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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 19th, 2014
 A 13-year old Fillmore girl was found lying in the 100 block of Sespe Avenue on Friday evening around 7:30pm. Initial reports indicated she was unconscious and not breathing with a head injury. She was airlifted our of the Vons parking lot area, conscious and breathing, in stable condition. Apparently she jumped out of a moving vehicle and hit her head. The car, driven by her father, was going between 20 and 30 mph. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 19th, 2014
 Wesley Brecheen Wesley Brecheen, a Fillmore High School Junior, has won the 77th Annual Fillmore Lions Club Student Speaker Contest. The contest was held on Monday, February 3rd at the Scout House at the end of Sespe Avenue, as part of the Fillmore Lions regular meeting. There were around 60 people in attendance. The topic this year was "Community Service-What Does it Mean and Why Does it Matter?" There were six speakers this year; they were Rachael Pace, Wesley Brecheen, Jacob Brooks, Misael Ponce, Hope Wilcox, and Jovanny Bravo. Wesley received $75 for winning the contest and will go on to compete March 13 at the Lions Zone #8 speak-off in Camarillo at the Camarillo Boys and girls Club. If Wesley keeps winning he will have won over $21,000 in college scholarships. The judges for this year's contest were Mrs. Sue Cuttriss, a former Sespe School teacher, Dr. Cynthia King, a Cal State Channel Islands Professor, and the Rev. Dr. Harvey Guthrie a retired Episcopal Priest and Seminary Dean. Ms. Jennifer Fitzpatrick, a Fillmore High English teacher was the high school liaison and speech coach. Lion Bill Edmonds is the Lions student speaker chairman. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 19th, 2014
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) will utilize social media to provide real-time emergency information directly to Ventura County residents. Emergencies are dynamic situations and the Ventura County Sheriff’s OES is dedicated to providing the public with accurate and timely information. Facebook and Twitter are two excellent platforms will be used to provide timely information, such as evacuations locations, shelter information, road closures and school closures, to the public. The Ventura County Sheriff’s OES is responsible for countywide disaster planning, mitigation, response and recovery activities. Ventura County Sheriff’s OES works with all County departments, ten cities, public and private organizations and community and civic groups. In the event of a disaster, Ventura County Sheriff’s OES is responsible for the County’s Emergency Operations Center, coordination of the County’s Emergency Management Team and for recovering the County’s disaster response costs from state and federal governments. The public can obtain more information about Ventura County Sheriff’s OES at www.vcsd.org/oes. The public can begin to follow us on Facebook at (www.facebook.com/Venturaoes) and Twitter at (www.twitter.com/Venturaoes) “@Venturaoes”. Prepared by: Gil Zavlodaver, Program Administrator |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 19th, 2014
02/11/14 to 02/17/14
 City of Fillmore 02/11/14 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
 Dave Wareham Captain Dave Wareham has been selected as the new acting Chief of Police in the city of Fillmore. Captain Wareham will be formally introduced to the City Council on February 11 and begin his assignment in March. Sheriff Dean has promoted the current acting Chief of Police, Captain Monica McGrath, to Commander. As a result of the Captain McGrath’s promotion, she will be fulfilling a new assignment within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Wareham is a 28 year veteran with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. His extensive experience includes assignments in patrol, jail operations, investigations, administration, and professional standards. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cal Coast University. Captain Wareham is well acquainted with the Fillmore community. He has lived in Fillmore with his wife for over 25 years, where they have raised their two children. Nature of Incident: New Acting Police Chief in Fillmore |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
The Chandler Police Explorers hosted their 16th Annual Tactical Explorer Competition. Several explorer posts from throughout the United States competed in a variety of SWAT scenarios. This year, three explorer posts from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office participated in the competition: Fillmore, Camarillo, and a combined team from the Headquarters and Ojai Stations. The explorer scouts from the combined Headquarters and Ojai team earned a fourth-place award for the armored vehicle pull. The Fillmore Explorers earned a fourth-place award for the tactical relay race, and Adrian Mejia earned an individual award, second place, for the three-mile run. The Camarillo Post earned one team award in the vertical assault competition, and Deputy Mario Molina earned an individual advisor award for the three-mile run, in which he had a first place finish. Law enforcement exploring is open to young men and women ages 14 through 20 with an interest in learning more about the field of law enforcement. Law enforcement exploring provides educational training programs for young adults on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation. Each explorer post is affiliated with a law enforcement agency and Learning for Life, which is a branch of Boy Scouts of America. Many law enforcement agencies support the explorer program which provides an opportunity for youths to have a positive impact on their communities as well as develop future peace officers, good citizens, and leaders. For more information about the Explorer Program for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, please contact one of the listed advisors. Nature of Incident: Explorer Posts Compete in National Competition |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
 Incoming Chief of Police, Captain Dave Wareham was introduced at Tuesday night’s council meeting by City Manager David Rowlands. On Tuesday the Fillmore City Council introduced Captain Dave Wareham as the new Chief of Police. He will be replacing the present Police Chief Monica McGrath who has been promoted and reassigned to Commander West County Patrol Service, which covers Fillmore, Ojai and County areas of Ventura. Wareham was recommended for the position by both Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean and City Manager David W. Rowlands, and endorsed by the Fillmore City Council. Originally from Pennsylvania, Wareham has worked in Ventura County law enforcement for 28 years with six years as Fillmore's Assistant Chief of Police. He has lived in Fillmore for 25 years with his wife Diane, son DJ and daughter Liz. His sister-in-law, Leslie Warren, has also served as Fillmore's Chief of Police. Wareham, who has a teaching credential, graduated from Penn State and received his Masters from Cal Coast University; he often serves as a substitute teacher for the Fillmore Unified School District stating that staying close to the youth is necessary to be successful and, "I've always believed if I can make a difference in one persons life" which he equates with success. He usually wears his officer's uniform when substituting and prefers to work at both Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School. He returns the teaching pay he receives to the District which is a win for everyone. Wareham will assume the position of Chief of Police on March 2, 2014. McGrath, who has worked as Fillmore's Chief of Police for three years, will help through the transition and attend her final Council Meeting February 25, 2014. An agenda item that has long been waited for is the awarding of the contract for the Central Avenue Overlay Project. The $355,081.60 contract was awarded to Toro Enterprises out of Oxnard. The overlay of asphalt and concrete will be for portions of Central Avenue, Santa Clara Street, A Street, B Street, C Street and Sespe Avenue. The bulk of the cost will be paid for from a Federal Surface Transportation Project Grant of $267,410.00 and the Street Transportation Fund of $120,000.00. There will be a remaining balance of $350,000 in transportation funds after the project is completed. Another agenda item CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
 A 4-vehicle accident took place on Saturday, February 8th, at 2p.m., on D Street at Hwy 126. One car was heading south on D Street as a second car was exiting the El Pescador parking lot onto D Street. The other two cars involved were parked at the D Street curb on the west side. It appeared that the two cars collided, involving the parked vehicles. No information was available as to the specifics of the crash. All cars sustained significant damage, no serious injuries reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
02/04/14 to 02/10/14
City of Fillmore 02/04/14 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Two motorcyclists collided at the Piru Motocross track on Sunday, killing one and injuring one. A second solo accident also injured a rider. At approximately 12:30pm Ventura County Fire responded to a head-on accident at the popular motorbike track, located at the 4300 block of Center Street, Piru. One of the injured was airlifted to Los Robles Hospital, Thousand Oaks, via Air Squad 8; the second was transported by AMR Ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. Tommy Aquino, former factory Yamaha rider who most recently raced in the British Superstock Series, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 21. According to Road Racing World, Aquino started his AMA Pro Road Racing career at the age of 16 in 2008. He raced five AMA Pro seasons. He achieved one win in the Daytona SportBike class in 2011, when he finished third in the Championship, the highlights of his AMA Pro career. He also earned four Daytona SportBike pole positions during his career and led many races. In 2013, Aquino rode for Team WD-40 in the 1000cc Superstock class of the British Superbike Championship series, and he won a race, finished on the podium three times and placed seventh in the Championship. Tommy Aquino is survived by his father Tom, his mother Carrie and his younger brother Michael. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 Carlos Beltran, Fillmore, 36 of Fillmore, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale. Sheriff’s narcotics detectives completed a 7 month narcotics investigation with the arrest of Carlos Beltran of Fillmore for possession of methamphetamine for sale. In June, 2013, Sheriff’s narcotics detectives received information of a large scale methamphetamine dealer operating in the City of Fillmore. In association with the local office of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, detectives identified Carlos Beltran as a person involved in the methamphetamine sales. During the investigation, it was discovered Beltran was bringing methamphetamine directly from Mexico to sell in Ventura County. On January 30,2014, investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard Police Department and the DEA, served a signed search warrant at Beltran’s residence in the 1100 block of Ventura St, Fillmore. At that time, detectives located 3 pounds of methamphetamine. Beltran was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine for sale and booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail. The methamphetamine had an estimated street value of approximately $81,720.00. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Last Tuesday the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting started with a packed room of over 70 teachers who came with a message for the Board; salary raises. The main agenda item was once again the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and its enormous cost. The State Budget is providing for a one time funding amount of $766,070.00 that can only be spent on the initial implementation of professional development, instructional material and technology equipment. When asked if that amount will cover all cost associated with CCSS implementation, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino and Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson both responded that if they are lucky the monies provided in this one time funding will cover about 50% of what is needed. This huge cost of implementation of the CCSS is becoming a problem for many school districts throughout the country. Forty-five states plus the District of Columbia have signed on to CCSS; many without doing any cost assessment. With the deadline of a January 1, 2014 for implementation having passed, many states are experiencing buyer’s remorse. According to a report on Foxnews.com California is "...estimated to spend approximately $35 million per year, or about $30 per student in testing costs alone." FUSD's proposed expenditures regarding the one time State funding are: Infrastructure $27,008.60; Site Specific Technology $389,230.91; Staff Development $200,000.00; Instructional Materials $149,830.49. A total of $292,000 which is a little less than half, has been spent so far: $3,000 on Infrastructure, $248,000 on Site Specific Technology, $20,000 Staff Development, $21,000 on Instructional Material. Throughout the country there CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 Tim Hagel Today, Tim Hagel was named the City’s next Police Chief. Hagel succeeds current Chief Randy Pentis, who is set to retire later this month. Hagel, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, emerged as the top pick from a slate of three exceptionally talented candidates. As Chief, Hagel will bring extensive law enforcement experience, a community policing perspective, and a strong background in youth outreach. Hagel currently directs the Sheriff Department’s West County Operations and previously served as the Fillmore Police Chief from 2008 to 2011. A native of Thousand Oaks, Hagel graduated from Thousand Oaks High School, earned a Bachelor Degree from CSU Northridge, and a Master in Public Administration Degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. “With his distinguished policing background, broad knowledge of Thousand Oaks, and long track record of community engagement, Tim will be a natural fit for our organization,” said City Manager Scott Mitnick. “This selection will ensure continued high caliber public safety leadership for one of California’s safest cities.” Hagel is credited with developing the Sherriff’s Department’s Literacy Program, which helps fight crime by educating at-risk elementary school students. He also created the State’s first “Adopt-a-Cop” Program, increasing collaboration between Police and area schools. In commenting on his appointment Hagel said, “It’s a blessing to work for the City I grew up in and I truly look forward to serving the City of Thousand Oaks and maintaining our standing as one of America’s safest cities”. He will assume his new post beginning Monday, February 24. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 The VISTA 126 bus line just got a little more convenient for local riders. Starting Monday, February 3, the line is offering eight more trips between Piru and Fillmore. Riders can now choose between five routs in the morning, two in the late afternoon, and two evening routs. The added service is being funded by a temporary agreement between the County Board of Supervisors and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. The VISTA 126 also travels to Santa Paula and is a popular means of transportation to Ventura College, the Pacific View Mall, and The VC Government Center. For schedules call 1-800-438-1112 or visit www.goventura.org. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
01/28/14 - 02/03/14
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department 01/28/14 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
 Pictured is Adrian Moreno. A “Spiritual Retreat” will be held in loving memory of Adrian on Saturday, February 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Francis Church. Anyone interested in attending should contact Maggie at 524-1306 no later than Thursday for food purposes. On the night of January 11, 2014, Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to a gunshot victim on the roadway of Grand Avenue. The gunshot victim, later identified as 18 year old Adrian Moreno, was pronounced dead at the scene. Just prior to the shooting, Adrian was there with friends on a private property ranch. Adrian Moreno was born in Ventura and raised in Santa Paula until completing 1st grade. He attended St. Sebastian School and Glen City School. After moving to Fillmore, Adrian attended the Fillmore Unified School District until he graduated in 2013. He had started Ventura College in the fall of 2013. Adrian was taking general education classes and wanted to pursue music production. He had various programs on music production that he spent hours on creating music and experimenting. Adrian was known as “Chubby” to his friends because when he was about 8-years old he gained a lot of weight. His parents put him in soccer to see if all the running would help him lose some of it but he loved to eat so that did not help much. He made many friends through playing soccer and played until his freshmen year in high school. While in soccer he was also enrolled at Perce’s Kenpo Karate studio where he attended for 5-years and gained more friends. There he learned about integrity, respect, self-confidence, and earned a 3rd degree Brown Belt. Adrian also played the drums all through elementary, middle school, and up to his freshmen year of high school. He was also a student of Camilla Conaway for over a year where he took piano lessons and enjoyed it very much. During his junior and senior year he was more involved in AVID and looking at colleges to attend. He would always go to Sespe School and do his community service hours in his mom’s classroom. Just this past December Adrian and his family went to help El Pescador Restaurant in Santa Paula for their yearly community Christmas event, and he went so gracefully to help. For his graduation he went on the Senior Trip to Long Beach and had an amazing time with his close friends. Adrian also was a candidate in the Confirmation Class of 2013 at Saint Francis Church in Fillmore. He attended 2 years and last year when the students were taken to “The Mountain” (a spiritual retreat) he came back more so than ever with the Holy Spirit. Adrian also loved to snowboard where the family would go every time there was snow nearby. He loved to play X-Box Live with his friends until late night hours. Over the last year he had started attending concerts of his favorite bands like Linkin Park, and Kaskade. He loved to go bowling and to the movies with his friends and family. Adrian loved exotic cars and enjoyed going to car shows. He knew a lot about them and could name them on the street. He enjoyed cooking breakfast, staying up late, and Skyping. He also loved to drink a lot of water and Rock Stars. Adrian hated taking out the trash, getting up early, and a messy house. Adrian had a way with friends, cousins, family, teachers, and people he barely knew that was caring, generous, and giving. His smile would light up a room and had the power of saying few words with the most meaningful message. He would listen to friend’s problems and somehow made them be not so bad. Adrian always asked his mom how her day was and would actually listen and give input. He would give her a hug and a kiss upon arrival and although he did lag at things he would always follow through. He loved his family, always shared funny videos with them, and was always so helpful. He knew he was loved and we knew he loved us. He believed in God, happiness, and in living everyday as if it were the last. We will miss his smile, laughter, and great heart. May the Lord have you in the kingdom of glory and give us strength to endure this pain and this emptiness. May you watch over us to protect us from the evil that took you without cause. May the soul that did this find God and speak out because whether one believes in God or not only the truth will set you free. The community needs to come together and understand that your son, daughter, sister, brother, or family member could be next. As long as there are young kids with guns this will not stop and who will be next at the next gathering? Are your kids really safe? Adrian’s family is requesting the community to assist in finding out what led to Adrian’s death. There were several individuals at the social gathering who Sheriff Investigators believe have the answers. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Todd Inglis with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Bureau at (805)384-4730. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call CRIME STOPPERS at (800)222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
 Pete Egedi The Gazette has just acquired the complete record of Judge Montoya’s decision in the Peter Egedi termination as Fillmore’s fire chief. It was released weeks ago but only recently available to this paper. Administrative Law Judge Joseph D. Montoya has upheld the termination of Peter Egedi as Chief of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department. The Judge’s order followed a lengthy and intensive investigation by both the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office. The case began in March of 2008 when Patrick Maynard, a volunteer firefighter and City-paid Disaster Coordinator, confided to former Fire Chief Pat Askren that “he (Maynard) believed Respondent (Egedi) had acted improperly in the use of funds in the Department account.” This issue was then taken to the City Finance Director, who referred it to the city attorney, who then brought it to the attention of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s department investigated the issue and brought in the District Attorney of Ventura County who filed a criminal proceeding against Egedi. Following a nearly 3-year investigation, the District Attorney eventually dismissed the case on grounds that he believed that “...there were a number of problems of proof, and that the District Attorney did not believe the charges against Respondent (Egedi) could be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.” The subsequent civil case filed by Egedi against the city of Fillmore for his termination was submitted to the office of the Administrative Law Judge, Office of Administrative Hearings to challenge the legality of Egedi’s termination by the city. After approximately 6 years (about 3 years following dismissal of the criminal case, a final order by Judge Montoya upheld Egedi’s termination from his position as fire chief. What follows is a portion of the complete, 59-page, record of findings of fact leading to Judge Montoya’s order upholding the city’s decision to terminate Egedi for cause. This case has roiled the City of Fillmore for more than 6 years, creating a hostile atmosphere. It has cost the city many thousands of dollars, and the county hundreds of thousands. Many of those who were acquainted with the facts and allegations in this case were stunned to hear that the District Attorney’s office decided to drop all charges, and elected not to refer the case to the Grand Jury. In light of Administrative Judge Montoya’s findings of fact, their reaction was justified. According to the Judge, many thousands of dollars were misappropriated by the Egedis though it is not possible to determine the exact, total amount. Among the Judge’s findings of fact and legal conclusions are the following: |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
 On January 25, 2014 at approximately 12:26pm, Santa Paula Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of E. Santa Barbara Street. During the traffic investigation, the passenger in the vehicle was found to be on probation. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a suspicious object resembling an improvised explosive device was located. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad was called to assist. The immediate area was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Upon the arrival fof the VCSO Bomb Squad, they conducted an investigation and rendered the device safe by disruption. The driver, Albert Morales, 34 years of Fillmore, was arrested for possession of an explosive device. The area was then declared safe. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) held a special meeting last Tuesday to discuss what requirements the School Board is seeking in their new superintendent. The Costa Group, a company out of Fairfield California, has been hired to search for applicants that meet the needs of the District. Dr. George Bloch and Ken Noonan, representing The Costa Group, began meeting with parents, teacher and stakeholders last Wednesday asking what they were looking for in the next superintendent. The meeting was attended by approximately 60 throughout the approximately three hours of discussion. A compiled prioritized list with three categories; Strengths of the District, Needs of the District, and the Desired characteristics of the new superintendent was handed out. According to those Bloch and Noonan spoke with, the highest strengths of FUSD are: Sense of family (teachers, staff and parents) and they remain professional; Natural Habitat Grant-Program (River Basin Program); well-behaved kids; dedicated teaching staff-supportive of each other and the kids and many willing to go above and beyond what is expected; employees grew up together/tight community/ many went to FUSD and live in the community; staff looks out for best interest of students; parent volunteers are very strong. Other priorities discussed CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
 On Monday, January 27, 2014 a controlled burn took a turn for the worse. During an orchard tree burning on Bardsdale Avenue, the wind kicked up and carried sparks to a nearby Eucalyptus tree which ignited. Fillmore Fire Department was quickly on scene, keeping the fire from spreading. Enlarge Photo |
