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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 11th, 2015
 Sandra Cummings has been a dancer since she was a little girl. She danced in school talent shows and choreographed many dance routines for the cheerlearders in Fillmore. At the age of 11, she joined a Ballet Folklorico Group and danced until the age of 17. Dance has always been Sandra’s passion and she feels very blessed to be able to share her gift with others at Luv 2 Dance Studio 1. See page 12 as Cummings is honored. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 11th, 2015
 Fillmore is moving forward. This was evident at the recent Fillmore City Council Meeting, where a new fire rescue vehicle was approved along with a Mid-Year Financial Report that showed the City on a sound footing. The meeting began with a presentation of the City's new mobile application. Ventura County Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer Mike Pettit and Deputy CIO Kevin Coe gave a demonstration of the application which includes contact information on City staff in alphabetical order, links for emergencies such as VCAlert and non-emergency contacts such as DialARide, and abandoned shopping cart collections. It is user friendly and is expected to increase speed of City services. The Fillmore Fire Department (FFD) asked for a new rescue vehicle to replace the present one which is inoperable, and it was approved. The 2000 year Ford F-550 FFD was using had reached the end of its useful life and was no longer reliable, costing more to repair and maintain than its value. FFD is presently responding to rescue calls using a pickup truck which does not have the capacity to hold all the items needed to properly respond to rescues. The new vehicle is a 2016 Freightliner M2, slightly over 22 feet in length, weighs 25,000 pounds and has a 42 gallon fuel tank. It comes at an estimated cost of $230,000 which will be paid by a combination of Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds of $160,000 which are available July 1, 2015 and General Funds that were part of the 2014-15 FY Budget. It was proposed CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 11th, 2015
City of Fillmore Two Rivers Park - Pump Track / Bike Park 1120 River Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 “Grand Opening” Saturday, March 21st 12:00 p.m. The City of Fillmore, City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission would like to invite you to the Pump Track / Bike Park Grand Opening on Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 p.m. Pump Track / Bike Park is a professionally designed facility giving cyclists a safe, off street place to learn to ride, practice and increase cycling skills. The track consists of pump tracks, skills areas, trails area, practice trail and jump line. The skills, trails and Jump areas will contain feature designed to build riding skills such as balance, pedaling, shifting, braking, etc. in a safe, controlled and progressive environment. Everyone from the age of 2 – 102 that can ride a bike, come out and use the Pump Track /Bike Park. |
 A driver plowed into two parked cars before hydroplaning into a driveway in the 400 block of Mt. View, Monday. The stolen SUV cause extensive damage to all three vehicles, and a block/brick retaining wall. A helicopter and K-9 unit were called in to assist in the search. The driver fled east on foot and was captured later in the day. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
 Jesus Mora, Fillmore, 25 Today at 0900 AM, a deputy from the Fillmore station ran a routine records check on a parked vehicle. The check revealed the vehicle was recently stolen out of the Palmdale area of Los Angeles County. While he was watching the vehicle, (S) Jesus Mora got into the car and drove away. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Mora at 2nd St. and Island View, but Mora accelerated and started a vehicle pursuit. They traveled to Second St. and Mountain View and fled south on Mountain View through a school zone. Speeds were estimated near 60 MPH as Mora drove through the intersection of Sespe and Mountain View, passing a vehicle that was stopped to make a right hand turn onto Mountain View. This action, in addition to the dip in the roadway intersection and the wet surface, appear to have caused Mora to lose control of the car. He sideswiped a parked vehicle and started to rotate 360 degrees. The rear bumper then collided into another parked car, totaling it, and pushing it more than 50 feet south on Mountain View. The vehicle’s rear passenger’s door collided into an electric pole, pushing it 18-24 inches into the vehicle, and causing the vehicle to spin in the opposite direction into a block wall and knocking it over, finally coming to rest into a residence’s driveway on the west side of the 400 block of Mountain View. The deputy, who pursued with lights and sirens, saw the vehicle lose control and slowed, seeing the collision unfold before him. The sole occupant and driver, who was partially ejected through the passenger’s front window, was able to immediately get out through the window and flee over one fence, into the backyard, and over the rear fences of the 400 block of Mountain View. The deputy attempted to chase the suspect, but injured his knee while running and had to discontinue the foot chase. A security perimeter was quickly set up around the neighborhood. San Cayetano Elementary was locked down during the search. A School Resource Officer was assigned to maintain the perimeter of the school and ensure the safety of the students and faculty until the end of the incident or school. The Sheriff’s helicopter, a K-9, additional deputies from other areas and citizens patrol members arrived to help secure the perimeter and execute the search. A detailed search was conducted of backyards, garages, and open residences without initial success. After nearly four hours of searching, the suspect, Mora, was located in a locked garage within the perimeter. Mora had changed clothes and was hiding under blankets and behind objects in the garage. Mora was taken into custody without further incident. He will be charged with felony evading in a car, possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary into a dwelling, and hit and run. Mora suffered minor injuries from the collision and was booked into the Sheriff’s Pretrial Detention Facility after receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested for a Stolen Vehicle, Felony Evading, Hit and Run, and Burglary 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 Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
 Who should maintain the banners? On March 3, 2015, the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting began with an announcement of the 2014 Annual Community Award Honorees; Student of the Year, Fillmore High School Student David Cadena; Classified Staff of the Year, Fillmore Middle School Staff Alfonso Martinez; Certificated Staff of the Year, Rio Vista Elementary School's Mary Allyn Garcia and Administrator of the Year, Piru Elementary School's Diana Vides. The awards will be presented this Friday, March 6th at the Veterans Memorial Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Also honored will be the Citizen, Business, Firefighter, Officer and Nonprofit of 2014. The first item discussed by the Board was a City/School District Committee Meeting held February 13, 2014 and attended by four Committee Members; (FUSD Board Members) Scott Beylik, Virginia de la Piedra, (Council Members) Diane McCall, Manuel Minjares and two Staff (City Manager) David Rowlands and (Asst. Superintendent) Martha Hernandez, sitting in for Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. Dominating the discussion was the banner program to recognize enlisted men and women from the City of Fillmore. According to de la Piedra the program began during a joint City/School meeting about eight years ago. In attendance at that time were Patti Walker, a former City Council member, and FUSD Board Members (including de la Piedra). All agreed that it would be a great program. But De la Piedra contested that no one on the School Board agreed to fund or provide the labor to hang the banners. She had assumed that the City accepted the responsibility. While discussing it CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
In early January 2015, the suspect in the attached surveillance photographs used several victims’ debit card information to fraudulently withdraw money from ATM machines in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles. The suspect is described as a white male between 60-75 years old and has darker, graying hair. He appears to be unshaven with a thin gray beard and mustache. All the victims still had their ATM cards in their possession at the time of the crimes, and how the suspect obtained the victims’ information is still under investigation. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the photographs. Anybody with information regarding the suspect in the photos is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Jones at 805-371-8396. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind its residents to frequently check their credit reports and monitor their savings/checking accounts for unauthorized activity. If any suspicious activity is noted, immediately call your financial institution and report it to the Thousand Oaks Police Department at 805-654-9511. Nature of Incident: Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying theft suspect 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 — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
Adolfo Huerta was born in Coeneo, Michoacan Mexico in 1954. At the age of 13 he moved to Fillmore, Ca. with his grandmother Lupe Rangel and uncles on a student Visa to continue his education. He attended Fillmore Jr. High and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1974. Adolfo was one of many FHS’s successful long distant runners, still holding a record today. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart Rosa since 1976. They have three children, Erika Arana, Jessica Huerta and Jorge Luis Huerta. Combined they have eight energetic grandchildren. Adolfo has worn many hats in the City of Fillmore; from dishwasher, to busboy, cook, to landscaper, teacher’s aide to working alongside Dr. Nelson as his veterinarian assistant for 17 years all while being a volunteer fire fighter for the Fillmore Fire Department. In 1992 he was hired as the first paid Fire Captain for Fillmore and in 2000 his peers voted him fire fighter of the year. He has served over 30 years on the department. Adolfo has been an active member of many organizations in our community, such as Optimist Club, Boys & Girls Club, Youth Task Force, Lions Club and One Step a La Vez. He has taught CPR, First Aid and CERT Classes for many Fillmore and Ventura Country residents. The little spare time that he has is all spent cheering his grandchildren on in their sports. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
The One Step a la Vez Program actually began in 2004 when 12 youth started advocating for a safe place for teens to go to get services and to hang out. From 2004-2012 other financial agencies sponsored the program, but in June of 2012 the California and Federal NonProfit status was granted. The Mission: Serve the communities of the Santa Clara Valley by providing a safe environment for 13-19 year olds and preparing informed, empowered youth who are equipped with the tools to: • Lead, The One Step a la Vez Program has five main components, all of which are coordinated to provide a fuller experience and support for youth in various stages of their academic, personal and professional lives. The five components are: • A relaxing and welcoming Drop in Center (One Step Center) with fixed hours in which the youth can get help with homework, tutoring, access to computers, fix themselves a snack, kick back with friends and participate in OSALV activities and classes. • Referrals: o Referrals to other services, camps and programs that are available to youth, appropriate to the needs of the youth and with approval from the parents. • Social Justice Committees.These committees give youth the opportunity to learn that they have the power and ability to improve their community. • Academic, College and Career support: Staff works with youth to write scholarships, get into colleges or technical schools as well as providing tutoring and homework support. • Transition support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, either through incarceration or formal or informal probation. Staff works with youth in juvenile hall or on probation to develop a plan for success and then helps them accomplish their goals. • Community Support Groups and Services: In order to provide a wider support for the youth, the OSALV Program also provides classes and support groups for parents such as Domestic Violence Support Groups and Services, Parenting Classes, English Classes, Individual Family Counseling, Classes on legal rights, computer use, Mental Health First Aide, National Association on Mental Illness family information and support group and any other support that the community requests. The services are provided by professionals in the field and OSALV provides the facility, interpreting and child care (if needed). • All youth services are free. A minimal charge may be applied for parent workshops. |
 Adrian Mejia was named 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year by his peers. Mejia is pictured front center. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Adrian Mejia was chosen by his peers to be the 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year. He has shown excellent leadership skills and is a great asset to Explorer Post 2958. Adrian is the son of Adrian Laura Mejia. He also has two siblings, Adael and Laura Mejia. He was born in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. He has been a resident of Fillmore since then. Adrian graduated from Fillmore High School in June 2013. He was a member of the Fillmore 2012 CIF State Championship team in Cross Country. Adrian is currently attending College of the Canyons and majoring in Criminal Justice and has a part time job at Domino’s Pizza. Adrian became an Explorer in 2012 and he has completed over 400 hours of community service which includes: assisting with Lions Club of Fillmore Christmas Parades, Fillmore High School parades, May Festivals, Toy Drives, Toy Giveaways, traffic control for Rotary 5K Runs, Camarillo Air Shows, Ramona Days and Moorpark Safety Days. He has competed in several Chandler and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office competitions and has usually placed 1st in their running events. At every competition, he is looked upon for guidance by his peers due to his leadership skills. He is a great example to every youth that with hard work and a great heart you may accomplish anything. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
It is with great pleasure that the members of the Fillmore Fire Department announce the 2014 Fire Fighter of the Year, Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Panke. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. Firefighter/Medic Panke’s love and dedication for EMS, firefighting and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2014 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year. |
