 (above) Long time Fillmore resident John Grimaldo in his music studio. John has an auto repair shop in Fillmore, is a professional ceramicist, and is popularly known for his musical band “House Arrest.” Photo credit Carina Monica Montoya. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 19th, 2022
Written by Carina Monica Montoya Long-time resident John Grimaldo is a jack of all trades man and master of all. Not only is he known for his local auto repair shop in Fillmore, Grimaldo Enterprises, but he is also a professional ceramicist, and is popularly known for his musical band called “House Arrest.” His son, John Grimaldo Jr., helps run the auto repair shop and is the soundman and part-time percussionist for House Arrest. John has lived in Fillmore for more than 30 years. In addition to his music, he loves old classic cars. You can see him driving around town in his classic 1950 Chevy Panel truck that he fondly named “Trigger.” He also enjoys restoring old cars and his business of auto repair enables him to do one of the things he does best. Originally from Arizona, his family moved to Southern California in the 1950s and settled in Pacoima where Latino-style music was not yet popular in America. Ritchie Valens, one of the music industry’s first Chicano artists, also lived in Pacoima and was best friends with John’s father. It was in the 1960s when Latino-style music and classic cars made a big impression on John, and they would become his passions for life. His music studio walls are lined with photographs of his bands and many other popular musical groups John has played with through the years from 1967 to present. John began his music career in the 1960s. He developed a passion for playing the guitar and singing. Although Latino-style music at the time was not yet “mainstream,” he continued to play his preferred style even though record companies and many venues were against it. He was even thrown out of clubs for playing his music. In the 1970s, Latino music groups were beginning to make its mark in the music world and Latino-style music began to rock the music world. Some of the Latino groups include Tierra, Los Lobos, and El Chicano. These groups helped put the Latino-style rock music on the map. One of the biggest rewards that John finds in his music is making people happy. He believes music is healing and people of all ages come alive when they hear music that takes them back to happy times. John also invites retired musicians, some in their 90s, to come up on stage and do what they do best, which is play an instrument that they may have not played in years yet are able to jam as if it was only yesterday that they were on stage performing. John has played in many musical groups through the years. He manages his current group House Arrest and is the lead guitarist. House Arrest is one of the most popular local and out of town musical groups, and always packs a full house at The Grape in Ventura and The Copa Cubana at the Ventura Harbor, to name only a few. House Arrest comprises some very talented musicians on the horns, saxophone, keyboard, drums/percussionist, bass guitar, and vocals. John’s music is rooted in oldies with a beat that one can’t help but get up and dance. His sound is a mix of R&B, jazz, and cumbia. Let’s face it, some of the best music and dances were from the 60s and 70s. Who can resist dancing to oldies with a Latin beat? Growing herbs, raising dogs, writing music, restoring classic cars, and collecting antiques are just some of the many things John does with a passion. He will never retire because one can never set a passion aside. So next time you see John in his 1950 Chevy Panel, don’t be a stranger and say “hello.” |
 Pictured above is the Regina Music Box which is located on the first floor of the Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 19th, 2022
 Pictured above is an Edison Cylinder player, the earliest is an Edison “Standard” cylinder player they were popular between 1898 - 1913, there ahs been one in the Museum from after 1908 since it plays a 4-minute cylinder. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Museums are often thought of as quiet places with people murmuring to each other about the exhibits. The Fillmore Historical Museum is full of sound! Almost every building has an element of sound. Let’s start with the 1887 Southern Pacific Depot. Anyone who has ever visited on a school tour will remember the loud clang of the Bardsdale school bell, but that’s not the only sound. Visitors will see QR codes throughout the Museum. Often these take you to our website for more information about what you are seeing. In some cases, however, they take you to audio or video clips. Two in the Depot are a Sunkist commercial filmed in Bardsdale and Thelma McCauley Shaw, a Bardsdale resident, recounting her survival of the St. Francis Dam flood when the rest of her family was killed. Other QR codes that can be found in the 1919 Rancho Sespe #2 Bunkhouse will take you to audio clips. Would you like to hear L. W. Fansler and his daughter, Goldie, who are depicted in a photo playing the violin and piano respectively? Or how about “Santa Clara Valley,” by local dentist Jim Bliss? Tex Ritter played it at a Fillmore Festival in 1954 (unfortunately we haven’t found a recording of that performance). Or how about the “Sunkist Waltz” that was written by Walter Sutton of Piru in 1915? Follow the QR codes and you can hear all of that and more. It's not just QR codes which can sound off. In the 1919 Hinckley House is an Edison Model H19 Hepplewhite disc phonograph which was given to us by Marion Beem and dates from between 1919 and 1927. The docents are more than ready to play the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss, II, for you. If you are lucky, the docent might be able to play at least a scale on the pump organ in the home’s parlor which once graced the Arundell Adobe on Pole Creek. The Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse is especially blessed with sound. On the first floor is the Regina Music Box. Built about 1902 by the Regina Music Box company of Rahway, New Jersey, it was used in the Star Vaudeville Theatre on Fillmore Street in Fillmore. It can hold 12 – 27” discs and will automatically change the discs. This was a gift from the Carl Burson family. Upstairs visitors will find the south end of the large display room dedicated to music. Besides displays on various musical groups that entertained Fillmore from