On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Fillmore Condors competed at the 2024 USATF Junior Olympics held in Indiana. Pictured above are the kids who competed L to R Top Row: Able Arana, Ethan Leighton, Damian Santa Rosa, Isabelle Enriquez, Kirsten Theabold, Itzel Arana, Kristin Theabold, Christine Beltran, Mycah Castrol, Brooklyn Limon. Bottom Row L to R Jacob Santa Rosa, Jacob Ramriez, Nate Magana, Ares Sanchez, Carlos Marin and Zach Magana Missing: Nick Enriquez. Photo credit Fillmore Condors.
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By Fillmore Condors

Congratulations to these 17 athletes who traveled to Shelbyville, Indiana to compete in the 2024 USATF Junior Olympics held on December 14, 2024. Some of these athletes were new to the National Race experience others were veterans in this highly competitive race. Going up against the best in the United States is an honor and something that no one can take away from them. They have been practicing since August, 3-4 times a week, clocking in mile after mile and competing in races every Saturday over the course of these past 5 months. They headed out to Indiana ready to complete and to do their best all while battling cold temperatures in the low 20’s, high altitude and muddy slushy conditions. Come race day they persevered and showed us what kind of determination and resilience they are made of as each age group ran and crossed the finish line for their races.

The boys Gremlin team who consisted of 4 Condor Athletes; Ares Sanchez, Mycah Castro, Zach Magana and Carlos Marin brought home the Bronze Medal. Brooklyn Limon of the girls Bantam Division who is also a part of Fillmore Condors brought home the Bronze Medal as well. On Behalf of the organization, all your families, friends and community we want to extend a huge congratulations on a job well done. Every single one of our athletes represented the city of Fillmore with great sportsmanship, dedication and competitiveness that we can admire.

By Jan Lee

Why are we talking about the flower show in winter? The show isn’t until April 26 and 27, 2025!
However, one of the most popular categories is roses. Roses need to be pruned in January to have beautiful blooms in the spring. Otto and Sons Nursery in Fillmore offers Rose Care Classes: January 4, 10am -12; Jan 11, 10-12; January 18, 10-12; and January 25, 1-3pm. Sign up early, the classes fill up.

The theme this year is “Fillmore Spirit in Bloom”. It will be held at the Active Adult Center on Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. As usual, there will be live music, a plant sale and refreshment cafe.

As you mark important dates on your new 2025 calendar, be sure to write in the Fillmore Flower Show in April. Nourish those plants, arrange those dish gardens and plant some seeds. We’ll see you in April at the Fillmore Flower Show!

VENTURA, Calif. – If you are giving or receiving a gift card this holiday season, make sure you know your rights! California law offers important protections for gift card holders and purchasers, ensuring fairness and transparency in how gift cards can be used and redeemed.

These consumer rights are outlined in California Civil Code section 1749.5:

• Gift cards in Cali-fornia never expire.

• Retailers must replace or refund the value of unusable gift cards.

• Upon request retailers must provide cash or a check for gift card balances of $9.99 or less.

• Gift cards sold in California cannot be subject to service or related fees, except for dormancy fees under very limited circumstances.

Additionally, gift card issuers may not “opt out” of the requirements of Civil Code section 1749.5.
If you experience issues using or obtaining a refund for an eligible gift card, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office encourages you to take action. Contact us via email at daspecialops@ventura.org or by phone at (805) 662-1750.
Learn more about holiday gift card scams on our Instagram page.

Contact: Joey Buttitta

Title: Communications Manager/PIO

Phone: (805) 767-3400

Email: Joey.Buttitt a@ventura.org

Approved: SW

Date: December 20, 2024

Release No.: 24-154

The Fillmore Flashes Girls Wrestling team made a strong showing at the Channel Islands Girls Wrestling Tournament held at Del Sol High School in Oxnard on Saturday, December 7, with standout performances from co-captains Alexa Martinez and Emma Torres.

Alexa Martinez, a senior co-captain, turned in an impressive performance in the 145 lb. weight class, finishing in 2nd place out of 9 athletes. Alexa demonstrated her strength, skill, and determination, finishing with a 2-1 record on the day. Her only loss came in a hard-fought final match, but she made her presence felt throughout the tournament with a series of dominant performances.

Alexa’s success at the Channel Islands Tournament is just the latest chapter in an impressive season. She also played a key role in the team’s dual match against Newbury Park earlier in the week, where she pinned her opponent, earning a crucial 6 points for the team. With a season record of 9-2 and two tournament placements under her belt, Alexa continues to be a driving force for the Flashes both on and off the mat.

