Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Come join in the Fun as Central Ave will be closed from Main Street to Sespe Ave and lined with Beautiful Classic cars from the past. The Alumni Assn will be parked outside of Central Station with all their goodies. Music provided by Joey Ortiz, and you'll hear all the classics like Elvis, the Beatles, and others. So bring your folding chair and sit and visit with friends and family. It's something fun to do in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore on Friday, May 15th, 2015 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

For details see: http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2015/5/15/flashback-friday-alum...

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Calling all classmates from these two classes. Your class representative asked the Alumni Association to spread the word that you are having your Class reunion on Saturday, June 13th, 2015. Your reunion this year is happening at the 102nd Alumni Dinner, and Dance. You can pay or pick up your dinner reservation form at Patterson Hardware Store. (Open 7 days a week), or go onto the Alumni website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com and print a form out and mail it in. Happy hour and Social 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Dinner at 6:00pm, and Music and Dancing into the night. New this year is a Social Bar/ Lounge area open to 11:00pm. Lot's of surprises in store for this years Event. Get your reservation forms in soon. Seats are filling up.

The following students participated in the 5TH Annual Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament in Coronado, April 25, 2015 (l-r) David Vargas, Daniel Flores, Tereck Morales, and Michael Castro, with Anna Morielli center. Not present: Chad Petuoglu, Derek Flores, Ricardo Lomeli, Angel Velez, Matthew Hammond, Chaperones Bob and Lisa Hammond. The Spirit of the Gut Award, held by Morielli, was presented to the team who participated in the 4th Annual Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament, May 2014 for displaying the most spirit, heart, inspiration to continue the course despite the challenges.
Enlarge Photo

Over fifty people attended the May 5, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Some had come to see the Fillmore High School (FHS) students who competed in the U.S. Navy Seal Challenge at the U.S. Naval Base in Coronado, California, but most had come to support an FUSD employee up for termination.

Sixteen Public Speakers cards were turned in, with five of them forfeiting their time to Louann Brock, who read a statement from Bob Sube. Public comment lasted about an hour. The item that had drawn such interest and filled the room to overflow capacity was the termination of Fillmore's School Farm Tech Wayne Noblitt.

First to speak was Brock. She addressed the Board from a written statement saying, "On Friday, March 6, 2015 Mr. Noblitt was placed on paid administrative leave due to the fact that he discharged a firearm on the school farm (grounds) when he shot a vicious dog (1 of 2) who had attacked and killed one student's goat and was going after another. The dogs ran off into the river and have not been seen since. Mr. Noblitt truthfully and immediately reported the incident to Mr. Joe Richards, a practice that has been the standard for as many years as we have owned the School Farm. Mr. Noblitt had absolutely no idea that having done what was expected of him would in turn result in a termination recommendation. Not only has he been faced with possible termination, but the District also requested that the local Sheriff's department get involved and alluded to the possible need for criminal charges.......I have spent weeks on the phone talking to community members who have expressed complete disbelief that Mr. Noblitt, while attempting to safeguard our students animals, was being recommended for termination, when no written policy exists and the only verbal policy is that he did exactly as instructed (which was) if you discharge a firearm to report it, as he did, and then don't discuss it, end of story.....To have placed an employee on paid administrative leave without notifying me as the President, while not illegal, is certainly not conducive to open, honest communication and concern for an employee and their rights."

Brock ended by CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

03/06/15
Brandishing
400 Blk. Hume Dr.
Theft Identity
400 Blk. Mockingbird Ln.
Disturbance Music/Noise
Central Ave. / Sespe Ave.
03/07/15
Narcotics Violation
700 Blk. Sespe Place.
Theft
600 Blk. Ventura St.
Hit & Run
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Keep the Peace
600 Blk. Santa Clara St.
03/08/15
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Cottonwood Ln. CONTINUED »

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Come and Get it!! Please join us for the 102nd Alumni Dinner on Saturday, June 13th, 2015. The Day starts out with Social time from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. You will be escorted out to the beautiful lawn area of the Veterans Memorial Building under the Alumni Party Tent, for light snacks, a cool drink and laughter with friends and Alumni from all over the country, and our community.

Dinner is served at 6:00pm and the Menu includes: Wood Fired Prime Angus Tri-Tip of Beef, Served au Jus with Creamed Horseradish, BBQ Sauce & Fresh Salsa, Tequila Lime Chicken Breast, Boneless & Skinless Breast with a Creamy Tequila Citrus Sauce, Three Cheese Macaroni & Cheese, With Sharp Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan Cheeses, Pacifica Salad, Select Baby Greens with Sliced Local Strawberries, Caramelized Pecans, & Crumbled Feta Cheese with Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing, Wood Fired Asparagus & Zucchini, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, & Grilled Plum, Tomatoes, Assortment of Freshly Baked Rolls, With Butter, Dessert: Fudge Brownie Sundae, Vanilla Ice Cream with Homemade Fudge Brownie, Topped with Hot Fudge and Whipped Cream.

Seats are filling up fast! You can pick-up a reservation form at Patterson Hardware (and pay there if you like), or print out a form from the Alumni website at:

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f508fde4b02043de880cdf/t/54f546a...

See you all there!

Mark Ortega,
Fillmore High Alumni President

Cal Fire

Sacramento – As drought conditions continue to significantly elevate California’s fire danger, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has declared May 3-9, 2015 as “Wildfire Awareness Week”. During Wildfire Awareness Week, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians of the role they play in preparing for and preventing wildfires.

“With a record dry and warm winter Californian’s fire activity has been nearly double what it normally is for this time of year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Our firefighters continue to meet the challenges posed by California’s historic drought, but we all must do our part to ensure our homes are prepared for wildfire and that residents and visitors to our state take extreme caution to avoid sparking a wildfire.”

On May 1, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that California’s snowpack water content was only 3 percent of normal. The lack of snow and overall rainfall has led to conditions being much drier than normal, lending themselves to the quick spread of wildfire. Between January 1 and May 2, CAL FIRE has responded to over 1,100 wildfires that have charred over 4,200 acres. In an average year for the same time period, CAL FIRE would typically respond to fewer than 650 wildfires burning approximately 1,500 acres.

During Wildfire Awareness Week, CAL FIRE is reminding Californians that when it comes to wildfires, remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials. During this drought CAL FIRE is highly recommending residents landscape their yards with drought tolerant and fire resistant plants. Being Set includes have an evacuation plan and an emergency supply kit. Lastly, when a wildfires strikes, residents are urged to Go! and evacuate early.
CAL FIRE is also urging all Californians during Wildfire Awareness Week to learn the steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. Over 90 percent of the wildfires in California are sparked by the activity of people, so CAL FIRE has joined local and federal fire agencies in the “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” campaign in hopes of getting the public to practice fire safety outdoors and prevent sparking a wildfire.

Residents looking for additional information on how to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for wildfire can visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. The site offers tips for residents to make their homes more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their families are ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.
For more than two years, California has been dealing with the effects of drought. To learn about all the actions the state has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit drought.ca.gov.

Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at SaveOurWater.com.

Jose Martin Herrera

On April, 23, 2015, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department were working a gang suppression detail under a CalGRIP (California Gang Reduction Intervention Program) grant. At approximately 7:15 PM, they contacted two men in the 600 block of Ventura St. in Fillmore. During the contact, the deputies found Fillmore resident Jose Martin Herrera in possession of a loaded handgun. Herrera was quickly and safely taken into custody and no one was injured during the arrest. The handgun had been reported stolen during a residential burglary in Piru in April 2014. Herrera, a documented gang member, was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on the following charges:

25850(a) PC – Carrying a loaded firearm in public (Felony)
25400(a)(2) PC – Carrying a concealed firearm (Felony)
29800(a)(1) PC – Convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Felony)
30305(a)(1) PC – Convicted felon in possession of ammunition (Felony)
27545 PC PC – Illegal transfer of a firearm (Felony)
186.22(b)(1) PC – Participation in a criminal street gang (Felony)

Nature of Incident: Gang Member Arrested for Firearms Charges
Report Number: 150009248
Location: 600 Block of Ventura St., Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: 4/23/15 @ 7:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
(S) Herrera, Jose Martin Fillmore
Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
News Release Date: 4/24/15
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Mario Aguilar (805-524-2233) mario.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by:
Captain Mark Franke

Responsibility for Military Banners will be shared by the City and School Board.

For years meetings between the City Council and Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) have stalled. The April 28, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting was the first joint meeting with the School Board in three years. According to Board Member John Garnica their last joint meeting was in 2011, at which time they had held meetings quarterly. "Other priorities came into play" Garnica stated, that prevented the meetings from continuing.

The joint meeting's agenda contained the Military Banner Program, City's Mobile App and a Joint Use Agreement.
The City Council/Successor Agency Meeting proceeded the FUSD joint session. It contained an adoption of a joint resolution for operation of the Senior Center and development of the adjacent vacant lot.

The City of Fillmore and FUSD Board established a Military Banner program in 2008 to recognize Fillmore and Piru residents serving in the military. Virginia De La Piedra, with the help of David Smallwood, have continuously operated the program, which includes fundraising through the non-profit United Parents of Education.

From its beginning CONTINUED »

One thing I just love about living here in Fillmore is the way its residents share information about the events occurring in their lives. As many of you know a chance meeting in the grocery store, bank, or even while on a recreational walk on the bicycle trail, or in your neighborhood, can bring neighbors closer together by this sharing of information. A few years back I met Lynda Kagel, a neighbor and exercise partner of Jean Dempsey as they walked by my home on Grand Ave. I was out front watching my dogs do their business when we met over the fence. Over the many years since I have heard the story of Lynda's Grandmother, “GMA” as she is referred to by Family. Most of these stories were around GMA reaching another milestone birthday. GMA lives independently with neighbors and family checking in on her. She is a longtime Lakers Fan proudly flying Laker's pennants on her car until she stopped driving at age 104! Although her driving was self-restricted primarily to going to the beauty parlor once a week and picking up a few groceries she is amazingly independent and worked until she was 76 years old! By the time I met GMA, just after her 108th Birthday, she had already reached celebrity status in my home with the stories I enthusiastically listened to in amazement as Lynda shared them!

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 family and friends gathered in Fillmore, at the home of Lynda Kagel, Granddaughter of Gertrude Ness “GMA”, of Glendale, CA, who celebrated her 109th birthday on April 22nd. Also at the celebration were Lynda's husband Dean Glassburn, Gertrude's Daughters, Dianne DeGeer of Dallas, Texas and Jo Ness from Montrose, Ca. Granddaughter Susan Kagel, of Montrose, CA, nephew Ralph Ness of Minneapolis, Minnesota, step-great granddaughter Stacy Fontana, of Thousand Oaks, CA. and close friend Jean Dempsey, of Fillmore. Not able to attend were Granddaughter Amy DeGeer, Great-Grandson Bryson Nolly and Great Granddaughter Ayiana Turner, all of Dallas, Texas and Step Great-Grandson Danny Glassburn of Thousand Oaks, CA.

On April 18, 1906, just five days before Gertrude Ness was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, a small farming town some 2,100 miles east of San Francisco, the devastating 7.8 magnitude San Francisco Earthquake rattled San Francisco killing 3,000 people! When GMA was born Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States and she would see eighteen other Presidents serve the United States of America! The RMS Titanic sank when when she was not yet six years old. Gertrude has seen the horrors of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the many other conflicts that have occurred since her birth. Man has landed on the Moon, invented the computer and made the earth a smaller planet with faster modes of travel.

Gertrude, one of six children, was born on April 22, 1906 in Bemidji, MN to Noble and Eliza Sherwood. She married Peder Ness in 1933 and they raised two girls, Diane and Jo. Prior to marrying, Gertrude taught elementary school Band. As the Drum Major, the young Gertrude and her young students traveled and entered many parades. When Gertrude married Peder, he was in banking. But after she married the 27 year old teacher was no longer permitted to teach because female teachers were not permitted to teach once married. One account was that teachers held positions of authority and married women were not permitted in that authority role! This prohibition continued until 1919 when the “Sexual Disqualification Removal Act” was passed allowing married women to teach in the classroom. But, because of the Depression of 1920 women were frowned upon for working because so many men were out of work that teaching still was not a woman’s permitted area of work.

Gertrude and Peder moved to Glendale, CA in July 1941. Gertrude worked at Lockheed, in Burbank assembling bomber doors to support the War effort. After the war she developed the day care system in the Glendale School District for single Moms. She opened multiple nursery schools. At the end of her career, at 76, she was in Administration with the Glendale School District. Peder continued in banking. Peder passed away of cancer in July 1991. They were married for 58 years.

Gertrude continues to live in Glendale, CA in the house that she, and Peder rented when they arrived in CA and later purchased. Gertrude remains an avid Lakers Fan. Gertrude lives independently, with help from neighbors and visiting nurses a few times a week. Gertrude continues to visit the hair salon once a week to have her hair and nails done!

Gertrude has many awards from City of Glendale for her work in the school district and Glendale Beautiful as well as recognition from many other organizations. When asked, and she is asked frequently,”What is your secret to long life?” GMA's only answer is, “Growing up on a farm.” From that I take it that farm life was hard and everyone had to learn to work hard to support the family in order for the family to survive. GMA surely has worked hard all her life which could be the key to her longevity! From me, and from the Community of Fillmore, we would like to wish you Happy Birthday Gertrude! You Rock!

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Fillmore Explorers Post #2958 participates in Games

On the weekend of April 11th – 12th Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Explorers from Headquarters, Fillmore and Camarillo participated in the Los Angeles County Explorer Tactical Competition in Castaic. Competing in this competition were 19 Explorer Post from throughout California. This competition is scenario based focusing on tactics, physical fitness and officer safety. The Explorers competed in various events including Hostage Rescue, Tubular Assault, Marijuana Field Raid, High Risk Stops and Active Shooter. In addition to team events there were several individual and group events including SWAT Fitness Challenge, 4 Mile Mud Run and a 3-mile race.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Explorers brought home the following awards:

1st Place Family Disturbance(Fillmore)
1st Place Hogan’s Alley (Fillmore)
2nd Place Mud Run Male Explorer (Fillmore)
2nd Place Mud Run Female Explorer (Fillmore)
2nd Place Mud Run Female Advisor (Fillmore)
3rd Place Males SWAT Fitness Challenge (Fillmore)
5th Place Tactical Emergency Medical Response (Fillmore)
1st Place Mud Run Male Advisor (Camarillo)
2nd Place Female SWAT Fitness Challenge (Camarillo)
1st Place Tubular Assault (Headquarters)
1st Place Female SWAT Fitness Challenge (Headquarters)
2nd Place Males SWAT Fitness Challenge (Headquarters)

There were 12 Fillmore Explorers that competed along with 6 Sheriff’s Advisors. The following
Explorers participated in the competition: Explorer Sergeant Matthew Jimenez, Explorer Senior Adrian Mejia, Explorer Senior Nicholas Bartels, Explorer Senior Andres Castrejon, Explorer Senior Matthew Hammond, Explorer Jaime Vargas, Explorer DemelyAmezcua, Explorer Lauro Medrano, Explorer Andy Vasquez, Explorer Jovanny Herrera, and Explorer Natalia Herrera. The following advisors attended: Lead Advisor Deputy Leo Vazquez, Deputy Andrew Littlefield, Deputy Veronica Graybill, Deputy Erik Hernandez, Cadet Julio Espinoza and volunteer DJ Wareham.

This year with a combined VCSO Explorer Team our Explorers won the competitions biggest event the 10 Person Tug of War, easily beating Bell Police Department in the Finals and dethroning the events previous winner Oxnard PD. Thank You to all of our VCSO Explorers and Advisors for your hard work and dedication.

The Law Enforcement explorer program is a non-profit program. It consists of young men and women ages 14-21 with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of Law Enforce-ment. The explorer program provides law enforcement career experiences, leadership opportuni-ties, educational training, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to be-come responsible citizens in their communities and the nation.

