Secretary/Executiv Assistant, Irma Mendez
Enlarge Photo

Student Rep/Speaker of the House, Kiana Hope
Enlarge Photo

Well it's that time again, when the school bell rings on August 15th and classes begin. Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting was the first of the 2013-2014 school year and with it came some changes. Those changes include 20 new certified staff members and new principals. Fillmore Middle School has hired six new teachers in various subjects: math, physical education, special education, language arts and two in history. Fillmore High School has a new Vice Principal, Joann Dabbs and San Cayetano a new Principal, Trisha Gradies, along with five new teacher; Kelly Sebek 1st grade, Marie Enriquez k-1st, Lucy Sevenson, Alisa Mitchel, Gaby Lopes, Special Education Severally Handicapped.

Adding to the lineup is the new Secretary/Executive Assistant Irma Mendez who moved here from San Diego to be part of FUSD staff. Another new face at the board meeting was the new Student Representative/Speaker of the House Kiana Hope, a senior at Fillmore High School. Hope informed the Board that freshman orientation went smoothly but there were less Student Ambassadors to help with the orientation and more freshman students participate this year than had in the past.

One of the biggest changes to the district is the opening of the new school, Rio Vista Elementary. The new school begins with 530-550 students and 25 classrooms: three kindergarten, one music, one science and 20 for 1st through 6th grades. About 60 of the new students will have transferred over from Sespe Elementary due to new school boundary lines.

The new Principal, Victor Torres, has taught from elementary grades to high school. His resume includes Granada Hills High School along with working in Palmdale at a turn around school as an assistant principal and today is also a board member at Castaic Unified School District.

The School Budget is not as healthy as once believed stated Assistant Superintendent Earl Davis and is still a work in progress. Davis informed the Board of the difference in funding from what Governor Brown had originally proposed saying the bill..."went through a rush with 25 transitional bills that followed....like peeling an onion, what was promised is not as much as once believed...part of the increase was money we were already getting” adding that the expected increase will be over a long period of time and depend on the State economy and budget. He then cautioned stating, "We do not want to add things that in the long run the money isn't there."

Reducing class size and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) out of Sacramento was discussed. Class reduction goals began in 1996 under Governor Pete Wilson when the state was enjoying a budget surplus. The goal was to reduce class size in early grades (k-3rd) to 20 students. But the state budget in recent years has unraveled the program, which gave a generous subsidy of more than $1,000 per student, with schools contributing part on the money if class size was maintained under 21 students. In 2009 the California Legislature gave districts the right to raise class size to over 25 student and still get 70 percent of the subsidy they had been receiving. The Federal Stimulus dollars helped keep the program afloat for a few years, but those dollars have long since dried up and Gov. Brown is proposing to eliminate the protected funding for the program.

Fillmore Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino told the Board it was another unfunded mandate by the State and that if FUSD could bring the class enrollment down by one student the District could qualify for the additional funding, but the District may be in no position to make those adjustments without jeopardizing other needed items.

Under the new formula, district receive the bulk of their funding based on average daily attendance in four grade spans which recognize the generally higher cost of education at higher grade levels. According to the Legislative Analyst's Office LCFF works out per student per year: k-3rd grade $6,845; 4th-6th grade $6,947; 7th-8th grade $7,154; 9th-12th $8,287. If a district reduces class size and qualifies the base adjusted increase would be 10.4% for K-3rd and 2.6% for 9th-12th grades. But for school districts with 50% or more English Language learners enrolled the increase generates a 50% adjustment in the rate according to the Legislative Analyst's report (http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2013/edu/lcff/lcff-072913.aspx). But as Nishino stated, "It's an unfunded mandate" so there is no guarantee the funds will come through.

Board Member Lucy Rangel questioned why the sports fees have doubled this year. She was not given a direct answer but was told the students could fundraise and that she would be receiving an informational report on school policy from staff in the future to answer her question. State policy states that no child shall be required to pay or turned away for not paying. Nishino responded, "We need to know where the money goes" adding that the law comes first then the school policy.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

7\30\13
Burglary
250 Blk Telegraph
Keep the Peace
1000 Blk Oliver St.
Burglary
900 Blk Blaine Ave
Search Warrant
400 Blk Saratoga
Robbery
300 Blk Bard St.
07\31\2013
Vandalism
Mccambell /Sespe
Keep the Peace
900 Blk Ventura St.
Burglary (2)
600 Blk Santa Clara
Keep the Peace
900 Blk Santa Clara
Keep the Peace
700 Blk Ventura
Theft
900 Blk Foothill Dr. CONTINUED »

Enlarge Photo

July 30, 2013 at approximately 6:53 pm, a motorcycle traveling approximately 65 miles per hour westbound on Main Street at Saratoga Street collided with a Honda Civic that was making a left turn from Saratoga Street onto eastbound Main Street. The collision occurred in the intersection causing the driver (29) and passenger (29) of the motorcycle to be ejected. The driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet and sustained moderate injuries. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The passenger on the motorcycle, 29-year-old Francisco Andrade, of Fillmore, was not wearing a helmet, sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver (24) of the Honda Civic sustained minor injuries and was transported to Santa Paula Hospital for treatment. The other passengers in the Honda Civic did not sustain any injuries. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death.

At this time the cause of the collision is under investigation. The Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to call the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

Besides the fourteen scholarships awarded to members of the 2013 graduating class from Fillmore High, the alumni association has also awarded 19 $1000 Continuation Grants to former Fillmore High graduates who are continuing their education at universities, colleges or technical schools. Receiving these grants for the 2013-2014 school year are:

Anthony Chavez, 2010 graduate who is attending U.C. San Diego, majoring in Political Science; Corey Cole, 2011 graduate who is attending Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, majoring is Physical Education and Elementary Education; Sean Conaway, 2007 graduate, attending B. Y. U. majoring in Business Management; Amy De La Piedra, 1993 graduate attending Moorpark College working for her Registered Nursing degree; Vincent Ferguson, 2009 graduate, attending Cal State Channel Islands, majoring in Mathematics; Jaymee Harter, 2009 graduate, attending Cal State Northridge, majoring in Public Health Promotion; Chloe Keller, 2011 graduate, attending Cal State Channel Islands, majoring in Liberal Studies; Jaynessa Lopez, 2012 graduate, attending Cal Lutheran, majoring in Biology; Kelsey MacDonald, 2010 graduate, attending San Diego State, majoring in Public Health; Kellsie McLain, 2010 graduate, attending U.C.L.A., majoring in American Literature;Moneh Magdaleno, 2010 graduate, attending Vanguard University, majoring in Psychology with a Religion minor; Roberto Munoz, 2012 graduate, attending Grinnell College, majoring in Psychology; Mariah Perez, 2011 graduate, attending Cal State Bakersfield, majoring in Criminal Justice; Grace Simon, 2011 graduate, attending Cal State Northridge, majoring in Communications Disorders;Troy Spencer, 2011 graduate, attending Cal Lutheran, majoring in Accounting; Karissa Tarango, 2011 graduate, attending Cal State Northridge, majoring in Psychology; Jenna Wilber, 2012 graduate, attending Westmont College, majoring in Liberal Studies; John Wilber, 2012 graduate, attending Ventura College, major undecided; Riley Wright, 2011 graduate, attending Cal State Channel Islands, majoring in Liberal Arts.

Upon enrolling for the fall term at the school of their choice, recipients are to send proof of enrollment at the school, along with a short note letting the Scholarship Committee know how the first few weeks of college have gone for them. At this time, one half of their grant will be sent. The second half will be sent upon their enrolling for the second semester.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Taurie Banks, of Fillmore, returned home from the 2013 Pinto Horse World Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with two World Championship titles and three Reserve Championships.

Riding the Black and White Stallion, See En Magic, Owned by Sue and Richard Fleczok of Simi Valley, she won the Open First Level Dressage. She received a World Championship Buckle, Ribbon and a World Championship Jacket. See En Magic Went on to make the Top Ten with a Sixth Place in Open Hunters Over Fences and Fifth Place in the Open Jumpers. He also placed Fifth in the Open Hunter Hack.

“I am so happy with Wizard (See En Magic)!” Banks said. “It has been a lot of work to get here, but Wizard was amazing. He really showed he trusted me in the ring, and relaxed, and gave me his best! I didn't know we had won, but it felt like a World Championship Ride!”

She went on to add, “In the jumping, he was so relaxed and easy to ride. I really was able to enjoy the whole World Show experience”.

Sue Fleczok, owner of See En Magic stated, “I am so glad that we found Taurie. She has the patience and the ability to read the horses, and work with them through any issues they might have.”

Taurie also rode her American Paint Horse Stallion, Tribal King, winning the OpenWestern Dressage Level 2 World Championship Title and Reserve Champion.

“This is a fairly new discipline in horse sports and I am very excited about it's future.” Taurie said. “My horse and I pushed ourselves to compete in the highest levels currently offered for Western Dressage and it paid off! Tribal King is such a supple, and flexible horse, he makes these harder tests a lot of fun.”

Tribal King also won Reserve World Champion in the Open English Dressage Second Level the day before, and was Reserve World Champion in the Open Jumping, missing the World Championship title by just a few seconds. He also placed Fifth in the Open Working Hunters.

“This was an amazing experience!” Taurie gleamed. “I had the opportunity to ride two amazing horses, in three completely different disciplines. My goal was to try and make the Top Ten in all my classes and I came home with Five Champion and Reserve Championship Buckles, and all my rides were in the Top Seven.”

Tribal King was also awarded Reserve Show Champion for the Open Hunter Type Horses for the entire two week show, even though he only competed for three days.

Taurie would like to thank Richard and Sue Fleczok for the opportunity to ride See En Magic and support they have shown in making this show a possibility. She would also like to thank her amazing, hard working groom, Bailey Brantley, who made sure the horses needs were always taken care of.

Taurie Banks is the Owner and Trainer at Kings Corner Training Stables in Fillmore. For more information about Taurie and her horses, riding lessons or summer camp, please contact her at www.kingscornerstables.com or call (805) 727-3444.

Fugitive Andres Rene Rodriguez, 28 of Oxnard.

Fillmore Sheriff Department was out in force Saturday night in the Los Serenos track. Fugitive Andres Rene Rodriguez, 28 of Oxnard, wanted for homicide, was reported in the area. Sheriff’s officers followed up on the lead. He was not captured.

Rodriguez is wanted in an Oxnard shooting, and the shooting death last week of Angela Bryant, 33, of Santa Paula. Bryant was found in her home Wednesday night with a gunshot wound to the head. She later died at Ventura County Medical Center.

Santa Paula Police and Oxnard police are also involved in the investigation.

Rodriquez has a long criminal history in Ventura County and has warrants out for his arrest. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Steve Stewart and Tom Petersen introduce the Pilot Program to charge for portable toilet waste, during Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Enlarge Photo

The July 23, 2013 Fillmore City Council Meeting was completed in less than an hour. The agenda items addressed included approval of the pilot program to charge for portable toilet waste disposal, new upgraded copy machines, and an appointment to the Planning Commission.

The four month pilot program to accept portable toilet waste at the Fillmore Water Recycling Plant was approved by the Council. It was scheduled to begin on September 3rd but those working on the project are pushing for an earlier date. The test trial will start at accepting 3/10th of 1% the facilities capacity at 15 cents per gallon. The plant currently uses only 55% of its permitted capacity. Its total capacity is 1.8 million gallons per day which is about double the amount of residents/customers it services.

There are other facilities that accept portable toilet waste and charge less per gallon, such as Lancaster (10.1 cents), Saugus (9.7 cents) and Carson and Pomona (5.7 cents); but for businesses such as local agriculture, construction and outdoor events here in Ventura County using Fillmore's facility makes better economic sense considering the travel time and cost of gas. An informal telephone survey revealed that business located in within the vicinity of Fillmore generate approximately 15,000 gallons per day, which equates to approximately .833% of the plants total capacity.

One portable toilet supplier is ready to participate in the trial program; which is expected to generate $30,000 in revenue every four months. The associated costs for staff and legal services needed to initiate the program is expected to be approximately $4,000 with American Water's fee at approximately $4,500, netting the City in the range of $22,500 for the first four months. If the test trial shows no impact on the facility's operating capacity other portable toilet supplies will then be allowed to use the facility up to 1% of its capacity; which has the potential of generating well over $200,000 for the City. American Water, who runs the plant, will receive 15% of any revenue received under the program.

