Campus Updates… Fillmore Middle School (FMS) Principal Todd Schieferle, left, and Sierra High School (SHS) Principal Tony Held provided updates on plans to improve student academic achievement, school discipline and safety, and parent outreach, at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. Schieferle emphasized FMS’s improved school climate and a new-to-FMS professional development method, Professional Learning Communities (PLC).

Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board held the open session of its regular meeting October 21, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the District Office. The Board heard an update from two school principals, reviewed Walk to School/Work Day, and discussed future construction.

Fillmore Middle School (FMS) Principal Todd Schieferle and Sierra High School (SHS) Principal Tony Held provided updates on plans to improve student academic achievement, school discipline and safety, and parent outreach. Schieferle emphasized FMS’s improved school climate and a new-to-FMS professional development method, Professional Learning Communities (PLC). Both FMS and SHS had struggled under a lack of firm and clear procedures due to staff turnover. Held and Schieferle are remedying those situations.

Schieferle deliberately started out the school year in a manner designed to ensure that FMS would be safe, orderly, positive, and have systems in place. He said that discipline had always been an area of concern. Last year, then-Principal Held with Schieferle as Dean had started addressing the gang problem. There were ten expulsions and six sexual battery cases last year. This year, the administration is laying down the law. Schieferle described the orderly manner in which students are required to enter and exit the gym for grade-level assemblies. Students have been pre-warned against specific behaviors that would be punished by expulsions and suspensions. They have also been warned that the school does not tolerate violence, sexual assault, battery, or dress code violations. FMS has a new dress code this year. Assistant Principal Tricia Godfrey has visited each class to describe the dress code, and it is now well-established. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 300 block Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA. 93015
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, Address, Age
(V) Male, Fillmore, California, 88

On October 16, 2008, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to a dog bite victim in the 300 block of Sespe Avenue in Fillmore. Deputies arrived and discovered an eighty-eight year old male had been bitten by a dog while bicycling. The victim suffered a small puncture wound to his left calf as a result of the dog bite. He was treated at the scene by emergency medical technicians who had been summoned by deputies.

The dog, an American Stadfordshire Terrier, was located roaming nearby. Deputies corraled the dog until the arrival of Ventura County Animal Control, who collected the dog and placed it under a standard ten day quarantine. The dog’s owner was located and it was learned the dog had escaped from the owner’s backyard.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department reminds dog owners to ensure their dogs are properly secured at home and to always obey local leash laws.

Norma Amaro, representing the Fillmore Downtown Merchants Assn., pleaded for assistance for merchants who have been financially devastated by storm drain construction which has closed Central Avenue for months. An emergency meeting was scheduled to seek a remedy.

Fillmore City Council held a well-attended meeting October 14, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Council will have a special meeting this Friday to address concerns raised by business owners, including schedule conflicts over possible further construction on Central Ave. The Council approved a final budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009.

Norma Amaro spoke movingly on behalf of the Downtown Business Merchants. This holiday season will be critical for their businesses. She said, "In the last fifteen months, nine businesses have had to close on Central Avenue due to little or no foot traffic." Over the past two years, the Merchants have repeatedly emphasized the importance of "Significant Signage". Significant Signage means large permanent attractive signs located along the promenade next to the train tracks and at the gateway entrance to Central on Highway 126. The Merchants have been tracking the activity of train-riding tourists and have concluded that when signs directing those tourists are placed near the promenade, then sales go up on that day. Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels remarked that some signs have been approved and purchased, but are not installed because their hangers cannot stand up to the Santa Ana winds. There are extra train rides scheduled from now through December because the Railway offers pumpkin patch and Christmas tree trips. Amaro noted that several businesses are in danger, and requested a special emergency meeting. The Council granted a special meeting for Friday, October 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The Council engaged in intense discussion regarding a potential change order with Lash Construction to incorporate the extension of the Central Ave. storm drain from Sespe Ave. to First St. The controversy arises from the potential damage further construction could do to downtown businesses. The proposal called for additional construction along Central Ave.: from Sespe Ave. to Kensington Dr. during November and from Kensington Dr. to First St. during the high school's winter vacation. The City and the Merchants had agreed that there would be no construction downtown from November 1st until January 1st, so that holiday shopping would not be negatively impacted. All parties agreed that the Merchants have been exceedingly patient, and the Council does not want to cause them any further hardship. CONTINUED »

United States Marine Corps Private Tabetha Solorio.

2008 Fillmore High School Graduate Tabetha Solorio, 18 years, has entered United States Marine Corps Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina. Tabetha left for Parris Island on August 25, 2008 for a challenging thirteen weeks of military training. In addition to FHS Tabetha also attended Sespe Elementary and Fillmore Middle Schools and enjoyed playing basketball.

Private Tabetha Solorio is the daughter of Maria Barragan of Fillmore and Guillermo Solorio of Arizona. She is the granddaughter of Trinidad Barragan of Palmdale, California and the late Guadalupe Barragan. Private Tabetha Solorio has two brothers; Robert Solorio, 21 years, of Arizona, Adam Solorio, 20 years, of Fillmore and one sister Samantha Valdez, 22 years, of Fillmore. Her Cousin Monique, 2 years old, Fillmore misses her auntie very much and can’t wait to see her after her graduation. She also has seven uncles, 4 aunts and too many cousins to mention that all miss Private Tabetha Solorio very much and are extremely proud of her service.

MCRD Parris Island is the only location for the training of women Marines. MCRD Parris Island is generally the location for the Recruit Training of new Recruits who enlist from states east of the Mississippi River. Recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive their Recruit Training, as I did, at MCRD San Diego. Recruit training is divided into three phases: Phase 1 is Basic Learning; physical and mental, Phase 2 is Rifle Training, Phase 3 is Field Training. The Training Matrix represents the best training in the world. It is a methodical and time-tested process. Every hour of every day for 13 weeks culminating with the 54-hour Crucible is designed for just one purpose...To make the highest quality basically trained United States Marine.

The first part of week one is called "forming." The Drill Instructors "form" new recruits by a process known as "total immersion." Without a doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging -- physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are these requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and adhere to the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.< !--break-->

The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate. It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force... It has to be that way.

Basic Facts about the Crucible:
1. Recruits will travel 42 miles on foot during the event.
2. There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
3. It consists of 36 different stations.
4. The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
5. The recruits will be required to carry ammunition cans up to 50 pounds and dummies up to 100 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to combat (782) gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.

After Recruit Training Private Tabetha Solorio will receive technical training in Shipping and Receiving.

All of us here in the Santa Clara Valley are especially proud of Private Tabetha Solorio and her commitment to serving her Country. As a former Marine myself I am especially proud to have her join the ranks of the Marines. We wish her safe travel and thank Private Tabetha Solorio and her family for their sacrifices now and others sure to come to keep the United States of America strong.

Looking as if it came straight from the rolling hills of Tuscany, the home of Marge and Tony Anselmo is the ideal location for family and friends to gather. This is an entertainer’s dream home. The super large kitchen and dining room are the heart of the home and the spot where everyone congregates. A large patio opens off the living and dining room and has a built in barbecue and pizza oven, with a grandchildren’s play yard attached. There are three bedrooms and baths, all beautifully tiled, and even his and her workrooms tucked in the corners of the two garages.

“I always dreamed of building a home in an orchard, just like my home in Sicily”, says Tony who personally did all the extensive stone and tile work in the home, built in 2004. Not to be outdone, Marge, who hails from an area near Naples, has guided the landscaping and decorating, even making the drapes and valances.

After enjoying this grand home with the surrounding grove of oranges, fig trees, and grapes, you will come away saying, “Bellissimo”.

This year the tour will highlight four homes in Bardsdale. The date is Sunday, Nov. 9th from 12:00 to 4:00. The Heritage Valley Fine Arts Sale will take place on the Museum grounds from 11:00 to 4:00 on the same day. Tickets are $20.00 advance sale and $25.00 the day of the tour. They may be purchased through the Museum (524-0948) or at Coffeeboy or Mirage in town, or at any home the day of the tour.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Seneca Oilfield – Sespe Mountains- Fillmore, CA

Suspects:
Joseph Hermosillo, Santa Paula, 30 Years Old
Brian Miller, Oxnard, 32 Years Old
Christopher Rail, Oxnard, 27 Years Old

Victim: Seneca Resources Company - Fillmore

On Sunday, 10/05/2008, at about 1137 A.M, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a recycling theft in progress. The victim was the Seneca Oil Company. Suspects stole about $28,000 in oilfield parts. The oilfields are located on Squaw Flat Road in the Sespe Mountains above Fillmore.

