By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, November 1st, 2024
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Fillmore’s Matthew Ramirez competed in the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships and was named champion. Above is Matthew after his final match. Photo credit Coach Michael Torres. Enlarge Photo Pictured above is Matthew Ramirez, representing the Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu Club with his medal after winning the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships in the purple belt division. Photo credit Coach Michael Torres. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Coach Michael Torres On Saturday, October 5, 2024, UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion was alive with excitement as the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships drew competitors from around Southern California. Among the standout performers was Matthew Ramirez, representing the Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu Club, who emerged victorious in the purple belt division. Ramirez, under the coaching of Professor Michael Torres, a Gracie Humaita black belt, showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament. “Matthew’s dedication and hard work paid off,” Torres stated proudly, “securing his place as the champion in a tough field of competitors.” For Ramirez, a UCLA graduate, the accomplishment of winning at his alma mater was doubly gratifying. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, November 1st, 2024
The main parking lot adjacent to the police department is in need of immediate maintenance. Frequent requests to have this handicap parking area restored have been unsuccessful. The pole sign was destroyed about a year ago and the painted designation is mostly worn away from frequent traffic. The city is, once again, asked to restore the sign and re-paint the pavement. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, November 1st, 2024
Over the last few weeks, the sidewalks in front of Fillmore City Hall have been replaced. The project was quickly completed, and new, wide walkways are once again open. Photo credit Gazette Staff. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
Fillmore City Manager Dave Rowlands, 56, will be resigning as of November 29, it was announced at city council, Tuesday evening. Rowlands has been in the position for 11 years; he is leaving for the same position in Santa Maria after more than 11 years with the city of Fillmore. Fillmore City Council discussed forming an ad hoc committee for next steps in hiring a replacement. Councilmembers also discussed appointing Asst. City Manager Erika Herrera-Terriquez as the interim city manager. Herrera-Terriquez has worked with Rowlands for five years, and Rowlands recommended her to be the interim city manager, and for the permanent position as Fillmore City Manager. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
A 20-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage throughout the Santa Clara Valley specifically Fillmore. Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left During the months of December 2023 through February 2024, diligent community members reported a sudden increase in graffiti vandalism occurring in the Santa Clara Valley specifically the city of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the various crime scenes and located graffiti vandalism which ranged in color and size. Some of the vandalisms were felonious based on their size and damage caused to the property. Through their investigation, patrol deputies identified a “moniker” utilized by the suspect in their graffiti vandalism. A “moniker” is a specific nickname used by an individual in graffiti vandalism as a way to be identified without using a real name, in an attempt to avoid identification by law enforcement. In February of 2024, the Fillmore Police Station used a social media post seeking public assistance with identifying the subject responsible for the numerous graffiti vandalisms. After several months and a lengthy investigation, detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and West County Special Enforcement Bureau were able to identify a suspect, (S) Manuel Apolinar a 20-year-old resident of Fillmore. In October 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Apolinar. On October 15th, 2024, Fillmore Patrol resources along with detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed the arrest of Apolinar at his residence located in the 800 block of Second Street in Fillmore. Apolinar was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pre-Trail Detention Facility where he was booked for his warrant which included one count of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism] and four counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(a) – [Misdemeanor Vandalism]. Apolinar is currently in custody with a $20,000.00 bail amount and is set to be arraigned October 16th, 2024. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and Graffiti Removal Bature of Incident: Tagger Arrested in Fillmore Suspect Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
Pictured above are two candidates running for Fillmore City Council John Garnica; District 2 & Ruben Govea; District 5. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