the turn of the twentieth century to today, there is an exhibit on machines which reproduced sound. The earliest is an Edison “Standard” cylinder player. These were popular between 1898 and 1913, with the one in the Museum from after 1908 since it plays a 4-minute cylinder (earlier were only 2 minutes). The cylinders are easily broken. The Museum has several and you can hear them, either live or through a QR code. One item the Museum is incredibly lucky to be able to demonstrate is a Victrola model VV-VI, or Victrola the Sixth, internal horn phonograph. It was a “no-frills” phonograph when it was introduced in 1911 and was produced for 11 years. The original selling price was $25.00 which equates to about $750 today! Still out of the range of most people. Ours was given to us by Juanita Hammond Elkins and was found during the pandemic in our storage box car. It was in sad condition and not playable. Who should appear but one of our dedicated volunteers, K. C. Staples. K. C. said, give it to me and I’ll see if I can get it working. Obviously, he did because now you can hear Billy Murray sing “Come to the Cabaret” or at Christmas, “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night). You’ll see in the display case other sound machines – most of which are playable. These include a wire (not tape) recorder, also restored by K. C., radios from the 1920s through 1950s, a cassette tape recorder, atransistor radio from the 1950s and even an MP3 player. Now many may not consider an MP3 player to be an historical artifact, but most people under twenty do not know what they are. We are looking for a Sony Walkman to add to the display. So next time (or maybe the first time) you visit the Fillmore Historical Museum, don’t just look around – but listen for the sound. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 We would like to thank Ate05 Grub shack for presenting a generous donation of $1,500 to the Fillmore High School Athletics programs. Back in June they held a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser at Britt Park in Piru and donated a portion of the proceeds. Pictured above left to right are new FHS Principal Keith Derrick, Ate05 Grub Shack owners Anika Romano and Joseph Magana, along with Athletic Boosters Club President John Holladay. Look up Ate05 Grub Shack for your next catering needs. Photo credit Anika Romano. Enlarge Photo |
 Above is the firearm that was recovered during the investigation. Photos credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 Above is the illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills police recovered in their investigation. Enlarge Photo A 49-year-old Lancaster man was arrested in Fillmore for possession of a stolen firearm and illegal drugs. On August 8, 2022, a deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 900 block of Ventura Street for a vehicle code violation. The driver was identified as Darrell Rutledge. During the contact, the deputy saw a substance that appeared to be illegal drugs in plain view in the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the deputy confirmed the substance to be an illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills. In addition, a search of the vehicle revealed a stolen, loaded firearm that was found concealed inside of a backpack on the rear seat. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm had been stolen in an unrelated residential burglary two years ago. Rutledge is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history that included prison sentences for firearm and narcotic related charges. As a convicted felon, Rutledge is prohibited from possessing firearms. Rutledge was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm with prior conviction, carrying a loaded firearm in public, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Rutledge is currently being held in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura with bail set at $500,000. Rutledge’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2022. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and/or vehicles, and to promptly report any crimes they come across by calling 911. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Illegal Drugs 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Beginning Thursday, September 1st, 2022, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. Designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies, the program will allow participants to meet with members of the Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Agency. Classes will be held Thursday nights, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Fillmore Police Station, 524 Prepared by: Deputy Eric Tumbleson |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 After being postponed for 2 years, the Ventura County Fair has finally returned! On August 3rd the Fair gates opened with rides, food, games, animals, live entertainment, a rodeo and so much more. This year’s tag line is VC Fair Rides Again. Even the Junior Livestock show has returned, see info page 3. The Ventura County Fair 2022 “VC Fair Rides Again” runs August 3-14 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. For more information please visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call (805) 648-3376. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
 Pictured is the unregistered revolver handgun found in possession of Ismael Hernandez, 31 of Fillmore, at the time police conducted their investigation. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 29, 2022, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives conducted directed enforcement in the City of Fillmore and arrested a subject for local warrants, unlawful firearm possession, and a narcotics violation. On July 29, 2022, at approximately 2017 hours, detectives made a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 800 block of 3rd Street in Fillmore while conducting directed enforcement. Ismael Hernandez was a passenger in the vehicle. Hernandez was wanted for local misdemeanor warrants and he is on probation for narcotics violations. Detectives searched the vehicle, pursuant to Hernandez’s probation search terms, and determined he was in possession of an unregistered revolver handgun and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. Hernandez was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for his warrants, firearm violations, and possession of a controlled substance. On August 2, 2022, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed felony and misdemeanor charges against Hernandez for the case. Hernandez remains in Ventura County Jail custody with an upcoming court date and his bail was set at $10,000.00. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities from criminal street gang terrorism and reducing violent crime by actively investigating illegal firearm activities. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of illegal firearm activities in Ventura County. If you have any information about unlawful firearm activities in the West County areas in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, including in Fillmore, Saticoy, El Rio, and Ojai, please contact Detective Sergeant Beau Rodriguez at 805-767-0360. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Community: News Story - Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest Dear Fillmore Gazette, Nature of Incident: Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest 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). |
 Fillmore’s Jack Stethem with the Hinckley House Little Free library which currently sits in front of the Fillmore Historical Museum. Photos credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Jack Stethem and his wife, Joleen, came to Fillmore in 1964. Like his father, Jack became a painting contractor and Joleen worked at Fillmore High School while raising their family. Jack got his private pilot’s license and kept a plane at the Santa Paula Airport which he flew regularly. Jack also became active as a volunteer at the Fillmore Historical Museum, also serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Jack and Joleen both retired in 2004. That was when Jack took up wood working. He started small, building boats for the children of friends, but slowly worked up to bigger projects. One day in about 2010, Marie Wren called Jack and asked if he could build a “Little Free Library” for in front of her home. Jack at that time hadn’t known that “Little Free Libraries” were a “thing,” but Marie educated him on their history and started him on this new path. They chose the Museum’s 1887 Southern Pacific Depot to be the model for her library. Soon other people were inquiring about Jack building libraries for them and he was off and running. Since that initial project, Jack has built Little Free Libraries modeled on Trinity Episcopal Church, a home on Foothill Drive, the Hinckley House at the Museum site on Main Street, as well a as ones on Clay Street and B Street. When the Fillmore Library was closed during the pandemic, these little libraries saw much use. On display in the Museum are replicas of the Santa Clara “Little Red” School House on Highway 126, a model of the Guiberson Barn and a diorama of a condor habitat, all Jack Stethem’s creations. If you see Jack and Joleen on their daily walk along the bike path, leaving a trail of goodies for the local bunnies, quail and squirrels, stop and thank him for doing his part to make Fillmore Special. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent. Dear FUSD Community, The beginning of each school year is always time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure that we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools. Staff have been working all summer long to prepare for the upcoming school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as: • School counselors at every school site We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all school sites. Each year, all staff receives training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school conducts regular emergency drills and we will continue to have school resource officers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School to build relationships and respond in the event of a school emergency. COVID safety measures for the upcoming school year can be found on the FUSD website. Please also consider supporting our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and other schools/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations along with your student's teachers, principals, counselors, and support personnel is critical to your child's success in school. I am looking forward to seeing our students back on our campuses on Wednesday, August 17th. I am confident that working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students. Proud to be a part of FUSD. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 Cara Hazard, 6th Grade Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School. A proud member of the Bulldog Family since the spring of 2020, Ms. Cara Hazard was immediately thrown into action as she helped navigate the difficulties of distance learning brought on by the COVID pandemic. Ms. Hazard is thrilled to be back for her second full year of in person learning, and as this years 6th grade assistant principal she cannot wait to meet all the incoming students who are just beginning the next step in their educational journey. Ms. Hazard began her career in education as a para-educator with the Saugus Union School District from 2005 until 2007. From there she went on to her first teaching job in the Palmdale School District, where she gained experience at both the elementary and middle school levels. In 2015 she would spend a year teaching middle school algebra in Albuquerque, New Mexico before returning to her teaching roots in Palmdale. All told the time she spent in Palmdale would see her twice voted as teacher of the year, and she would spend 5 years as an administrative intern. All these experiences helped lead her to the amazing opportunity of assistant principal at Fillmore Middle School (Go Bulldogs!). Growing up just down the road in Santa Clarita, Ms. Hazard attended Cal State Northridge. There she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Always striving for more knowledge, Ms. Hazard prides herself on being a lifelong learner and an avid reader. There are few things she loves more than sitting outside on a beautiful day with a good book in hand. Ms. Hazard loves fostering an environment where students know that they are respected and cared for, believing it is paramount to educational success. She welcomes open communication with all our Bulldog family. Ms. Hazard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to what will undoubtedly be a strong leadership team that will benefit not only Fillmore Middle School but our surrounding community. |