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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
 Conaway and Dean coming into the finish line during a practice run. (Conaway in blue/white leathers). Enlarge Photo  Close up of how close the racing is. Conaway leading Dean by inches after 1 mile of racing. Enlarge Photo Christian Conaway traveled to Calgary Canada this past week to compete in the International Gravity Sports Association 2012 Winsport Canada Cup World Championship event. The race was held at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Conaway races Street Luge and Classic Luge. The course was 1 mile long and contained 2 sweeping corners and 4 hairpin turns. The course had two speed bumps which also added a level of complexity for the racers. Race speeds exceeded 58 mph. Conaway qualified with the 4th fastest time down the course in both of his disciplines. In his first heat race while leading the remaining 4 racers Conaway drifted out of a corner and made contact with the hay bales and was dismounted from his luge. He was able to recover quick enough to finish in the 3rd position to allow him to advance to the next round of racing. Interestingly when he jumped back on his luge he did so with the luge backwards and managed to finish the heat to advance to the Semi Finals in which he took 2nd place in the heat. Advancing to the Street CONTINUED » |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
With the recent layoff of roughly 50% of Fillmore City employees and the City’s diminished capacity to provide service, the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) Board is questioning the City’s ability to deliver on the services they need. The service contract with the City was originally entered into about twelve years ago due to VMB fluctuating employment needs. The facility sometimes needs workers to set up tables, cook in the kitchen and do various task when it is rented out; but bookings are not consistent, making it difficult to maintain employees. The City, at the time of the contract agreement, had full time employees available and could provided most of VMB’s service needs. One City employee, Annette Cardona, is knowledgeable of what a services are needed and what to charge customers. But Cardona may be leaving as an employee at the end of the year, and with only half of the City staff available it is questionable how well the VMB can be serviced. The land where the VMB stands was donated by the Shields Family and built in 1952 to recognize our veteran’s service. It is a Special District authorized in the California Veterans Memorial Code and has the largest non-sectarian hall/ballroom in Fillmore along with a large banquet room, kitchen, lobby and basement where rifles and flags used for funerals and Memorial Day Parades are stored along with other equipment. A majority of CONTINUED » |
 Representatives from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) were recognized for their accomplishments by the Fillmore Unified School District Board. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
The Fillmore Unified School (FUSD) Board met on Tuesday to a standing room only capacity. In attendance were members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to receive an award along with a representative of the local 4H Clubs and the head of the migrant program who gave a presentation on student improvement during the summer. Last week the FFA members attended the Buyers Banquet and on Tuesday the FUSD Board presented them with an award for their outstanding achievement at the 2012 Ventura County Fair. In attendance was Salvador Lopez, Ricardo Aparicio, Hailee Smith, Chris Berrington, Brooke Aguirre, advisor Joe Ricards and receiving the award on behalf of the members was Alexus Galassi. In all, 35 FFA Fillmore students participated this year receiving 31 awards and recognitions, winning first place in every category entered, with the exception of sheep. FFA Member Brooke Aguirre read the names of the other award winners and their categories; Novice Swine: 1st Jaylene Ortiz, 2nd Alexis Rodriquez; Advance Swine: 1st Marc Zavala, 2nd Felicity Zavala, 3rd Ryan Calderon, 4th Yasmine Luna, 5th Andrew Perez, 6th Kaileigh Carpenter, 7th Tina Wheeler, 8th Sierra Blankenship. Replacement Heifers; 1st Sam Wokal, 2nd Macie Wokal. Steer Showmanship; 1st CONTINUED » |
 Pictured above but no in order are the Fillmore Girls Softball 10 and Under All-Star Team: Manager Mario Robledo, Head Coach Louie Garza, Assistant Coach Ryan Weeks and Jeff Fontes. Players: Navaeh Walla, Heaven Aparicio, Olivia Robledo, Isabella Ayala, Addison Weeks, Jessie Fontes, Lexi Garza, April Lizarraga, Alyssa Ibarra, Aaliyah Golson, Julissa Montes, Alexis Johnston, and Mayor Gayle Washburn, at back. The girls competed at the Western Nationals Tournament in Spokane, Washington. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 The Ventura County Sheriff’s Explorers receive a donation of $1,008 from Ari Larson with Cookie Lee Jewelry and Teresa Robledo with Diamond Realty at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Enlarge Photo  Recognition of Fillmore Senior Center volunteer Vivian Johnson. Mayor Gayle Washburn presents Senior Center volunteer Vivian Johnson with a Proclamation at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The Proclamation recognized Johnson’s service since 2008 as Board Secretary and Field Trip Chair; 2nd Term Representative for Fillmore on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging; serves on the Senior Nutrition Task Force; and serves as Hostess at the Center’s welcome desk. Enlarge Photo After having been dark for over a month, the Fillmore City Council Meeting of August 28, 2012 began with every seat in the chamber filled. Most in attendance came to receive a Proclamation and others to give presentations or their opinions. Agenda items included the water treatment plant, abandoned shopping carts and public records requests response procedures. There are still questions as to what exactly happened and why the former City Attorney Ted Schneider left his position. The Council stated that Schneider’s firm told them they could not disclose conversations due to client-attorney confidentiality and that the decision for Schneider to leave was made by the firm members. Soon after this was disclosed Council Member Steve Conaway stepped down from the Dias and addressed the Council as a citizen and stated the comments made regarding the matter did not address conversation the that Mayor Gayle Washburn had with Schneider’s law firm just prior to his leaving. Conaway stated, “We’ll never know with exactness what she (Gayle Washburn) said (to the senior partner at the city attorneys law firm). The City Manager nor any one council member has the power to remove the City Attorney. That is a true statement. Here is what is not talked about. We do know that Gayle Washburn called the law firm. She certainly didn’t call to chat about the weather; it’s not unreasonable to assume that she expressed her displeasure or “issues” about our City Attorney (or) one of his partners. She certainly didn’t speak to Mr. Schneider about her concerns at that time. That said I suggest you reread my statement, made as a private citizen. Let’s review--Gayle Washburn calls the law firm, who wants the city’s business, and she says something which results in the firm removing Ted Schneider from our meetings immediately while the bidding process is ongoing. Gayle Washburn sits on the council who will be deciding which law firm gets Fillmore’s business. The citizens of Fillmore can put two and two together.”
City Manager Yvonne Quiring, who could not attend the meeting due to family matters, asked Attorney Julie Scott to act as Special Council and give information on California Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act to the Council. Scott stated the public should have access to information but there are between 40-50 exceptions to the rules. These exceptions include things such as the right to privacy, trade secrets, names of children involved in a crime and others. These exceptions are called “Catch Alls or Balancing” and public agencies often have the discretion as to whether disclosure does more harm than good. These decisions are done on a case by case basis. Scott cited a 2006 Supreme Court Case where the court decision was, the interest in withholding names until the case was completed was alright if releasing information beforehand might harm the city’s flexibility and negotiations. Scott also touched CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 What started as a 10-acre consuming fire, spread to 90 last Sunday, starting at 9:15am. 49 fire units were called in to attack the fire, located north of Highway 126 at Old Telegraph Road and La Falda Way, east of Piru. Approximately 125 firefighters battled the flames, which traveled northeast up steep canyon walls towards a ridgeline covered in light brush. Units came from Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with Los Padres National Forest hand crews and CalFire also responding. Fire retardant was dropped form fixed-wing aircraft, and bulldozers and helicopters joined in to build containment lines and drop water lifted from a reservoir off the highway (above). The fire was contained by 5pm, Sunday. Enlarge Photo |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 Sylvia Meza, Administrative Assistant for Solid Terrain Modeling proudly raises the American Flag. Enlarge Photo I have been pretty enthused lately looking for locations where a person, or business fly's the American Flag in support of our troops currently serving as well as in support of this great Country we Americans live! In my travels around town I have witnessed all types of Flag displays at residences and businesses and not all are displayed so that they attract attention, but displayed because it is a statement that needs to be made; We support our troops and the United States of America! Although off the beaten path, the Flag in this article is flown proudly daily by the business, but the statement is no less important just because it is not seen by throngs of people passing by! I remember being inside of this building many times over the years and I must admit I have sipped more coffee there from a stained coffee cup than I probably should have, but the price of the coffee (free), company (mostly crusty old men) and gossip (well the gossip was sometimes very juicy) was always good! It was where, as we would like to say, we would discuss and then solve all the problems of Fillmore! When we were done with Fillmore we would move on to Santa Paula and so on! Thanks to friends, the result of a surprise birthday party, I even celebrated my Fiftieth Birthday inside this building! The owner, at that time, of this building was the late Fred Krone, owner and operator of Norkro Clock Parts located at 340 Fillmore Street. It is sandwiched between a residential home and an apartment complex and across the street from Butch Foy's Fillmore Building Supply. At that time Norkro Clock Parts was one of two clock parts suppliers in the United States for not only clock repair shops, but for the hobbyist as well. Fred was one knowledgeable person about clocks! He also was a considerable character; former real estate broker, Hollywood Stuntman (known then as Crunch Krone) and periodic Fillmore City Council meeting speaker. I learned with those credentials you never knew who would be in the back room sipping coffee with him when you got there! They did include at least two City Council Members after one of his visits to a City Council Meeting, former and current stunt men and more than a few law enforcement officers. But, this building CONTINUED » |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
 Fillmore Unified School District Wednesday August 22nd was the first day of classes for Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) and all classes were full. The gardeners and custodians have been working hard to get the District in shape for the students’ and staffs’ return. This new school year brings a new Assistant Superintendent, new Associated Student Board (ASB) Speaker of the House, and new web-based instructional tool being implemented for the District. Introduced at the August 21, 2012 FUSD School Board Meeting was new Assistant Superintendent Earl Davis. Davis has worked in education for 24 years starting in 1988 at Arcadia Unified, then Chaffey Community College, and Pleasant Valley School District in Camarillo. Davis, who has three grown sons and lives in Channel Islands, said he is looking forward to working at FUSD during these challenging yet exciting times. Also introduced was Fillmore High School (FHS) senior Mary Ortiz, the new 2012 ASB Speaker of the House. Ortiz, who is 17, comes with an impressive resume of accomplishments; President of FHS Athletics Hall of Fame Club; President of Piru 4-H; Ambassador Girl Scout for 13 year; Junior Fair Board Secretary for Ventura County Fair; Varsity: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball; and honor roll student since elementary school. Presently Ortiz is working on the August 31st Homecoming, which is coming early this year. Last school year CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 27th, 2012
Story and Photos by Bob Crum
Alexis Rodriquez, 16, won FFA Champion, market swine. Alexis raised a pig named Sweet Cheeks. "Sweet Cheeks?" "Well," said Alexis, smiling, "I didn't know what to name her at first... my mom helped me. Wait. Mom came up with Sweet Cheeks? "Yep," said Alexis. Because the pig has?.... How was Sweet Cheeks to raise? Alexis said: "She's sassy and likes to mess around... and likes to bite my feet. She kind of has my attitude and I really like that about her." Alexis did exceptionally well considering this is her first year in the FFA and raising a pig. Did she realize the odds of winning the first year in the program? Alexis said: "No," adding, "I really didn't think I'd get... ummm... anything for her. I didn't think I was gonna... like... umm... If the goal was not to win a championship... then what? Alexis smiled and explained: "Just to get out and experience things... and to raise her... she was really good to raise... I liked raising her." Being your first year raising a pig, did you have any idea what it'd be like raising Sweet Cheeks? "No," said Alexis, adding, "I actually thought it was going to be easy but it was kind of hard." The hardest part? "Waking up every morning," Alexis said, "to feed her, to walk her. She was stubborn at first, she didn't like to walk but she got used to going out and walking so she got easier along the way." And baths... did she enjoy the baths? "Yeah," said Alexis. She did? "Well... she enjoys it sometimes but most time she screams... or steps on my feet", said Alexis, adding, "but other times she's good... Next year? "I'm going to raise another pig," said Alexis. And this years auction proceeds? "I'm going to save it til next year to buy my next pig. The winning bid for Alexis' pig was $9.00 a pound. As for long range plans, Alexis plans to attend college and eventually become a probation officer. Here, Alexis pays tribute: "I want to thank my mom for motivating me and being there sometimes for me and especially my aunt and uncle... Nicky and Sabino Perez... they have really been helping me out with the whole FFA thing. And Mr. Ricards... he's a really good guy." Tori Gonzales, 10 of Piru 4-H won 4-H Grand Champion & Bred & Fed Champion swine. This was a really big win for young Tori. Tori's pig's name is Gee G... a derivative of her sister's boyfriends name, Greg, and the pig being a gilt (female pig)... hence Gee G. What does a 10 year old girl experience raising a 276 pound pig which is a pretty large animal. As Tori explains: "I liked having her and being with her. I had a lot of fun with it. Especially washing her. We'd mess around in the wash pen." Whoa! Did she really enjoy being washed, I asked? "Once in a while," Tori said. Not always? Tory nodded no. When she didn't want to be washed? She'd scream... real loud. And did you use for soap suds? "Just regular shampoo and conditioner," said Tori, with a grin, adding, "if it was really hot, we'd also use lotion and sunscreen. Aha. Then... having a hunch... I asked if the lotion Tori used was Avon's Skin So Soft. "Yes," giggled Tori. There has to be trials and tribulations raising a pig... so...? "Trying to get her to walk the first time at the beginning. We'd be out there for about five minutes and she'd be ready to go home," explained Tori, adding, "she didn't like to go for walks." Ha... was Gee G a lazy pig? "Yes!, proclaimed Tori. And the auction money? "Ummm... I'm not sure yet," Tori said. The winning bidder paid $25 a pound for Gee G. And next year? "Next year I really want to raise another pig." Tori said. Now that you've raised a pig that won 4-H Grand Champion the very first time you participated... would you be disappointed next year if your pig didn't do so well? Without hesitation, Tori said: "Well no because I got to know how the feeling is so I'd be OK with getting a regular first place ribbon... or anything." But if you got nothing? "I'd still have fun," Tori said. Did you learn about responsibility? "Yeah," Tori quickly said. "We had to be there every day with her... take care of her... feed her." How much did mom and dad help? "Mostly dad helped because mom doesn't like animals... like smelly things. So mom is dainty? "YES!," said Tori. So dad pitched in once in a while? "Well, mostly all the time," Tori said with a glance over to her dad. Being the first year... was it tough? Another robust "YES!" from Tori. C'est la vie raising pigs. Chase Bowens, 15, with Sespe 4-H won Reserve Grand Champion market swine. Chase raised a pig named Katniss. Some of you may be familiar with the name... I wasn't. So I nonchalantly asked how Chase arrived at the name. "Because I saw the movie and read the book The Hunger Games," said Chase and I named my pig after the 12th Tribute." I've since Googled 'The Hunger Games' which is a story narrated by a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen, a tribute from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Now everything makes perfect sense. Have you raised pigs that won in previous years, I asked? "Yes I have," beamed Chase, adding "in 2010 I won Grand Champion." How long have you been raising pigs? You need to picture Chase counting fingers and then said: "About 10 years." Wow, I said, you're an ole pig farmer from way back! "Yeah," said Chase with a giggle. What was the best part of raising Katness? "Well," explained Chase, "the best part is more like about her personality. Me and Katness... she likes me but she kind of doesn't. When I need to wash her she gets grouchy but I just get used to it and that's the fun part of it." Hmm. And the most difficult part? "The most challenging part was when she was a baby she came home sick... we gave her antibiotics and she was still sick and we didn't think she would make it. But she made it," Chase said, smiling. Well... did Katniss have a bad cold or what? "Bronchitis," Chase said. And the $10 a pound auction money? "First, put it toward another pig at the Denver National Stock Show," Chase explained. Wait... why buy a pig at the Denver National Stock Show I wondered? "Because," Chase explained, "you have a chance of winning $50,000." $50,000 for raising a pig? "Yes, Chase said. The details remain a mystery. Along the way, there's always a support group involved. Accordingly, Chase said: "I would like to thank my mom and dad, James Backman of Small Town Genetics and God!" Now that's an impressive support group! Breanna Berrington, 15, won FFA Reserve Grand Champion market steer. And your steer's CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
 An enthusiastic crowd of Fillmore voters gathered to meet some of November’s candidates for public office Monday evening. Candidates: Top, from left, Nancy Meyer, candidate for Fillmore City Clerk. City Council candidates: Manuel “Manny” Minjares, Rick Neal, and Douglas Tucker. Bottom left (inset): Shannon Godfrey, candidate for Fillmore City Treasurer. City Councilmen and former Mayors Steve Conaway and Roger Campbell introduced the candidates to a large group of supporters. Enlarge Photo  GET FILLMORE BACK ON TRACK was the message from the candidates on Monday night when Filllmore residents had the chance to meet three candidates running for city council this November. Rick Neal, Manuel Minjares and Doug Tucker were on hand to greet concerned citizens and answer questions. Nancy Meyer (City Clerk Candidate) and Shanon Godfry (Treasurer Candidate) were also there and each candidate gave a brief background and qualification talk. Approximately 40 people attended the impromptu gathering in the old bank at Central and Main. Enlarge Photo  Candidates Neal and Minjares chat with Raelene Chaney and Carol Askren. To ensure accessibility to the public, the candidates have created websites & Facebook accounts dedicated to their campaign for office. Find them online at www.tucker4council.com, www.minjares4council.com, www.neal4council.com or on Facebook by searching Doug Tucker, Manuel Minjares or Rick Neal for Fillmore City Council. Enlarge Photo  Among the enthusiastic participants in Monday’s meet-and-greet (the new candidates) was former, twice failed, city council candidate, Marcos Hernandez. Marcos enjoyed the refreshments as he mixed with the crowd. There were no reports on whether or not he contributed financially to the election fund. Enlarge Photo |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
The sound woke me! My cell phone was ringing! This was not such an unusual thing to hear, but it was ringing in the mountains where I have, at best, experienced sketchy cell service for text messaging, but never have I been able to make a call, or receive a call! After clearing the cobwebs from my brain I decided I would try to answer the call: “Sir this is Corporal Jose A. Patino, United States Marine Corps.” I asked Corporal Patino where he was calling me from and he said, “I am calling from Afghanistan Sir! I read your article and I was wondering how I could get a Banner?” Afghanistan I thought! Then for fear of losing the Corporal's call I told him to email me his request so I would have his email address and I would take care of getting him a Banner. Soon I received that email: “Good Evening Sir, My name is Cpl. Patino Jose A. I am a Fillmore High School graduate of class 2010. I am currently in Helmand Province Afghanistan serving with 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. I joined the United States Marine Corps as soon as I graduated high school. I was reading the Fillmore Gazette on line and read your article regarding homes displaying our United States Flag. I realized that you might be able to assist me through the process of getting my name on a banner. Sir I thank you for supporting us and know that we are doing our best out here to keep our country safe. Please feel free to email me back at any time. This is my government email but you can also reach me at (deleted) Thank you for your time Sir.” R/S Cpl Patino Jose A.” After telling my CONTINUED » |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
The “Rededication” of the newly renovated Toby R. Gritz Memorial was held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in front of Fillmore High School and in the presence of about seventy-five family, classmates and friends of United States Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Toby R. Gritz a 1962 Fillmore High School Graduate. Included in this Memorial was the plaque of Fillmore resident, the late Scott Douglas Ipswitch, son of Ronnie and Elaine Ipswitch who passed away at the age of fifteen from advanced Hodgkin's Disease. The Memorial is a powerful, but simple, low concrete bench placed well-behind the two Redwood trees whose roots had caused the damage to the original Memorials. The approximate 15' long concrete bench will be used by Fillmore High School Students to sit on, or to rest their backpacks and books while students are on breaks from their studies. The bronze plaques prominently placed at each end of the wall will give students and visitors only a snapshot of the lives of these two brave Americans, but to those who knew both Toby and Scott the Memorial will stimulate fond memories of each of their time here on earth! Both Toby's and Scott's Memorials had been damaged by the very Redwood trees planted there to grow majestically and to long-honor their lives after their deaths; Toby died during fierce combat in Vietnam as an American Hero on March 25, 1970 and Scott on April 16, 1976 at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles of Stage Four Hodgkins's disease and leukemia. Toby was 25, married and CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Fernando Ferrer, 25, of Fillmore, was involved in a car accident on Saturday, August 18th, on Vineyard Avenue just north of Central Avenue, Oxnard. Ferrer was traveling south on Vineyard when his 2008 Nissan Sentra crossed over the double yellow lines into northbound traffic, colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by Rocio Hernandez, 24, of Oxnard. The three-car crash killed Antolina Hernandez, 45, of Oxnard, a passenger in the car. Irma Rodriguez, 31, of Oxnard, was driving behind Hernandez and was also involved in the crash. Antolina received fatal blunt-force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death was ruled accidental. Rocio was extricated from her vehicle by Ventura County firefighters and taken to Ventura County Medical Center with serious injuries. Rodriguez and Ferrer received minor injuries and were taken to St. John’s Medical Center. Vineyard was closed for several hours, opening at 11:15am. No arrests were made. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
 Early Sunday evening a two-car accident occurred at the intersection of B Street and Ventura Avenue. According to the driver of the SUV involved, there was some confusion concerning the left turn arrow indicator. Enlarge Photo  The eastbound SUV turned in front of the westbound Mazda Miata. No serious injuries were reported. Significant damage was done to the Miata, moderate damage to the SUV. Enlarge Photo |
 Macie Wokal stands by her winning FFA Grand Champion Replacement Heifer “Bambi”. Photos by Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Story and Photos by Bob Crum
In one word... WOW! Another exceptional year for Fillmore and Piru 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) youngsters. Seven champion/reserve champion awards! Impressive! The outstanding championship animals include a steer, two replacement heifers, and four pigs. The following are chats with award recipients at the Youth Livestock Auction at the Ventura County Fair. Macie Wokal, 15, won FFA Grand Champion Replacement Heifer. Macie's replacement heifer's name is Bambi. Why? "Well... it's black and white and after I bought it my Grandma had to put down her dog... a dalmatian... and was named Bambi. So... I named it (the heifer) Bambi in honor of my Grandma's dog. Didn't you win something last year? "Yes, I won overall grand champion (replacement heifer) last year and in 2009," said Macie. Because of the string of championships the Wokal sisters have accumulated in recent years, I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the water at the Wokal household. I had a hunch I had to pursue. Does winning so many championships in recent years have anything to do with the heifer's breeder? "I can say yes about that," Macie said, adding, "because my breeder (Colburn Cattle, Visalia, CA) is a really good breeder." Suspicion confirmed! When you first saw (Bambi) did you see championship quality or did you just figure you'll take your chances? "I pick my heifers because of how they look not like... oh... it has a nice butt blah... blah... blah. I pick it for... oh... I like the color I want that one," Macie said. This year I picked Bambi because she's black and white... and has a lot of hair." Now you know how it's done! While raising Bambi, could you tell that the heifer had championship qualities? "Yes," Macie quickly replied, adding "everyone said that she's so cute you'll do good." Everyone? I asked. Macie replied: "My mom, my mom's best friend, my friend Breanna's (Berrington) mom all said... oh she's so cute. See...the folks that know... knew! What if you didn't win I asked? "I'd be crushed because I was expecting to do good." And if you don't win next year? "I'll just move on, do it again, and try my best the following year," Macie said. What was the best part of raising Bambi? "Ummm... probably bonding with her and learning about the responsibility for when I become an adult and have my children. Right now... Bambi is like my kid. The most difficult part of raising Bambi. "Training her to walk right and set up and not to go psycho And the auction money? (winning bid-$4,000) "It goes into the savings account for future college to study agricultural," said Macie. Her intentions are to obtain her agricultural teaching credentials. Macie added: "I want to thank my mom for sticking by me when I get grouchy and all that. I'm a girl and get moody from time-to-time. And I thank my sister for helping me through everything," Macie said. Samantha Wokal, 18, won FFA Reserve Champion replacement heifer. Great way for Samantha to finish her FFA career. Although she didn't win anything