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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 On the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded to multiple groups of stranded hikers on the Sespe River Trail, in the Los Padres National Forest. This area is north of the Fillmore area. In total, 11 hikers and 3 dogs were airlifted to safety. The recent storm over the weekend caused major impacts to the Sespe Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Rain caused water levels in the Sespe River to rise quickly leaving hikers stranded in harsh conditions. Ground units from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to safely access the areas to lead the groups to safety. Two separate rescue helicopters were dispatched to the area. Copter 9 is a Bell 412-EPX helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, available seating for 10 passengers including the crew of 4, a paramedic, crew chiefs, and pilot. Copter 4 is a Fire Hawk firefighting/ rescue helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, and available seating for 14 passengers including 2 crew chiefs and a pilot. This year, Ventura County and most of Southern California has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. These storms have the ability to change normal water conditions into dangerous water currents and flash flooding. This has in turn increased the amount of rescues in the region. While both the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office have highly trained teams to respond to these types of emergencies, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions and recommendations given by public safety agencies. Rescue operations are intrinsically dangerous to both the rescuers and the victims. The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction. Media Follow-Up Contact: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook (805) 388-4212/ jeffrey.seabrook@ventura.org Prepared by: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook – Ventura County Aviation Unit Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 On Friday, April 5, Sheriff’s deputies were detouring traffic near Sespe & B Street as Hollywood set up to film 9-1-1: Lone Star, making Shiells Park the base. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 Over the weekend, a petition table was set up outside of VONS Fillmore seeking signatures on proposed initiative 23–00017A1. The petition allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950, both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed: Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes: Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community. The petition requires 546,651 signatures to make the ballot, As of 01/24/2024, 25% signatures were reached, deadline 04/23/3024. Courtesy https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/circulating-initiatives-25percent-signatures. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 On Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported fight in progress with multiple subjects at the Fillmore Vons parking lot. According to sheriff’s dispatch, two male subjects and two female subjects were involved in an altercation. Arriving deputies located one male subject with a bloody face in front of Vons and a second male subject in front of Subway; both male subjects were detained. According to witnesses one of the female subjects threw a large bottle of alcohol at one of the male subject’s face. A detective sergeant attempted to make contact with the female subjects who had fled into the coin laundry, running out the rear of the business. They later returned to the scene. Deputies also requested Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics to respond to the scene to examine the male subjects. Both were taken into custody. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 On Saturday, March 30, at 10:32 a.m., Ventura County Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of East Guiberson Road and Torrey Road. Arriving firefighters reported a truck on fire, requesting an additional engine. Firefighters requested an arson investigator and the CHP to start an arson investigation while they were on-scene. No other additional information was provided. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 Old Telegraph Road has reopened after being closed in early February for repairs caused by the Sespe River after a heavy rainstorm. The bridge repair was made possible by the hardworking crew at Ventura County Public Works. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 On Saturday, March 30, at around 12:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol responded to reports that a large tree had fallen and was blocking the eastbound lanes of SR126 near Old Telegraph Road. CHP officers arrived and requested Caltrans and the VCFD for traffic control and chainsaws. While crews cleared the roadway, both directions of SR126 were shut down for over 30 minutes. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School students competed in the 21st Annual Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. This year’s tournament drew approximately 70 students. Fillmore had placements in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Two Fillmore High students, Abraham Vargas Cortes (10th grade), and Marileny Manzo Zambrano (11th grade), qualified to move onto the state level tournament in May of this year in Monterey, California. The Speech and Debate Tournament is a tremendous learning opportunity that helps students build confidence and sharpen student’s critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. “The talent and dedication on display at the tournament was nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this play a vital role in helping our migrant students overcome the many challenges they face. Countless students who have been part of the Migrant Education Program have gone on to achieve academic success and build rewarding careers in our community and beyond.” Enlarge Photo |
 Fillmore’s Annual Flower Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7. “Flower Power” theme will commence from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara, for all to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun. Photo from last year’s Flower Show courtesy Jan Lee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Courtesy Jane Lee Spring is here! It’s time for the annual Fillmore Flower Show. Plan to attend to see what local gardeners have cultivated. It is always a spectacular display. The theme this year is “Flower Power”. What an opportunity to demonstrate creativity and a green thumb. Don’t miss it! Come to the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. This is where you bring your flowers, dish gardens, potted plants to exhibit for your friends and neighbors to see. Flowers, etc. must be entered on Saturday, April 6, between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. There is only one entry fee for each adult exhibitor of $5, no matter how many entries. All youth entries are FREE. Expert judges will rate the entries. You might take home a blue ribbon! Then from 1:00-4:00p.m. Saturday and Sunday the Flower Show is open to the public. Everyone is invited to view the flowers and plants. But that is not all there is. There will be live music both days. There is a plant and garden boutique with excellent prices. There are sweets and juice. There is an activity table for youth. There are gardeners who will talk to you about plants. You can learn a lot and enjoy the beauty of nature. The most popular categories are single stem cut flowers. Whether it is a rose, an iris or any other single stem flower, the entries are beautiful! Everyone should have at least one stem of a flower to bring. So, bring a single stem flower, a bouquet, an arrangement, a potted plant, a dish garden or a mini arrangement. Help make the Fillmore Flower Show a success. Meet some new people. Enjoy blooms, plants, music and sweets. See you at the Flower Show. For more information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
 Copter 9 landed at Two Rivers Parks to drop off three hikers who were rescued near the Los Padres National Forest Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
 On Tuesday afternoon, March 26, work crews were at Two Rivers Park off River Street, working on the Fillmore Dog Park. The city allocated $200,000 in February 2022 for the repairs and updates. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
 On Tuesday, March 26, at 1:21 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 at Pyle Road. According to a witness the vehicle was seen driving recklessly and at a high speed before crashing. Arriving fire personnel located a solo vehicle overturned with one occupant, minor injuries were reported. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
 Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer was named Cal South State Champs last weekend. Pictured top (l-r): José Valdez (Assistant Coach) Alonso Arellano, Jovani Huerta, Giovani Valdez, Julio Ballesteros, Julian Medina, Hector Hernandez, Jose Zaragoza, Juan Medina, Juan Lizarraga, and Christian Ramirez. Bottom (l-r): Toni Hernandez (Assistant Coach) Javier Cisneros, Abe De La Cruz, Nathaniel Negrete, Angel Garza, Toni Hernandez Jr, Saul Magana, Julian Huerta, Luis Vigil, and Juan Hernandez (Head Coach). Not pictured: Xavier Lara and Jesus Canchola. Photo credit Erika Arana. Enlarge Photo  Last weekend Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer was named Cal South State Champions for the first time ever. Above is the team celebrating after their victory, holding up their trophy. Photo credit Erika Arana. Full story begins on page 1. Above is one of Fillmore’s California United FC 2008 Boys Soccer players as he tries to keep his opponent from taking the ball. Enlarge Photo By Erika Arana For the first time ever, a Fillmore team has won the Cal South State Cup! The last two weekends, March 16th, 17th, and 23rd, Fillmore’s Competitive Soccer Club, California United FC, was crowned the 2008 Boys State Cup Champions! Goal keepers Julian Medina (co-captain) and Jose Zaragoza only allowed 3 goals all 7 games with co-captain Hector Hernandez leading the defense as well as creating for the offense. The defensive backline of Javier Cisneros and Saul Magana with Giovani Valdez made it a tough outing for opposing offenses resulting in an overall tournament goal difference of 22-3. Leading scorers for the tournament were Abe De La Cruz with 6 goals followed by Jovani Huerta with 5. Assist leaders are Julio Ballesteros and Christian Ramirez with 4 followed by Hector Hernandez with 3. Game 1: CU 5 - 1 Necaxa USA *** Game 2: CU 1 - 0 Olímpico *** SEMI FINAL: CU 1 - 0 Premier Elite *** FINAL: CU 5 - 1 Toritos |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-967 TO UPDATE PORTIONS OF FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.06 WHICH SETS FORTH REGULATIONS FOR STORMWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT 9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 10. CITY MANAGER CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 7A. THROUGH 7E. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 26, 2024.PDF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 27,2024. PDF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 12, 2024.PDF THIRD AMENDMENT TO GOVTEMPSUSA.PDF SR - ROTORCRAFT ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.PDF SR - STORMWATER ORDINANCE UPDATE. ORD NO.24-967. FINAL.PD RECOMMENDATION That the City Council introduce first reading of Ordinance 24-967, updating various sections within Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) Chapter 8.06 for compliance with State and Federal law pertaining to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (“NPDES”) program for municipal dischargers: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING PORTIONS OF THE CITY’S STORMWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA. |
 Pictured (l-r) are Rotary District Governor Elect Sherry Sim, Rotary President Scott Beylik, and District Governor Marta Brown. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
Last week, the Rotary Club of Fillmore celebrated its 100 Anniversary on Saturday, March 23, at the Fillmore Museum Depot. There were 50 people present; many were past presidents going back to 1990. The two couples who traveled the farthest were Bob and Mary Taylor and Dave and Diane Wareham. Our District Governor Marta Brown and District Governor Elect Sherry Sim presented the Club with a certificate from President R. Gordon R. McInally of Rotary International. During the event three members shared the Rotary history. Martha Richardson shared the Fillmore Rotary original Club history while Kyle Wilson shared the Fillmore Rotary Sunrisers history, and Sean Morris concluded with the merger of the two Clubs and how with more members and a unified group they are able to do more for the community and the world. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 28th, 2024
 On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Fillmore High School students were treated to the musical sounds of cumbia and boleros by Grammy award winning Mexican-American band La Santa Cecilia in celebration of “World Down Syndrome Day” and “Dia Del Campesino.” Above is Councilmember Christina Villaseñor, Commissioner Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez, FHS student Emi Martinez, his mom, Ana Cardenas, Field Representative Manuel Minjares, and Special Education Teacher Mr. Rockney, who came out for the fun. Photo courtesy Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez. Enlarge Photo  On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Fillmore High School students hosted Grammy award winning Mexican-American band La Santa Cecilia in celebration of “World Down Syndrome Day” and “Dia Del Campesino.” Above are students and staff dancing and enjoying the music. Photo courtesy Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez. Enlarge Photo By Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez On Thursday, March 21, Fillmore High School students were treated to the musical sounds of cumbia and boleros by Grammy award winning Mexican-American band La Santa Cecilia, all in celebration of “World Down Syndrome Day” and “Dia Del Campesino.” This celebration brought together students, staff, city officials, and the perfect combination of history, culture, inclusion, and diversity through the power of song; Mr. Herrera, who teaches Spanish and forms part of the musical group “Hermanos Herrera,” has been very successful at using every opportunity to incorporate music into his lessons making the learning experience in his classroom an enjoyable one. La Santa Cecilia, a band that represents US bicultural identity, has a unique sound that captures their Latin American influences and Mexican heritage, music that resonates with many Fillmore students from all walks of life. World Down Syndrome Day has been celebrated on this day every year since 2012, this year’s theme is End the Stereotypes. Mr. Rockney, a Special Education teacher at FHS, believes “students with Down Syndrome have hopes, dreams, and challenges much like any other child their age. They have a deep desire to connect with their peers and to engage in meaningful friendships. They want to show their teachers and friends what they know and what they can do.” Supervisor Kelly Long, who had field representative Manuel Minjares present the band with a certificate of recognition, was honored to have her office present at the event, not only to celebrate Dia del Campesino “a day where we honor the immeasurable contributions from farm workers in our community,” but also to “recognize World Down Syndrome Day which seeks to bring awareness to the challenges faced by the Down Syndrome community and create change to improve their quality of life.” Dia Del Campesino, or Farmworkers’ Day, is a celebration that was created by the Spanish Department this year. Mr. Luis Herrera and his team decided that with Cesar Chavez Day around the corner on March 31, it would be appropriate to focus on the significance of all farmworkers/campesinos as a whole. Mr. Herrera believes that “it’s important to recognize the history of struggle of campesinos and spotlight their importance within our community and society. Campesinos feed America, and their arduous work is often overlooked and dismissed.” Councilmember Christina Villasenor, who acknowledged the band with a certificate of recognition from the City of Fillmore, is glad to see Fillmore High School students taking a moment “to show gratitude for our campesinos and celebrate them in our community.” She also agrees with Mr. Herrera, and believes farmworkers are “the backbone to our local economy, the backbone of our families and cultural fabric of our community, instilling the values of hope and hard work, perseverance and pride, strength and unity in all of us.” Mr. Herrera has ten more musical events lined up for FHS this year, which also includes a week-long celebration for Cinco de Mayo; all festivities will have live music, including the school’s very own Mariachi Los Rayos and Johnny Tapia, who Mr. Herrera believes will be selling out arenas in the near future! Community members and local businesses have jumped at the opportunity to support these FHS events, so a big thank you goes to Cultura Imports, Daniel’s Gourmet Foods, Lemon Tree Embroidery, Electric Remedy, Radio Lazer, The Candy Bar, La Fondita Restaurant, La Michoacana Bakery, Erika Sandoval, and Hermanos Herrera! If any community member or local business would like to support any Fillmore High School events, please contact Mr. Luis Herrera via email at lherrera@fillmoreusd.org or through Instagram @hermanosherrera. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 21st, 2024
 On Wednesday, March 20, at 4:58 a.m., Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 1600 block of Grand Avenue. Arriving firefighters located two larger boats fully engulfed, located in a backyard residence. According to VCFD radio traffic there were reports of a burn victim which later declined any medical treatment. Firefighters were able to get knockdown on fire within 30 minutes after being dispatched. An arson investigator from Ventura County Fire Department was also dispatched. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 21st, 2024
 Christine Schieferle, Superintendent of Fillmore Unified School District Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2... Dear FMS Families, We will continue to take all threats seriously for the safety and protection of our schools. Let’s continue to work together and if you see something, say something. Respectfully, |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 21st, 2024
 On Monday, March 18, FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle and Intern Assistant Superintendent Dr. Isaac Huang presented Scott Lee with thankful awards for his service at Family Science Night. Mrs. Schieferle also shared with Fillmore Lions Club members about all the wonderful submissions they received for the Authors Faire this year. Lions were invited to help judge the stories and they look forward to reading them on May 2nd, at 6:30pm. At the same time the district will be honoring Ernie Morales by reading a story that most embodies what his goals and achievements focused on. This will be the kick-off of years to come, promoting literacy throughout the district. Great job FUSD for honoring Ernie’s legacy and placing literacy high on the radar! Photo & article by Brandy Hollis. Enlarge Photo |
 Pictured (l-r) are CSUCI President Dr. Richard Yao, FHS Principal Keith Derrick, FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle, FUSD Trustee Olivia Palacio, Student Board Representative Camilla Morales, FUSD Trustee Tricia Gradias, FUSD Trustee Lucy Rangel, and FUSD Trustee Sean Morris who were all in attendance for the Memorandum of Understanding event. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 21st, 2024
On March 5th, 2024, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, Fillmore High School Principal Keith Derrick, and California State University Channel Islands President Dr. Richard Yao signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides opportunities for Fillmore High students seeking to attend college. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a guaranteed admission program to California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) and makes the process of preparing for and attending college more streamlined, affordable, and accessible to all Fillmore High School (FHS) students. This year alone, 41 Fillmore High seniors were accepted to CSUCI. The MOU will increase that number in the future by providing a clear path to college with more resources, guidance, and opportunities outlined in the MOU and provided by both FUSD and CSUCI. The conversations regarding the development of a MOU began over a year ago, when Superintendent Schieferle met CSUCI President Yao. Always working to fulfill one of Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) governing board’s goals of creating more partnerships with business, colleges, and universities, Superintendent Schieferle began the process of working with President Yao, CSUCI staff, FUSD staff, FHS Principal Derrick, and FHS staff to develop this opportunity for Fillmore High students. “This MOU and new relationship demonstrates CSUCI’s commitment to the students in Fillmore and Piru,” said FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle. “This commitment to the FUSD community validates to our students that CSUCI believes in them and will offer the support necessary to see them accomplish their goals. This makes college a reality for our students before they graduate from high school.” Schieferle said the district is grateful for President Yao’s vision and FUSD is committed to providing a rigorous college preparatory program for high school students; making sure students meet CSU admission requirements; promote CSUCI programs and services to parents and students; and share data about FUSD students with CSUCI. In addition to providing a dedicated admissions counselor, CSUCI will also offer on-the-spot admission to Fillmore High students. This means that whenever CSUCI representatives visit Fillmore High, students may bring their transcripts and could be provisionally admitted to CSUCI that same day. FHS Principal Keith Derrick said, “Through the commitments outlined in this MOU, our graduates will have a chance to access a high-quality, affordable college education close to home. We are excited to work with CSUCI to enhance our students’ success and future options. This agreement is an important investment in the young people of our community.” |
