for the proposed Business Park Master Plan.

During Tuesday's regular Fillmore City Council meeting the filling actions were taken:

Ordinance No. 18-888 granting a non-exclusive franchise to Seneca Resources Corporation to maintain, use, and operate pipelines for the transmission of oil or gas was unanimously approved by Council.

Staff reviewed several models of landscape maintenance contracts and prepared a Request for Proposals for Landscape Maintenance Services. Council unanimously approved a contract with Mariposa Landscape Inc. in the amount of $690,785for the Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services.

Council approved Resolution No. 18-3629 increasing potable water rates and sewer rates. See City of Fillmore website for details.

Former Fillmore City Manager Roy Payne provided information concerning a proposed amendment to the Business Park Master Plan, Appendix B, to modify the common area infrastructure fee. No action was taken.

Lions International Student Speaker Contest is an annual event allowing high school students the opportunity to showcase their public speaking talents and knowledge. This year’s contest topic is “Integrity and Civility in Today’s Society.”

Fillmore Lions Club is proud to announce that Fillmore High School senior Alina Herrera has advanced to the Region Competition after winning both the Club and Zone levels.

The Fillmore Lions Club wants to congratulate Alina as well as send positive thoughts her was as she competes in the Region Competition to be held on March 27th. The public is invited. Contact Lion Scott Lee for details. If Alina advances from Region to the prestigious “District Level” she will compete for a $4,000.00 award.

Bob Crum

First, portrait photography is not my favorite genre--especially of teenagers. But “no” was not an option. A friend of a friend. You know how that is.

Mother wants a portrait of her son for relatives back east. Must be natural light, I'm not loving flash photography much. To impress the relatives back east, mom selects Mugu rock on the PCH, background the ocean. Works for me.

When they arrived, the afternoon light was delicious. No sooner had John, not his real name, and I met it was obvious he was no more happy sitting for his portrait than I was shooting it.

Let's go over here I suggested. John agreed, mom objected. “I want the rock and the ocean,” she said. Fine, I said, move the rock and it'll work. She didn't appreciate my humor. I wasn't kidding.

I knew the perfect place for John to perch. It meant some rock climbing. Fine with John. Mom stayed up top. With John sitting on a boulder with the ocean background, I urged John to smile. Wasn't happening. Mom noted and yelled: “Smile John!” John remained stone faced.

John, I said, smile and we can both go home. John was obstinate. So was I. OK, John, here's how it is: You either smile or you are going to sit on that rock until you become one with it and seagulls poop all over you. He finally smiled, just long enough for me to capture a couple photos. Not enough. One more time John. Nothing doing. Mom, I yelled, bribe your son! “New cell phone John!” mom yelled. John's smile was ear to ear wide. “Did he smile?” yelled Mom. Yes! a lot, I replied! Mom loved the photos and wrote the check with a smile. I smiled too. Smiling is good! Well folks, that's it, done with portrait work for the rest of the year. Well, maybe. If you want to pay a $50,000 sitting fee then I'm your guy.

Afterward, I had time to stroll around and perhaps come upon a photo op or two. A few pelicans flew by but I forgot to reinstall the telephoto lens. OK, forget the pelicans. After changing lenses, maybe shoot some explosive waves. Nah, wasn't happening. Calm ocean, slack tide. Boring. It's like that sometimes. Worse, no mermaids!

Whoa, out of the corner of my eye, the left one of course, I glimpsed a hairy animal. Then it disappeared. I moved to get a better view of where the animal emerged. I shouldn't have. It suddenly reappeared and began to move towards me. Frightened, I froze. It moved slowly at first oblivious of my presence. As I raised the camera it saw me and instantly began to rapidly charge at me. Escape options were limited with the ocean on one side, a cliff on the other. Difficult as it might be, my only escape was to scramble up a nearby boulder. Mmmm. But even as the shrieking hairy monster with its glaring beady eyes got closer, you know I have to capture at least one photo. Thankfully it finally moved on, disappearing into the rocks. I quickly returned to the safety of my truck. Whew! Of the two: The tortuous portrait shoot or confronting a hairy monster; which would I prefer? HA! That's easy. I'll take my chances photographing ferocious wildlife any day! That said, I'm thrilled to have escaped this harrowing experience to bring you the photo of the week: The menacing Super Mouse of Mugu!

