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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
Story and photos by Bob Crum
The rapidly approaching Christmas season brings forth a wealth of family traditions. Traditions as faithful as gravity. Hanging Christmas stockings. Putting out milk and cookies for Santa. The night on the town singing Christmas carols. Wrapping gifts to put under the lavishly decorated tree. Wait. Stop right there! The TREE! The all important TREE. The center piece of the Christmas holiday decorations. Its procurement deserves some serious consideration. Read on. Of course... lots of tree lots sell nice trees. But have you thought about selecting and cutting your very own, personal Christmas tree? Aha... most likely you haven't. And most likely you're passing up an awesome opportunity to establish a new family tradition... presuming that it does not presently exist. Choosing and cutting your personal Christmas tree might become a tradition, youngsters and oldsters alike will talk about and treasure for ages. People from all over Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties come to Fillmore to continue - or begin - their established Christmas tree tradition. Why shouldn't Fillmore families participate also? This fabulous tradition begins right here in Fillmore with a train ride on the Fillmore & Western Railway Christmas tree train. At the tree farm... everybody heads out into the field checking this tree or that tree until... THIS ONE!... the perfect Christmas tree is discovered. Sometimes a family vote may be appropriate to insure that indeed the perfect tree is found. Then the sawing begins. After the cutting... it's put on a tractor-drawn wagon to be taken to the shaking and wrapping stations and put aboard the train for the tip back to Fillmore. From there it promptly goes into the designated spot in your home. Let's review. You go to the drugstore and buy a Christmas tree to take home to decorate. Whoa! How exciting is that? Now picture this: The kids are frolicking to and fro in a field of gorgeous, vibrant trees... seeking the ONE! And there... right there!... is YOUR special, delightful tree. Depending on the age of the kids... they might participate in the cutting. Otherwise dad or granddad gets involved. Maybe everybody gets involved because... after all... it's a family project. The tree is finally cut... and put on the wagon to be taken to the train for the ride home. In addition to the satisfaction of finding and cutting your very one Christmas tree... imagine the thrill and enjoyment everyone will experience by riding on the train. Imagine indeed! Back home... the magical tree is put in its special place and decorated oh-so-beautifully. And an awesome Christmas family tradition is born. A treasure to behold for decades. The Christmas tree trains run at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through December 16. No time to dilly-dally. Blink twice and Christmas will be here. Another fun event for the kids... and tons of adults as well... is the North Pole Express. Riders on the Polar Express are encouraged to wear pajamas... yes P.J.'s... on the trip to the North Pole. You'll jump right into the Christmas spirit as carols are sung. Cookies and chocolate milk is served. And who do you think is waiting at the North Pole? Santa Claus! Oh what fun it is!!! Details about the fun trains described and other trains are available at fwry.com or call 524-2546. And awaaaaaaaaaaaaaay we gooooooo! Ho ho ho! (How could I resist?) |
 CIF Champions Division IV Boys Cross Country Team - Jose Almagner, Isaac Gomez, Adrian Mejia, Anthony Rivas, Alexander Frias, Hugo Valdonnos; juniors: Justin Beach, Frank Chavez and Nicolas Frias. Students were accompanied by their Coach Kimberly Tafoya and Assistant Coaches Epi Torres and Anthony Rodriguez. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
FUSD University Starts in January
 Girls Cross Country Team - Laura Garnica, Maria Villalobos, Kiana Hope, Jordyn Vassaur, Sofia Gallardo, Alexis Tafoya, Irma Torres, Briana Segoviano and Irma Trijillo. Enlarge Photo  Recognition was given at Tuesday’s school board meeting to Robert Munoz for his effort, along with a group of volunteers, in refurbishing the memorial to 1st Lt. USMC Toby R. Gritz, killed in Vietnam in 1970, and Scott Douglas Ipswitch, a Fillmore High School student who died of Hodgkin’s Disease in 1976. Mike and Janey Munoz accepted the recognition for Robert who is attending college in Iowa. Enlarge Photo “Fillmore is ahead of the curve” is a direct quote from Fillmore Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino speaking at the December 4, 2012 School Board Meeting. Nishino was referring to a partnership with De Vry University and Carrington College California in offering FUSD campus classes that go beyond advanced placement courses. Also on the agenda, the 2012 Audit, Student Representative’s Report and recognition of Fillmore’s CIF State Champions Division IV Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country and Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson gave a presentation on FUSD University which is a partnership between FUSD and De Vry University and Carrington College California. Advanced academic fully accredited and UC approved course material will be taught at two FUSD