On Tuesday morning, November 6, the Santa Ana winds kicked up and started early with gusty winds expecting to be 30mph-55mph. A fallen tree branch was spotted off of 3rd Street & Mountain View. Due to the high winds Ventura County is on a Red Flag Warning until Friday. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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Courtesy https://www.vcemergency.com

SantaAna Wind Event & the Potential for Public Safety Power Shutoffs Updated 11/6/2024 at 7:58amVentura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are currently monitoring a significant Santa Ana wind event forecasted to impact Ventura County from Wednesday morning, November 6, through Friday, November 8. Gusty northeast winds can be expected with sustained speeds ranging from 30mph-55mph. Gusts as high as 100mph are possible in wind-prone mountainous locations. In addition to windy conditions, low relative humidity with poor overnight recovery is expected. A Red Flag Warning has been issued starting Wednesday at 4am through Thursday at 6pm for all areas of Ventura County. Due to the high fire danger, 46 Southern California Edison electrical circuits are being monitored for potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The period of concern for PSPS extends from November 6 at 3am to November 7 at 9pm. Should conditions in any area exceed Southern California Edison’s safety thresholds, electricity may be temporarily shut off to minimize the risk of ignition of a wildfire. Areas at risk for shutoff may change as conditions evolve. Individuals that rely on electricity to power medical devices are encouraged to plan ahead now and take steps to ensure your safety and well being.

For a map of impacted circuits, please click on the Realtime Incident Dashboard below.https://vcoes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e15ca0d2737d43cea6514 043e61f1a7c. For more information on the weather forecast, please visit The National Weather Service online. https://www.weather.gov/lox/.To file a claim for losses associated with Public Safety Power Shutoffs, clickhttps://www.sce.com/customer-service/request-support/claims. For the latest updates visit https://www.vcemergency.com/.

On Saturday, November 9th and Monday, November 11th, the City Fillmore will honor its Veterans with its annual Veterans Day parade and celebration. Saturday will be the Concert in the Park from 4pm to 7pm at 250 Central Avenue. With live music put on by the Veterans Day Celebration Committee. On Monday, November 11th, there will be a Veterans Day parade at 10am from 2nd Street to Santa Clara, with a BBQ to follow and a ceremony at Fillmore Middle School at 1pm with music and speakers, as well as a salute to the military branches.

This year’s Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal is Reynaldo Luis “Willie” Rivera. Reynaldo was born in Santa Paula and was raised in Fillmore. His uncle, Frank Borrego, a World War II Veteran who fought in the European theatre, saw Reynaldo right after birth and immediately gave him the nickname Willie. That nickname was in honor of Frank’s best friend Willie who was killed in action. He attended Fillmore elementary schools, junior high and high school. After graduating from Fillmore High School, Willie worked at the Van Nuys General Motors Plant building Chevrolets and Pontiacs.

Willie was drafted in June of 1965 and sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for basic training. He completed basic training and won the Physical Combat Proficiency Test. He was then sent to Ft. Gordon, Georgia for Military Police (MP), where he was recognized as the best pistol shooter in his company. After completing training, Willie was assigned to the 534 MP Company in Panama where he served under the two best officers in the US Army, Lt. Wills, Commanding Officer, and Lt. Rogers, Executive Officer. As a Spanish speaker Willie was able to assimilate with the local population and culture and has fond memories of Panama, a beautiful country.

He was selected to do the news in Spanish on the Armed Forces Radio and TV Network. Willie was even offered the chance to go to West Point but turned it down as it would mean additional years of service.

Willie landed in Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhut airport and was assigned to Charlie Company of the 716 MP Battalion in Saigon. His tours in Louisiana and Panama enabled him to easily endure the extreme heat and humidity in Vietnam. Willie’s duties as an MP included patrolling the city on foot and by jeep, escorting convoys, guarding installations, assisting the Air Police at Tan Son Nhut and more. Willie also guarded Bob Hope, Jayne Mansfield, Nancy Sinatra and other celebrities there with the USO. The 716th MP Battalion earned the nickname Saigon Warriors for successfully defending the city during TET on January 31, 1968. Twenty-Seven MPs were lost that day and 44 wounded.

After being discharged in 1967, Willie graduated from San Jose State with the assistance of the GI Bill which enabled him to have successful careers in civil service. He has been married to Patricia (De Los Santos) for 55 years and is blessed to have three children and five grandchildren.

Looking back on his service, Willie can truly say it was an adventure and sometimes good except for Army food. Whenever Willie had a chance, he would eat at Air Force and Navy mess halls as their food was 5 stars compared to the Army slop. “To all my brothers who served, I salute you for what we endured and suffered and continue to do so because of our service”.

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Tim Gurrola’s presentation to Fillmore City Council:

My name is Tim Gurrola, a lifelong resident of Fillmore and a board Member of Tender Life Maternity Home. I’m here on behalf of Jim Duran, Executive Director of Tender Life, who regrets he cannot be present tonight because he is currently serving the City of Ventura as one of their elected officials.

As many of you know, the blessing of pregnancy is often accompanied by joy and celebration. But for women caught in cycles of poverty, addiction, or abuse, pregnancy can feel like a burden, leading to fear, abandonment, and despair. That’s where Tender Life Maternity Home steps in.

Since 1985, Tender Life has served as a beacon of hope for at- risk pregnant women, empowering them to overcome their challenges and embrace the journey of motherhood. Our mission is to equip these women with the tools they need to become confident and capable parents, who can also thrive as members of society.

We aim to break generational cycles and create brighter futures for both mothers and their children. The impact of this work extends far beyond the walls of our home, touching future generations and our broader communities.
Tender Life operates from a beautiful home in downtown Ventura, where we house up to eight mothers and their babies. Our faith- based approach offers women love and support in a structured, safe space. Our 24-hour on-site house manager and case management team work closely with each woman to ensure she has everything she needs to succeed.

In just the past five years, 49 babies have been born at Tender Life, each entering the world with the hope for a better tomorrow. The transformation these women experience is life-changing, and we are deeply proud of the progress they make.
Now, I am thrilled to share the great news: Tender Life is expanding into Fillmore with a graduate home! This new home will host two mothers and their babies who have successfully completed our program and are now in our graduate phase.
These women are gainfully employed, own their own cars, maintain savings accounts, and are working to become debt-free. Importantly, they are on their way to being completely independent, without the need for government assistance. These graduates will be valuable contributors to the Fillmore community.

We would love to invite you to join us for a Meet & Greet at our new Fillmore graduate home (237 Fillmore St.) on Friday, November 15th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Tender Life, meet our residents, staff and Board of Directors, and tour the property. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served, and we hope you can join us to see firsthand the difference this new resource will make for the City of Fillmore.

Thank you for your time, your support, and for welcoming Tender Life into the Fillmore community.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Fillmore’s Matthew Ramirez competed in the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships and was named champion. Above is Matthew after his final match. Photo credit Coach Michael Torres.
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Pictured above is Matthew Ramirez, representing the Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu Club with his medal after winning the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships in the purple belt division. Photo credit Coach Michael Torres.
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Courtesy Coach Michael Torres

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion was alive with excitement as the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships drew competitors from around Southern California. Among the standout performers was Matthew Ramirez, representing the Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu Club, who emerged victorious in the purple belt division.

Ramirez, under the coaching of Professor Michael Torres, a Gracie Humaita black belt, showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament.

“Matthew’s dedication and hard work paid off,” Torres stated proudly, “securing his place as the champion in a tough field of competitors.” For Ramirez, a UCLA graduate, the accomplishment of winning at his alma mater was doubly gratifying.
The event not only highlighted individual talents but also underscored the growing prominence of local clubs like Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu in the competitive landscape. The team trains out of Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio on Highway 126 and offers classes for kids and adults throughout the week. Call or text Professor Michael Torres at 805-443-8501 for more information.

Fillmore City Manager, Dave Rowlands
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Fillmore City Manager Dave Rowlands, 56, will be resigning as of November 29, it was announced at city council, Tuesday evening.

Rowlands has been in the position for 11 years; he is leaving for the same position in Santa Maria after more than 11 years with the city of Fillmore.

Fillmore City Council discussed forming an ad hoc committee for next steps in hiring a replacement. Councilmembers also discussed appointing Asst. City Manager Erika Herrera-Terriquez as the interim city manager.

Herrera-Terriquez has worked with Rowlands for five years, and Rowlands recommended her to be the interim city manager, and for the permanent position as Fillmore City Manager.

A 20-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage throughout the Santa Clara Valley specifically Fillmore.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left
unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

During the months of December 2023 through February 2024, diligent community members reported a sudden increase in graffiti vandalism occurring in the Santa Clara Valley specifically the city of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the various crime scenes and located graffiti vandalism which ranged in color and size. Some of the vandalisms were felonious based on their size and damage caused to the property. Through their investigation, patrol deputies identified a “moniker” utilized by the suspect in their graffiti vandalism. A “moniker” is a specific nickname used by an individual in graffiti vandalism as a way to be identified without using a real name, in an attempt to avoid identification by law enforcement.

In February of 2024, the Fillmore Police Station used a social media post seeking public assistance with identifying the subject responsible for the numerous graffiti vandalisms.

After several months and a lengthy investigation, detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and West County Special Enforcement Bureau were able to identify a suspect, (S) Manuel Apolinar a 20-year-old resident of Fillmore.

In October 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Apolinar.

On October 15th, 2024, Fillmore Patrol resources along with detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed the arrest of Apolinar at his residence located in the 800 block of Second Street in Fillmore. Apolinar was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pre-Trail Detention Facility where he was booked for his warrant which included one count of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism] and four counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(a) – [Misdemeanor Vandalism]. Apolinar is currently in custody with a $20,000.00 bail amount and is set to be arraigned October 16th, 2024.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

Bature of Incident: Tagger Arrested in Fillmore
Report Number: 24-6286
Location: 800 block of Second Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: October 15th, 2024, at 7:00 A.M.

Suspect
(S) Manuel Apolinar Fillmore 20

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Candidate Statements Below:

Candidate

John Garnica

District 2

I am running for City Council because I have a deep love for Fillmore and want to give back to the community that gave me my start in life. I have a long record of service in Fillmore, and I have the leadership skills and community ties necessary to be an effective advocate for the needs of District 2 and all of Fillmore. I would bring a pragmatic leadership style, grounded in my experiences as an active community member.

I have heard constituent concerns regarding our roads, the difficulty getting permits, and the condition of our parks. These need to be our central focus to improve our town. It is critical that City Council help local businesses thrive, invest in smart growth while keeping our small town feel, and ensure our public spaces and streets are maintained properly. I will be a responsive leader for all Fillmore residents.

I am a business owner of a CNC machine shop in Chatsworth, making parts for medical device and general industry. I was formerly the Director of Engineering and later Director of Operations for Aquafine Corporation in Valencia.
I served on the school board from 1999 to 2015. As a board member, I gained a reputation for being accessible to my constituents, frequently visited school sites and was a fixture at school-community events. I would bring that same energy to the City Council.

I have been a Rotarian since 2019. I continue to give back to our community by participating in Rotary’s service events.
I love that Fillmore is the kind of place where everyone knows your name. Our community’s natural beauty, convenient location, and small-town atmosphere are attracting more folks who want to put down roots in Fillmore. As Fillmore grows, I will ensure that we keep our small town feel while welcoming and respecting everyone who calls it home.

***

Candidate

Ruben Govea

District 5

I want to thank my district 5 neighbors for their support in helping me become eligible to run as a write-in candidate. It is your trust, and concerns that fuel my candidacy.

For those of whom I have not had the opportunity to meet, my name is Ruben Govea, a write-in candidate, neighbor, and concerned citizen who wants to make a difference.

My family has been in Fillmore since the 1960s, my wife, kids, and I have been here since 1994, and we have enjoyed living in the city for its small town feel and sense of community. Professionally, I am a Director of Continuous Improvement Engineering, where I have developed strong skills in strategic planning, leadership, collaboration, leading company mergers, problem solving, building high performance teams, and meeting strategic objectives. For our community, this translates to a City Council member that is well equipped with the ability to work with others, leverage resources, and deliver results!
As a city council member, I will bring a focus to Community Safety, Homelessness, Traffic and Road Conditions, Parks & Recreational areas, the May Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Business Growth, and seek solutions to lower our water and sewer costs. With over 25 years of experience leveraging continuous improvement methodologies, I believe my experience could be leveraged to improve how we operate and manage our city.

For more information about me, scan the QR code and check out my Instagram page!
As a reminder, my name is not on the ballot, you will need to write my name Ruben Govea on the blank line under the two other candidates running for District 5.

I am ready to be the conduit between you and the city council, let’s get it done together!
Ruben Govea

Write-in Candidate City of Fillmore City Council District 5.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, 6:30 PM CITY HALL
AGENDA

Ad-Hoc Committee for City Manager search was Carrie Brogie, Mayor and Albert Mendez, Councilmember.
All items passed. Please note that item 9.D. passed 4-0 with Mayor pro Tem Gurrola refusing himself due to conflict.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVE-MBER AS VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH
5.B CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR BUDGET PREP-ERATION TO CITY OF FILLMORE FINANCE DEPARTMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
8.CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8B. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 22, 2024

CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 22, 2024.PDF

8.B SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT) SR - ORD. 24-977 FIRST READING TO UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT BIDDING LIMITS.PDF

9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT)
SR - ORD. 24-977 FIRST READING TO UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT BIDDING LIMITS.PDF

9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT

9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF

SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF
CITY COUNCIL

October 22, 2024

9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT

9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT SR Z-INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT.PDF
SR - INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT.PDF

9.D AUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS

9.DAUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF

SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF

12.A CLOSED SESSION - OCTOBER 22, 2024

13. ADJOURNMENT

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

OCTOBER 22, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Courtesy Boys & Girls Club of SCV

Jan Marholin, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, has been honored with the inaugural 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, presented by the Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU). This award, newly established by the VCCU Foundation, recognizes individuals whose dedication and service to the Ventura County community reflect the selfless spirit and commitment embodied by its namesake, Roxy Ostrem.

The award is inspired by the remarkable contributions of Ostrem, a long-time VCCU volunteer director and board chair. Known for her advocacy and efforts to ensure fair and ethical banking practices for Ventura County’s underserved populations, Ostrem’s legacy is deeply tied to her work in the agricultural sector. In 2010, Ostrem played a crucial role in protecting migrant farmworkers from fraudulent financial schemes, showcasing her dedication to empowering the immigrant community that supports one of the county’s most vital industries.

In receiving this award, Jan Marholin is recognized for her unwavering commitment to community building and youth development. Her leadership at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has transformed the organization, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens all along the 126 corridor. Marholin’s passion for enriching the lives of young people aligns with the values that the Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award seeks to celebrate—compassion, integrity, and a deep-rooted dedication to service.

The VCCU Foundation noted that Marholin’s decades of community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved populations have made her the ideal recipient of this inaugural honor. In addition to the award, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley was presented with a generous $10,000 donation at the Community Day event, further supporting their impactful work with local youth. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, especially one named after such a trailblazer like Roxy Ostrem,” Marholin said. “This recognition belongs to the entire team at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and to the youth who inspire us every day to keep striving for a better future.”

The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Community event hosted by the Ventura County Credit Union, marking the launch of an annual tradition to honor community leaders who embody the spirit of service. In celebrating Jan Marholin as the recipient of the 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, Ventura County Credit Union not only honors her dedication to youth empowerment and community development but also sets the stage for future generations of leaders to follow. Her contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, marked by tireless efforts to uplift local youth, reflect the very essence of this prestigious award. As the tradition of recognizing outstanding community leaders continues, Jan’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to serve with the same compassion, integrity, and vision that have defined her career.

Fillmore voters will go to the polls to choose candidates in the city’s first districts election race on November 5th.

The city approved the switch from at-large candidates to districts in December 2023, and Districts 1, 2 and 5 are up for election this year.

One person, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, seeks the District 1 seat. The other two districts have two candidates singly vying to represent each:

District 2-John L. Garnica, Mark Austin (incumbent); District 5-Gary A. Cushing, Christina Villaseñor (incumbent).

Candidate Statements:

Candidate

Mark Austin

District 2

Over the next 4 years, I will concentrate on the local economy, public safety, and repaving of our streets.
Business development, job creation, and tax revenue are extremely important to Fillmore because it creates more opportunities and a better quality of life for citizens. I will continue to work towards streamlining the permitting process to allow businesses to open and locate within Fillmore more quickly. Fillmore needs to cooperate with business owners to develop ways to say yes instead of no to projects that will benefit Fillmore. As your council member, I will continue to make business and job creation in Fillmore a priority.

Ventura County, which includes Fillmore, is recognized as one of the safest counties in the State of California. Over the past 8 years, I have helped to provide the funding needed to maintain service ratios for our police and fire departments. Funds have also been provided to train and graduate 17 reserve fire fighters and install a police station emergency generator. As your council member, I will continue to ensure our public safety professionals are provided with the resources needed to keep our families and community safe.

The repaving and maintenance of streets has been deferred over the years due to City funding issues. With the substantial rain over the last couple of years, our streets are in dire need of repair. We are allotted money from the state in the form of gas taxes, and general sales taxes which do not amount to a lot of money. I plan to tackle this issue over the next 4 years by setting aside general fund reserves each year to be used only for Citywide roadway improvements. I also plan to apply for several state and federal grants available to communities like Fillmore.

***
Candidate

Christina Villaseñor

District 5

Dear community, my roots run deep here - I am the granddaughter of farmworkers who came to Fillmore in the early 1930’s. Through hard work and opportunity, they built a bedrock of stability for their family. As someone who has dedicated their career to public service and your Councilmember, my constant goal has been to be responsive to resident needs and to support those windows of opportunity for Fillmore families to thrive and succeed.

My top priority is meeting the needs of our growing community (13% pop. growth between 2013-23). I plan to ensure that 1. Our infrastructure – roads, water and sewer system and power sources – are keeping up with the demand through pro-active monitoring and keeping our “D” St. sewer line expansion moving forward; that 2. We provide quality community programming and recreational and cultural arts opportunities for families, including prioritizing upgrades to Two Rivers and Shiells Parks; that 3. More Fillmore residents invest their time and consumer spending within the city, from seeking both external and internal improvements for businesses to be successful, to forming an exploratory committee to bring back our beloved May Festival, and 4. We are well-prepared for emergencies and extreme weather events.

I’ve served with integrity, respect, a constant curiosity to dig deeper to fully understand the issues and with humility, knowing that I’m part of a team and when we work together, we can achieve great things for Fillmore. We have our challenges and we need sensible, thoughtful, proactive and hard-working leaders to tackle these challenges. My track record shows that I AM this leader and I’m more than up to the task. I humbly ask you to put your confidence in me once again and vote for me, Christina Villaseñor for Fillmore City Council, District 5. Please visit my website: 4more4Villasenor.com.

***

Candidate

Gary Cushing

District 5

My name is Gary Cushing. My wife Julie, and I have 8 children and 16 grandchildren.
I have owned Marie Callender’s Restaurant in Camarillo for 34 years.

I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from California State University Channel Islands, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Cal Lutheran University.

I am currently a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fillmore, on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley, a member of Fillmore Rotary, on the Vista Real Charter High School Board of Directors and founding Board Member of Miracle League of the 805.

My top priorities are:

Economic Development: The city budget over the last 5 years has risen 32.5%, the amount that has been dedicated to Economic Development has dropped by 50%. Growing our existing businesses and attracting new businesses will help the city budget grow to provide needed services to our citizens.

Highway 126 has 2 problems, the first being the backup of traffic that pushes traffic to the side streets. We need to work with Cal Trans to synchronize the signal lights through town. Secondly, there was a plan to make Highway 126 safer back in 2016, with Cal Trans but it was never implemented. There have been 27 deaths on the 126 in the last 5 years, this is unacceptable. I will advocate revisiting parts of the plan.

Public Safety and Homelessness go together, we need to work with the County to solve the problem, not just rely on the County to fix the problem here. Be proactive in finding solutions. I have spoken to our Police Chief about starting Neighborhood Watch Programs in Fillmore, to help limit crime.

I will bring strong leadership and business experience to the Fillmore City Council.
Gcushing7797@gmail.

Patterson Hardware Closes After 105 Years

Patterson Hardware employees Adrian Davis, employed 19 years, and Augie Alfaro, employed 1 year, helped close down the business on Saturday, October 19, 2024, after 105 years of operation in Fillmore. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff.

Partial reprint 2008 article by Joyce Schifanelli

Patterson Hardware has closed its doors after serving the community of Fillmore for 105 years. Patterson Hardware, originally located at 312 Central Ave., had its origins during WWI in 1919. It was one of five hardware stores owned by Hickey Brothers of Ventura. Local Fillmore resident, Harvey S. Patterson was named manager. When the stock market crash of 1929 heralded the Great Depression, 13-year-old Harvey found himself working by his father’s side for half pay. In 1937, Harvey S. and his wife Edith purchased the business from the Hickey Brothers. They renamed the store Patterson Hardware and moved to a newer building built in 1928, its present location, 360 Central Avenue. The Patterson’s took their business very seriously, employing all their children through the years and teaching them the importance of hard work and fine customer service.

Harvey S. Patterson died in 1959 and his son, Harvey F. and his wife Emma purchased the enterprise by mortgaging their home. The couple subsequently purchased the hardware store’s portion of the building in 1976, continuing to work diligently servicing the needs of their growing town. Through the years, Emma and Harvey F. also passed their strong work ethic onto their own children and scores of Fillmore High School students and other employees. Even after 45 years on the job, the Patterson’s daughter, Michelle, was always happy to help customers. Harvey F. worked in the store until around 2012, passing away in January 2013, helping customers, telling his stories and keeping an eye on things.

Patterson Hardware, and the people who made it a pleasure to shop there, will be missed.