If you would like more information about your local explorer program, please contact your local police department for more information.

Nature of Incident: Las Angeles Sheriff’s DepartmentExplorer Tactical Competition
Location: Castaic, CA
Date & Time: April 12-13, 2015
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Camarillo Police Department, Headquarters Station
Prepared by: Cadet Espinoza
News Release Date: April 14, 2014
Media Follow-Up Contact: Cadet Julio Espinoza 805-524-2234 (Fillmore)
Deputy Mario Molina 805-388-5100 (Camarillo)
Deputy Mark Rush 805-654-2304 (Headquarters)
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

The Fillmore Firefighters Foundation invites you to participate in our 2nd annual Golf Tournament that will be held on June 6th 2015. Last year was a fun and well attended event. We recommend you to sign up early this year. For information contact Bill Herrera at (805)797 5280 or Rigo Landeros at (805) 727-0935 or visit our web site www.fillmorefiregolf.com Come join us for an afternoon of Golf, BBQ cooked by our Firefighters and great raffle prizes.
Rigo Landeros
Fire Chief

Fillmore High school Senior Jorge Hurtado was awarded at $40,000 scholarship from Edison International on April 15th, 2015. Photo credit: Southern California Edison. A total of 30 high school seniors across Southern California Edison (SCE) have been named 2015 Edison Scholars and each will receive a $40,000 scholarship from Edison International, the parent company of SCE. As an energy company, Edison International and SCE recognize the skills needed for its future workforce and the country, and focus its educational funding on programs that prepare students to excel in the science, technology, engineering or math fields, also known as STEM. The graduating scholars, who live in or attend public or private high school in SCE’s service territory, plan to pursue college studies in the STEM fields. Under the $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program, each Edison Scholar will be awarded a $40,000 scholarship paid over four years. Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. Since 2006, Edison International has awarded more than $5.3 million in scholarships to 490 students. Edison International’s support of charitable causes is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders and SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.

Fillmore Unified School District

The April 21, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting began with a recognition of those that participated in the Fillmore High School (FHS) Art Show along with two announcements and five agenda items requiring approval.

Of the four Art Show honorees to be recognized, Rosalind Mitzenmacher, who teaches art at FHS, was the only recipient in attendance. Mitzenmacher commented that although the Art Show is in its 17th year, this was the first time she has been recognized. Board Member Lucy Rangel, in recognition of Mitzenmacher's efforts stated, "She brings out the best in our students and provides a service they enjoy and learn."

Board Member John Garnica mentioned that not everyone who made the program a success could attend the meeting, but "...all that contributed to the Art Show would receive a certificate later on." Those to be acknowledged are honorees; Josh Overton-Drama and Glee Club, Greg Godfrey-Band, Lourdes Juarez-Ballet Folklorico.

During information/discussion Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos announced there will be a Joint City/School District Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Fillmore City Hall. Palazuelos informed the Board there will be three FUSD items discussed; (1) Military Banners, (2) City Mobile App., (3) Joint Use Agreement with the City of Fillmore and FUSD.

A contract was approved CONTINUED »

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On April 9, 2015, at approximately 4:40 PM, emergency personnel with the Fillmore Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Santa Paula Fire Department, American Medical Response, and Gold Coast Ambulance responded to a two-car, injury traffic collision at SR 126 (Ventura St.) and Santa Clara St., Fillmore. The collision occurred when one vehicle, driven by John Toy, 65 of Fillmore, attempted to turn left from southbound Santa Clara St. to eastbound SR 126 and was struck by the second vehicle, driven by Michelle Artran, 36 of Oxnard, as she drove westbound on SR 126. Mr. Toy was injured as a result of the collision and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Ms. Artran and her four passengers (Nahun Orizabal, 25, and Lissette Ochoa, 24, both of Oxnard; Margaret Brown, 55 of Ventura, and Yvonne Bucio, 18 of Santa Paula, were injured and trapped in the vehicle for a short time. Ms. Artran and two of her passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the other passengers were treated at the scene and released. The collision caused significant traffic delays in the area for about two hours. The investigation into the cause of the collision is being conducted by the Fillmore Police Department.
Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden