By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
![]() A collision occurred Tuesday on Highway 23, near Pasadena Avenue. A car and commercial van crashed with the car overturning and forced into an irrigation ditch next to the southbound lane. The van crashed into a storm drain. The driver of the car was taken from the scene by ambulance. Injury information was unavailable. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
![]() On Monday, December 4 a red Mustang traveling westward on Old Telegraph Road failed to execute the left turn (near the berry stand) and proceeded straight through the field, striking Palm trees. No information on the driver was available. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
![]() Sunday, December 3rd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm locals who brought an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more or a $10 donation would receive a complimentary BBQ chicken dinner cooked by the Fillmore Fire Department. The donated toys will be distributed to Fillmore area youth on Saturday, December 16th at 711 Landeros Lane, Fillmore Fire Station 91. Youth must be accompanied by an adult and must show student ID or proof of enrollment in a Fillmore school and proof of residence with ID. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
Join us for a fun filled day Saturday, December 9th at 12pm - 7pm. Parade starts at 12pm, Music by Juano & Friends 4pm - 7pm. Festival to follow with music, food from local restaurants, vendor booths selling Christmas items. Questions please call Irene at 805.625.3273 |
![]() The Thomas Fire rises over the ridge of the Sespe Mountain range northwest of Fillmore on Tuesday afternoon. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
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. |
![]() Photo of the week "Santa comes to Fillmore on a firetruck in the 2016 Christmas parade." by Bob Crum. Photo data: Manual mode, ISO 125, Tamron 16-300mm lens @48mm, f/11 @1/320 seconds. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
Ho ho ho!
Ho ho ho! 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. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 5th, 2017
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 5th, 2017
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 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 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 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 |
By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Monday, December 4th, 2017
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. |
By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Monday, December 4th, 2017
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. |