 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. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
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 » |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
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. 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! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
 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. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
09/17/2013 – 09/23/2013
 City of Fillmore 09/17/13 |
 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. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
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. |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
 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. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
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”. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
 Sunday evening at approximately 7pm an accident occurred at Highway 126 and B Street. No further information was available at press time. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
 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. 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 » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
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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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
 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. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
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. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 9th, 2013
Police asking puclic for information
 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 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
 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. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
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 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
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 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
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. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
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 |
