The Fillmore High Alumni Assn invites all Alumni to come enjoy a delicious meal at the 101st Alumni Dinner. This years meal will be catered by DJ's California Catering. Meal includes: WOOD FIRED PRIME ANGUS TRI TIP served with Au Jus and Creamed Horseradish, CHICKEN BREAST PROVENCAL served with Artichoke Hearts, fresh Tomato, fresh Basil and Black Olives in a light cream sauce. PASTA PUTTACESCA a penne pasta in tomato-Caper sauce. All dinners served with a RUSTICA BABY LETTUCE SALAD and an assortment of freshly baked rolls with Creamery butter. Dessert will be the ever popular homemade Apple and Peach Cobblers with Vanilla Ice Cream. Come into Patterson's Hardware Store (Open 7 days a week) in town and make your dinner reservations there. Price goes up to $45.00 per person for everyone after June 7th. Save $5.00 and get your reservations in before the 7th. Last years dinner was Party of the Year in Fillmore, and the current Board of Directors are planning more surprises for the 101st. You can catch a Glimpse of what's in store in the Merchant window of Nanette Kellers Dress Shop in Fillmore. See you all on June 14th.

 
Rosario Palmerin, 32 of Piru.
Rosario Palmerin, 32 of Piru.

Rosario Palmerin, 32 of Piru, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly using a vehicle to run down a romantic rival on December 26, 2013. The injured man, a 30-year of Fillmore resident, was taken to Ventura County Medical Center with broken legs.

Palmerin was charged with assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. He is accused of using his pickup truck to run down his estranged wife’s boyfriend. The victim was thrown approximately 30-feet by the impact, and underwent several surgeries. He is still confined to a wheelchair.

Deputies instigated a search for Palmerin, who turned himself in several days later. He remains in jail on $750,000 bail, and cannot be released because of an INS hold for deportation proceedings.

 
05/13/14 - 05/19/14
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

05/13/14
Surveillance
D St./Waterford Ln.
Theft Identity
500 Blk. Saratoga St.
Narcotics Violation
900 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Hit & Run – Non Injury
300 Blk. A St.
Disturbance Party
Reading St./River St.
05/14/14
Narcotics Violation
900 Blk. Wileman St.
Surveillance
200 Blk. Sheffield Ln.
Threats
600 Blk. Fillmore St.
Trespass
600 Blk. River St.
Accident – Non Injury
Cottonwood Ln./Waterford Ln.
Search Warrant
300 Blk. Clay St.
05/15/14 CONTINUED »

 
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5’5” to 5’7”, 130-150 lbs., slender build, brown hair, brown eyes, medium to dark complexion, wearing a grey hoodie and dark-colored jeans.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5’5” to 5’7”, 130-150 lbs., slender build, brown hair, brown eyes, medium to dark complexion, wearing a grey hoodie and dark-colored jeans.
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Police asking anyone with information to contact them

Surveillance images of a suspect who sexually battered a woman in a movie theater restroom last Friday evening reveal another man who was possibly with the suspect at the time. The second man was wearing a light blue polo shirt and white shorts (shown in attached photos). He spoke only Spanish with theater employees, and he is considered a person of interest at this time.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect in this case and the person of interest, who may have information about the crime.

On May 23, 2014, at approximately 11:39 p.m., deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department investigated a report of a sexual battery, which occurred at the Muvico Theatre on Hillcrest Drive. The victim reported that while she was in a restroom stall, an unidentified man slid underneath the partition and sexually battered her. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to exit the stall, and the suspect fled from the theater.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5’5” to 5’7”, 130-150 lbs., slender build, brown hair, brown eyes, medium to dark complexion, wearing a grey hoodie and dark-colored jeans. The suspect’s image was captured by surveillance cameras as he was leaving the area of the restroom. The suspect exited the theatre and got into the passenger seat of a black sedan.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the person of interest can call Detective Eric Taylor at (805) 947-8252 and any press inquiries can be directed to Sergeant Eric Buschow at (805) 947-8129.

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).

Nature of Incident: Woman Sexually Battered at Movie Theater (UPDATE)
Report Number: 14-11853
Location: Muvico Theatre 166 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: May 23, 2014 @ 11:14 p.m.
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes / Sexual Assault Unit
Prepared by: Sergeant Robert Fleming
Media Release Date: May 30, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Eric Taylor (805) 947-8252
Sergeant Eric Buschow (805) 947-8129
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

 
Fillmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 fire a 21-gun Salute on Memorial Day 2014. The Service was held at Bardsdale Cemetery on Monday, May 26th, honoring our fallen war heroes. Fly-Over Missing Man Formation performed by the 805th Navion Squadron, David Swett, Lead; Kurt Young, Element Leader; David Vanoni and Eric Johnson, Wing. Opening Remarks, Scott Lee, President Board of Trustees; Presentation of Colors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fillmore Post 9637. Special Music - Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir, Memorial Day Message - Commander Michael J. Hammond, Retired, U.S. Navy. Placing of Wreath - Jim Rogers, Memorial Service - Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church, Special Music - Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir, Reading of Names of Those Who Died in the Service of our Country VFW Service Officer - Jim Mills, Volly - Honor Guard VFW, Taps - Bob Thompson. Conclusion of Service - Release of Doves - Garcia Mortuary. We would like to thank the Boy Scouts and Bardsdale 4H for placing and removing flags and Chapter GY PEO for furnishing cookies.
Fillmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 fire a 21-gun Salute on Memorial Day 2014. The Service was held at Bardsdale Cemetery on Monday, May 26th, honoring our fallen war heroes. Fly-Over Missing Man Formation performed by the 805th Navion Squadron, David Swett, Lead; Kurt Young, Element Leader; David Vanoni and Eric Johnson, Wing. Opening Remarks, Scott Lee, President Board of Trustees; Presentation of Colors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fillmore Post 9637. Special Music - Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir, Memorial Day Message - Commander Michael J. Hammond, Retired, U.S. Navy. Placing of Wreath - Jim Rogers, Memorial Service - Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church, Special Music - Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir, Reading of Names of Those Who Died in the Service of our Country VFW Service Officer - Jim Mills, Volly - Honor Guard VFW, Taps - Bob Thompson. Conclusion of Service - Release of Doves - Garcia Mortuary. We would like to thank the Boy Scouts and Bardsdale 4H for placing and removing flags and Chapter GY PEO for furnishing cookies.
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Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church, lead the Memorial service.
Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church, lead the Memorial service.
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Pledge of Allegiance, Boy Scout Troop #406 and Cub Scout Troop #3400
Pledge of Allegiance, Boy Scout Troop #406 and Cub Scout Troop #3400
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I am sure many of you, like me, drive up and down Central Ave, or Sespe Avenue, and have taken notice of the aging Military Banners! The Military Banners are proudly displayed as a way of showing the Santa Clara Valley Community's support for those who are sacrificing daily for us here at home as active members of one of the five Military Services. Considering the Military Banners are up in all kinds of weather 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and 365-days a year, for nearly five years, they have not really done too badly! Many citizens of the Santa Clara Valley Community have commented on the condition of the Military Banners and wondered if they could be cleaned, repaired, or replaced. A small committee consisting of Virginia A. de la Piedra, City Manager David Rowlands, Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood have been meeting to find the best way to refurbish, or replace the Military Banners. It appears, however, the only sure way to ensure the Military Banners are made to look new again is to replace them! To replace the Military Banners is very costly, but not an impossible task for this Community!

The City of Fillmore has a commitment from a corporate sponsor for a, yet to be specified amount donation, to freshen up the Military Banners displayed on Central Avenue and Sespe Avenue. The donation will, however, fall short of the nearly $13,000 needed to order and replace the approximate sixty-eight Banners now prominently displayed showing this Community's support for those who are currently serving in the military.

Virginia A. de la Piedra has for many years been the caretaker of this program and maintained the finances to order each Banner for our troops from the Santa Clara Valley. Virginia says that although there are still some monies left in the account there is not enough to match what the corporate sponsor is expected to donate for this replenishment program. Other donations are expected from Military Service Organizations, local Service Clubs, Businesses and private persons.

One of the difficult tasks for Virginia has been to keep track of those persons with Banners, now displayed, who may have left Military service and are no longer currently serving. If a family member of someone now displaying a Military Banner knows of their separation from the military Virginia would like to be notified so that a new Banner is not purchased for that person. Virginia can be reached at 805-524-4091, or by email militarybanners@yahoo.com, or by writing her, United Parents for Education, P.O. Box 220, Fillmore, CA 93016. The Banner now on display would be removed along with all the Banners and would be given to the family, or to the person no longer serving at a special ceremony in front of the Fillmore City Council.

As the time is fast approaching to order these new Military Banners it is again being requested that anyone wishing to donate monies to replenish the existing Military Banners with new Banners to do so by dropping off a check at the City of Fillmore, or with Virginia A. de la Piedra. Your donation is tax deductible and you will be given a 501 © tax identification number in a confirmation letter accepting your donation. It is also further needed the names of those no longer serving in the military so as not to unnecessarily purchase Military Banners that will not be displayed. Please be generous with your donations to show our currently serving military members that Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale and the entire Santa Clara Valley continues to support them.

 

Pride in America Day was celebrated Tuesday, May 22 at Fillmore Middle School. This year, veterans were asked to go into individual classrooms before the assembly to speak to students about their experiences in the military and answer questions. The veterans were amazed at the interest of the students and the variety of questions. The assembly began with a military honor guard from Port Hueneme posting colors and was followed by a moving tribute to veterans. It also included performances of song, dance, and music. The student officers of the Pride in America Club beautifully emceed the entire assembly. Except for last year when the gym was undergoing repairs,
Pride in America Day has been held since 1995. This year was the best one ever. The teacher responsible for this wonderful tribute to America is Laurie Merrill. Besides being an incredible science teacher, Mrs. Merrill is responsible for the Pride in America Club, a group of about 40 students who meet every Wednesday during lunch throughout the year to plan the Pride in America Day. Under Mrs. Merrill's guidance, they become leaders. These wonderful students go on to high school and function as leaders there and continue as such into college and life. Mrs. Merrill has generously given her time and talents to this club on a voluntary basis. She and her students not only make Fillmore Unified School District look good, but also make Fillmore look good. Over the years, many people have commented that every school should have a Pride in America Day. I congratulate the school administration for permitting this wonderful program to continue. Thank you, also, to the teachers and staff who support this. Special praise is due Mrs. Merrill for her countless hours of work. Fillmore Middle School is truly blessed to have her.

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

The May 27, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting had two proclamations and two presentations that included the 2014/2015 City Budget. New business was a review and intent to increase the assessments for the Landscape and Lighting District, the Heritage Valley Lighting District and the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District.

Fillmore's Finance Director Gaylynn Brien presented the Council the proposed 2014/2015 Budget. With the judgment of the Sales Tax Settlement in Fillmore's favor and using conservative projections, she presented a balanced budget with future revenue covering expenditures. One negative item is an expected increase in sewer rates by 3% from $89.60 (average) to $92.29 effective August 1, 2014 or possibly January 1, 2015, depending on the Council's future decision. Some capital projects the City hopes to fund, if surplus funds become available, are improvements to Two Rivers Park Tot Lot, Two Rivers Park Bicycle Pump Track and Pole Creek Bike Path.

The meeting began with a proclamation to the Ebell Club for their many years of service to the community and recent generous donations of over $100,000 to a wide range of organizations and activities such as the Annual Art Show, Fillmore High School Music Program, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and Two Rivers Park. Accepting the plaque were Mary Ford and Marlene Schreffler.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) received the next proclamation. Accepting the plaque was Macie Wokal, Hannah Wisehart-Saviers, Jessica Manginelli, Timmy Klittich, Joe Ricards-Advisor, and Scott Beylik-FFA Booster President.

Film director Bryan CONTINUED »

 
70 pull-ups were just one of the drills at the Warfare Center.
70 pull-ups were just one of the drills at the Warfare Center.
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Athletes from 13 high schools participated in the Fourth Annual Navy SEAL Invitational at the Naval Special Warfare Center May 10th, 2014. The 13 high schools each brought teams of 7 athletes (plus one alternate) to compete in a race comprised of Navy SEAL physical training techniques.

The tournament included physical and mental challenges that pushed the athletes to succeed beyond their expectations. The event consisted of both water and land challenges that required individual persistence, determination, athleticism, strength, endurance and enthusiasm.

The day of the Invitational began with a parachute demonstration by the U.S. Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs”. Their jump began in the clouds, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

Next the student athletes were assembled at the Official BUD/S Obstacle Course where they completed almost all of the official course. They then went on to complete a three-mile run with a 35-pound sand bag (in the soft sand!), and then had two team members swim 400 yards in the Pacific Ocean, next was a relay with the 35 pound sand bag, a rope climb completed by one member, and finally each team had to work together to complete 70 pull-ups, 300 sit-ups, and 300 push-ups.

The athletes at the invitational represented several different sports and athletic backgrounds such football, track, wrestling, and swimming, but one thing they all had in common was their dedication to teamwork. One of the goals for the students is to learn they can never give up, and to rely on their teammates. That is something that The Navy SEALs instill in them.

Student athletes from the following high schools competed this year … from Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego; Central Catholic HS, Modesto; Coronado HS, Coronado; Del Norte HS, San Poway; Eastlake HS, Chula Vista; Fillmore HS, Fillmore; Hoover HS, San Diego; Irvine HS, Irvine; Lincoln HS, San Diego; Mount Miguel HS, Spring Valley; St. Augustine HS, San Diego; and Thomas Downey HS, Modesto. Friends and family joined the event as spectators. Students who attended from Fillmore High School were Angel Velez, Donovan Mitchell, Jessie Vasquez, Josh Ruiz, Matt Hammond, Michael Castro, Nick Bartels, Tereck Morales. Dr. Nishino, Michael Johnson, Mrs. Morielli and Bob and Lisa Hammond were also able to attend this amazing event.

The Navy SEAL Invitational is a great way to promote physical fitness in a competitive environment. It’s also an exciting event that offers a rare peek inside Naval Special Warfare training while providing these athletes with an awareness of opportunities available in the Naval Special Warfare community. Navy SEALs are elite maritime special operators who take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. They work quietly to carry out the nation's most important missions without being detected by enemies. There are fewer than 2,500 active duty SEALs.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nsw/

 
05/06/14 to 05/12/14
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

05/06/14
Found Property
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Narcotics Violation
800 Blk. Edison Ln.
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Main St.
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
ADW
900 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Narcotics Violation
Clay St./Santa Clara St.
05/07/14
Vandalism
30 Blk. East Telegraph Rd.
Fight
Mountain View St./Sespe Ave.
Narcotics Violation
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
Dead Body
300 Blk. D St.
Drunk in Public
300 Blk. Central Ave.
05/08/14
Search Warrant CONTINUED »

 
1948 Alumni Dinner behind the current Science Building
1948 Alumni Dinner behind the current Science Building
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Saturday, June 14th
2013 Alumni Dinner
2013 Alumni Dinner
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2013 Alumni Dinner
2013 Alumni Dinner
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Amber and Karl serving up the
Amber and Karl serving up the "Flashback" special drink for the 2014 Alumni Dinner
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A little bit of Fillmore High Alumni Dinner History. In the early 1900's the annual dinner meetings were held on the High School campus, with individual class meetings being held in separate class rooms following the dinner. The dinners , which usually consisted of pit barbecue, were prepared by various groups, including Albert (Dutch) Bartels '26, and his crew, and Ed Burson and his group. They were held with attendees sitting at tables on the benches made from Citrus picking boxes and 1x12's. The dinners were held on the old tennis courts, which were where the cafeteria is now located. After 1951 they were held between the current Gym, and the Cafeteria, on the High school quad, and eventually at the Memorial Building where the meals were prepared by the Fillmore Club, headed by K.B. Rogers '46 and Ron Godfrey '62. Eventually as it grew in numbers being served, it was moved to the City Park and now it's back at the Memorial Building lawn area. For those of you who attended last year's party of the year, you remember how beautifully decorated the memorial building was with pictures blown up and memorabilia dating back 100 years. Well, the current board members are at it again bringing out more beautiful pictures, and are planning to knock your socks off with a wonderful 1940's Alumni dinner exhibit. This is just a hint of what you'll be able to see at this year's event. Come celebrate our Alma Mater. We hope you join us for a wonderful meal, lots of laughter, and a night to remember in Fillmore on June 14th. Here's the info: The Alumni Dinner event is $35.00 per person if you're a subscriber to the Alumni Newsletter. If you are not, the event cost is $40.00 per person before June 7th. After June 7th, and at the door, the cost is $45.00 per person. Here's how you get your dinner reservations. You can go to Patterson's Hardware Store, (They are open 7 days a week) fill out the form, and leave your payment there. This will guarantee your entry to the event, or you can go online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com and print out a dinner reservation form there, and either mail it in or drop it off at the Alumni Office. The Alumni Office is located at 540 Sespe Ave #6 and will be open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. If the door is locked, just slide your payment under the door. It's checked daily. Last year's Alumni dinner was sold out, so please don't be left out at this year's celebration. Any questions, please call 805-524-0416. See you all on June 14th!

 
 
 
 
FHS Students who joined in the Navy SEAL program.
FHS Students who joined in the Navy SEAL program.
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The Future Farmers of America along with the students who attended the Navy Seal Challenge were presented at the May 20, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Other items were software analysis, computer/operations upgrades and a special program at Sierra High School.

Anna Morilli, Fillmore High School Dean of Students, introduced the Future Farmers of America Timmy Klittich, Jessica Manginelli, Hannah Wisart, Jaylene Ortiz, Macie Wokal and Chris Berrington. Each student carried with them various plaques given by political leaders in recognition of their achievement and importance to both the community and the country. Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino addressed the students stating, "We want to promote the future leaders of this country."

Next presented were Fillmore High School (FHS) students, Nick Bartels, Joshua Ruiz, Angel Velez, Matthew Hammond, Jessie Vasquez, Michael Castro, Donovan Mittchel and Terell Morales (not present), who participated in the US Navy Seals Challenge at US Navel Base in Coronado, California. This is an invitation only event and FHS was one of a few to receive the privilege. A short presentation showing much of what the participants endured, such as running three miles carrying sandbags, 70 pull-ups, and 300 sit-ups and push-ups. The students did an outstanding job and were told FHS students will be invited back.

Sierra High School teacher Laura Todis gave a report on the progress of the School Yard Habitat & Restoration Program. Students grades kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 7th and high school are learning about the native plants, fish, birds and other living habitat that depend on the Santa Clara River. They visit the eight stations along the river and observe first hand how trash contaminates and endangers the natural habitat. Some attended the program last year and today can see how the drought has impacted water flow, which encouraged the students to conserve water. Todis informed the Board that the program is building skills important to the Common Core Standards.

During the Educational CONTINUED »

 

Memorial Day services will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery on Monday, May 26th at 11AM. Featured speaker this year is Commander Michael J. Hammond, Retired, United States Navy. Commander Hammond has ties to Fillmore including his Uncle the Rev. Bob Hammond who will be giving the Inspirational Message. Michael is also the grandson of the late Reg Hammond and great grandson of George & Gertrude MacPherson all of Bardsdale. Commander Hammond graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1988 following in his father’s footsteps who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966. He attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida and became a full-fledged “unrestricted” naval aviator in February 1990. Unrestricted refers to helicopter pilots since they are the only ones authorized to fly both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. He served several squadrons in San Diego and Hawaii, deploying aboard cruisers, frigates & destroyers, assigned all over the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf including a deployment as part of Operation Desert Storm. In total he amassed over 2000 flight hours over a lengthy career, During his last squadron tour he was sent to the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor Training Course in Fallon, Nevada, graduating with the first class of instructors for his type of helicopter. Six years later he was chosen to stand up his community’s first ever Weapons School and serve as Commanding Officer. In 2006, after relinquishing command he moved his family to Fairfax, Virginia where he served out the remainder of his naval career at the Pentagon. He and his family still reside in Fairfax, Va. and after 23 years of active duty service Michael retired in 2011. He continues to serve in the Department of Defense as a defense contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton. Michael is married to his wife Pam and has four children.
Special Music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir. Also assisting in the service will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3409 and
Garcia Funeral Home. Flags will be placed on Veteran’s graves on Friday, May 23rd by the Boy Scouts and will be picked up on Tuesday, May 27th by the Bardsdale 4H. The
Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee - President, Lynda Edmonds - Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz along with Cemetery Manager
Doug Basolo and his staff would like to invite the community to this special event.

 
04/29/14 - 05/05/14
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

04/29/14
Disturbance Music/Noise
400 Blk. 1st St.
800 Blk. 4th St.
Accident Non - Injury
900 Blk. 3rd St.
Theft
900 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Abandoned Vehicle
1100 Blk. Meadowlark Dr.
Battery
300 Saratoga St.
Vandalism
Bard St./ Saratoga St.
Search Warrant
700 Blk. Island View St.
04/30/14
Surveillance
301 B St.
Hit & Run Non - Injury
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Saratoga St.
Disturbance Music/Noise
800 Blk. 4th St.
Los Serenos Dr./Sierra Vista Ave. CONTINUED »

 
A motorcyclist apparently lost control of his bike and hit a wall Saturday night, 7:28pm, in the 1100 block of Highway 126. The driver was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
A motorcyclist apparently lost control of his bike and hit a wall Saturday night, 7:28pm, in the 1100 block of Highway 126. The driver was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
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Forest Officials Accept Public Comments through June 4

Ventura County, CA - Last week, the U.S. Forest Service unveiled an oil company’s proposal to hydraulically fracture eight oil and gas wells on federal public land in the Los Padres National Forest. The wells – located north of Fillmore in the Sespe Oil Field – would bring the total number of wells fracked in the Sespe to 18 in the last three years, making this the highest concentration of fracking along California’s central coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Along with the eight wells, the oil company – Seneca Resources Corporation of Houston, Texas – is seeking permission to construct nearly two miles of new pipelines, a 12,600-gallon tank, and other industrial facilities in this remote area.

“Like most of the wells completed previously in the Sespe Oil Field, the new wells would be hydraulically fractured as part of completing the wells for production,” states Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Ken Heffner in a letter to interested parties dated May 2, 2014.

The Forest Service will accept public comments on the three-page announcement until June 4, 2014. Then, officials state that they will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) and could approve the wells as early as next year. An EA is a concise, less-detailed analysis than a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Forest Service must prepare a full EIS for any proposal that may have a significant environmental impact, as well as for issues such as fracking that involve substantial controversy.
“Fracking eight wells and constructing two miles of pipeline in an environmentally sensitive area clearly warrants a full, thorough, and careful analysis in an EIR,” said Jeff Kuyper, executive director of Los Padres ForestWatch, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Barbara that monitors fracking and oil drilling throughout the Los Padres National Forest. “There’s too much at stake to fast-track fracking in our forest.”

Hydraulic fracturing – commonly known as “fracking” – is a process whereby water, sand, and thousands of gallons of chemical additives are injected underground to break apart rock formations and stimulate the extraction of oil and gas. The technique has come under increasing scrutiny from scientists, regulators, and the public due to concerns with groundwater contamination, surface water pollution, water consumption, and public health. Hundreds of fracking chemicals are known to be toxic to humans and wildlife, and several are known to cause cancer.
Located approximately four miles north of Fillmore in Ventura County, the Sespe Oil Field is one of the oldest oil fields in California. Approximately half of the field’s oil and gas wells are located on land in the Los Padres National Forest. The other half are found throughout a patchwork of private land that is intermingled with the national forest land.

The lands in CONTINUED »

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

The Fillmore City Council agreed on April 8, 2014, at their public hearing, to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or person(s) responsible for the death of Adrian Moreno.

During the first week of May, the Fillmore Unified School Teachers Association (FUSTA) also agreed to add an additional $2,500 to the reward. Adrian Moreno’s mother was a former member of this organization prior to his tragic death.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Sgt. Todd Inglis at 805-384-4730. The reward will be paid within six months following the conviction of the suspect(s).

Nature of Incident: Adrian Moreno Homicide Reward Increased
Location: City of Fillmore
Date & Time: May 14, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Major Crimes/ Homicide Division
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Adrian Moreno Fillmore 18
Prepared by: Captain Dave Wareham
Media Release Date: May 12, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Todd Inglis 805-384-4730
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

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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