Candidate Statements Below: Candidate John Garnica District 2 I am running for City Council because I have a deep love for Fillmore and want to give back to the community that gave me my start in life. I have a long record of service in Fillmore, and I have the leadership skills and community ties necessary to be an effective advocate for the needs of District 2 and all of Fillmore. I would bring a pragmatic leadership style, grounded in my experiences as an active community member. I have heard constituent concerns regarding our roads, the difficulty getting permits, and the condition of our parks. These need to be our central focus to improve our town. It is critical that City Council help local businesses thrive, invest in smart growth while keeping our small town feel, and ensure our public spaces and streets are maintained properly. I will be a responsive leader for all Fillmore residents. I am a business owner of a CNC machine shop in Chatsworth, making parts for medical device and general industry. I was formerly the Director of Engineering and later Director of Operations for Aquafine Corporation in Valencia. I have been a Rotarian since 2019. I continue to give back to our community by participating in Rotary’s service events. *** Candidate Ruben Govea District 5 I want to thank my district 5 neighbors for their support in helping me become eligible to run as a write-in candidate. It is your trust, and concerns that fuel my candidacy. For those of whom I have not had the opportunity to meet, my name is Ruben Govea, a write-in candidate, neighbor, and concerned citizen who wants to make a difference. My family has been in Fillmore since the 1960s, my wife, kids, and I have been here since 1994, and we have enjoyed living in the city for its small town feel and sense of community. Professionally, I am a Director of Continuous Improvement Engineering, where I have developed strong skills in strategic planning, leadership, collaboration, leading company mergers, problem solving, building high performance teams, and meeting strategic objectives. For our community, this translates to a City Council member that is well equipped with the ability to work with others, leverage resources, and deliver results! For more information about me, scan the QR code and check out my Instagram page! I am ready to be the conduit between you and the city council, let’s get it done together! Write-in Candidate City of Fillmore City Council District 5. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
On Friday, October 18th, around 9:50 p.m., a Ventura County Sheriff deputy conducted a citizen hail/subject stop in front of the Bunnin Chevy dealership. According to radio traffic, the suspect fled from the deputy; after a short pursuit officers were able to apprehend the subject in McDonald’s parking lot, Ventura Street. Due to the suspect’s difficulty breathing, deputies at the scene requested that Fillmore Fire and AMR Paramedics responded to the scene. The patient was transported to a local hospital and then taken to the main jail, arrest cause unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, 6:30 PM CITY HALL Ad-Hoc Committee for City Manager search was Carrie Brogie, Mayor and Albert Mendez, Councilmember. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVE-MBER AS VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8B. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 22, 2024.PDF 8.B SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT) SR - ORD. 24-977 FIRST READING TO UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT BIDDING LIMITS.PDF 9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT) 9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT 9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF October 22, 2024 9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT 9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT SR Z-INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT.PDF 9.D AUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS 9.DAUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF 12.A CLOSED SESSION - OCTOBER 22, 2024 13. ADJOURNMENT CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT OCTOBER 22, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
On Friday, October 18th, at around 6:45 p.m., the Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported brush fire on the Santa Clara River bottom near the A Street Bridge. Arriving, firefighters reported a small fire in a homeless encampment, which was extinguished. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
The Ventura County Credit Union event “Celebrating Our Community” took place on October 10, 2024. From left to right are Roxy Ostrem (the person the award is named after), Melissa Miller (secretary for the Ventura County Credit Union Foundation), Linda Rossi (President/CEO of Ventura County Credit Union), and Jan Marholin (B&G CEO). Photo credit Boys & Girls Club of SCV. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 24th, 2024
Courtesy Boys & Girls Club of SCV Jan Marholin, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, has been honored with the inaugural 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, presented by the Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU). This award, newly established by the VCCU Foundation, recognizes individuals whose dedication and service to the Ventura County community reflect the selfless spirit and commitment embodied by its namesake, Roxy Ostrem. The award is inspired by the remarkable contributions of Ostrem, a long-time VCCU volunteer director and board chair. Known for her advocacy and efforts to ensure fair and ethical banking practices for Ventura County’s underserved populations, Ostrem’s legacy is deeply tied to her work in the agricultural sector. In 2010, Ostrem played a crucial role in protecting migrant farmworkers from fraudulent financial schemes, showcasing her dedication to empowering the immigrant community that supports one of the county’s most vital industries. In receiving this award, Jan Marholin is recognized for her unwavering commitment to community building and youth development. Her leadership at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has transformed the organization, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens all along the 126 corridor. Marholin’s passion for enriching the lives of young people aligns with the values that the Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award seeks to celebrate—compassion, integrity, and a deep-rooted dedication to service. The VCCU Foundation noted that Marholin’s decades of community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved populations have made her the ideal recipient of this inaugural honor. In addition to the award, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley was presented with a generous $10,000 donation at the Community Day event, further supporting their impactful work with local youth. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, especially one named after such a trailblazer like Roxy Ostrem,” Marholin said. “This recognition belongs to the entire team at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and to the youth who inspire us every day to keep striving for a better future.” The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Community event hosted by the Ventura County Credit Union, marking the launch of an annual tradition to honor community leaders who embody the spirit of service. In celebrating Jan Marholin as the recipient of the 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, Ventura County Credit Union not only honors her dedication to youth empowerment and community development but also sets the stage for future generations of leaders to follow. Her contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, marked by tireless efforts to uplift local youth, reflect the very essence of this prestigious award. As the tradition of recognizing outstanding community leaders continues, Jan’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to serve with the same compassion, integrity, and vision that have defined her career. |
Pictured above (l-r) are the candidates running for Fillmore City Council Districts 2 & 5; Mark Austin-2, Christina Villaseñor-5 and Gary Cushing-5. Not pictured, John Garnica-2. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
Fillmore voters will go to the polls to choose candidates in the city’s first districts election race on November 5th. The city approved the switch from at-large candidates to districts in December 2023, and Districts 1, 2 and 5 are up for election this year. One person, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, seeks the District 1 seat. The other two districts have two candidates singly vying to represent each: District 2-John L. Garnica, Mark Austin (incumbent); District 5-Gary A. Cushing, Christina Villaseñor (incumbent). Candidate Statements: Candidate Mark Austin District 2 Over the next 4 years, I will concentrate on the local economy, public safety, and repaving of our streets. Ventura County, which includes Fillmore, is recognized as one of the safest counties in the State of California. Over the past 8 years, I have helped to provide the funding needed to maintain service ratios for our police and fire departments. Funds have also been provided to train and graduate 17 reserve fire fighters and install a police station emergency generator. As your council member, I will continue to ensure our public safety professionals are provided with the resources needed to keep our families and community safe. The repaving and maintenance of streets has been deferred over the years due to City funding issues. With the substantial rain over the last couple of years, our streets are in dire need of repair. We are allotted money from the state in the form of gas taxes, and general sales taxes which do not amount to a lot of money. I plan to tackle this issue over the next 4 years by setting aside general fund reserves each year to be used only for Citywide roadway improvements. I also plan to apply for several state and federal grants available to communities like Fillmore. *** Christina Villaseñor District 5 Dear community, my roots run deep here - I am the granddaughter of farmworkers who came to Fillmore in the early 1930’s. Through hard work and opportunity, they built a bedrock of stability for their family. As someone who has dedicated their career to public service and your Councilmember, my constant goal has been to be responsive to resident needs and to support those windows of opportunity for Fillmore families to thrive and succeed. My top priority is meeting the needs of our growing community (13% pop. growth between 2013-23). I plan to ensure that 1. Our infrastructure – roads, water and sewer system and power sources – are keeping up with the demand through pro-active monitoring and keeping our “D” St. sewer line expansion moving forward; that 2. We provide quality community programming and recreational and cultural arts opportunities for families, including prioritizing upgrades to Two Rivers and Shiells Parks; that 3. More Fillmore residents invest their time and consumer spending within the city, from seeking both external and internal improvements for businesses to be successful, to forming an exploratory committee to bring back our beloved May Festival, and 4. We are well-prepared for emergencies and extreme weather events. I’ve served with integrity, respect, a constant curiosity to dig deeper to fully understand the issues and with humility, knowing that I’m part of a team and when we work together, we can achieve great things for Fillmore. We have our challenges and we need sensible, thoughtful, proactive and hard-working leaders to tackle these challenges. My track record shows that I AM this leader and I’m more than up to the task. I humbly ask you to put your confidence in me once again and vote for me, Christina Villaseñor for Fillmore City Council, District 5. Please visit my website: 4more4Villasenor.com. *** Candidate Gary Cushing District 5 My name is Gary Cushing. My wife Julie, and I have 8 children and 16 grandchildren. I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from California State University Channel Islands, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Cal Lutheran University. I am currently a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fillmore, on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley, a member of Fillmore Rotary, on the Vista Real Charter High School Board of Directors and founding Board Member of Miracle League of the 805. My top priorities are: Economic Development: The city budget over the last 5 years has risen 32.5%, the amount that has been dedicated to Economic Development has dropped by 50%. Growing our existing businesses and attracting new businesses will help the city budget grow to provide needed services to our citizens. Highway 126 has 2 problems, the first being the backup of traffic that pushes traffic to the side streets. We need to work with Cal Trans to synchronize the signal lights through town. Secondly, there was a plan to make Highway 126 safer back in 2016, with Cal Trans but it was never implemented. There have been 27 deaths on the 126 in the last 5 years, this is unacceptable. I will advocate revisiting parts of the plan. Public Safety and Homelessness go together, we need to work with the County to solve the problem, not just rely on the County to fix the problem here. Be proactive in finding solutions. I have spoken to our Police Chief about starting Neighborhood Watch Programs in Fillmore, to help limit crime. I will bring strong leadership and business experience to the Fillmore City Council. Patterson Hardware Closes After 105 Years Patterson Hardware employees Adrian Davis, employed 19 years, and Augie Alfaro, employed 1 year, helped close down the business on Saturday, October 19, 2024, after 105 years of operation in Fillmore. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff. |
Patterson Hardware employees Adrian Davis, employed 19 years, and Augie Alfaro, employed 1 year, helped close down the business on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, after 105 years of operation in Fillmore. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
Partial reprint 2008 article by Joyce Schifanelli Patterson Hardware has closed its doors after serving the community of Fillmore for 105 years. Patterson Hardware, originally located at 312 Central Ave., had its origins during WWI in 1919. It was one of five hardware stores owned by Hickey Brothers of Ventura. Local Fillmore resident, Harvey S. Patterson was named manager. When the stock market crash of 1929 heralded the Great Depression, 13-year-old Harvey found himself working by his father’s side for half pay. In 1937, Harvey S. and his wife Edith purchased the business from the Hickey Brothers. They renamed the store Patterson Hardware and moved to a newer building built in 1928, its present location, 360 Central Avenue. The Patterson’s took their business very seriously, employing all their children through the years and teaching them the importance of hard work and fine customer service. Harvey S. Patterson died in 1959 and his son, Harvey F. and his wife Emma purchased the enterprise by mortgaging their home. The couple subsequently purchased the hardware store’s portion of the building in 1976, continuing to work diligently servicing the needs of their growing town. Through the years, Emma and Harvey F. also passed their strong work ethic onto their own children and scores of Fillmore High School students and other employees. Even after 45 years on the job, the Patterson’s daughter, Michelle, was always happy to help customers. Harvey F. worked in the store until around 2012, passing away in January 2013, helping customers, telling his stories and keeping an eye on things. Patterson Hardware, and the people who made it a pleasure to shop there, will be missed. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
On Wednesday, October 9th, at 8:36 a.m., Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire in the 700 block of Fifth Street. Arriving firefighters found a fire-destroyed mobile dog grooming bus; the fire was knocked out before firefighters arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, police arrested Cristian Guerra, 27 of Piru, for causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore and community of Piru. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
A 27-year-old Piru resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore and unincorporated community of Piru. Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left On 05/25/24, diligent community members reported graffiti vandalism occurring in the City of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and located t |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
On Thursday, October 10th, at 7:05 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire in the Santa Clara River, beneath the A Street Bridge. Arriving firefighters discovered a tent in flames and extinguished the fire. It was known that the tent belonged to a transient, uninjured. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
On Monday, October 14th, at 12:57 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle collision in the Super A Food parking lot. One patient from one of the vehicles was taken to a local hospital, condition unknown. The cause is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
On Friday, October 11th, at 7:56 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics were on the scene investigating a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of A Street and Ventura Street. No ambulance transports were made; accident cause is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
Mudturtle Theatrical presents Happy Fright Film Festival at the Fillmore Towne Theatre. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, October 17th, 2024
Mutant City Horror presents First annual Happy Fright Film Festival at the Fillmore Towne Theatre. Get in on the ground floor and join us October 18-19 for the first annual Happy Fright Film Festival at the Fillmore Town Theatre moderated by Mutant City Horror. A two-day event celebrating independent horror movies, music, vending, and stand-up comedy. Special screening of George A. Romero’s 1968 iconic: Night of the Living Dead – presented in classic 16mm print courtesy of Record Outlet, Thousand Oaks, Ca. Saturday, October 19, 12pm – 10pm All day film festival with special screenings of “Night of the Missing” starring Gigi Gustin, Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses) followed by a live cast and crew Q&A moderated by Mutant City Horror, along with a screening of award winning “Cannibal Comedian” and a variety of horror shorts from independent film makers around the country. Stand up-comedy from Pancho Moler as seen in Rob Zombie’s “31”, and “3 From Hell”. 20% discount to the first 50 buyers! Use code HAPPYFRIGHT. Cost listed online as $7.18. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, October 11th, 2024
On October 3, 2024, over 500 emergency personnel responded to a fire that broke out near lake Piru and quickly grew, burning approximately 367 acres, and as of Monday, at 8:24am, the fire was out per the National Interagency Fire Center. Courtesy https://app.watchduty.org/i/35485. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo On Thursday, October 3rd, at 12:45 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire near Lake Piru. Arriving first engine reported a 10-15 acre. By 2:30 p.m. the fire was mapped at 239 acres before it grew to 300 acres by late afternoon. Authorities issued an evacuation order for the Lake Piru recreation area, including Dominguez Canyon, soon after the fire broke out. By 8 a.m. Friday, they downgraded the order to an evacuation warning, meaning people should be prepared to leave. Piru Canyon Road was closed in both directions from Lime Canyon Road to the lake, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. The hot weather and dry brush made for “an explosive situation” when the fire first took off, said Chad Cook, deputy chief of the Ventura County Fire Department. Flames quickly spread and the fire ran from Lake Piru near the Santa Felicia Dam and jumped Piru Canyon. Flames burned on both sides of the road and made a run up the canyon toward the campground. Roughly 500 fire personnel were involved in battling the blaze, including 250 firefighters, officials said. Additional crews responded from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the U.S. Forest Service. Engine, dozer and hand-crews worked to douse flames on the ground, while helicopters, tankers and other aircraft dropped water and Phos-Chek retardant. By late Thursday afternoon crews had made good progress where the fire started and the entire left flank of the blaze, where flames had potential to head towards the town of Piru, and firefighters made it a priority. Authorities evacuated the campground near Lake Piru early on, said Tony Huynh, risk and safety manager at the United Water Conservation District, which manages the lake and recreation area. Fire engines were assigned to protect structures in the Lake Piru area. People left in the area – park rangers, campground hosts and some guests who had been on the lake fishing or jet skiing before the fire – were sheltering in place in the marina parking lot, according to Huynh shortly after 3 p.m., Thursday. Rangers were able to start escorting guests and visitors out of the area and down Piru Canyon Road after 5 p.m. The National Weather Service said temperatures in the area reached around 100 degrees Thursday. Humidity levels of 15 to 20% and wind gusts up to 20 mph were reported near the lake. Conditions were expected to remain hot and dry through the weekend. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, October 11th, 2024
John Garnica was one of many citizens who spoke on the direction the LBGTZIA+ agenda is taking in Fillmore. Garnica is running for Fillmore City Council Seat District 2, against incumbent Mark Austin. Enlarge Photo CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024 All items passed 5-0, except 9A – which NO Action was taken. 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.PLEDGE OF ALLE-GIANCE 3.ROLL CALL 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5.PRESENTATIONS 5.A MOMENTUM WORK, INC. PRESE-NTATION 6.PUBLIC COMMENTS 7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMME-NDATIONS, AND COMMENTS 8.CON-SENT CALENDAR RECOMME-NDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. 8.A SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - CITY COUNCIL REGUALR MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 8, 2024 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 8, 2024.PDF 8.C ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.39 TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROHIBITIONS ON DANGEROUS FIREWORKS SR FIREWORKS ORDINANCE 24-975.PDF 9.NEW BUSINESS 9.A CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON AB 1955 - SUPPORT ACADEMIC FUTURES AND EDUCATORS FOR TODAYS YOUTH ACT RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss AB 1955 and provide feedback and direction: 1. Direct staff to prepare a resolution in support of AB 1955. 2. Direct staff to prepare a resolution in opposition to AB 1955. 3. Do not do anything. 4. Provide other directions to staff. 9.B AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-04 RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Public Restroom Company for the purchase and delivery of a modular restroom building for Delores Day Park, and 2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Wyatt Trapp, Inc. for the demolition of the existing structure, pad preparation, and final tie-in of utilities to the modular restroom building at Delores Day Park. SR - AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS.PDF 9.C CONSIDERATION OF SOLID WASTE SOLUTION INC. (SWS) CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR SERVICES STATE MANDATES AND ANNUAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO SOLID WASTE SOLUTIONS.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council award a three year contract extension (as a Second Amendment) to Solid Waste Solutions Inc. to continue to assist the City with implementation of the solid waste laws and mandates set forth by the State. 9.D CONSIDERATION OF A FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21-02 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21-02) SR-GLASSCOCK - REMEDIATION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 4.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council: 1) Approve the Fourth Amendment to Property Remediation Agreement with 461 Central, LLC to extend the Conditions of Approval completion deadline to October 20, 2025. 10.COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 11.CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12.CLOSED SESSION 12.A OCTOBER, 8, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION OCTOBER 8, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 13.ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |