Rancho Sespe Apartment Fire Knocked Down
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
On Sunday, September 5th, 2021, at 8:07pm, the Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Rancho Sespe apartment complex. Arriving fire crews reported a 2-story apartment complex with smoke coming from one upstairs unit. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire 15 minutes after arriving on scene. An initial primary search was made and all occupants were accounted for. Fire crews determined the fire did not spread into the attic and was primarily confined to the one unit. Crews remained on scene for about three hours. Fire investigator was also on scene. There were no injuries. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
On Sunday, September 5th, 2021, at 8:07pm, the Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Rancho Sespe apartment complex. Arriving fire crews reported a 2-story apartment complex with smoke coming from one upstairs unit. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire 15 minutes after arriving on scene. An initial primary search was made and all occupants were accounted for. Fire crews determined the fire did not spread into the attic and was primarily confined to the one unit. Crews remained on scene for about three hours. Fire investigator was also on scene. There were no injuries. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
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Deputies Search for Suspect
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
On Tuesday, August 31st, at approximately 11:55am, a Fillmore Sheriff’s deputy advised radio traffic that a suspect had fled from the deputy in the area of Ventura and Fillmore Street. Additional units responded to assist in searching for the suspect. Units had a perimeter set up in the area of Fillmore City Hall. Suspect description was a Hispanic male with white tank-top, grey sweatshirt running through the senior apartments off Saratoga and Ventura Street, east of the alley by Circle K. VC Sheriff’s Copter was searching for over 30 minutes before being cleared. Suspect was not located. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Tuesday, August 31st, at approximately 11:55am, a Fillmore Sheriff’s deputy advised radio traffic that a suspect had fled from the deputy in the area of Ventura and Fillmore Street. Additional units responded to assist in searching for the suspect. Units had a perimeter set up in the area of Fillmore City Hall. Suspect description was a Hispanic male with white tank-top, grey sweatshirt running through the senior apartments off Saratoga and Ventura Street, east of the alley by Circle K. VC Sheriff’s Copter was searching for over 30 minutes before being cleared. Suspect was not located. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Fillmore Disaster Preparedness Day
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
On Saturday September 4th, 2021, the City of Fillmore hosted an Emergency Preparedness Day in Central Park from 10a.m. to 1p.m. Emergency personal and their vehicles were on hand, and visitors could talk to real life heroes who respond to emergencies throughout Ventura County. Pictured are Fillmore Parks & Rec employees Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards.
On Saturday September 4th, 2021, the City of Fillmore hosted an Emergency Preparedness Day in Central Park from 10a.m. to 1p.m. Emergency personal and their vehicles were on hand, and visitors could talk to real life heroes who respond to emergencies throughout Ventura County. Pictured are Fillmore Parks & Rec employees Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards.
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Ventura County Fire Station reps, smiling as they hand out Emergency Preparedness material. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
Ventura County Fire Station reps, smiling as they hand out Emergency Preparedness material. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
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Structure Fire Under Investigation at Santa Clara & Fillmore Street
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, at 11:36am, Fillmore City Fire (E191) was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Santa Clara St and Fillmore Street. Arriving fire crews reported a possible apartment complex fire with nothing showing. Fillmore Fire requested Sheriff’s Department and Investigator 91(IV91) to respond to the scene for investigation; no injuries were reported. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, at 11:36am, Fillmore City Fire (E191) was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Santa Clara St and Fillmore Street. Arriving fire crews reported a possible apartment complex fire with nothing showing. Fillmore Fire requested Sheriff’s Department and Investigator 91(IV91) to respond to the scene for investigation; no injuries were reported. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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The Packing House Bunion Derby
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Take a walk on the bike paths around town either along the Sespe or the Santa Clara and you will encounter a number of people out for a run. The track team and cross-country team use the streets to train. Fillmore has an active running community. Here’s a little inspiration for them all.

“The Packing House Bunion Derby”
By Whitie Fitzsimmon

“On the 4th of July, 1927, myself and some other boys who had parents working at the Fillmore Lemon House, decided to participate in the race from Santa Paula to Fillmore. It was part of the holiday barbecue put on by the Lemon House.

I hitched a ride with one of parents of a classmate to the starting point in Santa Paula. The other boys had second thoughts about the race and decided it was too far to run; I decided I would run anyway. The gun sounded and we were off!

The race was going along just fine and after running about three miles, I found myself in the lead. Since I was ahead, I had an entourage of six or seven autos following my progress. They were supplying me with plenty of liquids. By the time I reached Rancho Sespe, I realized I would not make it to Fillmore without getting rid of some of the liquids I had consumed thus far, so I dashed into a lemon orchard and relieved myself.

I returned back to the highway to find eight or ten cars waiting for me to continue the race, so off I went! I was first to cross the finish line in Fillmore. I was later told the next runner behind me was just crossing Sespe River bridge.

I went to Jim Ipswitch’s pool hall to pick up my shirt and pants, left there when I changed into my running clothes. Since I was not eligible to receive the first prize money of $15.00, (my parents did not work at the packing house) Jim Ipswitch took up a collection for me-enough to provide candy, cokes, milk shakes, etc. for me for three or four months. That was the end of the Packing House Bunion Derby!”

