With forecasts calling for a series of rainstorms through much of the week, the Ventura County Fire Department encourages residents to prepare for the possibility of localized flooding and mudslides, especially in areas burned by recent fires. “It’s not too late to prepare. A quick survey of your residence and property can identify potential problems before the next set of storms begin,” Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “Simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and protecting your home.” One area of particular concern is La Conchita, which has received 5.9 inches of rain in the past two weeks. Up to 2 inches of rain are forecast for that area from the storm expected to arrive Wednesday night, which could approach mudslide potential. Here are some tips for protecting your home and staying safe:

• Clear gutters on your home and storm drains of leaves and debris

• Use sandbags to protect flood prone areas

• Prepare an emergency “go kit” and remember the six P’s of evacuation

1. People and pets

2. Papers, phone numbers and important documents

3. Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses

4. Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

5. Personal computers (information on hard drives & disks)

6. Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards, & cash)

• Identify locations of safe refuge and prepare for extended periods away from your residence

• Ensure all family members have updated contact information and can be readily notified For updates on emergency incidents, visit https://www.readyventuracounty.org/ and sign up for VC Alert. More details on rain preparations and where you can get sandbags are available at www.vcfd.org/news/ready-for-rain-safety-tips/

Interior earthquake damage to Shirley's on Central Avenue in February 1971 after the Sylamr Quake.
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Africa USA's entry in the May Festival Parade
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Mayor Fred Bryce, local CPA and captain of the Police Auxiliary, with Ruth Bryce in May Festival Parade.
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The Church of Religious Science
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Fillmore's Safeway store opened in 1971, which is now a Super A.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

It’s traditional that as a year draws to a close to look back on the previous twelve months. Fifty years ago in December people in Fillmore did just that. So what happened in 1971?

The first baby of the year was Cheryl Lynn Horn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Horn.

Fred Bryce, a local CPA and captain of the Police Auxiliary, was serving as Mayor.

At 6 am on February 9th, Fillmore was awakened by an earthquake. The 6.5 Sylmar Quake was centered almost 27 miles from our town, but it caused damage especially to the east side of the business district on Central Avenue. A portion of the wall on what was then Briggs Hardware collapsed damaging not only that building but also Shirley’s Dress Shop next door. Repairs were made, but the upper floor of Briggs Hardware was never replaced.

In October, fires threatened. A brush fire on Goodenough Road threatened several homes and prompted evacuations. At the same time, two human caused fires erupted on Guiberson Road, stretching fire personnel thin.

Also in October, the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce entry at the Ventura County Fair was an Eiffel Tower made with oranges (similar to one done 50 years before) and won the President’s Award.

The 1970 census counted the residents of Fillmore at 6,285, less than half of today’s population. Like today, Fillmore was undergoing a building boom with housing tracts being added throughout the town. Additionally, a motel was built as well as a “new” Safeway store (now Super A). The former Fillmore Theater underwent renovations and became the Town Theatre. On River Street, the Church of Religious Science, headed by Mildred Hinckley was opened.
The Fillmore Boys Club (not yet Boys and Girls) found a permanent home when they were given the use of the former Chaney’s Trading Post in North Fillmore.

Africa USA was opened to the public mid-year, only to have its owner declare bankruptcy in December. The facility was taken over by Resorts International and continued to operate.

At the High School, the basketball team had a 20-7 season. Debbie Dieter won the Lions Club Speech contest. Jose Gaitan was Senior Class President. 137 students graduated (up from 19 in 1921, fifty years before). Evangelyn Schiller was Valedictorian and Tim Gurrola was Salutatorian. There were 500 people in attendance at the Alumni dinner in June, 1971.

Perhaps the biggest story of the year were the plans for the “Sespe Museum” created at the request pf the Chamber of Commerce. Edith Moore Jarrett would be the first curator with Dorothy Haase as assistant curator. It would be located on the ground floor of the Masonic Building and would open in 1972. This was the beginning of the Fillmore Historical Museum which will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary next year. Plan on joining us in the celebration.

Max Pina

At the last City Council meeting, Duke Bradbury, Vice President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, proposed that the street immediately west of Central Avenue, adjacent to our Sheriff's Substation, be named for late former Sheriff Deputy Max Pina.

