Central Avenue in 1915 just after incorporation looking south from Sespe Avenue. This was after incorporation with a bond for paving the streets coming up for a vote. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Fillmore’s Central Avenue circa 1920 with Paved Streets!
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

The settlement that would become Fillmore was not supposed to be here.

There had been several town sites considered by the Southern Pacific Railroad including a location on Adam’s Hill east of Fillmore.But the owner, Mr. Ealy, wouldn’t sell.

At about the same timeSespe Land and Water Co, headed by Joseph D. McNab, had purchased some 3,000 acres from Mattie Mae Storke who had inherited the property from her father, Thomas More, upon his murder in 1877. They were intent on developing and when the railroad came calling they were more than ready to cooperate.

In August, 1888, Fillmore was subdivided by Sespe Land and Water Co. and the map recorded in the county seat. The townwas named for Jerome Fillmore, general superintendent in charge of the western area of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

The first buildings were a boxcar station and a few shanties. But it was a short time before the town began to grow. Agriculture soon took hold with the development of olive orchards, walnuts, apricots and citrus.

By 1912 incorporation had been a point of dissension in the community for more than 2 years. Letters had been sent to the cities of San Fernando and Bishop asking about their experiences with incorporation. Those cities hailed the positive results.

Much like the students of today, Fillmore High School students were in on the act.On March 22, 1912, they debated the issue. The pros were represented by three young ladies, Lucille Root, Mildred McCampbell and Phyllis Small. The con argument was given by Otto Haase, Fred Ealy and Ray Horton. The ladies carried the day with their arguments.

The biggest issues were taxes! Taxes were being assessed by the county in the unincorporated areas. But the benefits were not being returned to those areas. The representatives of San Fernando presented the benefits of incorporationwhich included improved fire protection. That city now had an organized fire dept with “two high class chemical engines” and a hook and ladder company with five ladders. It gave that community a “feeling of security never before felt.” Fillmore still had a volunteer fire extinguisher and bucket brigade.

Street lighting was also an issue. Fillmore had only a few lights which had been installed by local merchants. The question, of course, was whether the merchants on Central would pay for lighting on their own or whether the entirecitizenry would pay through taxation to benefit the entire community.

The essence of the anti establishment argument was that matters of this import to the city should be left in the hands of the pioneer founders of the city and not in the hands of the “floaters who are here today and gone tomorrow.” Rev. J.B. Taylor expressed the belief that the town was too small and hoped the vote for incorporation would be postponed a “year or so”.

And so it was that two more years or argument and counter argument would pass before Fillmore again took a serious step toward incorporation.

By 1914 Fillmore had been a township for 27 years and had a population of about 1000.

On May 8, 1914, a delegation from Fillmore Townshippresented the Board of Supervisors with a petition to call for an election to vote on the question of incorporation. The petition appeared in the Herald with thenames of signers; Fergus Fairbanks, J.K.L Schwartz, Louis Antonio Carillo, and 65 othersincluding the publishers of the Herald.

Regarding the petition, theFillmore Heraldstated that, “each time the efforts of those who stood for the principals of progress have been frustrated by some move or another, so that this will be the first time that the future welfare of the community was ever really entrusted to the hands and minds of the inhabitants hereof to decide.”

Those opposed to the move for progress were, according to the Herald, “exerting their utmost energies toward defeating the proposition when it comes to a vote at the election on June 29th and are sacrificing every principal of liberty, truth and justice to obtain their own selfish ends.” “Common sense has been cast to the four winds…” The rhetoric of politics hasn’t changed much in 100 years.

The antis were primarily early pioneers such as C.C. Elkins and his sons, John McNab of Sespe Land and Water Co., George Tighe, J.W. Baldeschweiler, and A.C. Wilcox.

One of the main issues was the potential tax rate. The clerk and engineer of San Fernando on a visit in May 15, 1914, stated that there was practically “no kick on that score, and that no one felt any oppression in maintaining the city government. “

The loudest voice in favor of incorporation was the Fillmore Herald, published by C.F. Hoffman and W.E. Wagener.

On the first page of the Herald the voters were asked to “Think this over”
Those in Favor wanted:
• A jail (prisoners from Fillmore were sent to the county seat)
• A Public Library (there was only a private small lending library in Fillmore)
• Fines paid in local justice court to stay here.
• Business licenses paid to city government
• Each man to pay in proportion to the benefits derived
• Street grades that owners could put in sidewalks and curbs IF WE SO DESIRE.
• Porches, fences and other obstructions moved back off sidewalks
• More fire hydrants and better equipment for fighting fire
• A city govt. to pay for absolutely necessary work and improvements
• Chamber of Commerce funds to go for publicity
• A city govt. that will manage affairs to best interest of the community

The election was held on June 29, 1914, with a decisive vote for incorporation.
There were 417 votes cast (one ballot was not voted for or against and 15 were thrown out for irregularity – they had marked the box with a pencil instead of a pen. Of the 15 irregulars, 12 were for and 3 against).

Fillmore became a city of the 6th class by just 15 votes- 208 for and193 against.

According to the newspaper, the vote count read like a horse race. “It was a tie game for the first fifty taken from the box and then the antis gained a lead which kept increasing until they were 22 ahead. The lead was maintained until over 300 ballots had been counted. The tide then turned and the pros had a small lead. This kept gradually increasing until it was known that it was a certainty that incorporation would carry. Then cheer after cheer went up from the camp of those in favor. “

When it was all over, Judge C.C. Elkins one of the leaders of the opposition “mounted one of the tables, struck a match to a fresh cigar and in the best of humor proposed a toast to the new-born city of Fillmore. He stated that he took the side against incorporation with the firm conviction that he was in the right, had conducted a strenuous campaign against incorporation but now that themajority of the people had voted in its favor, he hoped that everyone would accept the result in good spirit and pull together for the city and community. The judge was cheered for his good sportsmanship.”

George Tighe was elected mayor and would serve 4 years. Clarence Arrasmith was elected clerk and would then serve as City Manager for 40 years and Florence Lewis was elected Treasurer. John Casner became the first city marshal and John Galvin was hired as City Attorney. He served for 52 years (until 1966), the longest serving City Attorney in the State of California.

Courtesy Head Football Coach Charlie Weis

In 2020 many of our student athletes missed out on important moments, special opportunities, and unique experiences that come with participating in high school athletics. The younger students recognized how fragile these chances were and set out to ensure they would make the most of any opportunities they were given. When it was announced that the football season would be played in full in the fall of 2021 the Flashes were determined to make the most of it.

Starting with an impromptu victory over the defending division 12 CIF and 5AA state bowl champion El Monte Lions and ending with an appearance in the division 10 quarterfinals of the CIF championship series, the 2021 Flashes football team played a season to remember. In addition to breaking 11 all-time records and tying 6 others, the team had 2 all-CIF selections, 5 all-county selections, 4 all-county academic selections, 15 all-league selections, and one league Co-MVP. Most importantly, they brought The Helmet back to Fillmore, where it belongs, when they defeated Santa Paula 57-7 in the 110th match up in the series. In doing so, they also broke the record for the most points scored by a team in series history and the largest margin of victory in series history.

The Flashes 1st team all-league recipients were Joey Holladay, Freddy Araujo, Nate Ocegueda, Jarod Uridel, Matt Magaña, and Anthony Chessani. Anthony Chessani was also selected as the Co-MVP for the Citrus Coast League. The 2nd team all-league recipients were Davian Gonzalez, Isaac Gonzalez, Mikey Jimenez, Jesus Landin, Fabian Estrada, and Dante Williams. All-league honorable mentions were earned by Tory Cabral, Victor Jimenez, and Ivan Becerra. The 1st team all-county recipients were Anthony Chessani, Jarod Uridel, Freddy Araujo, and Nate Ocegueda. Matt Magaña earned a 2nd team all-county selection. Flashes who made the all-county academic team were Davian Gonzalez, Joey Holladay, Anthony Chessani, and Jarod Uridel. To top off these incredible accomplishments, Nate Ocegueda and Anthony Chessani were also selected to the All-CIF team, which is the highest individual honor a player can receive in the state of California for varsity football.

