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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, April 16th, 2012
On 4/9/12, a carjacking occurred in the city of Camarillo. The suspect used a knife to force the victim out of the vehicle. The suspect was unable to drive the vehicle away and fled on foot. The victim, an elderly female, received minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene. The suspect is still outstanding and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crime’s unit is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early 40’s, thin to medium build, with short brown hair, between 5’10”-6’0” tall. The suspect did not have any facial hair. A newer dark blue, 4-door, KIA is related to this crime. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crime’s Detective Richmond at 805-384-4725. Also, 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 call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Carjacking / 215 PC |
 Michael Cedarland (Above in gray shirt and blue shorts) inspect his SUV, after he crashed into Fillmore Starbucks on December 13, 2011. Cedarland’s apparent history of seizures has been brought into question. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
A report on the Starbuck’s crash which took the life of former Marine Sergio Mendez is completed and is at the District Attorney's Office for review, stated Sheriffs Capt. Monica McGrath on Monday, April 9th. No public release date has been obtained. Mendez’ aunt, Belen Burgos, who spoke with the FillmoreGazette publisher said the Department of Motor Vehicles has reported the crash as involving an injury but makes no mention of the fatality. She questioned why the fatality was not noted and if it would have affected Cedarland’s driver’s license status. Information has also surfaced about the possible medical history of Michael Cedarland, whose car crashed into Starbucks on December 13, 2011, killing Mendez. Following are excepts from CONTINUED » |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
 A Proclamation was awarded to the Sierra Club recognizing April 22, 2012 as Earth Day and was accepted by Patti Walker. Enlarge Photo  Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney presented the Council with an interpretation of the zoning ordinance regarding chickens. Enlarge Photo  Dr. Scott Barlow, who moved to Fillmore in December 2010 and has seven chickens, addressed the Council asking that they take into consideration those raising chickens in a responsible way and do not impact their neighbors. Enlarge Photo The two main topics brought before the Fillmore City Council this week were the proposed Volunteer Coordinator position and the zoning ordinance regarding chickens. There was also a proclamation presented to the Sierra Club and information on the VC Alert program. The City Council is looking for someone to work in a non-paid position as a Volunteer Coordinator. The position requires recruiting and assigning volunteers to clean the bike path, litter control, graffiti removal and event clean-up along with other tasks the City can no longer afford to maintain. City Manager Yvonne Quiring presented the Council with a list of qualifications and definition of the skills required. The list was three pages long and very extensive. The Council recognized this and agreed that the requirements should be adjusted to meet a non-paid position. Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is willing to set up the program and have the person who organized the Martin Luther King clean-up day at Two Rivers Park assist with the recruitment of a Volunteer Coordinator. Mayor Gayle Washburn said she would prefer someone who could apply for grants, which takes some skill in doing. Councilmember Jamey Brooks cautioned the other Councilmembers that they may be expecting too much out of one person, especially for a non-paid position and that they might find someone who is a great coordinator but lacks the skill of grant writing. He suggested the two requirements not be put together and maybe a grant writer could volunteer their services separately. Councilman Eduardo Gonzalez asked CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
 At approximately 7:45 p.m. Sunday, a Honda Civic was struck by another vehicle, and the driver of that vehicle fled the scene. The driver and one passenger in the Honda were both taken by ambulance to a local hospital for observation. The extent of any injuries was not reported. A Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy told the Gazette that they had a description of the other vehicle and a search was underway to find it. Above, Fire Chief Rigo Landeros assists in recovering the driver of the Honda. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department At approximately 11:00am on Wednesday April 11, 2012, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services received a report that numerous Ventura County Residents had received a telephone notification advising there was a need to evacuate the area due to the threat of a tsunami. Ventura County is not under a tsunami watch, advisory or warning. The alert that was placed to area residents is inaccurate and appears to have originated from an outside source. The incident is currently under investigation. Nature of Incident: No threat of Tsunami to Ventura County |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
DNA evidence from another crime leads to arrest
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 9-27-2010, at about 8:55 p.m. Ventura County Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a reported carjacking at Alelia Ave. and Azahar St. in the unincorporated area of Saticoy. When they arrived, they spoke with the victim, a male pizza delivery driver. The driver stated he was delivering a pizza to an address in the 1200 block of Alelia Ave. As he was taking the pizza out of the trunk of his car, he was assaulted by three unknown male Hispanics. The suspects fled in the victim’s car before sheriff’s deputies arrived. The victim’s car was later found crashed and abandoned about a mile away. Investigators collected evidence from the scene and submitted it to Ventura County Sheriff’s Regional Crime Lab. On 9-30-2010, the investigation led to the identification of a 13 year old male gang member as a suspect in the crime. He was arrested for carjacking and street terrorism and lodged into juvenile hall. Over the next two days, gang investigators served five search warrants and arrested three additional suspects. They included 20 year old Sergio Alvarez, 19 year old Jose Puga, and 19 year old Isaac Burciaga. At the time, investigators did not have enough evidence to file charges with the District Attorney against Burciaga and he was released. Over the next year and a half, Alvarez, Puga and the 13 year old male were convicted of robbery for the events of 09/27/2010. Puga was sentenced to two years in state prison, Alvarez was sentenced to three years, and the juvenile was committed to juvenile hall. In March 2012, gang investigators were notified that Isaac Burciaga’s DNA was found on evidence collected from the victim’s abandoned vehicle. Based on the new information, investigators had enough evidence to charge Burciaga with carjacking. On 3-29-2012, investigators located Burciaga as he left a residence in Fillmore. He was arrested and booked for carjacking. On 4-2-2012, the District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against Burciaga that include carjacking and robbery. He remains in custody at the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $155,000 bail. Report Number:10-23648 |
 A memorial to Angela Perez who died of stab wounds Friday is displayed on her front porch. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A 43-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man suffered serious stab wounds during a possible domestic dispute inside their Fillmore residence Friday at 3pm, 1100 block Los Serenos Drive. Maria de Los Angeles Rangel was pronounced dead at the scene of multiple stab wounds, and the man, identified as her husband Tomas Perez, was transported to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, where he underwent surgery for stab wounds. The couple was found by one of their daughters, who came to the residence and discovered them both in a bedroom. She called 9-1-1. Authorities said Friday that the incident appeared to be domestic violence and that there were no outstanding suspects. Investigators remained on scene for several hours. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
 Donation car wash this Saturday 8am, April 7, @ Jiffy Lube in Fillmore, all proceeds go to the children of Maria de Los Angeles Rangel, Art Tellez 24 Brianna Tellez 19, Vanessa Perez 15, Cynthia Perez 13, and Tommy Perez 8. All inclusive enchilada dinner, desert, and 12oz drink @ La Fondita, will be held Friday April 13 from 5-8 pm. For tickets, questions, or detailed information regarding fundraisers contact Art or Alle at 805-914-9873. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
Tuesday night’s Fillmore Unified School Board Meeting (FUSD) focused on Transitional Kindergarten, the English Language Learners (ELL) Pacing Guide Task Force and changes to Advanced Placement class requirements. This fall FUSD is implementing a two year program called Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for children whose 5th birthday falls between September 2nd and December 2nd.. What this means is students who attend a TK class will have a year of preparation before attending kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year. Those students’ whose birthdays qualify them for TK, along with those who have not had any preschool, will be scheduled for a basic school readiness screening and the results will be discussed with the parents. Not all FUSD elementary schools will be providing TK. For those children whose home school does not provide TK an exception is made allowing them to enroll in a school that will offer TK; transportation will not be provided and once they start kindergarten they must enroll in their home school. A lottery will CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
 On Monday, April 2, the Fillmore Fire Department and Fillmore Pubic Works responded to a large tree limb down on the 400 Block of Saratoga. Both public work and fire personal worked together and were able to remove the large branch in a very timely manner. Great team work and hats off to both departments for a job well done. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 26, Chief Randy Pentis officially began his first day on the job for the City of Thousand Oaks. Pentis succeeded Jeff Matson as Chief of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. Pentis grew up in Newbury Park and attended Conejo Valley schools. He’s spent most of his 30-year career in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department serving the citizens of Thousand Oaks in patrol, investigations, and special enforcement. “I’m very happy to be home,” said Pentis. As Pentis reflects on his past, he also looks to the future, “Going from Patrol in Newbury Park during the mid-1980’s, to becoming police chief, is a very humbling experience. I’m honored for this opportunity and excited to get to work.” Pentis will focus the department on maintaining Thousand Oaks’ historically low crime rate and its standing as one of the safest cities in America. He also intends to partner with Conejo Valley Unified School District on a variety of initiatives. |