The Gazette published a short history in last week's edition and promised to extend it for this week.

Max's 53-years of public service could fill a book, but here are some primary reasons for supporting the naming of the street after Max Pina:

He was Citizen of the Year for 1992. He was in service as a Fillmore police officer and then as Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy in Fillmore for over 20-years. Personal and professionally concern for Fillmore's youth. Spearheaded the raising of over $105,000 for the Fillmore Boys & Girls Club. Major coordinator of the Christmas Food Basket Program. Served as liaison officer between the gangs and local police. Received the second annual Baha'i Human Rights Award in 1990.

Max was 1996 Employee of the Month. Selected Fillmore's first "Community Service Officer". Founding member of Fillmore Boys & Girls Club. Max was also instrumental in obtaining a grant of $18,000 for small neighborhood park next to the Storefront office, serving B&G Club.

Recognition of Valuable Service to City of Fillmore 1999. Recognition of police officer since 1971. Leadership in Boys & Girls Club. Reduced crime and gang violence by work in North Fillmore Storefront.

Won Medal of Valor for actions during 1978 floods, saving citizens trapped by flood waters with human chain of other officers.

Max was awarded Officer of the Year in 1980 and 1983, also Optimist Club Distinguished and Dedicated Service Award, 1994. Dedicated Service Award to North Fillmore Storefront, "Providing positive presence after school programs, adult education, counseling and legal services, prevention programs and other activities. Provided safe place for persons wishing to contact police”.

In 2003 the Storefront welcomed its one hundred thousandth visitor.

It looks like our City Council will have plenty of information to basis its decision on.

Thank you, Max Pina, for your life's work in the service of the City of Fillmore.

Initially, information and applications for Fillmore Rotary’s House Painting Project were handed-out to people who needed this work done but couldn’t personally or financially do it themselves. The applications were reviewed, and the project began. Several Rotarians sanded, scraped, and did all the prep work. Professionals took care of the termite problem and replaced new wood where needed and did the final painting. Rotarian Sean McCulley headed up this project and showed before and after photos to the Club. The owner of the property, Bene Ambrosio and her daughter, Oliva, were present to thank the club for the service project.

Aerial photo on snow.
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Snow on the ground in front of Fillmore High.
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Chambersburg Road covered in snow after the storm.
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Christian Science Church covered in snow.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

As far as we know, Fillmore has never had a white Christmas, but a few weeks after Christmas in 1949 it seemed the entire area had been transported to the northern climes. Unseasonably cold weather hit the area from January 8th to January 12th, much of Southern California received measurable snowfall. It even snowed on Catalina Island!

On January 8th, temperatures in Fillmore dropped to 28 degrees and remained low for almost a week. Citrus growers throughout the area lost much sleep keeping the smudge pots going in an attempt to save the navel orange crop which was just being harvested.

School closed as did a few businesses. One business that did not close was the telephone exchange located on the ground floor of the Masonic Building. At that time, all calls had to go through an operator, there was no such thing as direct dial. On January 12, the number of calls almost doubled from a normal day of about 6,300 to more than 11,000. The previous high had been 8,000 calls. Gretchen Stanley, the chief operator, called in her staff so all 13 switchboards were covered. Apparently the high volume was due to the snowstorm, the low temperature, and the closing of the high school.

According to Phil Young, “My brother Fred and I had, it seemed, endless play time in the white stuff. I also recall going with my dad, Merlin Young, in his pick-up to look at the snow around the area. On that little drive he stopped to talk with Brick Fansler. As ranchers do, they analyzed the situation and the possible impact on the orange crop. I was thinking: can we just go home for some more snow fun. Even though it was in January it truly was a white Christmas.”

On Guiberson Road, Bill Shiells pulled son Bill and the neighbor kids around in the snow on the family toboggan.
Fillmore looked as if it had been painted white. The snow lasted a very short time, only about 2 days before it began to melt away. But, the local children had time to build a snowman, make snow angels, and stage snowball fights. There have been a few snow events in Fillmore over the years since but 1949 was special and is fondly remembered by today’s grandparents who were just school age when it happened.

If you have snow photos you would like to share, post them to the museum’s Facebook page or send to the Museum at fillmore.museum@gmail.com.