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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 Sylvia Meza, Administrative Assistant for Solid Terrain Modeling proudly raises the American Flag. Enlarge Photo I have been pretty enthused lately looking for locations where a person, or business fly's the American Flag in support of our troops currently serving as well as in support of this great Country we Americans live! In my travels around town I have witnessed all types of Flag displays at residences and businesses and not all are displayed so that they attract attention, but displayed because it is a statement that needs to be made; We support our troops and the United States of America! Although off the beaten path, the Flag in this article is flown proudly daily by the business, but the statement is no less important just because it is not seen by throngs of people passing by! I remember being inside of this building many times over the years and I must admit I have sipped more coffee there from a stained coffee cup than I probably should have, but the price of the coffee (free), company (mostly crusty old men) and gossip (well the gossip was sometimes very juicy) was always good! It was where, as we would like to say, we would discuss and then solve all the problems of Fillmore! When we were done with Fillmore we would move on to Santa Paula and so on! Thanks to friends, the result of a surprise birthday party, I even celebrated my Fiftieth Birthday inside this building! The owner, at that time, of this building was the late Fred Krone, owner and operator of Norkro Clock Parts located at 340 Fillmore Street. It is sandwiched between a residential home and an apartment complex and across the street from Butch Foy's Fillmore Building Supply. At that time Norkro Clock Parts was one of two clock parts suppliers in the United States for not only clock repair shops, but for the hobbyist as well. Fred was one knowledgeable person about clocks! He also was a considerable character; former real estate broker, Hollywood Stuntman (known then as Crunch Krone) and periodic Fillmore City Council meeting speaker. I learned with those credentials you never knew who would be in the back room sipping coffee with him when you got there! They did include at least two City Council Members after one of his visits to a City Council Meeting, former and current stunt men and more than a few law enforcement officers. But, this building CONTINUED » |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 Fillmore Unified School District Wednesday August 22nd was the first day of classes for Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) and all classes were full. The gardeners and custodians have been working hard to get the District in shape for the students’ and staffs’ return. This new school year brings a new Assistant Superintendent, new Associated Student Board (ASB) Speaker of the House, and new web-based instructional tool being implemented for the District. Introduced at the August 21, 2012 FUSD School Board Meeting was new Assistant Superintendent Earl Davis. Davis has worked in education for 24 years starting in 1988 at Arcadia Unified, then Chaffey Community College, and Pleasant Valley School District in Camarillo. Davis, who has three grown sons and lives in Channel Islands, said he is looking forward to working at FUSD during these challenging yet exciting times. Also introduced was Fillmore High School (FHS) senior Mary Ortiz, the new 2012 ASB Speaker of the House. Ortiz, who is 17, comes with an impressive resume of accomplishments; President of FHS Athletics Hall of Fame Club; President of Piru 4-H; Ambassador Girl Scout for 13 year; Junior Fair Board Secretary for Ventura County Fair; Varsity: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball; and honor roll student since elementary school. Presently Ortiz is working on the August 31st Homecoming, which is coming early this year. Last school year CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 27th, 2012
Story and Photos by Bob Crum
Alexis Rodriquez, 16, won FFA Champion, market swine. Alexis raised a pig named Sweet Cheeks. "Sweet Cheeks?" "Well," said Alexis, smiling, "I didn't know what to name her at first... my mom helped me. Wait. Mom came up with Sweet Cheeks? "Yep," said Alexis. Because the pig has?.... How was Sweet Cheeks to raise? Alexis said: "She's sassy and likes to mess around... and likes to bite my feet. She kind of has my attitude and I really like that about her." Alexis did exceptionally well considering this is her first year in the FFA and raising a pig. Did she realize the odds of winning the first year in the program? Alexis said: "No," adding, "I really didn't think I'd get... ummm... anything for her. I didn't think I was gonna... like... umm... If the goal was not to win a championship... then what? Alexis smiled and explained: "Just to get out and experience things... and to raise her... she was really good to raise... I liked raising her." Being your first year raising a pig, did you have any idea what it'd be like raising Sweet Cheeks? "No," said Alexis, adding, "I actually thought it was going to be easy but it was kind of hard." The hardest part? "Waking up every morning," Alexis said, "to feed her, to walk her. She was stubborn at first, she didn't like to walk but she got used to going out and walking so she got easier along the way." And baths... did she enjoy the baths? "Yeah," said Alexis. She did? "Well... she enjoys it sometimes but most time she screams... or steps on my feet", said Alexis, adding, "but other times she's good... Next year? "I'm going to raise another pig," said Alexis. And this years auction proceeds? "I'm going to save it til next year to buy my next pig. The winning bid for Alexis' pig was $9.00 a pound. As for long range plans, Alexis plans to attend college and eventually become a probation officer. Here, Alexis pays tribute: "I want to thank my mom for motivating me and being there sometimes for me and especially my aunt and uncle... Nicky and Sabino Perez... they have really been helping me out with the whole FFA thing. And Mr. Ricards... he's a really good guy." Tori Gonzales, 10 of Piru 4-H won 4-H Grand Champion & Bred & Fed Champion swine. This was a really big win for young Tori. Tori's pig's name is Gee G... a derivative of her sister's boyfriends name, Greg, and the pig being a gilt (female pig)... hence Gee G. What does a 10 year old girl experience raising a 276 pound pig which is a pretty large animal. As Tori explains: "I liked having her and being with her. I had a lot of fun with it. Especially washing her. We'd mess around in the wash pen." Whoa! Did she really enjoy being washed, I asked? "Once in a while," Tori said. Not always? Tory nodded no. When she didn't want to be washed? She'd scream... real loud. And did you use for soap suds? "Just regular shampoo and conditioner," said Tori, with a grin, adding, "if it was really hot, we'd also use lotion and sunscreen. Aha. Then... having a hunch... I asked if the lotion Tori used was Avon's Skin So Soft. "Yes," giggled Tori. There has to be trials and tribulations raising a pig... so...? "Trying to get her to walk the first time at the beginning. We'd be out there for about five minutes and she'd be ready to go home," explained Tori, adding, "she didn't like to go for walks." Ha... was Gee G a lazy pig? "Yes!, proclaimed Tori. And the auction money? "Ummm... I'm not sure yet," Tori said. The winning bidder paid $25 a pound for Gee G. And next year? "Next year I really want to raise another pig." Tori said. Now that you've raised a pig that won 4-H Grand Champion the very first time you participated... would you be disappointed next year if your pig didn't do so well? Without hesitation, Tori said: "Well no because I got to know how the feeling is so I'd be OK with getting a regular first place ribbon... or anything." But if you got nothing? "I'd still have fun," Tori said. Did you learn about responsibility? "Yeah," Tori quickly said. "We had to be there every day with her... take care of her... feed her." How much did mom and dad help? "Mostly dad helped because mom doesn't like animals... like smelly things. So mom is dainty? "YES!," said Tori. So dad pitched in once in a while? "Well, mostly all the time," Tori said with a glance over to her dad. Being the first year... was it tough? Another robust "YES!" from Tori. C'est la vie raising pigs. Chase Bowens, 15, with Sespe 4-H won Reserve Grand Champion market swine. Chase raised a pig named Katniss. Some of you may be familiar with the name... I wasn't. So I nonchalantly asked how Chase arrived at the name. "Because I saw the movie and read the book The Hunger Games," said Chase and I named my pig after the 12th Tribute." I've since Googled 'The Hunger Games' which is a story narrated by a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen, a tribute from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Now everything makes perfect sense. Have you raised pigs that won in previous years, I asked? "Yes I have," beamed Chase, adding "in 2010 I won Grand Champion." How long have you been raising pigs? You need to picture Chase counting fingers and then said: "About 10 years." Wow, I said, you're an ole pig farmer from way back! "Yeah," said Chase with a giggle. What was the best part of raising Katness? "Well," explained Chase, "the best part is more like about her personality. Me and Katness... she likes me but she kind of doesn't. When I need to wash her she gets grouchy but I just get used to it and that's the fun part of it." Hmm. And the most difficult part? "The most challenging part was when she was a baby she came home sick... we gave her antibiotics and she was still sick and we didn't think she would make it. But she made it," Chase said, smiling. Well... did Katniss have a bad cold or what? "Bronchitis," Chase said. And the $10 a pound auction money? "First, put it toward another pig at the Denver National Stock Show," Chase explained. Wait... why buy a pig at the Denver National Stock Show I wondered? "Because," Chase explained, "you have a chance of winning $50,000." $50,000 for raising a pig? "Yes, Chase said. The details remain a mystery. Along the way, there's always a support group involved. Accordingly, Chase said: "I would like to thank my mom and dad, James Backman of Small Town Genetics and God!" Now that's an impressive support group! Breanna Berrington, 15, won FFA Reserve Grand Champion market steer. And your steer's CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
 An enthusiastic crowd of Fillmore voters gathered to meet some of November’s candidates for public office Monday evening. Candidates: Top, from left, Nancy Meyer, candidate for Fillmore City Clerk. City Council candidates: Manuel “Manny” Minjares, Rick Neal, and Douglas Tucker. Bottom left (inset): Shannon Godfrey, candidate for Fillmore City Treasurer. City Councilmen and former Mayors Steve Conaway and Roger Campbell introduced the candidates to a large group of supporters. Enlarge Photo  GET FILLMORE BACK ON TRACK was the message from the candidates on Monday night when Filllmore residents had the chance to meet three candidates running for city council this November. Rick Neal, Manuel Minjares and Doug Tucker were on hand to greet concerned citizens and answer questions. Nancy Meyer (City Clerk Candidate) and Shanon Godfry (Treasurer Candidate) were also there and each candidate gave a brief background and qualification talk. Approximately 40 people attended the impromptu gathering in the old bank at Central and Main. Enlarge Photo  Candidates Neal and Minjares chat with Raelene Chaney and Carol Askren. To ensure accessibility to the public, the candidates have created websites & Facebook accounts dedicated to their campaign for office. Find them online at www.tucker4council.com, www.minjares4council.com, www.neal4council.com or on Facebook by searching Doug Tucker, Manuel Minjares or Rick Neal for Fillmore City Council. Enlarge Photo  Among the enthusiastic participants in Monday’s meet-and-greet (the new candidates) was former, twice failed, city council candidate, Marcos Hernandez. Marcos enjoyed the refreshments as he mixed with the crowd. There were no reports on whether or not he contributed financially to the election fund. Enlarge Photo |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
The sound woke me! My cell phone was ringing! This was not such an unusual thing to hear, but it was ringing in the mountains where I have, at best, experienced sketchy cell service for text messaging, but never have I been able to make a call, or receive a call! After clearing the cobwebs from my brain I decided I would try to answer the call: “Sir this is Corporal Jose A. Patino, United States Marine Corps.” I asked Corporal Patino where he was calling me from and he said, “I am calling from Afghanistan Sir! I read your article and I was wondering how I could get a Banner?” Afghanistan I thought! Then for fear of losing the Corporal's call I told him to email me his request so I would have his email address and I would take care of getting him a Banner. Soon I received that email: “Good Evening Sir, My name is Cpl. Patino Jose A. I am a Fillmore High School graduate of class 2010. I am currently in Helmand Province Afghanistan serving with 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. I joined the United States Marine Corps as soon as I graduated high school. I was reading the Fillmore Gazette on line and read your article regarding homes displaying our United States Flag. I realized that you might be able to assist me through the process of getting my name on a banner. Sir I thank you for supporting us and know that we are doing our best out here to keep our country safe. Please feel free to email me back at any time. This is my government email but you can also reach me at (deleted) Thank you for your time Sir.” R/S Cpl Patino Jose A.” After telling my CONTINUED » |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
The “Rededication” of the newly renovated Toby R. Gritz Memorial was held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in front of Fillmore High School and in the presence of about seventy-five family, classmates and friends of United States Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Toby R. Gritz a 1962 Fillmore High School Graduate. Included in this Memorial was the plaque of Fillmore resident, the late Scott Douglas Ipswitch, son of Ronnie and Elaine Ipswitch who passed away at the age of fifteen from advanced Hodgkin's Disease. The Memorial is a powerful, but simple, low concrete bench placed well-behind the two Redwood trees whose roots had caused the damage to the original Memorials. The approximate 15' long concrete bench will be used by Fillmore High School Students to sit on, or to rest their backpacks and books while students are on breaks from their studies. The bronze plaques prominently placed at each end of the wall will give students and visitors only a snapshot of the lives of these two brave Americans, but to those who knew both Toby and Scott the Memorial will stimulate fond memories of each of their time here on earth! Both Toby's and Scott's Memorials had been damaged by the very Redwood trees planted there to grow majestically and to long-honor their lives after their deaths; Toby died during fierce combat in Vietnam as an American Hero on March 25, 1970 and Scott on April 16, 1976 at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles of Stage Four Hodgkins's disease and leukemia. Toby was 25, married and CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Fernando Ferrer, 25, of Fillmore, was involved in a car accident on Saturday, August 18th, on Vineyard Avenue just north of Central Avenue, Oxnard. Ferrer was traveling south on Vineyard when his 2008 Nissan Sentra crossed over the double yellow lines into northbound traffic, colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by Rocio Hernandez, 24, of Oxnard. The three-car crash killed Antolina Hernandez, 45, of Oxnard, a passenger in the car. Irma Rodriguez, 31, of Oxnard, was driving behind Hernandez and was also involved in the crash. Antolina received fatal blunt-force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death was ruled accidental. Rocio was extricated from her vehicle by Ventura County firefighters and taken to Ventura County Medical Center with serious injuries. Rodriguez and Ferrer received minor injuries and were taken to St. John’s Medical Center. Vineyard was closed for several hours, opening at 11:15am. No arrests were made. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
 Early Sunday evening a two-car accident occurred at the intersection of B Street and Ventura Avenue. According to the driver of the SUV involved, there was some confusion concerning the left turn arrow indicator. Enlarge Photo  The eastbound SUV turned in front of the westbound Mazda Miata. No serious injuries were reported. Significant damage was done to the Miata, moderate damage to the SUV. Enlarge Photo |
 Macie Wokal stands by her winning FFA Grand Champion Replacement Heifer “Bambi”. Photos by Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Story and Photos by Bob Crum
In one word... WOW! Another exceptional year for Fillmore and Piru 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) youngsters. Seven champion/reserve champion awards! Impressive! The outstanding championship animals include a steer, two replacement heifers, and four pigs. The following are chats with award recipients at the Youth Livestock Auction at the Ventura County Fair. Macie Wokal, 15, won FFA Grand Champion Replacement Heifer. Macie's replacement heifer's name is Bambi. Why? "Well... it's black and white and after I bought it my Grandma had to put down her dog... a dalmatian... and was named Bambi. So... I named it (the heifer) Bambi in honor of my Grandma's dog. Didn't you win something last year? "Yes, I won overall grand champion (replacement heifer) last year and in 2009," said Macie. Because of the string of championships the Wokal sisters have accumulated in recent years, I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the water at the Wokal household. I had a hunch I had to pursue. Does winning so many championships in recent years have anything to do with the heifer's breeder? "I can say yes about that," Macie said, adding, "because my breeder (Colburn Cattle, Visalia, CA) is a really good breeder." Suspicion confirmed! When you first saw (Bambi) did you see championship quality or did you just figure you'll take your chances? "I pick my heifers because of how they look not like... oh... it has a nice butt blah... blah... blah. I pick it for... oh... I like the color I want that one," Macie said. This year I picked Bambi because she's black and white... and has a lot of hair." Now you know how it's done! While raising Bambi, could you tell that the heifer had championship qualities? "Yes," Macie quickly replied, adding "everyone said that she's so cute you'll do good." Everyone? I asked. Macie replied: "My mom, my mom's best friend, my friend Breanna's (Berrington) mom all said... oh she's so cute. See...the folks that know... knew! What if you didn't win I asked? "I'd be crushed because I was expecting to do good." And if you don't win next year? "I'll just move on, do it again, and try my best the following year," Macie said. What was the best part of raising Bambi? "Ummm... probably bonding with her and learning about the responsibility for when I become an adult and have my children. Right now... Bambi is like my kid. The most difficult part of raising Bambi. "Training her to walk right and set up and not to go psycho And the auction money? (winning bid-$4,000) "It goes into the savings account for future college to study agricultural," said Macie. Her intentions are to obtain her agricultural teaching credentials. Macie added: "I want to thank my mom for sticking by me when I get grouchy and all that. I'm a girl and get moody from time-to-time. And I thank my sister for helping me through everything," Macie said. Samantha Wokal, 18, won FFA Reserve Champion replacement heifer. Great way for Samantha to finish her FFA career. Although she didn't win anything last year, in 2010 Samantha won Grand Champion replacement heifer. How was it raising Thumper? "Well to be honest," Samantha said, "this was was really rough because I've had to knee surgeries recently back to back so it was kind of a struggle. But the last few months it's been fun watching her grow and getting to know her. How about difficulties raising Thumper? "Because of the injury I wasn't able to walk her and train her like I would like to but my sister helped out with that a lot," Samantha said, adding "I'm very thankful to have her. The leg injury? Samantha explained, "playing softball I Tore my ACL and after having that repaired I slipped getting out of the shower and broke my kneecap." Plans for the auction money? ($2,600) "It's going into my savings and start my savings back up. After all these years of raising animals (for auction), I recently bought a 2006 330i BMW. Future plans include her intention to attend Moorpark College and eventually get her Masters in nursing and special education. When did you begin in the FFA? "I've been raising animals since I was nine years old. I started raising pigs the first two years and won reserve grand champion with one of my pigs. I've won reserve grand champion with one of my heifers. Grand champion with one of my heifers and reserve grand champion with one of my steers so I mean it's been a great experience and I really enjoy telling people about the experience of 4-H and the FFA. Not only is it a fun way to earn money but it also teaches you responsibility. And it really looks good on my college application and helps me get scholarships." Speaking of responsibilities, Samantha explained: "You take care of the animal like you take care of yourself. If they don't have water... think of yourself of not having water my mom always tells me. So the rule at our house is that we have to feed them (the animals) before we can eat so that way we really remember. It's a great way to learn responsibility and a lot of people think it's really cool... we have cows as pets." A pet cow? Now there's a thought! Now that this FFA year is history, Samantha said: "I want to thank my parents who have supported me and my sister financially and my mom for also helping me a lot with my heifer. Hailee Smith, 17, won FFA Reserve Champion, market swine. This is Hailee's third year raising pigs. And next year? "I'm probably going to do another pig," Hailee said. You're stuck on pigs? "Yeah" said Hailee. And your pig's name? "Hamlette." OK... why Hamlette? Hailee explained: "For the past two years my pigs names started with an H and had at least one double letter in it. So... Hamlette was the next choice. There you go... it was all about a pattern... and not anything to do with... ahem... ham. Another fascinating scientific process. The best part of raising Hamlette? "Ummm... I would say... because she almost died... so I would say helping her... and bringing her back to life," Hailee said, adding, "and about responsibility and everything." Hamlette's health issue? She had the runs from April 7th to June 15th," Hailee explained, "and had no idea what was wrong with her. We ended up calling veterinarian Dr. Mike (Giacopuzzi) and he helped us out a lot. After giving Hamlette multiple medications, she got well. (Dr. Giacopuzzi is also the FAIR's livestock vet.) Along the way... what was the best part of raising Hamlette. "Getting to know her... finding her sweet spot so that she'd like me. Took about two months before she actually got used to me and only had for about three (months)," said Hailee. So what was going on during the first two months one wonders. "She was skittish," Hailee said, adding "she ran away from everything and everybody." What was the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
 City of Fillmore CITY COUNCIL (As of 8/15/2012) CITY CLERK CITY TREASURER |