last year, in 2010 Samantha won Grand Champion replacement heifer. How was it raising Thumper? "Well to be honest," Samantha said, "this was was really rough because I've had to knee surgeries recently back to back so it was kind of a struggle. But the last few months it's been fun watching her grow and getting to know her. How about difficulties raising Thumper? "Because of the injury I wasn't able to walk her and train her like I would like to but my sister helped out with that a lot," Samantha said, adding "I'm very thankful to have her. The leg injury? Samantha explained, "playing softball I Tore my ACL and after having that repaired I slipped getting out of the shower and broke my kneecap." Plans for the auction money? ($2,600) "It's going into my savings and start my savings back up. After all these years of raising animals (for auction), I recently bought a 2006 330i BMW. Future plans include her intention to attend Moorpark College and eventually get her Masters in nursing and special education. When did you begin in the FFA? "I've been raising animals since I was nine years old. I started raising pigs the first two years and won reserve grand champion with one of my pigs. I've won reserve grand champion with one of my heifers. Grand champion with one of my heifers and reserve grand champion with one of my steers so I mean it's been a great experience and I really enjoy telling people about the experience of 4-H and the FFA. Not only is it a fun way to earn money but it also teaches you responsibility. And it really looks good on my college application and helps me get scholarships." Speaking of responsibilities, Samantha explained: "You take care of the animal like you take care of yourself. If they don't have water... think of yourself of not having water my mom always tells me. So the rule at our house is that we have to feed them (the animals) before we can eat so that way we really remember. It's a great way to learn responsibility and a lot of people think it's really cool... we have cows as pets." A pet cow? Now there's a thought! Now that this FFA year is history, Samantha said: "I want to thank my parents who have supported me and my sister financially and my mom for also helping me a lot with my heifer. Hailee Smith, 17, won FFA Reserve Champion, market swine. This is Hailee's third year raising pigs. And next year? "I'm probably going to do another pig," Hailee said. You're stuck on pigs? "Yeah" said Hailee. And your pig's name? "Hamlette." OK... why Hamlette? Hailee explained: "For the past two years my pigs names started with an H and had at least one double letter in it. So... Hamlette was the next choice. There you go... it was all about a pattern... and not anything to do with... ahem... ham. Another fascinating scientific process. The best part of raising Hamlette? "Ummm... I would say... because she almost died... so I would say helping her... and bringing her back to life," Hailee said, adding, "and about responsibility and everything." Hamlette's health issue? She had the runs from April 7th to June 15th," Hailee explained, "and had no idea what was wrong with her. We ended up calling veterinarian Dr. Mike (Giacopuzzi) and he helped us out a lot. After giving Hamlette multiple medications, she got well. (Dr. Giacopuzzi is also the FAIR's livestock vet.) Along the way... what was the best part of raising Hamlette. "Getting to know her... finding her sweet spot so that she'd like me. Took about two months before she actually got used to me and only had for about three (months)," said Hailee. So what was going on during the first two months one wonders. "She was skittish," Hailee said, adding "she ran away from everything and everybody." What was the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
 City of Fillmore CITY COUNCIL (As of 8/15/2012) CITY CLERK CITY TREASURER |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
 An oil storage tank exploded into flames on Wednesday, August 8th, at approximately 10:15am in the oil fields north of Fillmore. Billows of black smoke could be seen from downtown. The fire spread to nearby brush but was quickly contained by the Ventura County Fire Department near Dough Flats. The tank contained crude oil, between 20,000 and 25,000 gallons. A hazardous material team and Ventura County Sheriff’s helicopter also attended the fire. The Santa Paula and Oxnard fire departments also responded. Cause of the explosion is under investigation. Photos Courtesy Ave K News Service. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
Daniel Nuno of Fillmore arrested on suspicion of killing Ricardo Gonzalez
