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By Anonymous — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
 City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 On Saturday, December 14th, the Fillmore City Fire Department celebrated the holidays at their annual Christmas party. This year was especially meaningful to the members of the organization as they commemorated the centennial of the Fillmore Fire Department. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros shared with the attendees a history of the department, acknowledging its many changes, challenges, and accomplishments over the past 100 years. He recited the names of the ten past fire chiefs and made a special presentation to George Campbell, Fillmore City's oldest surviving Chief. Pictured (l-r) are Bill Herrera (Fire Chief 2007-2009) currently Assistant Chief, Curtis Adams (former Assistant Chief), Rodger Campbell (former Assistant Chief) George Campbell (fire Chief 1976-1987), Rigo Landeros (current Fire Chief), Bob Scott currently Assistant Chief, Pat Askren (Fire Chief 1987-2006) currently Assistant Chief. Chief Landeros shared stories and personal memories of Chief Campbell's service as the department's leader. Chief Campbell's wife, two sons, and daughter were in attendance and beaming with pride. Former Chiefs Pat Askren and Bill Herrera also spoke, expressing their gratitude to the members of the Fire Department and their families for the sacrifices they make to serve our community and keep our citizens safe. The Department members were then pinned with commemorative centennial badges (inset) that will be worn on their uniforms for the next year, and then retired. A wonderful dinner was served, followed by dancing. A great time was shared by all who attended. The members of the Department would like to especially thank the Fillmore Firefighters Foundation for sponsoring this year's event and centennial badges. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fr. John Love, formerly of Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Fillmore, was promoted to Lt. Col. Fr. Love is a Chaplain with the California Air National Guard, USAF. He is with the 146th Air Wing, Channel Islands ANG, Air Mobility Command. He attended Westmont College in the early 1980’s, earning two B.A’s in Economics and Political Science; St. John’s Seminary earning an M.A., Masters of Divinity, Religious Studies (1985-1990). He also attended the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. (2000-2005) with a Doctor of Ministry degree, Pastoral Studies/Ethics. Fr. Love is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, The Catholic Medical Association, and an Associate Member of American Academy of Religion. He now serves as Pastor of St. Mark’s University Parish in Santa Barbara. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On the morning of December 15, 2013, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Police Station investigated a report of a stolen vehicle from the 1200 block of Ventura Street. The stolen vehicle was a Caltrans van. Several minutes after the crime was broadcasted, Ventura County Sheriff Deputies from the Headquarters Station saw the vehicle on Los Angeles Avenue near Vineyard Avenue in El Rio. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle. After failing to yield, a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the 3000 block of Nyeland Avenue where the vehicle’s occupants, Manuel Rodriguez and Jesus Mendez, were taken into custody. Rodriguez and Mendez were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for several related charges, including vehicle theft, obstruction of justice and felony vandalism. The investigation is ongoing. Nature of Incident: Stolen Vehicle Investigation / Vehicle Pursuit 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In the early morning hours of December 12, 2013 deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a vandalism call in the 600 block of River Street in the City of Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies learned a citizen had observed 3 people vandalizing a semi-truck trailer and a nearby fence. The citizen gave chase and detained Juan Francisco Gonzalez. Deputies also discovered information that links Gonzalez to other acts of vandalism in the city. Gonzalez was arrested for vandalism and booked into the Ventura County Jail. WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI' PARENTAL CIVIL LIABILITY Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrest 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 Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
Is there a season with more family traditions than Christmas? A partial list: eggnog, fruitcakes, Christmas cards, fresh baked cookies, tamales, a smooch under the mistletoe, stockings hung someplace, Christmas carols, never-ending shopping expeditions and of course... figgy pudding. No easier to dismiss long-standing family Christmas traditions that it is to be rid of weeds. Oh... and the king of Christmas traditions... the Christmas tree... beautifully decorated... the centerpiece of so many homes. Speaking of long-standing traditions... and Christmas trees... it's no secret that hundreds of people make an annual trip to Fillmore from all over southern California. Upon arriving in town, they proceed to the railroad depot where they board a train for the ride to the Santa Paula Christmas Tree farm. Of course, any one can drive to the tree farm and cut their tree to take home. Many do. But for many others, an important and engaging factor of the tradition is the round-trip ride on the Fillmore & Western train. Driving the Suburban or Explorer to the tree farm is just plain ugh! Upon arriving at the Tree farm, armed with a saw... the fun of the hunt for the 'perfect' tree begins. Here and there they wander around the acres of trees until... aha!... there it is!... the 'perfect' tree! A few strokes of the saw... sometimes a lot of strokes... then the mighty yell... T__I__M__B__E__R! Once the tree is felled the farm crew tags it, picks it up and places it on the wagon for the trip to the shaker. The shaker dislodges tree debris. Then the tree is wrapped in mesh and put on the flat car for the trip back to Fillmore. If you think that's all pretty mundane you'd be very wrong. All the people involved in finding their perfect Christmas tree could just as well gone to any neighborhood tree lot and bought a tree to take home and decorate. But that misses the point: Tradition! For the majority of families, the entire event... the train ride to the tree farm... searching and finding the 'perfect' tree... cutting their special tree... it's not just about a tree. It's an annual pilgrimage. Couples have been making the pilgrimage for years. For many... it's a family of three generations traveling by car... then train... then on foot in the field in their quest for the 'perfect' tree that will grace their home. It's grandpa and grandson sawing their very personal Christmas tree. It's the makings of long-standing, cherished memories never to be forgotten. Example: Grandfather Peter Bueschem... affectionately known as Opa, with his 5-year old grandson Kane Brazell. Together... they located their 'perfect' tree. Quite large but 'perfect'. Together they cut it down. As Opa made the last pass with the saw... Kane watched the tree tumble to the ground... delighted with their mutual accomplishment. Their joy and memories cemented for eternity. Many Gazette readers may be aware that the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) recently abruptly cancelled Fillmore & Western Railway's lease for their operations on what's called the Santa Paula Branch Line. Hence, Fillmore & Western trains would not be permitted to use the line in their normal operations. VCTC relented for the Christmas programs. Legal challenges are pending. In the meantime, there's the Internet. Surprisingly... many people from all over southern California are aware of the events involving the VCTC and the Fillmore & Western Railway. For example: From Long Beach, California, Lidia Bowden and her son John made their annual Christmas tree pilgrimage last Saturday. Her story: “We have come here for the last 15 years to cut down a Christmas tree. I can't tell you what this means to our family. It's a tradition that we do every single year. We look forward to it. We're thankful for it. We're thankful to the county of Ventura for giving us the ability to do this. This means something to us. And it's something... for us... part of our heart at Christmas. We wouldn't miss it. When we come here we eat in the local establishments. We spend money in your town. We remember it and for this to be gone... it's like a little piece of our heart taken out at Christmas. My son John... now 22... started doing this when he was five years old.” John added: “I think it would be a shame to get rid of this. I think a lot of people come to this to have a lot of fun... really possibly kicks off the Christmas holiday for them. To get rid of this would be really sad.” Michael Simpson said: “This is only my third experience at the Tree Farm and and I said just this morning I look forward to this more than anything else the whole year.” Lidia added: “I understand bottom lines... I understand that... but sometimes there's a bottom line in the heart too.” (at this point Lidia was tearful as she spoke) “There's no price that can be put on that. It's a crime that you wouldn't have this anymore. We look forward to it... it's a part of us. We understand money.... we get it... we have money issues just like everybody else. But... we love this!” Another exciting tradition is a train ride to the North Pole. Every year, hundreds of children of all ages - along with young-at-heart adults - board the North Pole Express... many in their pajamas. On the way, Elves (Civil Air Patrol members) lead passengers in a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and... Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells... Jingle all the way... oh what fun, it is to ride, in a six-car North Pole Express train. (Writer's prerogative to ad-lib.) At the North Pole, Santa Claus... yes... jolly ole St. Nick... boards the train to the delight of all for the lonnnnng trip back to Fillmore. On the way he passes out candy canes to all the... ahem... good boys and girls. Back in Fillmore, Santa takes up his position in a special Santa car where all the... you know... good boys and girls sit on his lap and tell him about what they hope to get for Christmas. Moms and dads usurp the opportunity to eavesdrop and as phonetographers capture the... ahem... Samsung moment! Visited the Christmas village lately? If not you're missing a delightful treat. You'll enjoy a vast array of holiday decorations with all the icons... Santa, Rudolph, etc. Even a carousel all kids enjoy! You'll feel the energy of the holiday spirit... vibes of jubilation... as you leisurely stroll along the promenade. Photo ops abound. It's all right here in Fillmore. Around the corner at the train depot on Main Street. If you haven't bought your tree yet... well... you now know how to get a really fresh one you cut yourself. Aaaah... the magnificent aroma of a fresh cut fir tree. Back home, celebrate with a bowl of figgy pudding and a swig of eggnog! Aaaaaah! Long live traditions! To one and all... from all at the Fillmore Gazette... best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Photos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive and BBQ Chicken Dinner was a big success this year. Held Sunday December 15th at the fire station, chicken dinners were served to participants who dropped off a toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be distributed to families in Fillmore in time for Christmas. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted in two fast food robberies that have occurred in less than two weeks. The first incident occurred on 12-3-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant on E. Avenida De Los Arboles. The lone suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect removed a hammer from inside his shorts and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene and got into a maroon colored Jeep Cherokee (see attached video/photos). The Jeep Cherokee drove through the Vons shopping center and was last seen turning southbound onto Erbes Road. Detectives believe there are two other occupants in the vehicle. The second incident occurred on 12-16-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant located on N. Moorpark Road. Authorities believe the same suspect as the first robbery, entered this establishment with a second suspect. The first suspect ordered a drink. When the clerk opened the register, the second suspect stepped up to the counter, displayed a knife and demanded the money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, both suspects exited the restaurant and were last seen eastbound in the alley behind the shopping center businesses. No vehicle was seen in this incident. Anyone with information about either of these robberies is asked to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers. 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). Nature of Incident: Suspects sought in fast food robberies |
