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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies apprehended a man suspected of carjacking a vehicle in Palmdale on Wednesday night near Santa Paula. The pursuit took place on Highway 126, after the car matching a description was broadcast by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and spotted near Piru. At approximately 9:00pm, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Donald Frank over at Central Avenue and Highway 126, Fillmore. Frank fled and was taken into custody near the 10th street exit, Santa Paula. He did not resist arrest, and was held at the Fillmore Sheriff’s station for the night, awaiting Los Angeles County Sheriff officers. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On October 18, 2015, a homeowner discovered their home was burglarized in the 17000 block of South Mountain Road in unincorporated area of Santa Paula. Burglars broke into the home and stole the victim’s collection of antique firearms. Many of the 20 plus firearms stolen are rare collectables dating back to the mid 1800’s. Sheriff’s Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Station with any information regarding the crime or anyone attempting to sell antique firearms. Nature of Incident: Residential Burglary of Firearms 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 Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Twelve antique cars and 28 members of the Orange County Model T Ford Club toured the Fillmore, Santa Paula, Piru area October 9th through 12th. This was a trip several months in the planning by Fillmore native son, Leonard Morris, and club tour director, Dave Seiler. The club visited Bardsdale Cemetery where many members of the Morris family are buried. The tour culminated with a stop over at the Morris family home in Fillmore for lunch, horseshoes, miniature golf, and fun fellowship. What makes these tours so much fun is the challenge of the drive, getting to know fellow club members better, seeing new sights, learning new things, and meeting interesting people along the road, especially in Fillmore. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Maraz The life without parole sentence for Fillmore resident Victor Meraz has been reduced to include the possibility of parole. On Thursday, July 7th, 2011 a jury convicted Meraz, then 20 years old, of the first degree murder of 23-year-old Alberto Avalos during a drive-by shooting. The jury also found true the special circumstances and special allegations regarding the use of a gun and that the murder was committed to further the activities of “The Boyz” criminal street gang. The murder occurred on May 27, 2007. Meraz, then 16 and a passenger in a vehicle occupied by fellow gang members, drove through Fillmore looking for rival gang members. Meraz called out his gang’s name before shooting Avalos, who was walking with friends. Sentencing for Meraz was scheduled for August 4, 2011. Meraz was given a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. October 2015, a Ventura County judge reduced the sentence for Meraz, who was a juvenile tried as an adult. Recent rulings by the United States and California Supreme Courts require that judges reconsider life without possibility of parole sentences given to juveniles who were tried as adults. The judges were to consider any mitigating factors that could qualify for a chance of parole. Maraz’s sentence was reduced to 50-years-to-life with a chance of parole after 20 years. Mitigating factors included his involvement in drugs, his home circumstances, and his record of good behavior in prison for the past five years. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Traffic was backed up for hours Sunday on Highway 126 in Fillmore as the mudslides in Los Angeles County continued to impact travel. Interstate 5 was closed Thursday, October 15th at the Grapevine. Highways 66, 138 and 58 also closed due to massive mudslides. The Grapevine reopened to southbound traffic by 4:15pm, with northbound lanes reopening by 6:30pm. Hundreds of cars and trucks were trapped in the mud and debris for up to 20 hours in some areas, according to reports. Many drivers rerouted as far north as Santa Maria, coming back down the 101 freeway. The torrential downpour that lasted for 30 minutes produced 1.81 inches of rain in Tehachapi, and at least 6 feet of mud on the roadways. The heavy rain is being attributed to what is being called the 1,000 year storm. Meteorologists are warning this may be a precursor to El Nino, which is expected to hit this winter. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 American Red Cross of Ventura County The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood before the holiday season is in full swing. Blood donations often decline from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. This often causes a drop in the blood available for patients. Donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help offset this seasonal decline. Blood donor Kathy Steckly Neuschwander's father gave blood for years. She always saw him wear his pin when he reached his next gallon - about 12 gallons total. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, she and her family learned firsthand how important blood donations could be around the holidays. "He passed away in 1994 from leukemia and needed a blood transfusion so we could have one more Thanksgiving together," she said. "My brother and sister were able to come home from the East Coast for this. I can now say I am wearing his three-gallon pin." Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations. Red Cross Donation Center American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Additional blood donation opportunities: Camarillo Moorpark Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site. About the American Red Cross |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
 The F.H.S. Alumni Assn donates $2,000.00 to the High Schools Academic Decathlon Team. These funds will be used to purchase the Educational materials for this years team to compete with other local area High Schools. Once the materials are used for this year's competition they will be able to stay on campus so the high school can use them in the future. Good luck to the Academic Decathlon team 2015. Enlarge Photo |
 Mr. and Mrs. Pete Aguirre, center, presented the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department with a pizza dinner in appreciation of all they do to serve the community. The Aguirre’s son Pete Aguirre Jr. was killed in the line of duty in 1996. Second from left is Retired Cmd. SPPD Mark Trimple, who provided the dinner. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
 A deputy with Pete’s name and End of Watch date tattooed on his arm in memory of a fallen officer. Enlarge Photo Mr. and Mrs. Pete Aguirre, along with Fillmore resident Ret. Cmd. SPPD Mark Trimble, presented the Fillmore Police Station with dinner Friday night to show their appreciation for the officers’ service to our community. Mr. and Mrs. Aguirre wanted to honor their son, Pete Aguirre, Jr. with this act of appreciation. Officer Aguirre was killed in the line of duty on July 17, 1996 while investigating a domestic dispute in Ojai. His mother said she does not mind people asking about Pete; she looks forward to talking about him. “I have this feeling of warmth and peace that they still remember, and gratitude. They have nothing but good things to say about him and it brings happiness to my heart.” Mrs. Aguirre said that Pete was an ‘old soul’, with kind eyes. “He was a joy from the minute he was born. He never brought a tear to my eye, not even as a teenager. He was a good boy and a good man. He was born to Protect and Serve.” Captain Wareham, and the men and women of the Fillmore Police Department/ Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, We, the citizens of the City of Fillmore greatly appreciated the excellent service provided to our community by the Fillmore Police Department/ Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. From Administration, to the sworn personnel, to the support personnel, each and ever member provides the highest quaily service to the community. Your day to day attention to duty provides the highest quality of Law Enforcement service to the citizens of Fillmore. Many time the deputies and staff go above and beyond the call of duty not only in Law Enforcement related matters; but also in outreach to many segments of the community that contribute greatly to the overall well being and unity of Fillmore. We realize that not only do the employees of the Fillmore Police Department go above and beyond the set standards of service; but also the loved ones of the employees make a tremendous sacrific, in that their husbands, wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers also contribute very often by the fact their loved ones work rotating shifts, miss holidays togeather, etc. because of the nature of the profession of Law Enforcement. To each and everone of them we also extent our gratitude and appreciation. Today as we provide a very small but heartfelt gift of food for the Fillmore Police staff, we once again say thank you so very much for all you do. With The Highest Respect To You All, The Citizens of Fillmore |
 A PowerPoint presentation was shown for ‘Residencies Preparedness’ and presented by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
The October 13, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting began with a presentation updating the Council on the progress made by The Retail Coach, a company the City hired to evaluate Fillmore's business and development potential. Also presented was an update on the Active Adult Center. Another item, which was just approved with a voice vote, was a Settlement Agreement costing the City $100,000. Back on December 19, 2006 the City of Fillmore filed an Eminent Domain lawsuit to acquire a portion of Ventura County property along Highway 126, known as the Becerras property. The property also contained a billboard belonging to Clear Channel Outdoor. Agreements addressing the billboard were added to the Eminent Domain case along with a stipulation that the City would make its "best efforts" to relocate it to another location on that same property. But the billboard was not relocated and as a result Becerras claimed loss of the income the billboard had produced. Becerras subsequently filed a motion to enforce the issue which was heard in court on April 16, 2015. The City objected stating there was "no absolute" requirement to relocate the sign and that the damage cost was included in the City's payment for the property. Ventura County Superior Court agreed with Becerras, that the City had breached the stipulation. The Court agreed to mediation which produced a settlement agreement of $100,000 to Becerras with each party paying their own attorneys' fees. The payment, which is to be paid on or before October 30, 2015, will be taken out of the General Fund. A presentation was given by Aaron Farmer representing The Retail Coach (TRC) on the 4-5 months of work completed so far regarding Fillmore's future development and retail business. Farmer stated that presently 20,300 people shop in Fillmore, with an expected 21,693 next year. He informed the Council that it takes a minimum of 20,000 customers for business to take an interest in a city/community. The goal of TRC is to contact developers and business to "....know about Fillmore...It's like building a brand" Farmer explained. TRC attends conferences both in Southern California and throughout the country making business aware of Fillmore's potential. Farmer would like Fillmore to have an exhibit displayed at those conferences to help spread the word. Farmer informed the Council that community development precedes economic development. He then commented on the visual affect of those approaching town and the appearance of business properties both on Central Avenue and Highway 126. Suggestions were make that no hand painted signs be displayed, no storage containers visible to the public, properties be required to have some landscaping and color charts that exclude "obnoxious colors." A stand alone website focusing on development and retail was also suggested. Farmer stated he has five good business leads with two having been in town last week. One of those is a developer who is interested in redevelopment in downtown. "I'm encouraged, I'm encouraged by that....it's a numbers game, the more contacted the better the chances are." Farmer and associate Kimberly Allred will be working together doing community outreach contacting business and property owners in town. The data on all the progress to date will come out in late November 2015. "Some projects will take longer than others. The Council then reminded Farmer that when you need to set policy that is when you get pushback from business owners and the importance of support from the community for changes to happen. Farmer responded, "It's a domino affect, once one block improves then the next one usually does also.....it improves property values and business." He then stated he would get as many business involved as possible. Mayor Douglas Tucker ended the conversation with, "We're a bedroom community with one job for every sixteen residents," then adding that Fillmore needs job creation and places with sit down dining. At a previous Council Meeting Council Member Diane McCall had asked that the City's preparations for El Nino be brought before the Council. It was addressed by City Manager David W. Rowlands, Fire Chief/Assistant City Manager Rigo Landeros and Police Chief Dave Wareham. Landeros began with identifying what residents can expect if the weather conditions do create an El Nino as predicted: lots of moisture; large amounts of debris; flooding due to the debris stoppage and a large amount of calls for service. He continued with the areas expected to be hit hardest: Pole Creak and 4th St.; Pole Creak and Ventura St.; Teitsort and Foothill; Shady Lane and Maple Court; the levee and A Street. There is also a great concern in protecting a main natural gas line that supplies the City of Fillmore. The line is exposed at a levee crossing Pole Creek. Also of concern is a plan to make sure the animals at the Equestrian Center are kept safe. There is little possibility of Lake Piru overflowing or the dam breaking due to the extreme drought conditions these past years resulting in the lake being so empty. Landeros said it is the responsibility of residents to be prepared by cleaning our their gutters and drains, being sandbag ready, possibly buying flood insurance, a disaster kit ready, a family preplan on where family members will be, a plan for animals, a plan for evacuation and registered with VCAlert. Landeros said the department wants to make sure the fire personnel has the proper equipment and is looking for funds to cover added costs. He sited precautions the Fillmore Fire Department will do: make sure there is adequate staff, daily briefings and pre-filled sandbags. All equipment will be fully fueled along with lighted barricades, road closure and flooding signage and a large storage of plastic sheeting. The Active Adult Center (AAC) is holding a Health Fair Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This year the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation will be partnering with the AAC and 40 or more venders are scheduled to attend the fair which includes pharmaceutical/drug stores, medical insurers, healthcare providers, non-profits and more. With Medicare's annual enrollment period approaching there will be numerous health care insurance companies available to answer questions. Also, a reminder of Casino Night this Saturday at 6:00p.m. at the Fillmore Memorial Building. A $30 entrance gets you fun and food and all fundraiser proceeds support the Rotary Club and Future Farmers of America. |
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By Cap Peterson — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
Thomas Wolfe was half right, “You can’t go home again.” I had that experience after a recent trip to my hometown of Watsonville. Now over 50,000 in population with a serious housing problem, residential streets in Watsonville are bumper to bumper with cars, overflowing from driveways of homes with an abundance of residents and a lack of paint and parking. The town in general, is pretty beat up. Fillmore is another story. While I don’t claim to be a native, Fillmore has been in my bones for over 60 years. I and my younger brothers (twins Bill and Bob) spent two weeks in Fillmore each summer, staying at my great grandparent’s house on Olive Street in the 1950’s. Their names were William (Pop Welchance) and I don’t know my great grandmother’s given name. I should know but I don’t want to wreck it and find she had a name like Minerva or something. I was good with MOM. I was 5-years-old my first trip to Fillmore and I continued to return each summer until I was 12.. After MOM died, POP had a stroke and moved up to Watsonville. He was not the same man… he was a Fillmore guy. My mom, Emily ( born in Santa Paula) would be with us and my dad Gerald, better known to our Oregon Street gang as “Uncle Curly” (for his receding hairline) came down to Fillmore on weekends. Those were some of the greatest weeks on my life. By age 9 I had explored every inch of Fillmore and a good stretch of the Santa Clara River close to town. My grandparents, Rollie and Dorothy French, would also be there. The house looked big to a little kid but standing in front of it recently, I realized how cramped it must have been. It’s not in the best of shape after all these years but it wasn’t exactly Buckingham Palace 60-years ago either. I’ve returned several times in the last few years always finding an excuse to get my “Fillmore Fix” while visiting my son and his family in Simi Valley. I’m going to steal from David Letterman and do a “Top Ten Fillmore Experiences That Come To Mind.” List. I have plenty more but they get a little mushy and would bore the hell out of you and you might have not even read this far! #10 Danny the kid next door got stung by a bee, he was allergic and died. #9 Visits to “Sack’s House” That’s all I remember about the lady’s name but she and her sister were the oldest living twins in the United States and every year got a letter from the President. I always liked looking at those letters and that was my first awareness of autographs, the ritual despised by many celebrities. #8 The Ride to Fillmore. We would leave Watsonville before dawn in the family 1951 Plymouth Wagon and the backseat side compartments were stocked with toilet paper and Kleenex. Under the seat were new comic books that were not to be opened until after the sun came up. Yeah , right. In almost complete darkness, I did more than 90% of my life’ squinting on the ride to Fillmore in that battleship grey Plymouth. The comic books were also supposed to be a buffer between brotherly combat… that didn’t work either. #7 Stopping At Santa Claus Lane near Santa Barbara #6 Watching MOM and POP watch the wrestling matches on TV. They could really get worked up over that “rasslin’” especially when Gorgeous George would make an appearance. They had a black and white TV and a piece of 3D cellophane they put over the screen so they could scream at Gorgeous George in semi-color. The “matches” were telecast from the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. My Dad took us down there one Saturday night but he didn’t know MOM was packing. As Gorgeous George made his entrance down the center isle MOM plunged a hatpin into his left buttocks. George was not gracious and close up, as I remember, not particularly gorgeous either. #5 Walking To The Pool Hall. Weekday afternoons POP would take me for our trip to the pool hall on Central Avenue. We’d walk out the back door past the chicken coops; unlatch the gate to the back alley and “walk uptown.” I remember the mystery of the alley and walking by a Pontiac Dealership with one car on the showroom floor. POP was well known at the pool hall, always greeted warmly. I remember feeling grown up, sitting at the bar with a soda pop. I think POP had a pop too but it was a different kind. Years later my mother told me he was a bookie. I remember listening to Dodger games with him….wonder now if he liked the team or it was just business. #4 Speaking of chickens, I use to watch MOM cut the chicken’s head off and let the body dance around the yard for a few seconds. Pretty cool for a boy my age and MOM sure could fry a hen. In the morning, we would gather eggs and I remember thinking that a chicken laying an egg was a most interesting thing. #3 The Sespe Saloon. Remember drinking there one time coming back from San Francisco Giants spring training in the early 80s. Probably best it’s not open and that I’m not drinking. #2 The Trout Hatchery. When I took my 19-month old grandson to the hatchery it made six generations in my family that have fed those speckled beauties. Jimmy had a blast. After feeding them one pellet at a time from the fish food vending machine (A hand fullbargain at 10 cents!) Jimmy realized he could cause a frenzy of fish by throwing all the pellets at once. I have been a trout fisherman all my life and it all started in Fillmore. Not that I fished there, just seeing the fish always made me want to catch one in a stream and Uncle Curly was a great fly fisherman and teacher . He was also a pretty fine father. The fish have been swimming in Fillmore since the 1930s. For some reason, I particularly like the sign that says “No Fishing for Fish, Crayfish or Frogs.” The lagoon at the west end of the hatchery is home to some interesting birds and fat trout that made a break for freedom and are now living the good life, eating real fish food, bugs and minnows and the occasional old captivity food as people throw pellets through the meshing on the lagoon fence. #1 How Fillmore looks today. I don’t know how things work in Fillmore and I’m sure there are the normal small town politics even big towns have but Fillmore looks great. Downtown is still a little sleepy but yet seems vibrant and alive. Those in charge have done a good job keeping the franchises at bay and out on the highway. The central neighborhoods look like homeowners care and houses that were $20,000 in the 50s’ are now $400,000. The foothills are a fantastic backdrop. Fillmore…… it brings back a lot of memories and is a place I could end up if I play my cards right. I just realized I’m wearing my Flashes T-Shirt………Fillmore Rocks! |
