|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
CONTESTANT 1 – Natalie Couse Natalie takes pride in her academics. She has obtained over a 4.0 throughout her freshman and sophomore year in high school. She has been a member of the Fillmore flashes pep squad for her two years in high school and is currently on the varsity squad for the upcoming year. Natalie has been a supportive member of Relay for Life and is currently on the planning committee for the Fillmore-Piru event. One of Natalie's favorite things to do, is go to concerts. Some of her favorite bands include red hot chili peppers and sublime. After she graduates high school, she plans to join the Air Force and aspires to attend the Air Force Academy. While serving she plans on continuing her education to become an aeronautical engineer or a pilot. After graduation, Ari hopes to attend either Stanford or UCLA and major in Forensic Science. With her degree, she aspires to venture into the science and detective side of the criminal justice field, where she can work to ensure justice for all those who have been victimized. Outside of school, Ari takes part on the committee of the Fillmore/Piru Relay for Life and is an active member of her church. Ari also likes to draw sketches of people and things that surround her, and hopes to work to make art one of her talents. Ari loves to talk, is energetic, and goofy. To relax she spends hours in her room sketching and listening to many different types of music. She loves classical books, her favorite being the Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger and has taken a new love to short stories. Alexis loves the outdoors and enjoys working with her pig for numerous hours a day teaching it to do 360's and figure 8's. His name is Diesel, only because he will be big enough to burn diesel. Alexis started her own charity in 2016 called Paying it Forward. She wanted to make a difference in her community and people’s lives. The community of Fillmore really came together by donating two truck loads of can goods, clothes for all ages, and baby items to the Salvation Army and transitional living shelter. Alexis enjoys being a positive roll model for all girls and does a great deal of volunteering in the community of Fillmore. CONTESTANT 4 – Charlize Virto In her free time, Charlize volunteers with the Fillmore Bears Cheer Youth Organization. She loves working with the youth of the community and passing on her cheer knowledge to the next generation. She has been volunteering with them for the past 2 years and plans to continue until she graduates from high school. FFA is one of the many things Charlize has a strong passion for and enjoys. She is a current member of the Fillmore FFA, and is currently raising a market swine to take to the Ventura County Fair this summer. In the future Charlize aspires to attend a four-year university; majoring in Animal Science. She hopes to take her love of animals and become a veterinarian. Until then she enjoys going to amusement parks with her friends. |
 Photo of the Week by Bob Crum. Tufas on Mono Lake, Lee Vining, CA. Photo data: ISO 640, 15mm, f/11 at 1/500 seconds. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
Once Isn’t Enough
 Bob Crum Won't return home in time so I'm writing this from my daughter's home in Reno, NV, because publication deadlines wait for no one. Not even me. Photos are from my heavily guarded impenetrable photo vault. (A hard drive in the cabinet.) Dewitt Jones, a renowned outdoor photographer, recently penned: “If I could stop time and contemplate the true beauty of a given moment, my eyes would widen and my jaw would drop. (Wait, I can do that! That's why I photograph!)” That's why I photograph too! A lot! I love the outdoors. Nature, undisturbed by mankind is special because of its grandeur, it's stately elegance. Explicitly Lordliness in all it's glory. When I encounter stunning scenery the urge to photograph is immediate. Bad idea! Opulence deserves savoring. Then evaluate the play and direction of light and the character of the subject. Then program the camera and shoot while realizing that I'll fail. I fail every time I attempt to capture what made my eyes open wide and my jaw drop because cameras cannot capture the exquisite essence of a natural wonder. Nevertheless, I persevere because I'm afflicted with photography obsessive compulsive disorder (POCD). Caution: It's contagious. The only remedy is to continuously press the shutter button! With each press... relief! Last week I introduced you to the tufas of Mono Lake. I've been there three times. Why? Because as you cannot step into the same river twice, you'll never see tufas the same way twice. Never! The south tufa area with the greatest concentration is a maze of tufas. There uniqueness challenges even the most experienced photographers. Several compositions could easily be shot from one place. Turn 45° either way and still many more compositions. Almost endless perspectives. The interplay of light (the essence of photography) on the tufa varies greatly from month-to-month, day-to-day, hour-to-hour. Light is the main reason the tufas are revealed anew with each succeeding visit. Notice the green water in a couple of the (website) photos. In recent summers, due to microscopic algae, Mono Lake turns green. The lake typically turns into a blue, Lake Tahoe-like clarity as abundant Artemia minica (brine shrimp) graze the algae. Obviously if you only visited Mono Lake during July, you wouldn't get to see the blue water in January and vice versa. Most hardcore photographers dislike midday shooting for various reasons. Given good weather, I've photographed tufas an entire day. Loved every minute and every challenge. Well, truth be told I'm always hopeful that the Mono Lake mermaids would surface at any moment. I remain disappointed! Technical notes: A variable circular polarizing lens filter is recommended to eliminate/reduce reflected light on the water. Forget the filter if you prefer a super-wet look. A dSLR camera isn't mandatory. A fully charged battery, memory cards and command of your point-and-shoot camera can get the job done. On one visit to Mono Lake, I had the good fortune to witness a mating pair of ospreys nesting on a tufa island. Their activities were fascinating to watch. Henry Miller wrote: “One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Photography also teaches a new way of seeing things. Relish the challenge. Question: If I presented a weekend photography workshop at Mono Lake, would you be interested? Or perhaps a workshop closer to home instead? Email me your thoughts. Until next time, happy photoing. Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
|
By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
30th reunion to be celebrated at the 104th annual Alumni Dinner
In 1987, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series! The New York Giants won the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Lakers were NBA Champions, and the FHS Class of 1987 marched under the Shasta Daisy arches in June! The Class of '87 will be celebrating their 30th class reunion on June 10th at the annual FHS Alumni Dinner/Dance. The annual Alumni Dinner is for all FHS Alumni. Lately, the Alumni Dinner has been hosting quite a few class reunions because of the outstanding dinner menu. The Veteran's Memorial Building is decked out with old FHS memorabilia as far as the eye can see and each class that has their reunion at the Alumni Dinner doesn't have to lift one finger – the Alumni Board of Directors and their volunteers do all the work. So who wouldn't want to have their reunion there? The Class of '87, and all FHS Alumni, can make reservations online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (click on Events) or you can always stop by Patterson Hardware in Fillmore (open 7 days a week) and pay there. It's so simple to attend the dinner. Come be a part of it and be on the look out for the class of '87! They will be rocking their 30 year class reunion both at the dinner and on the dance floor. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, May 1st, 2017
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the first confirmed illness in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The illness occurred in Kings County. “West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. This year to date, West Nile virus activity has been detected in three dead birds, one each from San Mateo, Orange, and San Diego counties. Heavy rains this winter in California have contributed to an increase in mosquito breeding sites. It is not known what impact the wet weather may have on the actual virus transmission risk in humans. So far this season, West Nile activity is within expected levels. West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area and the level of West Nile immunity in birds. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. 1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age. 2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. 3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency. California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 On Monday, April 17th, friends, family, coaches, staff and teammates all gathered at the Fillmore High School gym to witness and support FHS senior Marisa Felix, as she signed her official letter of intent to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on an athletic scholarship for softball next year. Submitted By Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 James Vaughn, KB Home’s Attorney An extensive history of Pole Creek and its ties to the steelhead fish rehabilitation program was presented to the Council at Tuesday's regular meeting. No printed presentation was available. According to City Manager David Rowlands, "At this point no modifications [to Pole Creek]are planned. In the future if funding become available there would be another channel for the fish [steelhead] between the current culvert and bike path and the backyards." A contract in the amount of $14,000 for the 2017 Fourth of July Community fireworks by Exposhows, Inc. was approved by Council. The creation of an ad hoc committee to negotiate with KB Homes on the Citrus Grove Development, and the appointment of two members of City Council to serve on this committee was approved. Council members Diane McCall and Manuel Minjares were appointed to the Committee. Discussion with the single representative from KB Homes, Mr. Vaughn, was limited due to the fact that two other representatives failed to show up. Their absence was due to being out of town at that time. After a year and a half of planning with KB Homes the Council has many unresolved issues needing attention. KB is resisting further delay, but the lawyer for that firm, Vaughn, suggested that a 180-day extension of time for further discussion might be reasonable, but that he had to confer with other company members. KB Homes filed a lawsuit against the City of Fillmore last week, which Council Members learned of only during the last Council meeting. The Council is resisting discussions while under the shadow of a lawsuit. The Council seeks to revise the construction plans to include several changes. Unanimous objections to items like design, color, parking, crowding, and the number of 3-story condo units were expressed by each Council Member. KB is resisting most of these proposed changes, stating that the disagreements were "unfortunate" but that they didn't cause the problem. They point out the substantial money already invested in the project. They claim to be acting in good faith, as Council Members also claim. The Council asked that the lawsuit be withdrawn during any further discussion concerning plan revisions. Council for KB has refused to withdraw the lawsuit. No progress was made in negotiating any plan revisions. Council remains adamant about holding talks without the threat of a lawsuit. Staff will be bringing back a proposal for Council to determine if 90 days up to 180 days is reasonable. The future of the Fillmore Towne Theatre was discussed. Options to sell, lease, or use as a city-owned entity were proposed. The Theatre issue was placed on hold until the possibility of hearing from new parties interested in its development. Fillmore's newest park, near River Street, was named Rio Vista Park, by unanimous vote. An ordinance, No. 17-878 to authorize a permit process for parking in front of private driveways and adoption of Resolution No 17-3592 to establish the fee for such permits was approved. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Jose “Froggy” Estrada after winning his 2nd Pro MMA Fight at the LA Exchange back in August 2016. Enlarge Photo On May 5th Jose ‘Froggy’ Estrada will be bringing MMA back to the 805 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They are the first MMA fights in Ventura County in over 10 years. That night he will be the Main Event out of 10 fights. Estrada is looking to keep his professional record undefeated as he goes into this one 3-0, facing an experienced Emilio Chavez (11-9) from Fullerton, Ca. Tickets can now be purchased at www.ticketon.com. You won’t want to miss this sold-out show. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
The Ventura County Fire Department reported that rescue units were called to search for a hiker in the Squaw Flat-Tar Creek area of the Los Padres National Forest around 4:30pm, Friday. Rescue units on foot, with Ventura County Sheriff ’s helicopter, were deployed. According to reports Steve Swindle, spokesman for the department, at about 6:00pm the hiker was found five miles off the trail and airlifted out of the area, and was taken to Santa Paula Hospital by ambulance. |
|
By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
40th Class reunion set for June 10th
Those youngsters from Fillmore High, Class of 1977, plan to reconnect at their 40th class reunion on June 10th, 2017 at the Fillmore High Alumni Dinner/Dance. Please spread the word to anyone from the class of ‘77 and let them know all Alumni know are welcome. The Alumni Dinner/Dance starts at 3:00pm on the patio and grass area of the Veteran's Memorial Building. Light snacks, bar service, and dinner are provided by Ventura’s award-winning caterer DJ's California Catering. Dinner is at 6:00pm, socializing and dancing ‘till midnight. The Alumni Dinner/Dance is one of Fillmore's signature events of the year. The Fillmore High Alumni Association is happy to be hosting the great Class of 1977's 40th Class reunion. If you are from the Class of '77, or any alumni of Fillmore High, please make your reservations soon at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (Click on Events) or by visiting Patterson Hardware store (open 7 days a week). We are looking forward to seeing those smiling faces from the class of '77 and all Fillmore High Alumni. Go Flashes! |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Friday night at approximately 9:50pm, Fillmore Fire Department along with Ventura County Fire responded to a heavy traffic collision on the SR23. Photos By Sebastian Ramirez Enlarge Photo  The driver was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Ventura County Sheriffs surrounded a house in the 700 block of River Street Saturday, April 22 in the City of Fillmore. Police blocked off the street from through traffic at noon while the search spilled over into the neighbor’s yards, and a K9 was called in. Neighboring residents stayed in their homes while police enter the targeted residence. No arrests were confirmed. Enlarge Photo |
 Photo of the Week by Bob Crum: "Along the shores of Mono Lake, wildflowers and tufa tower" Photo data: ISO 100, 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
A ghost town and tufas
As you read this, I am in Reno, NV cat sitting my daughter's felines while she's in New Zealand. While here, I'm hoping to get to photograph Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River. So far, the prospects are dismal. Cold, windy, totally cloudy every day since I got here. Stay tuned. Due to my travels, this week's column will take a different turn. Hold on! Fun stuff ahead! Bodie the ghost town for instance. An awesome experience. At first glance, it's overwhelming. So many photo ops. In a space of merely 20 feet I could easily shoot 50 or more compositions from varying perspectives. Light also has a profound effect on the structures because of the colors of the aged wood. I visited Bodie only once. That's not enough. Upon reviewing the images back home on the computer display I saw many photo opportunities missed. I'll go back! Just south of Bodie sits Mono Lake. A nondescript lake at first blush. Most will barely give it a glance as they drive by on Highway 395. But its special features are extremely unique. The attraction of Mono Lake is the tufas (too'-fahs). From the monolake.org website: “Tufa is essentially common limestone. What is uncommon about this limestone is the way it forms. Typically, underwater springs rich in calcium (the stuff in your bones) mix with lake water rich in carbonates (the stuff in baking soda). As the calcium comes in contact with carbonates in the lake, a chemical reaction occurs resulting in calcium carbonate--limestone. The calcium carbonate precipitates (settles out of solution as a solid) around the spring, and over the course of decades to centuries, a tufa tower will grow. Tufa towers grow exclusively underwater, and some grow to heights of over 30 feet. The reason visitors see so much tufa around Mono Lake today is because the lake level fell dramatically after water diversions began in 1941.” Water diverted by L.A. Water & Power. Mono Lake is a magical place. I've been there four times. Going back sooner than later. You never see the same thing twice. The tufa structures are very intriguing due to their composition and shapes. Tufas display varying colors depending on the natural light at any given hour of the day. Colorful at sunrise and sunset and bright white at midday. All of the variables make photographing Mono Lake tufas extremely challenging. Should you decide to go, the greatest concentration of the tufa towers is located at the South Tufa grove just off of Hwy 120 East, at the south end of Mono Lake. You'll need a park pass available at the parking lot kiosk. Don't forget to take a polarizing filter! Caution from monolake.org: “Many first-time visitors to Mono Lake, unfamiliar with the geologic term "tufa" have been known to ask directions to the 'tofu.' Your nearest grocery store or the Mono Market is the best bet.” You've been warned! Until next time, happy photoing! Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Two people were injured in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Highway 126 and the railroad tracks Saturday at about 2:30 p.m. Reports indicate the cyclists both struck a railroad crossing arm. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the incident. Highway traffic was obstructed for about one hour, and the tracks were reported closed until 4:20 p.m. Reports show both cyclists were taken to an area hospital. “A helicopter was initially called but canceled when crews determined the injuries were not life-threatening,” according to the VC Star. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 The Fillmore Sheriff’s Department donated $10,000 to the Fillmore-Piru Boys & Girls Club last Saturday at a organizational meeting. The Club will benefit greatly from this gift as it is busy adding new space to the Boys & Girls building and increasing its teaching projects. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Publisher’s Opinion The worst housing plan in Fillmore's history is about to be inflicted upon our town. The KB Home company has begun tussling with the Fillmore City Council over the design of its proposed 104-unit condominium complex at the southern end of Central Avenue. 375 residents are expected to be living there. "This is calculated based upon 3.61 person per household and there are 104 units." Four of these proposed units will be small studios. According to our City Planning Department, Kevin McSweeney, concerning new cars "... there will be a two garage [units] for each unit and a total of 33 guest parking spaces on the street. That comes to 233 new cars." "There is no parking within the development for guests. Residents will park in their private garages. Guests will park on the street." The Council was notified April 6 that KB had filed a lawsuit to push approval of the plan; the City has not as yet been served. Another major concern of the Council (which should also concern all residents) is the number of 3-story units - 77. Three 3-story units along River Street, which do not face River Street, are planned. The side of these units face River. There are 10 units facing River Street that are 2-story. The Council has a right to be alarmed about this proposed plan. Imagine adding 233 new cars to River Street! This plan is zoned high density, but there should be reasonable limits to density. This proposal will flood the area with too many cars. And any such structures can be assumed to last for at least 75-years. This proposal would change forever the friendly character of our town. I urge our City Council to resist this plan forcefully. It is unreasonably high density. The City of Fillmore seems to be targeted recently with nightmare proposals, sand trucks by the thousands and now crowded, high density living units within adequate parking for hundreds of new cars. KB Home has a right to build housing units of reasonable size with reasonable parking. It will build and later leave the scene. What they leave behind will impact our city for nearly a hundred years. I foresee 77 three-story units in such a small area as Fillmore's twenty-first century tenements. I hate to use a "progressive" word, but it's time to RESIST - mightily. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Fillmore Unified School District Board Recognition Measure E Bond Oversight Committee 2015-2016 Annual Report Apple ConnectEd Update Local Control Accountability Plan Update 2017-2018 Enrollment Personnel Recommendations Adopt Resolution 16-17-17– Staff Appreciation Week May 15-19, 2017 Support the James Jimenez Foundation |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Rotary Club Donates to FHS Swim Team. Fillmore Swim Team members Jose Ruiz, Luke Myers, and Aviana Ramirez receive check for $500 from Rotarian and Swim Coach Cindy Blatt. Submitted By Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Welcomes New Member. Rotary President Julie Latshaw inducted new member Renee Swenson. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. (L-R)Julie Latshaw, Esmeralda Simental, Alicia Hicks, Program Chairman. Esmeralda Simental from the Ventura county Probation Agency was the guest speaker at Rotary. She related the various positions she has held over 24 years as a Peace Officer most dealing with youth. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. Alicia Hicks introduced Marcy Schneider from the Human Services Agency adult Protective Services. They help in cases of elder abuse which can be anything from physical abuse, self neglect to financial abuse. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 On Thursday, April 13th, Fillmore Fire Department along with Fillmore Sheriff’s Department barbecued hot dogs for some of the students who raised the most money for patients at the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Photo By Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Photo of the Week: "Fence Post and Poppies" by Bob Crum. Photo Data: ISO 200, 16mm, f/22 @1/10 sec. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Poppies and a bean bag
Bob Crum Being Saturday morning, 4/15/17, I'm writing about the past weekend that isn't here yet. It's not easy saying what I don't know I'm going to say. It goes without saying but if you expected anything less, I'd be speechless. Or not. Anyway, as you read this on Thursday, 4/20/17, I'll be packing and loading my F-350 for a trip to Reno, NV. Leaving Fillmore Friday morning. My daughter will be flying to New Zealand and some things at the house need addressing. Debra has cats. Being such a cat lover I cannot think of anything else that I'd rather do more than cat sit. Ummm, wait... there is one thing! Photographing Lake Tahoe mermaids! Do you think I'd be in Reno and not tour Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River? Not only that but I'm considering trying something I've not yet done: Time-lapse photography. It may be a treat... or a bust. Much depends on the weather. A clear blue sky does nothing for time-lapse photography. I need lots of cumulus clouds floating over Emerald Bay. A flock of pink flamingos flying overhead would add a nice touch. With a little luck, the tour boat will appear to circle Fannette Island. When it comes to weather, ya know... fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me 429,638 times and you're the weatherman! **** Well folks, the wild flower season in the lower elevations is about done. However, I selected Fence Post and Poppies for Photo of the Week. Little things, like the fence post, add a little extra interest to a photo of just poppies. But it took some ingenuity to capture the composition because of other distracting elements around the scene. If they were in the frame, it would have ruined what I wanted to convey. I used a Tokina 11-16mm ultra-wide angle lens on a Canon 7D. Though this lens is great for landscapes, rendering very sharp images, it does not have image stabilization. Hence... must use very fast shutter speeds or a tripod. One other thing; I visualized the composition in my mind but I couldn't use my tripod to get the desired perspective. So, instead, I rested the camera on a bean bag to hold it steady for the slow shutter speed I had to have. Where there's desire, the will and a bean bag... it gets done. Most times. For the website, fillmoregazette.com, there are a few more poppy photos and of couple photos taken on the way home. Obviously, I could not resist shooting a photo of that awesome tree loaded with character. The field of pretty petite lavender flowers topped off a fabulous day trip photoing wildflowers. Happy photoing. Email comments, suggestions or questions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
 Members of KB Homes speaking to Council. The Fillmore City Council waived certain temporary use permit fees and banner hanging fees for local service clubs and organizations. Public Hearing Modification #4 to the project approved for tract Map 5353 for development permit 15-03 zoning ordinance amendment 15-02 and variance 17-01 sought by KB Homes was discussed. 104 units near Central Avenue and River Street include 3-story residential units. 33 condo-style and duplex units with granny flats are included. The meeting with KB Homes was overshadowed by the lawsuit it filed against the City of Fillmore that day. During public comment time, three residents of Edgewood Drive expressed serious concern about the size of the project adding too many cars on River Street. Ron Howard worried about quality of life issues with school children and traffic. River Street becomes an "Autobahn" at certain times of the day. He cited too many units as a cause of alarm. Also cited the 3-story units as not fitting into the area well with their 35-foot height. Robert Espinosa worried about possibly 200 more cars, the traffic and parking problems. All residents cited the narrow streets, especially River Street. Councilwoman Diane McCall was passionate about what she found as deficiencies in the plan. She was particularly critical about the shadow of a lawsuit by KB Homes against the city (which the council was informed of that night) had been filed that day. She found the architecture to be too similar in design, color, like a "collection." "They all look the same" according to McCall. "This town is Craftsman" she stated, recalling a 1930s style. All council members agreed the design did not fit Fillmore's look. Councilman Minajares found the plan "woefully inadequate" in design. He also was concerned about inadequate parking in time of growth. Councilman Holmgram "was 'no' from the start". He found the design "Too Santa Clarita", lacking the Fillmore style, "too boxy" looking too much like Irvine. He also worried about traffic problems which he thought would be caused by the size of the project. The plan also looked too much like a "collection" to him. Mayor Carrie Broggie thought a lot of work needed to be done but that "we can get there". The council was unanimously in agreement about problems with density, 3-story units, parking, and inappropriate architectural style for Fillmore. Representatives of KB Homes agreed that they and the city might work-out the differences of opinion. But the lawsuit has been filed. |
