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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
Is there a season with more family traditions than Christmas? A partial list: eggnog, fruitcakes, Christmas cards, fresh baked cookies, tamales, a smooch under the mistletoe, stockings hung someplace, Christmas carols, never-ending shopping expeditions and of course... figgy pudding. No easier to dismiss long-standing family Christmas traditions that it is to be rid of weeds. Oh... and the king of Christmas traditions... the Christmas tree... beautifully decorated... the centerpiece of so many homes. Speaking of long-standing traditions... and Christmas trees... it's no secret that hundreds of people make an annual trip to Fillmore from all over southern California. Upon arriving in town, they proceed to the railroad depot where they board a train for the ride to the Santa Paula Christmas Tree farm. Of course, any one can drive to the tree farm and cut their tree to take home. Many do. But for many others, an important and engaging factor of the tradition is the round-trip ride on the Fillmore & Western train. Driving the Suburban or Explorer to the tree farm is just plain ugh! Upon arriving at the Tree farm, armed with a saw... the fun of the hunt for the 'perfect' tree begins. Here and there they wander around the acres of trees until... aha!... there it is!... the 'perfect' tree! A few strokes of the saw... sometimes a lot of strokes... then the mighty yell... T__I__M__B__E__R! Once the tree is felled the farm crew tags it, picks it up and places it on the wagon for the trip to the shaker. The shaker dislodges tree debris. Then the tree is wrapped in mesh and put on the flat car for the trip back to Fillmore. If you think that's all pretty mundane you'd be very wrong. All the people involved in finding their perfect Christmas tree could just as well gone to any neighborhood tree lot and bought a tree to take home and decorate. But that misses the point: Tradition! For the majority of families, the entire event... the train ride to the tree farm... searching and finding the 'perfect' tree... cutting their special tree... it's not just about a tree. It's an annual pilgrimage. Couples have been making the pilgrimage for years. For many... it's a family of three generations traveling by car... then train... then on foot in the field in their quest for the 'perfect' tree that will grace their home. It's grandpa and grandson sawing their very personal Christmas tree. It's the makings of long-standing, cherished memories never to be forgotten. Example: Grandfather Peter Bueschem... affectionately known as Opa, with his 5-year old grandson Kane Brazell. Together... they located their 'perfect' tree. Quite large but 'perfect'. Together they cut it down. As Opa made the last pass with the saw... Kane watched the tree tumble to the ground... delighted with their mutual accomplishment. Their joy and memories cemented for eternity. Many Gazette readers may be aware that the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) recently abruptly cancelled Fillmore & Western Railway's lease for their operations on what's called the Santa Paula Branch Line. Hence, Fillmore & Western trains would not be permitted to use the line in their normal operations. VCTC relented for the Christmas programs. Legal challenges are pending. In the meantime, there's the Internet. Surprisingly... many people from all over southern California are aware of the events involving the VCTC and the Fillmore & Western Railway. For example: From Long Beach, California, Lidia Bowden and her son John made their annual Christmas tree pilgrimage last Saturday. Her story: “We have come here for the last 15 years to cut down a Christmas tree. I can't tell you what this means to our family. It's a tradition that we do every single year. We look forward to it. We're thankful for it. We're thankful to the county of Ventura for giving us the ability to do this. This means something to us. And it's something... for us... part of our heart at Christmas. We wouldn't miss it. When we come here we eat in the local establishments. We spend money in your town. We remember it and for this to be gone... it's like a little piece of our heart taken out at Christmas. My son John... now 22... started doing this when he was five years old.” John added: “I think it would be a shame to get rid of this. I think a lot of people come to this to have a lot of fun... really possibly kicks off the Christmas holiday for them. To get rid of this would be really sad.” Michael Simpson said: “This is only my third experience at the Tree Farm and and I said just this morning I look forward to this more than anything else the whole year.” Lidia added: “I understand bottom lines... I understand that... but sometimes there's a bottom line in the heart too.” (at this point Lidia was tearful as she spoke) “There's no price that can be put on that. It's a crime that you wouldn't have this anymore. We look forward to it... it's a part of us. We understand money.... we get it... we have money issues just like everybody else. But... we love this!” Another exciting tradition is a train ride to the North Pole. Every year, hundreds of children of all ages - along with young-at-heart adults - board the North Pole Express... many in their pajamas. On the way, Elves (Civil Air Patrol members) lead passengers in a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and... Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells... Jingle all the way... oh what fun, it is to ride, in a six-car North Pole Express train. (Writer's prerogative to ad-lib.) At the North Pole, Santa Claus... yes... jolly ole St. Nick... boards the train to the delight of all for the lonnnnng trip back to Fillmore. On the way he passes out candy canes to all the... ahem... good boys and girls. Back in Fillmore, Santa takes up his position in a special Santa car where all the... you know... good boys and girls sit on his lap and tell him about what they hope to get for Christmas. Moms and dads usurp the opportunity to eavesdrop and as phonetographers capture the... ahem... Samsung moment! Visited the Christmas village lately? If not you're missing a delightful treat. You'll enjoy a vast array of holiday decorations with all the icons... Santa, Rudolph, etc. Even a carousel all kids enjoy! You'll feel the energy of the holiday spirit... vibes of jubilation... as you leisurely stroll along the promenade. Photo ops abound. It's all right here in Fillmore. Around the corner at the train depot on Main Street. If you haven't bought your tree yet... well... you now know how to get a really fresh one you cut yourself. Aaaah... the magnificent aroma of a fresh cut fir tree. Back home, celebrate with a bowl of figgy pudding and a swig of eggnog! Aaaaaah! Long live traditions! To one and all... from all at the Fillmore Gazette... best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Photos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive and BBQ Chicken Dinner was a big success this year. Held Sunday December 15th at the fire station, chicken dinners were served to participants who dropped off a toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be distributed to families in Fillmore in time for Christmas. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
 City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted in two fast food robberies that have occurred in less than two weeks. The first incident occurred on 12-3-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant on E. Avenida De Los Arboles. The lone suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect removed a hammer from inside his shorts and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene and got into a maroon colored Jeep Cherokee (see attached video/photos). The Jeep Cherokee drove through the Vons shopping center and was last seen turning southbound onto Erbes Road. Detectives believe there are two other occupants in the vehicle. The second incident occurred on 12-16-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant located on N. Moorpark Road. Authorities believe the same suspect as the first robbery, entered this establishment with a second suspect. The first suspect ordered a drink. When the clerk opened the register, the second suspect stepped up to the counter, displayed a knife and demanded the money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, both suspects exited the restaurant and were last seen eastbound in the alley behind the shopping center businesses. No vehicle was seen in this incident. Anyone with information about either of these robberies is asked to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers. 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: Suspects sought in fast food robberies |
 Capt. Monica McGrath informed Council of a $500,000 grant received by the City for gang reduction, intervention and prevention. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
CalGRIP: California rang Reduction Intervention and Prevention
 Councilmember Manuel Minjares is sworn in as Mayor at Tuesday night’s meeting. There was good and bad news at this Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting. The good news is that Fillmore received a $500,000 grant. The bad news is an increase of both water and sewer rates. Also, Fillmore also has a new mayor, mayor pro tem, Code of Ethics and logo for the 100th Year Celebration. Back in August 2013 Police Chief Monica McGrath informed the Council of a $8,215,000 (for the entire State) restitution fund available for the fiscal year 2014-2015 and her plans to apply for a grant of $500,000 from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program. The grant is for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015. These grants are a competitive process controlled by the Board of State and Community Corrections and require a dollar for dollar match. Back when announcing she was applying for the grant McGrath told the Council she may not get the large amount she was asking for and that asking for such a large sum is really reaching out there, but she felt it was worth a try. At Tuesday's meeting McGrath announced the grant was approved for the full amount of $500k and will cover Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe. CalGRIP was introduced by the California Emergency Management Agency, also known as Cal EMA and previously known as OES. In July 2012, The Board of State and Community Corrections took over the program and became the lead state entity on adult and juvenile criminal justice policy and will be prioritizing state and federal funds guiding local policy and programming. Preference is given CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
 A two car accident on Grimes Canyon Road left one car in the ditch on Thursday morning, 8:15am. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Candace Stines — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
Honored at 86th National FFA Convention
86th National FFA Convention Day 1: First, I would like to acknowledge my FFA Advisor and Past Ag. Teacher, Joe Ricards. Without him, receiving my American Farmer Degree wouldn’t even be possible. Thank you for your continued support through out the years Ricards! Alright so back to my trip. Well we left California at 6 AM and arrived in Louisville at 3 PM. Got to the hotel and was dressed in my full uniform by 5 to attend the reception that was put together for all of the American Farmer Degree Recipients at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. I was able to hear the inspiring words of some of the representatives of the companies that continue to support in sponsoring the National FFA Convention. They spoke of us very highly in stating that we we’re very lucky to not only achieve our degree, but to receive our degree in person at the convention. After the reception we went into downtown about 2 blocks from our hotel, and ate a t a very nice restaurant and called it a night. Day 2: The next morning we woke up at 4 AM and got dressed for the big day! Today was the day that I had been waiting for; I was receiving my American Farmer Degree this morning in front of 68,000 people, plus not to mention I’ll be on television! We arrived at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. And in no time, I was seated with many other FFA members around the country receiving their American Farmer Degree. Walking across the stage, receiving my degree was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had. To shake the National Presidents hand and to receive a National Honor was amazing. After, the recognition I was reunited back with my Ag Advisor and parents. We then went to the Shopping Mall that was full of FFA attire and much more. Since we had CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
477 School Districts Across the Nation Are Honored
 Fillmore Unified School District  Fillmore, California—Fillmore Unified School District is one of 477 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 4th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Reaching these goals indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work. Since 2011, Fillmore Unified School District has increased the number of students participating in AP while also improving the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. In 2013, more than 3,300 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement and/or consideration in the admission process, with many colleges and universities in the United States offering credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores. “It is indeed both an honor and a privilege to be named one of 477 school districts in the United States and Canada selected for this most prestigious award. We congratulate our students, teachers, and administrators for their hard work and dedication as the District continues the arduous journey toward higher expectations and academic rigor. This award is just one more indicator that our students can and will succeed in the future as we continue to implement one of our mottos: ‘Student Success, Whatever It Takes’,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan K. Nishino. Data from 2013 CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
12/03/2013 – 12/09/2013
City of Fillmore 12/03/2013 |