Pictured is Isaac Huang, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Kristyn Bennett, Special Projects Coordinator, Keith Derrick, FHS Principal, and Rotary President Scott Beylik. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent and Rotarian Christine Schieferle announced that Fillmore High School has been named a 2024 California Distinguished School. Keith Derrick, FHS Principal, talked about what they have done to improve scores, classes and advancing validation for staff. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
On Monday, April 8, at 3:38 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a reported overturned vehicle on westbound SR126, just east of Old Telegraph Road. Arriving firefighters found a white truck on its side. AMR Paramedics treated one patient, who refused medical treatment. The cause of the crash is being investigated. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
At the April 2, 2024, Fillmore Unified School District Board meeting, Office Manager Beatriz Zamora and English teacher Bill Chavez we’re recognized for their dedication and commitment to Sierra High students. The Board of Trustees, Superintendent Christine Schieferle, and Sierra High Principal Blanca Mendieta said they appreciate everything Beatriz and Bill do to support student success! Zamora said, “My ultimate goal is to always put students first.” “My career here at Sierra High School has been important and meaningful,” stated Chavez. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Fillmore High School has a new Track & Field school record in the Boys Discus. At the Flashes’ April 3rd meet, Anthony Tafoya hit a mark of 154 feet 6 inches, breaking the previous record mark by Justin Coert (2015) of 149 feet, 9 inches. Photo credit Kim Tafoya. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Includes Removal, Electrical & IT Costs
8. NEW BUSINESS All items passed 5-0 8.A AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve: 1. An appropriation in the amounts described below; 2. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a contract with Omnia Partners BNR $68,766.62 ($63,880.15 for furniture and installation $4,886.47 for removal of furniture) through Tri County Office Furniture, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, for the purchase and installation of furniture and modular walls for the Administration and Finance departments; and 3. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a purchase orders in the amounts of $2,000 for electrical costs and $3,000 for IT related costs associated with the office reconfiguration. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
On the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded to multiple groups of stranded hikers on the Sespe River Trail, in the Los Padres National Forest. This area is north of the Fillmore area. In total, 11 hikers and 3 dogs were airlifted to safety. The recent storm over the weekend caused major impacts to the Sespe Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Rain caused water levels in the Sespe River to rise quickly leaving hikers stranded in harsh conditions. Ground units from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to safely access the areas to lead the groups to safety. Two separate rescue helicopters were dispatched to the area. Copter 9 is a Bell 412-EPX helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, available seating for 10 passengers including the crew of 4, a paramedic, crew chiefs, and pilot. Copter 4 is a Fire Hawk firefighting/ rescue helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, and available seating for 14 passengers including 2 crew chiefs and a pilot. This year, Ventura County and most of Southern California has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. These storms have the ability to change normal water conditions into dangerous water currents and flash flooding. This has in turn increased the amount of rescues in the region. While both the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office have highly trained teams to respond to these types of emergencies, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions and recommendations given by public safety agencies. Rescue operations are intrinsically dangerous to both the rescuers and the victims. The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction. Media Follow-Up Contact: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook (805) 388-4212/ jeffrey.seabrook@ventura.org Prepared by: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook – Ventura County Aviation Unit Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
On Friday, April 5, Sheriff’s deputies were detouring traffic near Sespe & B Street as Hollywood set up to film 9-1-1: Lone Star, making Shiells Park the base. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Over the weekend, a petition table was set up outside of VONS Fillmore seeking signatures on proposed initiative 23–00017A1. The petition allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950, both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed: Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes: Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community. The petition requires 546,651 signatures to make the ballot, As of 01/24/2024, 25% signatures were reached, deadline 04/23/3024. Courtesy https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/circulating-initiatives-25percent-signatures. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported fight in progress with multiple subjects at the Fillmore Vons parking lot. According to sheriff’s dispatch, two male subjects and two female subjects were involved in an altercation. Arriving deputies located one male subject with a bloody face in front of Vons and a second male subject in front of Subway; both male subjects were detained. According to witnesses one of the female subjects threw a large bottle of alcohol at one of the male subject’s face. A detective sergeant attempted to make contact with the female subjects who had fled into the coin laundry, running out the rear of the business. They later returned to the scene. Deputies also requested Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics to respond to the scene to examine the male subjects. Both were taken into custody. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 30, at 10:32 a.m., Ventura County Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of East Guiberson Road and Torrey Road. Arriving firefighters reported a truck on fire, requesting an additional engine. Firefighters requested an arson investigator and the CHP to start an arson investigation while they were on-scene. No other additional information was provided. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Old Telegraph Road has reopened after being closed in early February for repairs caused by the Sespe River after a heavy rainstorm. The bridge repair was made possible by the hardworking crew at Ventura County Public Works. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 30, at around 12:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol responded to reports that a large tree had fallen and was blocking the eastbound lanes of SR126 near Old Telegraph Road. CHP officers arrived and requested Caltrans and the VCFD for traffic control and chainsaws. While crews cleared the roadway, both directions of SR126 were shut down for over 30 minutes. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School students competed in the 21st Annual Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. This year’s tournament drew approximately 70 students. Fillmore had placements in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Two Fillmore High students, Abraham Vargas Cortes (10th grade), and Marileny Manzo Zambrano (11th grade), qualified to move onto the state level tournament in May of this year in Monterey, California. The Speech and Debate Tournament is a tremendous learning opportunity that helps students build confidence and sharpen student’s critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. “The talent and dedication on display at the tournament was nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this play a vital role in helping our migrant students overcome the many challenges they face. Countless students who have been part of the Migrant Education Program have gone on to achieve academic success and build rewarding careers in our community and beyond.” Enlarge Photo |
Fillmore’s Annual Flower Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7. “Flower Power” theme will commence from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara, for all to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun. Photo from last year’s Flower Show courtesy Jan Lee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Courtesy Jane Lee Spring is here! It’s time for the annual Fillmore Flower Show. Plan to attend to see what local gardeners have cultivated. It is always a spectacular display. The theme this year is “Flower Power”. What an opportunity to demonstrate creativity and a green thumb. Don’t miss it! Come to the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. This is where you bring your flowers, dish gardens, potted plants to exhibit for your friends and neighbors to see. Flowers, etc. must be entered on Saturday, April 6, between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. There is only one entry fee for each adult exhibitor of $5, no matter how many entries. All youth entries are FREE. Expert judges will rate the entries. You might take home a blue ribbon! Then from 1:00-4:00p.m. Saturday and Sunday the Flower Show is open to the public. Everyone is invited to view the flowers and plants. But that is not all there is. There will be live music both days. There is a plant and garden boutique with excellent prices. There are sweets and juice. There is an activity table for youth. There are gardeners who will talk to you about plants. You can learn a lot and enjoy the beauty of nature. The most popular categories are single stem cut flowers. Whether it is a rose, an iris or any other single stem flower, the entries are beautiful! Everyone should have at least one stem of a flower to bring. So, bring a single stem flower, a bouquet, an arrangement, a potted plant, a dish garden or a mini arrangement. Help make the Fillmore Flower Show a success. Meet some new people. Enjoy blooms, plants, music and sweets. See you at the Flower Show. For more information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Copter 9 landed at Two Rivers Parks to drop off three hikers who were rescued near the Los Padres National Forest Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
On Tuesday afternoon, March 26, work crews were at Two Rivers Park off River Street, working on the Fillmore Dog Park. The city allocated $200,000 in February 2022 for the repairs and updates. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26, at 1:21 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 at Pyle Road. According to a witness the vehicle was seen driving recklessly and at a high speed before crashing. Arriving fire personnel located a solo vehicle overturned with one occupant, minor injuries were reported. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer was named Cal South State Champs last weekend. Pictured top (l-r): José Valdez (Assistant Coach) Alonso Arellano, Jovani Huerta, Giovani Valdez, Julio Ballesteros, Julian Medina, Hector Hernandez, Jose Zaragoza, Juan Medina, Juan Lizarraga, and Christian Ramirez. Bottom (l-r): Toni Hernandez (Assistant Coach) Javier Cisneros, Abe De La Cruz, Nathaniel Negrete, Angel Garza, Toni Hernandez Jr, Saul Magana, Julian Huerta, Luis Vigil, and Juan Hernandez (Head Coach). Not pictured: Xavier Lara and Jesus Canchola. Photo credit Erika Arana. Enlarge Photo Last weekend Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer was named Cal South State Champions for the first time ever. Above is the team celebrating after their victory, holding up their trophy. Photo credit Erika Arana. Full story begins on page 1. Above is one of Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer players as he tries to keep his opponent from taking the ball. Enlarge Photo By Erika Arana For the first time ever, a Fillmore team has won the Cal South State Cup! The last two weekends, March 16th, 17th, and 23rd, Fillmore’s Competitive Soccer Club, California United FC, was crowned the 2008 Boys State Cup Champions! Goal keepers Julian Medina (co-captain) and Jose Zaragoza only allowed 3 goals all 7 games with co-captain Hector Hernandez leading the defense as well as creating for the offense. The defensive backline of Javier Cisneros and Saul Magana with Giovani Valdez made it a tough outing for opposing offenses resulting in an overall tournament goal difference of 22-3. Leading scorers for the tournament were Abe De La Cruz with 6 goals followed by Jovani Huerta with 5. Assist leaders are Julio Ballesteros and Christian Ramirez with 4 followed by Hector Hernandez with 3. Game 1: CU 5 - 1 Necaxa USA *** Game 2: CU 1 - 0 Olímpico *** SEMI FINAL: CU 1 - 0 Premier Elite *** FINAL: CU 5 - 1 Toritos |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-967 TO UPDATE PORTIONS OF FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.06 WHICH SETS FORTH REGULATIONS FOR STORMWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT 9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 10. CITY MANAGER CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 7A. THROUGH 7E. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 26, 2024.PDF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 27,2024. PDF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 12, 2024.PDF THIRD AMENDMENT TO GOVTEMPSUSA.PDF SR - ROTORCRAFT ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.PDF SR - STORMWATER ORDINANCE UPDATE. ORD NO.24-967. FINAL.PD RECOMMENDATION That the City Council introduce first reading of Ordinance 24-967, updating various sections within Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) Chapter 8.06 for compliance with State and Federal law pertaining to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (“NPDES”) program for municipal dischargers: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING PORTIONS OF THE CITY’S STORMWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA. |
Pictured (l-r) are Rotary District Governor Elect Sherry Sim, Rotary President Scott Beylik, and District Governor Marta Brown. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
Last week, the Rotary Club of Fillmore celebrated its 100 Anniversary on Saturday, March 23, at the Fillmore Museum Depot. There were 50 people present; many were past presidents going back to 1990. The two couples who traveled the farthest were Bob and Mary Taylor and Dave and Diane Wareham. Our District Governor Marta Brown and District Governor Elect Sherry Sim presented the Club with a certificate from President R. Gordon R. McInally of Rotary International. During the event three members shared the Rotary history. Martha Richardson shared the Fillmore Rotary original Club history while Kyle Wilson shared the Fillmore Rotary Sunrisers history, and Sean Morris concluded with the merger of the two Clubs and how with more members and a unified group they are able to do more for the community and the world. |