Happy photoing.

Send your suggestions, comments and questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

The Fillmore Flower Show will be here before you know it! This year it will be April 14 and 15 at the Active Adult Center. The theme is “Fillmore Blooms”. We hope to see many of you bring your garden treasures to share with the community.
These are the competitive divisions:
- Single stem cut roses
- Single stem cut iris
- Other single stem cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Arrangements
- Miniature arrangements and bouquets
- Potted plants
- Dish gardens
- Youth arrangements
- Youth composition
- Youth art
Choose your division. Or enter something in each division. Our gardens make Fillmore beautiful. Our people make their gardens and our community beautiful. Fillmore is full of blooms! Plan to enter or visit the flower show this April.
For more information go to fillmoreflowershow.com

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the extension of the nomination period to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, for two offices that are scheduled to be voted upon at the June 5, 2018 Statewide Direct Primary Election. The extension applies to the offices of Ventura County Supervisor, 4th District, and Ventura County Sheriff.

The extension is only applicable to persons other than the incumbent. Nomination documents for persons interested in the offices may be obtained at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org.

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Top l-r: Coaches Cristoval Gomez, Francisco Garibay, Yareli Vasquez, Isabella Vaca, Shania Leon, Alexis Mejia, Kayla Martinez, Tori Villegas, Yaneli Conbian, Valerie Hernandez, Coaches Omero Martinez, Johnny Vaca, Alexsys Covarrubias, Ana Covarrubias, Anahi Andrade, Coach Yazu Meza. Middle Bottom: Ari Magana, Aliyah Alfaro, Jennifer Cruz, Sophia Garibay, Lupita Bravo, Emily Garibay, Lupita Ruvalcaba, Susie Garcia, Andrea Maruffo. Keepers: Ashley Yepez and Aaliyah Lopez. Coaches not pictured Jenny Andrade. Photo courtesy Coach Omero Martinez.
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Pictured is the team in front of Fillmore Fire Engine 91 after riding into town on top as they celebrated their victory.
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For the first time on 31 years the Fillmore Flashes Girls Soccer Program played in the CIF Southern Section Girls Soccer Division 7 Championship game. On Saturday, March 3rd 12pm the Flashes Girls Soccer Team played in the CIF Southern Section Girls Soccer Division 7 Championship game against Azusa at a neutral field Warren High school. The Lady Flashes fought hard and defeated Azusa to bring home the Championship Title with a final score of 3-1.

Fillmore scored two goals at the first 3 minutes of the game. Ana Covarrubias scored the first goal, followed by Andrea Marruffo. Yareli Vasquez scored in the second half to put the Lady Flashes up 3-0. Fillmore’s defense stayed strong and held Azusa to only 3 shots on goal.

After the amazing win on Saturday, on Tuesday March 6th the Flashes took to the field again at home against Rosamond High School for the Southern California Regional Girls Soccer Championship 1st round game. The Flashes defeated Rosamond 7–0.

They will advance the semi finals where they will take on Rialto High School Thursday, March 8th.

Captain Eric Tennessen

After an extensive vetting process to select the next chief of police for the city of Fillmore, Captain Eric Tennessen has been named the city’s chief this week as Captain Dave Wareham retires after 32 years of service with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Tennessen, who is a 19-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, has an extensive background in investigations, which includes assignments in Camarillo, Moorpark, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, the Special Crimes Unit, and the Major Crimes Bureau. Tennessen most recently managed patrol operations for the East County / Thousand Oaks station.

Tennessen lives in Camarillo with his wife, Kaylee, and four children. He brings a diverse background to his new position, including a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge.

The public is invited to get to know Tennessen during four “meet the chief” events scheduled in the coming weeks at the following locations:
Tuesday March 13, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. at Starbucks 650 W. Ventura St.
Thursday March 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at One Step a la Vez 421 Sespe Ave.
Tuesday March 20, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at the Active Adult Center 533 Santa Clara St.
Thursday March 22, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Starbucks 650 W. Ventura St.

Prepared by: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian