Submitted by Jan Lee

After two years, the Fillmore Flower Show will return on April 9th and 10th, 2022. Plan to attend and enter your beautiful blooms, pretty plants, attractive arrangements and excellent essays.

Since 1919, the Fillmore Flower Show has been a Fillmore tradition. Children and adults share flowers and plants from their gardens with the community. There are several different categories which are explained in the brochure posted at fillmoreflowershow.org. There is an essay contest for students. There will be a table where children can plant a succulent to take home. There will be a plant sale. There is always music during public viewing hours of 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. Come and see what your neighbors have grown in their gardens. Share with the community what you can do with your flowers and plants. Everybody is welcome!

The theme for the Flower Show this year is, “Farie Tales and Flowers”. This theme opens the door for many whimsical entries. Use your imagination. Share your talent. Enjoy the beauty.

We are excited to again be able to gather for a community event. If you have felt isolated and separated, join the fun at the Flower Show this year. Flowers and plants show us the beauty of nature. If you are new in Fillmore, please come and meet some new friends. Participate in a 100 year old tradition. If you are a Fillmore native or a long time resident, be present at the Fillmore Flower Show.

Mark your calendar and plan to participate in the 2022 Fillmore Flower Show.

Constable J. P. "Jack" Trotter.
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J.P. Trotter's Stable circa. 1900.
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Men in front of Mack Wooldridge's Orange Leaf Café.
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Casner's Fillmore Stables.
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From “Old-Timers’ Tales of Fillmore” by Edith Moore Jarrett. Originally published in Ventura County Star-Free Press, January, 14, 1979

Crime and Punishment
Boxcars used to come in handy. Fillmore’s first depot was a boxcar. The second we used one for was a jail, and not the inside of it either. John Galvin, our city attorney for so long, used to say that the first thing he saw when he got off the train here was a fellow chained to a boxcar on the siding. No jail. The constable just hadn’t yet gotten around to taking the prisoner to the nearest one in Ventura. The third use we found for a boxcar is the 1953 model now parked on a bit of track to serve as the Museum annex [now used for storage for the Museum].

But back to the jail in this tale of early crime and punishment. Our first one, about 1902, was a shaky thing of wood, and any thirsty prisoner could rip off a board and escape. The handcuffs and leg irons Gerald Howard found under the family home on Ventura Street near the jail site are now a mystery item in the Museum, and it’s fun to think that maybe some escaping prisoner threw them there as he lit out for home and mother., Don’t ask how he got them off.

Our second jail, about 10’ by 10’, was of concrete and stood south of the Bungalow In site where the senior citizen’s housing complex is now [Fillmore and Santa Clara Streets]. The door swung open when it wasn’t occupied, and little boys would play in it. There was a window so sympathetic friends of the prisoner – usually picked up for being drunk in dry Fillmore – could pass him some hair of the dog that bit him.

When the jail, called the “cooler,” the “calaboose,” or the “skookum house,” acquired customers, their names might be casually mentioned in the next issue of the local weekly along with the society items. A drunk could get “$10 or 10 days” – or maybe 4 – and usually chose days because he had more day than dollars.

In 1916, our “new Marshal Cotton” made the Christmas edition by arresting “two bibulous men shooting it up at Mountain View and Main.” One of them, when he had done his days, “took the first Southern Pacific gondola that came by to get the quickest transportation out.”

We had one belligerent old settler who was jailed so often for fighting with his neighbors that Judge Barnes, who officiated from 1911 to 1927, made him post a peace bond of $500 to cool him off, since the “cooler” couldn’t seem to do it.

We tied our pre-auto horses to the hitching racks, where anyone could untie them, and walked away. Didn’t even have to take a key out of an ignition. One time in 1911 four teen-age boys wandered in from Los Angeles and were laughing about these “hayseeds” who rode in buggies instead of streetcars. It gave them an idea. They just selected a rig, untied the horse, and took off toward Santa Paula. Someone called Constable Jack Trotter, and with the fastest horse in his livery stable, he caught up with them out by the Rancho Sespe, gave them a little advice with his six-shooter, and took them to the state reformatory in Whittier on the next train.

If the constable wished, instead of arresting a stranger, he might give him a “floater” out of town for a year or warn him never to come back at all. The fellows running a “blind pig” up in the hills above the [former] Elkins Golf Course got the works. Somebody had found a long black hair in “his soothing syrup” and didn’t like it.

Besides the arrest for over-drinking, ourcars caused some adult delinquency, even if in 1916 the whole county had only 1,510 autos or “machines” as we called them. Those cars all had “cutouts” that disconnected the mufflers to give a bit more power, so it was a great temptation to use them. This was a no-no in town, and the price for a little cheerful noise was $5 or 5 days. When Mack Wooldridge of the Orange Leaf Café drove in 1915 Hupmobile down Central with the cutout open, he paid his $5 happily, remarking, to quote the Herald, “that sound is music to my ears and worth every cent of it,”

But when a city dad did it that same year, Judge Barnes decreed that the fine should be $7 instead of $5, “because a city lawmaker should set a good example for the rest of us.”

And when the high school’s “manual training” teacher rode his bike downtown after dark with no lights, the Daily Sun reported that it cost him $2.50. No choice of 2 ½ days instead. He had to be in school.

To be continued...

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to ratify and accept grant funding for the Gun Violence Reduction Program. The funds from the grant – which are provided by the California Department of Justice and total $652,575 – will support the efforts for the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing Armed Prohibited Persons Program. The two-year grant will cover the salary and benefits for a full-time investigator dedicated to the program.

“We’re proud to partner with the California Department of Justice and support the efforts to keep our community safe,” said Sheriff Bill Ayub. “We’ve had great success in keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who shouldn’t have them. The efforts to do so have contributed to Ventura County being one of the safest counties in the nation.”

The goal of the Sheriff’s Office APPS Program is to disarm prohibited persons within Ventura County. These prohibited individuals have been convicted of felonies, are subject to restraining orders, or have mental health prohibitions, amongst other prohibitions. The Sheriff’s Office detective will act as a liaison with the California Department of Justice and local police agencies in Ventura County to complete program goals. The program also enforces Gun Violence Restraining Orders to disarm individuals that have made threats of violence or are a danger to the community.

Over the past 30 months, VCSO deputies have completed 254 investigations and recovered 78 firearms. As a result, guns have been removed from the possession of 193 individuals who are prohibited to have firearms due to prior convictions or mental health issues. This funding will ensure the Sheriff’s Office can continue to work to remove firearms from individuals on the APPS list.

Brennon Ballard (right) and Jesse Segovia of Santa Paula CornholeBagggers, and one of Brennon's Sponsor.
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Brennon Ballard (right) and Nick Williams from Santa Barbara holding up 1 finger for 1st place (Nick just became a Pro in 2021, and starting his 1st season an ACL Pro).
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(left) Jesse Segovia of Santa Paula Cornhole Baggers, and Chris Plueger, both of these sponsors along with others are helping Brennon achieve his goal of becoming a Pro Cornhole Player.
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Fillmore’s Brennon Ballard is on his way to becoming a Professional Cornhole player through the ACL (American Cornhole League) and has an opportunity for a chance to play on ESPN in his first Pro Invitational this weekend, February 11th – 13th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Brennon started playing about two and a half years ago and has competed in Florida at the Jacksonville American Cornhole League (ACL) Open February 26th – 28th 2021. In Jasksonville he competed in the Junior Singles placing 2nd, Normal Singles placing 9th, Doubles placing 7th, and in Crew Cup-a Four man team-placing 5th. In July 2021 Brennon and his teammate Hunter Thorne of Moorpark competed in the American Cornhole League (ACL) California State Championship in Sacramento. Brennon won the Junior Division State Championship, Doubles Division State Championship with partner Hunter Thorne, Runner up for Singles Division and placed 3rd in crew 4-man teams, which qualified him to compete at the 2021 ACL World Championships.

One of Brennon's first tournaments was played at the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial Building Cornhole Fundraiser back in 2019. The Santa Paula Cornhole Baggers and Fillmore Parks and Recreations Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards hosted a few cornhole fundraisers to "Raise the Roof" on the building. Brennon was one of the first players to arrive and on his skateboard, he would also play on Monday evenings at Garman’s in Santa Paula for Monday Cornhole. When Jesse Segovia of Santa Paula Cornhole Baggers first saw Brennon throw at Garman’s, he said “This kid will be on ESPN one day” and his day is almost here! A special thanks to Brennon’s local sponsors - Santa Paula Cornhole Baggers- Jesse Segovia and Santa Clarita Cornhole -Chris Plueger. Both of these sponsors along with others are helping Brennon achieve his goals to becoming a Pro Cornhole Player. Good Luck this weekend Brennon!

