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Back in 1991 Raelene Chaney co-founded what was Grad Nite Live (GNL). The purpose of GNL was to have Fillmore students celebrate a safe graduation.
In 1990 James Anderson, an 18-year-old graduate planning on joining the US Marines, was killed in a car accident after hitching a ride with a former classmate after a late-night party. The 20-year-old classmate was later sentenced to six years in prison for DUI (alcohol and cocaine) and crashing his car into a power pole outside of Fillmore, killing Anderson. This was the catalyst for GNL.
The nonprofit organization ran for over 26 years (as of night 2019), until Mrs. Cheney’s health took a turn, and she could no longer run the event.
Grad Nite Live Cruise returned this year and was a success. Right after graduation, students loaded onto a bus to spend the evening on a boat for a night of food, music, games, and more.

The metal deposit box, located in the 1500 block of River Street, was vandalized by Edgar Ballesteros, a Fillmore probationer
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Fillmore patrol deputies arrested a probationer for theft of mail, possession of personal identifying information, possession of stolen property, and drug paraphernalia.

On the morning of June 8th, 2023, a diligent Fillmore patrol deputy observed a suspicious subject attempting to access a deposit box located at the entrance of the City of Fillmore / Sanitation plant located in the 1500 block of River Street. This locked and secured deposit box is utilized as a drop box for residents to pay fees associated with the use of the RV and trailer dump station.

The subject was identified as Edgar Ballesteros, who is a known probationer from Fillmore. Ballesteros is currently on probation for theft and drug related crimes. The investigation revealed that Ballesteros used a plastic cord as a fishing line to steal envelopes secured inside of the locked deposit box. Ballesteros was successful in his attempts, and he was found in possession of a check written out to the City of Fillmore. Additionally, Ballesteros was in possession of drug paraphernalia, which is also a violation of his probation terms.

Based on the investigation, Ballesteros was arrested and subsequently booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for the above-mentioned charges. Ballesteros remains in jail awaiting his court appearance with his bail set at $ 60,000.00.

Thefts such as these can result in identity theft or check fraud. You can protect your mail from thieves by remembering to pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Do not leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you are expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. This diligence will assist in the prevention of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud.

Fillmore High School graduating senior Eugenio Serna is the recipient of the 2023 Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers. Torres, a retired Fillmore teacher and long-time school volunteer, recently presented the award at an on-campus ceremony along with members of her family.
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Fillmore, CA (June 12, 2023) —Eugenio Serna, a graduating Fillmore High School senior, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present Serna with the $1,000 scholarship at a recent award ceremony held on campus.
“At the center of every effective education system is the classroom teacher,” said Michael Torres, who delivered the award. “We congratulate Eugenio for his performance in the classroom and the dedication, hard work, and ambition he demonstrated throughout his high school years. We wish him success as he embarks on his next goal to become part of the future generation of educational leaders.”

Established in 2013, the Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers provides financial assistance to Fillmore High School graduating seniors with plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education and continue studies at an accredited college or university.

Rosie Torres devoted nearly 30 years to teaching in Fillmore Unified School District and touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career as an educator and community volunteer. Along with her family, she created the scholarship program to inspire the next generation of teachers and invest in Fillmore High School students who are committed to improving the lives of children. Awards are determined based on academic and extracurricular performance, teacher recommendations and a written essay.

Serna’s future plans are to pursue a teaching credential, with a focus on Spanish and Latin American Studies. Throughout high school, Serna earned numerous academic and athletic honors and is the president and founder of NewsFlash, the official newspaper of Fillmore High School. Above all Serna said he hopes to be a teacher that “students can come to for their highs and lows.”

“On behalf of our entire family, we congratulate Mr. Serna on his performance in and out of the classroom and recognize the dedication and positive energy he showed throughout his years at Fillmore High School,” said Rosie Torres. “We wish him great success as he embarks on his next goal to become a teacher and make a difference in the world, one student at a time.”
“I would like to take this time to congratulate not only the entire graduating class of 2023, but also recognize the Fillmore Unified School District teachers, faculty, and staff,” she added. “This year’s applicants were an extremely competitive and worthy pool of scholars. These students are a reflection of the great job you do.”