 Pictured above are several of the individuals recognized for help and support they gave during the Goodenough Fire Incident. They all received plaques from the City of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting was the first meeting since Council Member Eduardo Gonzalez turned in his resignation. Council Member Brian Sipes was not in attendance leaving the dais with only three members. That is just enough to have a quorum. The meeting began with a presentation by Assistant Capt. Chief Bill Herrera and recognition of all those who helped with the Goodenough Fire. Also addressing the Council was Leslie Klinchuch regarding the Chevron Project and Roger Campbell announcing the upcoming Honey Festival and BBQ Cookoff. Other agenda items included replacing the vacant Council seat, finances, weed abatement, road pavement and possible revenue for the Water Treatment Plant. An item of concern was what to do about the vacant Council seat left by the resignation of Council Member Gonzalez on April 15, 2013. Fillmore Municipal Code does not include procedures for filling vacancies or holding special elections, therefore the City must follow the requirements of the Government Code which states within 60 days after a vacancy the Council may appoint someone or wait until the next regularly established election date. The Council decided to appoint someone and not wait for an election. One of the reasons for doing so was the cost. To put it on the November 5, 2013 ballot as a Special Election would cost $23,000 and the person elected would have a term of only one year. If the Council appoints someone immediately there would be very little cost, excluding the time donated to interviewing. The appointment would be for a year and a half. The interview process consists of 8 questions (two from each of the present Council Members) and could take place as early as April 30, 2013 when a Special Meeting is being held to consider a new City Manager. The concern with having an appointment quickly is to assure there will be enough Council Members present to have a quorum at each meeting should one or more of the present members are absent. Council seat applications CONTINUED » |
|
By Joe Woods — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
A play written and directed by Josh Overton is coming to the Sespe Auditorium, April 26, 27, 28th, May 3rd and 5th, May 10, 11, and 13th. It will be presented by the Sespe Players and the Fillmore High School Drama Club. “Totally Rad 2! Camp Bigfoot!” will be the big comeback play for Overton; more about that later. Show times for the play are, Friday and Saturday shows 7pm: Sunday shows 2pm. Tickets will be on sale at the door or from the cast members and Sespe Players. The cost is $5 for students, $7 for adults; and the great bargain of $15 for every show to watch over and over again. The play is based at a summer camp in 1988. The cool bright clothes and the huge hair will all be there of the 80’s and the music of the 80’s will be so rad! The young and not so young will all enjoy the musical written and directed by Overton. “This show drove me to be healthy as quick as I can,” stated Overton. After a long, hard, painful, battle with Cancer in August of 2012, Overton is back cancer free and working at what he loves best, Theater Arts. “It was good to have a deadline to have a script; to have everything done in a certain time. It motivated me to get as healthy as soon as I could. The Theater and the high school group of young people at Fillmore High School are the reasons I wanted to get back to work and get healthy again,” said Josh. “I feel good right now. I am tired, but no more than any other show.” The cast and crew have been working long, hard hours to bring Fillmore and Ventura County the best show possible. You all need to come and see what happens when a bunch of high school age kids show up for summer camp in 1988. Come and get to know Sophie the shy girl, and Eddie the Bigfoot loving nerd. Find out how cool Michael is and, how much Kim has a crush on him. Come and meet the wacky and funny camp counselors, Chas and Mags. They will introduce you to the bad kid, Kenny. And you may even find out why they call it Camp Bigfoot! The music will take you back in time along with the over-the-top clothes and HUGE hair. This is one you’ll regret missing folks. Overton’s comeback play is one of, if not the best play he has written. “I need to say thank you to my Incredible wife Inger and my great kids, Ian, and Erin. Inger has always been my rock and my biggest fan, but this past year, more than any other. Inger has had to sacrifice and keep our family solvent.” “I am more fortunate than anyone can imagine that I can still devote so much time away from my family to do this show, all because Inger supports me unquestioningly.” Many thanks need to be said: Anthony Leal for all the hard work you have done to make this show work. To Tim Overton and his crew, this show would never work without you guys; Assistant Directors Lisa Munoz and Jessica Givan, and Director of Choreography Hannah Faith, the cast hopes we do you all proud. So Fillmore come on out and have a great time! Get a babysitter for the kids under 5 years, make it a date night with a loved one or a friend. This is cheaper and better than any movie out there right now, and it’s live and done by hard working Fillmore loving people. I will say this Dude, It will be so Totally Rad man! And look out Fillmore, Bigfoot is out there. He has been seen around town, FOR SURE! |
|
By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
If you could not find a parking space downtown last weekend, Thomas the Tank Engine is to blame! Whenever the bright blue engine with the forever smile rides the rails into town, Fillmore quickly gets populated by a throng of young'uns from all parts of Southern California. But can't blame the kids! Thomas the Tank Engine is soooo lovable... what with a huge beguiling grin and that oh-so unforgettable 'toot-toot'. That pervasive 'toot-toot' is not unlike the 'It's a Small World' tune playing in your head forever after a visit to Disneyland. There's no denying that Thomas the Tank Engine is the epitome of charm. Accordingly... an often heard refrain upon disembarking after a train ride with the infamous Thomas the Tank Engine is: 'No Johnny, we cannot take Thomas home with us'. And Johnny sobs... hoping the tactic with soften mom and dad's disposition. Doesn't work. Dad justifies the 'no' by explaining that their boat trailer is just too small for Thomas. But if you think the love affair is just between Thomas and kids... think again. Lots of grandparents are also seen swooning over Thomas. On the train... giggly grandparents wax nostalgic as Thomas nimbly propels them down the tracks. It's true... nostalgia is never out of style in Fillmore. If you missed toot-toot... er... Thomas the Tank Engine last weekend... fret not! The big, blue choo choo will be rambling up and down the tracks again this weekend. All aboard!!! Toot-toot! |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 On the morning of April 22, about a mile south of the Bardsdale turn, a truck lays on it side. Photo courtesy Robert Sube. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department responded to the 600 block of Ventura St. (Vons Grocery Store) on 4/18/2013 for an unknown type odor. Upon arrival Fillmore Fire Chief determined there were several Vons employees displaying coughing and difficult breathing symptoms. There were a total of eight patients, five were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals. Cause of the problem was linked to an oven fire that happened earlier in the day. No other injuries were reported. Vons reopened a few hours later. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department A juvenile suspect was arrested in connection with an indecent exposure incident and later linked to two incidents of sexual battery. On April 18, 2013, a 15 year-old juvenile was arrested at his home a short time after a female reported being the victim of an indecent exposure. The female reported a young male approached her on a residential street and exposed his genitals to her. Patrol deputies responded and were able to locate the suspect who was subsequently arrested. The juvenile was lodged in juvenile hall. Fillmore Police Detectives linked the juvenile to two sexual batteries, which occurred in the same vicinity in mid March, 2013. Anyone having information related to these incidents, or has been the victim of similar crimes, is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department. Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested in Sexual Battery / Indecent Exposure Incidents |
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, April 18th, 2013
People with any info about these suspects call 1-800-CALL-FBI
|
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, April 18th, 2013
People with any info about these suspects call 1-800-CALL-FBI
|
|
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 17th, 2013
The April 16,2013 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Members heard both good and bad news. The good news is that the roofing of the gym has started and progress is on course for the opening of Rio Vista Elementary. Also, there was recognition of a student, Lindsey Bravo, who accomplished a goal and helped other students in doing so. The bad news is there are problems with bullying at Fillmore Middle School (FMS) that have parents very upset. Other items discussed were the purchase of a new math text for K-6 and new online courses. Parents of students who attend FMS will be happy to know that the leaky gym roof is in the process of being repaired and will be completed by May 31st. While this is being done the staff are working on a new design for the modular classroom roofs. Hopefully it will be an improvement on what is being replaced and hold up better. Board Member Virginia De La Piedra made a statement that people saying the roof was only twelve years old were mistaken and that the roof was over 20 years old. The Board agreed that when the original roof was being discussed they all wanted a pitched roof, but the cost to do so was too high and they were assured at the time by the builder that the flat style would not leak. This proved to be untrue but the company went bankrupt and little recourse remained. The cost to replace the roof is $454,393.44 with an added $5,600.00 for additional labor and materials necessary to replace deteriorated rain gutter system on the North and South lower roofs. The Board agreed to the added cost saying it would cost more to do it later as a separate project. Juan Toledo, father CONTINUED » |
 Pictured are Ray Llyod, Luanne Perez, Jack Stethem, Mark Ortega, Carmen Zermeno, Loni Larson, Katie Berber and Bene Amborsio. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 17th, 2013
Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee’s “Fiesta of Flowers”, Flower Show is over and all volunteers who have worked hard in preparations, set up & take down endeavors are enjoying the “glow” of pleasure that comes with appreciative comments from attendees and the satisfaction of having another great display of amazing, locally grown flowers and creative minds at work. There were many entering for the first time and many who came and spoke of wanting to enter next year. We have offered workshops each year, hoping to increase participation. Statistics showed that our “single stem cut rose” division had the largest number of entries at 123 roses, the second largest division, “other single stem cut flowers” at 37 and iris with 19, bouquets and miniatures with 15 each and youth entries at 14. The smallest divisions were the “dish garden” at 7 entries, “potted plants” at 5 and “arrangements” at 8 entries. There were 243 entries in all. Best of Show (Grand Prize) went to Mark Ortega with his variegated, orange flowered, Ambutilon potted plant. Division winners were: I Roses-Ray Lloyd (Peace), II Iris-Luanne Perez, III Other Single Stem Flower- Jack Stethem (New Zealand Tea Tree), IV Bouquets- Bene Ambrosio (white Watsonia “Brizza”), V Arrangements- Carolyn Lasky (Green Goddess Calla Lillies), VI Miniature Arrangements & Bouquets- Loni Larson, VII Potted Plant- Mark Ortega (Varigated Orange Ambutilon), VIII Dish Garden- Carmen Zermeno (succulents), IX Youth Arrangements- Katie Berber (roses in sombrero), X Youth Composition- Arielle Estrada ( collage with prose). Many merchants & individuals gave their support by donating door raffle prizes which helps us raise funds for future shows and projects in the community. We owe them a big “thank you” and ask that people check out their stores, shop locally and express your appreciation for their involvement in the Fillmore community efforts. Merchants donating prizes: Chivas Skin Care in Bardsdale, Cookie Lee Jewelry (Ari Larson), Diamond Realty Team (Robledo family), Elkin’s Golf Course, Fox & Hound Treasures & Antiques, Nanette Keller Clothing, Otto & Sons Nursery, Patterson’s Hardware, Vallarta Restaurant, Vic’s Tires. Merchants from Ventura that made donations were Green Thumb Nursery and Trader Joe’s. Local artists, Judy Dressler and Wana Klasen donated lovely paintings and King & King Ranch donated beautiful fruit baskets. Carolyn Lasky once again donated her special orchids. There will be a BBQ at the King Ranch for all who volunteered in helping at the show to review the show and gain fresh perspective for next year. If you have ideas that could help us work “smarter” in promoting, providing workshops, fundraising or in any other capacity, please get your comments to Linda Nunes at 524-3021 or to Joanne King at 524-4904. We are actively seeking people who might be interested in involvement as leaders or helpers. It is a great way to meet people and make a difference in your community! |
