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By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
 Saturday proved to be a day to remember in Fillmore and much of California. Record rains hit the area, an anomaly for July. Heavy thunderstorms and showers pounded the Santa Clara Valley, much needed in the drought stricken valley. The weather service issued flash flood advisories along the southern foothills of the Ventura County Mountains. Pictured is runoff from the storm in the Santa Clara River. Fillmore received .89 inches of rain as of Sunday night. South Mountain got .97 inches. Several power outages hit Fillmore due to lightening strikes. A major one occurred at 3:47 p.m. on July 18th. Five-hundred and three SoCal Edison customers were impacted. Service was restored on July 19th by 6:00 a.m. Enlarge Photo |
 Pictured on their Monday thru Friday walk are (l-r) Jolene Stehem, Tasha-4 year old Bizsla, Jack Stethem, Susan Berdahl, Susan Wilson, and Rylee with 8 y-ear old white Labrador Retriever. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
 Keeping the trail clean for others to enjoy. DogPots are available along bike path for dog-owner convenience. Each morning, Monday thru Friday four friends meet in the parking lot of Shiells Park at around 7:30 and walk together, on the bike path, from Old Telegraph Rd south to the City of Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant and back! A distance of about 3.5-miles. With them are their two dogs, Tasha and Rylee. Now, although they are long-time Fillmore residents, their bond is not that they grew up together, or were they high school classmates, or even lived in the same neighborhood! Their bond grew from the love of the early Fillmore mornings, native birds, wildlife, and the enjoyment of sharing conversations on just about anything, with just about anybody they meet along the way! During their trek one of them carries wild bird seed to scatter for the many quail, pigeons, sparrows, robins, and a cottontail, or squirrel, who live in this wildlife oasis bordering the Sespe Creek. Conscious that they are visitors to this area the two walking their dogs dutifully pick up deposits left by Tasha and Rylee and carry the baggies back home for disposal. While walking they have made many acquaintances who travel this same path, by bike, walking, or jogging! Many times it is a simple good morning that is said, but more often than not a hug, or handshake is given and a moment, or two of conversation about family, health, or, I'll admit, even some juicy gossip! There are the two Volkswagen Enthusiast brothers who walk nearly every day, but don't walk together because their pace and distance walked are different. There is George the Fillmore Ambassador endlessly waving at passing motorist. There are the carriage-pushing mother's running at an amazing clip with their sometimes sleeping children. And, there are many other anonymous dog walkers, joggers and an occasional coyote, pond turtle, bullfrog, or abandoned dog all populating this two-mile stretch. All are benefactors of a cheery "Good Morning" from this group of four! The four consist of Navy Veteran, longtime Fillmore Lion's Club member, and retired business owner of Jack Stethem Painting, who in 40 years of business has painted many homes and commercial buildings in and around Fillmore. Jack, Jack's wife Jolene, who worked for 39 years as the Fillmore High School Principal's Secretary, and is now retired. Jack and Jolene have two sons, Brian 56 of Fillmore, and, Mark, who passed in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Jolene walks her Grand-dog, Tasha, a four year old female Bizsla breed. Susan Wilson (Mitchell), a Fillmore native and co-owner, with her husband Rex, of Mikrex Centerless Grinding in Fillmore. Susan has one daughter, Aubree, 26 years of Fillmore. Susan walks with her eight year old white Labrador Retriever, Rylee; and, Susan Berdahl (Meyers), also a Fillmore native, housewife and Teacher's Aide for the Fillmore Christian Academy. Susan and her husband Duane have four children, Erin 23, Nicholas 20, Rebecca 17, and David 14. In addition to being passionate about the wildlife seen daily on the trail, each are very concerned about violations of the leash law they see daily and the failure of picking up after your dog while enjoying the bike path. Although they bring their own bags to pick up after Tasha and Rylee, it is evident others do not, or do they use the provided bags located at the entrance to the trail. Currently only one of the containers that provide the bags is still there near the Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant. The others have been damaged, or removed by vandals. Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, State-wide, but is is also for the protection of your dog, other dogs as well as other people using the bicycle path. On the morning I took this picture it was just another one of the many beautiful mornings we enjoy here in Fillmore! Keep building up those miles Jack, Jolene, Tasha, Susan, Rylee and Susan and sharing your goodwill! I'll look for you again tomorrow! |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department A Cockfighting event took place in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road, Fillmore on July 18th, at 7 a.m.. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126). When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. Four subjects were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. They were Fermin Navarro, 32 of Sylmar; Lucio Vasquez-Sanchez, 34 of Ojai; Rodrigo Suarez-Guzman, 28 of Ojai; and Abraham Figueroa, 54 of Piru. Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds. The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred. Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
Domino’s Joins UBS To Thank Donors With Pizza!
Recent blood usage has been high, and even though blood donations since the July 4th holiday have been strong, donors are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply the rest of the summer. As a special thank you to our summer blood donors, United Blood Services has partnered with Domino’s, to give each volunteer blood donor a certificate for a free 1-topping medium pizza through September 8th. Your donation is particularly needed in the summer because the supply of blood goes down right when the demand goes up for three main reasons. 1) We don't hold high school drives and we hold very little college blood drives as most kids are out of school for the summer. 2) Family and friends are off vacationing and having fun and forget to donate. 3) The demand for blood goes up as more people are out on the roads and participating in summer activities. While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative and Type AB (positive or negative) are especially needed, as there is currently a shortage of these blood types. O-negative red cells can be transfused to anyone. O-negative red blood cells are often used to help patients when there is no time to determine the patient’s own blood type. Likewise, type AB plasma can be given to all patients, and is the only plasma used for trauma patients and neonatal babies! Donations may be made at convenient locations throughout the Central & Southern California Region in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and a number of community blood drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877.UBS.HERO; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored. Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. Ste. A, Ventura, CA 93003 |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 21st, 2015
 American Red Cross of Ventura County The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in August and help meet the constant need for blood products by patients. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Despite travel and other activities that may cause some donors to be less available to give, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. With more summer days ahead, every blood donation is important in helping ensure blood is available for patients in need, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those who need it. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oxnard Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura Westlake Village How to donate blood About the American Red Cross |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 21st, 2015
SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the first confirmed death in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The deceased person was a senior citizen in Nevada County. “This death is a tragic reminder of how severe West Nile virus disease can be,” said Dr. Smith. “West Nile virus activity is more widespread in 2015 than in years past. Californians need to be vigilant in protecting themselves.” WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV. It is possible that the drought has contributed to WNV amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. As birds and mosquitoes seek water, they are coming into closer contact and amplifying the transmission of the virus. Thirty-three California counties have reported WNV activity so far this year, four more than this time last year and above the five-year average of 22. To date, 497 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, which exceeds the five-year average of 330. WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness. CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”: 1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. 2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes. 3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency. California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, July 21st, 2015
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sheriff’s deputies from the Fillmore station received an anonymous tip of a possible Cockfighting event in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road in Fillmore. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126). When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. The four subjects above were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds. The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred. Nature of Incident: Animal Cruelty 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). |
 (l-r) Guy Olvera, 35 of Santa Paula, Jaylene Mata, 18 of Fillmore, Raylene Juarez, 28 of Santa Paula. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 15th, 2015
On July 8, 2015, at approximately 1623 hours, Santa Paula Police Officers were dispatched to Martini's Auto Sales at 801 block E. Main St regarding a carjacking that just occurred. The reporting party stated a female, identified as Jaylene Mata,went into the business and requested to test drive a vehicle. While test driving the vehicle, Mata pulled over in the area of 11th and Main St and picked up three males. The salesman from Martini Auto Sales heard what he believed to be someone chambering a round into a handgun from the back seat. One of the males in the back seat told the salesman to get out of the vehicle and threatened to kill him if he told anyone. The four subjects fled in the vehicle east on Main St. At approximately 1641 hours, Officers located the vehicle traveling north on 8th Street. A high risk traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Jaylene Mata who claims to be a gang member, was found to be driving the vehicle and was arrested for 215(a) PC, Carjacking, 136.1(a) PC, Intimidating a Witness and 182(a) PC, Conspiracy. Guy Olvera, a documented gang member, was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle and was arrested for 215(a) PC, carjacking, 136.1(a) PC Intimidating a Witness and 182(a) PC, Conspiracy. A second female identified as Raylene Juarez, 28-years-old from Santa Paula, was found in the passenger seat. Juarez was arrested for 11550(a) H&S, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. No other persons were found in the vehicle. Both Olvera and Mata were transported to the Ventura County Jail. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 15th, 2015
Fillmore was shaking, rattling and almost rolling last week but no one seemed to notice. More than 90 earthquakes swarmed through the area, ranging from 2.0 to 2.8. The quakes started at 4pm Wednesday, July 8th, with a magniture-2.0 quake, striking 4 miles west of Fillmore. Only two of the quakes measured above a 2.5-magnitude, according to the US Geological Survey. A 2.8-magniture struck at 6:33am Thursday, July 9th, 3 miles west of Fillmore, and amagnitude-2.6 quake hit at 11:04am, Thursday, 4 miles west of Fillmore. Seismologist Lucy Jones by tweeting “EQ swarms like today’s have occurred in the past in Ventura basin. They start gradually and usually last for several days and then terminate.” The quakes seem to have dissipated after a couple of days, which Jones said is common. Fillmore has several faults surrounding it including: the Timber Canyon Fault, the San Cayetano Fault, and the infamous Oak Ridge Fault, which cause considerable damage during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, July 15th, 2015
 This year’s Ventura County Fair Poster was presented to Council by Ashley Ruiz and Luke Sylvester from Santa Paula, and Chloe Richardson and Hannah Wishart-Saviers from Fillmore. The drought continues to plague California as water becomes a scarcer natural resource and Fillmore is no different. Although Fillmore has a sufficient water supply to meet its present demands more water resources are needed for future residential and commercial growth. The July 14, 2015 Fillmore City Council addressed that issue while discussing the North Fillmore Specific Plan (NFSP). Owners of property located east pf Goodenough Road and south of a future 7th St. in North Fillmore are requesting to move forward with the application process of the NFSP. This same developer submitted an application back in 2008 for review without architectural plans which is contrary to Fillmore Zoning Code. The Council at that time agreed to let the application proceed. In November of that same year Measure I was approved by Fillmore voters which reduced the number of residential units in the North Fillmore Plan to 350, half of the original 700, resulting in a density of 5 units per acre. The next month the applicant responded with a Tentative Track Map, but stopped moving forward with the project in February 2009. The property is currently a citrus grove of 100 year old trees, which according to the developer are not producing fruit and stated the water lines are aged and will soon need repair He stated his doubts that the City will approve the repairs due to the tearing up of the roadway that it will require. Another problem is the orchards butts up to neighborhoods with bees from the orchard hives. Also there is noise from the pesticide spraying required to kill the Asian Citrus Psyllid. The developer is prepared to move forward once again with the project which consists of subdividing 2, 10 acre parcels for 85 to 88 single family residential homes with 15% of those being affordable housing. Ten of the acres CONTINUED » |