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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 14th, 2023
ALL ITEMS ON AGENDA PASSED, 4-0 1. CALL TO ORDER |
 Above are the California United FC 2013 girls who competed and placed 3rd in Tampa, Florida this past Labor Day weekend. Top row: Coach Jose Luis Lomeli, Christine Beltran, Bella Mendez, Aaliyah Cervantez, Siani Lomeli, Kenya Hernandez, Coach Tony Mendez, Nicole Cano. Bottom row: Aixa Lomeli, Sadie Manriquez, Marianah Arreola, Toni Cervantez and Itzel Arana. Not pictured: Sarahi Prado and Annalise Castorena. Photo credit California United FC. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 14th, 2023
Courtesy California United FC *** Game 2: California United 5-1 West Florida Flames 2013 *** Game 3: California United 0-8 DEM Academy 2012 *** Game 4: California United 2-0 Rangers DEV 2 2012 |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 14th, 2023
 Fillmore High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisors Mrs. Klittich and Ms. Lemus, and FFA Officers updated Fillmore Unified School District Trustees on activities and participation at the Ventura County Fair. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
 On Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 8:38pm, a 2-vehicle collision occurred at A Street Bridge, south of Ventura Street. One of the drivers was on probation for a prior DUI violation. The male subject was determined to be the party at fault and provided a breath sample per his probation terms. The subject was found to be operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit and was arrested for violation of VC 23152(b) and VC 23153(a) and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility without incident. Ambulance was requested for the other (female) driver; it is not known if she was transported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
 On Monday, September 11, 2023, the Fillmore Fire Department invites the community to attend the memorial celebration for the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States that took place September 11th, 2001. Gathering begins at 6:30am and the American flag will be raised at 6:55am at the Fillmore Fire Station, 711 Landeros Street, along with a county-wide broadcast. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
Courtesy Fillmore Fire Department The Firefighters of your Fillmore City Fire Department would like to invite you to attend a memorial celebration marking the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, September 11th, 2001. As a nation, we were brought together in tragedy, captivated by the images of destruction, despair, fear, and raw emotion. The only images strong enough to help us cope with such devastation were the amazing images of unity, strangers helping strangers, heroism, and watching America’s front line of public servants run toward the face of danger. We invite you to join us this Saturday morning to remember the civilians, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Military Personnel who perished on that fateful day. Let us remember the sacrifices made by so many that morning. From the everyday heroes who helped save perfect strangers, to the first responders who walked toward danger in hopes of helping anyone they could, they were all a shining example of how we can easily come together in times of national crisis. We will never forget those brave individuals, and we will never forget September 11th, 2001. Gathering at the Fillmore Fire Station will start at 6:30am in the front. The American flag will be raised promptly at 6:55am followed by a County-wide radio broadcast of a remembrance. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
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 On Friday, September 8, 2023, Fillmore High School will celebrate 100 years of Flashes Football as well as Youth Night. Special events and activities will be put on by the FHS Alumni Association for all to enjoy during the game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
Courtesy FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed. Fillmore Flashes will be celebrating 100 years of Football at FHS with a centennial celebration. Fillmore was one of the first schools to have a football program way back in 1923. To honor this amazing legacy and tradition of excellence at FHS we will be inviting all Flashes Alumni to attend the game with a special VIP section in the north endzone available for Football Alumni in attendance. In addition, the alumni association will be putting together fun activities and events during the game for alumni. Also they will be holding their annual Youth Night event where all Fillmore youth are invited to attend the game and run onto the field with the Flashes as they take the field during pre-game. Details for youth to participate are: Please join us September 8th, 2023 for our Annual FHS Youth Night at 7pm. Description of event: The youth of Fillmore will get in free with a parent to watch the Varsity game vs. Burbank. Field Events: 1. The youth will run along the side of Flashes Football as they come onto the field at the beginning of the game. * Report time and location for football players: 6:30pm on track near the southeast side by the Flashes tunnel. 2. Youth will perform a routine with the Flashes cheerleaders at halftime. * Report time and location for cheerleaders: 6:45pm on the track near the front of the snack bar. * Youth cheerleaders will meet on the track 5 minutes before halftime to prep for performance. * Section of bleachers will be reserved for game viewing. |
