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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 11th, 2015
City of Fillmore Two Rivers Park - Pump Track / Bike Park 1120 River Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 “Grand Opening” Saturday, March 21st 12:00 p.m. The City of Fillmore, City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission would like to invite you to the Pump Track / Bike Park Grand Opening on Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 p.m. Pump Track / Bike Park is a professionally designed facility giving cyclists a safe, off street place to learn to ride, practice and increase cycling skills. The track consists of pump tracks, skills areas, trails area, practice trail and jump line. The skills, trails and Jump areas will contain feature designed to build riding skills such as balance, pedaling, shifting, braking, etc. in a safe, controlled and progressive environment. Everyone from the age of 2 – 102 that can ride a bike, come out and use the Pump Track /Bike Park. |
 A driver plowed into two parked cars before hydroplaning into a driveway in the 400 block of Mt. View, Monday. The stolen SUV cause extensive damage to all three vehicles, and a block/brick retaining wall. A helicopter and K-9 unit were called in to assist in the search. The driver fled east on foot and was captured later in the day. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
 Jesus Mora, Fillmore, 25 Today at 0900 AM, a deputy from the Fillmore station ran a routine records check on a parked vehicle. The check revealed the vehicle was recently stolen out of the Palmdale area of Los Angeles County. While he was watching the vehicle, (S) Jesus Mora got into the car and drove away. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Mora at 2nd St. and Island View, but Mora accelerated and started a vehicle pursuit. They traveled to Second St. and Mountain View and fled south on Mountain View through a school zone. Speeds were estimated near 60 MPH as Mora drove through the intersection of Sespe and Mountain View, passing a vehicle that was stopped to make a right hand turn onto Mountain View. This action, in addition to the dip in the roadway intersection and the wet surface, appear to have caused Mora to lose control of the car. He sideswiped a parked vehicle and started to rotate 360 degrees. The rear bumper then collided into another parked car, totaling it, and pushing it more than 50 feet south on Mountain View. The vehicle’s rear passenger’s door collided into an electric pole, pushing it 18-24 inches into the vehicle, and causing the vehicle to spin in the opposite direction into a block wall and knocking it over, finally coming to rest into a residence’s driveway on the west side of the 400 block of Mountain View. The deputy, who pursued with lights and sirens, saw the vehicle lose control and slowed, seeing the collision unfold before him. The sole occupant and driver, who was partially ejected through the passenger’s front window, was able to immediately get out through the window and flee over one fence, into the backyard, and over the rear fences of the 400 block of Mountain View. The deputy attempted to chase the suspect, but injured his knee while running and had to discontinue the foot chase. A security perimeter was quickly set up around the neighborhood. San Cayetano Elementary was locked down during the search. A School Resource Officer was assigned to maintain the perimeter of the school and ensure the safety of the students and faculty until the end of the incident or school. The Sheriff’s helicopter, a K-9, additional deputies from other areas and citizens patrol members arrived to help secure the perimeter and execute the search. A detailed search was conducted of backyards, garages, and open residences without initial success. After nearly four hours of searching, the suspect, Mora, was located in a locked garage within the perimeter. Mora had changed clothes and was hiding under blankets and behind objects in the garage. Mora was taken into custody without further incident. He will be charged with felony evading in a car, possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary into a dwelling, and hit and run. Mora suffered minor injuries from the collision and was booked into the Sheriff’s Pretrial Detention Facility after receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested for a Stolen Vehicle, Felony Evading, Hit and Run, and Burglary 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, March 4th, 2015
 Who should maintain the banners? On March 3, 2015, the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting began with an announcement of the 2014 Annual Community Award Honorees; Student of the Year, Fillmore High School Student David Cadena; Classified Staff of the Year, Fillmore Middle School Staff Alfonso Martinez; Certificated Staff of the Year, Rio Vista Elementary School's Mary Allyn Garcia and Administrator of the Year, Piru Elementary School's Diana Vides. The awards will be presented this Friday, March 6th at the Veterans Memorial Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Also honored will be the Citizen, Business, Firefighter, Officer and Nonprofit of 2014. The first item discussed by the Board was a City/School District Committee Meeting held February 13, 2014 and attended by four Committee Members; (FUSD Board Members) Scott Beylik, Virginia de la Piedra, (Council Members) Diane McCall, Manuel Minjares and two Staff (City Manager) David Rowlands and (Asst. Superintendent) Martha Hernandez, sitting in for Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. Dominating the discussion was the banner program to recognize enlisted men and women from the City of Fillmore. According to de la Piedra the program began during a joint City/School meeting about eight years ago. In attendance at that time were Patti Walker, a former City Council member, and FUSD Board Members (including de la Piedra). All agreed that it would be a great program. But De la Piedra contested that no one on the School Board agreed to fund or provide the labor to hang the banners. She had assumed that the City accepted the responsibility. While discussing it CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 4th, 2015
In early January 2015, the suspect in the attached surveillance photographs used several victims’ debit card information to fraudulently withdraw money from ATM machines in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles. The suspect is described as a white male between 60-75 years old and has darker, graying hair. He appears to be unshaven with a thin gray beard and mustache. All the victims still had their ATM cards in their possession at the time of the crimes, and how the suspect obtained the victims’ information is still under investigation. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the photographs. Anybody with information regarding the suspect in the photos is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Jones at 805-371-8396. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind its residents to frequently check their credit reports and monitor their savings/checking accounts for unauthorized activity. If any suspicious activity is noted, immediately call your financial institution and report it to the Thousand Oaks Police Department at 805-654-9511. Nature of Incident: Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying theft suspect 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 — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
Adolfo Huerta was born in Coeneo, Michoacan Mexico in 1954. At the age of 13 he moved to Fillmore, Ca. with his grandmother Lupe Rangel and uncles on a student Visa to continue his education. He attended Fillmore Jr. High and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1974. Adolfo was one of many FHS’s successful long distant runners, still holding a record today. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart Rosa since 1976. They have three children, Erika Arana, Jessica Huerta and Jorge Luis Huerta. Combined they have eight energetic grandchildren. Adolfo has worn many hats in the City of Fillmore; from dishwasher, to busboy, cook, to landscaper, teacher’s aide to working alongside Dr. Nelson as his veterinarian assistant for 17 years all while being a volunteer fire fighter for the Fillmore Fire Department. In 1992 he was hired as the first paid Fire Captain for Fillmore and in 2000 his peers voted him fire fighter of the year. He has served over 30 years on the department. Adolfo has been an active member of many organizations in our community, such as Optimist Club, Boys & Girls Club, Youth Task Force, Lions Club and One Step a La Vez. He has taught CPR, First Aid and CERT Classes for many Fillmore and Ventura Country residents. The little spare time that he has is all spent cheering his grandchildren on in their sports. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
The One Step a la Vez Program actually began in 2004 when 12 youth started advocating for a safe place for teens to go to get services and to hang out. From 2004-2012 other financial agencies sponsored the program, but in June of 2012 the California and Federal NonProfit status was granted. The Mission: Serve the communities of the Santa Clara Valley by providing a safe environment for 13-19 year olds and preparing informed, empowered youth who are equipped with the tools to: • Lead, The One Step a la Vez Program has five main components, all of which are coordinated to provide a fuller experience and support for youth in various stages of their academic, personal and professional lives. The five components are: • A relaxing and welcoming Drop in Center (One Step Center) with fixed hours in which the youth can get help with homework, tutoring, access to computers, fix themselves a snack, kick back with friends and participate in OSALV activities and classes. • Referrals: o Referrals to other services, camps and programs that are available to youth, appropriate to the needs of the youth and with approval from the parents. • Social Justice Committees.These committees give youth the opportunity to learn that they have the power and ability to improve their community. • Academic, College and Career support: Staff works with youth to write scholarships, get into colleges or technical schools as well as providing tutoring and homework support. • Transition support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, either through incarceration or formal or informal probation. Staff works with youth in juvenile hall or on probation to develop a plan for success and then helps them accomplish their goals. • Community Support Groups and Services: In order to provide a wider support for the youth, the OSALV Program also provides classes and support groups for parents such as Domestic Violence Support Groups and Services, Parenting Classes, English Classes, Individual Family Counseling, Classes on legal rights, computer use, Mental Health First Aide, National Association on Mental Illness family information and support group and any other support that the community requests. The services are provided by professionals in the field and OSALV provides the facility, interpreting and child care (if needed). • All youth services are free. A minimal charge may be applied for parent workshops. |
 Adrian Mejia was named 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year by his peers. Mejia is pictured front center. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Adrian Mejia was chosen by his peers to be the 2014 Fillmore Explorer of the Year. He has shown excellent leadership skills and is a great asset to Explorer Post 2958. Adrian is the son of Adrian Laura Mejia. He also has two siblings, Adael and Laura Mejia. He was born in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. He has been a resident of Fillmore since then. Adrian graduated from Fillmore High School in June 2013. He was a member of the Fillmore 2012 CIF State Championship team in Cross Country. Adrian is currently attending College of the Canyons and majoring in Criminal Justice and has a part time job at Domino’s Pizza. Adrian became an Explorer in 2012 and he has completed over 400 hours of community service which includes: assisting with Lions Club of Fillmore Christmas Parades, Fillmore High School parades, May Festivals, Toy Drives, Toy Giveaways, traffic control for Rotary 5K Runs, Camarillo Air Shows, Ramona Days and Moorpark Safety Days. He has competed in several Chandler and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office competitions and has usually placed 1st in their running events. At every competition, he is looked upon for guidance by his peers due to his leadership skills. He is a great example to every youth that with hard work and a great heart you may accomplish anything. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
It is with great pleasure that the members of the Fillmore Fire Department announce the 2014 Fire Fighter of the Year, Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Panke. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. Firefighter/Medic Panke’s love and dedication for EMS, firefighting and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2014 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Alex Ortiz has been in the real Estate business over 9 years after being associated with Large Franchises decided to be independent and join American Dream Realty in 2014. Servicing the Ventura County area since 2004, I want to make my hometown your hometown. My clientele personally believe in my Integrity, Reliability, Professionalism and the expertise that I provide. I am a fulltime Bilingual agent and pride myself in helping all my families find the home of their dreams that fits their needs. I believe in maintaining that small town feeling with my attention to detail. I believe in investing in my community and am a proud sponsor of Fillmore Athletic Boosters, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clara Valley Neighborhood for Learning and a proud resident of Fillmore. |
 Fillmore’s Finance Director honored. Presented to the City of Fillmore’s Finance Director Gaylynn Brien from the California Society of Municipalities, was a Finance Officer Certificate of Award of Excellence for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The award was for meeting the criteria established to achieve the Operational Budget Excellence Award. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
 A Proclamation went to Joemil Reguindin, District Liaison, California State Board of Equalization, for their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) which offers free income tax preparation in Ventura County for those with incomes less than $53,000. Pictured right, Mayor Douglas Tucker. Tuesday's Fillmore City Council meeting contained three new business items and three proclamations on its agenda. The restructuring of the Fillmore Senior Center was the first agenda item, with a new web site developer and appointments to commissions the second and third items. During Public Comments Donna Volker, past President of the Fillmore Senior Center (FSC) Board, Charlie Alvarez, a present Board Member, and Bob Stroh addressed the Council. All spoke of their displeasure over the loss of the Multipurpose/Senior Center Building lease. There were a number of accusations directed at specific Council Members and statements that letters from FSC Board Members to the City Manager David Rowlands had been ignored. Volker asked if any of the Council had visited the Senior Center during regular hours, then answered herself stating "No" adding they had only came during their Open House. She then accused Council Member Diane McCall of turning her back on her when Volker tried to speak with her. She also stated that Rowlands purposefully refusing to speak with her. Members of the Council expressed surprise at the accusations. Immediately after speaking the three walked out of the Council Chamber. The Senior Center was the first agenda item. It addressed creating an Active Adult Commission (AAC) for the Center. This is the first step in establishing an oversight to the Center. The AAC's responsibility will be to advise the Council on the establishment and provision of services to seniors in the community. They will make recommendations on the best way to operate the FSC including programs, activities and policies with a goal of promoting and assisting seniors to maintain maximum health, well-being and independence. A big concern of the Councils’ was adding layers of red tape to getting things done. Council Member Manuel Minjares told the other members he wanted quick decisions and questioned who should make the final decisions regarding the FSC. McCall agreed with Minjares adding she wanted the people to have a voice. Mayor Douglas Tucker CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
 Pictured are the Cops Running for Charity team from a past run. Left sitting/standing are Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Tim Hagel, and Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Randy Pentis, Retired, each served as Fillmore’s Chief of Police. Stock photo. Enlarge Photo After years of running all over the world and burning through countless pairs of shoes, Cops Running For Charity has reached a major milestone. They will be running a marathon in Antarctica. This will mark the realization of a long-standing goal to compete in marathons on all seven continents. Logistically, running in Antarctica requires much more planning than their previous trips abroad. Just getting there will be an adventure in itself. The group will travel from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, and then on to Ushuaia in Tierra Del Fuego. From there, the men will board a Russian icebreaker that will take them across the Southern Ocean via the Drake Passage on a four-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite it being summertime in the southern hemisphere, the race will take place in sub-freezing temperatures on ice-covered roads linking scientific research stations along the peninsula. Race organizers will have their hands full ensuring runners are adequately equipped for the difficult conditions during the race. For years, CRFC has been making its mark in major running events throughout the world, including a multi-day run in the Sahara Desert, a marathon on China’s Great Wall, as well as events in Iceland, Siberia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Easter Island, Patagonia, Ireland, and numerous major marathons in the United States. All of their events fulfill multiple goals for the group. They raise thousands of dollars for local medical charities, they promote physical fitness, and they enjoy the camaraderie of sharing their travels and adventures throughout the world. The Antarctica team will consist of Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Tim Hagel, Ojai Chief of Police Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin Ret., Captain Paul Higgason Ret., and Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Commander Randy Pentis Ret. The team has raised more than $300,000 for organizations such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, ALS, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Ventura County, Camarillo Hospice, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. The idea of starting CRFC started on the back of a cocktail napkin more than ten years ago. The team’s motivation can be summed up by a quote from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” For more information about the team and how you can help support their charities, visit www.copsrunningforcharity.com or contact Commander Tim Hagel at (805)947-8189 or retired Commander Randy Pentis at (818)661-8540. Nature of Incident: Cops Running For Charity To Run On Seventh Continent |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
01/21/15 to 01/26/15
 City of Fillmore 01/21/15 |
 Oversight Board Members, Dr. Mike Bush, Chair Rick Neal, Jeff Burgh, Janice Turner, and Patti Walker. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
There has been a longstanding rift between the City and the Senior Center over a facility rental contract. And despite months of discussions, with both sides stating their case, the problems between the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) and the City of Fillmore has only grown wider. The latest problem is a threatened lawsuit led by FSCI President Patti Walker, if the Center’s rental contract with the City is not renewed. And with almost $130,000 already paid out in settled claims by two now former employees for “harassment suffered by Board members at the center” the City has taken action to correct the inappropriate environment. Rental Contract: Walker Letter: |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
 A traffic signal pole was knocked down by a Ford F210 Pickup truck as the result of an collision with a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Enlarge Photo On Friday, February 13, 2015, at approximately 5:38pm, Fillmore Deputies were dispatched to an injury accident at the intersection of Ventura Street (SR126) and “C” Street. The accident included two vehicles, a Ford F250 pickup and a Chrysler PT Cruiser. The driver of the Ford Pickup, Robert Gamble, was traveling westbound on Ventura Street and the Driver of the PT Cruiser, Harrison Terry, was traveling eastbound preparing to make a left turn (North) onto “C” Street. As the two vehicles entered the intersection they collided head on. The Ford Truck continued Westbound colliding with the traffic control light pole on the corner, taking the pole down. Due to the significant injuries, Traffic Investigator Sr. Deputy John Popp was called to the scene. Terry and his two passengers were transported to VCMC for injuries ranging from minor to major injuries. Gamble was uninjured. Parties Involved: Gamble, Robert Santa Maria Unk. Party Involved: Terry, Harrison Santa Paula 75. Victim: Unknown |
 Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos announced during the February 17, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District meeting that the American Dream Foundation (ADF) has awarded the District $7,500. ADF is a non-profit out of Ogden, Utah whose mission statement reads, “To assist in the personal and economic improvement and development of disadvantaged individuals.” Norma Sandford-Perez was instrumental in obtaining the gift and will be overseeing its distribution. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
 Assistant FUSD Superintendent Martha Hernandez presented the Board a Local Education Agency (LEA) Plan Revision. Each LEA is required to develop a plan on how Title I (U.S. Dept. of Education) monies are to be spent. Enlarge Photo Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos announced during the February 17, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) meeting that the American Dream Foundation (ADF) has awarded the District $7,500. ADF is a non-profit out of Ogden, Utah whose mission statement reads, “To assist in the personal and economic improvement and development of disadvantaged individuals.” Norma Sandford-Perez was instrumental in obtaining the gift and will be overseeing its distribution. Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez presented the Board a Local Education Agency (LEA) Plan Revision. Each LEA is required to develop a plan on how Title I (U.S. Dept. of Education) monies are to be spent. Under Title I "(S)chools must focus Title I services on children who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet State academic standards. Schools enrolling at least 40% of children from low-income families are eligible to use the funds for school wide programs designed to upgrade their entire educational programs to improve achievement for all students, particularly the lowest-achieving students." FUSD qualifies for the low-income and lowest-achieving requirements for Title I. The District has been in Program Improvement for three years. The goal of Title I funds is to upgrade the instructional programs, which have to be identified in the plan. Hernandez presented the Board with the plan, along with 40 others who are part of the District Leadership Team. Next, Palazuelos gave an update on the repair/replacement of the fire alarm system at Fillmore Middle School (FMS). The fire alarm system has not been in working order at FMS for at least a month, but there has been and will remain a fire watch until fixed. Sammy Nigrete is watching the school during the day, the custodians have evening watch and a staff member has the nights. The company doing the work, Simplex, arrived on campus February 16th with all the components and the infrastructure repair will be complete by next week. Water contacting the low voltage wiring was cited as the cause of failure. Palazuelos told the Board, "We're still determining the root cause." Insurance covers all costs including the fire watch hours, minus the deductible. The District has hired a new Technology Technician, bringing the number to four. Three will maintain the District Office and one will support the Fillmore High School campus. Board Member Sean Morris addressed the proposal on the new housing in Piru. Construction had not yet begun. Morris mentioned that Ventura County has possibly given builders a pass on paying Development Impact Fees (DIFs) to encourage low income housing construction, which may cause funds shortage for education. DIFs are what cities use to build schools for children who will reside in the new homes. The Board agreed to investigate if the County plans to wave the fees, preparing a plan to have them reconsider. Finally, students from Fillmore High School will receive workshop training on how to teach elementary students basics about biology and educate them about the River Restoration Project this Saturday, February 21st. Also, the Drama Club will be selling t-shirts to raise money for their upcoming play "Halls of Horror", opening March 13th. |
 Cheryl Heitmann, VCREA Vice-Chair and City of Ventura Mayor presents the Emerging Energy Leader Award to Douglas Tucker, Mayor of Fillmore, at the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) 2nd Annual Energy Leadership Reception on January 29th. (l-r) Cheryl Heitmann, Douglas Tucker, and Sue Hughes, Deputy Executive Officer, VCREA. Photo by Gia Allen. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
Presented at 2nd Annual VCREA Leadership Reception
On Thursday, January 29th, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) honored its partners for strides in energy savings at the 2nd Annual VCREA Leadership Reception. The event brought together partners and stakeholders to meet, acknowledge the program’s 2014 community impact, and assess goals for the upcoming year. Three new awards were introduced and presented at the event. Douglas Tucker, the Mayor of Fillmore, accepted The Emerging Energy Leader Award on behalf of the City of Fillmore. The Emerging Energy Leader Award recognizes leadership of significant energy savings in a VCREA partner’s own facilities, programs and community outreach. Since 2006, the City of Fillmore has achieved more than 10 percent energy savings through the implementation of energy efficiency programs. In 2014 alone, the City also completed an Energy Action Plan to help identify objectives and strategies to help the city realize its long-term energy efficiency goals and achieved “Gold Tier” denomination in Southern California Edison’s Energy Leader Partnership Program, moving from “Valued Partner” and skipping over “Silver Tier” status. “It is encouraging to see the efforts of all our partners making such a noticeable impact on energy usage throughout the County,” said Sue Hughes, Deputy Executive Officer, VCREA. “Together we are carrying out the mission of being energy stewards for our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in the years to come.” Ventura County was honored with the Energy Saving Impact Award for having the largest total number of Kilowatt hour savings from projects completed in 2014, with over 1.5 million kWH, and the City of Thousand Oaks was honored with Green Community Leadership Award for the city’s extraordinary community outreach and efforts engaging with the residential and business community. VCREA is a Joint Powers Agency composed of different public agencies working to develop and implement energy initiatives that support sensible growth, a healthy environment, and the economy. Last year, 13 organizations were involved with the agency, including Members: the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura; the County of Ventura; Ventura County Community College District; Ventura Regional Sanitation District and Ventura Unified School District; plus other participating cities: the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, and Port Hueneme. Utility partners are Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison. VCREA strives to increase energy efficiency awareness and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable local resources. Since 2006, VCREA has attained over $3 million dollars in incentives and 22.5 million Kilowatt hours in savings for its partners. About VCREA |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
01/14/15 to 01/20/15
City of Fillmore 01/14/15 |
 On Wednesday, February 4th, at 1:50pm an arrest was made near Waterford and D Streets. The suspect, Donaldo Renee Torres, 28 of Fillmore, was arrested for Petty Crime 1, Stolen Vehicle, and Resisting Arrest. It all began on January 26th when Torres allegedly stole a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. On February 4th Torres was at the Shell Gasoline Station on C Street and Highway 126 filling the tank of the stolen car. Torres was spotted filling gassing up by the cousin of the stolen vehicle’s owner. When the cousin confronted Torres he fled and the cousin was able to return the vehicle to its owner. The police were able to pull field slips and locate photos from a gas station in Santa Paula of the suspect with the stolen vehicle. This gave police probable cause of stealing and possessing a stolen vehicle, which led to the suspect’s arrest. Torres resisted arrest and had to be tasered. Arrest information provided by Police Chief Dave Wareham. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 2/4/2015, Ventura County Sheriff’s patrol deputies working the Oak Park area stopped a vehicle for a minor violation. They contacted the driver, James Alvarez and his passengers Elroy Orduno and Albert Penuelas. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered Alvarez was on active probation in Ventura County and the vehicle he was driving belonged to Orduno. They invoked Alvarez’s probation search terms and searched Alvarez and the vehicle. Deputies located two pounds of high grade marijuana inside the vehicle. Deputies arrested all three subjects for conspiracy and possession for sales of marijuana. Deputies later determined Penuelas provided them false identifying information. The deputies were able to determine his true name and discovered he had two outstanding felony warrants. Narcotic Detectives assisted with the investigation and served a search warrant at Orduno’s residence located on the 300 block of Alder Springs Drive in Oak Park. Officers with the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Team (DET) assisted Narcotic Detectives with the service of the search warrant. They contacted and detained Orduno’s girlfriend, Penny Vitela and their two minor children, ages 4 and 6, inside the residence. During the search of the residence, detectives located about two thousand Xanax pills, over 22 grams of methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, small amount of marijuana and a loaded shotgun. The condition of the house was unkempt and some of the drugs were found in locations that were within arm’s reach for the minor children. Based on the circumstances, detectives began a Drug Endangered Children (DEC) investigation. Child Protective Services was contacted and notified of the situation. They immediately responded to assist with the investigation. At the conclusion, Child Protective Services took custody of the children and removed them from the home. The children’s mother, Penny Vitela was arrested for child endangerment and she was later booked into the Main Jail in Ventura. Her bail is set at $50,000 Elroy Orduno was arrested for violations of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and child endangerment. His bail is set at $70,000 James Alvarez was arrested for Transportation of Marijuana and his bail is set at $50,000 Albert Penuelas was arrested for giving false information to a peace officer and conspiracy to transport marijuana and two felony warrants. All four subjects are set to appear in court on February 6th, at 1:30 PM. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrests |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
City anticipates Fillmore Senior Center, Inc. lawsuit
 On behalf of the City of Fillmore Mayor Douglas Tucker received a Gold plaque presented by Representative Sue Hughes. The City earned the Emerging Energy Leader Award for its energy conservation. The February 10, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting was filled to capacity. It began with a proclamation, a reward and an announcement. The Council then went into Closed Session for over two hours discussing the rental agreement with the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) before returning to the Council Chambers. The proclamation was presented to the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders for their 2nd National Title. The 2014-15 Raiders Cheerleader Squad are JAZ International Champions. The squad won First Place in Las Vegas on January 25, 2015. The squad members are: Ryleigh Westrup, Angelina Delgadillo, Daniella Lucas, Alyssa Brooks, Tatyana Villella, Hennassy Marquez, Maddie Davis, Aiesa Rodriquez, Jada Plummer, Natalie Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Jazmine Chavez, Sasha Segovia, Alexis VanWhy, Jayni Rolfe, Jordyn Rolfe, Mersaydez Cardona, Lilliana Contreras and Daisy Andrade. The coaches are Caitlin McCall, Taylor Wright, Sadie Ortiz, Tanya Barrera, Tami Rolfe, Ellyse Lucas, Rebecca Ibarra, Tina Hurtado and Lori Nunez. Mayor Doug Tucker spoke of their superior sportsmanship and civic pride adding that many of participants are Honor Role students. The item that kept the Council in closed session for over two hours of discussion was whether to renew the rental By Jean McLeod The February 10, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting was filled to capacity. It began with a proclamation, a reward and an announcement. The Council then went into Closed Session for over two hours discussing the rental agreement with the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) before returning to the Council Chambers. The proclamation was presented to the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders for their 2nd National Title. The 2014-15 Raiders Cheerleader Squad are JAZ International Champions. The squad won First Place in Las Vegas on January 25, 2015. The squad members are: Ryleigh Westrup, Angelina Delgadillo, Daniella Lucas, Alyssa Brooks, Tatyana Villella, Hennassy Marquez, Maddie Davis, Aiesa Rodriquez, Jada Plummer, Natalie Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Jazmine Chavez, Sasha Segovia, Alexis VanWhy, Jayni Rolfe, Jordyn Rolfe, Mersaydez Cardona, Lilliana Contreras and Daisy Andrade. The coaches are Caitlin McCall, Taylor Wright, Sadie Ortiz, Tanya Barrera, Tami Rolfe, Ellyse Lucas, Rebecca Ibarra, Tina Hurtado and Lori Nunez. Mayor Doug Tucker spoke of their superior sportsmanship and civic pride adding that many of participants are Honor Role students. The item that CONTINUED » |
