Above is the Fillmore Historical Museum’s dynamic trio (l-r), Sue Zeider, Sue Hopkins, and Sue Cuttriss, dedicated volunteers who keep our local museum going. Photo by Carina Montoya.
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Written by Carina Montoya

It is said that “good things come in threes.” Local longtime Fillmore residents Sue Cuttriss, Sue Hopkins and Sue Zeider are the town’s dynamic trio. It is a coincidence that all three share the same first name and coincidentally live in the same neighborhood, belong to the same women’s organization, and are dedicated volunteers at the Fillmore Historical Museum. Together they serve and enrich the community with their dedication in promoting art, culture, and the preservation of the town’s history. It is interesting that the name “Sue” (short for Susan, Susanna, and Suzanne, but all three Sues here are Susans) has deep historical roots that dates to ancient times. It is a name that holds the significant symbolic meaning of a Lily that symbolized great cultural importance. It is no wonder that Sue, Sue, and Sue dedicate their time in collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying objects of artistic, cultural, and scientific significance for the study and education of the public.

Sue Cuttriss is a retired teacher and volunteers at the museum as a docent, educator, and assists with museum coverage. Sue Hopkins is also a retired teacher and volunteers at the museum as a docent, educator, and assists with museum coverage. Sue Zeider is retired from a career in insurance and volunteers her time at the museum as archivist, docent, educator, article-writer, develops in-person and zoom presentations, and provides museum coverage. Sue, Sue, and Sue are truly a dynamic trio at the museum, as are the museum’s dynamic duo, Martha and Martha, but that’s another story.

The Fillmore Historical Museum was founded in 1974 by local teacher and author Edith Jarrett. Edith purchased the train depot building for $1.05 (one dollar five cents) and had it moved across the street to its current location on the museum grounds next to the railroad tracks. Since its founding, the museum has operated on dedicated volunteers and interns who share an interest in history and the preservation of information and artifacts of local people, places, and things. The main museum is in the old Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse #2 and houses the major portion of the museum’s collection. It has a gift shop, library, exhibit rooms, and a “work room” where photographs and some artifacts are examined and stored. The bunkhouse was donated to the Museum by James P. Finch who purchased the Rancho Sespe headquarters parcel. The bunkhouse was moved to its current location in 1995. There is an office door name plate in the bunkhouse that reads “Sue’s Office,” so next time you visit the museum, you’re likely to meet “Sue.”

Santa Paula, Calif. – On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at about 12:25 p.m. a single engine airplane crashed near the Santa Paula Airport. The plane crashed in an open lot at a business east of 12th St. and south of Highway 126. The pilot, identified as Graham Pollock, age 25, of Santa Paula, was treated at the scene and airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. He was listed in critical condition and sustained burn injuries. There were no other occupants in the plane and no one on the ground was injured.

After being treated at Ventura County Medical Center, Pollock was airlifted to a Los Angeles County Hospital Burn Unit. His condition remains critical but stable.

Through investigation it was learned a Good Samaritan nearby observed the crash and quickly acted by pulling the pilot, who was on fire, from the wreckage. He used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames on the pilot. This heroic action was done prior to Ventura County Fire Department and Santa Paula Police Department arriving on scene.

The Santa Paula Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, City of Santa Paula Emergency Services Coordinator, Ventura County Department of Airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) responded to the crash scene. The FAA and NTSB are continuing the investigation. The plane was a Pitts Special Acrobatic type biplane.

Press Release Prepared by: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police

Media Follow Up Contact: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police
(805) 525-4474 Ext. 123 daguilar@spcity.org

On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at 11:53 P.M. the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle versus pedestrian at westbound SR126 just east of Trestle Way, Fillmore. According to the California High-way Patrol the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta, a 37-year-old woman from the Santa Clarita area, was traveling westbound on Highway 126 when the man ran north across traffic lanes in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian was struck and killed. On Monday, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Dario Nicacio Medina, 45 of Moorpark. He died from multiple blunt force injuries, agency officials said. The CHP said the driver was found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The car was going about 50 mph at the time of the collision. CHP closed one lane of the westbound highway for over two hours for the investigation and cleanup. Initial reports said a friend of the pedestrian told dispatchers they had been fishing and were trying to cross the roadway. The CHP incident log said fish guts had been spread across the highway during the collision, which posed a cleanup challenge.