Detectives report that the Sheriff’s 911 Center received a phone call from a Seneca employee who reported three suspicious males were in the mountains posing as oilfield workers. Oilfield and local farm workers have been on alert due to a surge in metal thefts.

The oilfield employee reported to authorities that the suspects were in a remote oilfield using their own commercial truck and forklift. It appeared that they were stealing numerous, large metal parts from oil pumps. When a Seneca employee confronted the suspects, the criminals attempted to use a ruse to escape suspicion. The employee became alarmed and contacted 911.

Deputies responded from Fillmore and closed off the forest access in the Goodenough Road area in an effort to apprehend the suspects.

After an on-scene investigation, the deputies were able to catch all three adult suspects in the act of stealing the oilfield property. Evidence at the scene, and in their truck indicated the three men used sophisticated props and heavy-equipment to complete the metal thefts. They are under investigation for other Santa Clara Valley metal and farm thefts. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Agriculture Detectives responded and are investigating the case.

Hermosillo, Miller, and Rail were all arrested for Felony Grand Theft (487 PC), Felony Conspiracy (182 P.C), and Misdemeanor Trespassing (602 P.C). They were transported to the Sheriff’s Main Jail for booking.

Anyone with information regarding similar industrial or farm recycling thefts is asked to contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department at (805) 524-2235. We need your help in catching these recycle thieves.

SPC Altamirano in front of a runned down building that used to be a mural of Sadam Husein.
Enlarge Photo

by SPC Juanita Altamirano

In some ways my life could have consisted of going to college, filled with midterms and exams an the night life of parties.An 18yr. old Fillmore High School grad. I decided to go a different route. Two years ago on Sept. 11, 2006 I signed a contract, a contract that showed I was now part of the United States Army Reserves. Private First Class Juanita (Jenny) Altamirano, I was no longer just a civilian I was now a soldier. Attending my Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and continuing my Advanced training at Fort Lee, Virginia. After my training I was assigned to my Unit the 137th Quartermaster Co. in S. El Monte, CA. Just a little over my one year in service I was informed that my Unit was to be deployed to Iraq, and little did anyone know was that I was one of the few that had the choice on whether or not to go do to medical limitations.I chose to go. So there I was off to a country where no one wished to take part. Even though I made the choice to deploy, I admit I was still scared, I mean after all the news always gave us insight of what was taking place, which was not always positive for the most part.There I was now in Iraq living the truth of what I was told it would be like. Days that lasted forever, where everyday was a Monday,an weekends no longer existed. A change of pace I say, being in country has opened my eyes and made me see life a bit different.Made me see an realize that we as civilians and soldiers take to much for granted. Being in this country I don't have all the luxuries of home. For example my others cooking I truely miss.My meals consist of the same things everyday,and we always hope that we have bread an lettuce the next day.Where i rest my head at is what I wish to only be my own bed from home, bunked in a run down building with air conditioning and electricity not much but its my home away from home.With long 12 hour days this is my spot of rest an I am grateful.So here I am 7 months later with only 3 more months to go. I have only heard the bad an I am thankful not to have seen the worst. Living day to day with my fellow buddies an continuing on with the mission. I have come a long way it wasn't easy but with the support of family, friends, and supportive civilians I am making it through. But most of my thanks goes out to my mother Lorraine Perez of Fillmore an my closest friend Maritza Gutierrez also of Fillmore Who both supported me way back when joining was just a dream, Thanks for your support I love you both with all my heart.I would also like to give my prayers to the friends an family of my fellow Armed Force friends, Kailey Andrews, Josh Compos, Joseph Ponce, Philip Diaz, Micheal Edwards and to the rest I forgot to name, my love an support goes out to you.