Photo by Keith Macleod
Photo by Keith Macleod
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Photo by Keith Macleod
Photo by Keith Macleod
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The Ventura County Sheriff's, Fillmore Search and Rescue Team, rescued a dog on Thursday after it became stranded 150ft over the side of a cliff.

City firefighters arrived on scene first and found some good Samaritans attempting to rescue the dog on their own. The firefighters were concerned for the safety of the good Samaritans and decided to notify the Sheriff's Department.

The situation was evaluated by members of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit, and a decision was made to activate the Fillmore Search and Rescue Team and have them take the lead in the rescue.

Seven members from the Fillmore Search and Rescue Team responded to the scene. Once on scene team member N. Brown immediately jumped into action and rappelled 150ft over the side of the cliff. After two tries the frightened dog was eventually brought to safety and returned to his worried owner.

The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team is comprised of highly trained volunteers who donate hundreds of hours of their time each year to trainings and call-outs. Additional members are currently in Lake Arrowhead assisting the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept in their search for a missing hiker.

 

At the October 8, 2013 Fillmore Unified School Districts (FUSD) Board Meeting a presentation was given by Art Teacher Doris Nichols and teacher Josh Bricker on the Fillmore Middle School NASA Program conducted after school during the summer break. The 20 day 10 exercise course provided students with a non-traditional classroom environment that reinforced the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students were given questions and problems requiring them to find their own solutions, both individually and in groups of four, through a hands-on empirical process. With real world constraints such as time, weight to power ratios, questions of sustainability/waste management concerns and a finite amount of materials (everything they used was recycled material and had to fit into a small cup by the end of the day) requiring budget restraints, the students were forced to develop creative solutions to the types of problems NASA engineers face daily.

They learned how to use gravity to aid travel, how to insulate with weight considerations and thermo design along with design and use of a solar oven and how to control its temperatures. One exercise required the students to design a propulsion system forcing them to engineer and design a space craft containing a specific list of essential elements; finding the volume of their craft to ensure the essential payload would fit, weighing their space craft, testing the rockets and an understanding of drag and aerodynamics.

From the activities students CONTINUED »

 
Friday, at 2 p.m. a two vehicle accident occurred in the Super A parking lot. A female driver, traveling perpendicular to the parking lanes, crashed into a parked van causing moderate damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and the cause of accident was not reported.
Friday, at 2 p.m. a two vehicle accident occurred in the Super A parking lot. A female driver, traveling perpendicular to the parking lanes, crashed into a parked van causing moderate damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and the cause of accident was not reported.
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Over $100,000 worth of breathing apparatuse was donated to the Fillmore Fire Department by the Fillmore Fire Foundation. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Fillmore Fire Foundation President Scott Beylick formed the foundation in 2010. The current board members are Scott Beylick (President), Mike Bush (Treasurer), Bill Morris, Mike Richardson and Scott Klittich.
Over $100,000 worth of breathing apparatuse was donated to the Fillmore Fire Department by the Fillmore Fire Foundation. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Fillmore Fire Foundation President Scott Beylick formed the foundation in 2010. The current board members are Scott Beylick (President), Mike Bush (Treasurer), Bill Morris, Mike Richardson and Scott Klittich.
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Fillmore Fire Foundation recently purchased 18 new breathing apparatuses and extra air bottles and donated them to the City of Fillmore Fire Department. The cost of this new equipment exceeded $100,000. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Fillmore Fire Foundation President Scott Beylick formed the foundation in 2010. The current board members are Scott Beylick (President), Mike Bush (Treasurer), Bill Morris, Mike Richardson and Scott Klittich. This 5 member board volunteers their time and helps raise donations for equipment, firefighter training, safety prevention programs and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to the Fillmore Fire Foundation, Inc. please send your donation to Fillmore Fire Foundation, P.O. Box 331, Fillmore, CA. 93015.

 
A two vehicle accident occurred last week at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 126 in the early afternoon. One vehicle suffered light damage, the other moderate front end damage. No serious injuries were reported.
A two vehicle accident occurred last week at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 126 in the early afternoon. One vehicle suffered light damage, the other moderate front end damage. No serious injuries were reported.
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Two loaded rifles and methamphetamine packaged for sale
Rodrigo Jasso Ortiz, Oxnard, 36
Rodrigo Jasso Ortiz, Oxnard, 36

During a bar check, a Sergeant Aguirre contacted Ortiz sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Sespe Saloon. Aguirre discovered Ortiz had a loaded rifle on the seat next to him. Upon further investigation, the Sergeant discovered Ortiz had a second loaded rifle concealed under his seat and approximately one ounce of methamphetamine packaged for sale in the vehicle. Ortiz was arrested for several weapon and drug charges and was booked into the Ventura County Jail. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was $2,800.00.

Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest
Report Number: 13-21805
Location: Sespe Saloon 251 “A” Street Fillmore CA. 93015
Date & Time: September 27, 2013 2200 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Patrol Services – Fillmore CA
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Rodrigo Jasso Ortiz Oxnard 36
Prepared by: Sgt. J. Hendren
Media Release Date: 9/28/2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. A. Aguirre 805-524-2233
Approved by: Captain 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).

 
09/24/2013 – 09/30/2013
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

09/24/13
Threats
600 Blk Mnt. View
Search Warrant
700 Blk. Isl. View
Keep the Peace
1000 Blk. King
09/25/13
Surveillance
900 Blk. 4th St.
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Cherrywood
Burglary CONTINUED »

 
The suspect was described as a white male, between 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’10” tall with a heavy build. The suspect was wearing a baseball style cap, black jacket, black gloves, white shirt, white pants, black tennis shoes, and he was in possession of a dark colored backpack.
The suspect was described as a white male, between 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’10” tall with a heavy build. The suspect was wearing a baseball style cap, black jacket, black gloves, white shirt, white pants, black tennis shoes, and he was in possession of a dark colored backpack.
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On September 30, 2013, at approximately 0803 hours, a suspect armed with a handgun entered the Rabobank located at 470 Arneill Road in the city of Camarillo. The suspect brandished the handgun at bank employees before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect was described as a white male, between 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’10” tall with a heavy build. The suspect was wearing a baseball style cap, black jacket, black gloves, white shirt, white pants, black tennis shoes, and he was in possession of a dark colored backpack.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant John J. Gleason at (805) 384-4727. If you wish to remain anonymous, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against persons responsible for crimes such as this one. The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded. The number for Crime Stoppers is 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Bank Robbery
Report Number: 13-21951
Location: Rabobank @ 470 Arneill Road, Camarillo, Ca.
Date & Time: September 30, 2013 @ 0803 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Special Services, Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
V- Rabobank
Prepared by: Sergeant John J. Gleason
Media Release Date: 9/30/2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant John J. Gleason
(805) 384-4727
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

 
September 24, 2013

 
Councilmember Diane McCall swears in her daughter Caitlin McCall as the Student Representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Caitlin is excited to serve Fillmore in her new capacity on the Commission.
Councilmember Diane McCall swears in her daughter Caitlin McCall as the Student Representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Caitlin is excited to serve Fillmore in her new capacity on the Commission.
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Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting centered around an update on the Fillmore Business Park and some budget items, along with a proclamation and an employee recognition.

Roy Payne, former Fillmore City Manager and now a consultant, presented the Council a request from land owners of the Fillmore Business Park (FBP) asking to get the project back on track and moving forward. The land owners/developers, Perry Ranch, Sespe Creek Properties and Coe Property, together own 55 acres (61%) of the 90 acre footprint of the project. When completed their portion is anticipated to create 962,000 square feet of office space and over 2,365 jobs to the Fillmore area; the completion of all 90 acres will provide 1.3 million square feet of office, industrial and warehouse space and potentially 3,000 jobs. The property owners are requesting an update by the City on previously approved items and an agreement on the Development Impact Fees (DIF) and other fees and asking that those fees be paid as the project progresses. This is known as "pay as you go" and is a crucial element to the owners/developers, partially determining whether the project will be economically feasible.

Jack Maxwell, owner of 18.5 acres that are adjacent to the FBP, addressed the Council asking to please get the project moving because he is interested in selling some of that land to potential owners who may want to start a business close to the park.

City Planning Department CONTINUED »

 
Story and photos by Bob Crum

The Fillmore & Western Railway recently obtained a faux steam engine from Disney Studios that was used in the Lone Ranger movie and it's already been put to work. The assignment: Advil commercial. Location. Sespe Creek.
First, a little history, as reported in Trains magazine: “Disney and Bruckheimer originally planned to film on an existing mining railroad in southern New Mexico. Construction of the movie's Western towns was already in progress when Disney and Bruckheimer decided to build a brand-new railroad farther north. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Gandy Dancer Railroad and Excavating Services received contracts to do the job. The new line had no outside interchange and was removed after filming was complete.

According to the production company, Gandy Dancer hauled in 3,889,425 pounds of 33-foot rail, bars, tie places and ties from Blythe, Calif. An additional 60,429 pounds of bolts, washers, and other track parts came from Kansas City, Mo., and 402,000 pounds of ties and spikes from Stockton, Calif. The result was a five-mile loop of single- and double-track line in the Rio Puerco desert. Another mile of track, for the many mining scenes, was built near Creede, Colo.

Meanwhile, in Sun Valley, Calif., in northern Los Angeles County, a machine shop built two train-sets complete with two faux steam engines. For ease of movement, the rolling stock was built in the same fashion as shipping containers, in that they could be lifted on and off their chassis' and onto flatbed trucks for highway transport. The two locomotives had hydraulic hoses connecting them to the tenders, where a pair of 1,000 hp Cummins diesel engines supplied power. Both trains were operated from a computer inside the cab. Even so, a real locomotive engineer was in the cab to control the braking system. In case of an emergency, he could override the computer. Movie special effects produced all the smoke and steam there is to see in the film.

The trains were designed for speeds of up to 30 mph. An EMD SW1500 diesel was used to move the cars during shooting when the steam engine was not part of the scene. The meticulous attention paid to the railroad scenes is typical of the entire production effort.”

Back to the present. I captured these images while the train was waiting to be called for the next run. Heard tell the train was to run over the star of the commercial. Whew... talk about a huge headache for Advil to remedy! This will be one interesting commercial to watch... with a couple of Advil and a glass of water handy. And don't forget the band aids!

 
Mt. Vista Elementary went on a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library. They did a reenactment in the oval office of time when Reagan was President and had to solve the Grenada crisis in which 300 students and hundreds of construction workers were held captive. The students had to give answers to questions to the President, deciding on how to successfully return the captives to the US safely. President Reagan was played by Leslie Ceja. The students also learned how the President addresses the nation. Thank you to Kelly Bires’ (pictured above) mom for the photos and info. Simulation of Grenada crisis field trip sponsored by Paula Phillips and Right Road Kids. Buses sponsored by Edison Company.
Mt. Vista Elementary went on a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library. They did a reenactment in the oval office of time when Reagan was President and had to solve the Grenada crisis in which 300 students and hundreds of construction workers were held captive. The students had to give answers to questions to the President, deciding on how to successfully return the captives to the US safely. President Reagan was played by Leslie Ceja. The students also learned how the President addresses the nation. Thank you to Kelly Bires’ (pictured above) mom for the photos and info. Simulation of Grenada crisis field trip sponsored by Paula Phillips and Right Road Kids. Buses sponsored by Edison Company.
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09/17/2013 – 09/23/2013
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

09/17/13
Threats
300 Blk. Chambersburg
Fight
400 Blk. Saratoga
Vandalism
400 Blk. Sespe
Vandalism
1st St. / Price St.
09/18/13
Narcotics Violation
100 Blk. Main
Keep the Peace
1000 Blk. Los Serenos
Search Warrant
400 Blk. Clay
Forgery
500 Blk. Old Telegraph CONTINUED »

 
Relay 4 Life was held on Saturday, September 14th at Shiells Park. The 24-hour event helped raise funds for cancer research and was a way for residents to honor cancer survivors, and remember those they have lost to the disease. It was a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness in Fillmore and Piru while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raised funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members took turns walking or running around a track, relay-style and enjoyed fun activities and entertainment off the track. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in more than 4,800 communities across the country. In California, more than 300 communities hosted Relay For Life events. Twenty-four (24) community members on thirty-five (35) teams were expected to participate in the event this year.
Relay 4 Life was held on Saturday, September 14th at Shiells Park. The 24-hour event helped raise funds for cancer research and was a way for residents to honor cancer survivors, and remember those they have lost to the disease. It was a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness in Fillmore and Piru while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raised funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members took turns walking or running around a track, relay-style and enjoyed fun activities and entertainment off the track. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in more than 4,800 communities across the country. In California, more than 300 communities hosted Relay For Life events. Twenty-four (24) community members on thirty-five (35) teams were expected to participate in the event this year.
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A Fillmore Woman died Monday from a hand-held propane bottle explosion during a family barbecue Sunday evening in the 1000 block of Candaleria.

Astrid Marmont, 41, and her husband Lindsey were barbecuing Sunday evening when a head-held propane torch was used to light a charcoal barbecue. The small propane canister was set on a shelf that was attached to the barbecue. Authorities believe the canister heated up and exploded.

“The gas inside the bottle expanded once it was heated and presumably caused the explosion,” stated Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros.

Marmont succumbed to extensive neck injuries from shrapnel from the explosion.

Lindsey suffered critical injuries to his arm which required nearly five hours of surgery. He is expected to survive.

 
Austin Davis
Austin Davis

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Private First Class (PFC) Austin Roy Davis, 19 years old, graduated from United States Marine Corps Basic Training on August 9, 2013! Austin enlisted for eight years and left for USMC Basic Training on May 13, 2013. His Basic Training was in San Diego at the Marine Corps West Coast Recruit Training site, Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot (MCRD). Austin is a 2011 graduate of Fillmore High School. Austin also attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. While growing up in Fillmore Austin participated in 5 years of Fillmore Raider's Football, 3 years of Fillmore High School Football and l year of Fillmore High School Wrestling. After graduation from Fillmore High School Austin attended Ventura College for one year. Austin is a graduate of the Ventura County Police and Sheriff Reserve Officer Academy, Class of 2072J.

Austin is the son Royce Davis of Ventura and Esmeralda (Hernandez) Davis and Joe Garcia (step parent). Austin's parents all grew up in Fillmore, attended school in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School. Austin's siblings are sister(s) Kendall 18 years and attending California State University Chico and Aubree 17 years a Senior at Fillmore High School, Cesar 14 years and Diego 10 years. Austin’s maternal grandparents are Elia Hernandez, of Fillmore and Jose Hernandez of Santa Paula. Paternal grandparents are Judy and Royce Davis of Arizona. Austin's step-parent, Joe Garcia, is a Veteran having also served in the USMC. Austin's girlfriend is Aime Lopez of Fillmore.

PFC Austin Davis is CONTINUED »

 
Local citizens who attended the Renaissance Awards Night were (l-r) Chief of Police Monica McGrath, Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Minjares, Mayor Rick Neal, Principal Russon Mesfun, Councilmember Diane McCall, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino, and School Board Member Lucy Rangel. Photo by KSSP Photographic Studio.
Local citizens who attended the Renaissance Awards Night were (l-r) Chief of Police Monica McGrath, Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Minjares, Mayor Rick Neal, Principal Russon Mesfun, Councilmember Diane McCall, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino, and School Board Member Lucy Rangel. Photo by KSSP Photographic Studio.
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A Celebration of Excellence

Fillmore High School recognized its academically distinguished students during Renaissance Awards Night on Wednesday. Students who earned 3.5 GPA and above received Certificates of Achievement during an event attended by various local leaders including Chief of Police Monica McGrath, Mayor Rick Neal, Mayor Pro Tem Luis Minjares, Councilmember Diane McCall, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino, and School Board Member Lucy Rangel.

Prior to the ceremony, honoree students were interviewed on what it took to be successful in the classroom.

“I do my homework and I try to do my best. I do my absolute best in every classroom. Academics are important in my household. I have my parents’ support,” said Citlali Erazo.

Kiana Hope added: “I try to make sure that if I don’t grasp something in class, I go back to learn what I didn’t get. I do my homework. I pay attention to what the teachers are saying; it’s important to listen to the teachers –to what they are saying. Academics are very important in my household.”

Anthony Larin, another student scholar at FHS, was blunt: “I have goals. School is a stepping stone for long term goals you have in the future. After high School, I would like to go to university. I take things I learn in school and incorporate it in everyday things –popular culture, self-study”.

Asked how they maintained their focus to stay motivated, Erazo said that she puts her phone on “airplane mode” in order to turn off all distractions. Hope quickly jumped into the conversation and proudly added that she, too, puts her phone on airplane mode. “I found out about airplane mode because I was trying to save the battery, and now I do everything on airplane mode.”

In a reply to a question on what techniques the students used to master learning, Hope stated, “I know that I have to be successful here so that I can be successful in the future. If I don’t get something, I go to the internet, like U-tube for tutorials and Khanacademy.org. There is nothing stopping you from doing well. There are many resources out there that there are no excuses for failing.”

Martin Ceja, a student scholar in his own right, earning a GPA of 4.5, had this to say: “My family never really pushed me to work hard. This was not good enough for me. I push myself. I try my hardest. If I don’t understand something, I try to get help. I take the initiative. As far as focus, the way my mom raised us –she was very strict. The Spanish culture, we are respectful with our elders. When I do homework, it’s very quiet. I may not be the coolest person. I don’t care; I’m here to get to college. I consider myself of average intelligence, --others see me as smart”.

 
Sunday evening at approximately 7pm an accident occurred at Highway 126 and B Street. No further information was available at press time.
Sunday evening at approximately 7pm an accident occurred at Highway 126 and B Street. No further information was available at press time.
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Housing Consultant Tom Figg is working with Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney to examine and resolve the City’s Housing Element problem.
Housing Consultant Tom Figg is working with Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney to examine and resolve the City’s Housing Element problem.

The September 10, 2013 Fillmore City Council Meeting centrally focused on two important items for the residents of Fillmore; transportation and housing. Other items discussed were Fillmore’s investment policy and payment obligations.

Fillmore has contracted with Kevin McSweeney as Interim Community Development Director along with Housing Consultant Tom Figg, who has over 30 years experience in housing and community development working throughout Southern California and many towns in Ventura County, to examine and resolve the City’s Housing Element problem.
According to the City, “Housing Element Law, enacted in 1969, it mandates that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. In order for the City of Fillmore to comply with the Housing Element Law, the City must cyclically update general plan policies and regulatory systems which provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development.”

The General Plan identifies that 5,816 residential units are planned for the City which will result in a population of 22,693 by the year 2020. There are currently 4,408 residential units in the City. Therefore, through the General Plan, the City of Fillmore has planned for the remaining 1,408 residential units for the year 2020. The required units have designated income levels that RHNA identifies as 160 very low income units and 112 as low income units resulting in 272 low income units that need to be planned for during the 2014-2021 Housing Element period. But, there are past low income unit requirements that have not been met.

Because the City CONTINUED »

 

WHAT: Relay For Life is a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness in Fillmore and Piru while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raise funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members take turns walking or running around a track, relay-style and enjoy fun activities and entertainment off the track.

WHEN: 10 am - Saturday, Sept 14, 2013 – 10 am - Sunday, Sept 15, 2013

WHERE: Shiells Park, Old Telegraph Rd & C St, Fillmore

WHO: Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, held in more than 4,800 communities across the country. In California, more than 300 communities will host Relay For Life events. Twenty-four (24) community members on thirty-five (35) teams are expected to participate in the event this year.

WHY: Relay For Life celebrates those who have survived cancer, remembers those who have lost the battle and gives communities an opportunity to fight back against a disease that takes too much. Funds raised go to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving research, advocacy, education and free support services.

ABOUT: The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Come for the ceremonies, come to participate, come to donate hair, come to support fundraisers, come to enjoy the entertainment, come to eat, come to visit or to see what Relay is about in our community!

 
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