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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 7th, 2015
 Michael Castro Story courtesy the Castro Family The journey began sophomore year for Michael. I sat him down one day and asked what his future plans were? Teenage answer. I don't know dad. I then told him he should start looking into either sports scholarships or try for an academic one. He then said, I think I'm going to join the Military. I was a little shocked at first this had not been brought up before and of course this was NOT on my list of things for him to do after graduating high school. I sat back and thought, well it's only his sophomore year I'm sure he'll get over it. I said well you think about that and we can talk about it later. But every time we did it was the same he was joining the military. He was part of the Navy Seal Challenge that year, he loved it. He began to bring to bring military brochures home he began talking to recruiters and shortly after senior year started he began to go with the Marine recruiters to do physical training. I sat him down once more and asked him what it was he wanted to do after graduation? His answer, I'm Joining the Marines I want to do something that's not just for me. He was part of the Navy Seal Challenge once again. He became more involved with Marines then graduation came, next thing I knew he was off to boot camp! His journey for a title that few can claim began on Sept. 14, 2015 as a youth he played soccer and then football. In high school he was a football player first and then became a wrestler but he always kept his priorities straight he was passionate about whatever it was he was doing as long as he liked what he was doing he was relentless and would leave everything out on the field to win. He knew going in this would be a challenge unlike anything he had faced before he and all the other young men and women who volunteer to be put through 13 weeks of grueling mental and physical conditioning also know that someday they be called to defend us to put their lives on the line in some foreign country, knowing all that going in they are still willing to raise their hand and swear to protect us. Well there's just no words for that! My son has always been my hero from his first tackle to his last high school wrestling match! Love you Kidd. Always wants to be the best! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 7th, 2015
 Fillmore Fire Department has a new patio at the station on Old Telegraph Road. And now they have a new American flag made of used fire hoses, above. The patio area can be used for the frequent bbq’s and fundraisers the station holds for the community. God bless the USA! Enlarge Photo |
 The Bardsdale Cemetery District has added a Columbarium as another option for the final resting place of a loved one who has chose cremation. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, October 7th, 2015
The Bardsdale Cemetery District has added a Columbarium as another option for the final resting place of a loved one who has chose cremation. A Columbarium is a structure that contains niches, secured space, for the housing of cremation urns. The Columbarium contains sixty niches. Prior to the addition of the Columbarium families using the Bardsdale Cemetery were only offered In-ground Cremation Urn placement. Surrounding the Columbarium is an attractive concrete open patio area with four black colored concrete bench seating to accommodate visitors to the Columbarium. The concrete walking area has black pebbled flex placed into the gray concrete. The black design on each side of the Columbarium reflect where future Columbariums would be located if needed. Colorful flowers will be planted at each end of the open patio and maintained by Cemetery staff according to Doug Basolo, Manager of the Bardsdale Cemetery. The cost for construction of the Columbarium and patio area was approximately $70,000. The patio area can accommodate two additional Columbarium's of the same size for a total build out of 180 niches. Depending on demand for the Columbarium it is estimated that this Columbarium could take ten years to fill all sixty niches. The cost of the Niche Wall Inurnment at the Columbarium is $1,975 for a single Urn and $2,425 for a double urn in a niche for residents of the Fillmore and Bardsdale area. Non-residents are charged an additional $750. A resident is a person who resides or pays property taxes within the district at time of plot purchase. A non-resident is a person who has a near relative buried in the cemetery; or a near relative of a resident of the district; or a police, fire or military person at time of plot purchase. Located nearly in the middle of the main portion of the Bardsdale Cemetery the Columbarium was placed strategically there to take advantage of the majestic views of the Santa Clara Valley which are also visible from most areas of the Bardsdale Cemetery. A daily Coastal breeze will be a comfort to visitors sitting near the Columbarium on one of the four concrete bench seating areas. The Bardsdale Cemetery District Board of Trustees is committed to managing the Bardsdale Cemetery in the most efficient means possible to offer a comfortable and full-service cemetery to those living within the District boundaries. The new Columbarium is just another means to offer residents an option when looking for a final resting place for a loved one. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, October 6th, 2015