campuses, Fillmore High and Sierra Continuation, starting next month. De Vry offers Associate, Bachelor and Master’s Degree programs and has recently added more liberal arts to its technology based studies, similar to what is now offered at the University of Phoenix. Carrington offers certificate and Associate Degree programs with studies in healthcare, legal and technical fields. Except for the courses with a lab, most of the studies will be online with resource centers on campus. Nishino told the Board that the goal is to have dual enrollment which will give students college credit for classes taken at FUSD along with the possibility of students doing internships to explore their future work opportunities. The Dual Enrollment Classes include: ENG 112 Composition, ENG 135 Advanced Composition, Math 114 College Algebra, Math 190 Calculus Other classes offered include: BUSN 115 Introduction to Business, CIS 115 Logic and Design, NETW 202 Introduction to Networking, COMP 100 Computer Applications to Business, HIT 110 Basic Medical Technology, PSYC 110 Psychology WGD 201 Visual Design Fundamentals. Courses offered through Carrington College are: accounting, business, computer technology, criminal justice, dental assisting, graphic design, healthcare administration, health information technology, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, paralegal studies, pharmacy technology, renewable energy, sales and marketing, and veterinary studies. Davis said the “seed” money to fund the project will start at $50,000 and be a reimbursement of direct expenses. That amount is expected to cover about five students to start. Also, Proposition 30 was discussed, how happy everyone in attendance was with its passage and that FUSD would not have to cut the expected $1.6 million out of its budget. But Assistant Superintendent Earl Davis reminded everyone that Proposition 30 does not guarantee one cent more toward schools or education and that the goal of Proposition 30 is to stabilize the State budget and that school funding is dictated by the State budget not Proposition 30. “Everyone should be CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
 Friday, November 29, Fillmore Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on the corner of Main St. and Central. Upon arrival they found a strong smell of smoke and smoke alarms sounding. Upon further investigation they found an apartment unit that had burnt food on the stove. Fillmore Fire reset alarms and no further problems found. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
In view of these difficult economic times, the Fillmore City Council has approved an Amnesty Program for past due utility customers with active or closed accounts. Beginning Monday, December 3, 2012, the City Manager or their designee may waive up to six months of penalty and interest charges if a customer brings their account current on active accounts, or paid in full on closed accounts. Payments must be made within ninety days from the date of the executed plan. Requests must be made in writing on a City approved form. Customers will have until February 28, 2013 to make arrangements for a payment plan that will pay their account in full within ninety days of the execution of the payment plan. Once a payment plan has been negotiated it may not be amended. If the account is not paid in full by the ninety days, penalty and interest charges that were waived will be added to the account. Request forms are available at Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and every other Friday or online at www.fillmoreca.com. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, December 3rd, 2012
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact SPPD
On 12/02/12 at approximately 2021 hours, Santa Paula police officers responded to Junior’s Market (502 N Oak St.) reference an attempted robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers learned that a lone suspect had entered Junior’s Market, pointed a handgun at the store clerk, and demanded money. The store clerk produced a shotgun and shot at the suspect one time. It did not appear the suspect had been shot. The suspect fled the store and ran away northbound on Oak St. An extensive search was conducted, but the suspect is still outstanding. The suspect was described as an Hispanic male, approximately 20 years-old, 5’5”-5’7”, wearing a black beanie pulled down to his eyes, a blue bandana covering his face to his eyes, and a black sweatshirt with white lettering. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact SPPD Investigations at 525-4474 x221. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 3rd, 2012
 11-3-12, at approximately 2:31PM, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Westlake Boulevard near Triunfo Canyon Road in the City of Thousand Oaks. The motorcycle pictured above was seen in the area at the time of the collision and may be a witness. The motorcycle is black and has no license plates. The rider is wearing all black riding leathers with black motorcycle boots. The Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau is asking that anyone with information on the rider or the motorcycle to please contact us. Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau, Deputy Holzberger: Desk (805) 373-2305, Cell (805) 947-8271. Enlarge Photo  Ventura County Crime Stoppers Hot Line: 1-800-222-TIPS (Se habla Espanol) Text: BUSTED plus message to CRIMES (274637) WebTips: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.com Mention Key Word: Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau Enlarge Photo Traffic investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying a motorcyclist who was riding alongside a 19-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, who was killed in a traffic collision on Westlake Boulevard earlier this month. Christian Eitelbach was riding his motorcycle northbound on Westlake Boulevard at a high rate of speed when he collided with a sedan driven by Cindy Nah of Simi Valley. Eitelbach died of injuries he suffered during the collision. Eitelbach had a small video camera mounted on his motorcycle while he rode that day. The video shows Eitelbach was riding alongside another motorcyclist prior to and during the collision. The other motorcyclist was wearing all black riding gear, including a black helmet. The motorcycle was a black performance bike with no visible license plate on the back. Investigators have interviewed Eitelbach’s friends and family members, but the motorcyclist has not been identified. The other motorcyclist did not stop at the scene of the fatal collision. Eitelbach and the other unidentified motorcyclist had been riding on Decker Canyon Road in the minutes leading up to the collision, which occurred at approximately 2:31 p.m. on November 3, 2012. Investigators have prepared a portion of Eitelbach’s video for release to the public hoping someone will recognize the motorcyclist depicted in the video and come forward with information. The video footage, as well as access to the damaged vehicles involved in the collision will be provided upon request. Anyone with information about the motorcyclist’s identity is asked to contact Deputy Shawn Holzberger at (805)494-8271. Nature of Incident: Traffic Investigators Seeking Witness to Fatal Crash |
 (l-r) Coach Tafoya, Frank Chavez, Hugo Valdovinos, Anthony Rivas, Adrian Mejia, Isaac Gomez, Justin Beach, Jose Almaguer, Alexander Frias, Nicolas Frias and Coach Rodriguez. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Fillmore Wins State Cross Country Title
It was Black Friday. The nine boys gathered mid morning, ignoring the vacuous pull of season sales, intent and focused on one goal. In 24 hours they would be racing for a State Title, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in 22 years. Jose Almaguer, Justin Beach, Frank Chavez, Alexander Frias, Nicolas Frias, Isaac Gomez, Adrian Mejia, Anthony Rivas, and Hugo Valdovinos loaded into the van and drove off towards Fresno. The next day would show how the last 5 months and indeed the last several years had paid off. Six days a week of practice, intense mental preparation and careful nutrition would lead them to their collective goal. Through their hard work and the diligent efforts of, the boys achieved their ambitions and dreams. For the first time in 22 years and the second time ever, the Fillmore High School boys have won a Division 4 State Cross Country title. Hugo Valdovinos led the way to finish 9th in 5 kilometer race at Woodward Park in Fresno. He recorded a 41 second improvement on the same course from earlier this year. His time was 16:03. Anthony Rivas was 14th at 16:20, a 30 second improvement. Alexander Frias finished 17th overall with a 16:25. Jose Almaguer crossed the line at 16:49 to finish 40th, a 9 second improvement. The 5th place scorer for Fillmore and 41st overall was Adrian Mejia; he completed the course in 16:49. Next year’s core veterans finished 58th and 86th respectively as Nicolas Frias and Frank Chavez both ran personal bests for the course. Nicolas finished in 17:06 a 12 second improvement. Frank clocked a 17:28, an 8 second improvement. Both Justin Beach and Isaac Gomez were also integral members of the team throughout the year and also on Saturday where they were prepared and willing to step in if needed. Both boys played a key role in the mental preparedness of the entire team’s effort to succeed. Many of you wonder what the team’s next journey would be. Are they going to Disneyland perhaps? No the next journey was much truer to form for high school boys. They went to Home Town Buffet and gorged themselves like they were unable to for the previous several months. Of special joy was having a soda for the first time in several months or years. Congratulations to the boys for their enormous accomplishment! 1. 121 Fillmore ( 16:30 1:22:26 0:46) |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 15, 2012, Fillmore deputies were sent to a report of a fight at the apartments located in the 600 block of River Street. The deputies located a party where several adults had been injured as a result of a fist fight. One of the injured subjects located at the scene was Enrique Rubio, who had several puncture wounds to his torso as a result of being stabbed by an unidentified suspect. An investigation revealed Adrian Araujo 22, from Santa Paula, was responsible for stabbing Rubio. Sheriff Deputies located Adrian Araujo at his residence where he was arrested. Suspect Araujo is in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for assault with a deadly weapon and enhancements for participating in a criminal street gang. Araujo is being held in lieu of $105,000.00 bail. |
 Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean announced the indictment of 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
The Ventura County Grand Jury has handed down indictments on 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault likely to cause serious bodily injury, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. All of the suspects are documented members of several local gangs in Ventura County. The unusual aspect of this case was that they were working in conjunction with and for the benefit of a highly organized prison gang hierarchy controlled by the Mexican Mafia or “La Eme.” All of the criminal activity was organized and coordinated by one high ranking member of the Mexican Mafia from a prison outside California. The investigation revealed the Mexican Mafia has used its intimidation and narco-trafficking powers to direct extortion and fear to control the criminal activities of Ventura County gangs. “This case has dealt a crushing blow to organized crime in Ventura County,” said Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis. “We have incapacitated the organization from the top through its geographic managers.” While gang activity in Ventura County is not unusual, the cooperation among various rival gangs was unprecedented in this case. During the past seven months, investigators utilized a variety of resources to uncover the activities of the group and actually interrupted several violent crimes before they were carried out. Detectives seized dozens of firearms and a variety of narcotics. The complexity of the investigation required tremendous cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura The defendants indicted in this case are: |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 United States Army Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Buddy Edwards holds his Bronze Star Medal Certificate. Fillmore's Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards received a Bronze Star Medal for his Meritorious Service in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from March 10, 2012 to November 25, 2012. “The Bronze Star Medal is a U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in, or with the military of the United States after December 6, 1941, distinguished him or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service.” Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, 28 years, is a 2002 FHS Graduate and Fillmore Native. SSGT Edwards is the son of Kevin Edwards and Donna Edwards (Smith), of Fillmore. SSGT Edward’s Maternal Grandparents are, Ronnie and Chris Smith of Fillmore. His Paternal Grandmother, Sharon Stewart lives in Oregon. His Paternal Grandfather was the late Jim Edwards. Jim’s widow, Rebecca Edwards, also lives in Oregon. SSGT Edwards siblings are U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards, 26 years, U.S. Army Ranger Private First Class Anthony Edwards, 20, and Brett Edwards, 17, a Senior at Fillmore High School. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards is a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. Sergeant Kevin Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat the commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. Staff Sergeant Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of SSGT Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. A role, through four deployments, that has now been recognized by presenting SSGT Edwards with a Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Staff Sergeant Edwards has been awarded many service recognitions; the Brigade Soldier of the Month for February 2007, he was also an Honor Graduate from Advance Intelligence Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He has been awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Foreign Tour Ribbons, an Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. SSGT Edwards while in Afghanistan has recently reenlisted for another six years of military service! All of us here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru are very proud of Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards. We thank him, and his family, for his service and their sacrifices they have already made and will make in the future to keep the United States of America strong. With two other sons currently serving in the United States Army the Edwards Family has given very much already. Mother Donna Edwards tells me when discussing youngest Son Brett's desire to follow his brothers into the United States Army and train as a Military Police Officer, “...well he wants to go in as an MP but honestly Dick with the way things are right now over there, my heart needs a break. If Anthony goes as scheduled next year that will be 5 deployments for me in 8 years so we have him (Brett) talked into (hopefully) doing at least one year of community college first and then see how things are going.” We additionally wish Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, and his brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards safe travel and long and successful United States Army Careers. Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards and brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards are truly American Heroes. Congratulations Buddy on your well deserved Bronze Star Medal! |
