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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
Have you ever had a random contact with someone who just made you smile and feel good? It doesn't have to be up close and personal, or involve touching, or even a word spoken between the two of you! But, no matter what mood your were in, just having that interaction, no matter how slight, lines everything up for you and sets the rest of your day on a positive trend. I have been wondering about a man I see frequently on the bike path along Old Telegraph Rd. He is never without a broad smile and is always enthusiastically waving at passing motorist along Old Telegraph Rd. I decided to quit wondering about him and made up my mind stop to speak to him and shake his hand! Although he was a total stranger to me, George Deack someone who has made my day a little better on most mornings that I travel on Old Telegraph Rd. on my bicycle and I wanted to meet him! He also reminded me of a lost opportunity and someone long ago who did something similar. I wished I had taken the time to talk to him then and I was not going to miss the opportunity to talk with this man. In the middle and late 1960's, while station at MCAS El Toro, the now closed United States Marine Corps Air Station, in Orange County California, I made frequent trips to Laguna Beach, which was the closest beach to the base. Every time I was in Laguna Beach I would see a shabbily dressed and bearded man standing at the side of the busy Pacific Coast Highway waving and calling out to passing motorist and pedestrians, "Halloo-oo-oo!" he would say to all of us. I later learned, unfortunately, only after his passing in 1975, that his name was Eiler Larsen. I thought then, and even now, how I looked forward to seeing him and hearing him greet all of us visitors to that quaint beach community. Although I thought that it was just a random contact Eiler has with people I later learned that he purposely stood daily at that same location for approximately thirty years waving and calling out, “Halloo-oo-oo!” I never spoke to Eiler, but I wish I would have because I was interested why he did what he did each day. Some of you, like me, may have been wondering who is that guy walking down the bike path waving at every car, I mean every car, and in my case bicycle, that travels east or west on Old Telegraph Rd. I have been wondering also and one morning I stopped my bicycle on the bridge that crosses over the Sespe Creek and had a nice chat with George as he made his way on Old Telegraph Rd. to nearly Grand Ave. On the morning I decided to meet George he was alternately waving at cars and tossing small rocks down below into the riverbed. I introduced myself and announced to him that I would like to write a story for the Fillmore Gazette about him and his “Goodwill Ambassador” activity. George listened thoughtfully, looked at me curiously and then he agreed to allow me to write an article. If you have passed CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
 Bill Bartels CAMARILLO, CA - Public policy leader Bill Bartels has been named the Ventura County Film Commission’s interim film liaison, announced Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County, which oversees the county’s film commission. The dedicated liaison position was established in 2013 as an investment in economic growth, by securing an increase in film industry spending, local job retention and creation, and increased positive exposure of Ventura County through film media. In his new role, Bartels will promote Ventura County as a film industry destination and facilitate communication between industry and location representatives to create well-managed film activity throughout the region. He will be the point of contact for the film industry, help identify and access film-friendly locations, develop the county’s film infrastructure and partnerships, and market the county to the film industry and media. “Working with the city of Fillmore, Bill actively promoted the Santa Clara River Valley as a filming destination, so he’s well-versed in the permitting required for filming here and the benefits of shooting here rather than in Los Angeles or in other regions near and far courting the film industry. He also understands the positive economic impact filming brings to our county in terms of jobs and revenue,” said Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC. Bartels is the principal in a diversified farming, management and organizational development company and an advisor with EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center. A fourth-generation Ventura County farmer, he spent 17 years with the city of Fillmore in various roles, concluding his tenure as deputy city manager. Bartels also served on the Ventura County Planning Commission for 12 years. EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Visit www.edc-vc.com, and the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County on Facebook, Twitter (@edc_vc) and LinkedIn. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
 Christine Schieferle Santa Paula, CA - The Governing Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District voted unanimously to select Christine Schieferle as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services during a regular board meeting held on Wednesday, June 17. Schieferle will start her new position on July 1, 2015. Schieferle, a resident of Fillmore, comes to the District from the Ventura County Office of Education where she was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She was responsible for facilitating professional learning to schools and districts throughout Ventura County on a variety of educational topics including Common Core State Standards, California ELD Standards, Educational Leadership, and more. Schieferle also served as the Ventura County liaison for the California Department of Education State and Federal Programs as well as served as the Ventura County lead for Federal Program Monitoring. “Through my work with VCOE, I have worked with administrators by providing leadership trainings at Santa Paula Unified School District,” said Shieferle. “So now I am excited to actually be part of the team!” Prior to her work at VCOE, Schieferle was a Principal at San Cayetano Elementary School and Mountain Vista Elementary School in the Fillmore Unified School District as well as the Assistant Principal of Fillmore High School and Principal of Fillmore Continuation High School. As the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Schieferle will be responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the TK-12 curriculum and for the supervision and evaluation of support services personnel associated with the delivery of Educational Services. Schieferle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from California State University, Northridge. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CLAD), Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and Tier II Administrative Services Credential – all from CSUN – as well as a Gifted and Talented Education certificate from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. “Christine is committed to supporting professional development and student achievement,” said Alfonso Gamino, Superintendent of the Santa Paula Unified School District. “I feel very privileged to have her join our team.” About the Santa Paula Unified School District |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
 VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Steven Cortez (DOB 03/09/1994), of Santa Paula, was convicted of two counts of attempted murder in violation of Penal Code section 664/187(a) for a December 27, 2014, shooting in which he shot at two young males in the city of Fillmore, striking one of them. Cortez subsequently fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement several miles from the crime scene. The jury also found Cortez guilty of one count of street terrorism in violation of Penal Code section 186.22(a), and two counts of assault with a firearm in violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2). Additionally, the jury found true special allegations that Cortez intentionally discharged a firearm during the commission of the crime, and that the crime was committed in association with a criminal street gang. Sentencing is set for August 4, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura. Cortez faces a maximum sentence of 51 years 4 months in prison. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
 A woman was injured in a solo motorcycle accident on Friday, June 19th, at 2:11pm. The accident took place on South Mountain Road at Sespe Street in Bardsdale. The rider appeared to have lost control of her bike, which went down a short embankment. Three units were on scene. A helicopter was called to the sight, then cancelled. The woman was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with unknown injuries. Her riding partner was not involved in the accident. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
 Ventura County Firefighters battled a wind-driven blaze in the Santa Clara River bottom, Monday, June 22nd, starting at 1pm. The human-caused fire started at the most southerly end of Peck Road and quickly advanced to 12th street, Santa Paula. Highway 126 remained open but off ramps at Peck, Palm and 10th Street were closed, reopening Monday night. South Mountain Road was closed between the 12th Street Bridge and Balcom Canyon. A voluntary evacuation notice was issued but later lifted. As of press time approximately 164 acres had burned, and the fire was 80% contained. Air crews could be seen dropping flame retardant on the fire, above. Photo courtesy Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
As firefighters continue to make progress on the seven major wildfires burning in California, hot weather is expected to return bringing higher fire danger. This morning approximately 4,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines of the major wildfires. 95 percent of wildfires in CAL FIRE’s jurisdiction are sparked by the activity of people, which means almost every fire is preventable. CAL FIRE is urging the public to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at www.ReadyforWildfire.org. Fires of Interest: Park Hill Fire, San Luis Obispo County (more info…) Red Fire, Madera County **Unified Command Fires** **Federal Incidents** Sky Fire, Madera County (more info…) Saddle Fire, Trinity County (more info…) **Local Incidents** |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015
Another long holiday is fast approaching which will again put a strain on the local blood supply. Maintaining an ample and steady supply of blood is always difficult in summer, but long summer holidays, such as the 4th of July, make it especially challenging. Each holiday brings an increased need at a time when donations decrease due to holiday plans. While the blood supply is currently sufficient, UBS California blood centers will face a shortage of blood during the July 4th weekend because of increased emergencies. With all the fairs, festivals and vacations, the community’s blood supply can dip dangerously low. We need your help during this critical time by donating before July 4th and after the holiday to replenish the supply. To keep the blood supply from dipping critically low, the Blood Center has teamed up with local ice cream partners to thank our donors by giving away a coupon for a free pint of ice cream now through July 12th. “We are thrilled to have such great community support with local businesses that are helping us recognize the many heroes in our community who will be saving countless lives,” notes Sergio Coppa, spokesperson for the California Blood Centers. “There is no greater gift than saving a friend or neighbor with your life’s blood.” We’re looking for whole blood, platelet and plasma donors. Patient’s needs are changing, and how you can help the most is determined by your blood type. Donations may be made at convenient locations throughout the Central & Southern California Region in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and a number of community blood drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877.UBS.HERO; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored. Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. Ste. A, Ventura, CA 93003 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, June 22nd, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
 Cal Fire Over 4,000 firefighters continue to make good progress battling six major wildfires in California. Since January 1, 2015 CAL FIRE has responded nearly 2,500 wildfires, a 50 percent increase compared to an average year. With dry drought conditions, there were over 270 new wildfires last week alone. The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Fires of Interest: Park Hill Fire, San Luis Obispo County (more info…) Cook Fire, Yuba County (more info…) **Unified Command Fires** Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…) **Federal Incidents** Sky Fire, Madera County (more info…) Saddle Fire, Trinity County (more info…) |
 (clockwise) Angelique Murillo, 18 of Fillmore, Guillermo Vargas, 21 of Fillmore, Rudy Mora, 22 of Santa Paula, Ashley Covarrubias, 18 of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 17th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Fillmore patrol deputies have arrested four suspects for auto theft and related charges in the Fillmore / Santa Paula area. On the evening of June 10, 2015, a Fillmore resident reported her 1997 Saturn stolen from her residence. At approximately 4:00 a.m., on June 11, 2015, an alert Fillmore deputy spotted the stolen Saturn driving in the area of Highway 126 and Old Telegraph Road. The deputy attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, however the driver sped away and led deputies on a high speed pursuit throughout the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Santa Paula. The Saturn eventually collided with a curb putting an end to the approximately 15 minute pursuit. All four occupants were taken into custody and charged with crimes including auto theft, felony evading, driving under the influence, participation in a criminal street gang, and being under the influence of controlled substances. No arrestee’s or deputies were injured as a result. 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). Nature of Incident: Four Suspects Arrested For Auto Theft |