 The following exceptional teacher received support through the funding: * In Fillmore, California, Mrs. Appleford at San Cayetano Elementary School received a donation of $240.00 for the project “Books for Our Classroom!” for Grades 3-5. “SONIC’s dedication to supporting education through our Limeades for Learning program is a core pillar of our business and the transition into a new school year is a crucial window in setting students and teachers up for success,” said Kim Lewis, Vice President of Brand Experience for SONIC. “We’re grateful to all the SONIC guests who joined us this month in our commitment to brighten the lives of educators, students and families across our SONIC communities by donating to a classroom request on DonorsChoose, or simply by enjoying their favorite SONIC drink.” Through the SONIC Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand donates a portion of proceeds from every drink, slush and shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local public education.* Since 2009, SONIC has donated more than $26 million to funding local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs in the U.S. to support public education. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
SONIC® Drive-In is dedicated to getting teachers and students the classroom supplies they need for the new school year. In August, the SONIC Foundation donated $1 million to help fund requests on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
By Epi Torres On Friday, several former Fillmore High School athletes competed in their first collegiate meet this season. Three of Alianna’s former high school teammates also competed on Friday at the Big West Preview held on the Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo. Running in the Women’s’ 5 kilometer race for Cal State Northridge, a Division 1 school, was Vanessa Avila. This was Vanessa’s first race this season as a Matador. Vanessa captured 80th place in a time of 20:24.4, and helped her team finish in 8th place. In the Men 6 kilometer race Camilo Torres traversed the course in a time of 19:09.7 and finished in 51st place. As a team, the Matadors finished in 7th place. Also competing at this meet for Westmont was Rey Laureano. Rey finished in 87 place in a time of 20:19.9. In the team competition, Westmont finished in 9th place. It always makes us proud to see our former athletes continue their athletic endeavors at the post secondary level. Alianna will next compete at the So. Cal. Preview meet at El Dorado Park in Long Beach on 9/15. Camilo and Vanessa will travel to Riverside, on 9/16 and run in the UC Riverside Invitational, held at the UCR Ag Ops Course. Rey and the Westmont team will compete on September 8th at the Biola Invitational in Fullerton. We wish them continued success. Go get them Flashes Alumni. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
 On Thursday, August 24, at 2:00 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported rollover in the 3500 block of Grimes Canyon Road, Bardsdale. Arriving firefighters found a solo vehicle off the roadway with moderate damage. One occupant involved was transported to VCMC, condition unknown. The crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
 After a long break, the Fillmore Volunteer Firefighters Foundation will be hosting it’s annual Rigo Landeros Memorial Golf Tournament on September 15 at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo. A shotgun start of 8:00 AM will take place. In 2014, Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and a group of other volunteers organized the first annual Fillmore Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament to raise money for the Foundation, which provides important funding for equipment and training that might not otherwise be available to the firefighters of the Department. In 2016, the tournament was renamed to honor our former Chief, Reguberto “Rigo” Landeros, who passed away that year. Rigo was tireless in his support of the Foundation, the Volunteers of the Fillmore Fire Department and most importantly the citizens of Fillmore. The past tournaments have graciously been supported by the entire community of Fillmore. There are still a few slots available for golfers whether you want to sign up as a single or have a complete foursome. Besides breakfast and lunch, all golfers will receive awesome SWAG items. A “hole-in-one” contest, “closet to the pin”, putting and longest drive awards will be given out with free rounds of golf as prizes. The day will end with a large raffle and awards ceremony. The monies raised from the annual tournament will help to purchase equipment and training for the men and women of the Fillmore Fire Department as well to support Community Education Fire/Safety Training for youth and adults of Fillmore. To register for the tournament, visit fillmorefirefoundation.org Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
 Meet our Fillmore Cadets: Denise Marquez (right) is a recent graduate of California State University, Northridge. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology and is looking to continue a law enforcement career with the finest agency in the county, VCSO! Aalyiah Alfaro (left) is finishing up her last year at California State University Channel Islands where she is working on her sociology degree. Aalyiah is also doing an internship with Ventura County Behavioral Health and is looking to pursue a career in clinical social work. In addition to knocking their Cadet responsibilities out of the park, these two superstars are both Explorer Advisors who spend countless hours training, mentoring, and developing our young Explorers. They are smart and both have a bright future ahead of them. Denise and Aalyiah, thank you for all that you do. VCSO is lucky to have you both! Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
 AT&T is setting up shop in the Fillmore Business Park shopping center, 1146 Ventura Street. Devices and accessories will be offered, and phone bill payments accepted in the store. They plan to open for business September 29, 2023. Enlarge Photo |
 On August 18, 2023, VCAT investigators developed information which indicated a large shipment of methamphetamine from Mexico was destined for the city of Fillmore. During the operation, investigators observed Downey resident, Erick Montoya in the McDonald’s parking lot in the 900 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. A Fillmore Police K-9 was used to conduct a sniff search of Montoya’s vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of 56 pounds of narcotics inside the vehicle, estimated to be worth over $1.2 million. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Detectives assigned to the Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT) concluded their investigation into a Mexico based drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation of bulk quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. Investigators learned this organization smuggled the methamphetamine into the United States in liquid form. Once inside the United States, the methamphetamine was converted from a liquid form to a solid “crystal” form. Once crystalized, the methamphetamine was then transported in bulk by drug couriers to wholesale customers located in the greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura County. On August 18, 2023, VCAT investigators developed information which indicated a large shipment of methamphetamine was destined for the city of Fillmore. During this operation, investigators observed Downey resident, Erick Montoya in the McDonald’s parking lot in the 900 Block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Montoya was associated with a blue color Honda Sport Utility Vehicle. Investigators developed probable cause to believe Montoya was in possession of methamphetamine. Montoya was contacted and detained at the scene. A Fillmore Police K-9 was used to conduct a sniff search of Montoya’s vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, investigators located approximately 56 pounds of methamphetamine inside a cardboard box in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. In addition, investigators also located several thousand dollars of suspected drug proceeds, multiple cellular telephones and several grams of cocaine. Erick Montoya was transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated at an excess of $1.2 million dollars. This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for filing. Report Number: 23-106761 (S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ececent City of Residence: (S) Erick Montoya Downey, California 32 Prepared by: Sergeant Odilon Malagon |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
 A 5.1 earthquake near Ojai shook the Fillmore area and beyond on Sunday, August 20, at 2:41pm. Fillmore residents felt a powerful jolt, lasting a few seconds, with more than 30 aftershocks registered. Above is damage to Fillmore’s Vons Market, right Vons’ loosened ceiling panels. The quake was located 4.3 miles southeast of Ojai. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department look at all of Ventura County for damage from the quakes. The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services reported no injuries or major structural damage; Thomas Aquinas College near Ojai suffered minor damage to four buildings, with damage also to the bell tower; SoCal Gas and SoCal Edison reported no issues; the county’s aviation unit completed an aerial inspection of the Ojai area, including Lake Casitas and Matilija dams, and reported no issues. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
 Hurricane Hilary left her mark on Fillmore on Saturday and Sunday, August 19/20th. A large Peppertree in front of Fillmore City Hall was damaged, and (inset) another tree located at 3rd Street and A Street lost a large branch. Over 2" of rain were dropped on Fillmore (4" in the mountains), causing a swift-water rescue in the Santa Clara River. Hilary brought gusty winds, heavy rains, and dangerous sea conditions to Ventura County. It weakened to a tropical storm, Category 3, by the time it reached the county, the first in SoCal since 1939. The storm picked up steam Saturday Afternoon, with bulk of heavy rain on Sunday. Flashflood/Flood Watch alerts lite up Smartphones all over Fillmore and the county, sending out a no-travel advisory. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
 On Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 7:36 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire Department were dispatched to three transients reportedly stranded in the Santa Clara Riverbed, underneath the A Street Bridge, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two victims were located after self-extricating themselves, both individuals refused medical aid. One additional victim reportedly was stranded on an island. The Ventura County Aviation Air Unit was unable to locate the third individual, believing he had possibly fled to a local gas station. Fillmore Police Department shut down A Street Bridge for over two hours until fire crews cleared the area. Photo credit Angel Esquival-AE News. The video can be viewed on instagram @esquivelphotography_ Enlarge Photo |
