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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
 City of Fillmore The State Board of Equalization has allocated $21.1 million to Fillmore resulting from a resolution of the sales tax revenue dispute between the Cities of Livermore, Lathrop, and Industry. In dispute was tax revenue sharing generated by Owens & Minor which has a sales office in Fillmore and distribution centers located in other cities. According to former Simi Valley City Manager Mike Sedell, advisor to the City of Fillmore, the City will keep about $500,000 of this allocation. According to Fillmore’s new City Manager David Rowlands, “The city received all of the BOE (Board of Equalization) funds, but the city will need to repay MTS/Owens & Minor over several years. Per the contract with MTS until approximately 2025 the city keeps 15% of the sales tax generated by O&M, the other 85% is paid to MTS and MTS shares some portion of that with O&M.” Rowlands continued, “We haven’t finished our calculations yet. However, Fillmore received $13,936,174 from the BOE on October 4, and expects to retain about $500,000 after payments to other involved local agencies and MTS/Owens & Minor. An additional $5.4 million is due to the city from the BOE in FY 2014-15 (Triple Flip amount).” This money will, according to Rowlands, reestablish Fillmore’s normal tax income flow; our cash flow “...will be more consistent. The settlement payments to San Joaquin County and Industry are made from MTS and O&M’s share of the proceeds.” Fillmore is expected to receive between $500,000 and $750,000 from O&M per year in sales tax revenue, according to Rowlands. He added, “We will begin to have a healthy budget.” Rowlands emphasized that a top priority is replenishment of the city’s reserve funds. New capitol projects are being planned, including street paving which has been long neglected by necessity. [EDITORIAL COMMENT: The final outcome of this fiercely-debated Owens & Minor sales tax plan is a strong vindication of former City Manager Roy Payne and the many other honest, dedicated council members and city staff who created and defended it. These good people endured years of insult and slander to promote a plan which will greatly benefit our city for decades to come. Congratulations to those who stayed the course!] |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
District Attorney Gregory I). Totten announced today that Eric Gabriel Suarez (DOB 9/6/84) of Oxuard, Cimitrio Ambris Cervantes (D013 5/5168) of Mission Hills, and Fernando Ambris Cervantes (DOB 6/22/66) of Santa Paula were arrested in a multi-agency crackdown on store owners who pay cash to recipients of government food assistance benefits. Suarez and Cimitrio Cervantes have been charged with felony grand theft and welfare fraud. Suarez is also charged with trafficking more than $150,000 of government benefits and stealing more than $200,000. Fernando Cervantes has been charged with misdemeanor welfare fraud. This case was the result of ajoint investigation by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Secret Service. CaLFresh and the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide nutrition assistance benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families. It is illegal for a store owner to redeem these food assistance benefits for cash. Trafficking in SNAP and CalFresh benefits occurs when a merchant pays a welfare recipient cash for these government benefits. The operation targeted markets in both Ventura and Fillmore. It is alleged that from October 2010 to February 2013, Eric Suarez trafficked in government benefits while working at Avenue Mini Market in Ventura. It is alleged that beginning in early 2012 to May 2013, Cimitrio and Fernando Cervantes trafficked in government funds by exchanging Electronic Benefit Transfer (ERT) benefits for cash while working at Victor’s Market in Fillmore. Eric Suarez and Cimitrio Cervantes were released on $10,000 bail and both will be arraigned on October 8, 2013, in courtroom 12 at 9:00 a.m. Fernando Cervantes was released on $5,000 bail and will be arraigned on January 2, 2014, at 8:15 a.m. in courtroom 10. Misdemeanor welfare fraud charges have also been flied against 25 additional defendants fbr illegally selling their food assistance benefits for cash, in lieu of arrests, letters have been sent directing those defendants to appear on October 22, 23, and 24, 2013. for arraignment. Additional misdemeanor charges will be filed in near future against other individuals for similar conduct. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
The Ventura County Sheriff's, Fillmore Search and Rescue Team, rescued a dog on Thursday after it became stranded 150ft over the side of a cliff. City firefighters arrived on scene first and found some good Samaritans attempting to rescue the dog on their own. The firefighters were concerned for the safety of the good Samaritans and decided to notify the Sheriff's Department. The situation was evaluated by members of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit, and a decision was made to activate the Fillmore Search and Rescue Team and have them take the lead in the rescue. Seven members from the Fillmore Search and Rescue Team responded to the scene. Once on scene team member N. Brown immediately jumped into action and rappelled 150ft over the side of the cliff. After two tries the frightened dog was eventually brought to safety and returned to his worried owner. The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team is comprised of highly trained volunteers who donate hundreds of hours of their time each year to trainings and call-outs. Additional members are currently in Lake Arrowhead assisting the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept in their search for a missing hiker. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
At the October 8, 2013 Fillmore Unified School Districts (FUSD) Board Meeting a presentation was given by Art Teacher Doris Nichols and teacher Josh Bricker on the Fillmore Middle School NASA Program conducted after school during the summer break. The 20 day 10 exercise course provided students with a non-traditional classroom environment that reinforced the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students were given questions and problems requiring them to find their own solutions, both individually and in groups of four, through a hands-on empirical process. With real world constraints such as time, weight to power ratios, questions of sustainability/waste management concerns and a finite amount of materials (everything they used was recycled material and had to fit into a small cup by the end of the day) requiring budget restraints, the students were forced to develop creative solutions to the types of problems NASA engineers face daily. They learned how to use gravity to aid travel, how to insulate with weight considerations and thermo design along with design and use of a solar oven and how to control its temperatures. One exercise required the students to design a propulsion system forcing them to engineer and design a space craft containing a specific list of essential elements; finding the volume of their craft to ensure the essential payload would fit, weighing their space craft, testing the rockets and an understanding of drag and aerodynamics. From the activities students CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
 Friday, at 2 p.m. a two vehicle accident occurred in the Super A parking lot. A female driver, traveling perpendicular to the parking lanes, crashed into a parked van causing moderate damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and the cause of accident was not reported. Enlarge Photo |
 Over $100,000 worth of breathing apparatuse was donated to the Fillmore Fire Department by the Fillmore Fire Foundation. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Fillmore Fire Foundation President Scott Beylick formed the foundation in 2010. The current board members are Scott Beylick (President), Mike Bush (Treasurer), Bill Morris, Mike Richardson and Scott Klittich. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013
Fillmore Fire Foundation recently purchased 18 new breathing apparatuses and extra air bottles and donated them to the City of Fillmore Fire Department. The cost of this new equipment exceeded $100,000. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Fillmore Fire Foundation President Scott Beylick formed the foundation in 2010. The current board members are Scott Beylick (President), Mike Bush (Treasurer), Bill Morris, Mike Richardson and Scott Klittich. This 5 member board volunteers their time and helps raise donations for equipment, firefighter training, safety prevention programs and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to the Fillmore Fire Foundation, Inc. please send your donation to Fillmore Fire Foundation, P.O. Box 331, Fillmore, CA. 93015. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013
 A two vehicle accident occurred last week at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 126 in the early afternoon. One vehicle suffered light damage, the other moderate front end damage. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013
Two loaded rifles and methamphetamine packaged for sale
 Rodrigo Jasso Ortiz, Oxnard, 36 During a bar check, a Sergeant Aguirre contacted Ortiz sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Sespe Saloon. Aguirre discovered Ortiz had a loaded rifle on the seat next to him. Upon further investigation, the Sergeant discovered Ortiz had a second loaded rifle concealed under his seat and approximately one ounce of methamphetamine packaged for sale in the vehicle. Ortiz was arrested for several weapon and drug charges and was booked into the Ventura County Jail. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was $2,800.00. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest 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, October 2nd, 2013
09/24/2013 – 09/30/2013
City of Fillmore 09/24/13 |
 The suspect was described as a white male, between 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’10” tall with a heavy build. The suspect was wearing a baseball style cap, black jacket, black gloves, white shirt, white pants, black tennis shoes, and he was in possession of a dark colored backpack. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, October 1st, 2013
On September 30, 2013, at approximately 0803 hours, a suspect armed with a handgun entered the Rabobank located at 470 Arneill Road in the city of Camarillo. The suspect brandished the handgun at bank employees before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was described as a white male, between 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’10” tall with a heavy build. The suspect was wearing a baseball style cap, black jacket, black gloves, white shirt, white pants, black tennis shoes, and he was in possession of a dark colored backpack. Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant John J. Gleason at (805) 384-4727. If you wish to remain anonymous, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against persons responsible for crimes such as this one. The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded. The number for Crime Stoppers is 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Bank Robbery |
 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 |
