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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 1st, 2013
David Morales, 33 of Fillmore, was sentenced this week to 25 years to life after being convicted of first-degree murder in an attack on his sister in 2010. He was convicted on March 12, 2013. Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Morales on September 15, 2010 at his family’s apartment complex in the 200 block of Sespe Avenue, Fillmore. Deputies arrived at 6:01 p.m. and subdued Morales after a brief struggle as he attempted to flee the area. The victim, Maricruz Morales, 20, was immediately treated at the scene by Fillmore City Fire and taken to Ventura County Medical Center via American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance where she was pronounced deceased. The assault took place inside a residence after a family dispute. Morales was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on murder charges. He used a variety of objects in the attack, including a curtain rod and a hammer to crush her skull. The jury also convicted Morales of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury on a second victim, his mother Roselia Morales. Morales attempted to choke her, then grabbed her hair, punched her in the head and threw her against a wall. He was sentenced to an additional four years to be served consecutively. The crimes were witnessed by neighbors who confronted Morales and attempted to help the victims during the assault. Morales’ lawyer Claudia Bautista told the jury that he acted in the heat of passion after he was cursed at and hit with a broom and candle holder. Prosecutor Rebecca Day said there was no evidence that he was provoked. Testimony at David Morales’ hearing showed that he became enraged when he learned that his mother and sister had packed all the family’s belongings for the move to a new apartment and he was told he could not move with them. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 1st, 2013
 Fillmore City Council held a special meeting on April 30th at 2pm, addressing committee seats left vacant by Councilmember A. Eduardo Gonzalez’ resignation two weeks ago. Councilmember Brian Sipes will become the alternate for the Heritage Valley Tourism Board; Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Minjares will become the liaison to the Veterans Memorial District, and member the Code of Conduct and Ethics Ad Hoc Committee. The meeting also included a closed session, where no action was taken. Enlarge Photo |
 Pictured above are several of the individuals recognized for help and support they gave during the Goodenough Fire Incident. They all received plaques from the City of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting was the first meeting since Council Member Eduardo Gonzalez turned in his resignation. Council Member Brian Sipes was not in attendance leaving the dais with only three members. That is just enough to have a quorum. The meeting began with a presentation by Assistant Capt. Chief Bill Herrera and recognition of all those who helped with the Goodenough Fire. Also addressing the Council was Leslie Klinchuch regarding the Chevron Project and Roger Campbell announcing the upcoming Honey Festival and BBQ Cookoff. Other agenda items included replacing the vacant Council seat, finances, weed abatement, road pavement and possible revenue for the Water Treatment Plant. An item of concern was what to do about the vacant Council seat left by the resignation of Council Member Gonzalez on April 15, 2013. Fillmore Municipal Code does not include procedures for filling vacancies or holding special elections, therefore the City must follow the requirements of the Government Code which states within 60 days after a vacancy the Council may appoint someone or wait until the next regularly established election date. The Council decided to appoint someone and not wait for an election. One of the reasons for doing so was the cost. To put it on the November 5, 2013 ballot as a Special Election would cost $23,000 and the person elected would have a term of only one year. If the Council appoints someone immediately there would be very little cost, excluding the time donated to interviewing. The appointment would be for a year and a half. The interview process consists of 8 questions (two from each of the present Council Members) and could take place as early as April 30, 2013 when a Special Meeting is being held to consider a new City Manager. The concern with having an appointment quickly is to assure there will be enough Council Members present to have a quorum at each meeting should one or more of the present members are absent. Council seat applications CONTINUED » |
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
A play written and directed by Josh Overton is coming to the Sespe Auditorium, April 26, 27, 28th, May 3rd and 5th, May 10, 11, and 13th. It will be presented by the Sespe Players and the Fillmore High School Drama Club. “Totally Rad 2! Camp Bigfoot!” will be the big comeback play for Overton; more about that later. Show times for the play are, Friday and Saturday shows 7pm: Sunday shows 2pm. Tickets will be on sale at the door or from the cast members and Sespe Players. The cost is $5 for students, $7 for adults; and the great bargain of $15 for every show to watch over and over again. The play is based at a summer camp in 1988. The cool bright clothes and the huge hair will all be there of the 80’s and the music of the 80’s will be so rad! The young and not so young will all enjoy the musical written and directed by Overton. “This show drove me to be healthy as quick as I can,” stated Overton. After a long, hard, painful, battle with Cancer in August of 2012, Overton is back cancer free and working at what he loves best, Theater Arts. “It was good to have a deadline to have a script; to have everything done in a certain time. It motivated me to get as healthy as soon as I could. The Theater and the high school group of young people at Fillmore High School are the reasons I wanted to get back to work and get healthy again,” said Josh. “I feel good right now. I am tired, but no more than any other show.” The cast and crew have been working long, hard hours to bring Fillmore and Ventura County the best show possible. You all need to come and see what happens when a bunch of high school age kids show up for summer camp in 1988. Come and get to know Sophie the shy girl, and Eddie the Bigfoot loving nerd. Find out how cool Michael is and, how much Kim has a crush on him. Come and meet the wacky and funny camp counselors, Chas and Mags. They will introduce you to the bad kid, Kenny. And you may even find out why they call it Camp Bigfoot! The music will take you back in time along with the over-the-top clothes and HUGE hair. This is one you’ll regret missing folks. Overton’s comeback play is one of, if not the best play he has written. “I need to say thank you to my Incredible wife Inger and my great kids, Ian, and Erin. Inger has always been my rock and my biggest fan, but this past year, more than any other. Inger has had to sacrifice and keep our family solvent.” “I am more fortunate than anyone can imagine that I can still devote so much time away from my family to do this show, all because Inger supports me unquestioningly.” Many thanks need to be said: Anthony Leal for all the hard work you have done to make this show work. To Tim Overton and his crew, this show would never work without you guys; Assistant Directors Lisa Munoz and Jessica Givan, and Director of Choreography Hannah Faith, the cast hopes we do you all proud. So Fillmore come on out and have a great time! Get a babysitter for the kids under 5 years, make it a date night with a loved one or a friend. This is cheaper and better than any movie out there right now, and it’s live and done by hard working Fillmore loving people. I will say this Dude, It will be so Totally Rad man! And look out Fillmore, Bigfoot is out there. He has been seen around town, FOR SURE! |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
If you could not find a parking space downtown last weekend, Thomas the Tank Engine is to blame! Whenever the bright blue engine with the forever smile rides the rails into town, Fillmore quickly gets populated by a throng of young'uns from all parts of Southern California. But can't blame the kids! Thomas the Tank Engine is soooo lovable... what with a huge beguiling grin and that oh-so unforgettable 'toot-toot'. That pervasive 'toot-toot' is not unlike the 'It's a Small World' tune playing in your head forever after a visit to Disneyland. There's no denying that Thomas the Tank Engine is the epitome of charm. Accordingly... an often heard refrain upon disembarking after a train ride with the infamous Thomas the Tank Engine is: 'No Johnny, we cannot take Thomas home with us'. And Johnny sobs... hoping the tactic with soften mom and dad's disposition. Doesn't work. Dad justifies the 'no' by explaining that their boat trailer is just too small for Thomas. But if you think the love affair is just between Thomas and kids... think again. Lots of grandparents are also seen swooning over Thomas. On the train... giggly grandparents wax nostalgic as Thomas nimbly propels them down the tracks. It's true... nostalgia is never out of style in Fillmore. If you missed toot-toot... er... Thomas the Tank Engine last weekend... fret not! The big, blue choo choo will be rambling up and down the tracks again this weekend. All aboard!!! Toot-toot! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 On the morning of April 22, about a mile south of the Bardsdale turn, a truck lays on it side. Photo courtesy Robert Sube. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department responded to the 600 block of Ventura St. (Vons Grocery Store) on 4/18/2013 for an unknown type odor. Upon arrival Fillmore Fire Chief determined there were several Vons employees displaying coughing and difficult breathing symptoms. There were a total of eight patients, five were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals. Cause of the problem was linked to an oven fire that happened earlier in the day. No other injuries were reported. Vons reopened a few hours later. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department A juvenile suspect was arrested in connection with an indecent exposure incident and later linked to two incidents of sexual battery. On April 18, 2013, a 15 year-old juvenile was arrested at his home a short time after a female reported being the victim of an indecent exposure. The female reported a young male approached her on a residential street and exposed his genitals to her. Patrol deputies responded and were able to locate the suspect who was subsequently arrested. The juvenile was lodged in juvenile hall. Fillmore Police Detectives linked the juvenile to two sexual batteries, which occurred in the same vicinity in mid March, 2013. Anyone having information related to these incidents, or has been the victim of similar crimes, is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department. Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested in Sexual Battery / Indecent Exposure Incidents |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, April 18th, 2013
People with any info about these suspects call 1-800-CALL-FBI
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By Anonymous — Thursday, April 18th, 2013
People with any info about these suspects call 1-800-CALL-FBI
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