Emma Torres, also a senior co-captain, had an exceptional showing in her first tournament of the season. Competing in the highly competitive 130 lb. weight class, Emma faced a full bracket featuring 16 wrestlers. Despite the stiff competition, Emma dominated the tournament with a 4-1 record, securing 3rd place overall. She won all four of her matches by pin, showcasing her wrestling acumen and relentless drive.

With her strong finish at Channel Islands, Emma now boasts a 6-2 record for the season. Her hard work and preparation have clearly paid off, and she has quickly established herself as one of the team’s top competitors.

“Our team captains’ tenacity and ability to stay focused under pressure were on full display,” said Fillmore’s head girls coach Michael Torres. “They have been a huge asset to the team, not only through their individual success but also by supporting their teammates every step of the way.”

Though the team faced tough competition, several athletes showed strong promise, with Karina Vergara (135 lbs), Christine Panopio (140 lbs), and Yoseline Cruz (140 lbs) each finishing with 2-2 records. Ava Manzano (235 lbs) also showed perseverance with a 1-2 record.

Overall, while some wrestlers faced tough early exits, the Flashes earned valuable experience on the mats as they continue to prepare for upcoming events and dual matches.

The Flashes head into the next phase of their season with weekend tournaments in December at Hueneme High School, Saturday, December 14th and at Millikan High School, Saturday, December 21st.

The next home dual meet will be vs. Channel Islands High School: Wednesday, January 8th, start time: 5:30 pm.
Full Results: Celeste Juarez (110 lb.) 0-2, Delilah Cervantez (115 lb.) 0-2, Jasmine Contreras (115 lb.) 0-2, Micaela Ramirez (120 lb.) 0-2, Emma Torres (130 lb.) 4-1, Jacqueline Lomeli (130 lb.) 0-2, Karina Vergara (135 lb.) 2-2, Michelle Pinedo (135 lb.) 0-2, Skyla Sandoval (135 lb.) 0-2), Christine Panopio (140 lb.) 2-2, Yoseline Cruz (140 lb.) 2-2, Alexa Martinez (145 lb.) 2-1, Candy Aguilar (170 lb.) 0-2, Ava Manzano (235 lb.) 1-2.

Photo credit Gazette staff.
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https://www.facebook.com/mudturtletheatrical.org

The decision to choose purple as the theme color for the theater was not arbitrary. The initial inspiration came from the 325 purple seats in the theater, which serve as the most prominent feature in the main section of the building. Since purple was already such a dominant color in the seating area, it only made sense to extend that theme throughout the rest of the space.

Purple has a personal significance to me as well. For those who know me, it’s no secret that I am passionate about cars. The first car that truly left an impression on me as a child, was a 1970 Dodge Challenger owned by a neighbor in Glendale, which was painted in Dodge’s iconic “Plum Crazy” purple. This color, still associated with the brand today, has become legendary. Classic Plymouths and Dodges from that era in this shade are highly sought after by collectors. Interestingly, the Road Runner cartoon character, used on one of the most valuable classic muscle cars, the Plymouth Roadrunner, also features purple in its plumage and wings.

I also have a deep love for Halloween, where orange and purple are the defining colors. My purple enthusiasm also comes from my love of the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland, where purple wallpaper can not only be seen on the ride, but throughout souvenirs and paraphernalia related to the ride. And let’s not forget Taco Bell—another one of my favorites—whose current logo prominently features purple.

On a more serious note, purple carries significant symbolism:
In the U.S., the Purple Heart is one of the highest honors for bravery in military service. Originally created in 1782 by George Washington, the award recognizes soldiers for their courageous actions. Purple, in this context, represents honor and valor. This meaning is especially personal to me, as I have two sons in the military—one served in the Navy, and the other is currently serving as a Sergeant in the Marines. I was unable to serve due to asthma, but I hold their service close to my heart.

Purple is also the official color of the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/about/our-brand). Alzheimer’s affects millions of Americans, and I have worked on videos addressing this issue in my professional life. The experience has deepened my understanding of the profound impact Alzheimer’s has, not only on the patients but also on their caregivers.
Spiritually, purple holds powerful meanings across cultures. In Western Christianity, it is often associated with penitence, reflection, and transformation. In Hinduism and Buddhism, purple can symbolize enlightenment and higher consciousness. Source: “The Color Purple: A Symbol of Spirituality,” The Power of Color (2010)

Color psychology suggests that purple—a blend of blue (stability) and red (passion)—promotes wisdom and dignity, qualities often attributed to this rich hue. Source: “Color Psychology: How Colors Influence the Mind,” The Journal of Experimental Psychology (2018).