On top of these accolades, Senior quarterback Joey Holladay broke the single season records for passing yardage (1922), passing touchdowns (26), and completions (139). In addition, Joey broke the school record for passing touchdowns in a game (6) against Santa Paula. Junior running back Anthony Chessani broke the single season record for points scored (206) and touchdowns scored (32). Anthony also tied the record for most touchdowns scored in a game (5) in the first round of the CIF playoffs. Junior tight end Jarod Uridel broke the single game record for receptions in a game (10). He also tied the record for most touchdown receptions in a game (3) with fellow teammate Freddy Araujo. The team broke records for most touchdowns (65) and points scored (462) in a season. They broke the record for most points in a single game (60) and tied the single game record for touchdowns (9). They tied the record for least passing yards allowed in a game (0) against El Monte and broke the record for most total offensive yardage in a single game (600) vs. Coachella Valley.

These accomplishments will be etched in the history of Fillmore football and their impact on the program will be felt and appreciated by future Flashes for years to come. As impressive and validating as these accomplishments are for the athletes, they would not be possible without the entire community of Fillmore. From our athletic director and administration who worked to schedule games on short notice, to our grounds, maintenance, and custodial staff who made it all happen on Friday nights, this season was a WIN for the entire community. We had parents who provided encouragement, fans who provided energy, and local businesses who provided food that made these memories possible. Our generous medical staff volunteered countless hours of their lives to ensure the safety of the athletes. Our alumni organization spread the word and helped pack the stands. Our booster club brought pride to the stadium and recognition for the players. In an era where athletes frequently move from school to school with little to no connection to the area, it is a remarkable feat to field a roster of entirely local students and still compete at the highest levels. This is made possible by the dedication of our athletes and the incredible support they receive from our community. Thank you, Fillmore! The Flashes look forward to many more Friday Nights as ONE TOWN AND ONE TEAM.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) has reached an agreement with Sierra Northern Railway to operate and maintain the Santa Paula Branch Line Railroad for freight, film and tourist services.

VCTC commissioners approved the agreement at a special meeting Thursday, December 16, at Camarillo City Hall. The agreement finalizes nearly a year of negotiations on a new operating contract for the Santa Paula Branch Line, a 32-mile rail line that extends from the city of Ventura to just east of Piru in eastern Ventura County.

Sierra Northern Railway, based in Northern California, is the freight division of Sierra Railroad Company. The 35-year agreement allows for Sierra Northern Railway to lease the Santa Paula Branch Line from VCTC for railroad purposes.

Sierra Northern Railway plans to develop a freight customer base that serves existing and future businesses along the branch line, providing freight and transload services, installing spur lines, and storing and switching rail cars. The company also plans to support film and television production on the branch line and to provide tourism and seasonal passenger services through its sister company, Mendocino Railway, which operates the historic Skunk Train in Mendocino County.

“The Santa Paula Branch Line is a unique asset in Ventura County,” said Ventura County Supervisor and Commission Chair Kelly Long. “This agreement with Sierra Northern Railway will ensure the branch line continues to provide economic opportunities for businesses and residents of the Heritage Valley and continues a tradition of tourist trains on the line.”

The agreement limits where rail cars may be stored, as well as prohibits storage of rail cars used to transport hazardous materials.

The historic and scenic Santa Paula Branch Line has long been used for freight delivery, as well as for tourist and holiday train excursions. The branch line has also been a film location for major motion pictures and television commercials.

Sierra Northern Railway is a sister company to Mendocino Railway, operator of the Skunk Train, which transports passengers through the redwoods of Mendocino County, and the Sacramento River Fox Train. Mendocino Railway also designed, built, and operates a two-seat recumbent railbike service on two railroads in Northern California and has plans to expand railbike service on the Santa Paula Branch Line.

The agreement is expected to spark new economic activity in the Heritage Valley by continuing to support and grow freight rail operations, tourist excursions and a future recreational trail.

VCTC Commissioner Lynn Edmonds, a member of the Fillmore City Council, said: “I am excited for the return of the branch line excursions and to welcoming more tourists to our beautiful valley and cities. They have a proven record of professionalism, excellent tourist opportunities and have been meeting with local businesses to see what the Sierra Northern can do to help the tourism industry in our valley. I know that there have been some difficult issues published lately about Sierra Northern, but the Ventura County Transportation Department Staff carefully researched every issue and we have an excellent contract that has taken every issue into consideration. The contract was passed enthusiastically by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. I am pleased that VCTC was able to respond to the many suggestions by the community to create a strict contract with Sierra Northern Railway. At present Sierra Northern is repairing the rails and bridges as well as bringing in their equipment and staff. They hope to be ready to have the trains starting by the Spring Break. Sierra Northern will offer many additional services available for everyone to choose from. I am looking forward to taking a ride in the passenger rail car as well as on the proposed railbikes, zipping along on the rails.”

VCTC Commissioner Andy Sobel, a Santa Paula City Council member, said: “I’m very excited about this agreement with Sierra Northern Railway, and I’m looking forward to seeing these developments as the agreement moves forward.”

Mark Watkins, VCTC interim executive director, said: “Few operators out there have the qualifications we were looking for. Sierra Northern brings the expertise, the financial resources, and the operating ability for both freight and tourism trains. When VCTC cast the net more than a year ago, this was the type of operator VCTC was looking for, and we’re happy to have them.”

About the Santa Paula Branch Line
Originally built in 1887 by the Southern Pacific railroad, the line through the Santa Clara Valley was originally part of Southern Pacific’s main line connecting Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

The Santa Paula Branch Line was abandoned east of Piru in 1984 as result of washouts between Piru and Saugus.

VCTC purchased the Santa Paula Branch Line from Southern Pacific, a predecessor of the Union Pacific Railroad, in 1995 for the purpose of protecting the assembled corridor for transportation-related purposes and eventually providing a route for potential commuter service.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Moorpark Station arrested Nathan Olivares of Fillmore, for Attempted Arson and Possession of a Destructive Device.

The case began at approximately 8:02 AM, on the morning of January 18th when the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 911 call regarding what was described as an explosion in the backyard of a residence in the 100 Block of Millard Street. Deputies responded to the location and initiated an investigation, which included speaking with several witnesses, as well as the occupants of the home. During their investigation, deputies located evidence indicating that a suspect attempted to ignite the fuel tank of a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. Deputies also located evidence of an explosive device that ignited in the backyard of the residence.

Over the next several hours, deputies and detectives from the Moorpark Investigations Bureau continued the investigation and identified the suspect as Nathan Olivares, 19 years old of Fillmore. On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives located Olivares while he was driving through the city of Moorpark. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the 400 block of West Los Angeles Avenue and arrested Olivares without incident. Once Olivares was in custody, detectives, with the assistance of Investigators from the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad obtained a search warrant for Olivares’ residence. During the service of the warrant, detectives and Bomb Squad Investigators located several additional pieces of evidence linking Olivares to the crime.

Olivares was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail on two counts of Attempted Arson and a single count of Possession of a Destructive Device. Bail is currently set at $150,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Investigation and Arrest of Suspect for Multiple Arson and Explosive Related Charges
Report Number: 22-7197
Location: 100 Block of Millard Street, Moorpark
Date & Time: January 18th, 2022 at 8:02 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Moorpark Patrol Station
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Bomb Squad
S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
S) Olivares, Nathan Fillmore 19
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Kevin Lynch
Approved by: Captain Victor Fazio

***

UPDATE: Monday, January 24, 2022
Released Arson Charges Filed in Backyard Explosion

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nathan James Olivares (DOB 03/27/02), of Fillmore, has been charged with causing an explosion in the backyard of a residence in Moorpark. Investigators also discovered that Olivares had attempted to ignite a vehicle with an explosive device in the same incident. The complaint charges Olivares with felony violations of explosion with intent to injure, attempted arson, possession of a destructive device, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated the crimes and identified Olivares as the suspect. On January 20, 2022, deputies arrested Olivares. Deputies later searched Olivares’ residence and seized additional destructive devices.

Olivares appeared today for arraignment and pled not guilty to the charges. An early disposition conference is scheduled on February 2, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Olivares is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000. A bail review hearing is scheduled on January 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13.

***

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 290 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.

Fillmore's first air strip circa 1930 was on Sespe Land and Water Co. property behind what is now the El Dorado Mobile Park.
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Shiells Oil Field.
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Bungalow Inn circa 1925, which was on the southeast corner of Fillmore and Santa Clara streets.
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The Cottage Hotel owned by E. B. Turner.
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“Remembered Trivia”
By Ken Fine

The “Artists’ Barn” was actually a converted barn. After Mildred and Lawrence Hinckley moved in, they discovered they weren’t the only inhabitants. Night time was time for the rats to play. After trying traps, poison and every home remedy suggested, the final solution was arrived at. Lawrence had been taught at an early age to shoot a 22 rifle by his father, Ira Hinckley, He turned into an excellent shot but never a hunter as killing wasn’t his game. This was an emergency though, so out came the 22. One of the most successful wasn’t the time he shot a rat and it fell out of the attic, blood and all, around Mildred’s neck. We heard they weren’t speaking for a little while.

Fillmore had its share of flying pioneers. The first airfield (early 1930s) was on Sespe Land and Water Co. property behind what is now the El Dorado Mobile Park. Marion McKeen, with his own plane, started the field. Peyt Burkey was the first local to have a plane. The local oil companies donated the oil for the landing strip and a hanger was built. It was quite successful with more locals taking part.

In 1945 an airfield was built on the Basolo Ranch on the east side of Chambersburg Road past the Bardsdale Bridge. At its peak, 8 local planes and 6 planes owned by Los Angeles people were parked there. The field closed in 1950 because they couldn’t get a permit from the County to build hangers. Our own county supervisor voted against granting the permits.

A couple of disasters in air travel happened near Fillmore. Marion McKeen lost a passenger out of his plane between Santa Paula and Fillmore. He was a Santa Barbara business man on a survey trip for an oil man named Casey. Peyt Burkey and his neighbor, Harry Hastings, crashed and were killed near the Sespe Bridge. Burkey owned a garage and Hastings was a building contractor in Fillmore.

The first producing well brought in on the Shiells property (known as Montebello) up Shiells Canyon was in 1911.
[In the early 1930s] Gus Colouris ran a fruit and vegetable truck throughout the city. I got 25₵ and old vegetables for helping carry vegetables to the houses for the women.

In 1934, C. C. Elkins got me a job (as you couldn’t just hire out) picking lemons. The wages were 17 1/2₵ an hour plus a bonus of 10 cents a box, which only the fastest picker could reach. After two weeks being low man in number of boxes, you were replaced.

Good money was made in the tomato packing shed (across the tracks from the present lemon house) in the middle 1930’s. You got $2 a day plus bonus for labeling boxes and loading box cars.

I first worked in the oil fields in 1940 on a promotion well on Elkins’ property. It paid $8.80 a day and carpenters were getting $4.50 a day.

In 1915 gasoline sold for 16₵ a gallon. In1916 it rose to 21₵ a gallon.

We put an ice card in the window for our ice. It had 25-50-75 in the corners and the number on top in the window was the amount the ice man brought in. Our box would hold 50 lbs., if partly chipped. The floor got mopped often when you forgot to empty the drain pan. The card didn’t take care of the booze, another of their services. That had to be ordered by phone or word of mouth during prohibition.

Elmer Booth started the Bungalow Inn on the southeast corner of Fillmore and Santa Clara streets. He expected to serve meals, but never did, so the hardwood floor dining room was used for dances until it was done away with to make more rooms. Each room had an outside entrance andwas nice for that period.It wasn’t a huge success and he sold it and Elmer Booth went in the manure business with grandson Bull Manning. Manure was a very lucrative business in those days before liquid fertilizer.

Sunnyside Rooms, northeast corner of Central and Ventura, rented rooms and had a few cabins, served meals that were all you could eat for 25 cents. It was run by two sisters.

Rist Rooms were above Dunn’s hardware, northwest corner of Fillmore and Main. “Rist” was sometimes confused with “rest”, which caused some problems. In the early 1920’s my brother, Westley, and wife Lula managed these rooms. Our house had no bathtub, so I carried clean clothes up there and Lula gave me my bath. Then the fun started as she taught me to play all kinds of cards, poker, solitaire, etc.

The Fillmore Inn [on] Central Avenue had a porch on both floors and on nice summer evenings they would be full with not only tenants but squiring couple from town.

The Cottage Inn on the same location was the first in town. Mose Fine and his family stayed therein the 1890’s waiting for their homestead papers to be approved.