Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

1928 Flood foot bridge over Santa Clara looking from Bardsdale towards Fillmore
Enlarge Photo

Standing in front of 901 Ventura Street where McDonald's is now located. (l-r) Methodist Minister, Mom Anna, and Minister's wife
Enlarge Photo

Snow in 1949: Elton's Son, Douglas, in the arms of Wife June and daughter Kathleen standing in front of 1462 Ventura Street
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

I received a phone call from Floyd Legan on a possible “good story” involving a Fillmore veteran from “The Greatest Generation”. We may all know this was a term coined by Broadcast Journalist Tom Brokaw, in a book he wrote in 1998 of the same title. Brokaw described this generation as people who grew up in the United States during the Great Depression, went on to fight in WWII (US involvement December 7, 1941-August 15, 1945), then returned home to rebuild America into a superpower.

I knew the man I was about to interview only by his name and that I had the pleasure to be involved in a groundbreaking of a fast food restaurant on what had been his boyhood ranch. The Veteran I am writing about for this article is 92 year old Elton G. Wagner. Elton was born on October 19, 1920 in Holstein, Nebraska where his parents, Charles and Anna Wagner, farmed 60 acres of grain. Today Holstein still only has a little over 200 in population of primarily German family farmers. Holstein was named after the Schleswig-Holstein Peninsula of Germany. There is even a prominent street traversing Holstein named Fillmore! Elton tells me, at the urging of his Uncle Fred Young, who rose citrus in Bardsdale, Elton's family, father Charles, mother Anna and his sister Lauda, traveled by train in 1921 to California where his father bought a citrus ranch in Fillmore before returning back to Holstein, Nebraska to sell their farm.

The Wagner family moved to Fillmore in1922 when Elton was only 16-18 months old to the 17 acres of land that was basically located at what is now “B” and Ventura Street and went south to what is now River Street and then west to a culvert (still there) just to the west of where Morris Chevrolet is located and the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church property now stands. His father raised citrus; 3-acres of lemons, 2-acres of St. Mikes and 12-acres of Valencia’s. When young Elton was old enough, and when he was not actually in school, he helped his father farm the land which didn't leave much opportunity for Elton to participate in sporting activities.

The Wagner family home was located at 901 Ventura Street (corner of “B” and Ventura). Elton grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School the Class of 1938. Elton said he graduated with Fillmore's Conway Spitler who Elton believes is the only other surviving member of their 1938 Graduating Class. Elton lived on the family ranch from 1922-1941 when Elton was married on July 6, 1941 to Fillmore's Anna June Gunter, Class of 1940. The new Wagner family moved onto a ranch Elton purchased in 1932 and into the home that other family members lived in since he purchased the 10-acre ranch in 1932. The 10 acre ranch was situated just west of his family's ranch at 1462 Ventura Street between “D” and “E” Streets. The home, built in 1914, is still standing and still occupied. It is located at the edge of a vacant field that no longer contains citrus crops, but is now offered for sale as part of a commercial zoning site. The Deodar Pine that dominated the front of the home when Elton and June resided there is still magnificently prominent and marks the location of the home.

The original Wagner family home of Elton's youth was built in 1927 (moved in 1989) and was located where today sits the McDonald's Restaurant. This is the location where I participated in the groundbreaking in 1989. But, the family home was not torn down with the arrival of the McDonald's Restaurant. The home continues to be located in Fillmore at the First Baptist Church, 1059 1st Street. The home now is the residence of the church pastor. Elton tells me he sold the family home for $1, but he loaned the church the $20,000 needed to move the home up “C” Street to its current location. The original front porch has been remodeled and stucco has been added to the exterior.

Elton said he and his wife June lived together on their 10 acre citrus ranch until June 6, 1944, “D” Day”, when Elton entered the United States Army after having been drafted. Elton was drafted along with the late Don Stafford and the late Vernon Southwick both of Fillmore.

Elton and June had three children; Katherine who passed in 1997, Douglas 65, now living in Oxnard, and Sara who passed when she was one-month old.

And, this brings me to the portion of the article discussing Elton's service in the United States Army! Elton's induction was at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California (Fort MacArthur, established on October 31, 1914, is named after the father of General Douglas MacArthur, Lieutenant General Arthur MacArthur). After his induction Elton soon found himself as a “Buck Private” at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Camp Robinson has served as one of the largest state operated training sites in the United States and was formerly known as Camp Pike from 1917 until the closing of WWI. Today it is the Headquarters of the Arkansas National Guard.

Private Elton Wagner trained alongside Private Don Stafford throughout his basic training (Private Vernon Southwick was in another training company). It was in the last two weeks of training that Private Elton Wagner's Army service took a drastic downturn when he was accidentally wounded by another private as they were clearing their M1 Garand .30 Caliber rifles. The other Private's weapon discharged at the end of a training session and found its target in another Private (Elton) near him. Private Wagner was shot in the right temple just above his eye and the bullet exited just behind his right ear. Private Don Stafford was standing right next to Elton when Elton was seriously wounded. The wound was so serious and life threatening that the American Red Cross brought his wife, June, and his mother Anna to Arkansas to be with him while in the hospital. Luckily for Private Wagner he recovered from his injury and on December 13, 1944 traveled west by train to Camp Beale (today it is known as Beale Air Force Base) just north of Sacramento, California where he was discharged on December 19, 1944 with a 30% disability from his wound. Elton told me that the unfortunate head injury during boot camp may have been a blessing in disguise for him. Elton reflected that at the completion of training his friends, Don Stafford were sent overseas and Private Stafford served during the Battle of the Bulge. Private Vernon Southwick went to another Theater which Elton couldn't recall. Elton said as he the result of the head injury he fortunately returned home to Fillmore and continued his life with June and as a farmer. Both Don and Vernon returned home safely at the end of the War.

After Elton returned to Fillmore he lived back at his 10 acre ranch until 1955 when Elton and June moved into a new home in the Los Serranos Tract, on McNab Court where they lived until 1978. Elton said he moved from the ranch because he was tired of the inconvenience of having a septic system and when the well water pump went out the family wouldn't have water for a couple of days until he could get the parts to repair the pump. Elton said that after the 1978 flood he was able to sell the McNab home, as is, and he moved back to his parent’s ranch to care for his mother. In 1981 Elton and June built a home at 813 Woodgrove and lived there until Elton and June moved to the Orange Blossom Villa Residential Care and Assisted living Community in 2005. June passed away on June 26, 2006. At the time of her passing Elton and June had been married just shy of 64 years! Together they had two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Elton was a rancher his entire life growing citrus on the 27 acres the Wagner Family owned on Ventura Street from “B” Street to basically “E” Street. In addition to the family ranches Elton was a “Custom Farmer” for approximately 60 acres of crops of Naval, Saint Mike's and Valencia Oranges as well as lemons. Elton and June sold both ranches in 1989 and entered into their retirement years.

Elton told me he seems to have an affinity for the number 13; while in basic training he was housed in Hut 13, then at the hospital after he was wounded he was in Ward 13. He said he left Arkansas on December 13th and his home address on Woodgrove was 813. And, now his Post Office Box at the Orange Blossom Villa is #13.

After meeting with Elton Wagner at his apartment within the Orange Blossom Villa I came away more convinced, as was Tom Brokaw, that Elton is truly from The Greatest Generation! From The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw (1996), “The nation turned to its young to carry the heaviest burden, to fight in enemy territory and to keep the home front secure and productive. These young men and women were eager for the assignment. They understood what was required of them, and they willingly volunteered for their duty.”

I would like to thank Floyd Legan, because it was a good story and I enjoyed meeting with Elton! What struck me as very amazing was how well Elton remembered the long life he has lived. His recollection of dates, names and events astounded me as well as challenged my note-taking! Elton is well versed on the use of the computer. He maintains an office and has found the computer to be an asset to him when researching anything that may be of interest to him.

On a recent shopping trip to the Von's grocery I had the opportunity to visit with Sara Hansen and tell her that Elton had told me of his life-long friendship with Sara and her late husband Daryl. Elton had told me Daryl's family was also from Holstein, Nebraska and Sara confirmed that Daryl's mother and Elton's mother were also friends. Sara told me that Elton's mother was well known for the sauerkraut she would make and bring to gatherings. Sara said Elton's mother would not just bring a bowl, but an entire tub of sauerkraut to be enjoyed by all!

Like I have ended all my articles about military veterans; we thank Elton G. Wagner for his service and for the sacrifices he and his family made in those last six months of 1944 until his near death from a wound to his head at the close of his basic training that ended his service to his country. I agree with Tom Brokaw that Elton G. Wagner is truly from The Greatest Generation and I would add an American Hero!

The fact that Cops Running For Charity will be once again running in a faraway land to support local charities is not new. However, this run will be a departure from their usual effort to punish their bodies beyond what most people would do for exercise.

They usually opt for running over sand dunes, volcanoes, or China’s Great Wall. This time, the men will be running a regular marathon of 26.2 miles on actual pavement. While that pales in comparison to some of their previous achievements, the topography of the route will provide plenty of challenges. The race is called the Buller Gorge Marathon, and will take place on the South Island on February 9th. The team is focused on the task of running the marathon and raising money for several local charities.

The group has run hundreds of miles in preparation for, and during, marathons. They also have raised well in excess of $200,000 for the benefit of those among us who need it the most. They have a commitment to their community and to physical fitness that has spanned decades. All six runners pay for their own expenses, including the cost of travel. That leaves behind every dollar they raise for the charities they have chosen.

In 2012, the team raised $50,000, which they will disburse among several charities when they return from New Zealand.

The team is also beginning their fundraising efforts for their next marathon, which will take place in Burma in November 2013.

With their latest run, they will have completed marathons on six of seven continents. That leaves only Antarctica for them to conquer. Eventually, they plan to run there too. As one would expect, there’s an organized race on the polar ice cap as well.

The runners are: Commander Randy Pentis, Commander Tim Hagel, Captain Paul Higgason, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, and Sergeant Joe Devorick.

Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Commander Randy Pentis at (805)947-8067 or by e-mail at randy.pentis@ventura.org.

Alyssa Calderon, a nurse and parent, voiced her concerns regarding the leaking roof that has created mold and other unhealthy conditions at Fillmore Middle School.
Enlarge Photo

Photos showing the condition of Fillmore Middle School.
Enlarge Photo

Over 35 presenters and attendees showed up for the February 5, 2013 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Many came to voice their concerns with the condition of Fillmore Middle School, and others FUSD faculty members gave presentations of their school’s achievements or lack of. But one person came to address the Board on a money item that for weeks has had people asking questions and wanting answers.

Parents of students that attend Fillmore Middle School (FMS) showed up in numbers to address the Board about the condition of the school gym and some classrooms. First to speak was Alyssa Calderon, a nurse and parent, who voiced her concerns regarding the leaking roof that has created mold and other unhealthy conditions at the school. Other poor conditions mentioned include stagnant water, pieces of the ceiling falling and classrooms using buckets when it rains to address the roof leaks. Calderon stated parents who called the school's Principal were told to call the District Office and answers to their questions were delayed numerous times.

Juan Toledo, father of two students at FMS, spoke of exposed fiberglass insulation along with exposed electrical wiring stating, "This is a health and safety issue" and cautioned the Board of a possible lawsuit if someone were hurt. He went on to say that attempts to speak to Interim Assistant Superintendent Business/Admin. Earl Davis were met with, "He will return your call within the week" but weeks passed without a call. When Davis did return the call he told Toledo the problems would be addressed during the summer. The leaks started three years ago when the school was only nine years old.

Another speaker was Noe Villa, who works with Ventura County Protective Services and has a daughter who attends FMS. Villa asked the Board and Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino to be more transparent with parents in both Spanish and English. Nishino responded that the District had already requested bids on the roof, and when those bids come in the District will let everyone know when the repairs will be done. Other parents that came to address the problem were Nora Toledo, Martha Santarosa, Maria Diaz, Irma Corral, Lorena Ceballos, Ofelia Flores, Monica Mejia, Carmelita Salgado, Maria Gabrial and Martha Amezcua.

The next speaker to address the Board was Michael Bush, FUSD's previous Assistant Superintendent. He came to speak on an item that had been pulled from the agenda at the last Board Meeting and gave a scathing speech addressing some in attendance directly. This is a direct quote; "Over the past week several staff and community members have asked me questions regarding Martin Farrell's editorial regarding the three $100,000 purchase orders that the Board pulled. They wanted to know what it was for and how could the District make such payments. Through discussions, I was asked to review the Board Agenda packet and the Interim Superintendent's contract, which they provided me. Staff asked that I share in public what I told them and then to share their concerns regarding Dr. Nishino's contract. I discovered that although the Board pulled the purchase order report, you (the Board) went ahead and ratified three payments of $50,000 each made on December 18, 2012. In reviewing Dr. Nishino's contract, I was shocked, I have never seen a document so contorted and crafted to avoid public scrutiny and obfuscate pension reform regulations. Although, I have 20 years of school business experience, it took me 45 minutes, Google and a dictionary to understand this two page document. Although entitled "Interim Superintendent" the term of the agreement is for three years, which is the legal maximum for a permanent superintendent. Clearly the Board does not intend Dr. Nishino to be an interim. What are the costs of this agreement? Section 2 (of employment contract) is around about way of saying he (Nishino) will receive $40,011 in salary for 12-13 school year. Which would automatically increase if California State Teachers Retirement System increases their limit, thus providing for an automatic raise. The actual cost for Section 3 is unknown without reviewing reimbursement checks but the maximum benefit for 12-13 is a little over $15,000. Section 6, (which states; The District shall pay the Superintendent's actual and necessary expenses to include out-of pocket expenses, such as, but not limited to: transportation, conferences, workshops, memberships, lodging, meals, telephone charges, computer network charges, FAX, postage and duplication. In recognition of the necessity of having the Superintendent on call 24 hours a day for District business, the Superintendent shall have the use of a District vehicle for use on District business, including commuting to and from the District. The District shall be responsible for all costs of vehicle fuel, maintenance and insurance.) depending on the value of the vehicle and the amount of fuel to commute to and from work, conservatively is worth $10,000 per year. Section 7 (no dollar amounts are given) is the most confusing, because the language switches from fiscal year to calendar year. Even the Business office had difficulty with this one, hence pulling the purchase order. The IRC 415 limit also known as the make-up provision is $50,000 for 2012 and $51,000 for 2013. The contract says that 2012 shall be made by the end of December and subsequent years shall be made in equal monthly installments. Should the 2012 be prorated for the term of the contract? Evidently not, Mr. Davis released $100,000 on December 18th. So then according to the contract 2013 should be made in monthly installments, for a total of $151,000 for the 12-13 fiscal year. The total cost of this contract could be as much as $216,000.
Now the staff's concern.
Government is supposed to be CONTINUED »

(l-r) (top row) Ivory Zavala, Jacey Warren, Aaliyah Morales, Alexis VanWhy, Sasha Segovia, Naveah Hopper, and Charlize Virto. (middle row) Jada Plummer, Natalie Couse, Reanne Guerra,and Angelina Delgadillo. (front row) Jayla Martinez, and Alyssa Brooks.
Enlarge Photo

(l-r) (top row) Mersaydez Cardona, Ryan Nunez, Desirae Perez, Tina Hurtado, Lori Nunez, Caitlin McCall, Savannah Bullard, Emily Thompson, and Sadie Ortiz. (middle row) Lilliana Contreras, Shanya Escoto, Sara Uridel, Lexie Sierra, Taylor Wright, Rachel Perez, and Ariana Schieferle. (bottom row) Katalina Barajas, Jazmine Chavez, Jasmine Oriz and Mascot “Raider Bling Bear”.
Enlarge Photo

On January 26th and 27th the Fillmore Raider Cheerleaders competed at the 2013 JAMZ National Cheerleading Championships at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas and brought back to Fillmore three National Titles. In December, 2012 two teams, Team White and Team Black competed at JAMZ Regionals where both teams were Champions in their respected divisions and qualified for the honor of representing Fillmore for a National Title. Team White reigned as National Champions in Showcheer and received 2nd Place in Performance Cheer, while Team Black reigned as National Chamions in both Showcheer and Performance Cheer.

Team White is coached by Katie Aguilar, Lynn Cole and Cory Carillo. Team Black is coached by Lori Nunez, Tina Hurtado, Desirae Perez, Caitlin McCall, Jordyn Vassaur and Savannah Bullard. The coaches are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication both squads have shown this year.

The entire Raider Program is proud of the girls accomplishments. Beginning in July they start practicing and for the girls that compete, their season ends the end of January, but it is all worth it. Seeing the girls bring home the National accomplishments make it all worth while. Our local youth cheer program accepts girls ages 6yrs. through the 8th grade. Sign-ups for the upcoming season will be in March. Anyone interested in becoming a Raiders Cheerleading can contact Lori Nunez at #524-4705. For anyone wishing to see their routines the girls will be performing during the Flashes Basketball Game on Wednesday, February 6th during Varsity’s haftime.

Josue Jimenez, 33, of Fillmore

Investigators have identified the suspect in Wednesday’s officer involved shooting as 33-year-old Josue Jimenez of Fillmore.

An autopsy was completed on Thursday afternoon, and revealed Jimenez died of multiple gunshot wounds.

At the time of the shooting, Jimenez had two handguns in his possession. He fired one of those handguns just before being shot by a sheriff’s deputy. Deputies quickly realized the shot Jimenez fired was directed at a dog, which later died as a result of the gunshot.

Deputies performed first aid on both Jimenez and the dog. Jimenez was transported by ambulance from the scene and later pronounced dead.

A deputy, with assistance from a nearby resident, placed the wounded dog in his patrol car and drove it to a veterinary clinic in Fillmore. The dog was pronounced dead at the veterinary clinic. The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Jan. 31, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Josue Jimenez, 33, of Fillmore was shot and killed during an armed confrontation with deputies Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies responded to a call of a man with a gun at Mountain Vista Elementary School. The caller described the suspect in detail and said he had a chrome handgun in his waistband. The caller also described the vehicle the suspect was driving and gave a license plate.

Deputies located the suspect, who was armed and standing outside his residence in the 700-block of Blaine Avenue. Deputies confronted the suspect at gunpoint and ordered him to drop the gun. The suspect ignored their orders and fired the handgun. In response to his actions, a deputy shot the suspect.

The suspect was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Detectives are continuing the investigation.

Nature of Incident: Officer Involved Shooting
Report Number: 13-2253
Location: 700-block of Blaine Avenue
Date & Time: Jan. 30, 2013 / 4:45 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department / Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Josue Jimenez. Fillmore, 33
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Jan. 30, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced Wednesday, January 23, 2013 that Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell sentenced Oscar Cervantes 24, Fillmore, to 49 years to life in prison. Cervantes was convicted on October 31, 2012, following a court trial, of one count of forcible rape, one count of assault with intent to commit rape, and two counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. The court further found true the special allegation that Cervantes committed these offenses against more than one victim. Over a five year period, Cervantes molested three female relatives ranging in age from 5-15 years.