Another agenda item was approving a new member of the Planning Commission. The new member is Jayme L. Laber, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Watershed Sciences (surface water hydrology) and over 20 years of experience in water resources, flood control and public works related projects. Laber has resided in Fillmore 11 years and stated his reason for applying for the position was, "I would like to give back to the community of Fillmore in some capacity."

The City will soon be upgrading and replacing most of its copy machines. A diligent city staff member, City Treasurer Shannon Godfrey recognized the cost savings to the City by changing lease providers. Godfrey spent over three months in contract negotiations with DocuProducts and Canon Financial Services with the final contract expected to save the City $560 each month. Godfrey told the Council the City makes about 30,000 copies per month and is also paying for repairs of the City owned equipment, which Godfrey said is quite often. With the new contract the City will have more copiers, which are internet connected (except those at the Police Station and Planning Department), repairs are included in the contract and copiers that are user friendly. Acting City Manager Rigo Landeros made a point of thanking Godfrey for all the effort she put into arranging the new contract that is upgrading City equipment and saving the City $6,720 per year.

There are many “Only in Fillmore” and “Hometown boy makes good” stories to recount, but the one about Fillmore's own Rigo Landeros deserves mention in both those categories! If I didn't live in Fillmore and personally know Rigo for over 20 years I would be suspicious myself that in today's environment anyone would be asked to do what he was asked to do; or that he could accomplish what he did these past 11 months as interim city manager. But to really understand how this happened, and how it actually worked, you really have to know a little background about Rigo, Fillmore’s Fire Chief.

Except for being born in Ventura, Reguberto “Rigo” Landeros, 49 years old has lived all his life in his hometown of Fillmore. He has been educated in Fillmore Unified School District Schools; San Cayetano and Sespe Elementary Schools, Fillmore Junior High School (now Fillmore Middle School) and he graduated from Fillmore High School in 1982.

Rigo is the son of Nicholas and the late (2001) Gabriela Landeros of Fillmore. Rigo's father was a hard working family man who toiled in the orange orchards until age 70 as a laborer. Rigo is the youngest of six Landeros children; Brothers Nick 59 years of Ventura, Frannie, 56 years of Fillmore, Chris, 54 years of Fillmore and sisters Abbagail, 58 years of Pearblossom, CA, Annaberta, 52 years of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Josie, 51 years of Lancaster, CA. His father-In-Law Tom and mother-In-Law Jan Petersen also live in Fillmore.

Rigo is married to CONTINUED »

A bear was spotted in the 1600 block of Grand Avenue, Fillmore, Wednesday morning at 9:45 a.m.
Apparently it wandered down from the Sespe Mountain area north of the city. Fish and Game officers tried to startle it back up the canyon but the bear had other ideas and roosted itself in an orchard tree.

The Wardens landed several bean bags on its derriere, and it headed home.

Bears occasionally come down the area canyons in search of water and avocados.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

If it didn't wear a number ID, it could be easily mistaken for an errant drone. With a 9-foot wingspan... the majestic condor #11 lazily soared in the thermal updraft high up on Hopper Mountain. It circled overhead for approximately five minutes... watching the people below. While it's reported that condors are extremely inquisitive... this big bird didn't fool me: it was showing off! Everybody with a camera took full advantage of the condor's exhibitionism. What a hoot... so to speak.

According to the National Wildlife Service , California Condors can soar on warm thermal updrafts for hours, reaching speeds of more than 55 miles per hour and altitudes of 15,000 feet. Through telemetry... flights up to 150 miles in a day have been recorded. Condors hold their wings in a horizontal position and fly very steadily, unlike turkey vultures which fly with their wings held in a V-shape and appear to be unsteady or “wobbly.” Turkey vultures and golden eagles are the birds most often confused with condors. A condor has large white stripes on the underside of its wings, whereas the golden eagle and turkey vulture have white on the wingtips rather than a thick white stripe.

This was my second trip to the condor sanctuary within the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge six miles north of Fillmore. I was privileged to join the Friends of California Condors and personnel from the National Wildlife Service for a special occasion: A cave (nest) entry by USFWS biologist Joseph Brandt and Chandra David of the Los Angeles Zoo. Time for a health checkup of a chick born earlier this spring so Brandt and David rappelled down to the nesting cave in the mountain side. With the chick in hand... the biologist draws a blood sample from the young bird to be sent to a lab for analysis. After a routine checkup... the chick is administered a vaccination for West Nile virus. While the exam took place... except for a very brief exit... dad condor remained in the cave observing the activity.

After the chick's physical... Brandt executed routine housekeeping duties of the nest included cleaning the remote camera and hauling out any microtrash that might be in the nest area. Then back up the mountain side. Exhilarating to observe the event firsthand.

According to BLM, Special Management Area descriptions, “Hopper Mountain consists of 2,025 acres of Federal surface and subsurface and 3,240 acres of Federal mineral estate adjacent to three historically important California condor areas: Sespe Condor Sanctuary, Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge and Sespe-Piru Critical Condor Area.
The Sespe Condor Sanctuary was established in 1947 following field studies by Carl B. Korford between 1939 and 1946. Originally about 35,000 acres, the Sespe Condor Sanctuary was enlarged in 1951 to include approximately 53,000 acres within Los Padres National Forest. The Sespe Condor Sanctuary is closed to all non-permitted entry.

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 with the purchase of the Hopper Ranch by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area was purchased to serve as a buffer from development for the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and to provide an area for a condor feeding program. In the past, carcasses were provided during the winter months and at times during the nesting and fledgling periods. The ranch house is used as headquarters for the condor field program that monitors the wild population of California condors in the region.
The Sespe-Piru Critical Condor Area was designated by the Secretary of the Interior in 1976. The Sespe-Piru Critical Condor Area includes the Sespe Condor Sanctuary.

In 1988, both Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary were used as release sites for Andean condors. The first two releases of captive reared California condor chicks were made at a release site in the Sespe Condor Sanctuary in 1992.

Factoids:
In 1982... only 22 California Condors alive in the world.
1937 – 1,200 acres was preserved for the Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary
1947-1951 – 53,000 acres was preserved for Sespe Condor Sanctuary
1967 – California Condors are placed on Federal Endangered Species list
1971 – California Condors are placed on California Endangered Species List
1974 – Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge established 2,471 acres
1985 – Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge established 14,094 acres
1987 – Last wild condor captured 14 Apr using a pit trap at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge
1992 – 8 condors released from Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
1993 – 5 condors released from Lions Canyon, Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary
1995 – 14 more condors released from Lions Canyon
1996 – 4 condors released from Castle Crags, Machesna Mtn. Wilderness and 4 from Hopper Mtn. NWR
1997 – 4 condors released from Lions Canyon
1999 – 6 condors released from Lions Canyon
2000-2007 – 26 condors released from Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
2007-2011 – 25 California Condors released from Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge
2012 – 33 fledged California Condors are flying wild for the entire program with 16 over Southern California.
December of 2012 – A world total of 234 birds flying free, 170 in captivity for a total of 404 California condors alive in the world. There are 69 condors flying over southern California.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Condor Recovery Program (Recovery Program) is a multi-entity effort to recover the endangered California condor. Cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, California Department of Fish and Game, the Peregrine Fund, Ventana Wildlife Society, Santa Barbara Zoo, the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City and many others. The Recovery Program is currently focusing its efforts on the captive-breeding and reintroduction of California condors to the wild in the hopes of establishing a self-sustaining population. The goal: to establish two geographically separate populations, each with 150 birds and at least 15 breeding pairs. As the Recovery Program works toward this goal the number of release sites has grown. There are three active release sites in California, one in Arizona and one in Baja, Mexico.

The efforts of many dedicated people of the various governmental agencies worked tirelessly to bring the California condor back from the brink of extinction. However... as well as the recovery program appears to be working... lead continues to be a prevailing hazard for the magnificent birds. Condors are scavengers and subject to become fatally ill if feasting on the carrion of various animals shot with lead bullets by hunters or ranchers. Many condors in California, Utah and Arizona have died from lead poisoning since the beginning of the recovery program.

A bill introduced by Assembly Member Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, to ban lead bullets statewide in California recently passed on a 9-5 vote in the Assembly's Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. The use of lead bullets is prohibited in eight counties with endangered California condors. The bill would make the prohibition statewide in scope. Across the country, there are two dozen states with partial bans on the use of lead bullets, usually in sensitive wildlife refuges. While removing led from the environment will aid condors... as well as all wildlife... it doesn't eliminate condors shot by poachers, ranchers or people out just to have some fun.

Perhaps most people won't put the condor in the top five of the prettiest birds in the wild. Thus, devoid of Cinderella status in the bird kingdom, a condor lacks a degree of affection routinely given prettier feathers. Yet the more you know about its gallant struggle to survive... and maintain its rightful place on Mother Earth... the more you adore... and love... this majestic bird.

Watch the skies over Fillmore and Piru... condors check on us now and then to see how we're doing. When you see one, enjoy and revere the sight because you are one of the few that get the privilege. Remember: The California condor is a critically endangered species and is protected by laws of the federal government.

If you are inspired to learn more... here are a few websites...
http://www.fws.gov/hoppermountain/HopperMNWR/hoppermtNWR.html
http://www.thecondorsshadow.com/
http://www.wilderutopia.com/traditions/california-condor-overcoming-exti...
http://www.friendsofcondors.org/

Flying high overhead.. riding the thermals
There I stood. It was the last tour of the season at Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. First Tour for me. I had never seen a condor before, but I hoped with all my heart that I would. Then, out of no where came the most beautiful sight that I had ever seen in my adult life. As the tears of joy, happiness, thankfulness, and gratitude rolled down my face, she flew over us. It was none other than condor 111. She had come to grace us with her magnificent presence while two other condors held back. But not her.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Condor Recovery Program (Recovery Program) is a multi-entity effort to recover the endangered California condor. Cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, California Department of Fish and Game, the Peregrine Fund, Ventana Wildlife Society, the Center for Scientific Investigation and Graduate Studies in Ensenada, La Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAP), National Park Service at Pinnacles National Monument, Santa Barbara Zoo, the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City and many others. The Recovery Program is currently focusing its efforts on the captive-breeding and reintroduction of California condors to the wild in the hopes of establishing a self-sustaining population. If you have a Facebook account... go to... https://www.facebook.com/USFWSCaliforniaCondor ... and "like" for current condor information.

Enlarge Photo

Story and Photos by Bob Crum

Fillmore hosted another grand July 4th birthday party... and everybody came! Throngs of people from everywhere filled Central Avenue from Santa Clara Street to First Street. Up one curb and down the other gorgeous cars and pickups lined the streets. Muscle cars... classic cars... rare vehicles... unusual vehicles... all of various colors. Red, however, was clearly the “in” color this year.

Chevys, Fords, Buicks, Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, a '55 Hudson, a Nash Metro with tear-drop trailer, even a 1930 Durant! Fabulous all. Arguably the most popular car was Mike DeVorak's '66 Mustang. Yes... the one with the indescribably 725hp motor. Awesome machine.

The day began with a fabulous breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes and orange juice served by the Future Farmer's of America (FFA) in the War Memorial building. Thereafter... as the sun rapidly rose ... the temperature rose equally fast. The mass of humanity... undeterred by the heat... swelled the streets such that walking was stop-and-go! Phonetographers were prolifically photoing with glee. Photographers with real cameras were also abundant. Were it still the day of film... one-day film processors would have experienced a bonanza.

The event was also well represented by vendors of various goods from jewelry to straw hats. On the street, food purveyors were briskly dispensing goodies of the delicious kind... including bold, mouth-watering chilly in the shade of the sycamores. 'Twas no surprise that the flavored shaved-ice stands were doing a robust business.

While men flirtatiously ogled the car of their dreams... the band at city hall played on... and on... filling the air with musical notes that tickled the fancy of every ear in hearing range. While the multitudes relished the musical tunes... happy feet danced to the booty-moving rhythm as if no one was watching... except a couple hundred people.

Then sundown. Upon darkness, people on the Fillmore & Western train parked adjacent to the middle school playground… and hundreds more that lined the surrounding streets... watched a fabulous fireworks show culminating in a grand finale of exploding rockets complete with kabooms so loud that canons would be envious.

Fun... excitement... what a day! Not to mention all the backyard gatherings of friends, neighbors and family for tantalizing barbeque, corn on the cob, chilled watermelon and of course… ice-cold brewskies.

Beyond the festivities, the date holds great historical significance. In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Happy birthday America! Thanks for a great reason to celebrate!