The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958 would like to thank the Bank of the Sierra for their donation of $5,000 dollars to the Explorer program. This donation will go towards the purchase of a van for the Explorer Post.

The purchase of a van will assist with the transportation needs of the post to local events, meetings, and training events, both within and outside of the county. The van will also be utilized to transport the Explorers to the annual Explorer Tactical Competitions in Chandler, Arizona and Castaic, Los Angeles.

The Explorer Post currently has $10,000 promised from Fillmore’s Rotary Club, for the purchase of a van. The Explorer Post is seeking on matching the funds that the Rotary Club has required to purchase this van, a goal of $20,000, the cost of the van.

The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post # 2958 was started in 2010 and is continuing 6 years strong! The Law Enforcement Explorers Program consists of young men and women between the ages of 14-21, and have completed the 8th grade. The purpose of the Explorer program is to provide young adults with confidence by developing leadership qualities, and developing personal and mental fitness.

The Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post is a non-profit organization that depends on donations to continue to have a successful Explorer program. Currently, the Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post has 28 active Explorers.

If you would like to donate to the Explorer Post please contact the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233.

Prepared by: Cadet Julio Espinoza

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th at 11AM. The Ceremony will start with a fly-over by the 805th Navion Squadron. Featured speaker this year is former POW Captain Charlie Plumb a F-4 Naval Pilot aboard the carrier Kitty Hawk who was shot down on his 75th mission over Viet Nam 5 days before his scheduled return home. The Rev. Bob Hammond will give the Memorial Service and special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May27th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May31st. A special thank you to Garcia Mortuary for furnishing the doves to conclude the service and to the P.E.O. for furnishing cookies.

On 05/11/2016 and 05/12/2016, the male suspect seen in the attached video was observed in the girl’s locker room at Moorpark High School. The suspect entered the locker room, removed his clothing, and stood at the rear of the locker room. The juvenile victims noticed the suspect while they were gathering their belongings from their lockers and they immediately left the area. The suspect did not attempt to make any physical contact with the victims. The incident from 05/11/2016, did not get reported until shortly before the incident on 05/12/2016.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or Middle Eastern Male, approximately 18-25 years of age, with dark colored hair and having a beard. The suspect stands between 5’08 and 6’00 tall and has a medium to heavy build. He was seen leaving Moorpark High School in the above pictured blue or dark green colored 2002 to 2006 Nissan Altima (unknown license plate).

If you have information concerning the identity of the male suspect or location of the Nissan Altima, please contact Sgt. Darin Hendren – (805)797-7137 or Det. Matthew Theobald – (805)947-8220.

Nature of Incident: Indecent Exposure / Child Annoying
Report Number: 16-71052 & 16-71149
Location: Moorpark High School – 4500 N. Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark, Ca.
Date & Time: 05-11-2016 / 1630 hours & 05-12-2016 / 1507 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Investigations Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Unknown Male, 18-25
(V) Juveniles, 14 to 16
Prepared by: Sergeant Darin Hendren
News Release Date: 05-17-2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Darin Hendren
805-532-2716
darin.hendren@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain John Reilly

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Former POW Capt. Charlie Plumb

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th at 11AM. The Ceremony will start with a fly-over by the 805th Navion Squadron. Featured speaker this year is Captain Charlie Plumb a F-4 Naval Pilot aboard the carrier Kitty Hawk who was shot down on his 75th mission over Viet Nam 5 days before his scheduled return home. Captain Plumb was captured and a Prisoner of War for 5 years and 9 months. He graduated from Annapolis in 1964 and his Military honors include a Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts and the P.O.W. Medal. You do not want to miss this dynamic speaker who has appeared on Good Morning America, the Anderson Cooper show and more than 4,500 audiences. Bardsdale Cemetery is honored to have Captain Plumb as our speaker thus year. Also in attendance and speaking is Supervisor Kathy Long. The Rev. Bob Hammond will give the Memorial Service and special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir.
Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May27th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May31st. A special thank you to Garcia Mortuary for furnishing the doves to conclude the service and to
the P.E.O. for furnishing cookies. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this
special event.

Recognition went to Hannah Wishart for serving as Student Representative for the 2015-2016 school years. The Fillmore Unified Board Members each spoke of what a pleasure it was to have her at the meetings. Wishart will soon be leaving for Wyoming to continue her studies. She is pictured with Board President Virginia de la Piedra. Photo courtesy Bob Crum.

The May 17, 2016 Fillmore Unified School Board meeting began with recognition of dance advisor Lourdes Juarez and the Fillmore High School (FHS) dance group Ballet Folklorico. As Board President Virginia de la Piedra presented each recipient a Certificate of Recognition she commented that her daughter had also participated with the group while attending FHS. Those receiving were: Daniel Castillo, Fatima Castillo, Esmeralda Ceballos, Jessica Equihua, Melissa Gonzalez, Montserrat Infante, Isela Munoz, Daniela Orozco, Shaina Ponce and Leslie Ramos.

The second recognition went to Hannah Wishart for serving as Student Representative for the 2015-2016 school years. The Board Members each spoke of what a pleasure it was to have her at the meetings. Wishart will soon be leaving for Wyoming to continue her studies.

During the Superintendent's Report Dr. Adrian E. Palazuelos informed everyone of some very welcoming news. Palazuelos proudly read a statement, "Graduation, Dropout, and Cohort Outcome Data, I am pleased to report that the Fillmore Unified School District has received confirmation of an increase in graduation rate and a decrease in the dropout rate for the district and Fillmore High School. All data is based on the cohort outcome for the year of graduation and examines all registered students in 12th grade in 2014-2015 over the course of their four years of study. I am extraordinarily proud of our district and school staff for their work in these areas. We have more work to do to capture 100% of graduates and have zero dropouts in our community!"

The FUSD increased graduation rates in 2014-2015 by 8.9% over the previous 2013-2014 school year, while decreasing dropout rates to 5.4% in those same years.

Fillmore High School improved its CONTINUED »

Piru Cemetery Memorial Services will be held Monday, May 30, 2016 at 9 a.m., at Piru Cemetery, 3580 Center Street, Piru

A hit and run vehicle left about a 1,000 Fillmore homes without electricity Saturday, May 14th at 4:15pm. A gray BMW crash into an Edison pole in the 3500 block of Sycamore Road, just outside west Fillmore city limits. By 6:00 pm service had been restored to almost all the homes. One person was injured; a second person fled the scene. CHP described him as a Hispanic male, about 25 years old with short hair, wearing blue jeans and blue shirt.

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It seems like only yesterday, this Class celebrated their C.I.F. and State Title in Cross Country. They will be reminiscing about that and all those glory days at their 25 year High School Class reunion on June 11th, at the Alumni Dinner. All Alumni are welcomed to come join in the fun at this year Alumni Dinner and Dance. DJ's California Caterer has a knock out menu planed for this years event. Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Provencal, and Three Cheese Macaroni, (with Sharp Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan Cheeses) are just three of the Dinner items DJ's has in store for the evening. Also Triple Chocolate Tuxedo Mousse Cake with Raspberry Coulis as one of the desserts planed. The Class of 1991 has a lot to look forward to at this big 25 year reunion, and you just know that they will be hitting that dance floor later in the evening. Get your Alumni friends together, and make plans for an awesome afternoon/Evening on June 11th. The Alumni Association only plans this once a year, so don't miss out. You can purchase your Alumni Dinner Event reservations online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com, or you can always go into Patterson Hardware on Central Ave, and pay for your reservations there. There are lot's of Pre parties planned through out Fillmore that weekend. Come celebrate with your fellow Alumni and dance the night away!!

Senior Center President Patti Walker. Photo Courtesy Bob Crum.

The public comments were the first order of business in what turned out to be a quick, but effective Fillmore City Council Meeting. Resident Jean McLeod wanted to bring up yet another instance with a tree in the city of Fillmore. She cited two incidents where a tree has fallen and totaled her car while it was parked on Orange Grove Avenue. She has requested numerous documents, but has not received all of the requested documents after a month. She also mentioned that the city was being charged for removing the tree that totaled her car over four years ago, even though that tree does not exist in the present day. Leslie Kinchuch, a part of the Chevron Environmental Management Group, wanted to let the Council know that her company was working on revitalizing land for beneficial reuse. She mentioned the conditional use permit that was just issued for a solar energy project in east Fillmore. Along with the solar energy project, Kinchuch brought up Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board’s request for Chevron’s help with constructing a plaque and monument to be located on Chevron’s property adjacent to the small park along Highway 126. In addition, Kinchuch stated that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released the final health consultation report. The report said there is no health risk posed to community members regarding the Pacific Coast Pipeline site in Fillmore.

The entirety of the consent calendar was approved by voice vote.

The first order CONTINUED »

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What a fun reunion weekend this class has in store. The FHS Class of '66 will gather at Elkins Ranch Golf Course Patio for their 50th Class reunion on Friday evening June 10th from 600pm to 11:30pm. They will have a D.J. playing all the fun music from the '60's Era. Their price is very affordable for this 50th reunion. Further info on the Reunion and questions answered can be found by emailing Kathy "Penrod" McCreary. mskmccreary@yahoo.com. The next evening on June 11th, many Class of '66 members will join the Party of the year in town and attend the 103rd Alumni Dinner/Dance at the Memorial Building. They know that many of their class members have brothers and sisters from other classes especially from the class of '64 on up, so they would like to extend an invite to you all. Be sure to get your payments into the class of '66 reunion committee by emailing mskmccreary@yahoo.com or by calling the alumni office at 805-524-0416. Remember, ALL FHS Alumni are welcomed to attend the Alumni Dinner/Dance on June 11th. The Alumni Dinner event can be purchased online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com or by paying for your reservation at Patterson Hardware Store. Open 7 days a week. Class of '66 Rocks!

Rotary International

The Rotary Club of Fillmore’s 2016 Heritage Valley 5-10K Run/Fitness Walk and Health Fair will be held on Saturday, May 21st in front of FUSD offices.

As a new addition this year, our partner, Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation will be sponsoring an expanded Health Fair with 20-25 vendors expected. Free groceries to the first 100 families who participate in the health fair activities, Blood Pressure Screening, Get Fit!, Glucose Screening and more!

Much of the race course follows the bike/walking path along the beautiful Sespe Creek with views of San Cayetano Mountain. Out of town participants join local runners and walkers of all ages. Our event includes a 5K Run/Fitness Walk and a 10K run. This year our 1-mile Fun Run-Walk is open to all. Participants 9 years and under will receive ribbons and a coupon for a free Flo-Yo cone, sponsored by Flo-Yo Frozen Yogurt on Central Ave.

Get your team together for the Team Challenge. Teams must have a minimum of five members. Team members receive discounted entry fee, the opportunity to win money to support your favorite charity or organization and prizes for the best team t-shirt! Your team may not be the fastest but you can still win in the “Largest Team” category! Get all your friends and family members signed up under your team name!

Podium One Timing and Race Management will be back to help with registration and provide chip timing and instant online results.

During our awards ceremony we will raffle off some amazing gifts: local fruit baskets, Foursome green fees from Elkins Ranch Golf Course, Gift Certificate from The Scented Path, golf bag and loads of gift cards and gift baskets!

You can register online at Active.com or with a paper registration found throughout town or contact Race Director Joe Aguirre – 805-524-2096. Register early for discounted fee and t-shirt. Race day registration begins at 7:00 AM in front of the Fillmore Unified School District offices at 627 Sespe Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015. All races begin at 8:00 AM. Awards ceremony begins at 9:30AM.

For those who pre-register, by Wednesday, May 18th, packets are available for pick up on Friday, May 20 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Sespe School classroom 23 at 627 Sespe Ave, Fillmore, CA.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Joe Aguirre at 805-906-4114. We have already received sponsorships from Bank of Sierra, Richardson’s Ranches, Edward Jones Financial, Fillmore Piru Citrus, Fillmore Search & Rescue, Hands-On Consultations, Western Yosemite Insurance, VCDSA, FZ Tax Service, ViVi Jewelry-Ari Larson, Bennett’s Honey Farm, Harrison Industries, Heritage Valley Blazers, Jan Marholin, Piru Petroleum.

All funds raised from this event go back into our community. Proceeds this year fund Fillmore & Piru Youth programs, Fillmore High School athletics and other Rotary projects. We are partnering with Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post 2958, a 501(c)3 non-profit, Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation and Fillmore Unified School District.

Gertrude Ness, grandmother of Fillmore resident Lynda Kagel celebrated her 110th Birthday on April 22, 2016 at her Glendale home! According to Wikipedia, people who reach their 110th Birthday are listed as “Supercentenarians”. As of April 24, 2016 there were 11 American Supercentenarians living. Gertrude is now number 12! Gertrude continues to enjoy her independence, family, her Lakers, visiting the hairdresser, and each birthday cake. Seated from left to right are: Great Granddaughter Stacy Fontana of Moorpark, CA, Granddaughter Lynda Kagel of Fillmore, CA, the Birthday Girl Gertrude Ness, and Daughter Jo Ness of Montrose, CA.

dog is identified as a grey and white pitbull

On Monday May 9, 2016 at approximately 2:13pm officers responded to the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) located at 705 E. Santa Barbara St., Santa Paula for a report of a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival the victim, who is an employee of SPARC, said he was walking a dog in the 700 block of E. Santa Paula St. when a white Honda or Acura sedan drove up to him. Two suspects exited the vehicle, with the driver producing a handgun, and demanded the dog stating it belonged to them. The victim / employee allowed the suspects to have the dog and they fled the area driving westbound on Santa Paula Street. The suspects are decribed as follows:

Suspect # 1 (Driver) - Hispanic male, mid 30's, 5-6 tall, heavy set, clean shaven, wearing a grey sweater, grey checkered shorts, and white Nike shoes.

Suspect # 2 (Passenger) - Hispanic male, late 20's, 6-0 tall, thin build, clean shaven, red shirt with cartoon characters, black pants, and grey Vans

A canvass of the neighborhood was conducted for witnesses however none were located. Attached to this press release is a photo of the dog which is a grey and white pitbull. If anyone has any information regarding this crime please contact Detective Shane Norwood at (805) 525-4474 x 287 or email snorwood@spcity.org.

Nature of Incident: Robbery with Use of Handgun
Report Number(s): SG1600701
Location(s): 700 block of E. Santa Paula Street
Dates & Times: Monday, May 9, 2016 at 2:13pm
Unit Responsible: Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, City of Residence, Age
(V) Employee of SPARC, Santa Paula
Officer Preparing Press Release: Sgt. Cody Madison #1018
Press Release Date: May 9, 2016
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Shane Norwood, (805) 525-4474 x 287, snorwood@spcity.org
Approved by: Sgt. Cody Madison #1018

Commander Monica McGrath

CAMARILLO, CA – Interface Children & Family Services announced today that Commander Monica McGrath of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office has been selected to receive the inaugural “Domestic Violence Champion for Change” Award at its “Love is Brewing in Paris Champagne Luncheon & Tea,” on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel at 2 Dole Drive in Westlake Village.

The Domestic Violence Champion for Change Award honors individuals and organizations making a significant contribution to ending violence against women. Commander McGrath, a pioneer for women in Ventura County law enforcement, is being recognized for her longstanding commitment to providing advocacy to survivors of abuse and trauma since she joined the Sheriff’s office in 1987. Now Chief of Police for the City of Camarillo, she has also served as acting Chief of Police for the contract city of Fillmore, Thousand Oaks Detectives/Sexual Assault Unit, Camarillo Detention Services, and Internal Affairs Investigator. Commander McGrath will also deliver the keynote speech addressing the high rates of domestic violence in our region.

Proceeds from Love is Brewing in Paris Champagne Luncheon & Tea, presented by Ventura County Credit Union, will benefit Interface Children & Family Service’s Family Violence Intervention Programs that deliver comprehensive support to prevent, interrupt and end the cycle of violence within families throughout the Ventura County region. Interface provides a broad array of programs and services for victims of domestic violence, including a 24-hour emergency response team, emergency and transitional shelters, and My Body Belongs to Me and Teen Dating Violence Prevention programs provided free of charge to thousands of school-age children, parents and educators annually.

Love is Brewing attendees will enjoy a Paris-themed Champagne Reception sponsored by Neiman Marcus Topanga while viewing the new art exhibit, Project Hope which showcases art created by Interface clients who have been empowered to live a violence-free life. Emcee, Amy Ashton, a stand-up comedienne, will make our day memorable, rejuvenating and entertaining. Amy has been a writer for the late Joan Rivers, HBO and Comedy Central and is a corporate motivational speaker. Guests will also be treated to live authentic Parisian cafe music by Woodland Hills accordionist, Al Di Cicco, who has been featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “Master Class” and Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” A special silent and live auction presented by United Agencies Inc. Insurance will give guests the opportunity to bid on luxury gifts, entertainment packages, and one of-a-kind experiences.

This event is made possible by the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, Neiman Marcus Topanga Canyon, Sharon Bass, United Agencies Inc. Insurance, Rabobank, Bill & Elise Kearney, Karen & Thomas Pecht, Pacific Coast Business Times, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors, Kaiser Permanente, Wagner Financial, Women in Corporate Growth, Ron & Judi Polito, Judy & Don Diaz, Nancy & Spencer Garrett, and Bernzott Capital Advisors, Jaguar / Land Rover of Ventura, Prudential Realty, Thomas K. Duncan, D.O. & Jacquelyn D. Ruffin, JD, Julie Harvey & Mieke Miller, Fazio Cleaners, Will Edwards Photography, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, SMI Concepts and British Wholesale Imports. Tickets are $125, Tables are $1,250 and sponsorships are still available. For reservations or more information, visit www.icfs.org or contact Julie Harvey at 805-485-6114, Ext. 628 or jharvey@icfs.org.

About Interface Children & Family Services
Interface Children & Family Services is Ventura County and the surrounding community’s most comprehensive non-profit social services safety net. Our mission is to strengthen children, families and individuals to be safe, healthy and thriving. Founded in 1973, Interface works to prevent and heal the effects of child abuse, neglect and abandonment; domestic violence; family conflict and mental health issues. We have 28 distinct programs representing six major service areas, including youth and family strengthening services, mental health, family violence intervention, justice-involved families, community development and 2-1-1 information and referral across all socioeconomic levels.

Interface operates our region’s most comprehensive domestic violence program, including shelter, support and counseling. The 2-1-1 Information and Referral service, a 24-hour comprehensive helpline for available no-and-low cost county support services was the first 2-1-1 in our state, developed by Interface.

Serving approximately 24,000 local individuals annually, plus assisting 150,000 people across the state in need through the 2-1-1 Helpline, Interface offers effective solutions to the urgent needs of families and individuals in crisis. This important work is sustained through donations and grants from individuals and organizations, as well as by the work of dedicated volunteers and staff. For more information please contact Interface Children & Family Services at 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Suite I, Camarillo, CA 93012 by telephone at 805.485.6114 or visit www.icfs.org.