I am sure many of you, like me, drive up and down Central Ave, or Sespe Avenue, and have taken notice of the aging Military Banners! The Military Banners are proudly displayed as a way of showing the Santa Clara Valley Community's support for those who are sacrificing daily for us here at home as active members of one of the five Military Services. Considering the Military Banners are up in all kinds of weather 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and 365-days a year, for nearly five years, they have not really done too badly! Many citizens of the Santa Clara Valley Community have commented on the condition of the Military Banners and wondered if they could be cleaned, repaired, or replaced. A small committee consisting of Virginia A. de la Piedra, City Manager David Rowlands, Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood have been meeting to find the best way to refurbish, or replace the Military Banners. It appears, however, the only sure way to ensure the Military Banners are made to look new again is to replace them! To replace the Military Banners is very costly, but not an impossible task for this Community!

The City of Fillmore has a commitment from a corporate sponsor for a, yet to be specified amount donation, to freshen up the Military Banners displayed on Central Avenue and Sespe Avenue. The donation will, however, fall short of the nearly $13,000 needed to order and replace the approximate sixty-eight Banners now prominently displayed showing this Community's support for those who are currently serving in the military.

Virginia A. de la Piedra has for many years been the caretaker of this program and maintained the finances to order each Banner for our troops from the Santa Clara Valley. Virginia says that although there are still some monies left in the account there is not enough to match what the corporate sponsor is expected to donate for this replenishment program. Other donations are expected from Military Service Organizations, local Service Clubs, Businesses and private persons.

One of the difficult tasks for Virginia has been to keep track of those persons with Banners, now displayed, who may have left Military service and are no longer currently serving. If a family member of someone now displaying a Military Banner knows of their separation from the military Virginia would like to be notified so that a new Banner is not purchased for that person. Virginia can be reached at 805-524-4091, or by email militarybanners@yahoo.com, or by writing her, United Parents for Education, P.O. Box 220, Fillmore, CA 93016. The Banner now on display would be removed along with all the Banners and would be given to the family, or to the person no longer serving at a special ceremony in front of the Fillmore City Council.

As the time is fast approaching to order these new Military Banners it is again being requested that anyone wishing to donate monies to replenish the existing Military Banners with new Banners to do so by dropping off a check at the City of Fillmore, or with Virginia A. de la Piedra. Your donation is tax deductible and you will be given a 501 © tax identification number in a confirmation letter accepting your donation. It is also further needed the names of those no longer serving in the military so as not to unnecessarily purchase Military Banners that will not be displayed. Please be generous with your donations to show our currently serving military members that Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale and the entire Santa Clara Valley continues to support them.

Pride in America Day was celebrated Tuesday, May 22 at Fillmore Middle School. This year, veterans were asked to go into individual classrooms before the assembly to speak to students about their experiences in the military and answer questions. The veterans were amazed at the interest of the students and the variety of questions. The assembly began with a military honor guard from Port Hueneme posting colors and was followed by a moving tribute to veterans. It also included performances of song, dance, and music. The student officers of the Pride in America Club beautifully emceed the entire assembly. Except for last year when the gym was undergoing repairs,
Pride in America Day has been held since 1995. This year was the best one ever. The teacher responsible for this wonderful tribute to America is Laurie Merrill. Besides being an incredible science teacher, Mrs. Merrill is responsible for the Pride in America Club, a group of about 40 students who meet every Wednesday during lunch throughout the year to plan the Pride in America Day. Under Mrs. Merrill's guidance, they become leaders. These wonderful students go on to high school and function as leaders there and continue as such into college and life. Mrs. Merrill has generously given her time and talents to this club on a voluntary basis. She and her students not only make Fillmore Unified School District look good, but also make Fillmore look good. Over the years, many people have commented that every school should have a Pride in America Day. I congratulate the school administration for permitting this wonderful program to continue. Thank you, also, to the teachers and staff who support this. Special praise is due Mrs. Merrill for her countless hours of work. Fillmore Middle School is truly blessed to have her.

City of Fillmore

The May 27, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting had two proclamations and two presentations that included the 2014/2015 City Budget. New business was a review and intent to increase the assessments for the Landscape and Lighting District, the Heritage Valley Lighting District and the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District.

Fillmore's Finance Director Gaylynn Brien presented the Council the proposed 2014/2015 Budget. With the judgment of the Sales Tax Settlement in Fillmore's favor and using conservative projections, she presented a balanced budget with future revenue covering expenditures. One negative item is an expected increase in sewer rates by 3% from $89.60 (average) to $92.29 effective August 1, 2014 or possibly January 1, 2015, depending on the Council's future decision. Some capital projects the City hopes to fund, if surplus funds become available, are improvements to Two Rivers Park Tot Lot, Two Rivers Park Bicycle Pump Track and Pole Creek Bike Path.

The meeting began with a proclamation to the Ebell Club for their many years of service to the community and recent generous donations of over $100,000 to a wide range of organizations and activities such as the Annual Art Show, Fillmore High School Music Program, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and Two Rivers Park. Accepting the plaque were Mary Ford and Marlene Schreffler.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) received the next proclamation. Accepting the plaque was Macie Wokal, Hannah Wisehart-Saviers, Jessica Manginelli, Timmy Klittich, Joe Ricards-Advisor, and Scott Beylik-FFA Booster President.

Film director Bryan CONTINUED »

Athletes from 13 high schools participated in the Fourth Annual Navy SEAL Invitational at the Naval Special Warfare Center May 10th, 2014. The 13 high schools each brought teams of 7 athletes (plus one alternate) to compete in a race comprised of Navy SEAL physical training techniques.

The tournament included physical and mental challenges that pushed the athletes to succeed beyond their expectations. The event consisted of both water and land challenges that required individual persistence, determination, athleticism, strength, endurance and enthusiasm.

The day of the Invitational began with a parachute demonstration by the U.S. Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs”. Their jump began in the clouds, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

Next the student athletes were assembled at the Official BUD/S Obstacle Course where they completed almost all of the official course. They then went on to complete a three-mile run with a 35-pound sand bag (in the soft sand!), and then had two team members swim 400 yards in the Pacific Ocean, next was a relay with the 35 pound sand bag, a rope climb completed by one member, and finally each team had to work together to complete 70 pull-ups, 300 sit-ups, and 300 push-ups.

The athletes at the invitational represented several different sports and athletic backgrounds such football, track, wrestling, and swimming, but one thing they all had in common was their dedication to teamwork. One of the goals for the students is to learn they can never give up, and to rely on their teammates. That is something that The Navy SEALs instill in them.

Student athletes from the following high schools competed this year … from Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego; Central Catholic HS, Modesto; Coronado HS, Coronado; Del Norte HS, San Poway; Eastlake HS, Chula Vista; Fillmore HS, Fillmore; Hoover HS, San Diego; Irvine HS, Irvine; Lincoln HS, San Diego; Mount Miguel HS, Spring Valley; St. Augustine HS, San Diego; and Thomas Downey HS, Modesto. Friends and family joined the event as spectators. Students who attended from Fillmore High School were Angel Velez, Donovan Mitchell, Jessie Vasquez, Josh Ruiz, Matt Hammond, Michael Castro, Nick Bartels, Tereck Morales. Dr. Nishino, Michael Johnson, Mrs. Morielli and Bob and Lisa Hammond were also able to attend this amazing event.

The Navy SEAL Invitational is a great way to promote physical fitness in a competitive environment. It’s also an exciting event that offers a rare peek inside Naval Special Warfare training while providing these athletes with an awareness of opportunities available in the Naval Special Warfare community. Navy SEALs are elite maritime special operators who take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. They work quietly to carry out the nation's most important missions without being detected by enemies. There are fewer than 2,500 active duty SEALs.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nsw/

City of Fillmore

05/06/14
Found Property
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Narcotics Violation
800 Blk. Edison Ln.
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Main St.
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
ADW
900 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Narcotics Violation
Clay St./Santa Clara St.
05/07/14
Vandalism
30 Blk. East Telegraph Rd.
Fight
Mountain View St./Sespe Ave.
Narcotics Violation
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
Dead Body
300 Blk. D St.
Drunk in Public
300 Blk. Central Ave.
05/08/14
Search Warrant CONTINUED »

2013 Alumni Dinner
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2013 Alumni Dinner
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Amber and Karl serving up the "Flashback" special drink for the 2014 Alumni Dinner
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A little bit of Fillmore High Alumni Dinner History. In the early 1900's the annual dinner meetings were held on the High School campus, with individual class meetings being held in separate class rooms following the dinner. The dinners , which usually consisted of pit barbecue, were prepared by various groups, including Albert (Dutch) Bartels '26, and his crew, and Ed Burson and his group. They were held with attendees sitting at tables on the benches made from Citrus picking boxes and 1x12's. The dinners were held on the old tennis courts, which were where the cafeteria is now located. After 1951 they were held between the current Gym, and the Cafeteria, on the High school quad, and eventually at the Memorial Building where the meals were prepared by the Fillmore Club, headed by K.B. Rogers '46 and Ron Godfrey '62. Eventually as it grew in numbers being served, it was moved to the City Park and now it's back at the Memorial Building lawn area. For those of you who attended last year's party of the year, you remember how beautifully decorated the memorial building was with pictures blown up and memorabilia dating back 100 years. Well, the current board members are at it again bringing out more beautiful pictures, and are planning to knock your socks off with a wonderful 1940's Alumni dinner exhibit. This is just a hint of what you'll be able to see at this year's event. Come celebrate our Alma Mater. We hope you join us for a wonderful meal, lots of laughter, and a night to remember in Fillmore on June 14th. Here's the info: The Alumni Dinner event is $35.00 per person if you're a subscriber to the Alumni Newsletter. If you are not, the event cost is $40.00 per person before June 7th. After June 7th, and at the door, the cost is $45.00 per person. Here's how you get your dinner reservations. You can go to Patterson's Hardware Store, (They are open 7 days a week) fill out the form, and leave your payment there. This will guarantee your entry to the event, or you can go online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com and print out a dinner reservation form there, and either mail it in or drop it off at the Alumni Office. The Alumni Office is located at 540 Sespe Ave #6 and will be open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. If the door is locked, just slide your payment under the door. It's checked daily. Last year's Alumni dinner was sold out, so please don't be left out at this year's celebration. Any questions, please call 805-524-0416. See you all on June 14th!