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On October 15, 2023, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The filing was part of a restructuring plan to cut debt, resolve litigation claims, and position the company for future growth. The plan included $3.45 billion in financing, an agreement with creditors, and closing underperforming stores. As of June 28, 2024, Rite Aid was approved to exit bankruptcy after a US bankruptcy judge approved a restructuring plan. The drugstore chain has been shrinking its store count for years, losing ground to rivals Walgreens and CVS. Rite Aid has closed almost 550 locations, including 98 in California, and has announced plans to close more in 2024. The company says the closures will help reduce rent expenses and improve financial performance. Rite Aid has also faced more than a thousand federal, state, and local lawsuits accusing it of illegally filling painkiller prescriptions.

Community: Media Release - Fillmore Arson Arrests

Nature of Incident: Juveniles Arrested for Arson
Report Number: 24-105700
Location: 300 Block of Main Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 08/18/2024, 7:40 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore School Resource Officers, Fillmore Fire Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
City of Residence Age

(V) Fillmore Historical Museum Fillmore
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 14
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12

Narrative:

4 Fillmore Juveniles Arrested for Arson

On 08/23/2024, four juveniles were arrested for their involvement with two arsons which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum on 08/18/2024.

On 08/18/2024, Fillmore Fire Department personnel responded to the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore reference two small fires. The fires were extinguished and determined to be suspicious in nature. On 08/20/2024, another suspicious fire was started in the same area. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the area and collaborated with Fire Investigators from the Fillmore Fire Department to investigate.

On 08/22/2024, detectives and Fillmore Fire Investigators conducted follow-up at the Fillmore Historical Museum and located additional evidence showing these fires were intentionally started, in violation of Penal Code § 451(a) – [Arson].

With the assistance of Fillmore School Resource Officers, Fillmore detectives identified the suspects as four male juveniles. On 08/23/2024, during the morning hours, detectives and School Resource Officers contacted and arrested the four juveniles. The juveniles were all cited and released to their parents pending Juvenile Justice Court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the Fillmore community how fire safety is a critical issue which affects our entire community. Each year, hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property are lost due to fires, many of which are preventable. Alarmingly, some of these fires are started by juveniles, either accidentally or intentionally. As parents and guardians, it is essential to recognize the signs and understand how to prevent such incidents.

Understanding the Risks
Fire-Setting behavior in children can stem from curiosity, peer pressure, or deeper behavioral issues. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, children are responsible for approximately 40% of all fires set intentionally. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and destruction of homes and property.

Key Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate fire-setting tendencies in their child:
An unusual fascination with fire, matches, or lighters.
Unexplained burn marks on clothing, furniture, or walls.
A pattern of playing with fire or discussing fire in a positive or obsessive manner.
Behavioral changes such as isolation, aggression, or increased anxiety.

Resources & Support
Our local fire department offers resources and educational programs aimed at preventing juvenile fire-setting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out for support and guidance. For more information, please contact the Fillmore Fire Department at 805-524-0586.

By working together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure the safety of our children and community. Let’s stay vigilant and proactive in educating our youth about fire safety.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 08/23/2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Marsh-like field conditions at Two Rivers Park make playing and walking a challenge on the uneven, muddy surface.
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Courtesy Wanda Castel de Oro

I attended my grandson’s AYSO soccer game on Saturday at Two Rivers Park and was sorry to see the playing fields are still in such poor condition. The ground was extremely uneven with potholes filled with gooey mud and water. When the ball landed on the water-soaked grass, it stayed there instead of freely rolling on the surface, seemingly glued in place. The grass was also in need of mowing, which may not have helped much considering the swamp-like condition of the field. I heard the coach from the team playing after us tell his kids they were going to be playing in the “marsh” today.

Last October 2023 a player on my grand-daughter’s team broke her ankle on the park’s field when she stepped in one of the many soggy potholes. Here is what was reported at that time, in part: “From the beginning the underground drip system was a problem. Either the drip lines are too deep or the sod was planted too shallow, and the water doesn’t properly reach the roots of the grass, leaving brown patches. In contrast, after rain, standing water plagues the fields due to poor drainage caused by uneven terrain.”

For years I have heard complaints that there is nothing for young people to do in Fillmore besides sports. Now, even that is a challenge.

When is the city going to do something to improve the field conditions at Two Rivers Park?

I hosed the mud off my shoes when I got home.