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By Bill Herrera — Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Thursday, February 4th, EVI Emergency Vehicles Incorporated delivered the Fire Department’s new Rescue 91. This vehicle replaces the old rescue that was taken out of service due to mechanical issues about a year ago. Chief Rigo Landeros pushed for this new vehicle to serve not only the citizens of Fillmore but to serve citizens throughout the Santa Clara Valley. Eighty percent of Rescue 91 was purchase with money from the annual Community Development Block Grant Fund and the other twenty percent is coming from the city’s general fund budget. The CDBG grant program serves the Ventura County area. City staff work together with County staff in planning the use of these funds. The unit is a heavy duty commercial grade chassis, with a custom box to carry emergency equipment such as the Jaws of Life, over the side rope rescue gear, EMS equipment, back boards, a stokes, building and vehicle stabilization equipment and miscellaneous tools. It will also carry two firefighters along with all the gear they will need for structure and wild land firefighting. Because of the vehicles load capabilities, there is room to acquire and carry additional equipment. The vehicle should last an estimated twenty years. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
 A mountain lion was sighted in the backyard of a home on the 300 block of Fourth Street, Monday. Ventura County deputies located the animal and game wardens tranquilized and relocated it. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
 This year’s topic of the 79th Annual Lions Club Speaker Contest was “Liberty and Justice for All”: What does it mean to you? The contest was held on Monday, February 1st at the Lions’ Scout House at 7pm. Participating students were: Esmeralda Arroyo 9th grade, Veronica Garcia 10th grade, Jene Tarango 11th grade, Hannah Bartels 10th grade, and Rachael Pace 12th grade. Judges were Rev. Dr. Harvey Guthrie, Sue Cuttriss and Dr. Cynthia King. The winner was Hannah Bartels, far right, taking home the $100 prize. The runners-up received $25, if the speech was at least 5 minutes long. Enlarge Photo |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
 Santa Paula Police Department A 17 year old documented gang member was arrested in connection with this incident. At approximately 9:30am the suspect was taken into custody at Ventura County Juvenile Court without incident. After being processed the juvenile was transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall for the charge of 211 PC -Robbery. It should be noted the juvenile was attending court for a case that occurred on January 19, 2016 where the suspect was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle. Below is the original press release from January 19, 2016. On Saturday, January 16, 2016 at approximately 11:27pm a Hispanic male entered the Circle K gas station location at 765 W. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula. After walking around for several minutes the suspect covered his face with a bandana, brandished a large revolver to the cashier, and demanded money. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money the suspect fled the location eastbound on Harvard Blvd. The cashier and a customer inside the store were not injured during the incident. The Santa Paula Police Dept. needs the public's assistance in identifying the suspect in the attached photo. If you know who the suspect is do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous. Please contact Sgt. Cody Madison at (805) 525-4474 x 220 or at cmadison@spcity.org. You may remain anonymous. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for election in the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election. Lunn stated, “Every election is an opportunity not only for voters to participate in our great democracy, but also for citizens who are interested in running for office.” Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, as February 15, 2016 falls on a holiday, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016. COUNTY FEDERAL STATE JUDICIAL Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Safety enhancement project is under consideration
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will accept written comments from the public until March 4 concerning a proposed safety enhancement project on State Route 126 in Ventura County. Caltrans is formally initiating studies for the project to enhance safety along the highway corridor and reduce the potential for conflicting traffic movements. The project is located on Highway 126 between Hallock Drive in the city of Santa Paula and E Street in the city of Fillmore. Highway 126 provides an east-west connection between US Highway 101 in Ventura County and Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. The project length is approximately 7 miles. Caltrans is considering options that include a concrete median barrier or a raised median island with visual markers. Possible features include roundabouts, wider road curves, an acceleration/deceleration lane at railroad crossings, retaining walls and improved highway access including driveways at various locations. Caltrans is soliciting written comments from public agencies, private entities and interested individuals regarding any potential social, economic, community, traffic, safety and environmental issues related to this project. Information about the project and the environmental process is available online at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/travel/projects/126/ Caltrans held two public scoping meetings on the proposed project and the environmental process on Jan. 27 in Fillmore and Feb. 3 in Santa Paula. Both meetings were attended by members of the public, elected officials and agency representatives. Caltrans is interested in hearing the point of view of all parties interested in the project, to ensure that all relevant factors are considered. Comments, suggestions and inquiries can be submitted (postmarked by March 4) to Tami Podesta, Branch Chief; California Department of Transportation; Division of Environmental Planning (SR-126 Safety Enhancement Project); 100 South Main St., Suite 100, MS 16A; Los Angeles CA 90012. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
After reading last week's Fillmore Gazette about a recent theft of softball equipment at Shiells Park a Local Rancher stepped up to the plate and donated $2000 to be used to replace the stolen softball equipment. Donations like this greatly lift some of the heavy financial burden youth organizations struggle with each year; especially when they get unwanted surprises like the recent theft. The cost to equip and to run the leagues increase each year and much of the increase is passed on to the participants and their families. The generosity of this local rancher will not only help to replace all of the equipment that was stolen but it will allow the organization to purchase additional equipment for the kids. Sports is a sanctuary for many kids who have nothing else to do. Participation is important for the growth and development of young people. They learn teamwork, discipline, self-control, self-respect, and it teaches them how to interact with others and understand that their actions affect others around them. All of these are important in the development of young minds and bodies. The Fillmore Youth Softball program would like to thank the Local Ranch for their very generous donation. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
 The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients by giving blood this February. During the winter months, inclement winter weather and seasonal illnesses can keep regular donors from giving blood. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in their own communities as well as areas where donors were unable to give due to severe winter weather. Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed. Donor Loretta Brandon knows how important it is to have a readily available blood supply. Her late husband required transfusions from generous strangers multiple times for health conditions. She gives blood as often as she can. “Every time I give blood, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all I have and for the fact that I can share with others,” she said. Make an appointment to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Additional blood donation opportunities: Oxnard Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site. About the American Red Cross ### |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce would like to call for Nominations for the 2015 Citizen of The Year and Lifetime Achievement Citizen of The Year. Nominations may be as simple as a few paragraphs stating the reason you feel the individual should be selected as Citizen of the year and any community involvement and or accomplishments. The individual must be a resident of the City of Fillmore. The Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2016. Please email to fillmorechamberc@gmail.com or mail directly to Fillmore Chamber of Commerce P.O. BOX 815 Fillmore, Ca. 93016 or fax to (805)524-2555. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
 Suspect 2 - Hispanic Female, shoulder length brown hair, 5’2” - 5’5”, 130 – 150 lbs 40's Enlarge Photo On July 3, 2015, a female victim and her family were having dinner at El Pescador Restaurant in the city of Fillmore. The victim hung her purse on the back rest of her chair and enjoyed her meal. After eating, the victim realized her purse was stolen. Surveillance footage captured the below pictured subjects entering the restaurant. The female enters the restaurant with her cellphone to her ear and pretends to look for her party. The male subject enters shortly thereafter and walks by the victim. The male grabs the purse and covers it with his black jacket. The male immediately walks out of the restaurant, and the female follows a few seconds later. Both subjects get into a silver or gray early 2000’s Acura MDX, driven by a third subject, and flee the area, west on Highway 126. The same male subject stole a purse from a female victim shopping at Smart & Final, in the city of Camarillo. The victim placed her purse in the shopping cart. The victim became distracted and, when she returned to her cart, her purse was gone. Surveillance footage captured the same male subject using his jacket to cover the victim’s purse as he took it from the cart and walked out of the store. In this case, the suspect was seen working with another unknown male subject who also entered the store and appeared to be the primary subject’s “look out.” Both suspects got into the same vehicle described in the Fillmore incident. The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and/or identifying the suspects pictured below. If anyone has information or if you have been victimized, you are encouraged to contact Detective Javier Chavez at the Fillmore Police Station. Nature of Incident: Organized Purse Thieves 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
 Both squads of the SoCal Fillmore Bears Cheer Team traveled to Las Vegas earlier this month to compete in the Jamz National Cheer and Dance competition. Congratulations go to the Cubs, consisting of ten girls, nine and under, who competed on January 22, in Showcheer Division 8, Level 1 in The Orlean’s Arena, Las Vegas. Led by Head Coach Trina Tofoya and Cheer Director Katie Aguilar, the Cubs won their championship jackets and title with a perfect score against eleven other teams. Members of the SoCal Fillmore Bear Cubs team are: Adriana Navarrete, Angelica Ruiz, Angie Hernandez, Azaria Aguilar, Camila Razo, Dalilah Felix, Gianni Padilla, Maribel Ruiz, Morgan Ferguson, and Naomi Bonilla. Enlarge Photo  The Bears, ages nine to fourteen, earned a respectable second place in Showcheer Division 13, Level 1, missing the championship by .05 of a point. Bear team members are: Adelina Virto, Athena Merijil, Caitlyn Barragan,CeCe Vega, Daisy Robleso, Jacey Warren, Jada Plummer, Jessie Topete, Julieanna Linares, Naveah Hopper, Olivia Lagunas, Rosie Zamora,Sophia Jimenez, Vanessa Lopez, Yanely Lara, and Yazmeen Del Toro. Recognition is also given for the hard work and dedication of Assistant Coaches Brittany Cardona, Jazzy Gonda, Nicole Camarillo, Vanessa Aguilar, Viv Calderon, and trainers Selma, Lexie, and Char. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
 Lynda Miller Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognition of Lynda Miller, President and Founder of Support for the Kids. Miller has dedicated 20 years to charitable organization work helping children and families. Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos introduced Miller stating, "Lynda Miller has touched a lot of lives here in Fillmore." Fillmore Middle School Principal Scott Carroll referred to her as an angel saying, "She's been a model for giving." Other statements were equally praising Miller's dedication saying, "It is wonderful to know there's someone out there so giving and supportive to kids and families time and time again." Testimonies were given of the wide range of support and offerings Miller has given to the community such as stoves, beds, clothes and more for those in need. Miller responded stating, "Thank you for the recognition. There is nothing greater than giving someone a helping hand." She continued stating that it would not have been possible without the support of her husband Gary Miller, "Without him nothing could have happened." The first item discussed was a grant presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrea McNeill. FUSD received $287,513 in grant money which is part of the $500 million in one-time monies called the "Educator Effectiveness Block Grant. School districts may use the funding for specific professional development activities such as beginning teacher and administrator support, coaching, support for improvement, professional development, promoting teacher quality and effectiveness. $137,200 equates to $700 per teacher for preparedness for Common Core, Cooperative Learning, English Language Development and other needs, with the remaining $150,313 being used for Literacy Coaches. The next item discussed was the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) presented by Director Charice Guerra. AVID is a 501c3 nonprofit established in 1980 that provides strategies for encouraging and promoting a path to college for underrepresented students. Fillmore High School, with 122 students in the program, has had the program for a number of years and Fillmore Middle School, with 64 students in the program, recently reinstated it on its campus. Fillmore High School senior Luis Landeros, who is part of the program, spoke of his future goals of studying engineering in college through grants and scholarships. Destiny Zavala, an 11th grader and also part of the program, spoke of her college goals majoring in either the medical field or journalism. The last item discussed was Core/Basic Materials presented by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez. The materials discussed was the need for new textbooks. "We are really very behind," Hernandez told the Board. There are a number of new AP classes that need new textbook and other classes that have outdated textbooks. For the new classes; AP Statistics will be issued "The Practice of Statistics," AP Environmental Science will be issued "Living in the Environment" and AP Psychology will be issued. Other textbooks that are being replaced; AP US History will be issued (new) "American Pageant," AP European History will be issued "Western Civilization" and Native Speakers 2 will be issued "!Ven conmigo! Nuevas Vistas Curso Dos." The new textbooks will be on display for public viewing in the FUSD Boardroom for 30 days. In final discussions Palazuelos informed everyone that there are presently three new math programs being piloted at Fillmore Middle School. An action taken and approved was Board Members Sean Morris and Scott Beylik were appointed to the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee for a term of one year. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
Videos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
Photos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
In a continuing effort to help women advance their education, the local Fillmore chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) will be offering financial awards this spring. To be eligible, you must be a woman who attends or has been accepted to an accredited undergraduate degree program or a vocational/skills training program, live within the 93015 Zip code area, and have at least a 3.5 grade point average. Anyone interested should contact the College and Career Center if you are a student at Fillmore or Sierra High School or contact Patricia Morris at morrisp905@gmail.com. The deadline for application is March 6, 2016. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout California with filming scheduled for March. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques--from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles, to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank continue their mission to recycle America by rescuing forgotten relics and giving them a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about American history along the way. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your buried treasure. They are on the hunt for characters with interesting and unique items. Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, pre-50’s western gear, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items, and clothing. They are always excited to find things they’ve never seen before and learn the story behind it. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection send us your: name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised that although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in California, people should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary. Californians should also be advised of international travel alerts for the countries where Zika virus is circulating. “Although no one has contracted Zika virus in California, mosquito bites can still be harmful and the public should take steps to protect themselves,” said Dr. Smith. “Help reduce the risk of mosquito bites by removing standing water from around your home and wearing mosquito repellant when appropriate.” As of Jan. 29, 2016, there are six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California, all of which were contracted when traveling in other countries with Zika virus outbreaks in 2013 (1), 2014 (3) and 2015 (2). CDPH will continue monitoring for any confirmed cases in California and will provide weekly updates every Friday. To protect patient confidentiality, specific locations of infected patients cannot be disclosed. Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that can transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes — which are not native to California — have been identified in 12 California counties, although there are no known cases where the mosquitoes were carrying the Zika virus in this state. The six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California were acquired in other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: American Samoa, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. People traveling to these and other countries with known Zika virus risk should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including: • Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label The CDC and CDPH have also issued guidance for pregnant women recommending they avoid countries where Zika virus is circulating. Pregnant women who cannot avoid travel to these countries should talk to their health care provider and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The CDC and CDPH have also provided guidance for physicians on the evaluation of pregnant women and infants who may have been exposed to Zika virus. Most people infected with Zika virus will not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash and eye redness. If you have returned from an affected country and have fever with joint pain, rash within two weeks, or any other symptoms following your return; please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. While there is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease, the best recommendations are supportive care, rest, fluids and fever relief. There is concern that Zika virus may be transferred from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. Preliminary reports suggest that Zika virus may cause microcephaly (abnormal fetal brain development). This possibility has not been confirmed and is being actively investigated. CDPH has requested that health care providers report suspected Zika virus disease or associated conditions of microcephaly to local health departments. Local health departments will report cases to CDPH, which is coordinating referral of any specimens to CDC for diagnostic testing. For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit the CDPH Zika virus information webpage. www.cdph.ca.gov |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Fillmore Girls Softball/T-Ball League offers players, ages four and one-half to sixteen, living within the Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula communities to participate in a softball program. The goal of the program is to instill and develop good sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and leadership; all excellent qualities our youth need to build along with self-confidence and a strong sense of community. Sometime between January 14, 2016, at 7:00 pm and January 16, at 9:50 am, unknown person(s) broke a latch to a storage container at Shiells Park and stole several articles of sporting equipment used by the league. Some of the property stolen included three sets of brand new “Easton” catcher’s gear, two five gallon buckets of softballs, and three 100-foot long extension cords. The Fillmore Police Department is asking for help to track down the softball gear and to apprehend the person(s) responsible for this crime against the community. If you have any information, please contact Detective Javier Chavez at the Fillmore Police Station or any deputy you may encounter. You may remain anonymous and your information will remain confidential. Nature of Incident: Burglary of Fillmore’s Girls Softball/T-Ball League Equipment 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). |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
![Former FUSD Board Member Dave Wilde raised questions of bullying and harassment by “two council members [who]
had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences”. Wilde read an open statement during public forum at Tuesday’s council meeting.](/files/imagecache/300wide/files/council-01-27-16-2.jpg) Former FUSD Board Member Dave Wilde raised questions of bullying and harassment by “two council members [who] had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences”. Wilde read an open statement during public forum at Tuesday’s council meeting. The Fillmore City Council received some strong and direct wording during the public comments at their January 26, 2016 meeting. A former Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Member addressed the Council stating, "Good evening, my name is Dave Wilde and I have lived in Fillmore for approximately 40 years. Two weeks ago I would have told anyone who would listen that Fillmore has two outstanding citizens. Both are well respected and popular members of this community. One is seated in this room, the other is Rigo Landeros. I'd known Rigo since he was 14 years old. He was a former student of mine and played high school football for me. His death is both a troubling and confusing loss to both me and this community. In the short time after his death I've heard some rumors that are very alarming. The most alarming is that two council members had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences. If that is true, I am deeply concerned about the lack of leadership and conflict resolution skills that two of our community leaders exhibit. This lack of skill should not be tolerated because of the potential affects it could have on others in Fillmore. This community has a lot of questions about Rigo's death and what drove him to do what he did. They deserve an explanation. I spent four years on the school board and during that time I felt we had made and were making some serious mistakes. A board colleague and myself fought hard for 15 months to stop the direction we (the district) but failed until a third member joined our position. During the election process that followed, both my colleague and myself admitted we felt mistakes were made, but were glad to announce that a new superintendent was hired, positive changes were finally underway. It is hard to admit you had made mistakes and we both knew that we would be seen not as two individuals, but as a group of five. We were all equally to blame. If these rumors of bullying and harassment are true, this council, as a group of five, needs to reflect and take ownership for addressing the questions this community has in regard to Rigo's death. It is what we should expect from our civic leaders." The meeting began with two Proclamations. The first was presented to Laura Bartels, for outstanding leadership in her efforts in the donation of 700 new winter coats during the holiday season for those in need in the community. Bartels started the coat drive several years ago, and also volunteers for the Santa Clarita Valley Legal Aid. Bartels responded, "It's a real community effort" saying a special thanks to Max Pina, Rigo Landeros and others. Next to receive a Proclamation was Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ventura County in recognition of National Mentors Month. Mentor Amelia Aparicio spoke of the value of mentoring and importance it plays in reaching a child's potential, "There are 147 mentors at Fillmore High School who volunteer a minimum of one hour per week and some three time per week....the youngest mentored is 6 years old and goes up to 18 years...we give them (the mentors) different resources...to let them know what's available in our community." A Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on the City's finances was presented by Charles De Simoni CPA and Scott W. Manno CPA, CGMA with Rogers Anderson Melody & Scoll, LLP. "It's important that the public have an understanding of the process," Simoni explained. To test for internal controls entails the accountants scour through council minutes reviewing appropriation reports to assure the public that the city is in compliance with regulations and money is being spent properly. The process takes three months to compile. In new business the Council addressed preparing a response to a FEMA Map Revision. Roxanne C. Hughes, PE with Willdan Engineering addressed the Council on the revised model of the Santa Clara River asking for public input regarding the flood mapping. Mayor Diane McCall asked if the Heritage Valley Levy had been accredited. Hughes responded, "It's not accredited yet, it is being worked on." Other new business was the increase on assessments for eight sub-zones within the Landscape and Lighting District No 2. There are 24 zones with 8 operating in a deficit requiring a ballot process to approve levy increases. Cost have increased 2-3% each year in lighting, water and landscape maintenance. Ballots will be mailed out the first week in February to start the 45 day ballot time period and will be tabulated to complete the process at the March 22nd Council meeting. Questions were asked through emails and directly to the city if there were too many trees planted. Council Member Douglas Tucker responded that city planning requires the planting of trees, but that a developer planted extra trees for the aesthetic value and was suppose to remove them. But, the developer is no longer involved. The last of new business was disbanding the Sheriff's Contract Negotiating Ad-Hoc Committee. When discussed, Mayor ProTem Carrie Broggie stated "It's a done deal." To which Tucker responded, "Actually it's not." A vote was taken with McCall, Broggie and Council Member Manuel Minjares voting "Yes" and Tucker only "No" vote (Council Member Rick Neal was not in attendance). During final comments City Manager David Rowlands commented on the good relationship between FUSD and the City adding that there is now a Fillmore High School Water Polo Team and thanked all those involved in the tribute to Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. Minjares commented of a problem between the City Council and City Staff. McCall added that the City Council should be included in the staff training sessions. Broggie agreed that the training sessions could improve the Council and staff relationship. |
 Fillmore Explorer post #2958 competed in the Chandler Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona on January 15, 2016. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
The Fillmore Explorer post #2958 recently competed in the Chandler Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona on January 15, 2016. The Explorers are a group of young people aged fourteen to twenty one, who are in the ninth grade or above, and have an interest in law enforcement. As explorers they participate in ride-alongs with Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, assist with community events and are involved in community outreach. The explorer program helps build strong leadership and communication skills that are crucial in today’s society. The explorer program helps prepare individuals to succeed in all of their current and future endeavors. The Chandler Tactical Explorer Competition is put on every year by the Chandler Police Department, in Chandler, Arizona. Most events were scenario based, meaning that the explorers were presented with situations and they had to resolve the situation with the tools that were provided. Some of which are: Marijuana Field Raid, 5 Man Hostage Rescue Team, 10 Man High Risk Warrant. These scenarios were graded on the teams overall teamwork, leadership, and execution. The other types of events that the explorers participated in were a three mile run, five and ten man swat truck pull, and the tactical relay. At the tactical competition, the explorers participated in a plethora of events. The post placed in three events. They received a third place trophy for the five man swat truck pull. In addition, they received a second place trophy for the Shoot/Don’t Shoot scenario and Sr. Explorer Isaiah Galvez placed fifth in the explorer pistol shoot. If you have any interest in joining the explorer program you are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings that take place at Sierra High School at 5 PM. There will be a recruiting period in the month of February, 2016, accepting any males or females ages 14 to 21 that have completed the 8th grade. We encourage all who are interested to join the explorer program. Prepared by: Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels and Explorer Senior Danielle Ramirez |
