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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
The Fillmore & Western Railway recently obtained a faux steam engine from Disney Studios that was used in the Lone Ranger movie and it's already been put to work. The assignment: Advil commercial. Location. Sespe Creek. According to the production company, Gandy Dancer hauled in 3,889,425 pounds of 33-foot rail, bars, tie places and ties from Blythe, Calif. An additional 60,429 pounds of bolts, washers, and other track parts came from Kansas City, Mo., and 402,000 pounds of ties and spikes from Stockton, Calif. The result was a five-mile loop of single- and double-track line in the Rio Puerco desert. Another mile of track, for the many mining scenes, was built near Creede, Colo. Meanwhile, in Sun Valley, Calif., in northern Los Angeles County, a machine shop built two train-sets complete with two faux steam engines. For ease of movement, the rolling stock was built in the same fashion as shipping containers, in that they could be lifted on and off their chassis' and onto flatbed trucks for highway transport. The two locomotives had hydraulic hoses connecting them to the tenders, where a pair of 1,000 hp Cummins diesel engines supplied power. Both trains were operated from a computer inside the cab. Even so, a real locomotive engineer was in the cab to control the braking system. In case of an emergency, he could override the computer. Movie special effects produced all the smoke and steam there is to see in the film. The trains were designed for speeds of up to 30 mph. An EMD SW1500 diesel was used to move the cars during shooting when the steam engine was not part of the scene. The meticulous attention paid to the railroad scenes is typical of the entire production effort.” Back to the present. I captured these images while the train was waiting to be called for the next run. Heard tell the train was to run over the star of the commercial. Whew... talk about a huge headache for Advil to remedy! This will be one interesting commercial to watch... with a couple of Advil and a glass of water handy. And don't forget the band aids! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
 Mt. Vista Elementary went on a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library. They did a reenactment in the oval office of time when Reagan was President and had to solve the Grenada crisis in which 300 students and hundreds of construction workers were held captive. The students had to give answers to questions to the President, deciding on how to successfully return the captives to the US safely. President Reagan was played by Leslie Ceja. The students also learned how the President addresses the nation. Thank you to Kelly Bires’ (pictured above) mom for the photos and info. Simulation of Grenada crisis field trip sponsored by Paula Phillips and Right Road Kids. Buses sponsored by Edison Company. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
09/17/2013 – 09/23/2013
 City of Fillmore 09/17/13 |
 Relay 4 Life was held on Saturday, September 14th at Shiells Park. The 24-hour event helped raise funds for cancer research and was a way for residents to honor cancer survivors, and remember those they have lost to the disease. It was a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness in Fillmore and Piru while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raised funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members took turns walking or running around a track, relay-style and enjoyed fun activities and entertainment off the track. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in more than 4,800 communities across the country. In California, more than 300 communities hosted Relay For Life events. Twenty-four (24) community members on thirty-five (35) teams were expected to participate in the event this year. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
A Fillmore Woman died Monday from a hand-held propane bottle explosion during a family barbecue Sunday evening in the 1000 block of Candaleria. Astrid Marmont, 41, and her husband Lindsey were barbecuing Sunday evening when a head-held propane torch was used to light a charcoal barbecue. The small propane canister was set on a shelf that was attached to the barbecue. Authorities believe the canister heated up and exploded. “The gas inside the bottle expanded once it was heated and presumably caused the explosion,” stated Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. Marmont succumbed to extensive neck injuries from shrapnel from the explosion. Lindsey suffered critical injuries to his arm which required nearly five hours of surgery. He is expected to survive. |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
 Austin Davis United States Marine Corps (USMC) Private First Class (PFC) Austin Roy Davis, 19 years old, graduated from United States Marine Corps Basic Training on August 9, 2013! Austin enlisted for eight years and left for USMC Basic Training on May 13, 2013. His Basic Training was in San Diego at the Marine Corps West Coast Recruit Training site, Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot (MCRD). Austin is a 2011 graduate of Fillmore High School. Austin also attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. While growing up in Fillmore Austin participated in 5 years of Fillmore Raider's Football, 3 years of Fillmore High School Football and l year of Fillmore High School Wrestling. After graduation from Fillmore High School Austin attended Ventura College for one year. Austin is a graduate of the Ventura County Police and Sheriff Reserve Officer Academy, Class of 2072J. Austin is the son Royce Davis of Ventura and Esmeralda (Hernandez) Davis and Joe Garcia (step parent). Austin's parents all grew up in Fillmore, attended school in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School. Austin's siblings are sister(s) Kendall 18 years and attending California State University Chico and Aubree 17 years a Senior at Fillmore High School, Cesar 14 years and Diego 10 years. Austin’s maternal grandparents are Elia Hernandez, of Fillmore and Jose Hernandez of Santa Paula. Paternal grandparents are Judy and Royce Davis of Arizona. Austin's step-parent, Joe Garcia, is a Veteran having also served in the USMC. Austin's girlfriend is Aime Lopez of Fillmore. PFC Austin Davis is CONTINUED » |
 Local citizens who attended the Renaissance Awards Night were (l-r) Chief of Police Monica McGrath, Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Minjares, Mayor Rick Neal, Principal Russon Mesfun, Councilmember Diane McCall, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino, and School Board Member Lucy Rangel. Photo by KSSP Photographic Studio. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
A Celebration of Excellence
Fillmore High School recognized its academically distinguished students during Renaissance Awards Night on Wednesday. Students who earned 3.5 GPA and above received Certificates of Achievement during an event attended by various local leaders including Chief of Police Monica McGrath, Mayor Rick Neal, Mayor Pro Tem Luis Minjares, Councilmember Diane McCall, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino, and School Board Member Lucy Rangel. Prior to the ceremony, honoree students were interviewed on what it took to be successful in the classroom. “I do my homework and I try to do my best. I do my absolute best in every classroom. Academics are important in my household. I have my parents’ support,” said Citlali Erazo. Kiana Hope added: “I try to make sure that if I don’t grasp something in class, I go back to learn what I didn’t get. I do my homework. I pay attention to what the teachers are saying; it’s important to listen to the teachers –to what they are saying. Academics are very important in my household.” Anthony Larin, another student scholar at FHS, was blunt: “I have goals. School is a stepping stone for long term goals you have in the future. After high School, I would like to go to university. I take things I learn in school and incorporate it in everyday things –popular culture, self-study”. Asked how they maintained their focus to stay motivated, Erazo said that she puts her phone on “airplane mode” in order to turn off all distractions. Hope quickly jumped into the conversation and proudly added that she, too, puts her phone on airplane mode. “I found out about airplane mode because I was trying to save the battery, and now I do everything on airplane mode.” In a reply to a question on what techniques the students used to master learning, Hope stated, “I know that I have to be successful here so that I can be successful in the future. If I don’t get something, I go to the internet, like U-tube for tutorials and Khanacademy.org. There is nothing stopping you from doing well. There are many resources out there that there are no excuses for failing.” Martin Ceja, a student scholar in his own right, earning a GPA of 4.5, had this to say: “My family never really pushed me to work hard. This was not good enough for me. I push myself. I try my hardest. If I don’t understand something, I try to get help. I take the initiative. As far as focus, the way my mom raised us –she was very strict. The Spanish culture, we are respectful with our elders. When I do homework, it’s very quiet. I may not be the coolest person. I don’t care; I’m here to get to college. I consider myself of average intelligence, --others see me as smart”. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
 Sunday evening at approximately 7pm an accident occurred at Highway 126 and B Street. No further information was available at press time. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
 Housing Consultant Tom Figg is working with Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney to examine and resolve the City’s Housing Element problem. The September 10, 2013 Fillmore City Council Meeting centrally focused on two important items for the residents of Fillmore; transportation and housing. Other items discussed were Fillmore’s investment policy and payment obligations. Fillmore has contracted with Kevin McSweeney as Interim Community Development Director along with Housing Consultant Tom Figg, who has over 30 years experience in housing and community development working throughout Southern California and many towns in Ventura County, to examine and resolve the City’s Housing Element problem. The General Plan identifies that 5,816 residential units are planned for the City which will result in a population of 22,693 by the year 2020. There are currently 4,408 residential units in the City. Therefore, through the General Plan, the City of Fillmore has planned for the remaining 1,408 residential units for the year 2020. The required units have designated income levels that RHNA identifies as 160 very low income units and 112 as low income units resulting in 272 low income units that need to be planned for during the 2014-2021 Housing Element period. But, there are past low income unit requirements that have not been met. Because the City CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
WHAT: Relay For Life is a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness in Fillmore and Piru while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raise funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members take turns walking or running around a track, relay-style and enjoy fun activities and entertainment off the track. WHEN: 10 am - Saturday, Sept 14, 2013 – 10 am - Sunday, Sept 15, 2013 WHERE: Shiells Park, Old Telegraph Rd & C St, Fillmore WHO: Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in more than 4,800 communities across the country. In California, more than 300 communities will host Relay For Life events. Twenty-four (24) community members on thirty-five (35) teams are expected to participate in the event this year. WHY: Relay For Life celebrates those who have survived cancer, remembers those who have lost the battle and gives communities an opportunity to fight back against a disease that takes too much. Funds raised go to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving research, advocacy, education and free support services. ABOUT: The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Come for the ceremonies, come to participate, come to donate hair, come to support fundraisers, come to enjoy the entertainment, come to eat, come to visit or to see what Relay is about in our community! |