On January 27, 2022, at approximately 6:00 pm, a victim parked their vehicle at a business located in the 700 block of Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore. At approximately 6:25 pm the victim returned and discovered that their vehicle had been burglarized. An unknown suspect(s) shattered the window of the vehicle and stole a wallet containing credit cards and a laptop computer.

Immediately after this crime, the victim received notification from their bank regarding fraudulent charges made using the victim’s stolen credit cards at the Von’s grocery store located across the street from where the vehicle burglary had occurred. Detectives obtained video surveillance of two suspects responsible for making the fraudulent charges at the grocery store. Photographs of these two suspects are attached below.

The Fillmore Police Department is asking anyone who may have information pertaining to this crime or who recognizes these two suspects to call Detective Lemar at the below listed telephone number. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes.

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).

Nature of Incident: Request for Public Assistance / Attempt to Identify
Police Request Public Assistance Identifying Suspects
Report Number: 22-11693
Location: 700 block Ventura Street Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: January 27, 2022 / 6:00 pm - 6:40 pm
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services and Fillmore Detective Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Unknown, Unknown, Unknown
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

2018 Fillmore High graduate Kasey Crawford will graduate from Dixie State University in May with a BA in psychology and wrapping up a successful championship winning softball career for the Dixie State Trailblazers. Kasey was also on the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.

Dixie state will open up their season at the Fullerton tournament. February 10th at 3:00 against ole miss, February 11th @ 2:30 against cal bears, 7:30 against Fullerton. February 12th @12 against San Diego, 2:30 against Colorado State.

Dixie State will head back to California in April to play Cal Baptist.

Kasey batted an average of .288, Slugging % .417, with 12 doubles, 1 Home run, and 1 Grand slam. Kasey plays Right & center field.

At Fillmore High, Kasey earned four varsity softball letters, three-time first team All-League selection, garnered second team All-County honors, was two-time MVP, earned a Golden Glove award, and was a four-time academic All-League honoree.

Kasey is the daughter of Eric and Carina Crawford.

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Courtesy Coach Júnior Lomelí

I want to tell you a story about 12 girls. At 5-6 years-old they played against boys and just got hammered, but that didn’t stop them. At 6-7 years-old their season came to an end due to COVID-19. Then at 7-8 years-old they had to play against girls one year older than them because of the shortage of teams after COVID. They lost almost every game. They were just too small and not as fast as most teams they played. Yet again, that did not stop them from working hard. Now 8 turning 9 years-old they played competitively and went undefeated, getting crowned 1st Place in the Coast Soccer League. The past two weekends these girls have competed at the highest level for their age group in State Cup; they girls placed in the top 8 teams. The 12 girls, with Fillmore and Piru roots, have done something amazing playing against club teams that have an army of players to choose from, and well-established clubs.

12 girls born in 2013 from Fillmore and Piru, have made history. I read a great article from Coach Weis in the Fillmore Gazette stating a great quote, “One Town, One Team.”

I would only change “Two Towns, One Team”. The City of Fillmore and Piru have historically developed great athletes, his words make sense, and the power of our community’s volunteer work is evident.

I’d like to introduce you to these 12 hardworking ladies: #1 Bella Mendez, #2 Eden Sandoval, #3 Itzel Arana, #4 Kenia Hernandez, #8 Christine Beltran, #9 Annalise Castorena, #10 Aixa Lomeli, #11 Aaliyah Cervantez, #13 Siani Lomeli, #15 Sadie Manríquez, #23 Toni Cervantez, and #99 Marianah Arreola.

Beyond proud!

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Rescue Team is seeking qualified SCUBA divers who are skilled, reliable, and willing to volunteer their time, resources, and efforts in a commitment to their community.

Prospective candidates must attend the orientation session for the Underwater Academy at the following location:
Friday, March 11, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center (Sheriff’s Academy),
106 Durley Avenue, Camarillo CA.

Course Fee: $250.00 to offset cost of the training.

To be eligible for team membership, candidates must demonstrate mastery of advanced diving skills by successfully completing the training program. Classes are held on select Friday evenings and Sunday mornings from March 11 through August 21, 2022.

Candidates must:
- Be 21 years of age.
- Own personal dive equipment.
- Be a resident of Ventura County or immediate vicinity.
- Hold a current Open Water Certification (Advanced Certification is preferred).
- Possess a valid California Driver’s License.
- Meet all background requirements of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
- Demonstrate strong watermanship skills and commitment to the program.
- Possess First Aid / CPR certification (may be obtained concurrent with the Dive Academy).

For additional information concerning the Dive Academy please call:
Team Captain Larry Fuller (805) 746-3326
Team Administrative Officer Steve Giles (805) 910-8067
Sheriff’s Office SAR Coordinator Sergeant Kelly Roark (805) 388-4212.

Nature of Incident: Search and Rescue Dive Team seeks applicants for 2022 Underwater Academy
Location: Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center
Date & Time: March 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Underwater Search and Rescue Team
Prepared by: Team Captain Larry Fuller
Approved by: Captain Randy Downard

Central Avenue in 1915 just after incorporation looking south from Sespe Avenue. This was after incorporation with a bond for paving the streets coming up for a vote. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Fillmore’s Central Avenue circa 1920 with Paved Streets!
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

The settlement that would become Fillmore was not supposed to be here.

There had been several town sites considered by the Southern Pacific Railroad including a location on Adam’s Hill east of Fillmore.But the owner, Mr. Ealy, wouldn’t sell.

At about the same timeSespe Land and Water Co, headed by Joseph D. McNab, had purchased some 3,000 acres from Mattie Mae Storke who had inherited the property from her father, Thomas More, upon his murder in 1877. They were intent on developing and when the railroad came calling they were more than ready to cooperate.

In August, 1888, Fillmore was subdivided by Sespe Land and Water Co. and the map recorded in the county seat. The townwas named for Jerome Fillmore, general superintendent in charge of the western area of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

The first buildings were a boxcar station and a few shanties. But it was a short time before the town began to grow. Agriculture soon took hold with the development of olive orchards, walnuts, apricots and citrus.

By 1912 incorporation had been a point of dissension in the community for more than 2 years. Letters had been sent to the cities of San Fernando and Bishop asking about their experiences with incorporation. Those cities hailed the positive results.

Much like the students of today, Fillmore High School students were in on the act.On March 22, 1912, they debated the issue. The pros were represented by three young ladies, Lucille Root, Mildred McCampbell and Phyllis Small. The con argument was given by Otto Haase, Fred Ealy and Ray Horton. The ladies carried the day with their arguments.

The biggest issues were taxes! Taxes were being assessed by the county in the unincorporated areas. But the benefits were not being returned to those areas. The representatives of San Fernando presented the benefits of incorporationwhich included improved fire protection. That city now had an organized fire dept with “two high class chemical engines” and a hook and ladder company with five ladders. It gave that community a “feeling of security never before felt.” Fillmore still had a volunteer fire extinguisher and bucket brigade.

Street lighting was also an issue. Fillmore had only a few lights which had been installed by local merchants. The question, of course, was whether the merchants on Central would pay for lighting on their own or whether the entirecitizenry would pay through taxation to benefit the entire community.

The essence of the anti establishment argument was that matters of this import to the city should be left in the hands of the pioneer founders of the city and not in the hands of the “floaters who are here today and gone tomorrow.” Rev. J.B. Taylor expressed the belief that the town was too small and hoped the vote for incorporation would be postponed a “year or so”.

And so it was that two more years or argument and counter argument would pass before Fillmore again took a serious step toward incorporation.

By 1914 Fillmore had been a township for 27 years and had a population of about 1000.

On May 8, 1914, a delegation from Fillmore Townshippresented the Board of Supervisors with a petition to call for an election to vote on the question of incorporation. The petition appeared in the Herald with thenames of signers; Fergus Fairbanks, J.K.L Schwartz, Louis Antonio Carillo, and 65 othersincluding the publishers of the Herald.

Regarding the petition, theFillmore Heraldstated that, “each time the efforts of those who stood for the principals of progress have been frustrated by some move or another, so that this will be the first time that the future welfare of the community was ever really entrusted to the hands and minds of the inhabitants hereof to decide.”

Those opposed to the move for progress were, according to the Herald, “exerting their utmost energies toward defeating the proposition when it comes to a vote at the election on June 29th and are sacrificing every principal of liberty, truth and justice to obtain their own selfish ends.” “Common sense has been cast to the four winds…” The rhetoric of politics hasn’t changed much in 100 years.

The antis were primarily early pioneers such as C.C. Elkins and his sons, John McNab of Sespe Land and Water Co., George Tighe, J.W. Baldeschweiler, and A.C. Wilcox.

One of the main issues was the potential tax rate. The clerk and engineer of San Fernando on a visit in May 15, 1914, stated that there was practically “no kick on that score, and that no one felt any oppression in maintaining the city government. “

The loudest voice in favor of incorporation was the Fillmore Herald, published by C.F. Hoffman and W.E. Wagener.

On the first page of the Herald the voters were asked to “Think this over”
Those in Favor wanted:
• A jail (prisoners from Fillmore were sent to the county seat)
• A Public Library (there was only a private small lending library in Fillmore)
• Fines paid in local justice court to stay here.
• Business licenses paid to city government
• Each man to pay in proportion to the benefits derived
• Street grades that owners could put in sidewalks and curbs IF WE SO DESIRE.
• Porches, fences and other obstructions moved back off sidewalks
• More fire hydrants and better equipment for fighting fire
• A city govt. to pay for absolutely necessary work and improvements
• Chamber of Commerce funds to go for publicity
• A city govt. that will manage affairs to best interest of the community

The election was held on June 29, 1914, with a decisive vote for incorporation.
There were 417 votes cast (one ballot was not voted for or against and 15 were thrown out for irregularity – they had marked the box with a pencil instead of a pen. Of the 15 irregulars, 12 were for and 3 against).

Fillmore became a city of the 6th class by just 15 votes- 208 for and193 against.

According to the newspaper, the vote count read like a horse race. “It was a tie game for the first fifty taken from the box and then the antis gained a lead which kept increasing until they were 22 ahead. The lead was maintained until over 300 ballots had been counted. The tide then turned and the pros had a small lead. This kept gradually increasing until it was known that it was a certainty that incorporation would carry. Then cheer after cheer went up from the camp of those in favor. “

When it was all over, Judge C.C. Elkins one of the leaders of the opposition “mounted one of the tables, struck a match to a fresh cigar and in the best of humor proposed a toast to the new-born city of Fillmore. He stated that he took the side against incorporation with the firm conviction that he was in the right, had conducted a strenuous campaign against incorporation but now that themajority of the people had voted in its favor, he hoped that everyone would accept the result in good spirit and pull together for the city and community. The judge was cheered for his good sportsmanship.”

George Tighe was elected mayor and would serve 4 years. Clarence Arrasmith was elected clerk and would then serve as City Manager for 40 years and Florence Lewis was elected Treasurer. John Casner became the first city marshal and John Galvin was hired as City Attorney. He served for 52 years (until 1966), the longest serving City Attorney in the State of California.

Courtesy Head Football Coach Charlie Weis

In 2020 many of our student athletes missed out on important moments, special opportunities, and unique experiences that come with participating in high school athletics. The younger students recognized how fragile these chances were and set out to ensure they would make the most of any opportunities they were given. When it was announced that the football season would be played in full in the fall of 2021 the Flashes were determined to make the most of it.

Starting with an impromptu victory over the defending division 12 CIF and 5AA state bowl champion El Monte Lions and ending with an appearance in the division 10 quarterfinals of the CIF championship series, the 2021 Flashes football team played a season to remember. In addition to breaking 11 all-time records and tying 6 others, the team had 2 all-CIF selections, 5 all-county selections, 4 all-county academic selections, 15 all-league selections, and one league Co-MVP. Most importantly, they brought The Helmet back to Fillmore, where it belongs, when they defeated Santa Paula 57-7 in the 110th match up in the series. In doing so, they also broke the record for the most points scored by a team in series history and the largest margin of victory in series history.

The Flashes 1st team all-league recipients were Joey Holladay, Freddy Araujo, Nate Ocegueda, Jarod Uridel, Matt Magaña, and Anthony Chessani. Anthony Chessani was also selected as the Co-MVP for the Citrus Coast League. The 2nd team all-league recipients were Davian Gonzalez, Isaac Gonzalez, Mikey Jimenez, Jesus Landin, Fabian Estrada, and Dante Williams. All-league honorable mentions were earned by Tory Cabral, Victor Jimenez, and Ivan Becerra. The 1st team all-county recipients were Anthony Chessani, Jarod Uridel, Freddy Araujo, and Nate Ocegueda. Matt Magaña earned a 2nd team all-county selection. Flashes who made the all-county academic team were Davian Gonzalez, Joey Holladay, Anthony Chessani, and Jarod Uridel. To top off these incredible accomplishments, Nate Ocegueda and Anthony Chessani were also selected to the All-CIF team, which is the highest individual honor a player can receive in the state of California for varsity football.

On top of these accolades, Senior quarterback Joey Holladay broke the single season records for passing yardage (1922), passing touchdowns (26), and completions (139). In addition, Joey broke the school record for passing touchdowns in a game (6) against Santa Paula. Junior running back Anthony Chessani broke the single season record for points scored (206) and touchdowns scored (32). Anthony also tied the record for most touchdowns scored in a game (5) in the first round of the CIF playoffs. Junior tight end Jarod Uridel broke the single game record for receptions in a game (10). He also tied the record for most touchdown receptions in a game (3) with fellow teammate Freddy Araujo. The team broke records for most touchdowns (65) and points scored (462) in a season. They broke the record for most points in a single game (60) and tied the single game record for touchdowns (9). They tied the record for least passing yards allowed in a game (0) against El Monte and broke the record for most total offensive yardage in a single game (600) vs. Coachella Valley.

These accomplishments will be etched in the history of Fillmore football and their impact on the program will be felt and appreciated by future Flashes for years to come. As impressive and validating as these accomplishments are for the athletes, they would not be possible without the entire community of Fillmore. From our athletic director and administration who worked to schedule games on short notice, to our grounds, maintenance, and custodial staff who made it all happen on Friday nights, this season was a WIN for the entire community. We had parents who provided encouragement, fans who provided energy, and local businesses who provided food that made these memories possible. Our generous medical staff volunteered countless hours of their lives to ensure the safety of the athletes. Our alumni organization spread the word and helped pack the stands. Our booster club brought pride to the stadium and recognition for the players. In an era where athletes frequently move from school to school with little to no connection to the area, it is a remarkable feat to field a roster of entirely local students and still compete at the highest levels. This is made possible by the dedication of our athletes and the incredible support they receive from our community. Thank you, Fillmore! The Flashes look forward to many more Friday Nights as ONE TOWN AND ONE TEAM.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) has reached an agreement with Sierra Northern Railway to operate and maintain the Santa Paula Branch Line Railroad for freight, film and tourist services.

VCTC commissioners approved the agreement at a special meeting Thursday, December 16, at Camarillo City Hall. The agreement finalizes nearly a year of negotiations on a new operating contract for the Santa Paula Branch Line, a 32-mile rail line that extends from the city of Ventura to just east of Piru in eastern Ventura County.

Sierra Northern Railway, based in Northern California, is the freight division of Sierra Railroad Company. The 35-year agreement allows for Sierra Northern Railway to lease the Santa Paula Branch Line from VCTC for railroad purposes.

Sierra Northern Railway plans to develop a freight customer base that serves existing and future businesses along the branch line, providing freight and transload services, installing spur lines, and storing and switching rail cars. The company also plans to support film and television production on the branch line and to provide tourism and seasonal passenger services through its sister company, Mendocino Railway, which operates the historic Skunk Train in Mendocino County.

“The Santa Paula Branch Line is a unique asset in Ventura County,” said Ventura County Supervisor and Commission Chair Kelly Long. “This agreement with Sierra Northern Railway will ensure the branch line continues to provide economic opportunities for businesses and residents of the Heritage Valley and continues a tradition of tourist trains on the line.”

The agreement limits where rail cars may be stored, as well as prohibits storage of rail cars used to transport hazardous materials.

The historic and scenic Santa Paula Branch Line has long been used for freight delivery, as well as for tourist and holiday train excursions. The branch line has also been a film location for major motion pictures and television commercials.

Sierra Northern Railway is a sister company to Mendocino Railway, operator of the Skunk Train, which transports passengers through the redwoods of Mendocino County, and the Sacramento River Fox Train. Mendocino Railway also designed, built, and operates a two-seat recumbent railbike service on two railroads in Northern California and has plans to expand railbike service on the Santa Paula Branch Line.

The agreement is expected to spark new economic activity in the Heritage Valley by continuing to support and grow freight rail operations, tourist excursions and a future recreational trail.

VCTC Commissioner Lynn Edmonds, a member of the Fillmore City Council, said: “I am excited for the return of the branch line excursions and to welcoming more tourists to our beautiful valley and cities. They have a proven record of professionalism, excellent tourist opportunities and have been meeting with local businesses to see what the Sierra Northern can do to help the tourism industry in our valley. I know that there have been some difficult issues published lately about Sierra Northern, but the Ventura County Transportation Department Staff carefully researched every issue and we have an excellent contract that has taken every issue into consideration. The contract was passed enthusiastically by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. I am pleased that VCTC was able to respond to the many suggestions by the community to create a strict contract with Sierra Northern Railway. At present Sierra Northern is repairing the rails and bridges as well as bringing in their equipment and staff. They hope to be ready to have the trains starting by the Spring Break. Sierra Northern will offer many additional services available for everyone to choose from. I am looking forward to taking a ride in the passenger rail car as well as on the proposed railbikes, zipping along on the rails.”

VCTC Commissioner Andy Sobel, a Santa Paula City Council member, said: “I’m very excited about this agreement with Sierra Northern Railway, and I’m looking forward to seeing these developments as the agreement moves forward.”

Mark Watkins, VCTC interim executive director, said: “Few operators out there have the qualifications we were looking for. Sierra Northern brings the expertise, the financial resources, and the operating ability for both freight and tourism trains. When VCTC cast the net more than a year ago, this was the type of operator VCTC was looking for, and we’re happy to have them.”

About the Santa Paula Branch Line
Originally built in 1887 by the Southern Pacific railroad, the line through the Santa Clara Valley was originally part of Southern Pacific’s main line connecting Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

The Santa Paula Branch Line was abandoned east of Piru in 1984 as result of washouts between Piru and Saugus.

VCTC purchased the Santa Paula Branch Line from Southern Pacific, a predecessor of the Union Pacific Railroad, in 1995 for the purpose of protecting the assembled corridor for transportation-related purposes and eventually providing a route for potential commuter service.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Moorpark Station arrested Nathan Olivares of Fillmore, for Attempted Arson and Possession of a Destructive Device.

The case began at approximately 8:02 AM, on the morning of January 18th when the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 911 call regarding what was described as an explosion in the backyard of a residence in the 100 Block of Millard Street. Deputies responded to the location and initiated an investigation, which included speaking with several witnesses, as well as the occupants of the home. During their investigation, deputies located evidence indicating that a suspect attempted to ignite the fuel tank of a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. Deputies also located evidence of an explosive device that ignited in the backyard of the residence.

Over the next several hours, deputies and detectives from the Moorpark Investigations Bureau continued the investigation and identified the suspect as Nathan Olivares, 19 years old of Fillmore. On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives located Olivares while he was driving through the city of Moorpark. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the 400 block of West Los Angeles Avenue and arrested Olivares without incident. Once Olivares was in custody, detectives, with the assistance of Investigators from the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad obtained a search warrant for Olivares’ residence. During the service of the warrant, detectives and Bomb Squad Investigators located several additional pieces of evidence linking Olivares to the crime.

Olivares was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail on two counts of Attempted Arson and a single count of Possession of a Destructive Device. Bail is currently set at $150,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Investigation and Arrest of Suspect for Multiple Arson and Explosive Related Charges
Report Number: 22-7197
Location: 100 Block of Millard Street, Moorpark
Date & Time: January 18th, 2022 at 8:02 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Moorpark Patrol Station
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Bomb Squad
S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
S) Olivares, Nathan Fillmore 19
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Kevin Lynch
Approved by: Captain Victor Fazio

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UPDATE: Monday, January 24, 2022
Released Arson Charges Filed in Backyard Explosion

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nathan James Olivares (DOB 03/27/02), of Fillmore, has been charged with causing an explosion in the backyard of a residence in Moorpark. Investigators also discovered that Olivares had attempted to ignite a vehicle with an explosive device in the same incident. The complaint charges Olivares with felony violations of explosion with intent to injure, attempted arson, possession of a destructive device, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated the crimes and identified Olivares as the suspect. On January 20, 2022, deputies arrested Olivares. Deputies later searched Olivares’ residence and seized additional destructive devices.

Olivares appeared today for arraignment and pled not guilty to the charges. An early disposition conference is scheduled on February 2, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Olivares is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000. A bail review hearing is scheduled on January 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13.

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The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 290 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.