 Daniel Nuno of Fillmore, age 30. Sheriff’s investigators have made an arrest for the homicide in Fillmore that occurred on the evening of August 9. On Sunday, August 12, deputies arrested Daniel Nuno for the shooting that resulted in the death of Ricardo Gonzalez. Nuno was booked into the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility and bail has been set at $755,000. He is expected to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on August 14. Sheriff's Homicide detectives are continuing with the investigation. Anyone with information to report about this crime can call Detective Brian Richmond at (805) 384-4725. 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: UPDATE – Fillmore Homicide |
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By Dick Diaz — Monday, August 13th, 2012
This article has a bad note in it, but I am hoping not to dwell on that, but to highlight another location where a United States Flag was proudly being displayed! I say was, here comes the bad note, because from the time I took the picture, to the time I started this article, someone has stolen the flag! What kind of person would steal an American Flag being flown to honor Fillmore/Piru's, and all American men and women currently serving? I wish I could print my opinion of what kind of person would do that! OK, I am done with the bad note! On another bicycle trip around town I traveled up Central Avenue towards Foothill, which I do about once a week, to check on a particular pair of “naked” flagpoles and to enjoy the physical challenge of the Upper and Lower Foothill loop. As I approached the “fork in the road” of Central Avenue and Foothill I immediately noticed an American Flag displayed on the branch of a very large pine tree located in an island delineating the two intersecting roads. The Flag attracted my attention to admire the beautiful tree holding the American Flag. I have driven and ridden by many times this way, but not until the Flag's presence did I really notice the tree, the plants and yes the “SIGN”! The sign proclaims the small island as “Defever Park”. Having worked and lived in Fillmore for a number of years I have never heard of Defever Park! I have heard of Oscar Defever the former Fillmore Fire Chief who passed just before my family and I moved to Fillmore in 1985. Maybe I never noticed this was a park because as a park it is probably the smallest park in the City of Fillmore and possibly in all of Ventura County! And as a park it does not lend itself to anything but to view it and wonder about it! I wondered; Who hung the Flag? Who placed the sign designating this as a park? And who maintains it? Thus I began this article right there under that huge pine tree! The first person CONTINUED » |
 Investigators continue searching for suspects in the Gonzalez homicide with an investigation on Ortega Street. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Friday, August 10th, 2012
Anyone with information about this crime call Detective Brian Richmond (805) 384-4725
 Investigators setup a mobile crime lab on Ortega Street in Fillmore continuing to investigate the homicide. Enlarge Photo Sheriff's deputies responded to 9-1-1 calls of citizens reporting someone shot on Lewis Ln. Deputies arrived and discovered an injured male adult on the ground in front of a residence. The male, identified as Ricardo Gonzalez, was treated at the scene by Fillmore Fire personnel and was pronounced deceased due to apparent gunshot wounds. Sheriff's Homicide investigators are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information to report about this crime can call Detective Brian Richmond at (805) 384-4725. Nature of Incident: Homicide in Fillmore 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, August 8th, 2012
 Gregorio Aguilar (DOB 10-20-89), of Fillmore. District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced on August 6th, 2012, that Gregorio Aguilar (DOB 10-20-89), of Fillmore, was found guilty on August 3,2012, following a jury trial, of the first degree murder of Sean Odle, the special circumstance that the murder was committed during the commission of an attempted robbery and the special allegation that he personally discharged a firearm causing death. Aguilar was also convicted of robbery with the use of a firearm of the Shell Gas Station in Fillmore on December 11, 2008, and attempted robbery with the use of a firearm of the Central Market in Santa Paula on December 12, 2008. Aguilar, carrying a rifle, entered the Circle K convenience store with an accomplice at 4:23 a.m. on December 26, 2008, and demanded that Sean Odle give him money from the register. Odle called 911 and Aguilar shot him in the chest and fled the scene, taking nothing. Two weeks prior, on December 11, 2008, Aguilar, acting alone, entered the Shell Gas Station in Fillmore at 11:00 p.m., carrying a rifle, and demanded money from the clerk. The following night on December 12, 2008, at 11:00 p.m., Aguilar, carrying a rifle, and an accomplice, attempted to rob the Central Market in Santa Paula, demanding money from the clerk. Sentencing is scheduled on September 4, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45 before Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell. |