Historically, purple has been a symbol of women’s suffrage in the U.S., signifying the fight for women’s right to vote and equality. Source: https://sos.oregon.gov/.../suffrage/Pages/context/colors

The history of purple is quite fascinating. From the Carnegie Museum of Natural History:

“The color purple has been associated with royalty since ancient times, in large part because the murex shellfish-based Tyrian purple dye (aka Royal purple or Imperial purple), produced by the Phoenician city of Tyre during the Bronze Age, was very expensive to make and thus only the wealthiest classes, including the nobility, could afford it. Its striking color and resistance to fading made clothing dyed with Tyrian purple highly desirable and the ancient Romans adopted purple as a symbol of imperial authority and status. The togas of the Senators were trimmed in purple and a completely purple toga was worn by the person occupying the powerful office of Censor. It was the Censor’s job to determine which Senators were still worthy of office and who should and should not be on the roster of Rome’s leading citizens.

The color purple was not only reserved as a status symbol for clothing but was also used in Roman monuments and buildings. “Imperial Porphyry” is an igneous rock that contains hematite and the manganese-bearing mineral piemontite that makes it similar in color to the Tyrian purple dye.”

The famous novel “The Color Purple”, by Alice Walker, presents the color as a symbol of beauty and self-realization. In the story, Shug Avery encourages Celie, the protagonist, to recognize the beauty in the world, specifically in the color purple. For Celie, learning to appreciate the color becomes a metaphor for her awakening to joy, self-love, and empowerment.
In short, purple is more than just a color; it is a symbol of bravery, beauty, dignity, transformation, and empowerment. I chose it for the theatre because it reflects the energy, history, and spirit of both the venue and the city of Fillmore. Purple is a color that speaks to the extraordinary, and I can think of no better way to honor the amazing experience we aim to provide as we continue to renovate this space.

Above are Council members, Chris Gurrola (left) and Mark Austin (right), who will be stepping down from Fillmore City Council. Center is former Mayor Carrie Broggie. High Winds Bring Fire Hazards to Area
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CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, 6:30 PM, CITY HALL
AGENDA
All agenda items passed with a 5-0 vote.

The Council has elected Christina Villasenor as the new Mayor and Albert Mendez as the new Mayor Pro Tem.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 CENTRAL AVENUE CHRISTMAS

TREE DECORATING

5.B RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

5.C NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS OATH OF OFFICE AND PRESENTATION OF

CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION

6. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION MEETING RECESS (BREAK)

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS

8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOM-MENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

9. CONSENT CALENDAR

9A. THROUGH

9D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

9.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-DECEMBER 10, 2024

CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-DECEMBER 10, 2024.PDF

9.B CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 24-4038 UPDATING THE RESOLUTION
FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PARTTIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE

MGMT COMP RESO-LUTION STAFF REPORT.PDF

9.C CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULERE COMMENDATION FOR ITEM
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE.PDF

9.D CONTRACT FOR BUREAU VE-RITAS BUILDING AND PLAN REVIEW AND CONSULTING SERVICES
FILLMORE BUREAU VERITAS CONTRACT PLAN UPDATE.PDF

10. NEW BUSINESS

10.A ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 24-4033 DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

SR DECLARING THE 2024 ELECTION RESULTS.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt City Council Resolution 24-4033 Declaring the Results of the November 5, 2024 General and Municipal Election.

10.B SELECTION OF 2024 MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE

SR - SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MPT.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council select the 2024 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. The City Clerk’s Department asks the City Council to nominate a Councilmember to serve as Mayor via a motion; the motion must be seconded, and then the Councilmembers will vote on the nomination. If the vote fails, a new nomination is made, and the process is repeated until a motion is adopted. Following the receipt of a majority vote of the Councilmembers for a Mayor for the new term, the current Mayor will call for nominations for Mayor Pro Tempore via the same motion process used for the selection of the Mayor. Following a majority vote of the Councilmembers for the Mayor Pro Tempore, the Council will reorganize accordingly.

10.C PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS
PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOV - APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS 2024.PDF

REQUEST: Staff requests that each member of the City Council appoint standby officers.

10.D APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COM-MISSIONS, LIAISON, AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
SR APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES, COMM AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss and: 1. That the Mayor appoint, with City Council consent, City Council representatives to the various positions listed on Attachment 1 including the adoption of Resolution No. 24 4034 Appointing a City Council representative to the Board of Directors of the Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA); and 2. Provide direction whether any standing committees or ad-hoc committees are no longer necessary and should be dissolved. The list of City Council standing and ad hoc committees is included on Attachment 1.
10.E DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR 2025.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff is requestion that the City Council review and adopt the attached proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule. Following City Council approval, the schedule will be published and posted on the City’s website.
10.F REVIEW OF FY 2023-24 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ANNUAL AND FIVEYEAR REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-4041 MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNEXPENDED DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
SR FY 2023-24 DIF REPORT.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff is requestion that the City Council review and adopt the attached proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule. Following City Council approval, the schedule will be published and posted on the City’s website.
10.G FINAL UPDATE ON THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITYS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE FUNDS
SR - 2024 ARPA UPDATE.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Receive an update on the City’s use of its American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds; 2. Approve the allocation of ARPA funds, in an amount of $20,000 to increase the not-to-exceed contract amount of $60,000, for the first amendment to the RSG contract in a form approved by the City Attorney and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the first amendment; 3. Approve the allocation of ARPA funds, in an amount of $6,000, as a contingency to the office reconfiguration contract with Omnia Partners through Tri County Office Furniture and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign for such contingency; 4. Approve the allocation of the remaining ARPA funds, in an amount not to exceed $53,816, for a contract with PSD Citywide in a form approved by the City Attorney and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement; and 5. Authorize the Interim City Manager to allocate any unused funds after reconciliation of all ARPA projects if excess funds remain available.

10.H ADOPTION OF THE FY 2025-26 RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS) FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026 AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE

SR - ADOPTION OF ROPS BUDGET FY 2025-26.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Successor Agency Board of Directors: 1. Approve the attached Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and Administrative Budget and authorize the Executive Director (City Manager) or his designee to submit the ROPS and Administrative Budget for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 for review and approval by the Ventura County Consolidated Oversight Board (“VCCOB”) and the California Department of Finance (“DOF”); and 2. Authorize the Executive Director or her designee to make any changes needed as directed by the VCCOB or DOF

SUCCESSOR AGENCY

11. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

12. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Photo credit Gazette Staff. For more updates and information visit https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=169.
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https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID =169

Public Works: Posted on: December 5, 2024 | Last Modified on: December 10, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: December 5, 2025

Park Renovation Announcements: Improvements Coming to Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park
The City of Fillmore is excited to announce a series of renovations aimed at enhancing the recreational facilities and overall visitor experience at Three Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park. These improvements will require temporary closures, but they will deliver long-term benefits for the community.

Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park are closed due to turf and other renovations. The baseball fields at Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, Shiells Park are scheduled to reopen February 1st, while the soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park will remain closed until the end of July 2025. The Dog Park at Two Rivers Park will remain open during this renovation period.

Two Rivers Park is set to undergo significant improvements aimed at enhancing its sports facilities. As a result, Two Rivers Park will be closed starting in December. The baseball fields will be reopened on February 1st, however, the soccer and football fields will remain closed until the end of July 2025. The Dog Park will remain open throughout this park improvements period. During the closure period, the soccer and football playfields will undergo major turf reconstruction, that includes leveling and fertilizing, and the entire park will be overseeding to improve the quality of the grass. Additionally, the irrigation system of these fields will be upgraded from the current underground drip system to a more efficient overhead sprinkler system. As part of the upgrades, Phase One of our sports field lighting will be installed to illuminate the soccer and football fields, and future Phase Two will illuminate the baseball fields. Other sports facility improvements include the addition of new nets for the park’s batting cages and repainting the Park’s restroom and pergola. These upgrades are designed to create a better experience for both athletes and visitors alike.

Shiells Park will undergo a series of minor yet impactful improvements to enhance its amenities. As a result, the park will be closed during the months of December and January. The park’s turf will be reconditioned, with efforts focused on leveling uneven areas and overseeding dry spots. Public Works will also pressure wash and repaint the entrance gates and various structures throughout the park. The baseball fields will receive several repairs, including leveling the playing surface, replacing the redwood headers, making small updates to the dugouts, and overhauling the irrigation system on Ball Field Two. In addition, the park will add a new set of concrete cornhole boards, replacing the previous horseshoe setup, offering a fun and modern upgrade for visitors of all ages.

Rio Vista Park will be closed during the months of December and January for turf rejuvenation in the gated basin area and around the play equipment and gazebos. This turf reconditioning effort aims to improve the overall health and appearance of the grass areas. The park’s gated basin is typically closed during the rainy season (November through April) as it is designed to capture stormwater from a much larger area than the park and recharge our vital groundwater supply. Therefore, the basin will reopen at the end of April.

For more information or updates about park closures and renovations, please contact Public Works Director Joe Bellomo at (805) 265-0948.