 American Red Cross of Ventura County During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others needing blood products. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., with one in eight developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, mastectomy surgery or treatment of Blood donor Mary Thorngate Hall is one such example. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2010. "I began treatment (with) my first round of chemotherapy lasting six hours. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). American Red Cross Donation Center American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Additional blood donation opportunities: Camarillo Oak Park Oxnard Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. About the American Red Cross |
 Proud parents Richard and Carolyn Diaz had the honor of pinning Chief Diaz’s Navy Chief Anchors to his uniform. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
 The Diaz family, Richard and Carolyn, with US Navy Chief Phillip Diaz, and his sisters Arron Diaz and Julia Fitzgibbons (Diaz). Enlarge Photo United States Navy Chief, Phillip Diaz, was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (ITC E-7) on September 16, 2015 during an official Navy Pinning Ceremony in San Diego, California. In attendance were his proud parents, Richard and Carolyn Diaz, Sisters Arron Diaz and Julia Fitzgibbons (Diaz), Uncle Michael Diaz and Aunt Karen Diaz. Richard and Carolyn had the honor of pinning on Chief Diaz's Navy Chief Anchors to his uniform shirt lapels. Chief Diaz, 29 years old, is a 2004 Fillmore High School Graduate. All of Chief Diaz's education was within the Fillmore Unified School District attending K-5 at Piru Elementary School, 6-8 at Fillmore Middle School having been part of the first 6th Grade Class to enter the Middle School. He went on to attend FHS where he played baseball and and football, graduating in 2004! Chief Diaz was also active in the Bardsdale United Methodist Church, and local 4H Clubs where he had the honor, at age 9, of having his pig "Tomasina" being selected as the Grand Champion at the Ventura County Fair. Chief Diaz began his career in the Navy on October 31, 2005 attending his basic training at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class receiving a meritorious promotion to Seaman Apprentice E-2. Chief Diaz's job specialty is Information Technology. In addition to his current instructor assignment at the Center For Information Dominance, Point Loma, San Diego, Chief Diaz was previously assigned to the U.S.S. McFaul (DDG 74), an Arleigh Burke class of guided missile Destroyer in Norfolk, Virginia. And, at the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit-2 (EODESU-2), in Little Creek, Virginia. Chief Diaz has been on three deployments; two to the Persian Gulf aboard the U.S.S. McFaul and in Afghanistan with the EODESU2, prior to his assignment in San Diego as an instructor. On August 24, 2008, while assigned on the U.S.S. McFaul, the McFaul was to first United States Vessel to arrived in Batumi, Georgia, as part of Operation Assured Delivery to "deliver humanitarian relief supplies, as part of the larger United States response to the government of Georgia request for humanitarian assistance" in the wake of the 2008 South Ossetia war. The McFaul offloaded nearly 155,000 pounds of supplies—including hygiene items, baby food and care supplies, bottled water, and milk. Chief Diaz has received numerous awards during his Naval service. According to Chief Diaz, "I am ready to be a Navy Chief! I look forward to guiding the sailors under my command to some day being successful as future Navy Chiefs!" Chief Diaz will remain at his current assignment for the next 1 1/2 years, but after that he will serve "At the convenience of the Navy!" Chief Diaz hopes to spend more time in San Diego, but is excited to serve where the Navy needs him. The citizens of the Santa Clara Valley are proud of Chief Diaz's service, congratulate him on his promotion. We thank Chief Diaz for his service and sacrifice to maintain the freedoms all of us enjoy as American citizens. Chief Diaz is truly an American Hero! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
Part 1 of 4
 The Fillmore High Homecoming Parade took place on Thursday night this year. Last year Alumni agreed that community members would like to see the parade but they do not get home until early evening. The parade started at 6:30pm in the high school parking lot and traveled down Central Avenue. This year’s floats and homecoming court highlighted the parade, as did the Flashes Football and Raiders teams. Photos courtesy KSSP Photographic Studios and Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
Part 2 of 4
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
Part 3 of 4
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
Part 4 of 4
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
A 3-judge Ventura County Superior Court appeals panel struck down the eviction of the Fillmore and Western Railway by the Ventura County Transportation Commission who owns the tracks the railway operates on. The panel released the decision on Tuesday, September 22, 2015. It ruled that the VCTC used an incorrect legal procedure to evict the railway, and the judge who upheld the eviction error in backing the eviction based on the incorrect legal procedure. It remains to be seen if VCTC will appeal this ruling to a higher court, or return to the trial court to seek a legal eviction. The VCTC filed a lawsuit in March 2014 against the Railway when they ignored the agency’s demand to stop running the train operation. The Railway countersued, claiming the Commission terminated its 20-year lease wrongly. The popular tourist train remains in operation for now. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
 On Monday, September 28th, a vehicle slammed into two parked cars in the 900 block of Ventura Street (Highway 126), at 6:15pm. No injuries were reported. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
 A local agricultural worker was driving west on South Mountain at Balcom Canyon Road, and lost control of his truck on Monday, September 28th, at 1:08pm. He left the roadway and rolled at least once before coming to rest in the middle of a plowed field. Three units were called to the scene. He sustained moderate injures and was transported to a local hospital. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
New Senior Center Location: Yeah! We now have “Fresh Coffee” Regular Scheduled Programs & Activities BINGO, STARTING SOON “KEEP” WATCHING FOR START-UP DATE! AARP Drivers Safety Program Monday & Tuesday, October 19th & 20th. this is a 2 day course 4 hrs each day. From 8:30 -1:00 pm Cars have changed. So have the traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's licenses, but even the most experienced drivers benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. You ask what will I learn by taking the Course? You can expect to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will learn the following: How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots: How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car: The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy Intersections: Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and new technologies used in cars: The effects of medications on driving: The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use. After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and of how you can avoid potential collisions and injuries to yourself and others. This is a “GREAT Course” One every Senior should take. Please Call and let us know your coming. 524-4533 One Stop Shop for Medicare 2016 will be held at the Fillmore Senior Centers “New Location”, 330 Central Avenue, Suite C, across the street form the Post Office in Fillmore. Friday October 23. (Time to be determined) HICAP Counselors will run a Prescription Drug Plan comparison for you. Receive counseling on Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap, Employer Group, Retiree Plans & Medi-Cal. Enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan for 2016 Call HICAP for a Free, Unbiased Medicare & Health Insurance Counseling 800-434-0222 they will also send you a Part D worksheet, so your comparison will be ready for the ONE Stop Shop. Remember Open enrollment begins Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2015 Next Board Meeting: is scheduled for Monday, September 28. at 1:00 pm |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
On July 18, 1980, at approximately 12:30pm, Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a call of a dead body found in a parking lot of Westlake High School, 100 N Lakeview Canyon Road, in Westlake Village. The murdered woman was at the foot of a dirt hillside in the rear parking lot of the school, accessible from N. Via Merida. It was determined the unidentified woman was sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled to death elsewhere before being dumped in the school’s parking lot. Her autopsy determined she was approximately five months pregnant with a son. Thirty-five years later, the murdered woman remains unidentified. As a result of major advances in DNA, in 2012, DNA that was collected from Jane Doe’s clothing and fingernails was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Wilson Chouest was identified as the person associated with this DNA. At that time, Chouest was serving a life sentence in state prison for the kidnap, robbery, and rape of one woman, and kidnap and robbery of another that occurred in Tulare County in August and September of 1980. Chouest is eligible for parole for these crimes in 2017. This new DNA information gave the investigation forward momentum, especially when investigators learned Chouest had been linked through DNA to another Jane Doe homicide in Kern County. The body of Kern County’s Jane Doe was found in an almond orchard near Delano on July 15, 1980, three days prior to the Ventura County Jane Doe being found. While detectives from both agencies worked to develop evidence in the case against Chouest, they continued in their efforts to identify the two Jane Doe’s. The women have been featured on bulletins shared on our social media platforms and on numerous Jane Doe websites. Despite not being able to identify the women, the investigation did develop evidence that showed Chouest was responsible for the deaths of the two women and the unborn child. The Ventura County Cold Case Unit detectives submitted evidence to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for review. On September 23, 2015, Chouest was brought back to Ventura County on a court order. He was arrested on September 30, 2015 for murder. Chouest is due to appear in court on October 1, 2015. These victims have been unidentified for 35 years. Both women had live births prior to their death. Somewhere, there are two families whose mothers disappeared in July of 1980, never to be heard from or seen again. We’d like nothing more than to bring the families answers and return their loved ones to them. Chouest traveled throughout several counties during his four months of freedom in 1980. Investigators believe these women’s kidnapping and murders could have occurred in Tulare, Kern, Ventura or Los Angeles Counties. If you have information about Wilson Chouest’s activity between June and September 1980 or you have information about the victims’ identities, please email your tips to the Cold Case Unit at coldcase.187@ventura.org. Nature of Incident: Arrest Made in 1980 Jane Doe Murders 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). |
 Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros presents Fillmore’s 2014 Firefighter of the Year Chad Panke with awards at the 13th Annual Firefighters & Heros Gala in Ventura, on September 11th. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
On September 11th, 2015 The 13th Annual Firefighters & Heroes Gala to honor Ventura County’s outstanding firefighters and civilian heroes was held. Fillmore’s Firefighter of the Year 2014 Chad Panke was honored with a plaque and award presented by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. The event was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ventura. The evening included dinner, awards, and dancing with music provided by DJ Bruce Barrios. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
There were three items of new business on the Fillmore City Council Meeting and one old one, which was the establishment of a Pre-sale/Human Living Standards Inspection Program. Just as at the last council meeting on September 8th, many Ventura Country Realtors came to voice their opposition to the program. Dennis Goldstein past president of Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) addressed the Council stating, "Realtors are dedicated to peoples private property rights" and said he opposed the program "It places an unfair burden on property owners....reduces the privacy of the property." Dale King with Santa Paula Troop Realty stated he was also opposed to the program for many of the same reasons that Goldstein spoke of. "It's not the newer homes that are the problem, it is the smaller older properties that will be burdened with the added expense King told the Council..... Some were built before there was a code enforcement and some of the conversions were done because there was no need to park a car in the garage. It is expensive to return some properties back to their original condition, and often these are the people who can least afford it..... A first time buyer can't afford it." King encouraged a County Record check and a copy of the permit file, which cost about $40-$80. He said they are helpful disclosures between a buyer and seller. Realtor Mark Chacon CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 On the morning of September 11th, the Fillmore Fire Department, along with City Manager David Rowlands, Fillmore Police Chief Dave Wareham and sheriff’s deputies, the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders, and citizens wanting to honor the victims of 9/11, gathered to raise the flag in memorium. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley would like to thank Fillmore Rotary for supporting them with a brand new van for the Club. “This is so exciting for us as we have never had a new van and it will allow us to serve and transport more kids,” said CEO Jan Marholin. The van is a 2015 Chevy Van. Currently the club has a 15 passenger van and Club Site Director Buddy Escoto is the only one with a Class B license who can drive it. So when Buddy is ill or out there is no one else who can drive. This van will allow the Club to do more pick-ups after school, more field trip participation and Robotics team Work with the Club in Santa Paula and soon to be Piru. Thank you Fillmore Rotary! Jan Marholin, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 FUSD Board Member John Garnica The September 15, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognizing the Future Farmers of America (FFA) students who participated in the 2015 Ventura County Fair and ended with Board Member John Garnica resigning as a board member. Garnica, who has served on the board for 16 years, told the other members his wife is a candidate for a principal position and there would be a conflict of interest if he stayed on. Garnica spoke of the confidence he had with the present board along with the new superintendent and felt it was the right time to resign. All board members thanked him for his dedicated service to FUSD and his sharp mind would be missed. Board Member Lucy Rangel mentioned what a pleasure it was having Garnica as a student and them working with him on the board. Garnica responded, "It's been a pleasure for me." Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez gave a presentation on the Smarter Balance Assessment (SBA) test results for 3rd through 8th grade and 11th grade students taken last April and May. This is the first test results being considered. There was a preliminary test run the year before to make sure the computer systems were working properly. SBA is the testing California uses in connection with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the student testing is done on a computer. A total of 12 million students in 29 states took part in the new CCSS testing. The results are not good for both the State and FUSD. A majority of students statewide failed to meet the standards including FUSD students California has more than 3.1 million public school students that were tested in English with only 44% meeting or exceeded requirements and about equal that amount, 45%, that did not. In Math 33% of students met the standards and 67% did not. In Los Angeles which is the second largest school district in the country, only 33% of students met targets in English and only 25% met them in Math. What the testing CONTINUED » |
 A Relay For Life participant holds a pink balloon while bowing in prayer, remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, and those who have survived. The Relay 4 Life event took place Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13, at Shiells Park. Photos courtesy Adrian Rangel. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
"Two Communities One Goal"
 Relay For Life participants welcome each other. At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Enlarge Photo On Saturday, September 12, 2015 the communities of Fillmore and Piru joined forces for the 10th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The 24 hour walk started at 9AM on Saturday and concluded on Sunday at 9AM. It was a hot and muggy day but the 22 teams stuck together to support each other and all Cancer Survivors and to remember those that are no longer here with us. We would like to thank all our Team Captains, Participants and Sponsors, without you we would not be able to raise much needed funds to help find a cure and to support cancer patients. As of Sunday, September 13th we raised approximately $38,000 dollars. If you would like to donate please visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/fillmoreca We would like to acknowledge our wonderful sponsors for their generosity and Community support: Kenton Stafford Memorial, Fillmore Rentals, California Resource Corporation, Seneca, B & R Farm Labor Contractor, Bennett’s Honey Farm, Chevron, City of Fillmore, Granite Construction, Union Bank Villa Park Orchards, William L Morris Chevrolet, Lion’s Club of Fillmore, EJ Harrison Rubbish, Fro-Yo Yogurt, Fillmore Dram Club, Fillmore Fire Department, Otto & Sons Nursery, Wings of Grace, Fillmore High School, El Pescador, FUSD, Gil Zamora, Vallarta Restaurant, McLain Construction, After Hours Production, State Ready Mix, Bank of the Sierra, Grimes Rock, Tony’s Body Shop, Annette Cardona, Barry Thompson, Burger King, Cactus Mart, California Watercress Inc., Christine Ortiz, David Smallwood, Diamond Reality, Elkins Ranch Golf Course, Fillmore Building Supply, Fillmore Citizens Patrol, Manuel Minjares, Francisco’s Fruit Stand, Gama Aguilar, George Thompson Diamond Company, Island View Enterprises Inc., La Michoacana Bakery, McDonalds-Fillmore, National Charity League, ParRey Construction, Sespe 4H, Piru 4H, Richard Carrillo, Rocket 68, Santa Clara Valley Explorers, Starbucks-Fillmore, Super A Foods, Juano & Friends, The Fillmore Gazette, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Vons, Yanni’s Best Restaurant, Diana Araiza, Sam Araiza, Madai Bernal, Noemi Bernal, Chad Schommer, Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and our wonderful ACS Reps Lorissa, Angi, Kristin, Alex and Eric. You all are one in a million!!! |
