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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 3rd, 2012
 11-3-12, at approximately 2:31PM, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Westlake Boulevard near Triunfo Canyon Road in the City of Thousand Oaks. The motorcycle pictured above was seen in the area at the time of the collision and may be a witness. The motorcycle is black and has no license plates. The rider is wearing all black riding leathers with black motorcycle boots. The Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau is asking that anyone with information on the rider or the motorcycle to please contact us. Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau, Deputy Holzberger: Desk (805) 373-2305, Cell (805) 947-8271. Enlarge Photo  Ventura County Crime Stoppers Hot Line: 1-800-222-TIPS (Se habla Espanol) Text: BUSTED plus message to CRIMES (274637) WebTips: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.com Mention Key Word: Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau Enlarge Photo Traffic investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying a motorcyclist who was riding alongside a 19-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, who was killed in a traffic collision on Westlake Boulevard earlier this month. Christian Eitelbach was riding his motorcycle northbound on Westlake Boulevard at a high rate of speed when he collided with a sedan driven by Cindy Nah of Simi Valley. Eitelbach died of injuries he suffered during the collision. Eitelbach had a small video camera mounted on his motorcycle while he rode that day. The video shows Eitelbach was riding alongside another motorcyclist prior to and during the collision. The other motorcyclist was wearing all black riding gear, including a black helmet. The motorcycle was a black performance bike with no visible license plate on the back. Investigators have interviewed Eitelbach’s friends and family members, but the motorcyclist has not been identified. The other motorcyclist did not stop at the scene of the fatal collision. Eitelbach and the other unidentified motorcyclist had been riding on Decker Canyon Road in the minutes leading up to the collision, which occurred at approximately 2:31 p.m. on November 3, 2012. Investigators have prepared a portion of Eitelbach’s video for release to the public hoping someone will recognize the motorcyclist depicted in the video and come forward with information. The video footage, as well as access to the damaged vehicles involved in the collision will be provided upon request. Anyone with information about the motorcyclist’s identity is asked to contact Deputy Shawn Holzberger at (805)494-8271. Nature of Incident: Traffic Investigators Seeking Witness to Fatal Crash |
 (l-r) Coach Tafoya, Frank Chavez, Hugo Valdovinos, Anthony Rivas, Adrian Mejia, Isaac Gomez, Justin Beach, Jose Almaguer, Alexander Frias, Nicolas Frias and Coach Rodriguez. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Fillmore Wins State Cross Country Title
It was Black Friday. The nine boys gathered mid morning, ignoring the vacuous pull of season sales, intent and focused on one goal. In 24 hours they would be racing for a State Title, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in 22 years. Jose Almaguer, Justin Beach, Frank Chavez, Alexander Frias, Nicolas Frias, Isaac Gomez, Adrian Mejia, Anthony Rivas, and Hugo Valdovinos loaded into the van and drove off towards Fresno. The next day would show how the last 5 months and indeed the last several years had paid off. Six days a week of practice, intense mental preparation and careful nutrition would lead them to their collective goal. Through their hard work and the diligent efforts of, the boys achieved their ambitions and dreams. For the first time in 22 years and the second time ever, the Fillmore High School boys have won a Division 4 State Cross Country title. Hugo Valdovinos led the way to finish 9th in 5 kilometer race at Woodward Park in Fresno. He recorded a 41 second improvement on the same course from earlier this year. His time was 16:03. Anthony Rivas was 14th at 16:20, a 30 second improvement. Alexander Frias finished 17th overall with a 16:25. Jose Almaguer crossed the line at 16:49 to finish 40th, a 9 second improvement. The 5th place scorer for Fillmore and 41st overall was Adrian Mejia; he completed the course in 16:49. Next year’s core veterans finished 58th and 86th respectively as Nicolas Frias and Frank Chavez both ran personal bests for the course. Nicolas finished in 17:06 a 12 second improvement. Frank clocked a 17:28, an 8 second improvement. Both Justin Beach and Isaac Gomez were also integral members of the team throughout the year and also on Saturday where they were prepared and willing to step in if needed. Both boys played a key role in the mental preparedness of the entire team’s effort to succeed. Many of you wonder what the team’s next journey would be. Are they going to Disneyland perhaps? No the next journey was much truer to form for high school boys. They went to Home Town Buffet and gorged themselves like they were unable to for the previous several months. Of special joy was having a soda for the first time in several months or years. Congratulations to the boys for their enormous accomplishment! 1. 121 Fillmore ( 16:30 1:22:26 0:46) |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 15, 2012, Fillmore deputies were sent to a report of a fight at the apartments located in the 600 block of River Street. The deputies located a party where several adults had been injured as a result of a fist fight. One of the injured subjects located at the scene was Enrique Rubio, who had several puncture wounds to his torso as a result of being stabbed by an unidentified suspect. An investigation revealed Adrian Araujo 22, from Santa Paula, was responsible for stabbing Rubio. Sheriff Deputies located Adrian Araujo at his residence where he was arrested. Suspect Araujo is in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for assault with a deadly weapon and enhancements for participating in a criminal street gang. Araujo is being held in lieu of $105,000.00 bail. |
 Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean announced the indictment of 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
The Ventura County Grand Jury has handed down indictments on 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault likely to cause serious bodily injury, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. All of the suspects are documented members of several local gangs in Ventura County. The unusual aspect of this case was that they were working in conjunction with and for the benefit of a highly organized prison gang hierarchy controlled by the Mexican Mafia or “La Eme.” All of the criminal activity was organized and coordinated by one high ranking member of the Mexican Mafia from a prison outside California. The investigation revealed the Mexican Mafia has used its intimidation and narco-trafficking powers to direct extortion and fear to control the criminal activities of Ventura County gangs. “This case has dealt a crushing blow to organized crime in Ventura County,” said Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis. “We have incapacitated the organization from the top through its geographic managers.” While gang activity in Ventura County is not unusual, the cooperation among various rival gangs was unprecedented in this case. During the past seven months, investigators utilized a variety of resources to uncover the activities of the group and actually interrupted several violent crimes before they were carried out. Detectives seized dozens of firearms and a variety of narcotics. The complexity of the investigation required tremendous cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura The defendants indicted in this case are: |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 United States Army Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Buddy Edwards holds his Bronze Star Medal Certificate. Fillmore's Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards received a Bronze Star Medal for his Meritorious Service in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from March 10, 2012 to November 25, 2012. “The Bronze Star Medal is a U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in, or with the military of the United States after December 6, 1941, distinguished him or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service.” Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, 28 years, is a 2002 FHS Graduate and Fillmore Native. SSGT Edwards is the son of Kevin Edwards and Donna Edwards (Smith), of Fillmore. SSGT Edward’s Maternal Grandparents are, Ronnie and Chris Smith of Fillmore. His Paternal Grandmother, Sharon Stewart lives in Oregon. His Paternal Grandfather was the late Jim Edwards. Jim’s widow, Rebecca Edwards, also lives in Oregon. SSGT Edwards siblings are U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards, 26 years, U.S. Army Ranger Private First Class Anthony Edwards, 20, and Brett Edwards, 17, a Senior at Fillmore High School. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards is a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. Sergeant Kevin Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat the commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. Staff Sergeant Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of SSGT Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. A role, through four deployments, that has now been recognized by presenting SSGT Edwards with a Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Staff Sergeant Edwards has been awarded many service recognitions; the Brigade Soldier of the Month for February 2007, he was also an Honor Graduate from Advance Intelligence Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He has been awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Foreign Tour Ribbons, an Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. SSGT Edwards while in Afghanistan has recently reenlisted for another six years of military service! All of us here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru are very proud of Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards. We thank him, and his family, for his service and their sacrifices they have already made and will make in the future to keep the United States of America strong. With two other sons currently serving in the United States Army the Edwards Family has given very much already. Mother Donna Edwards tells me when discussing youngest Son Brett's desire to follow his brothers into the United States Army and train as a Military Police Officer, “...well he wants to go in as an MP but honestly Dick with the way things are right now over there, my heart needs a break. If Anthony goes as scheduled next year that will be 5 deployments for me in 8 years so we have him (Brett) talked into (hopefully) doing at least one year of community college first and then see how things are going.” We additionally wish Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, and his brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards safe travel and long and successful United States Army Careers. Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards and brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards are truly American Heroes. Congratulations Buddy on your well deserved Bronze Star Medal! |
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 (l-r) Josh, Erin and Inger Overton. Fillmore you did it again. If anybody wants to know why we are called the greatest little city in America, it was proven on Sunday, November 18th, at the Sespe Auditorium in Fillmore. Hermanos Herrera played at no cost for the Josh Overton Benefit Concert in front of a sell out crowd. The music was awesome and the love and friendship that everybody felt that night was even greater! Chuy from El Pescador (donated the food for the event) said it best, "I am here because Joe did not ask for himself, he asked for his friend. It does not matter the color of your skin, it matters how much you are in need." No better words could have been spoken. Chuy, you touched us all that night, and thank you for all that you do, not just for this concert, but for all you have done for the people of Fillmore over the years. The food was great as always! We could never thank you enough! The motto for Team Overton was, "Through the Laughter and the Tears, Team Overton" There were a lot of both Sunday the 18th. Josh and his wife Inger, along with son Ian and daughter Erin, were on hand to see the love Fillmore had for them. When Josh came on stage to a standing ovation, the tears were easy to come by. Josh and his family were deeply touch and thankful to all who were there. Talking to Josh later in the week (and by the way talking was something he could not do.), Josh said, "I was overwhelmed with the feelings I had standing there. It was the greatest feeling, seeing everybody, students, teachers, administers, the people of Fillmore, my family and friends. I will never forget it." Then in the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 At approximately 7 p.m. Sunday, the driver of an eastward bound car crashed his vehicle into the rear of a car parallel-parked on Old Telegraph Road. A sobriety test was given by a Sheriff’s deputy. Enlarge Photo  No injuries were reported. The results of the sobriety test were unavailable at press time. Enlarge Photo |
 Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Delpit with three other unidentified deputies arrest one of three alleged car thieves following a comprehensive pursuit. Sheriff’s Office Air Unit and two K9 Units participated in the apprehension of the three suspects and the recovery of two stolen vehicles. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
On the morning of 11/18/2012, Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Fillmore Police Station, investigated a report of a vehicle stolen from the 400 block of Fillmore St. in the city of Fillmore. Shortly after the stolen vehicle information was broadcasted to patrol deputies, the vehicle was located, unoccupied, near the 3500 block of Guiberson Road in the unincorporated area, east of the city of Fillmore. While Deputies were processing evidence from the vehicle, a second stolen vehicle turned off of Guiberson Road and drove towards the original stolen vehicle. When the occupants of the vehicle saw deputies at the scene, a passenger fled on foot into a nearby orchard while the vehicle and two occupants sped away at a high rate of speed. Following a brief pursuit of approximately two miles, the occupants abandoned the vehicle in the 3000 block of Guiberson Road and fled into the nearby Santa Clara Riverbed. Through a coordinated effort, all three suspects were located with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Air Unit and two K9 Units. One suspect was observed by the Air Unit on Highway 126 northeast of the termination point of the vehicle pursuit. The Air Unit directed responding units to the suspect’s location and he was arrested. The two remaining suspects were located after the K9 units tracked and found them. Both suspects were uncooperative and were apprehended by K9’s. They received injuries consistent with the use of a K9 and received treatment both at the scene and from Santa Paula Hospital following their arrest. All three suspects were arrested for stolen vehicle charges and the investigation is ongoing. Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant D. Cook #2732 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, November 21st, 2012
