Leo Vazquez, Officer of the Year

Deputy Leonardo Salcedo Vazquez was born in Los Angeles, California on August 18, 1967. Son of Leonardo and Carmen Vazquez, Leo has two sisters and two brothers. His brothers have been a major influence in his career due to the fact that both brothers work in Law Enforcement in the cities in Oxnard and Los Angeles. One of his sisters is currently a law student and is studying to take the bar. Leo graduated from La Salle High School and attended UC Irvine; he then joined the US Air force, where he became a Clinical Laboratory Specialist, as was his future wife, Barbara. Leo and Barbara have been married for 19 years. They have two children, Briana (18 years old) and Danny (16 years old) all living in the city of Fillmore.

After applying and completing the testing and background process Leo was hired by our department in June 1998 as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee and was assigned to the Ventura County Justice Training Center Basic Academy Class 98-2. He graduated the academy and was assigned to detention services (Main Jail) as a housing security deputy.
For the next two and one half years Leo learned and refined his fundamental skills of dealing with criminals and learning the faces, names, and con games of those he would someday be arresting on the street. On February 2001, Leo was transfer to West County patrol services and was assigned to work in the city of Ojai.

On June ‘04 Leo volunteered to be transferred to the Todd Road jail during Department downsizing, where he again performed housing duties. Deputy Vazquez requested to be transferred to West County patrol services and was assigned to work in Fillmore in Feb ‘06.

While in Fillmore he has been an active member in the community. He has been the liaison for the north Fillmore store front, and the Fillmore citizen patrol. Last year he reactivated Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958. With the aid of his fellow advisors the post has grown to 21 active members and have recently returned from The Chandler Arizona SWAT Competition with a First place trophy.

The most memorable moment in his career was when he pinned the badge on his daughter when she completed the explorer academy.

He always said that he took this position because he wanted to be the keeper of the peace in the community where he decided to raise his family.

Bill Steossel, Coachcraft, Business of the Year

CoachCraft was started back in 1939 by Mr. Rudolf "Rudy"Steossel Set up shop in Hollywood , a Custom Carpenter of cabinets he began to custom build cars for some of the greats, like Bill Boyd,aka " Hop a long Cassidy", Bill Holden, Gary Cooper, and many more. CoachCraft was famous for designing and manufacturing the Continental Kits, Luggage racks, Reclining Seats, head rests, back in the late forties and fifties, things that are now, a standard item in cars we drive today.

In fact the Ford executives would often visit CoachCraft to see what they were building, and some Custom cars for the Rich and Famous were on Fords Chassis, Customize the current 1940's model cars. Henry Ford II was a Close friend of Coach Craft.

After the war the aircraft manufactures like "Lockheed" had engineers and design crews working for CoachCraft when they built a Concept car called the "1946 Hewson Rocket", this car has been to Europe car shows and now sits at the "Lane Motor Museum" in Nashville TN. Lockheed backed this concept car in place of building aircraft, and at the time the US did not need fighter planes so they needed to branch out to the private sector, this was one of the branches.

Bill, the son of "Rudy" grew up in the shop and after a convincing talk by a local store owner, picked up after his dad, as they built and restored beautiful cars, from the chassis up to a finished show car.

Bill's wife of 47 years was not given a loving talk by his Father "Rudy" when they were engaged, Rudy (dad) sat the little lady down and explained to her that she is not going to merry his son if she thinks he'll be home at a regular time, and that cars are his life, plus he will need a hot meal when he get's home. Bill told me, "she did just that and her only complaint was the "He's always playing with his toys". Since 2006 his wife had a bad stroke and after several years of private home nursing, she now enjoys the living at a medical rest home.

In 1997 Fillmore became the home of this Hollywood Custom car builder, and has been a local supporter of High School Sports and Grad Nite Live, which now Bill has retired at the end of 2010 and his son Anthony, has taken the rains of CoachCraft and will continue to build/restore classic cars for the motor enthusiasts and a Collision Center for Ventura County right here in little town Fillmore. (Story courtesy Eric Vigil)

Claire Faith, Student of the Year

It is with humility and honor that I, Claire Faith, accept the Student of the Year award. But if I may, I will point out, that I am by far not the most studious nor active senior at Fillmore High School. I say with full belief that it is my attitude and perspective, above skills and commitment, that lead me to success.

I cannot pinpoint one moment that lit a spark in me, but I can say that it was sometime in mid ninth grade. I had always been a “good student”, if you will, but simply because schoolwork wasn't too difficult for me.

Up until that point in ninth grade, I admit I was embarrassed by my background and reputation. That is, I didn't necessarily have pride in my family and I took to wearing black and listening to screaming music. In other words, I was a “wanna-be punk.” Over the course of a month or so during freshman year, my memory assumes, I was intrigued to wear a colored sweater as opposed to my everyday black. As a few weeks went by, I had started arranging odd outfits, following with homemade jewelry. Before I knew it, I was wearing mismatched socks, bottle cap accessories, and what most would call funny hats. More importantly than my outward transformation, my mind was renewed. I suddenly realized that my family was absolutely amazing, and that there were so many fun and active things I could be doing to replace my sourpuss attitude.

The Fillmore music program has been significantly important to me. I participated in winter drum line my freshman and sophomore years, which was demanding, but rewarding. For the past four year, I have committed to concert, marching, and jazz band. I have served as Drum Major all four years (and to clear up any confusion, a drum major leads the band in parades, sports games, and competitions). I have worked in Band Club for the last two years as Treasurer. I believe the music program here at the high school is the most versatile and rewarding program we have to offer. Here, I have not only made the greatest friends and had the most fun of my life, but obtained a strong sense of discipline and commitment. That is, I know that saying you're going to be somewhere means you will, and one must communicate otherwise. In band, there are no bench warmers, for everyone has a part to play, and the music program welcomes and helps along anyone even slightly interested in joining the band wagon. Not to mention, I have enjoyed the wonders of playing, reading, studying, and writing music. These are all skills I will cherish for the rest of my life. I encourage Fillmore as a community to fully embrace and support our local music program.

I was also involved in a number of other school and community activities. I participated in Freshman Orientation last year, a day devoted to welcome and help the new students at the school. I've attended Prayer club for the past three years, and act as student leader this year. Similarly, I've participated in Flashes Go Green for the past three years and serve as President this year. Flashes Go Green cleans up the school every month, cleans out the lockers at the end of the year, and much more. I was lucky enough to go to Rotary International's RYLA youth leadership camp, and received a certificate of completion. I now serve as InterAct Club President. The FHS Ambassador Club hosts several college fairs for the school, award nights for the seniors and more. I have been in the club for two years and serve as President this year. Incidentally, we are hosting a Higher Education Event at the high school on March 1 at 6:30 pm for all interested to learn more about southern, as well as northern Californian colleges and career opportunities. Family of students, as well as Santa Paula students and family are invited. I was a member of Poetry Club sophomore year, Secretary last year, and am now President. We share poetry weekly and we plan on a group performance at the high school art show. This year I am Secretary of Drama Club, and have also had the privilege of being in Drama Class, as well as now being involved in Totally Rad: a joint production of Fillmore High School Drama and Sespe Players. The show will be put on at the Sespe Auditorium in early April. Last year, I had the honor of researching the schools history for the centennial edition of the Copa de Oro. Finally, I have participated in the “S” club sophomore, junior and senior years. During my junior year, I was Chairman of the Peace Pole Project and helped the Soroptomists fund raise and create awareness for the Peace Pole now resting in front of City Hall. I've participate in the Soroptomist bike path clean up, as well as other “S” club and Soroptomists projects, such as the presentation of the Annual Soroptomist Fashion Show. Miraculously, I've upheld my GPA to 4.5!

I graciously thank the Chamber of Commerce for this award, but on a grander scale, I thank the wonderful people of Fillmore. I would like to say once more that it was my attitude that brought me thus far, and I encourage students as well as our community to cherish our schools and all the opportunities they bring. Go Flashes!

Esteban Almazan received a proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn for his Eagle Scout Rank.
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At the January 25, 2011 Fillmore City Council meeting Council Member Brian Sipes stated “There is a lot on the Councils agenda” but the February 22, 2011 open session meeting, which ended just after an hour, did not fit that description. The Council’s agenda was mostly finishing up and approving old business and reporting on committee meetings Council Members had attended.

This meeting’s agenda consisted of the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2010-2011, a Joint Use Agreement between the City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Unified School District, an interim Ordinance Citywide Moratorium on establishment and operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries for 1 year, and approval of Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).

One item on the Redevelopment Agency agenda was a request to accept a short payoff on a First Time Homebuyers Loan (FTHL) of $43,000 taken out in July of 2008 and the home is now for sale due to divorce. The FTHL was used as the 15% down payment on the home’s $292,000 purchase price. The selling agents informed the City the property had decreased in value and the offering price today is $280,000 which is less than the payoff amounts of both the primary loan and secondary FTHL Agency loan. The seller’s settlement shows a shortfall and loss to the city of $18,936.71 with a pay back to the city of $24,863.29 or approximately 57% of the Agency’s original $43,800 loan. All of the loss is coming out of the FTHL which carried the second on the property, but there was little the City could do to prevent taking all of the loss. Both Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme have also suffered such losses. All Council Members reluctantly agreed to accept the short payoff.

The Council approved an CONTINUED »

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FILLMORE, CA. - On 2/16/2011 at 9:45pm the City of Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to the Vons Grocery store located 636 Ventura Street for a reported broken water main. Upon arriving on scene, crews observed approximately 2” of water at the front entrance of the location. Upon further investigation, fire personnel located a severed 4” water pipeline used to supply the fire sprinkler system at the location. It is estimated the damaged pipe line released approximately 1,800 gallons of water per minute into the interior of the structure until the leak could be secured some 15 minutes later. The cause of the pipeline failure remains under investigation however appears to be due to a failure in the iron ductile pipe.

The Vons Supermarket & Wells Fargo Bank were forced to close their doors for approximately 36 hours while cleanup crews worked to vacuum up the water and begin the long process of restoration. It is estimated by store officials that $10,000 worth of perishable products were damaged as a direct result of the waters release. The store has reopened for business however remains under construction as crews work to repair damage done to soaked drywall and carpeting at the location.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 11-1-2010, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2600 Blk of Eucalyptus in the unincorporated area of Nyeland Acres. When they arrived, they found numerous empty shell casings from two different caliber handguns. While deputies attempted to find witnesses at the scene, a 16-year-old male admitted himself into Saint Johns hospital with a single gunshot wound to the leg. Investigators from Major Crimes and the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to take over the investigation.

An initial investigation found that earlier in the day, 24-year-old Liliana Aguilar drove her two infant children and the 16-year-old shooting victim to the 2600 Blk of Eucalyptus. The 16 year old intended to paint over rival gang graffiti that was in the area. Aguilar parked her car near the rival gang graffiti where the 16 year old began to paint over it. The 16 year old was confronted by at least two armed rival gang members. During the confrontation, several rounds were fired at the victim, one of which struck him in the leg.

During the Investigation, gang investigators arrested Aguilar for a variety of offenses including Conspiracy, Street Terrorism, and Child Endangerment. She was booked into Ventura County Jail where she posted $85,000 bail. She remains out on bail awaiting trial.

Gang Investigators quickly identified two possible suspects in the shooting. Investigators had enough evidence to show that Anthony Mendez and Julio Hurtado were both present during the shooting, but were unable to establish what their role was. On 11-29-2010, detectives surveiled Mendez as he sold a sawed off .22 cal. rifle to 31 year old Joe Rivas. Rivas was on parole for robbery at the time. Investigators recovered the rifle that same day and arrested Mendez for the illegal transfer of a firearm two weeks later. On 12-4-2010, Hurtado was arrested by gang investigators for an outstanding warrant and booked at the Ventura County jail.

For the next two months, investigators interviewed numerous witnesses and served several search warrants. During one of the search warrants, they recovered a .45 cal. handgun that was used in the shooting. The second handgun was never recovered.

On 2-19-2011, investigators had obtained enough evidence to show that Hurtado and Mendez were both responsible for shooting at the 16-year-old victim. They arrested both Hurtado and Mendez for attempted murder and street terrorism. Both had been in custody since their respective December arrest. Hurtado remains in custody on $505,000 bail. Mendez remains in custody on $500,000 bail.

Location: 2600 Blk Eucalyptus Drive, Oxnard, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: 11-1-2010 / 10-26618
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects. City of Residence Age
(S-1) Mendez, Anthony Fillmore 19
(S-2) Hurtado, Julio Oxnard 21
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman
Date of Release: 2-22-2011
Approved By: Capt. C. Lathrop

FILLMORE, CA. - On 2/20/2011 at 9:24am the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a possible chimney at 233 Fourth Street in the City of Fillmore.

Upon arriving on scene, firefighters observed light smoke coming from the attic vents on the exterior of the structure. Upon further investigation, it was determined the source of the smoke was a small fire that had extended through the brick and mortar fireplace construction and into the adjacent wall space. Firefighters were able to make quick access through a lathe and plaster construction and extinguish the fire in its incipient stage approximately ten minutes after arriving on scene.

Due to the quick action of responding personnel, damage was limited to the fireplace and adjacent wall, resulting in a structure both habitable and safe for occupancy.

Residents are reminded of the dangers associated with older building construction and fireplace use. Chimneys should be swept and inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep service equipped with the knowledge and tools insure safe operation of your fireplace.

Bob Scott, 2010 Firefighter of the Year. Photo courtesy Timeless Images Photography

As Fire Chief of the Fillmore Fire Department I am proud to announce that Bob Scott has been chosen by his peers as the 2010 Firefighter of the Year.

Bob Scott was born in the San Fernando Valley and grew up in Chatsworth; Bob currently lives in Ojai with his Lovely wife Susan and their kids Bobby 17, Samuel 16 and Sarah 11.

In 1984 Bob became an EMT and worked for Schaefer Ambulance for six months to get into paramedic school. He graduated paramedic school in December of 1985 and continued to work for Schaefer until deciding that Ventura County was the place to be.

Bob was hired at Oxnard (now Gold Coast) Ambulance in August of 1986 and worked there until 1992. Bob worked as a paramedic, community educator and as a paramedic supervisor.

Bob attended fire academy at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, Class 54 in 1992 and started his AS degree in fire science.

Starting In September of 1992 Bob was hired with Pruner Ambulance--Careline, Medtrans and currently American Medical Response. He has been a Field Training Officer and Clinical Supervisor with them.

And if that wasn’t enough, Bob pursued extensive volunteer activities.

Bob was one of the original Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Medical Team Paramedics. He served as team captain, training coordinator and equipment coordinator and just retired this year after serving 20 dedicated years. Bob also assisted in creating a tactical medical team for the Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT team and was an active member for eight years.

Bob started with Fillmore Fire in March of 2004 to assist with building our new paramedic program in response to the closing of Santa Paula Hospital. Bob has been active in EMS education, applying for and receiving Ventura County Approved Continuing Education Provider for our Department. He is also our continuous quality improvement and currently EMS Program Administrator.

Bob has been the driving force behind what he refers to as the Fillmore Fire style of care. Great bed side manners, making sure that patents and family members are well informed and make sure that our citizens receive the highest quality of pre Hospital care.

Bob is always making sure that Fillmore Fire is keep up to date on all new policy and precedes that County EMS has implemented.

Bob’s love and dedication for EMS and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2010 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year.

The Fillmore Unified School Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 15 at Piru Elementary School for a regularly scheduled meeting. The evening began with a welcoming speech given by Piru Elementary School Associated Student Body president Angelica Orozco who also led the pledge of allegiance. ASB vice president Michael Sanchez presented each Board member with a school t-shirt.

The first speaker during public comment was Karen Torres who spoke regarding her concerns over how the “special services department [will be affected by budget cuts]… and how the department is being managed… there are services that my [child] and other children are [entitled to] to meet the needs of their individualized education that are not being met [by the District] I am told it’s because of funding.” Torres went to on express “There is a lot of focus in our community on football and pageants while some children graduate without being able to read, write or do basic math.” She expressed regret at seeing her own son struggle with reading and knows that there are other students whose “parents are not able to speak up for them.” She went on to ask that before the Board vote to reduce funding for student services or aids in the classroom that “[the Board] investigate the policies and procedures of our special services department, consult with teachers and parents to ensure [that available funding] is going to meet the needs of children [as required by law]. Torres volunteered to join a committee to ensure that such an investigation is “being done.”

Next the Board heard from Eva Magness, grandmother of a former FUSD student. Magness reported to the board that she was there to make sure the Board is aware that “ FUSD administrators are spending taxpayer dollars to delay or deny [her grandchild] the education that [he/she] is entitled to by law.” Magness told the Board of how her grandchild required hospitalization for an emotional breakdown and depression following an incident of bullying via text messaging. The family was communicating with administrators at the student’s school, and was told that the student would be receiving five hours of instruction per week while unable to attend school. “I want you to know that from November [2010] to today [her grandchild] receives not five hours of [instruction] but five to ten minutes a day, that is not an education.” She explains that her grandchild was an honor student, in advanced classes and in the end of January was ready and released by doctors to return to school. It is her position that “the administration is not interested in providing an education [to my grandchild] or is paralyzed in decision making.” She reports the school administration did not return phone calls until the family contacted an attorney. The school administrators suggested to the family that they could get a transfer to Moorpark “[since they] had more to offer in educational services.” Magness also emphasized that her daughter, the mother of the student was told by the school principal that she could petition the Superintendent for “some kind of consideration for transportation costs”. She read the education code to the Board “[Ed Code] reads a child is entitled to a free appropriate public education and related services. Precedent in court has said that transportation is considered a related service.” She asked the Board if they “really support an administration that seeks to deny this student the education they are entitled to?”. The only point of disagreement now, according to Magness, is who will pay the transportation costs? She left the Board with a request for assistance in resolving this matter, and if needed for it to be put on a future agenda for further public discussion.

Lynn Edmonds from CONTINUED »