Adrian Cervantes, passed away on August 4th, 2015 in a tragic car accident. Anyone who knew Adrian knew he lit up the room with his smile. He was always positive in his demeanor and joking around with family and friends.

Adrian is survived by his young children, Ava and Andrew, his wife, Lisa, and his extended family.

Adrian will be truly missed to all those who knew him and he will forever live on in our hearts.

www.gofundme.com/bng3ye46

San Cayetano Elementary was able to replace its roof thanks to a grant from the State Allocation Board.
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Workers have been busy over the summer at San Cayetano and Piru Elementary Schools replacing roofs, asphalt and improving our play structures.

Applications for Emergency Repair funding were submitted to the State in 2008. Due to the many years of the State’s fiscal crisis the funds were not awarded. In October 2014 FUSD, the only Ventura County district to receive these funds, was granted $3,091,742 by the State Allocation Board. This represents 3.3% of the total funding that was distributed State-wide.

This grant was allocated to 2 schools:
San Cayetano - $1,764,393
Piru - $1,327,349

These funds can be used for repairs to roofing, asphalt, playfields, paving concrete sidewalks, communications / fire alarm systems, painting, windows, flooring, fencing and replacement of one portable classroom at each school.

Some of this repair work has been completed since the time of this application. The district is reviewing prior payments to show that this work was done so that the funding can be moved from one project at the site to another project at the same site. This will help with the current cost, as the allocated amounts approved were based on 2008 costs.

We’re in the final stages of finishing the roofs, striping the parking lots, raking the play areas and getting ready to welcome our students for the new school year.

San Cayetano and Piru Elementary Schools are located in Ventura County and is part of the Fillmore Unified School District.

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Congratulations to the 2015 Fillmore Little League Intermediate 50/70 boys’ baseball team for such an outstanding season of baseball. Back in 2014 Fillmore Little League introduced this new division to the local citizens and it has been a success to say the least.This latest team accomplished to not only represent the City of Fillmore very well during the regular season but go on to represent the entire District 63 in the state tournament in Sub Divisional play.Great job and kudos from the local Board and the District. This is Fillmores second District and Section Championship in a consecutive 2 year period.

• Regular season record 21 wins – 1 loss ,runs allowed 45 –runs scored 239

• All StarCalifornia District 63 Champions 2015

• All Star Southern California Section 1 Champions 2015

• Appearance in Sub Divisional State Championship 2015

Aaron Keith Setty made his debut in grand style on July 27th—he was born in his parent’s kitchen. That wasn’t the original plan.

Clif and Christina Setty had prepared to give birth to their third child in a hospital, just as his sisters Michelle, 7, and Christina “Teeny”, 4-years, had been.

But around midnight Christina started contractions. Nothing to worry about, she thought. Braxton-Hicks, she thought. She had had two other children and recognized early labor. So she slipped downstairs and started doing dishes, straightening up the house, thinking the birth would be hours away. “My mistake,” she said laughing, “I thought I had plenty of time.”

Then the contractions started increasing in intensity and coming closer together, three to four minutes. That was when Christina considered the possibility that their baby was going to be born—now.

She did what any woman would do; she called her mother in Los Angeles and said it’s time.

About that time Cliff came downstairs to see if everything was all right. Christina told him to bring down some towels and get ready to go to the hospital. That was when things went into overdrive. Her water broke, and then the contractions became "very quick, very intense." Clif called 911 and the baby started to crown. So with his cell phone wedged between his shoulder and ear, Clif caught his son as he entered the world on their kitchen floor. Aaron was 8.2 pounds, 21.5 inches long, born at 2:10 a.m.

They wrapped the baby in towels, cleared his airway and he start breathing. Fillmore Fire arrived in time to "clamp the cord and I cut it,” said Clif, "Then it was off to the hospital." Christina wanted to thank the paramedics “for keeping us calm.”

“I wanted a natural birth, but not this natural!”

As for delivering his own son, Clif said, "Not too many people can say that. It was scary at first, then exciting."

Mama and baby were taken to CMH where they were both pronounced healthy; Daddy and sisters followed in the family vehicle.

The Setty’s have lived in Fillmore since 2007. As of next month Cliff will have served in the US Navy for 16 years. His rank is E8 Senior Chief, Navy NMCB3 at Port Hueneme since 2000. Cliff has served in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Fuji Japan, Okinawa, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Christine served in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2003, an E5 Second Class Petty Officer. She was stationed with Port Hueneme NMCB5. While it the service Christina served in Kuwait, Spain, Japan, Okinawa, and Cuba.

When asked what they would advise another expecting couple who might find themselves in the same predicament, they said, "Have lots of towels and try not to panic!

Daniel Nuno will stand trial for murder.

Daniel Nuno, 33 of Fillmore, will stand trial on charges he shot and killed Ricardo Gonzalez, 41 originally from Fillmore, on August 8, 2011.

A jury was sworn in Monday, July 27th, to hear the murder trial.

In 2012, Nuno allegedly shot Gonzalez in the driveway of Gonzalez’ mother’s home. He has been charged with first-degree murder with special allegations that he used a firearm to commit the crime. Nuno has pleaded not guilty.
According to Gonzalez’ mother, Irene, 77, Nuno walked up to Gonzalez and shot him in the face in front of her and Gonzalez’ then 3-year old son.

Gonzalez was a chiropractor in Oxnard and was picking up his son from his parent’s home.

According to Irene, Nuno had been to the Gonzalez home twice earlier in the day looking for her other son, Eric Gonzalez. Nuno and Eric were involved in a drug arrest in the past according to the Ventura County Star. She said Nuno said something in English to Ricardo which she didn’t understand, but he responded he would loan him money the next day. That is when Nuno pulled out a gun, shot Gonzalez and drove away. The defense has raised issues about her ability to have clearly seen the shooter.

Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Mauricio Chavez, 20 of Fillmore, was arrested on a July 1st Search Warrant at a residence in Fillmore. The charges were possession of a gun by a prohibited person and possession of a Billy Club.

While incarcerated, deputies arrested Chavez for attempted murder and street terrorism in connection with the June 23rd shooting of two victims in Ventura. The shooting took place in the 300 block of West Ramona Street in Ventura.

Just before 4 p.m. officers responded to a shooting call and found a 9-year old girl suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her leg. Shortly after, deputies discovered a second shooting victim, a man in his mid-30’s, in the 300 block of West Park Row. Deputies believed he was shot in the same location as the girl and fled on foot.

Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies are working to identify more suspects.

Attending the police reunion were (l-r) Elmo Sheeran, Paul Glanville, Duke Bradbury, Kim Garret, Tony Morales (arms crossed), Mark Trimble and Max Pina. Organizers of the event were Ernie Gutierrez, Duke Bradbury, Max Pina, Tony Morales. Fillmore Explorers came out to help serve the dinner. What a great event!
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A police reunion took place at Brett Park, Piru, on Saturday, July 25th. The reunion has been in the works for about 18 months. Fillmore Police Department was well represented by the following officers: Duke Bradbury, Mark Dominguez, Dave Foster, Paul Glanville, Tom Jones, Larry Matthews, Manuel Martinez, Frank Michael, Tony Morales, Max Pina, Sr., Dwayne Steel, Mark Vest, and Jess Zavala. Dispatchers Nathali Bagaso, Gloria Cardona, Lani Farr, Melinda Little and Maria Rangel also attended. Many FPD members are still working in law enforcement or a related field. Some are retired and 33 have passed away, about six in the last eighteen months. Besides FPD attending, there was Santa Paula PD, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, and CHP from the Ventura office (Fred Baskin who helped get radar enforcement on SR-126 from Santa Paula to Interstate 5). There were about 50 people in attendance, family, associate members, and most important our volunteers who helped with serving BBQ and music. Law enforcement from Oxnard PD, Ventura PD, and Simi Valley PD have showed interested in future reunions. An interesting note is that Larry Carpenter started as a reserve office with Fillmore, then regular officer, reaching a rank of Sergeant. He then transferred to the Ventura County Sheriff’s
Office, where he became the top law enforcement officer in the county.

Cal Fire

While most of California saw a rise in temperatures, firefighters across the State continued to make good progress on the 9 active large wildfires. Today 5,200 firefighters from CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, local fire departments and other federal agencies are on the frontlines of the active fires actively fighting them. Firefighters will once again be bracing today for hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty north winds. In fact a Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevated high fire danger for parts of upper northwest California due to low humidity and strong winds. This warning is expected to last through Wednesday morning.

With the high level of fire activity and the increase in hot and dry temperatures, CAL FIRE is urging everyone to be extra cautious outdoors. On hot and windy days it doesn’t take much for a wildfire to spark so all residents and visitors are urged to be careful. One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. For more visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Lowell Fire, Nevada County (more info…)
You Bet area, west of Alta
*2,233 acres – 30% contained
* Evacuations in effect
* 1,800 structures threatened
* Full containment expected on August 1

Wragg Fire, Napa & Solano Counties (more info…)
Off Hwy 128 near Lake Berryessa
*6,591 acres – 80% contained
* All evacuations lifted
* Full containment expected on July 28
Queen Fire, Humboldt County (more info…)
Off Hwy 169, 5 miles southeast of Pecwan
*200 acres – 42% contained

**Federal Incidents**
Willow Fire, Madera County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Sierra National Forest
Southeast of Bass Lake
*1,739 acres – 5% contained
* CAL FIRE continues to assist

Cutca Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
US Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
Palomar Mountain
*167 acres – 75% contained
*CAL FIRE continues to assist

Kyburz Fire, El Dorado County (more info…)
US Forest Service – El Dorado National Forest
Off Hwy 50 in Kyburz
*75 acres – 98% contained

Pines Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Angeles National Forest
Near Big Pines, northwest of Wrightwood
*200 acres – 85% contained

Lake Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest
south of Big Bear Lake
*31,359 acres – 98% contained

Washington Fire, Alpine County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
South of Markleeville
*17,790 acres – 99% contained

Keeping the trail clean for others to enjoy. DogPots are available along bike path for dog-owner convenience.

Each morning, Monday thru Friday four friends meet in the parking lot of Shiells Park at around 7:30 and walk together, on the bike path, from Old Telegraph Rd south to the City of Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant and back! A distance of about 3.5-miles. With them are their two dogs, Tasha and Rylee. Now, although they are long-time Fillmore residents, their bond is not that they grew up together, or were they high school classmates, or even lived in the same neighborhood! Their bond grew from the love of the early Fillmore mornings, native birds, wildlife, and the enjoyment of sharing conversations on just about anything, with just about anybody they meet along the way!

During their trek one of them carries wild bird seed to scatter for the many quail, pigeons, sparrows, robins, and a cottontail, or squirrel, who live in this wildlife oasis bordering the Sespe Creek. Conscious that they are visitors to this area the two walking their dogs dutifully pick up deposits left by Tasha and Rylee and carry the baggies back home for disposal.

While walking they have made many acquaintances who travel this same path, by bike, walking, or jogging! Many times it is a simple good morning that is said, but more often than not a hug, or handshake is given and a moment, or two of conversation about family, health, or, I'll admit, even some juicy gossip! There are the two Volkswagen Enthusiast brothers who walk nearly every day, but don't walk together because their pace and distance walked are different. There is George the Fillmore Ambassador endlessly waving at passing motorist. There are the carriage-pushing mother's running at an amazing clip with their sometimes sleeping children. And, there are many other anonymous dog walkers, joggers and an occasional coyote, pond turtle, bullfrog, or abandoned dog all populating this two-mile stretch. All are benefactors of a cheery "Good Morning" from this group of four!

The four consist of Navy Veteran, longtime Fillmore Lion's Club member, and retired business owner of Jack Stethem Painting, who in 40 years of business has painted many homes and commercial buildings in and around Fillmore. Jack, Jack's wife Jolene, who worked for 39 years as the Fillmore High School Principal's Secretary, and is now retired. Jack and Jolene have two sons, Brian 56 of Fillmore, and, Mark, who passed in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Jolene walks her Grand-dog, Tasha, a four year old female Bizsla breed. Susan Wilson (Mitchell), a Fillmore native and co-owner, with her husband Rex, of Mikrex Centerless Grinding in Fillmore. Susan has one daughter, Aubree, 26 years of Fillmore. Susan walks with her eight year old white Labrador Retriever, Rylee; and, Susan Berdahl (Meyers), also a Fillmore native, housewife and Teacher's Aide for the Fillmore Christian Academy. Susan and her husband Duane have four children, Erin 23, Nicholas 20, Rebecca 17, and David 14.

In addition to being passionate about the wildlife seen daily on the trail, each are very concerned about violations of the leash law they see daily and the failure of picking up after your dog while enjoying the bike path. Although they bring their own bags to pick up after Tasha and Rylee, it is evident others do not, or do they use the provided bags located at the entrance to the trail. Currently only one of the containers that provide the bags is still there near the Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant. The others have been damaged, or removed by vandals. Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, State-wide, but is is also for the protection of your dog, other dogs as well as other people using the bicycle path.

On the morning I took this picture it was just another one of the many beautiful mornings we enjoy here in Fillmore! Keep building up those miles Jack, Jolene, Tasha, Susan, Rylee and Susan and sharing your goodwill! I'll look for you again tomorrow!

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Cockfighting event took place in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road, Fillmore on July 18th, at 7 a.m.. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126).

When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. Four subjects were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. They were Fermin Navarro, 32 of Sylmar; Lucio Vasquez-Sanchez, 34 of Ojai; Rodrigo Suarez-Guzman, 28 of Ojai; and Abraham Figueroa, 54 of Piru.

Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred.

Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks