The July 8, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting was filled to capacity as over 100 people attended, with many coming to speak during Public Comments. There were three subjects of interest brought forth by those who spoke; the Chevron Superfund Site, the Equestrian Center and the Fillmore Western Railroad. Other agenda items included a presentation on access to a renewable energy infrastructure, establishing a Fillmore Development Council, modification of a housing development in the North Fillmore and forming a committee with the Fillmore Unified School District.

The meeting began with a Proclamation to retiring Detective Senior Deputy Taurino Almazan, who twice received Officer of the Year (1994 and 2003) and completed his last day of assignment on June 28, 2014. Almazan began his career in law enforcement in 1979, coming to work in Fillmore in 1989. He was promoted to Senior Deputy in 1996 and was assigned to the Main Jail in Ventura for two years. In October 1998 Taurino returned to Fillmore where he was continuously assigned. Taurino told those in attendance, "I don't regret anything with my career."

The Public Comments lasted almost two hours as speaker after speaker addressed the Council. Julie Longoria, a fifth generation Fillmore resident, voiced her health concerns with the Chevron Superfund Site which is also called the Fillmore Works Project. Others voiced the same concern and asked the Council to not approve moving forward with the project until a more in-depth study has been conducted on the potential health risks to residents.

There were a number of Public Speakers who spoke on Fillmore Equestrian Center's new $2 per day fee ($60 per month) for storing horse trailers along with the requirement that dogs be kept on a leash and the lack of communication from the City. Chuck Brian asked "Where are you (the Council) going with the Center?" adding he had contacted City Hall with questions that were not answered. He informed the Council that the plumbing in front of his horse stall has had a leak for a year and wanted to know what City employee is responsible for its repair. Brian, along with Steve McKinnon from Santa Paula, complained about the Center's lack of direction and said that people are leaving due to the cost.

The cost to CONTINUED »

The steam-whistle blowing in the distance. The autumn ride through the orchards to the pumpkin patch. The thrill of the mystery dinner train. All that may be a distant memory soon. A judge evicted Fillmore & Western Railway from the Santa Paula Branch line last week, perhaps the final blow in the dispute between Railway owner Dave Wilkinson and the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

The Commission filed a lawsuit in March against the Railway when they ignored the agency’s demand to stop running the train operation. The Railway countersued, claiming the Commission terminated its 20-year lease wrongly. What does it mean for Fillmore financially? Only time will tell.

Below is a message from Mayor Manuel Minjares to the community of Fillmore:

The eviction of Fillmore & Western from the Santa Paula Branch Line has been a truly frustrating and unfortunate event. As a commissioner with VCTC, I had the opportunity to be exposed to the details of this process but not allowed to share those details with the public, which would have given a better understanding of both sides of this issue. All I can say is that I truly believe there were opportunities for a middle ground to be reached but it did not happen.

The absence of Fillmore & Western will undoubtedly exert a financial impact on the City of Fillmore. The tourist train, Thomas the Train, Holiday Train, fundraising events and annual Railfest gave the City of Fillmore an identity unique to the County of Ventura and exposed families near and far to our wonderful, unique town. Our identity and cultural roots are critical to the long term economic sustainability of our community. I am committed to working diligently with our staff, members of our City Council, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau, the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historic Society, and other economic development groups to do our part to bring a viable railroad operator to the Heritage Valley.

This is an endeavor that must be embarked upon with haste but is also an endeavor that will likely not be resolved over night. It will take the commitment of all those dedicated to the reestablishment of a railroad operator on the Santa Paula Branch Line. We must take what we learned from our time working with Fillmore & Western and build upon that to ensure the long term success of our next venture.

To quote Henry Ford, “If everyone is moving together, then success takes care of itself”. I know we all won’t agree whether or not VCTC should have evicted Fillmore and Western, but one thing we can and must agree on is the fact that Fillmore needs a railroad tourist attraction for our community’s financial health and identity. Please be a part of the process to move forward and move forward successfully.

Sincerely,
Manuel Minjares
Mayor,
City of Fillmore

City of Fillmore

06/17/14
Hit & Run – Non Injury
2nd St./Saratoga St.
Keep the Peace
400 Blk. 2nd St.
200 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Theft
300 Blk. Central Ave.
06/18/14
Battery
400 Blk. Clay St.
Forgery
1000 Blk. Tudor Ln.
Lost property
500 Blk. Central Ave.
06/19/14
Search Warrant
1400 Blk. Waterford Ln.
Robbery
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
Disturbance Fireworks
Casner Way/Cook Dr.
06/20/14 CONTINUED »

David Rowlands

This is the latest post in our series “Growing up in City Hall” where we take a look at what it’s like to have a parent that doubles as a city manager. This week we hear from David Rowlands of Fillmore, California.

David Rowlands is currently city manager of Fillmore, California. David graduated from California Lutheran with a political science degree and California State University with a master’s degree in public administration.

David started his career as an administrative assistant in Mason. He left that job in 1995 to be West Carrollton’s city manager before becoming the deputy city manager in Novato, Calif. in 1998. He then became the first city manager ever in Clayton, Ohio.

RowlandsHe is the son of David D. Rowlands, city manager of Chula Vista, California. David’s grandfather, also David D. Rowlands, was a longtime, respected manager and president of ICMA in 1966–1967.

Dave-RowlandsDavid D. Rowlands, Tacoma’s city manager for 13 years, helped lead the city to national prominence amid an “Urban Renewal” movement that aimed to revitalize decaying inner cities across America. He landed millions in federal grant dollars to launch a municipal bus system, develop sewage treatment plants and built two downtown parking garages in the 1960s. He also tore down dozens of buildings, saw Weyerhaeuser leave Tacoma and eventually supported a new mall that gutted the downtown retail core. “It was a heady time for Tacoma, and Dave was right at the center of it,” said former Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma

He also served as City Manager of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Huntington Beach. He also taught at California State University, Long Beach.

Q & A with David

What was it like growing up with a parent who was a city manager? Was there anything you liked, anything you could have done without?

For me it was great. Both my grandfather and father were city and county managers. We were able to go to events and meet people we otherwise would not have met.

downloadWhen I visited CONTINUED »

26th District Congressional Candidate Jeff Gorell will be celebrating the 4th of July holiday in Fillmore this year. Assemblyman Gorell is currently serving as the State Assemblyman in the 44th District. He is also a Commander in the Navy Reserve and has a diverse background as a Ventura County Deputy District Attorney, a political representative, and a small business owner. Assemblyman Gorell is excited to spend Independence Day in town, and looks forward to the opportunity to represent Fillmore in the United States House of Representatives.

Fillmore residents can meet Jeff Gorell at Fillmore’s 5th Annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Freedom Pancake Breakfast. The public breakfast, which takes place from 7:00 - 9:30 am at the Veterans Memorial Building, takes pride in providing a free breakfast to our military veterans. Assemblyman Gorell is scheduled to arrive at the Memorial Building at 8:30 am to greet guests.

In addition, Assemblyman Gorell will also attend the Sespe Creek Car Show where he has entered his vintage 1969 American LaFrance Fire Truck. The car show will take place at Fillmore City Hall Park from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. We encourage you to stop by and say hello to Assemblyman Gorell, and enjoy this great community event as we celebrate the birthday of our great nation.

Every 4th of July Troop Real Estate agent Cindy Diaz-Telly places an American flag in the front yard of every home in the Riverwalk tract. 2014 will be her 13th year of putting out flags. Cindy started the tradition when both her son and daughter were gone in military service to their country. Every year since she has had a son, daughter, nephew, or nieces gone in service and war zones during this time of year. She considers it a ‘sweet reminder’ to remember the troops serving. This year both her nephew Mitchell Renteria and her niece Diana Renteria are gone in service. Both are Marines. He is in North Carolina, she is in Afghanistan.

Come enjoy the 2014 Fillmore Chamber of Commerce July 4th Sespe Creek Car and Cycle Show, 9am-3pm at Fillmore City Hall Park.

Car and Cycle Registration: Entry fee for 1ST CLASS – $35.00 per vehicle. Goody bag and raffle ticket with every registration. First 100 registrations will receive an event t-shirt. **Limited to 350 vehicles, parking spaces are assigned in the order received.**

Horseshoe Tournament: Cash prizes 1st through 4th place. Sign-ups (on-site ONLY) start at 7am and will cut off at 64 teams. Entry fee is $20 per team and $10 per individual.

Beer Garden: Open 9am-2pm, no outside beverages will be permitted. **MUST PROVIDE PROPER ID TO DRINK**

Band Information: One of our great local bands, House Arrest, will be performing 11am-2pm.

Visit www.fillmorechamber.com for more information and event applications.

Fillmore Fire Department

FILLMORE, California – The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July week. Citizens are reminded that “safe & sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal between June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm. The use of any type of non-approved fireworks is never legal and will result in criminal charges and the potential for a $1,100 fine. If you witness any illegal activity please report it! An anonymous tip line has been setup to report violators. Please call 805-524-1500 ext. 350 to report illegal activity.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day Celebration.

Fire Safety
• If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

• Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.

• Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.

• Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.

• Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Pet Safety
• Get your pet micro-chipped, and make sure they’re wearing identification tags so if they do become lost, they can be easily returned.

• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays – if you think fireworks are loud to you, it’s three times as loud for your pet.

• Do not leave your pet in the car. It only takes a few minutes for a pet to suffer serious injury or even death due to high temperatures.

• Keep your pets inside, in a sheltered, quiet area. If you leave them at home, keep a radio or television at normal volume to keep them company.

• If you know your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult a veterinarian for ways to alleviate the fear and anxiety.

• Do not leave your pet outside unattended while you’re enjoying the fireworks. In their fear, they could escape or get tangled in a chain.

Traffic Safety
• When attending firework displays and special events, remember to obey all traffic lanes and signals, and avoid cutting directly across parking lots. When leaving, pay attention while backing out of your parking space to avoid hitting other vehicles or pedestrians.

• While driving through residential neighborhoods, be mindful of children who may have stepped out into the roadway to watch or engage in the lighting of fireworks.

• Be patient when traveling in and out of the City of Fillmore. The population of Fillmore nearly triples Fourth of July Weekend resulting in the overcrowding.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a party disturbance on the 800 Block of Woodgrove Road in the city of Fillmore. Numerous callers stated subjects were fighting in the street. When deputies arrived they found a male and female adult victim who had been stabbed at the location. Both victims were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrived to assist in the investigation. Two additional victims arrived at area hospitals with injuries associated with the disturbance. All four victims involved admitted to being at the party but refused to cooperate with investigators. The incident is still under investigation and appears to be gang related. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jenkins at 805-385-4745

Nature of Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Report Number: 14-14188
Location: 800 Block of Woodgrove, Fillmore
Date & Time: June 21, 2014 / 11:57 pm
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Female Fillmore 21
Male Fillmore 21
Male Fillmore 20
Male Santa Paula 19
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
Media Release Date: June 22, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Steve Jenkins 805-384-4745
steve.jenkins@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Mark Franke

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).

Assistant Fillmore Fire Chief Bill Herrera was bit by a rattlesnake while involved in Search & Rescue

Fillmore Assistant Fire Chief Bill Herrera, a 15-year volunteer of the Search & Rescue Team, is recovering at Los Robles Medical Center after being bitten by a large rattlesnake. A record 52 vials of antivenin were used to treat Herrera, who was in ICU. He suffered the bite on his hand last Thursday while involved in the search for missing Arcadia Firefighter Mike Herdman, 36, in the wild Sespe reserve. Herdman has been missing for nearly two weeks while camping in the rugged terrain. Herrera is doing well according to reports.

The search continues for a missing off-duty City of Arcadia firefighter in the back country north of Fillmore. Michael Herdman, age 36, was reported missing on the evening of June 15th. Numerous search & rescue resources have searched the rough terrain day and night during the past week.

Herdman was last seen by a hiking partner June 13th. Herdman's friend eventually returned to the starting point of the four-day backpacking loop. Many search & rescue resources have joined in the search, including teams from Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Fresno County Sheriff's Department, Kern County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Sheriff's Department, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department, Civil Air Patrol, Department of Homeland Security Rapid Response Team, and Ventura County Sheriff's Aviation Unit and Search & Rescue K-9's. Search & Rescue teams are specially trained personnel that volunteer their time away from work and their families to train and participate in rescue operations. Up to 75 personnel are attached to this incident each day.

Air Search & Rescue operations also include the use of the Qube Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Ventura County Sheriff's Office received a temporary emergency certificate of authorization to deploy the UAS in the search area. Simi Valley based Aeronvironment contributed a Puma UAS in the search. Aeronvironment is operating the Puma with a certificate of authorization under direction from the University of Alaska.

Search & Rescue teams have been working in rugged terrain during warm daytime temperatures. Thus far, there have been four search team members injured during the incident, ranging from a rattlesnake bite to heat exhaustion.
Hikers are discouraged from entering the search area as this operation continues.

Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar

Update: Herdman’s dog Duke was found on Sunday at the trailhead, where Herdman and fellow hiker Tyler Byars began their hike.

City of Fillmore

06/03/14
Theft Identity
100 Blk. B St.
Keep the Peace
800 Blk. Oliver St.
200 Blk. B St.
Theft
1100 Blk. Oriole Cir.
Search Warrant
400 Blk. Main St.
Disturbance Fireworks
Blaine Ave./Central Ave.
Shots Fired
30 Blk. 4th St.
06/04/14
Surveillance
B St./Blaine Ave.
Vandalism
700 Blk. Walker Ln.
Keep the Peace
700 Blk. 5th St. CONTINUED »

SACRAMENTO – The first two human infections with West Nile virus this season have been reported by Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties, announced Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer. The patient from Contra Costa County has since recovered and been released from the hospital, and the patient from San Joaquin County has tested positive for the virus but is not showing symptoms at this time.

“These reported West Nile virus cases remind us that taking a few minutes to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites can make a big difference,” said Chapman. “West Nile virus activity is greatest during the summer.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

To date in 2014, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes and birds in 19 California counties.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water on your property, including buckets, old car tires, rain gutters, birdbaths, and pet bowls. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

www.cdph.ca.gov

Fillmore Unified School District

The June 17, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was the final meeting for Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino and Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson, and was standing room only. There were many heartfelt goodbyes by teachers and Board Members to both outgoing superintendents. Board Member Tony Prado expressed his gratitude to Nishino in holding those employees accountable that were not holding up their end and their accomplishments. He gave high marks in what both men had achieved during their three years with the District.

A public hearing item on the agenda, the use of Proposition 30 Education Protection Account, was discussed briefly with one person asking how much money the district received due to Prop. 30 and when it was received. Assistant Superintendent Business Services Deo Persaud responded, "Three and a half million this year...we receive one fourth of that amount every quarter. The law requires one hundred percent of the funds go to staff instruction (teachers)."

Nishino then commented CONTINUED »

A boat overturned on Lake Piru Sunday, causing the rescue of 14 people from the cold waters. Ventura Fire personnel rescued all the victims.

A call went out from a park ranger at 4:30pm, reporting a capsized boat in the north end of the popular recreational lake. It was reported that the 16-foot vessel was cited for having too many people on board and not enough life jackets. The Sheriff’s Department said rough waters and high winds also contributed to the incident.
Five adults, and nine children, ranging from infants to eight years old, were on board the overloaded boat. Most of the children were wearing life vests.

The Ventura County Fire Department responded with three engine companies, four ambulances and the Sheriff’s helicopter at the scene. The helicopter was cancelled when a medi-vac helicopter out of Los Angeles County was called to transport two patients to the hospital. Another seven patients were taken to local hospitals by ambulance. The rest were treated at the scene and released. Only minor injuries were reported.

City of Fillmore

05/27/14
Vandalism
D St./Ventura St.
400 Blk. Fillmore St.
Accident – Non Injury
Central Ave./Ventura St.
Disturbance Fireworks
400 Blk. Blaine Ave.
05/28/14
Battery
800 Blk. 3rd St.
Accident – Non Injury
Los Serenos Dr./Ventura St.
Theft Residential
300 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Surveillance
600 Blk. Saratoga St.
Hit & Run – Non Injury
N C St./Ventura St.
05/29/14
Vandalism
600 Blk. Lemon Way
300 Blk. 4th St.
Abandoned Vehicle
Mockingbird Ln./Oriole Cir.
Forgery
1100 Blk. Oriole Cir.
05/30/14
Search Warrant CONTINUED »