By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 28th, 2014
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/ |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 28th, 2014
05/06/14 to 05/12/14
05/06/14 |
By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, May 28th, 2014
Saturday, June 14th
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! |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
Part 1
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
Part 2
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
Part 3
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
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 » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
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. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
04/29/14 - 05/05/14
04/29/14 |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
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. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, May 20th, 2014
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. 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. The lands in CONTINUED » |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 20th, 2014
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 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). |
(l-r) Suspects Jacob Escobedo, Transient, Santa Paula, 28 and Natane Chapman, Transient, Fillmore, 22 Enlarge Photo By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
Second subject escapes, sought by police
On May 8, 2014, at approximately 1705 hours, Santa Paula Police Officers were in the area of 200 block of E. Santa Maria St. when they observed a Ford Expedition traveling eastbound on Santa Maria St. at a high rate of speed. When officers made a u-turn to stop the vehicle, it became involved in a solo accident for unknown reasons striking two parked cars. Both occupants fled and were identified as Jacob Escobedo, age 28 a transeint of Santa Paula, and Natane Chapman, age 22 a transient from Fillmore. A search of the area of was conducted. Escobedo was able to escape custody and Chapman was taken into custody hiding in a storage yard. Recovered from the vehicle were a loaded rifle, a loaded revolver, and metal (brass) knuckles. The revolver was found to be stolen out of the City of Oxnard. Escobedo is currently a felony wanted subject for violation of PROS for child endangerment and felony resisting arrest. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Escobedo is being charged with the following charges: gang member in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, felony hit and run with injuries, possession of stolen property, and possession of a loaded firearm. Chapman was medically cleared due to injuries she sustained in the accident and transported to Ventura County Main Jail on the following charges: convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of metal (brass) knuckles, possession of stolen property and had an active warrant for possession of a controlled substance. To report to Crime Stoppers from anyplace in Ventura County: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Text “BUSTED” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Text “STOP” to CRIMES (274637) to start a new thread. Nature of Incident: Traffic Accident / Convicted Felons in Possession of Firearms |
Pictured with the Fillmore Fire Department’s new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus are Capt. Billy Gabriel, Firefighter Charles Dolon, Chief Rigo Landeros, Firefighter Jason Arroyo, and Firefighter Joseph Palacio. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
The Fillmore Film Commission (FFC) joined the Fillmore City Council's May 13, 2014 meeting to review their prior year activities, and plans they have for the coming year. At the completion of the review, the Council heard two presentations, discussed two items of new business, and three items of continued business. The new business was acceptance of a large donation by the Fillmore Fire Department and proposed Public Works Projects. The continuing business was a Council consensus on a proposed Curfew Ordinance, along with weed abatement and a contract agreement. The Fillmore Firefighters' Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit started by Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, received two large private donation grants of $100,000 and $125,000. Both grants are attributed to the diligent work of Patrick Maynard who did the research and submitted the paperwork. The grant monies were used to donate 27 handheld Motorola radios with desktop and vehicle charge capability valued at $95,000 to the Fillmore Fire Department (FFD). Landeros informed the Council that such radios are constantly being upgraded. The new radios comply with the upgraded Federal Communications regulations being used throughout the county and will enable FFD to communicate with other agencies. Also, 18 Self-Contained Breathing CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
During the week of May 5 – 9, 2014 the 18th Annual Quest Rally travelled throughout California raising funds for The Quest Rally stopped at the Fillmore Fire Department facility on Thursday, May 8th. “Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors” is a non-profit organization managed by firefighters and civilians who volunteer their services and are dedicated to assist those who have been affected by burn injuries. The organization hosts several fund raisers throughout each year in which donations are received and distributed on behalf of each donor to local burn centers and foundations as well as burn survivors and their families. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
On May 5, 2014, at about 9:00 P.M., suspect Jorge Izarraraz confronted a sixteen year-old minor in the alley of the 900 Block of Blaine St. in the city of Fillmore. Izarraraz assaulted the minor with a pocket knife, battered him, threatened him and stole some personal items from the minor. The incident unfolded as the minor was talking to a friend in the alley. Izarraraz walked-up to the minor and placed the blade of the knife against his neck and then struck him on the head with the butt of the knife. The minor fell to the ground and Izarraraz continued to batter him. The minor was able to get away and take refuge inside a nearby home. During the incident, Izarraraz threatened to hurt the minor if he called the police. Izarraraz left the scene with the minor’s baseball cap and money he dropped during the attack. The minor sustained minor injuries. Patrol deputies and detectives located Izarraraz near his house and arrested him. He was found in possession of the minor’s property. Izarraraz was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, brandishing a knife and theft. His bail was set at $100,000.00 dollars. Nature of Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest Prepared by: Detective Taurino Almazan 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). |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
On January 30, 2013, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were notified that a man possessed a handgun at Mountain Vista Elementary School in the city of Fillmore, California. The subject was linked to 716 ½ Blaine Avenue in Fillmore. Sheriff’s Deputies James Tedder, Russell Grant and Leonardo Vazquez responded to 716 ½ Blaine Avenue. When they arrived, they encountered Josue Jimenez, 29 of Fillmore, who was standing in his driveway and holding a handgun. The deputies unholstered their weapons and immediately and continuously ordered Mr. Jimenez to put his weapon down. Instead, Mr. Jimenez walked to the southern side of his property, chambered a round into his handgun and fired a shot through his fence at a dog in the neighboring yard. He then began turning toward Deputy Tedder. Deputy Tedder fired two shots at Mr. Jimenez, killing him. The District Attorney’s Office has a 24-hour on-call officer-involved shooting team available to all Ventura County law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of officer-involved shootings. Once the District Attorney’s Office was notified of the shooting, Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Harman (who authored this report) and District Attorney Investigators Tom Mendez and Robert MacInnes responded to the shooting scene and consulted with the investigating officers. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation of the shooting, which included interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and photographing the area of the shooting. All three involved deputies individually conducted a voluntary walkthrough to criminal investigators where they described the incident. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation reports were then submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for a determination of whether the shooting of Josue Jimenez was justified and, if not, whether criminal charges should be filed. The scope of the District Attorney’s review was limited to those issues. The District Attorney’s review included reviewing approximately 580 pages of reports and documents which included interviews of police and civilian witnesses, diagrams, photographs, numerous recorded interviews and records, recordings of radio transmissions, and examining the scene of the shooting. Based on the information available for review, the District Attorney’s investigation, and the applicable legal authorities, it is the opinion of the District Attorney that the shooting of Josue Jimenez by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy James Tedder was justified and was not a criminal act. VI. CONCLUSION |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 14th, 2014
04/22/14 - 04/28/14
04/22/14 |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, May 13th, 2014
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 7th, 2014
(above) Miss Queen Kiana Hope. The Miss Fillmore, Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant was held on April 26, 2014 at the Venterans Memorial Building. Fifteen contestants participated. Congratulations to winners Miss Queen Kiana Hope, Miss 1st Jessica Mayhew, Miss 2nd Kaileigh Carpenter, Teen Queen Taylor Wright, Teen 1st Chloe Stines, and Teen 2nd Natalie Johnston. The evening was emceed by Mark Ortega. Photos courtesy Crockett Studios. Enlarge Photo |