This fun remembrance was collected by Kenneth Fine for his An Anecdotal History of Fillmore, California. Kenneth was unable to find someone to publish his book before his death in 1989. With help from Don Nelson, Thomas Nelson, and Doug Fine the book passed into the hands of Marie Wren who was writing her own book on Fillmore history. Marie did some minor editing and had the book published for all to enjoy. There are a few copies for sale at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
 
Fillmore High New CTE Buildings Nearly Complete
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
On August 9th photos of the Fillmore High Career Technical Education buildings were taken and it looks as though they are on their way to completion. Only a few more weeks and students will be in the state-of-the-art facility! Construction is being handled by Westgroup Designs. You can visit their website for more details and photos at https:// westgroupdesigns.com/portfolio/fillmore-usdfillmore-high-school-new-cte-buildings/. Courtesy Fillmore High School blog.
On August 9th photos of the Fillmore High Career Technical Education buildings were taken and it looks as though they are on their way to completion. Only a few more weeks and students will be in the state-of-the-art facility! Construction is being handled by Westgroup Designs. You can visit their website for more details and photos at https:// westgroupdesigns.com/portfolio/fillmore-usdfillmore-high-school-new-cte-buildings/. Courtesy Fillmore High School blog.
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2-Car Crash Closes Roadway
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
On August 27th, 2021, at 3:21pm, Fillmore Fire (E91), Sheriff’s Deputies and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a traffic collision in the area of 3rd Street and Yucca, Fillmore. Upon arrival fire crews reported two vehicles with minor injuries. Fillmore PD shut down 3rd Street into both directions until roadway was cleared. One male patient was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On August 27th, 2021, at 3:21pm, Fillmore Fire (E91), Sheriff’s Deputies and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a traffic collision in the area of 3rd Street and Yucca, Fillmore. Upon arrival fire crews reported two vehicles with minor injuries. Fillmore PD shut down 3rd Street into both directions until roadway was cleared. One male patient was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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First Week of School For Fillmore Unified
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent
Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent

Below is a letter to Fillmore Unified Families posted on the FUSD Website.

Dear FUSD Families,
As we conclude our first full week of school, we will continue to celebrate having our students back into our schools and classrooms. I would like to thank our dedicated staff, families, and the community of Fillmore for your support, patience, and encouragement as we navigate this school year. Please know we are following all California Department of Public Health and Ventura County Public Health guidelines. With all of the challenges we are facing regarding extensive contact tracing and identifying positive cases, it is the highlight of each day to see our wonderful students engaged, learning, and reconnecting with peers. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our students and do our very best to communicate in a timely manner. Please continue to prescreen your child each day before sending them to school and if your child has any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not send your child to school and please call the school office. Together, we can make this a positive school year for our kids!

Proud to be a part of FUSD,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent
 
Accidents at Same Intersection, Same Time
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
On Tuesday, August 31st at 5:20pm, two separate traffic collisions occurred at the corner at of Ventura and B Street. The vehicle above pulled into the 7-Eleven gas station and appeared to have sustained front end damages; cause of the crash is unknown.
On Tuesday, August 31st at 5:20pm, two separate traffic collisions occurred at the corner at of Ventura and B Street. The vehicle above pulled into the 7-Eleven gas station and appeared to have sustained front end damages; cause of the crash is unknown.
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The second collision took place along Ventura Street; one person was examined at the scene. Cause of the crash is still under investigation. And at least one person was transported to a local hospital.
The second collision took place along Ventura Street; one person was examined at the scene. Cause of the crash is still under investigation. And at least one person was transported to a local hospital.
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A Sense of Home
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

Written by Mary Nunez

My grandfather came to Fillmore in 1962, driving up in an old station wagon with his wife and his then six kids. He was moving away from his family down in Orange County, but as it turned out, he was leaving them only to find a new one. A quirky, hard-working, wonderful community, filled with beautiful old souls. A rich valley ribbed with citrus groves and the lingering remnants of stone fruit orchards. A place with a sense of home.

That was the Fillmore he found, the town he entrusted with educating his children, with his ranch, and with his future.

I was born into that future in 2004. The daughter of a social butterfly, I was thrust into everything. I have entered every Fillmore Flower Show since I was 7(and attended the garden tour after), and in the Christmas parade, I was always one of the bedsheet - robed shepherds leading a goat down Central Avenue.

None of this really matters, except to point out that those things haven't really happened this past year and a half. And yes, it's to keep us all safe, and of course that's important. But for the past few months, I've been considering how important my community is to me also. How much I can feel those events not being there, marked on the calendar. I loved those occasions; the runs, parades, holidays. All of it.

But I realized something this past month, while in the middle of Faulkner's The Hamlet. A community is not made up of the events it organizes, its parades, or composed of only the floats who show up.

A community is based on people. People who come together, creating connections and joy. Talking, laughing, and making memories together, taking pride in our town. There is history and guidance in those conversations. Stories about Rancho Sespe, and Camulos, and the way it was. Tidbits on everything from raising plants to raising children. Funny stories, tearjerkers: relationships. But they can’t take place unless we are willing to make a commitment to our community, and recognize that the future of this place, everything that makes it special lies in our hands.

It would be too easy, as Covid, and it's Delta variant rage, to give in to fear, not to hope for the next conversation, the next time we can all be together as a community. To lose the tight-knit sense of family culled and protected over generations. Instead, as the library opens, and school comes back into session, I hope we come back stronger than ever, like chaparral after a fire. At my grandfather’s funeral, the church and hall were filled, with still more people spilling into the outside. Half of those people came from this town, and that is just as much a testament to them as it is to him. My only goal in this “letter” is to try and ensure that the respect, generosity, and friendship I have grown to love here does not get lost in these isolated days.

A friend of mine from Santa Paula likes to make fun of Fillmore - he knows it irks me. But I am proud that our town is small - that you can run into someone just by walking downtown. I am proud of the heritage of the grower., the pickers, and our Mayberry-ness. The ‘F’ on the mountain lighting up at night, and the way San Cayetano stands over us. I hope you’re proud too.
 
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