 On March 26th, Fillmore High hosted their Beautification Day along with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Mentor Club, Fillmore students and other local community programs and members. Photo courtesy Fillmore High Flashes blog. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
This year, after returning to in-person learning, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Mentor Club at Fillmore High School (FHS) decided to have a FHS Beautification Day on March 26, 2022. Beautification Day consisted of Fillmore students and community members picking up trash, rocks, raking leaves, painting the faded blue wood tables and faded walls, pruning rose bushes, and scraping gum from the campus sidewalks. Each year for the past ten years, the youth of the FHS Mentor Club have been creating one big community project for the student members to organize throughout the school year. Throughout the years, the projects they work on have been a beneficial learning experience for the youth in a variety of ways. They had the experience of working in a group and brainstorming ideas. Collectively they had peer discussions to resolve the logistics of the project. After they decided on the project, there was a list of "to-do" tasks that they divided among one another. The project was integrated into their community. Our youth present their project to city council members, school administrators, and local adult service clubs such as the Fillmore Lions and Rotary Club. All high school students and mentors had an opportunity to get involved with the community and make connections. Some students felt more confident planning, others speaking in public, and others working hands-on. As their supervisor, I see how they develop their social skills as they continue in the Mentor Club. Some of the benefits of volunteering in their community include the chance to network and meet new people, learn new skills and increase self-efficacy while making a positive impact in their community. The event was well attended by both students and community members. FHS students liked that their campus shined a little bit more than usual. Thank you to the Fillmore Lions and Rotary Club members who participated, the Fillmore Lions Club for sponsoring the pan dulce in the morning, and the pizza lunch. A BIG THANKS TO ALL THE FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (FUSD) STUDENTS that volunteered on a Saturday morning and to the FUSD for the cleaning supplies and continuous support. Amelia Aparicio, |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
"Truth, beauty and goodness"...these are what our community needs! And the truth is that we have some amazing gardeners among us bringing such beauty, and all to share for the good of others. Gardeners define what it means to live well, no matter how big or small the gardens be... There is supposed to be only one 'Yard of the Month', but if you don't mind I want to include other sites for you to check out each month from our fair town...these homes didn't win the prize, but in my eyes they embody the truth of beauty and goodness! If you find yourself near one of these sites, stop by. Do check out the home at 1044 Candalaria where there are so many lovely personal touches that make it a delight to see. The 745 Fine Street home has done an exceptional job of planting its front yard to low maintenance, drought resistant, and/or edible plant varieties- and it all pulls together to enhance the facade of the home, well done! At 615 Yucca the folks here put in an orchard of fruit trees in the front yard with a side raised bed of lovely perennials, all secured with a permascape that not only looks beautiful but cuts down on water usage and maintenance. Finally at 607 Lemon Way, Apt. A, I spied a Dragon Fruit making its way over the wall- looking in I found the happiest of low maintenance, low water specimens (the scarlet blooming cactus was exquisite!) among joyful Mexican folk art. The yard was obviously set up for easy outside entertaining with family and friends. Gloriosa! But April's 'Yard of the Month' goes to Doug and Nancy Cope at 603 Fourth St. They came to Fillmore over twenty years ago, originally from Canada, an entire country where everyone is just so dang 'nice'- something that our world can use a little more of today. Thus the Copes are not only to-the-core gardeners, but I was in for that to-the-core 'nice' of the Canadian way...so I knew I was in for a double dose of just plain wonderful. They live in the 'office' of the original orange ranch there in north Fillmore and what they have done to make it 'home' is remarkable. I met them as I interrupted their outdoor dinner in the cozy nook they created, complete with overhead bistro lights that softly lit the sitting area and hearth made from blocks ("so the grand kids have a place to roast marshmallows"). Pots of succulents were tucked into every corner, mature roses interplanted with bearded iris line one side and where ever there was a strip of bare ground, Nancy made sure to have something growing. Any structurally needed walls were covered with something in full Spring bloom, whether it was panels of intoxicating jasmine or a retaining wall that carried happy geraniums up and over to other side, altogether some twenty feet of blooms! Though the Copes live literally in the middle of town, they have created a place of quiet contemplation and privacy...but that does not mean they don't to contend with the issues of gardening in our environment. So far this year, they have trapped and rehomed nine racoons (who would have thought coons could have such a party in those tall and narrow Italian Cypress trees!), four possums and two squirrels... being nice goes only so far! The costs of utilities in Fillmore require water to be conserved- everything is hand watered or micro irrigated to control its use. Doug, quite the handyman, even put together in an irrigation system that has a weather sensitive component to it. Their orchard is crowned with an original orange tree from the founding ranch. Alongside it, and girded by colorful Nasturtiums and Belladona Amaryllus, are Grapefruits, Guavas, a Pinkerton Avocado (a truly great, and locally found!, variety of avocado), Peaches, Bananas (Burros variety), Blueberries, Tangerines (the old variety of Dancy- so the taste is exceptional, and its marmalade is sublime), and Limes. Apricots and a Mission Fig that provides fig jam for everyone that visits, and over twenty grapevines of wine and table varieties, and a gorgeous Pomegranate that Nancy freezes the juice from for year round use. Whew! The Copes can sure show us how we can pack a lot into a small space! The next project they have up their sleeves is to plant the large pots they picked up on travels to Mexico with various cactus to line the full sun driveway. There already is an 'Old Man As I left their place, Nancy loaded me up with bulbs for my garden and two kinds of marmalades from her kitchen by way of their orchard...yup, I hope when I grow up to be as nice as these folks! Let's all love the places we live in by bringing beauty into them, and sharing our garden knowledge- and results!- with our neighbors...it is like a good infection -the truth about living a life well is it really does bring with it goodness and beauty. And let me hear from you if you find a gem of a garden in your neighborhood that I might miss otherwise...reginastehly@gmail.com Thanks for spreading the infection! Remember the Flower Show this weekend folks! Share any and all your yard's beauty with the rest of the town- bring them by this Saturday between 7:30 and 10 AM. There will be plenty of help for you (don't worry if you can't remember the name of that 'special rose' from Aunt Clara!) and for $5/adult (youth free) you can bring in as many buckets of flowers, pots, bouquets and arrangements that you can muster! See you there! |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Three men from Los Angeles are in custody for stealing catalytic converters, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy, and drug possession charges. On March 30, 2022, deputies responded to a report of a catalytic converter theft that had just occurred in the 1000 block of King Street in the city of Fillmore. A witness reported they saw two suspicious vehicles speeding away from the location. Patrol deputies immediately searched the location and were able to locate and stop on one of the vehicles the witness described. The vehicle was occupied by three subjects who were found to be in possession of burglary tools, floor jacks, and illegal drugs (Photographs attached). A floor jack was left behind at one of the crime scenes. In addition, two of the suspects had outstanding arrest warrants out of Los Angeles County. The investigation revealed four additional theft victims in the same area. Detectives believe that these three suspects are part of a catalytic converter theft ring out of the city of Los Angeles. Detectives believe the second vehicle reported by the witness was also related to the theft. All three suspect were taken into custody and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for Grand Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and Possession of Methamphetamines. All three remain in custody with each of their bail set at $250,000. Their court date is set for April 4, 2022. Anyone with information pertaining to crimes of this nature are urged to contact Detective Valdez at the below listed number. The reporting party may remain anonymous. In an effort to deter would-be thieves and to track stolen catalytic converters, the Fillmore Police Department has teamed up with several local auto repair shops. The below listed businesses have agreed to etch your license plate number and paint a Sheriff’s star on your catalytic converter, free of charge. Our goal is to deter a potential thief who might be planning to steal your catalytic converter. As soon as they see the painted Sheriff’s star and engraved license plate number, they will hopefully leave your car alone. If your catalytic converter is stolen, law enforcement or a scrap yard will be able to recognize the catalytic converter as stolen based on the markings. You can make an “Etch and Catch” appointment at any of the below locations in the city of Fillmore: Ernie’s Auto Care & Smog De La Rosa Auto Repair Bob’s Radiator Shop Fillmore Auto Electric & Tune When you call for your appointment, make sure to mention it is for the “Etch and Catch” program. We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter thefts. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511. Often, cases are solved when an observant resident calls when something does not seem quite right. For more information on the program click on video link: https://bit.ly/3uS59xL. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram@VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Nature of Incident: Three Suspects Arrested for Stealing Catalytic Converters 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). |
 On Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center from 1pm to 4pm, the Fillmore 2022 Flower Show will take place. Be sure to stop by and smell the roses. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
Fillmore Flower Show April 9th & 10th, 2022
By Jan Lee The divisions for adults to enter are listed on the website: fillmoreflowershow.org. There is a $5 fee to enter no matter how many entries you have. The judges will select the top representation of each category. Bring your entry to the Center between 7:30a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9th. While Youth are allowed to enter any division and be judged with the adults, there are a few divisions especially for Youth who reside within the boundaries of the Fillmore Unified School District beginning at age 3. Division IX—Youth Arrangements. This is a flower display, limited to 20” X 20” to be arranged at the show without adult help. Arrangement should reflect the theme of the show, “100 Years Celebrating Flowers”. Division X— Youth Composition. An original poem or short essay on a single page with or without illustration on the theme of the flower show. Division XI— Youth Art (Non-Competitive) Original artwork reflecting the flower show theme. Think of all the celebrations in your life where flowers play a significant role: birthdays, Valentine’s Day, weddings, graduation, love, promotions, baby born, etc. Isn’t it time to celebrate the flowers that always bring joy to the special moments in our lives? Come on you creative people! Let’s see how you can join the fun by sharing the beauty of your garden with your neighbors. We are counting on all of you to make this the best show ever! See you at the Fillmore Flower Show. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
By Susan Hopkins Fillmore gardens and hillsides consistently explode with blossoms in the spring. For over one hundred years the people of Fillmore have shown their delight in this floral bounty by putting on a flower show. The show has gone through a variety of forms reflecting what was going on in the community and the broader world. The location changed and the themes changed. The 100th year for this event took place in 2014. It has been held nearly every one of those 100 years and was only paused from 1939 to 1945 due to the world war and during a period when there was a lack of leadership due to the age of its membership. In 1987 it was canceled because of a freeze, and most recently in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With great delight our local gardeners look forward to the reemergence of the 2022 Flower Show this month. Newspaper clippings from 1913 describe a contest amongst the local elementary schools. “A framed print of George Washington was to be awarded to the school with the best display of wild flowers at the annual May Day festival. The picture was awarded to San Cayetano School in 1913.” (The first San Cayetano School, not the San Cayetano School that we know today.) It later went to Fillmore Grammar School and Sespe Elementary. The Washington print is now on display in the Fillmore Historical Museum. The early shows were held on May Day and featured a May Pole Dance and relay races for children. Based on records kept by the Garden Club and clippings from the newspaper it appears that the first formal show was in 1919. In May of 1922 flowers were abundant again “One (part) of the May Day celebration that commanded universal admiration…..was the beautiful Floral Exhibit at the high school grounds. This was staged in one corner of the cement paved tennis court.” In 1937 the flower show was held in the building that would later become Briggs’ Hardware. Pictures show rows of flowers in tall vases lining the walls from front to back. In 1928 the Fillmore Spring Flower Festival was held in early May. It was held under “the joint auspices of the Veterans’ Service Club, the Fillmore Merchants’ Association, and the Chamber of Commerce……to inject zest and enthusiasm into the social and business intercourse of the community.” It was a full day of activities beginning at 10:00 AM with the show open for public viewing. In the afternoon there were children’s sports and a baseball game. In the evening there was a program at the high school and flowers exhibited were auctioned off with the proceeds going to the sick relief fund of the service club. This took place just weeks before the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster. After WW II, sponsored by the Fillmore Garden Club, the Flower Show grew and was moved to the Veterans’ Memorial Building. Dahlias were the specialty of the first show. Through the years a wide variety of flowers has been shown such as dahlias, camellias, lilies, and of course roses. At times certain flowers were banned. One year it was sunflowers and another times it was morning glories and bleeding hearts. There were silver bowl trophies for adults and cash prizes for school children. In 1972 visitors voted for best arrangement and a special Judges’ award was given to the Fillmore Insectary for its display on beneficial insects. Each year at the conclusion of the Flower Show, prizes are awarded and the winners of raffles and silent auctions are announced. There is great anticipation waiting to hear which entry won the coveted Best of Show Award. Through the 1970s the Fillmore Garden Club sponsored the Flower Show providing the planning and man power to keep it going. The tables, vases, display shelves, and extra ribbons always found a safe home in the barns of local ranchers. The King and King Ranch has made storage room for all of the Garden Show necessities for years. The Garden Club also held plant sales, auctions, and asked for donations to fund the show. Annual costs continue to rise but admission for viewing the show is always free. Lately there has been a five dollar entry fee for adult exhibitors. Youths residing within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries may exhibit for free. In 1982 the club held a theme contest among local students and chose the winner from 50 selections. The chosen theme “Holiday with Flowers” was the winning entry. During the yearly event many citizens assist as host and hostesses, local musicians provide entertainment, refreshments are provided, and generous members donate plants for a plant sale. A 1982 news story highlighted what a community affair the show was by noting that the Fillmore Future Farmers Chamber of Commerce, and Jaycees would assist with physical work of setting up display tables and hanging plant stands as well as taking it down at the end of the show. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce had generously donated monetary help to assist with expenses of the show. Local businesses and organizations regularly and enthusiastically supported the show with donations and prizes for the silent auction. This still is happening today. Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the city started the Vision 2020 project to provide improvements and beautification. At the outset the community was polled to gather ideas for what citizens would like the city of Fillmore to be like in 2020. At that time several committees were formed including the Civic Pride Committee. It began working on projects around the city that included the Garden of the Month awards for beautiful landscaping, the care of the downtown planters and flower pots, and the sponsorship of the Flower Show. Linda Nunes the chairperson contacted Conway Spitler, Wilma Allen, and Joanne King about restarting the flower show. In 2009 after an 11 year break the revived Fillmore Flower Show began. An appeal to the community asked for help with a search for lost equipment and signs. To create interest in the show workshops on flower arranging and rose pruning were held in various locations for youth and at community meetings. The show was held in the Senior Center on Santa Clara Street. Judges Sue Diller and Barbara Scheider from the Ventura county fair share their expertise and say that the Fillmore Flower Show is their favorite. In 2014 the Flower Show celebrated its 100th year with the usual gorgeous display of flowers and the theme “100 Years of Flowers.” Many arrangements reflected the theme with vintage vases, photos, and old fashion blooms. Hostesses even wore vintage outfits in a nod to the special year. In 2020 the Active Adult Center was reserved, the judges were contacted, brochures were printed and the committee had many of the plans in place for the next show. Unfortunately, Covid 19 had other plans and the Flower Show was canceled in both in 2020 and 2021. 2022 sees the Civic Pride Committee back in action and actively planning on an even better show with the theme “Farie Tales and Flowers” on April 9th and 10th. With this year’s early rains there should be an abundance of spectacular blooms to delight everyone. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
 On Monday, March 28th, after a day of heavy winds and rain, the Mighty Sespe River is flowing well. Fillmore received about 2.13 inches of rain and Piru received 1.53 inches in the last 5 days according to the Ventura County Watershed Protection as of Wednesday, March 30th 10:02 a.m. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
 Fillmore High FFA students attended the CA FFA State Leadership Conference for three days last week, learning firsthand from other FFA members, explored the Career Expo, congratulated state winners in all LDEs, and learned of the final 12 State FFA candidates. The students also took a stroll around the Sacramento State Capital, and enjoyed listening to guest speaker Dr. Brown as he discussed leadership within ourselves and met the State FFA Officer Candidates. Courtesy Fillmore High Flashes Blog. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
 The Rotary Club of Fillmore presented a check for $300 to the Fillmore High Drama Department. Josh Overton, the Director, and eight of the performing FHS students attended the meeting and informed the Club about their new play “You the Jury”. The first performances were last weekend; they will perform again on April 1st and 2nd at 7p.m., and closing on April 3rd at 2p.m. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
 On Saturday, April 9th from 10am to noon, the Fillmore Arts Commission will be hosting Fillmore’s Chalk Art Festival. They will have art, face painting, chalk art, Mister Softee Truck, free art lessons, and live music for all to enjoy. Pictured is some artwork from Fillmore ChalkFest 2020 where they predicated from home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. More info visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Bill Ayub has released the 2021 crime statistics for all areas served by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The report shows a 5% overall increase in Part I crimes, as defined by the Uniform Crime Reporting statistics of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 2021, the number of incidents involving violent crimeincreased 3%. Property crimes increased 5%, while residential burglaries showed a decrease of 10%. Changes in crime trends became evident throughout the year, and some could be attributed to our communities transitioning out of the pandemic. During the pandemic, we saw some of our crime statistics sharply decline due in part to more people being home and many businesses having reduced activities. In 2021, our crime statistics began a return to pre-pandemic levels while remaining at historic lows. “Suppressing crime requires continuous vigilance, adaptive strategies, and a strong relationship with the public we serve,” said Sheriff Bill Ayub. “Steady increases in organized thieves entering our county from surrounding areas to commit catalytic converter thefts, organized retail theft, and commercial burglaries have driven the increase in reported property crimes. We remain committed to continuously adjusting our approach to address and defeat emerging crime trends.” The UCR report can be found here: https://s29762.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sheriff-Year-End-UCR-2... Each geographical area in Ventura County is unique, and crime trends vary from city to city. Nature of Incident: Sheriff releases 2021 crime statistics |
 Fillmore’s Central and Main Streets circa 1922. Photos Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
 Church of Religious Science circa 1972, which was founded by Reverend Mildred Hinckley, and was located on River Street in Fillmore. Enlarge Photo  Article from the Fillmore Herald March 16th 1972 reading “The Junior Girl Scouts point to their interesting window display in the Patterson Hardware store window to celebrate Girl Scout Week. From left are Shanna KcKeown, Troop 115; Lori Elkins, Troop 523; Shanna KcKeown, Troop 115 and Donna Viscioni. Donna’s father was the artist and sign maker for this project. (Herald Photo). Enlarge Photo This article was compiled by Rachel Fernandez who attends California State University Channel Islands and is interning at the Fillmore Historical Museum. Although times have changed, some things never change and history does tend to repeat itself. We see below what was happening in the city of Fillmore 50 and 100 years ago in March of 1922 and March of 1972 and can then make our own comparisons to the world and city of Fillmore today in March of 2022. 50 Years Ago - March 1972: March 12, 1972 marked the beginning of Girl Scout Week. This week paid homage to the first troops which started in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. The Girl Scouts had very fun activities planned during the week which included Girl Scout Sunday, Homemaking Day, Citizenship Day, Health and Safety Day, International Friendship Day, Day for Arts, as well as Out of Doors Day. Some of the girls listed were Kenny McKeown, Lori Elkins, Shanna McKeown, and Donna Viscioni. It was published in the paper on March 16th, 1972 that Jeanine Richie Boon and Vernal Williams were the first couple to get married in the Church of Religious Science. The church was newly built at the time, founded by Reverend Mildred Hinckley and designed by Elmer Devore. The church was located on River Street. The congregation no longer exists today since its closure in the early 2000’s, but the building is now a preschool and child care center. 100 Years Ago - March 1922: 100 years ago, there was an ongoing pandemic: the “Spanish” Influenza. By March of 1922 the influenza was nearing its end. Originally beginning in 1918, the cases reported in 1922 were mostly mild cases and far less than in 1918. At the time there were only a thousand cases reported in all of California. The influenza finally came to an end later in the year of 1922. One of the more known names in Fillmore who succumbed to the influenza was Vinnie Hinckley, daughter of Dr. J.P. Hinckley. She was only fifteen. The prohibition era hit Ventura County before the 1920’s. As early as 1903, anti-saloon ordinances were being passed. On March 17, 1922 it was published that Colonel Dan Morgan Smith made an address in Fillmore. Col. Morgan Smith was known for being the commander of the Battalion of Death in WWI. Colonel Morgan Smith led his battalion in France and went into battle with 1120 men and came out with only 327 men. Although he was known for leading the Battalion of Death, he gave an address in Fillmore about prohibition under the auspices of the Anti-Saloon League and advocated for the approval of the Wright Bill which was a bill that would determine the fate of prohibition in California. Almost 50,000 years ago, a meteor struck what is now known today as Winslow, Arizona. In the year 1903, miners began to try and locate the main body of that meteor. Local Fillmore men were a part of the crew trying to locate the body of it. These men included Ross Buckman, Isaac Wammock and his son, as well as Leslie Carter. Fragments of the main body were found at a depth of 1000 feet. This crater is still to this day one of the most well-preserved meteor craters in the world. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 On Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, at 7:13pm, Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a large brush fire in the Santa Clara River bottom, just west of the A Street Bridge (Chambersburg Road/23) where homeless camps are entrenched. According to fire department radio traffic the fire burned 1.7 acres. No injuries were reported; cause remains under investigation. Fillmore Sheriff’s Department and CHP closed both lanes of the A Street Bridge for an hour. An ambulance was requested as a precaution due to the homeless encampment. The Ventura County Fire/Sheriff Copter took part in the firefight along with hand crews and brush fire engines. Firefighters established a wet line around the fire and halted forward progress before 8:20 p.m. Photo credit Gazette Staff. Information credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 City Council discussed Ordinance 22-937 to prohibit accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in very high fire hazards zones. Above is a map of Fillmore highlighting the high fire hazard severity zone, which was shown at last night’s meeting. Enlarge Photo 7.A PUPLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 22-01, ORDINANCE 22-937, TO PROHIBIT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN THE VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD ZONE AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA Vote - Approved, 3-0. (MEMBER MARK AUSTIN AND MAYOR PRO TEM LYNN EDMONDS NEEDED TO RECUSE THEMSELVES SINCE THEY LIVE IN AREA) 7.B AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE VEHICLE. 7.C 3 YEAR LEASE WITH MENDOCINO RAILWAY FOR THE RAILROAD “TICKET BOOTH” BUILDING. City Council discussed Ordinance 22-937 to prohibit accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in very high fire hazards zones. Above is a map of Fillmore highlighting the high fire hazard severity zone, which was shown at last night’s meeting. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 On Saturday, April 9th 11:30am, in the alley next to the Fillmore Police/Sheriff Station, the City of Fillmore will honor of Max Pina, Fillmore Police SGT., VCSO Deputy and City of Fillmore Resource Officer, for his decades of service with the citizens and youth of Fillmore. Thank you to Fillmore City Manager Dave Rowlands and Fillmore Police Chief Capt. Garo Kuredjian for their support and suggestions that helped with the location and décor of the sign. The Mayor |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 On Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, at 10:15am, the Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 3500 block of Guiberson Road. Arriving fire crews reported a travel trailer fully engulfed, with flames spreading to nearby brush. Firefighters made a brush fire response with VCFD/VCSO Copter making water drops. The fire was reported at least a tenth of an acre; no injuries. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 On Monday, March 21st, 2022, at 11:51am, Ventura County Fire and Fillmore City Fire dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of South Mountain Road and Sespe Street, Bardsdale. Arriving fire crews found an abandoned building with a small fire inside. They were able to extinguish the fire quickly; no injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 The Fillmore Police Department is proud to announce “Coffee with a Cop” day. Coffee with a Cop brings deputies and community members together, over coffee, to discuss issues and learn more about resources, services, and needs of the community. On Thursday, March 17th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Fillmore deputies, along with the Fillmore Police Chief were at La Michoacana, 511 Sespe Avenue in the city of Fillmore, sharing a cup of coffee with neighbors. Community trust is one of the key elements to the success of the Fillmore Police Department. By sitting down and having a simple conversation, deputies, and the community members they serve, can continue building and growing together. Enlarge Photo |
 (l-r) 9-year-old Jack Russell Crackers and his owner Dave Anderson, who many may have seen driving around Fillmore in/on their convertible Mercedes. All photos credit Carina Monica Montoya. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
By Carina Monica Montoya It’s anything but a dog’s life for this pooch. His name is Crackers, known around town as “the dog riding in the back of a convertible Mercedes”. Crackers is a 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier that literally knocked on Dave Andersen’s door one night in 2014. He was hungry, thirsty, and alone. Dave and his wife fed him and gave him a comfortable bed to sleep before taking him to the Fillmore Animal Hospital the next morning to find out if he was microchipped. Although he was microchipped in Oklahoma and the information listed his birth date as November 2012, he was not registered and there was no one to contact. Days passed and no one claimed to be missing a dog. The rest is history. Standing at about 15 inches tall and weighing 14 pounds with a broken coat, which means his coat is a combination of a rough double coat and wiry fur, he is built for sports such as surfing. Crackers’s skills are as good as the likes of Duke Kahanamoku, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, who is known for his incredible balance and coordination on a surfboard, except Crackers’s incredible balance and coordination skills are riding on top of a convertible roof cover. It really is not as easy as it looks. With his little hip-width ratio distributing weight equally between both legs, gravity’s pull is what keeps Crackers in position while he rides on the vehicle in motion. It’s all science. Newton’s law of motion describes movement of matter which contributes to maneuverings and the ability to stay atop something without falling, not to mention the fact that Crackers is always securely tethered down. Most people are delighted to watch Crackers surf the streets of Fillmore. With approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in his nose, he can catch all the smells in the air, and he enjoys the feel of being outdoors with the wind running through his fur, and clocking miles without having to actually run them. The Scottish believe that if a stray dog follows you or enters your home, it is a sign of new friendship to come, one that will be faithful, sincere, and caring. This is what Crackers has been to the Andersens and what the Andersens have been to Crackers. He shares the Andersen’s home with Sophie, a rather large 35-pound Yorkie mix. Together they patrol the property, but Crackers has proven to be more of a guard dog so Dave promoted him as director of security. Dave, a longtime farmer originally from Monterey, first moved to Los Angeles where he met his wife. After his son was born, the Andersens relocated to Fillmore in 1998 because of its wide-open space, country-feel, country-hospitality, and friendly people. It was the perfect place to raise a child and build a business in agriculture marketing, buying and selling fruits and vegetables from the farm to buyers around the country. Fillmore has been a wonderful place for the Andersens to settle and call home, and Crackers couldn’t have picked a better house to choose for his new forever home. |
 Above is an entry from a past flower show which took first place and is called a Dutch Iris. Photo courtesy Jan Lee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
By Jan Lee “Farie Tales and Flowers” is the 2022 theme for the Fillmore Flower Show. It will be held at the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. If you want to enter single stem flowers, arrangement, bouquet, potted plant or dish garden, bring it to the Adult Center Saturday morning, April 9th, between the hours 7:30a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Judging begins at 10a.m. so don’t be late! It costs only $5 for unlimited entries. All youth entries are FREE. If you want to come to see all the lovely entries, viewing hours are 1:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoon. During the viewing hours, there will be live music. The plant sale will also be open during the afternoon hours. In addition, there will again be the cafe with coffee and sweets. For children there will be a table where they can plant something to take home. Viewing is free. Don’t miss the Fillmore Flower show. Even if you stop by for a few minutes on you way from a game, on your way to the store or on your way home from church, you will be glad you came. For those of you thinking about entering something in the flower show, the following are comments from the judges you may find helpful: Join the fun. Come to the Fillmore Flower Show April 9th and 10th. |
 The Fillmore High Alumni Association has awarded thousands of dollars to graduating seniors for decades. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
CALLING ALL FILLMORE HIGH ALUMNI!! The applications are in. The grading and scoring starts next week. Come on out to this year's Alumni Dinner Event on SATURDAY JUNE 11TH, 2022, and meet our 2022 Alumni Scholars. The FHS Alumni Association has awarded out thousands of dollars to Graduating Seniors for decades. This year will be no different. We hope you make plans to come to this year's Dinner and welcome this years recipients to our Alumni Family. In the past recent years, the Alumni Association has served well over 600 Alumni annually and their guests, and expect to do the same this year. The Award winning Caterer, DJ's California Catering (Ventura) will be serving up their delicious dinner along with their special hors d'oeuvres (for the early arrivals). Included with dinner is Coffee, Tea, and Water. Also included this year is a live Band, and two DJ's for your dancing and listening pleasure. Your paid dinner reservation guarantees your entry to the event. Social hour starts at 3:00pm, and Dinner starts at 6:00pm. Dancing and listening to music starts at 7:30pm. THIS EVENT TENDS TO SELL OUT so we encourage you to confirm your reservations online by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events |
