Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

This week we are turning the tables on our readers. Instead of telling a story about our area’s history, we are asking you to tell us your stories. We want to hear about special holiday celebrations. It doesn’t necessarily need to be from years ago or even from Christmas holidays. Maybe it’s a story about a child’s first Christmas or the time the dog ate the Christmas turkey. Or maybe about that deployment when you weren’t home for Christmas. A favorite Christmas story of mine is my niece, who was two at the time, showed she understood that Christmas was a time for sharing. We were out for Christmas breakfast and she was trying to share her pancake with anyone walking by. Oddly enough she didn’t have many takers.

The story can be funny, sentimental, or just a special memory. They can be short or long, whatever is necessary to tell the story. You can post them as a response on Facebook or send them to us at Fillmore.museum@gmail.com They can be written or recorded. If you have a photo to illustrate the story that would be great.

Ventura County has been served well by Sheriff Bill Ayub for the past three years. He handled the dual challenge of the devastating Woolsey Fire and skillfully dealt with the horrible loss of life during the Borderline incident. We residents of the eastern part of the county have enjoyed a very low crime rate due to Bill’s anticipation of potential problem areas. He leads a truly first rate team, from Undersheriff Monica McGrath to the newest deputy.

As a resident of Fillmore I get a close look at police activity every day due to the location of our Sub Station and my regular travels around town. Sheriff Bill Ayub is at the helm, successfully serving as our keeper of the peace, making Fillmore the safest city in Ventura County.

For these reasons, I join former Sheriff Larry Carpenter in wholeheartedly endorsing Bill Ayub for a second term as Sheriff of Ventura County.

Ari Larson, Former City Council Member

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Fillmore Council Member Ari Larson died from coronary artery disease, and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Larson had also suffered a previous heart attack she was not aware of, and a lung tumor.

It is also reported that Larson avoided doctor visits and that no family members knew of her serious condition. The report stated Larson was not under the care of a physician and took no medication. "She was not known to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs."

The autopsy report showed "severe narrowing of the three main coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis." The report also stated, "Larson contracted COVID-19 in January and was vaccinated in April." (Quotes, Ventura County Star)