 The prestigious Golden Bell Award was given to Sierra High School by the F3 Education Awards Foundation, which partners with the California School Board Association (CSBA). Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
A new Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board President, Vice President and Clerk were selected at the December 17, 2013 meeting, along with a Title III Update Report on the New English Language Standards, Math Curriculum for grades 6-12 and a presentation of the Golden Bell Award which included a check for $5,000 given to Sierra High School. The meeting began with the Board electing a new FUSD Board President. Board Member Tony Prado nominated Lucy Rangel, who was approved by unanimous vote. Board Member John Garnica then nominated Tony Prado for Vice President which was unanimously approved. Next was for the position of Clerk which Prado nominated John Garnica and was also approved. The Board then agreed to keep the same meeting schedule of 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Rangel, who has been on this committee for three years and wanted to finish out the four year term, elected herself for the School Board Representative of County Committee and she then appointed Board Member Dave Wilde to the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The next item was recognition of the prestigious Golden Bell Award to Sierra High School given by the F3 Education Awards Foundation, which partners with the California School Board Association (CSBA). The award is given to schools with a site-based student-led environmentally friendly program. Sierra was the only high school to win in the category of Sustainable, Renewable, Energy and Resource Efficient Program and also one of only two schools to receive a $5,000 cash award. All entries are evaluated and selected by the CSBA with F3 financing the award. Jennifer Weir, Coordinator CONTINUED » |
 The landowner recently bulldozed this road, and several others along Sespe Creek, without permits. Los Padres Forest Watch http://lpfw.org/sespe-bulldozing/. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
Multiple Agencies Respond to Citizen Complaints About Unpermitted Bulldozing, Road Construction, and Vegetation Removal in Critical Habitat for Endangered Steelhead
James Van Trees, a Ventura County landowner with a long history of permitting violations, is now under investigation for allegedly bulldozing roads across and along a nearly two-mile stretch of Sespe Creek. The unpermitted work is occurring north of Fillmore, immediately downstream from the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest and a popular rock formation known as Devil’s Gate. The investigation includes law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the County of Ventura. The landowner did not receive permits from any of these agencies prior to clearing significant amounts of land and native vegetation in and along the creek bed. The unpermitted work reported by the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) has destroyed ecologically sensitive habitat along the creek, and has adversely modified designated critical habitat for the endangered southern steelhead. The creek also provides habitat for other rare wildlife, including southwestern willow flycatchers, least Bell's vireos, arroyo toads, western pond turtles, two-striped garter snakes and California red-legged frogs. The U.S. Forest Service has classified Sespe Creek as an Area of High Ecological Significance due to the abundance of unique wildlife in the watershed. “The Environmental Defense Center and our partners are committed to seeing that the landowner will begin complying with the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act and will protect Sespe Creek – one of the most important ecosystems in our region – and its wild animals including the endangered California condor and the elusive southern California steelhead,” said Brian Trautwein, EDC’s Environmental Analyst and Watershed Program Coordinator. Court and agency records show that CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
 At 10:15am Thursday morning, December 19, a one-car accident took place at Goodenough Road and A Street. The driver, back left, apparently lost control of the car and hit the Palm Tree pictured center. He was treated at the scene. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
 City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 On Saturday, December 14th, the Fillmore City Fire Department celebrated the holidays at their annual Christmas party. This year was especially meaningful to the members of the organization as they commemorated the centennial of the Fillmore Fire Department. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros shared with the attendees a history of the department, acknowledging its many changes, challenges, and accomplishments over the past 100 years. He recited the names of the ten past fire chiefs and made a special presentation to George Campbell, Fillmore City's oldest surviving Chief. Pictured (l-r) are Bill Herrera (Fire Chief 2007-2009) currently Assistant Chief, Curtis Adams (former Assistant Chief), Rodger Campbell (former Assistant Chief) George Campbell (fire Chief 1976-1987), Rigo Landeros (current Fire Chief), Bob Scott currently Assistant Chief, Pat Askren (Fire Chief 1987-2006) currently Assistant Chief. Chief Landeros shared stories and personal memories of Chief Campbell's service as the department's leader. Chief Campbell's wife, two sons, and daughter were in attendance and beaming with pride. Former Chiefs Pat Askren and Bill Herrera also spoke, expressing their gratitude to the members of the Fire Department and their families for the sacrifices they make to serve our community and keep our citizens safe. The Department members were then pinned with commemorative centennial badges (inset) that will be worn on their uniforms for the next year, and then retired. A wonderful dinner was served, followed by dancing. A great time was shared by all who attended. The members of the Department would like to especially thank the Fillmore Firefighters Foundation for sponsoring this year's event and centennial badges. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fr. John Love, formerly of Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Fillmore, was promoted to Lt. Col. Fr. Love is a Chaplain with the California Air National Guard, USAF. He is with the 146th Air Wing, Channel Islands ANG, Air Mobility Command. He attended Westmont College in the early 1980’s, earning two B.A’s in Economics and Political Science; St. John’s Seminary earning an M.A., Masters of Divinity, Religious Studies (1985-1990). He also attended the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. (2000-2005) with a Doctor of Ministry degree, Pastoral Studies/Ethics. Fr. Love is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, The Catholic Medical Association, and an Associate Member of American Academy of Religion. He now serves as Pastor of St. Mark’s University Parish in Santa Barbara. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On the morning of December 15, 2013, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Police Station investigated a report of a stolen vehicle from the 1200 block of Ventura Street. The stolen vehicle was a Caltrans van. Several minutes after the crime was broadcasted, Ventura County Sheriff Deputies from the Headquarters Station saw the vehicle on Los Angeles Avenue near Vineyard Avenue in El Rio. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle. After failing to yield, a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the 3000 block of Nyeland Avenue where the vehicle’s occupants, Manuel Rodriguez and Jesus Mendez, were taken into custody. Rodriguez and Mendez were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for several related charges, including vehicle theft, obstruction of justice and felony vandalism. The investigation is ongoing. Nature of Incident: Stolen Vehicle Investigation / Vehicle Pursuit 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, December 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In the early morning hours of December 12, 2013 deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a vandalism call in the 600 block of River Street in the City of Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies learned a citizen had observed 3 people vandalizing a semi-truck trailer and a nearby fence. The citizen gave chase and detained Juan Francisco Gonzalez. Deputies also discovered information that links Gonzalez to other acts of vandalism in the city. Gonzalez was arrested for vandalism and booked into the Ventura County Jail. WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI' PARENTAL CIVIL LIABILITY Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrest 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 Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
Is there a season with more family traditions than Christmas? A partial list: eggnog, fruitcakes, Christmas cards, fresh baked cookies, tamales, a smooch under the mistletoe, stockings hung someplace, Christmas carols, never-ending shopping expeditions and of course... figgy pudding. No easier to dismiss long-standing family Christmas traditions that it is to be rid of weeds. Oh... and the king of Christmas traditions... the Christmas tree... beautifully decorated... the centerpiece of so many homes. Speaking of long-standing traditions... and Christmas trees... it's no secret that hundreds of people make an annual trip to Fillmore from all over southern California. Upon arriving in town, they proceed to the railroad depot where they board a train for the ride to the Santa Paula Christmas Tree farm. Of course, any one can drive to the tree farm and cut their tree to take home. Many do. But for many others, an important and engaging factor of the tradition is the round-trip ride on the Fillmore & Western train. Driving the Suburban or Explorer to the tree farm is just plain ugh! Upon arriving at the Tree farm, armed with a saw... the fun of the hunt for the 'perfect' tree begins. Here and there they wander around the acres of trees until... aha!... there it is!... the 'perfect' tree! A few strokes of the saw... sometimes a lot of strokes... then the mighty yell... T__I__M__B__E__R! Once the tree is felled the farm crew tags it, picks it up and places it on the wagon for the trip to the shaker. The shaker dislodges tree debris. Then the tree is wrapped in mesh and put on the flat car for the trip back to Fillmore. If you think that's all pretty mundane you'd be very wrong. All the people involved in finding their perfect Christmas tree could just as well gone to any neighborhood tree lot and bought a tree to take home and decorate. But that misses the point: Tradition! For the majority of families, the entire event... the train ride to the tree farm... searching and finding the 'perfect' tree... cutting their special tree... it's not just about a tree. It's an annual pilgrimage. Couples have been making the pilgrimage for years. For many... it's a family of three generations traveling by car... then train... then on foot in the field in their quest for the 'perfect' tree that will grace their home. It's grandpa and grandson sawing their very personal Christmas tree. It's the makings of long-standing, cherished memories never to be forgotten. Example: Grandfather Peter Bueschem... affectionately known as Opa, with his 5-year old grandson Kane Brazell. Together... they located their 'perfect' tree. Quite large but 'perfect'. Together they cut it down. As Opa made the last pass with the saw... Kane watched the tree tumble to the ground... delighted with their mutual accomplishment. Their joy and memories cemented for eternity. Many Gazette readers may be aware that the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) recently abruptly cancelled Fillmore & Western Railway's lease for their operations on what's called the Santa Paula Branch Line. Hence, Fillmore & Western trains would not be permitted to use the line in their normal operations. VCTC relented for the Christmas programs. Legal challenges are pending. In the meantime, there's the Internet. Surprisingly... many people from all over southern California are aware of the events involving the VCTC and the Fillmore & Western Railway. For example: From Long Beach, California, Lidia Bowden and her son John made their annual Christmas tree pilgrimage last Saturday. Her story: “We have come here for the last 15 years to cut down a Christmas tree. I can't tell you what this means to our family. It's a tradition that we do every single year. We look forward to it. We're thankful for it. We're thankful to the county of Ventura for giving us the ability to do this. This means something to us. And it's something... for us... part of our heart at Christmas. We wouldn't miss it. When we come here we eat in the local establishments. We spend money in your town. We remember it and for this to be gone... it's like a little piece of our heart taken out at Christmas. My son John... now 22... started doing this when he was five years old.” John added: “I think it would be a shame to get rid of this. I think a lot of people come to this to have a lot of fun... really possibly kicks off the Christmas holiday for them. To get rid of this would be really sad.” Michael Simpson said: “This is only my third experience at the Tree Farm and and I said just this morning I look forward to this more than anything else the whole year.” Lidia added: “I understand bottom lines... I understand that... but sometimes there's a bottom line in the heart too.” (at this point Lidia was tearful as she spoke) “There's no price that can be put on that. It's a crime that you wouldn't have this anymore. We look forward to it... it's a part of us. We understand money.... we get it... we have money issues just like everybody else. But... we love this!” Another exciting tradition is a train ride to the North Pole. Every year, hundreds of children of all ages - along with young-at-heart adults - board the North Pole Express... many in their pajamas. On the way, Elves (Civil Air Patrol members) lead passengers in a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and... Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells... Jingle all the way... oh what fun, it is to ride, in a six-car North Pole Express train. (Writer's prerogative to ad-lib.) At the North Pole, Santa Claus... yes... jolly ole St. Nick... boards the train to the delight of all for the lonnnnng trip back to Fillmore. On the way he passes out candy canes to all the... ahem... good boys and girls. Back in Fillmore, Santa takes up his position in a special Santa car where all the... you know... good boys and girls sit on his lap and tell him about what they hope to get for Christmas. Moms and dads usurp the opportunity to eavesdrop and as phonetographers capture the... ahem... Samsung moment! Visited the Christmas village lately? If not you're missing a delightful treat. You'll enjoy a vast array of holiday decorations with all the icons... Santa, Rudolph, etc. Even a carousel all kids enjoy! You'll feel the energy of the holiday spirit... vibes of jubilation... as you leisurely stroll along the promenade. Photo ops abound. It's all right here in Fillmore. Around the corner at the train depot on Main Street. If you haven't bought your tree yet... well... you now know how to get a really fresh one you cut yourself. Aaaah... the magnificent aroma of a fresh cut fir tree. Back home, celebrate with a bowl of figgy pudding and a swig of eggnog! Aaaaaah! Long live traditions! To one and all... from all at the Fillmore Gazette... best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Photos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive and BBQ Chicken Dinner was a big success this year. Held Sunday December 15th at the fire station, chicken dinners were served to participants who dropped off a toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be distributed to families in Fillmore in time for Christmas. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted in two fast food robberies that have occurred in less than two weeks. The first incident occurred on 12-3-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant on E. Avenida De Los Arboles. The lone suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect removed a hammer from inside his shorts and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene and got into a maroon colored Jeep Cherokee (see attached video/photos). The Jeep Cherokee drove through the Vons shopping center and was last seen turning southbound onto Erbes Road. Detectives believe there are two other occupants in the vehicle. The second incident occurred on 12-16-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant located on N. Moorpark Road. Authorities believe the same suspect as the first robbery, entered this establishment with a second suspect. The first suspect ordered a drink. When the clerk opened the register, the second suspect stepped up to the counter, displayed a knife and demanded the money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, both suspects exited the restaurant and were last seen eastbound in the alley behind the shopping center businesses. No vehicle was seen in this incident. Anyone with information about either of these robberies is asked to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers. 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). Nature of Incident: Suspects sought in fast food robberies |
 Capt. Monica McGrath informed Council of a $500,000 grant received by the City for gang reduction, intervention and prevention. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
CalGRIP: California rang Reduction Intervention and Prevention
 Councilmember Manuel Minjares is sworn in as Mayor at Tuesday night’s meeting. There was good and bad news at this Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting. The good news is that Fillmore received a $500,000 grant. The bad news is an increase of both water and sewer rates. Also, Fillmore also has a new mayor, mayor pro tem, Code of Ethics and logo for the 100th Year Celebration. Back in August 2013 Police Chief Monica McGrath informed the Council of a $8,215,000 (for the entire State) restitution fund available for the fiscal year 2014-2015 and her plans to apply for a grant of $500,000 from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program. The grant is 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. Back when announcing she was applying for the grant McGrath told the Council she may not get the large amount she was asking for and that asking for such a large sum is really reaching out there, but she felt it was worth a try. At Tuesday's meeting McGrath announced the grant was approved for the full amount of $500k and will cover Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe. CalGRIP was introduced by the California Emergency Management Agency, also known as Cal EMA and previously known as OES. In July 2012, The Board of State and Community Corrections took over the program and became the lead state entity on adult and juvenile criminal justice policy and will be prioritizing state and federal funds guiding local policy and programming. Preference is given CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
 A two car accident on Grimes Canyon Road left one car in the ditch on Thursday morning, 8:15am. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Candace Stines — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
Honored at 86th National FFA Convention
86th National FFA Convention Day 1: First, I would like to acknowledge my FFA Advisor and Past Ag. Teacher, Joe Ricards. Without him, receiving my American Farmer Degree wouldn’t even be possible. Thank you for your continued support through out the years Ricards! Alright so back to my trip. Well we left California at 6 AM and arrived in Louisville at 3 PM. Got to the hotel and was dressed in my full uniform by 5 to attend the reception that was put together for all of the American Farmer Degree Recipients at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. I was able to hear the inspiring words of some of the representatives of the companies that continue to support in sponsoring the National FFA Convention. They spoke of us very highly in stating that we we’re very lucky to not only achieve our degree, but to receive our degree in person at the convention. After the reception we went into downtown about 2 blocks from our hotel, and ate a t a very nice restaurant and called it a night. Day 2: The next morning we woke up at 4 AM and got dressed for the big day! Today was the day that I had been waiting for; I was receiving my American Farmer Degree this morning in front of 68,000 people, plus not to mention I’ll be on television! We arrived at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. And in no time, I was seated with many other FFA members around the country receiving their American Farmer Degree. Walking across the stage, receiving my degree was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had. To shake the National Presidents hand and to receive a National Honor was amazing. After, the recognition I was reunited back with my Ag Advisor and parents. We then went to the Shopping Mall that was full of FFA attire and much more. Since we had CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
477 School Districts Across the Nation Are Honored
 Fillmore Unified School District  Fillmore, California—Fillmore Unified School District is one of 477 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 4th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Reaching these goals indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work. Since 2011, Fillmore Unified School District has increased the number of students participating in AP while also improving the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. In 2013, more than 3,300 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement and/or consideration in the admission process, with many colleges and universities in the United States offering credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores. “It is indeed both an honor and a privilege to be named one of 477 school districts in the United States and Canada selected for this most prestigious award. We congratulate our students, teachers, and administrators for their hard work and dedication as the District continues the arduous journey toward higher expectations and academic rigor. This award is just one more indicator that our students can and will succeed in the future as we continue to implement one of our mottos: ‘Student Success, Whatever It Takes’,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan K. Nishino. Data from 2013 CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
12/03/2013 – 12/09/2013
City of Fillmore 12/03/2013 |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, December 5th, 2013
 Dustin Anderson Fillmore native Dustin Anderson took the $1,000 prize, competing on the holiday baking edition of “Food Rush”. He received a $1,000 gift card from Cost Plus World Market. “It’s marked down as one of the milestones of my life,” stated Anderson. Executive chef at Rabalais Bistro and Bakery of Santa Paula, he competed on the holiday baking edition. The show aired on November 26th on the Disney-ABC Television Group’s Live Well Network hosted by “Top Chef” alumni, Ryan Scott. Anderson was invited to compete on the show after an interview. He flew to San Francisco for a week of filming. While in San Francisco, Anderson had the chance to meet with some renowned chefs including celebrity chef Tyler Florence, owner of the Wayfair Tavern. New to being in front of the cameras, Anderson said he eased his nerves with his sense of humor. "I was able to joke around on camera and with the people so it loosened me up quite a bit but the hardest part was not looking at the camera. It’s hard to ignore when it’s right in your face." Anderson felt the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
 According to Sheriff’s Department information, two arrests were made Wednesday on Cook Street. Named were Hernan Casillo and Edgar Nolasco. Casillo, a probationer, was arrested for littering after disposing of a replica firearm and possessing another in a backpack. Nolasco was arrested for possession of marijuana. A third associate who was detained was subsequently released. Replica firearms can be visually identical to real firearms. Enlarge Photo |