 On November 20, 2012, just before 3:00 P.M., 27 yearold Malibu resident Brent Butzke was flying his paramotor (powered paraglider) in the area of the Santa Clara River and Powell Road near Piru. A witness working nearby saw the paramotor in distress, then saw it fall to the ground. The witness called 911 to summon help. Ventura County Fire paramedics, an ambulance and sheriff’s deputies responded. Emergency personnel located the victim and began first aid. Butzke succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The FAA will continue the investigation of the accident. The identification of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin by the Medical Examiner. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department. Pictured is a friend of Butzke’s, who also witnessed the accident, being consoled by police and fire personnel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
 Raelene Chaney and volunteers organize the distributions of the Grad Nite Live pies. This year they sold over 1,000 pies, and had a large amount of volunteers from the Fillmore High School Seniors. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
 Last Saturday, November 17th, the Soroptimist International of Fillmore held their annual fashion show. The event included lunch a silent auction and the fashion show. Fashions were provided by Draper’s & Damon’s of Camarillo, Keller Fashions of Fillmore and Macy’s. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath. The food was catered by El Pescador. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Explorers, Santa Clara Valley Post and Fillmore/Piru 4H were there as supporters. Pictures courtesy of KSSP Photographic Studio. Enlarge Photo  Briana Vazquez and Brandon Pina were a few of the participants at the Soroptimist Fashion Show this past weekend. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore’s Soroptimist Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies, Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath with escorts Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and husband Jack McGrath, a Ventura County Sheriffs Detective. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, November 16th, 2012
On Thursday evening November 15th, Fillmore deputies were sent to a report of a fight at the apartments located in the 600 block of River Street. The deputies located a large party of adults with several persons appearing to have injuries consistent with a fist fight. One of the injured subjects located at the scene was Enrique Rubio who had several puncture wounds to his torso. Rubio was seen by members of the Fillmore Fire Department and was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center by AMR ambulance for his injuries. Rubio was treated and released from the hospital several hours later. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and Gang Unit are investigating. No arrests have been made. Nature of Incident: Stabbing 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 Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
How many phone calls can I get from one very proud Mother who now has three sons serving in the United States Army? Well she does have one more son left at home so my guess is maybe four! Proud Mother Donna Edwards (Smith) called to tell me that number three son United States Army Private First Class Anthony Edwards, 20 years, has graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program ( RASP) and Airborne training! He is assigned to the 75th Ranger Regimental Special Troops Battalion (RSTB), Regimental Intelligence Company at Ft. Benning, Georgia. As a Ranger, PFC Edwards will be in the same job classification as his older brother Staff Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards as a Military Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F). PFC Anthony Edwards is a 2011 Fillmore High School Graduate, graduating early in December 2010. He entered the United States Army on June 13, 2011 finishing his Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. After graduating from Basic Training PFC Edwards completed his advanced training at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center as a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. PFC Anthony Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. PFC Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. PFC Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of PFC Anthony Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. PFC Anthony Edwards CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
 A Sheriffs helicopter was circling Fillmore Monday night, searching for a man wanted on a warrant. The incident began in the 400 block of Saratoga Street at 6 p.m. The man took off on foot and was pursued by deputies. The helicopter was called in and maintained a search for two hours in the Saratoga and North Fillmore area. The suspect was not located. No warrant details were available at press time. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
 On Friday, Nov. 9th Fillmore Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire in the area of Fish Hatchery Road and El Dorado. Upon arrival, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Herrera reported a vehicle fully involved in fire. Upon further investigation it was determined that the vehicle fire was a result of a traffic collision and Herrera requested an ambulance to the location. Fillmore Fire Department was able to extinguish the vehicle fire within minutes and AMR ambulance assessed the passengers of the vehicles. Only minor injuries to report and no one was transported. Hats off to Fillmore Fire Department and AMR for a job well done. Enlarge Photo |
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
Fillmore, it is time to help one of our own and serve a great cause at the same time! Fillmore's own Hermanos Herrera will be playing at the Sespe Auditorium, 627 Sespe Avenue, on Sunday, November 18th at 2pm to help out Fillmore High School English and Drama teacher Josh Overton. Overton has been in a battle with cancer since August of this year. All proceeds will go to Team Overton for The Relay for Life. Hermanos Herrera is made up of five brothers; Jorge, Luis, Miguel, Juan, Jose, and little sister Rebeca Herrera. They all went to Fillmore High School and were top student athletes. They then all went on to great things at U.C.L.A. Hermanos Herrera have appeared in the U.S.A. and Mexico. They have appeared on Television National and International programs. They have also shared the stage with such great Superstars Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, and Jose Feliciano, and many many more great acts. Hermanos Herrera plan CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, November 9th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 8th, the Fillmore High School Resource Officer received information that a 15 year old female student was in possession of a firearm. The Deputy contacted the female student in class and discovered the firearm in her pocket. The student was arrested without incident. The student was booked at Ventura County Juvenile Hall for 626.9 PC (Loaded Firearm on School Campus) and 25400(a)(2) PC (Carry a concealed firearm on a person). The case is still under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Nature of Incident: Fillmore High Student Arrested with Firearm at School 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). |
 It was a clean sweep for Fillmore’s new candidates, with Mayor Gayle Washburn, Councilman Jamey Brooks, and City Clerk Clay Westling all swept out of office. New to the council are Rick Neal, Manuel Minjares, and Douglas Tucker. We also have a new City Clerk, Nancy Blendermann-Meyer, and a new city Treasurer, Shannon Godfrey. November 6 marked the end of the most bitterly contested city council campaign in city history. (Provisional votes to come.) Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
FINAL ELECTION 2012 FILLMORE City Council 3 New City Council Members Elected Defeated Incumbents Defeated Candidates Total Votes: 9,087 FILLMORE City Clerk 1 New City Clerk Elected Defeated Incumbent Total Votes: 3,239 FILLMORE City Treasurer Defeated Candidate Total Votes: 3,190 |
 There was no love loss between El Dorado park owner’s attorney Mark D. Alpert and El Dorado resident Charles Richardson at the end of the November 2nd city council meeting. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
Lawsuit costs to continue
 El Dorado's attorney Mark D. Alpert made his case to city council members why the part should be subdivided into 302 resident owned lots. Enlarge Photo  Charles Richardson stated, “It’s all been a threat over rent control” and that the owner threatened if the residents voted for rent control the park would be turned into a family park; which it now is. Enlarge Photo With standing room only over 50 people, mostly residents of El Dorado Mobilehome Park, attended the Fillmore City Council Meeting on Friday November 2, 2012. Just about all had come to voice their opposition to the Park’s subdivision/vesting map hearing. The legal battle between the City of Fillmore and El Dorado Park began on March 5, 2009 when the owners of the park applied to subdivide the one 37.5 acre lot consisting of 302 mobile home spaces into 302 resident owned lots and the City denied the application. On September 28, 2009 a lawsuit was filed by the owners of the park. Later a survey of park residents was conducted, which was required by law, showing they overwhelmingly oppose the conversion. At the May 9, 2012 City Council meeting a proposal was made to the Council by the park owners to settle the court case, giving the residents some concessions that included five year leases offered to all residents with rent increases being equal to the change in Consumer Price Index (with a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 8% along with an application for a 10% rent credit to low and very low income households). This was rejected by Council Members Jamey Brooks, Eduardo Gonzalez and Brian Sipes with Mayor Gayle Washburn and Council Member Steve Conaway agreeing to the settlement. At the time CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
 On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, Fillmore Lions Club had Interim City Manager Rigo Landeros draw the lucky winner from Saturday’s Enchilada Dinner 50/50 raffle. A total of $628 was collected. The winner who wishes to remain anonymous won $314. Pictured above (l-r) Bill Dewey, Mary Tipps, Maria Toledo, Scott Lee, and Casey Spore (who is holding the winnings). The Lions Club International is asking all clubs in the U.S. to donate monies to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The club had voted to send $1000 and its $314 will be added. All monies are directed to Lions Clubs in the affected areas. Enlarge Photo |
