The Fillmore School District hired a contractor, Sunesys, to do some underground fiber optic work near the corner of Central Avenue and Highway 126. A sub-contractor hired by Sunesys to do some boring under the highway struck a 12-inch city water main on August 22, which caused extensive surface damage, making it necessary to replace a street light and electrical control box. Current work on the site involves replacing surface areas. Work is expected to be completed by September 20.
The Fillmore School District hired a contractor, Sunesys, to do some underground fiber optic work near the corner of Central Avenue and Highway 126. A sub-contractor hired by Sunesys to do some boring under the highway struck a 12-inch city water main on August 22, which caused extensive surface damage, making it necessary to replace a street light and electrical control box. Current work on the site involves replacing surface areas. Work is expected to be completed by September 20.
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The Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau held its annual fundraiser at Piru Motorcross Park. Owner Kevin Keehl organizes this annual fundraiser for the benefit of the Bureau. This year $300.00 was raised. The Piru Motorcross Park is located 4375 Center Street in Piru and is open for motorcycle riders to enjoy on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information on the park you can visit their website at www.pirumx.com or call the tract phone number at 805-521-0515. The Tourism Bureau works together with the cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru to promote the Heritage Valley and bring in Tourist revenue to local businesses. For more information on events and membership the office phone number is 805-524-7500.

 
Police asking puclic for information
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A body was discovered by field workers in an orchard on Price Road in Somis Saturday morning.

The unidentified man is believed to be in his early 20’s. Investigators are on scene collecting evidence, while volunteers from the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team are assisting with a search of the area. Although the death is suspicious, investigators are treating it as a homicide until the medical examiner’s office determines the cause of death.

Anyone who was in the area late Friday night or early Saturday morning is asked to contact Detective Jose Lopez at (805)384-4723.

Ventura County Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Major Crimes Detectives Investigating Suspicious Death
Report Number: 13-20103
Location: 4000 block of Price Road, Somis, California
Date & Time: Sept. 7, 2013 @ 8:15 am
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Unidentified Male Unknown Early 20’s
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Sept. 7, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Det. Jose Lopez (805) 797-7118 / (805)384-4723
Approved by: Capt. Chris Dunn

 
Robert Johnson, 72 of Fillmore, died Thursday ina head-on crash between Santa Paula and Fillmore. The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Old Telegraph Road. Rigoberto Rodriguez, 27 of Santa Paula was driving south on Old Telegraph Road when he lost control of his truck and collided w89th the van in which Johnson was a passenger. Maria Elene Aguilar Melgoza, the driver of the van sustained minor injuries. Rodriguez had major head injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Isidoro Ortiz Ibarra, also a passenger in the van, had major injuries to his knees and arm. Emergency personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments and the W.S. Forestry Service extricated the passengers from the van. Photo by Salvador Montelongo.
Robert Johnson, 72 of Fillmore, died Thursday ina head-on crash between Santa Paula and Fillmore. The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Old Telegraph Road. Rigoberto Rodriguez, 27 of Santa Paula was driving south on Old Telegraph Road when he lost control of his truck and collided w89th the van in which Johnson was a passenger. Maria Elene Aguilar Melgoza, the driver of the van sustained minor injuries. Rodriguez had major head injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Isidoro Ortiz Ibarra, also a passenger in the van, had major injuries to his knees and arm. Emergency personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments and the W.S. Forestry Service extricated the passengers from the van. Photo by Salvador Montelongo.
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Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
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Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
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Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Photo by Sebastian Ramirez
Enlarge Photo

On August 29, 2013 at about 11:55 A.M., the Fillmore Fire Department and the Fillmore Police Department were dispatched to a report of a spill of Hydrochloric Acid in the 500 Block of First St.

The incident unfolded when a private company was delivering the chemical to the city swimming pool. The pallet jack used by the company employee to transport the chemical from the delivery truck to the swimming pool, malfunctioned. The chemical spilled on the ground. The private company was able to contain approximately 150 – 180 gallons. It’s estimated that another 100 gallons flowed into the storm drain. At the time of this release, a specialized chemical clean-up crew was responding to assist with the clean-up.

Fillmore High School is located near the spill and was secured for a short period of time. No students or faculty were injured. The company worker and a City of Fillmore worker sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Nature of Incident: Chemical Spill
Report Number: 13-19341
Location: 500 Block First St. Fillmore, Ca. 93015
Date & Time: August 29, 2013 @ 11:55 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Fire Department / Fillmore Police Department
Prepared by: Detective Taurino Almazan
Media Release Date: August 29, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Anthony Aguirre
Approved by: Captain Patti Salas

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).

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Thursday evening, August 29 at about 6:30 p.m., a 3 year-old boy was hit by a passing truck on Third Street in Fillmore. Deputies from the Fillmore Police Department were notified about an hour after the collision when the boy was taken by his parents to the Emergency Room at the Santa Paula Hospital.

The deputies investigating the collision were told the boy had followed an older brother who had gone across the street previously. The 3-year old ran out between two parked cars and into the side of a large white commercial type flatbed truck that had left the nearby citrus packing house on Third Street. The boy’s father was the first to come to the boy’s aid and the driver of the truck stopped and checked on the boy’s condition.

According to the boy’s father, he mistakenly presumed his son was not seriously injured and dismissed the truck driver before obtaining any information and without summoning police or EMS. Shortly thereafter, the boy’s parents realized something was wrong and they took their son to the hospital where he was admitted with a serious head injury.

Deputies from the Fillmore Police Station are still investigating this collision and will follow-up at the citrus packing house to locate the driver of the truck. At this time in the investigation, there does not appear to be any criminal or improper procedures committed by the truck driver. If you are the driver of the truck involved or you have any information about this collision, please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805-524-2233.

The Fillmore Police reminds parents and the guardians of small children to teach and practice looking both ways before crossing a street. Do not allow small children to play unsupervised in proximity to streets, even if the roads are not particularly busy. Finally, both parents and anyone driving in residential areas need to be vigilant for hazards that might dart out between parked cars. Be aware the warm temperatures we have been experiencing increases the number of children and people outdoors.

Nature of Incident: Injury Traffic Collision
Report Number: RB# 13-19386
Location: Third Street Between Lemon Way and B Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: August 29, 2013 6:30 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department / Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
V Male toddler Fillmore 3
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Craig Smith, Sergeant
Media Release Date: 08/30/2013
Follow-Up Contact: Craig Smith, Sergeant 805-524-2233
Approved by: Captain Monica McGrath

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).

 

A group of cyclists visited Fillmore Thursday. They call themselves Bike & Build and they are a non-profit involved in raising money for affordable housing. The Gazette spoke briefly with leaders Kristin Anderson ad Chris Casey. The Bike & Build website explains their plan: “Bike & Build organizes cross-country bicycle trips which benefit affordable housing groups. Specifically, we fund projects planned and executed by young adults. Over the past 10 seasons we have donated more than $4M; built for more than 120,000 hours; pedaled over 6M miles; and engaged more than 1750 young adults in spreading the word about the affordable housing crisis in America.”

This particular 76-day trip by 27 members was to end in Santa Barbara after spending the night in Santa Paula. The cyclists left Maine on June 19 traveling 3,989 miles and raising $154,000. Everyone was in high spirits as they rested in Central Park and checked their equipment.

 

Ventura County, CA - Last month, a Ventura County family narrowly avoided tragedy after discovering their 2-year old near death after he had been accidentally locked in the family’s minivan. The child was rushed to a nearby emergency room where he was diagnosed with hyperthermia (heatstroke) and his body temperature was measured at 107.2 degrees. Thankfully, doctors were able to cool the boy and save his life but, for the hundreds of other children left alone in cars each year, the story does not have the same happy ending.

Such cases are more common than people might expect. An average of 38 children die in hot cars in the United State each year -- that's one every nine days. According to the Department of Geosciences at San Francisco State University, there have been more than 550 documented cases of heatstroke of children in vehicles since 1998.

Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Public Health Officer, warns parents to never leave a child unattended in a car – even if it is just for a few minutes and the windows are left open. “The temperature inside a car can heat up 20 degrees in just 10 minutes,” said Levin. “Because a child’s body heats up three to five times fast than an adult’s, it doesn’t take long for a child’s temperature to reach life-threatening levels.”

Any parent can forget their child in a car, especially if they are tired, distracted or out of their regular routine. According to the Safe Kids Worldwide, a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children, heatstroke is the number one cause of non-crash vehicle-related deaths for children ages 14 and under. Sadly, more than half of child heatstroke deaths occur when a distracted caregiver forgets a quiet child in the vehicle.

To keep your children safe, Safe Kids Worldwide created the A-C-T educational and awareness campaign for parents and caregivers. Each of the three letters reminds adults of important heat-related prevention tips.

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Always lock your doors and trunks – even in your driveway. And keep your keys and key fobs out of the reach of kids.

C: Create reminders. Place something you'll need at your next stop - like a briefcase or cell phone - next to the child safety seat. It may seem simple, but can be a helpful reminder on a chaotic day.

T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, take action. Call 911. Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations.

For more information about child passenger safety, go to: http://www.safekids.org/and-around-cars

 
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Cal Fire
Cal Fire

Nearly 6,500 firefighters continue to battle seven major wildfires across California. Thanks in part to cooler temperatures; firefighters are making good progress on containment on all the fires. While a majority of the large wildfires are burning on federal land, CAL FIRE and local fire departments continue to support the US Forest Service with fire resources.

The Rim Fire burning near and in Yosemite National Park has now burned 235,841 acres (369 square miles) and is now 75% contained. The Rim Fire remains the 4th largest wildfire in California’s recorded history. See the Top 20 list.

Much of Northern California will continue to experience cooler temperatures and even light rainfall in some areas. By mid-week, a drying trend is likely along with very gusty winds, which will increase the fire danger. In Southern California higher humidity and light winds will continue to cause the large fire threat to be low for the next several days, but temperatures will begin to increase and conditions will once again begin drying out.

Fires of Interest:

**CAL FIRE Incidents**
*There are currently no large CAL FIRE wildfires. See Rim Fire below.

**Unified Command Fires**
Rim Fire, Tuolumne County (more info…)
Stanislaus National Forest/CAL FIRE
* northeast of Groveland
* 235,841 acres - 75% contained
* Evacuations in effect
* 4,500 residences threatened

**Federal Fires**
Forks Complex, Siskiyou County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest
6 miles southeast of Somes Bar
* 35,892 acres - 45% contained
* Includes the Orleans Complex (Butler Fire) and the Salmon Complex

Corral Complex, Humboldt County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest
east of the Hoopa Indian Reservation
* 11,924 acres - 49% contained

Fish Fire, Tulare County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Sequoia National Forest
25 miles northeast of Springville
* 2,060 acres - 90% contained

Windy Fire, Tulare County
Tule Indian Reservation
12 miles east of Springville
* 250 acres - 70% contained

Gobblers Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
US Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest
6 miles south of Wrightwood
* 413 acres - 95% contained

Aspen Fire, Fresno County (more info…)
US Forest Service – Sierra National Forest
near Huntington Lake
* 22,942 acres - 95% contained

 
A 10” water main was ruptured at the intersection of Highway 126 and Central Avenue, on Thursday, August 22 at approximately 11pm by a utility company installing fiber optics. Homes, businesses and Rio Vista Elementary south-east of Fillmore were without water, and a Notice to Boil went out from the City of Fillmore. At press time part of Central Avenue between Highway 126 and River Street remains closed.
A 10” water main was ruptured at the intersection of Highway 126 and Central Avenue, on Thursday, August 22 at approximately 11pm by a utility company installing fiber optics. Homes, businesses and Rio Vista Elementary south-east of Fillmore were without water, and a Notice to Boil went out from the City of Fillmore. At press time part of Central Avenue between Highway 126 and River Street remains closed.
Enlarge Photo

A large section of residential homes and businesses were without water Thursday. A utility company installing fiber optic lines punctured a 10” water main along Ventura St. within the City of Fillmore near Central Ave. on August 22, 2013 at about 11:00 p.m.

The City of Fillmore Water System on advisement of the California Department of Public Health, and the Ventura County Environmental Health Jurisdiction temporarily shut water-off to the south-east area of Fillmore in order to make repairs to the waterline. Permanent repairs were estimated to be completed by August 25, 2013. As of presstime, the south intersection of Hwy 126 and Central Avenue was still closed to through traffic.

Until the permanent repairs were made, the City of Fillmore issued a Notice to Boil Water to the affected area out of an abundance of precaution until August 26, 2013.

The City of Fillmore worked closely with the California Department of Public Health to ensure proper procedures
were followed in the repairs.

The California Department of Public Health in conjunction with the Ventura County Health Department, and City of Fillmore are advising residents of the southeast area of Fillmore to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution.

Residents were advised to boil their tap water before use, or use bottled water. Bleach and disinfection tables were also recommended.

 
Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath informed the Council of her plans to apply for a state grant from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program of $500,000.
Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath informed the Council of her plans to apply for a state grant from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program of $500,000.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Fillmore City Council Meeting was new City Manager David Rowlands' first and very short meeting, being completed in less than an hour. Police Chief Monica McGrath and Building Official Stephen Stuart addressed the Council wanting approval for use of grant money received and also applying for future state grants that are available. Other agenda items discussed were the new City's Code of Ethics, an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and approval of work on the Police Station parking lot.

Rowlands attended his first council meeting, with a first statement from the dais, "Glad to be here, it's been an exciting twelve days."

When asked the difference between Fillmore and Clayton, Ohio where Rowlands last served as city manager, he responded that Clayton had a lot higher humidity and Fillmore is much busier, then added, "I love it here."
Stephen Stuart received approval of a request that the 2013-2014 Community Development Block Grant Sub recipient contract with the County of Ventura be used to for Housing Code Enforcement Program ($41,204.00) and for the first-year lease for a replacement fire engine ($58,863.00) totaling just over $100,000. Stuart reminded the Council they previously approved $8,000 toward code enforcement and that presently 8-10 hours per week is being conducted, but the added grant monies will add another 3-4 hours per week.

Other grant monies were presented by Fillmore's Police Chief Monica McGrath. McGrath informed the Council of $8,215,000 in state restitution funds available for the fiscal year 2014-2015 and her plans to apply for a state grant from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program of $500,000 grant for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015. These grants are a competitive process controlled by the Board of State and Community Corrections and require a dollar for dollar match. McGrath told the Council she may not get that amount and that asking for such a large sum is really reaching out there, but feels it is worth a try.

Those receiving the grants must have an Evidence-Based Program, Practices and Strategies (EBT) which includes a prevention (43%), intervention (36%) and suppression (21%) approach on how the grant is used. The EBT requires measurable outcomes that reliably produce significant reductions in recidivism (participants who entered and left the program or returned to illegal behavior) and practices known to produce positive outcomes. This requirement ensures the grant monies are being used effectively.

A Code of Ethics document was presented to the Council for approval, but in it was an ending paragraph that three of the Council Members questioned and were not comfortable approving. It stated quote; "If it is determined that there is a potential breach in this code of ethics the governing body and /or City Manager should determine the process with which to conduct an investigation that is fair and impartial. The investigation will allow for the accused and the accuser to participate in the investigation on their behalf. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken by the governing body. The City Council will be advised of the outcome of the investigation and any potential disciplinary actions taken."

Council Member Diane McCall said, "I feel we all have the qualities it called for" but also thought the paragraph quoted was too vague and not clear enough to approve. Council Member Steve Conaway responded that he had been working to have a code of ethics since the last one was taken out years ago and that he appreciates that the one presented has a clear path of what will be done if breached. Council Member Douglas Tucker, who helped write the new Code of Ethics version, said the goal was to give the document some teeth and both sides have a say while keeping politics out of it. The end result was that the document’s wording will be clarified and be resubmitted at the next council meeting.

The Council also agreed to some infrastructure improvements and approved the bidding process for work to be done on the Police Station parking lot. This work includes repaving the asphalt lot and moving a fence to allow for an additional 45 feet of parking. It is estimated to cost over $95,000. Construction will start October 23, 2013 and be finished December 1, 2013.

Another item on the agenda was approval of a student to the Parks and Recreation Committee. There were two applicants and both were well qualified. Caitlin McCall was chosen due to it being her senior year in high school and the last time she could apply for the position and be involved. The other applicant has two more years of high school leaving two remaining years to apply.

 

Now that the school year has begun, we would like to remind residents who drive around the city’s schools to be mindful of children walking or riding their bicycles to and from school. Drivers are reminded to be patient in or around school zones as traffic is typically backed up with parents who are attempting to drop off their children at school. It is recommended that if you do not have children attending a school, you find an alternate route during the school hours of 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM in order to avoid any traffic congestion in front of our city
schools.

Parents are also reminded to teach their children proper bicycle riding safety. Children under the age of 18 must wear helmets properly while riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard. Studies show that 74-85% of bicycle related injuries could have been prevented with the proper use of a helmet and using proper bicycle safety. Proper use means buying a good helmet, making sure it fits, and making sure to buckle the chinstrap, while fitting it properly under the chin. We would like to remind children to look for an intersection that has a crossing guard or a marked crosswalk before crossing, as this is the safest way to cross the street.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle and while riding you must obey the rules of the road.

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

08/20/13
Vandalism
700 Blk. Central
Search Warrant
400 Blk. Blaine
Keep the peace
400 Blk. Sespe
Vandalism
200 Blk. Rhodes
Vandalism
900 Blk. Wileman
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Saratoga
Surveillance
1000 Blk. Los Serenos
08/21/13
Search Warrant
700 Blk. Balden
Theft CONTINUED »

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

On (date) 8/23/2013 you were notified of the need to boil/disinfect all tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.

The City of Fillmore Water System in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health, and/or Ventura County Environmental Health Jurisdiction, has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, your water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary to boil your tap water or for you to consume bottled water.

For more information call:

Water Utility contact: City of Fillmore @ (805)524-3701

California Department of Public Health: (805)566-6625

Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: (805)654-2818

NOMBRE DEL SERVICIO DE AGUA FECHA _____________

CANCELACIÓN DEL AVISO DE HERVIR EL AGUA

El (fecha) de le notificaron que tenía que hervir o desinfectar toda el agua de la llave que utilizara para beber y cocinar.

El Sistema de Agua de junto con el Departamento de Salud Publica de California, o la Jurisdicción Local de Salud Ambiental han determinado tras la supresión del riesgo de salud, seguido por un análisis completo del agua, que puede beber el agua de su llave sin peligro. Ya no es necesario que hierva el agua de su llave ni que consuma agua de botella.

Para más información llame a:

Contacto en el Servicio de Agua:
(Nombre, puesto y no. de teléfono del representante del servicio de agua)

Departamento de Salud Publica de California:

Jurisdicción Local de Salud Ambiental:

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

A quick update. For those who haven't heard, there has been a major water leak on a trunk line on Ventura St. (126) and Central Ave.in Fillmore. This was caused by a company installing fiber optic line. Nearly everyone South/East of that intersection is being affected by the leak.

At this time there is a boil water notice. See below...

Date:8/23/13
BOIL WATER NOTICE
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.

Due to the recent event of water outage situation, the California Department of Public Health in conjunction with the Ventura County Health Department, and City of Fillmore are advising residents of the southeast area of Fillmore per the attached map to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice. This is the preferred method to assure that the water is safe to drink.

• An alternative method of disinfection for residents that are not able to boil their water is to use fresh, unscented, liquid household bleach. To do so, add 8 drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water, mix thoroughly, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before using. A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this disinfection procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place.
• Water disinfection tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

We will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem by Sunday, August 25, 2013.

For more information call:
Water Utility contact: City of Fillmore at (805)524-3701.
California Department of Public Health – Drinking Water Field Operations Branch- District Office at (805) 566-1326.
Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: Ventura County at (805)654-2818.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

 
Jeffrey McGuire, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 1,345 lb. market steer that was awarded FFA Reserve Grand Champion.
Jeffrey McGuire, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 1,345 lb. market steer that was awarded FFA Reserve Grand Champion.
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Part 2
Phillip Theising, 11, Bardsdale 4-H, raised a replacement heifer and was awarded 4-H Champion/Reserve Champion. Phillip's champion replacement heifer, Penelope, fetched $10,000 at auction.
Phillip Theising, 11, Bardsdale 4-H, raised a replacement heifer and was awarded 4-H Champion/Reserve Champion. Phillip's champion replacement heifer, Penelope, fetched $10,000 at auction.
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Samantha Points, 14, Bardsdale 4-H, raised a replacement heifer that was awarded 4-H Reserve Grand Champion and received a top bid of $3,000 at the auction.
Samantha Points, 14, Bardsdale 4-H, raised a replacement heifer that was awarded 4-H Reserve Grand Champion and received a top bid of $3,000 at the auction.
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Timmy Klittich, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 150 lb. FFA Champion/Reserve Grand Champion market lamb.
Timmy Klittich, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 150 lb. FFA Champion/Reserve Grand Champion market lamb.
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Story and photos by Bob Crum

[continued from last week] Tons of hard work, hours of toil and a little serendipity paid off in a huge way at the Ventura County Fair. Eleven Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale youngsters raised animals for show and auction that won championships. Incredible!

Jeffrey McGuire, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 1,345 lb. market steer that was awarded FFA Reserve Grand Champion.

Jeffrey is deaf and relayed his story with his mother interpreting.

Jeffrey was prepping his large animal and I asked his name.” Diesel” was the reply. An unusual name so I repeated the question. “Yep... Diesel.” Because, as Jeffrey explained... his ears go up and he's all black which reminds him of a diesel truck. Makes so much sense I should have known. How about raising such a large animal. “No problem,” replied Jeffrey, adding, “he was pretty easy but a lot of work” Work? I could imagine but wanted particulars. “Every day, wash, feed and walk Diesel,” explained Jeffrey. “Every day... some days twice a day,” he added. And time it all took? “Two hours a day,” according to Jeffrey. Considering that I don't wash my hair every day, I naturally wondered why such attention to Diesel. “Because, Jeffrey explained, I want Diesel to look good every day.” To that end... Jeffrey uses shampoo and conditioner and blow dries him afterward so his hair is fluffy. Sounded like Jeffrey is a walking beauty parlor for steers. I didn't ask but I'll bet that if Diesel requested a massage... Jeffrey would oblige.

Although the auction culminates the year for animal raising, Jeffrey had shown Diesel prior to the Fair and in doing so Diesel won four grand championships.

Jeffrey bought his steer from Roger's Livestock. No doubt for good reason. “Roger's Livestock has good breeding lines... lots of muscle... lots of hair... things I like,” explained Jeffrey. But does a 16-year old pick out his own steer, one wonders? “Yes, I pick it out, explained Jeffrey, adding, “I look at his muscles, his hair... I like long hair... and how it walks. At the time of selection, the steer weighs about 500 pounds. Well, might as well pick what you like so long as the steer wins championships.

Of course Jeffrey is CONTINUED »

 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

8/13/13
Battery
400 Blk. Mallard
Vandalism
200 BLK. Sierra Vista
Search Warrant
600 Blk. Via Rodeo
Theft Identity
8/14/13
900 Blk. Taylor
Theft
50 Blk. Southern Pacific
Keep the Peace
400 Blk. Mallard
Keep the Peace
700 Blk. A St.
8/15/13
Surveillance
1000 Blk. Oliver
Narcotics Violation
500 Blk. Sespe CONTINUED »

 
Breanna Berrington, Fillmore FFA, raised a 1,342 lb market steer that won FFA Grand Champion and overall Grand Champion. “Bentley” fetched $25/lb, $33,550.
Breanna Berrington, Fillmore FFA, raised a 1,342 lb market steer that won FFA Grand Champion and overall Grand Champion. “Bentley” fetched $25/lb, $33,550.
Enlarge Photo
Part 1 (Part 2 next week)
Macie Wokal, Fillmore FFA, raised a 274 lb market swine that was awarded FFA Grand Champion. Auction results: $40/lb, $10,960.
Macie Wokal, Fillmore FFA, raised a 274 lb market swine that was awarded FFA Grand Champion. Auction results: $40/lb, $10,960.
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Jazmin Olvera, Sespe 4H, raised a 268 lb market swine that was awarded 4H Reserve Grand Champion.
Jazmin Olvera, Sespe 4H, raised a 268 lb market swine that was awarded 4H Reserve Grand Champion.
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Hailee Smith, Fillmore FFA, raised a market swine of 273 lbs which was awarded FFA Reserve Grand Champion.
Hailee Smith, Fillmore FFA, raised a market swine of 273 lbs which was awarded FFA Reserve Grand Champion.
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Erin Berrington, Piru 4H, raised a 1,275 lb market steer that was awarded 4H Champion steer, overall Reserve
Grand Champion.
Erin Berrington, Piru 4H, raised a 1,275 lb market steer that was awarded 4H Champion steer, overall Reserve Grand Champion.
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Silver Perez, Sespe 4H, raised a 273 lb market swine that was awarded the 4H Champion/Reserve Grand Champion.
Silver Perez, Sespe 4H, raised a 273 lb market swine that was awarded the 4H Champion/Reserve Grand Champion.
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Story and photos by Bob Crum

Tons of hard work, hours of toil and a little serendipity paid off in a huge way at the Ventura County Fair. Eleven Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale youngsters raised animals for show and auction that won championships. Incredible!

Presented at the Junior Livestock Auction for sale by 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) youngsters were 347 market pigs, 52 market steer, 5 replacement heifers, 47 market goats, 144 market lambs plus a couple chickens, rabbits and turkeys. No peacocks.

First chance you get, visit any grocery store of your choice. Go immediately to the meat counter. Aaaah... there it is... lamb. And you have the perfect recipe. About a pound will do. And it's only $225 a pound. Enjoy! Ummm... is there a problem? At the County Fair's Junior Livestock auction the high bid for the Grand Champion market lamb was $225 per pound! (a new record) The lamb weighs 148 pounds. That's a grand total of $33,300. That is how these 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) youngsters pad their college funds.

Besides friends and relatives of all description bidding on animals, there are also several large entities the likes of TNT Truck & Crane, AAA Propane, The Wood Claeyssens Foundation and others that buy many animals at the auction. Sometimes they keep the animal. Sometimes it's returned to the youngsters. Most of the time it's donated to Food Share. It's all extraordinarily good!

The following are conversations with the 4-H and FFA award winners at the Ventura County Fair.

Macie Wokal, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a 274 lb. market swine that was awarded FFA Grand Champion. Auction results: $40.00/pound; $10,960.00.

Did Macie expect to win Grand Champion? “Umm... kind of,” said Marcie, adding “because when I picked my pig the breeder that I bought it from was really, really into it. The breeder is Leonard Cruz.

Daisy is her name but turns out Macie didn't come up with her pigs name, her friend Breanna Berrington did. And how was Daisy as a growing pig? “She was pretty easy going,” Macie explained, adding... I used to raise cattle so this was easier for me.” Kind of took a year off? “Yeah,” she said, pretty much but I'll redo cattle next year. Why raise a pig this year? “Because I've been pretty busy... I play softball so this gave me more time to do softball because cows... you have them for like nine months and pigs you only have them for like four,” explained Macie.

But there's more to Macie's story. “This the my first year raising a market hog which goes to slaughter so I'm easing my way into slaughter and then I'm going to do a steer next year, she said. Asking for clarification Macie added, “well because I don't really like the slaughter thing so a pig you only have for four months so you don't get as attached but a steer you have for nine months so you get really attached so I'm easing my way... slowly.”

Does Macie have plans for the auction proceeds? “Yes, a car, because I just got my (driving) license,” Macie quickly said. Macie's future plans? “Graduate high school and attend Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University), San Luis Obispo to become an ag teacher.” Not surprised!

Silver Perez, 16, Sespe 4-H, raised a 273 pound market swine that was awarded the 4-H Champion/Reserve Grand Champion.

Porky's name is CONTINUED »

 
Alumni Association Board members Corinna “Chandler” Mozley, Mark Ortega, and Maria “Diaz” Kilgore are pictured with Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long for a presentation of a 100 year congratulatory Proclamation on June 11th.
Alumni Association Board members Corinna “Chandler” Mozley, Mark Ortega, and Maria “Diaz” Kilgore are pictured with Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long for a presentation of a 100 year congratulatory Proclamation on June 11th.
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Ventura County Board of Supervisors Proclamation
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Proclamation
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On June, 11th, 2013, the Fillmore High School Alumni Association received a proclamation from County Supervisor, Kathy Long, and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. It was presented to the Association during the week of their 100th year celebration which was highlighted by a beautiful dinner celebration on the evening of June 15th, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial building. The Alumni Assoc will be at Central Station this Friday evening from 5:00pm to 9:00pm during "Flashback Fridays" in beautiful Downtown Fillmore, and will have their commemorative 100th year Wine glasses available for a small donation of $5.00 for each glass. Congratulations to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association. Onward and Upward to the next 100 years!

Whereas, the first graduating class of Fillmore High School was in 1911 with four graduates: Mabel Arthur, Mary Cummings, Sarah King and Albert Wicklund; and
Whereas, in 1914 the Fillmore High Alumni Association was established with Albert Wicklund as the first President and Elvira Wicklund Hardison as President in 1915-16; and
Whereas, after World War I, Edith Moore was elected President and annual meetings continued to be held. In the following years, annual dinner meetings were held for the members followed by individual classes holding meetings separately in class rooms at the Fillmore High School campus; and
Whereas, in 1960 the Fillmore High Alumni Association began awarding scholarships to outstanding students, these varied from $25.00 up to $250.00. As more members became interested in providing scholarships, the Alumni put forth a plan to develop a Scholarship Foundation that would generate $100.000.00 that would provide the necessary funds to continue to award scholarships each year to graduating seniors; and
Whereas, in 1987 Fillmore High Alumni Association established Bylaws by which the Association could be run. A Board of Directors was elected, with Conway Spitler serving as the first Executive Director; and
Whereas, the current Board Members are: Richard Mosbarger '47, Mark Ortega '79, Corinna "Chandler" Mozley '71, Glenda "Gregory" DeJarnette '59, Kathleen "Penrod" Mc Creary '66, Tricia "Urrea" Gradias '78, Mark Avila '84, Maria "Diaz" Kilgore '62, Michelle Haase '87, Rick Cadena '83 and Barry Thompson '79; and
Whereas, in 1990 an Alumni website was established so that classmates could stay in contact with one another and it is still an active part of keeping members up-to-date on what happens in their community.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors do hereby congratulate the Fillmore High School Alumni Association, on 100 years of dedicated service to the Community of Fillmore, and for their continued support of helping Fillmore High School Graduates go on to Higher Education through Scholarships and Grants. And we further wish to commend them for fostering a spirit of fellowship among their members, honoring the heritage of Fillmore High School. Presented this 11th Day of June, 2013.

 

08/6/13
Keep the Peace
600 Blk. Saratoga
08/7/13
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Main St.
Burglary
70 Blk. E. Telegraph
Vandalism
Mt. View St. / Sespe
Vandalism
Cook Dr. / Sespe
08/8/13
Vandalism
100 Blk. Sespe (2)
Vandalism
500 Blk. Mnt. View
Vandalism
Saratoga St. / Sespe
Vandalism
400 Blk. Clay St.
Burglary
600 Blk. Ventura
Search Warrant
500 Blk. River
Keep the Peace
500 Blk. Sespe
Drunk in Public
300 Blk. Central
Narcotics Violation
A St. / Santa Clara
08/9/13
Fight
Stonehedge / Woodgrove
Shots Fired
3rd St / B St.
Keep the Peace
250 E. Telegraph
08/10/13
Vandalism
500 Blk. A St.
08/11/13
Vandalism
500 Blk.Mt. View
Keep the Peace
800 Blk. 5th St.
Keep the Peace
1st St. / Price St.
08/12/13
Keep the Peace
500 Blk. Sespe
Search Warrant
800 3rd St.
Theft
300 Blk. Central
Search Warrant
100 Blk. Main
Violation Restraining
400 Blk. Fillmore
Keep the Peace (2)
500 Blk. Sespe

 
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