Written by Carina Monica Montoya

A common sight here in Fillmore is a medium-size gray colored dog playing ball in the grassy area at the small park in the Bridges development. Her name is Scruffy and she’s a 5-year-old terrier-mix rescue. Scruffy can run alongside of the fastest greyhound, play ball and catch a frisbee as good as a champion Border Collie, work as proficient as any Golden or Labrador Retriever, perform guard dog duties as well as any German Shepherd, smart enough to rub elbows with highly trained protection dogs, and can provide affection and comfort to humans as good as a trained therapy dog. The main reason Scruffy is such a special dog is because she’s loved and is treated as a member of the family. To Scruffy, she belongs to a forever pack.

Found abandoned, alone, and wandering the streets in the San Fernando Valley when she was about 10 weeks old, an animal control officer found her and brought her to the shelter. She was a lucky dog, and I was fortunate to find her. She was my Christmas present in December 2017. It is a curious phenomenon that people often dump their animals around the holidays, and it is also around the holidays when people want puppies to give as gifts. It is easier to understand that sometimes it is necessary for a dog to be re-homed or taken to a non-kill shelter to be adopted for reasons beyond an owner’s control, such as loss of the owner, loss of a job, or relocation to a place where the owner cannot have a dog. Unfortunately, some people choose to dispose of a dog by taking it somewhere and turning it loose, or dumping puppies in a trash can. Dogs are dependent on their owner for food, shelter, and protection. Leaving it to wander at the risk of being killed by a car or wildlife, or abandoning it to die from starvation and dehydration from a trash can they are unable to escape, is human behavior that I will never understand.

Bringing a dog into your home is a responsibility. All domesticated dogs are dependent on their owner for food, shelter, safety, exercise, and attention. I’m sure that all dog-lovers agree that if you don’t treat your dog as a family member, you shouldn’t have a dog. The saying, “a dog is man’s best friend” was first used in 1789 when King Frederick of Prussia said, “the only absolute and best friend that a man has in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his dog.” This is one reason that dogs have been man’s best friend for at least the past 15,000 years. Dogs are descendants from wolves, which man befriended, tamed, and cared for in exchange for them to work as guard dogs. It is said that “this reciprocal relationship remains in your dog’s genes and their loyalty is a by-product of it.”

There are approximately 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. that are filled with unwanted animals. By rescuing a dog from a shelter, you will be doing your part in saving it from an uncertain fate. In return, the dog will be grateful for getting a second chance, and you will get unconditional love, loyalty, and much more. Many people looking to adopt a dog prefer a puppy, but adopting young and older dogs often has positive benefits, such as they are no longer teething; they are house trained; and they have been socialized with people and other animals.

If you are thinking about giving a dog as a gift to someone for Christmas, consider adopting a rescue because there are so many dogs in need of a permanent home. To me, Scruffy is a “gift that keeps on giving.” Little does she know that I am the lucky one.

Happy Holidays to you and your furry pets!

Lin Thomas (1941-2022)

The FHS Alumni Association is receiving donations for a new Industrial Arts Scholarship in the name of Lin Thomas, FHS ’59. Lin passed away on May 27, 2022. He taught various industrial art classes at Fillmore High until his retirement in 2002. In each of the final three years of teaching he led an auto restoration project that entailed him and his students restoring a Ford Model A Pickup which they subsequently drove in the History Channel’s Great Race. If you would like to make a donation to this scholarship in Mr. Thomas’s name, you can mail your check to FHS Alumni., 559 Sespe Ave., Fillmore, CA. 93015. You can also make a donation via the Alumni’s Website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com, click on “Donate” and follow the prompts. Thank You.

Bobby Styles, circa 1940.

Bobby Styles holding his cornet. This may have been taken in England considering how young he looks and the uniform is not the one we have in photos of the Fillmore City Band.
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Bobby Styles' Boosey and Hawkes cornet on display at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

On April 22nd, 1949, the Fillmore Herald carried on its front page a story titled, “Bobby Styles, School Custodian, to Retire May 1st, after 31st Years of Service.” It wasn’t a slow news week; other front-page stories included plans for the upcoming May Festival and the loss in baseball by the Flashes to the Lancaster Antelope. But this was an important story to the community because Bobby Styles was not just any custodian.

Bobby was born in 1878 in Pewsey, Wiltshire, England. His father, Joseph, was listed in the 1891 English census as a bricklayer. Bobby’s mother, Frances, was a laundress. Bobby, who would have been about 13, was listed as a ploughboy. As a ploughboy, he would be leading the horses which pulled the plow. By the 1901 census, Bobby was in London working as a shop assistant. In 1906 he married Amy Ethel Mills.

Bobby didn’t just work though. He was part of the English Brass Band movement which had begun earlier in the 19th century. His instrument was the cornet. The English Brass band was often sponsored by the major employer in the area – frequently a mine or factory. It was not primarily a marching band, but would play concerts for the local residents.

1912 brought a major change in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Styles. On May 2nd, 1912, they left Liverpool on the White Star Lines (of Titanic fame which had sunk the prior month) on the “Cedric” bound for New York. Their final destination was listed as “Fillmore, Cal.” It isn’t clear why they decided to leave England, but they did have a reason to settle in Fillmore. Ethel Styles’ half-brother through her father, Charles Barth Mills, was living in Fillmore as was his half-brother, (through hismother) R. A. Fremlin, who had immigrated in 1892 and settled in Fillmore.

On May 12th, 1912, they arrived in Fillmore. Bobby would later remark, “Fillmore, at that time was not much to look at! Oh, it was a growing town, all right, but all the stores along the main street were the usual board front affair, and it sure didn’t compare to London.”

Bobby and Ethel quickly became settled in their new home. They first lived on Palm Street but later moved to 437 Foothill Drive. They joined the Presbyterian Church. Bobby became a citizen in January, 1918.

Bobby was an early member of the Fillmore City Band under the direction of A. L. Lamberg. The band played concerts for the residents of Fillmore. His Boosey and Hawkes cornet can be seen on display at the Fillmore Historical Museum.

Bobby was hired in 1916 by the High School as a custodian. He worked under six principals, J. W. Gastrich, J. B. Ely, William Hull, P. H. Benson, J. M. Hawley, and Donovan Main. At the time of his retirement in 1949, Principal Main said, “Over the years nothing has been too little or too big for Bobby to take care of. The doors of his service were always swinging wide.”

Bobby did much more than just work as a custodian, for many years he handled all of the stage scenery for school plays until stagecraft classes were begun and students took over these duties. He also gave lessons on the trumpet, French horn, baritone horn and other wind instruments and helped with the original organization of the Fillmore High School Band.

In 1940, local artist, Lawrence Hinckley, presented Bobby with an oil portrait of Bobby. (If anyone knows if this still exists, let the Museum know).

Also, in 1940, the Fillmore High School Copa de Oro was dedicated to Bobby, saying, “He has been a constant asset since 1916 when he first came, twenty-four years ago. His cheerful and friendly attitude has made him a friend of both teachers and students.”

Bobby did not retire because he wanted to, but was forced by California regulation to retire upon reaching the age of 70. So, upon his retirement after so many years of service, how was he recognized? Naturally he received a plaque recognizing his years of service, but many thought he should receive something more.

Bobby had never been back to England to see his family. One of eleven children, only he and his younger sister, Edith, who had worked as a parlor maid in England, came to the United States. Edith and her husband, Thomas Banks, whom she married in 1919, immigrated in 1922 and settled in Seattle.

The High School Alumni Association announced in May, 1949, that they had established a “Bobby Styles home-going” fund. They had barely a month to raise the $1000 needed. Cards and letters were sent to members of the Alumni Association. A benefit baseball game between the Fillmore Pipers and the Santa Paula All-Stars was held, which Fillmore won in nine innings 2 to 1.

On June 18th, 1949, the Annual Alumni Barbecue was held. It was at this meeting the plaque was presented to Bobby by Albert Haase, the clerk of the school board. It was also announced that the Alumni Association had made all the arrangements needed for the trip back to England, but the fund was still short. By the end of the evening this shortfall was more than made up.

On August 20th, 1949, Bobby left on United Airlines flight 608 leaving “Inglewood” airport at 8 am. Locals accompanied him to the airport and others waiting to board the plane wondered who this VIP was because of all the flashbulbs going off. He would stay overnight at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and then take a Pan American Airways Clipper on to London. Due to ill health, Bobby’s wife, Ethel, could not accompany him. After a month-long visit, Bobby returned to Fillmore.

In July, 1953, after an illness of several months, Bobby passed away. Ethel survived him by three years.

Fillmore City Council & Successor Agency Meeting, Tuesday, December 13, 2022

TUESDAY NIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE SWEARING IN OF NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS CARRIE BROGGIE, ALBERT MENDEZ AND CHRISTOPER GURROLA. SITTING MEMBER MARK AUSTIN WAS SELECTED MAYOR, AND MEMBER CHRISTINA VILLASENOR WAS SELECTED MAYOR PRO TEM. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

AGENDA- ALL ITEMS APPROVED, 5-0
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CONSENT CALENDAR - Recommendation for Item 5.A through 5.G is to Approve by voice vote.
5.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER - DECEMBER 13, 2022
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER - DECEMBER 13, 2022.pdf
5.B MINUTES - OCTOBER 11, 2022
MINUTES - OCTOBER 11, 2022.pdf
5.C MINUTES - OCTOBER 25, 2022
MINUTES - OCTOBER 25, 2022.pdf
5.D MINUTES - NOVEMBER 11, 2022
MINUTES - NOVEMBER 11, 2022.pdf
5.E APPROVAL OF REVISION TO THE FY 2022-23 TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT ACT CLAIM FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS AND
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SR REVISED FY 22-23 CLAIM FOR TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS.pdf.
5.F CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-3909 TO ADOPT UPDATED PUBLIC WORK SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION AND CONSIDERATION OF
RESOLUTION 22-XXX UPDATING THE RESOLUTION FIXING THE
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/ MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT AMENDING MGMT BENEFITS AND PW-ACS.pdf.
5.G CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS PUBLICLY
AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE.pdf.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. PRESENTATIONS
7.A RECOGNITION TO OUTGOING CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
7.B NEW ELECTED OFFICIAL’S OATH OF OFFICE AND PRESENTATION OF
CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION: CARRIE BROGGIE, ALBERT MENDEZ AND CHRISTOPHER GURROLA.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.A ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 22-3913 DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 ELECTION
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT DECLARING 2022 ELECTION RESULTS.pdf.
8.B SELECTION OF 2023 MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MPT 2023
8.C POST CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION MEETING RECESS
8.D AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 22-01: NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS REHABILITATION AND ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT TWO RIVERS PARK PROJECT
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR SPEC NO.22-01.pdf.
8.E CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LARRY WALKER ASSOCIATES FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR RENEWAL OF THE WASTEWATER DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PERMIT
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR WDR RENEWAL SUPPORT WITH ATTACHMENTS
(FINAL).pdf.
8.F APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, LIAISONS, AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
SR - COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2022.pdf.
8.G DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SCHEDULE
STAFF RPT CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR 2023.PDF
8.H
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR THE RED ENGINE BREWERY (DP 14-01 MOD#2 AND CUP 21-06); 803 VENTURA STREET (SR 126)
2022-12-13_STAFF REPORT - RED ENGINE BREWERY_LMA.pdf.
9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
10. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
11. CITY MANAGER - CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
12. ADJOURNMENT - MAYOR DIANE MCCALL ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, , 2022 CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Larry Wallace Carpenter

By Carina Monica Montoya

Most longtime Fillmore residents either personally know or know about Larry Wallace Carpenter. Carpenter was a Fillmore police officer in the mid-1960s when Fillmore had its own police department, and later became Ventura County’s Sheriff. Born and raised in Fillmore, Carpenter attended Buckhorn School, formerly Piru School, Sespe School, and graduated from Fillmore High School.

Carpenter’s father came out west to Fillmore from Oklahoma in the 1930s as part of the Dust Bowl exodus, the largest migration in American history, where he met and married Thelma Lawson and had three sons. His father found work picking oranges until he enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II. After his return from the war, he became a horse trainer and trained Palomino show horses. Carpenter’s mother worked in Fillmore’s local MOD packinghouse.

One hot summer day while Carpenter was working on a ranch pruning trees, he saw an air-conditioned police car drive by. It was at that moment he wanted to become a police officer. He began taking police science classes at Ventura College and became a reserve police officer with the Fillmore Police Department in 1965, and in 1967 he was hired as a full-time officer and became a sergeant in 1968. Sheriff Bill Hill hired Carpenter as a Deputy. He continued his education and earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the University of Laverne.

In 1971, Carpenter was assigned for two years at Lockwood Valley, a one-deputy post in the north half of Ventura County. His wife now of 57 years, Jeannie, was the dispatcher at the Lockwood Valley post, and together they lived and worked at the remote rural location.

In 1973, Carpenter was assigned to Personnel and Training in Ventura, which involved conducting background investigations and internal affairs. He became a sergeant in 1975 and worked narcotics until he made lieutenant in the late 1970s and was assigned to special investigations, where he soon became Commander to the Sheriff’s detective unit.

Under Sheriff John Gillespie, Carpenter was appointed as undersheriff for 9 years. After Gillespie’s retirement in 1991, Carpenter was appointed as Ventura County Sheriff to fulfill Gillespie’s remaining 2-year term. In 1994 he ran for Sheriff and was elected, serving 6 years as Ventura County Sheriff.

Carpenter retired in 1998 to spend time with his 3 grown children and grandchildren, and engage more in hobbies both he and Jeannie love - traveling, fishing, target shooting, big game hunting, and becoming more involved in the town he loves, Fillmore. He’s always been an avid reader, so he is always game for conversation on just about any subject. Although he doesn’t get out as often as he used to, those that know him and visit with him enjoy reminiscing of the “good old days” of big fish barbecues, get-togethers, events, and everything “Fillmore.”

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A 48-year-old Santa Paula woman was arrested for embezzlement from her employer where she worked as a cashier during the month of November of 2022.

The Chevron Gas Station discovered various amounts of cash had been unaccounted for over the month of November totaling a loss of approximately $12,000. This crime was reported to the Fillmore Police Department. Fillmore station investigators identified the suspect as Lupe Mims, a cashier from the gas station. Mims committed the crime by falsifing money drops. Instead of depositing the cash into the safe, Mims pocketed the money for herself.

On December 12, 2022, Mims was located and arrested for the crime. Mims was subsequently booked into custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for embezzlement. She remains in custody with her bail set at $ 20,000. Her next court date is set for December 14, 2022.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Anyone with information pertaining to this crime or any other crimes are urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station @ (805) 524-2233 or the below listed detective. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Embezzlement
Report Number: RB# 22-158833
Location: Chevron Gas Station
704 West Ventura Street, Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: December 12, 2022
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / Fillmore Detective Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Lupe Cecile Deluca Mims, Santa Paula, 48
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

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).

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have chosen Sheila & Bob Mumme’s home at 1171 Shady Lane, for the Christmas “Yard of the Month” and they received a $50 gift card to Otto & Sons Nursery. They were planning to purchase a plant or plants for an empty place in the front, so look forward to getting some advice at the nursery.

The Mummes have lived in their home for 28 years & this was their first home. Bob does all the outside decorations and Sheila picks & arranges the signs & porch decorations. For their first Christmas, they made wooden painted figures of Mr. & Mrs. Claus with the North Pole mailbox seen in the photo & cheerful barrel footstools for their chairs.

Be sure to go out to the Tradition’s neighborhood to see their classy & well- balanced display, as well as other decorated homes in the courts.

If you are taking a tour around town, honorable mentions would be 343 Foothill, 2nd & Central Ave., 371 & 997 B St. Special previous winners to view are located at 910 Taylor Lane, 408 Robin Court, & 408 Edgewood.

Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate the generosity of Otto & Sons Nursery, providing the gift awards since at least 2003. All are welcome to join in our group which will meet again, January 18, 2023 at 1:30pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. Come help us enrich this already great little town!

Katharine McDowell, Branch Manager of the Fillmore Library, gave an update on the new expansion. Our library is part of the Ventura County Library system which consists of 12 active libraries and a mobile library. The Fillmore Library is now double in size with study rooms, a community room which can seat 50 people, an innovation lab and homework stations with laptops, besides the usual shelves of books for children and adults. The Friends of the Library donated 10 laptops and fund all of Katharine’s programs for the children and more. Library hours are Monday & Tuesday, 2:00pm to 7pm, Wednesday, 10am to 5pm, and Friday & Saturday, noon to 5pm. It is a wonderful new building with something for everyone!

Please join the Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating Barbara Vazquez on being appointed to the position of Director, Child Nutrition Services. Barbara Has worked at Fillmore Unified School District for 18 years. She worked as an Account
Clerk II for the Child Nutrition Services Department for four years and as the Child Nutrition Services Manager for the last six. She has an Associates of Arts degree and Certification in Diet and Nutrition. Barbara’s goal, along with the entire Child Nutrition Team, is to continue to serve healthy, nutritious, appealing meals that meet or exceed the state and federal nutrition standards. We look forward to Barbara’s leadership in this new role. Congratulations Barbara! Courtesy Fillmore Unified School District Blog: https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org