 At Tuesday night’s council meeting, the City of Fillmore was presented a check from the Fillmore Rotary Sun Risers. Presenting the check for $7310 was Don Gunderson (left), John Scoles (middle), Mayor Gayle Washburn, and Sean Morris (right). Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
City Manager declares state of fiscal emergency
 Proclamation well earned. Jack Stethem, left, and Victor Gongora receive a city Proclamation from Mayor Gayle Washburn on behalf of the Fillmore Lions Club for Non-Profit Organization of the Year, at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Enlarge Photo It was standing room only as the March 27, 2012 Fillmore City Council meeting began. Most of those in attendance came to voice their concerns over the continued operation of the Aquatics Center or were recipients of the 10 proclamations for various awards of the year. The main items on the agenda were the Midyear Budget Review and Adoption, along with the City declaring a state of fiscal emergency. Finance Director Glenda Jay gave a thorough report of the City finances, starting with a graph depicting three years of deficit spending and continuing the presentation with more projections of future unmet expenditures. The 2011/12 General Fund saw revenue of $5 million and expenditures of $6 million, with 2012/13 expected revenue $4.7 million and expenditures $6.2 million. The expected deficit by 2013 is $1.5 million. The bottom line is that Fillmore’s General Fund does not have sufficient revenue to support basic public safety services and further reduction in law enforcement is possible along with more layoffs and creating part-time positions. Other possibilities are; closing park restrooms during the week, change in trash service at parks, contract services (janitorial/custodian), safety tree trimming, no code enforcement and no street repair. City Manager Yvonne Quiring does not recommended that the City consider reducing paramedic service. The County is proposing to relocate the paramedic out of the Fillmore Station (27) as part of its own budget cuts. Also when there is heavy call volume in the West County, AMR Ambulance is moved to Santa Paula. If Fillmore were to discontinue paramedic service, it would have a two fold impact--first the County won’t have a paramedic on staff and/or AMR may be based in Santa Paula. Often, since by law the City needs three fire fighters to respond to a fire for safety, the paramedic makes up the third position on the truck. Two of the largest expenditures that rely on the General Fund are recreation and the community pool. The projected Recreation Fund will receive $37,790 less in revenue than originally budgeted. Rental from the parks and community center is down and the revenue from the sports programs is less than expected. The cumulative deficit on June 30, 2012 is estimated to be $75,376 and the ongoing deficit is projected $25,000 annually. The Council wants to pursue having businesses take sponsorship of the pool and other projects/operations to help cover costs. A motion was passed authorizing the City to put the effort forward in finding sponsors. There was also talk of having a Volunteer Coordinator in a non-paid position to help with organizing volunteers for various positions no longer provided by City workers. Another idea was to pursue more grants. This would require a 501c3 nonprofit to apply for the grant and the City to partner up. Fillmore Police/Sheriff Chief Monica McGrath has done a great job of obtaining grants and received a $140,000 grant just two weeks ago. Another area where revenue has declined is from the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) which has been eliminated and the City has become the Successor Agency due to state requirements. The RDA provided $864,000 to pay for General Fund services which the City will no longer receive. Other source of CONTINUED » |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Photos and Story by Bob Crum
 Get along little doggies! Cowgirls were riding the range at RailFest this past weekend. A good turnout on a beautiful Saturday. RailFest is put on by the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society in cooperation with Fillmore & Western. Enlarge Photo Opening day, under cloudy skies, locals and busloads of people descended upon Fillmore for the 17 th annual Rail Fest hosted by the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society in cooperation with the Fillmore & Western Railway. Again... hundreds of people... young, old and everybody in between... came to ogle and marvel the star of the Festival... the magnificent #14 steam locomotive. She never disappoints. Rail fans with cameras of all kinds were in photographers heaven. But wait... there's more! Those fortunate enough to secure a ticket were treated to a rare experience. Hop aboard... take your seat in an enclosed car... or the open-air car... and hold on as #14 hauls the train east out to the Fish Hatchery Road. After a brief pause... she shudders... belches a cloud of smoke... and begins the return trip. After going through the infamous “tunnel” just west of Highway 126, the train stops. Everybody with a camera... and others who simply desire to witness the pending exciting event... disembark. The engineer puts #14 in reverse to go back through the tunnel. After a brief pause... letting the suspense build... #14 begins her re-run through the tunnel. Rails shivering under her powerful driving wheels... she emerges with a dense plume of smoke and blasts from her mighty steam whistle. A classic Kodak moment with a thrill remembered forever. As she whizzes by the throng of people enthralled with her performance... observant types swear that they saw the proud #14 grinning with glee. Pssst... it's true! Thereafter... passengers climb back aboard the train for the return trip to the depot. Back at the CONTINUED » |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Photos by Bob Crum
 People disembark to be able to photograph the train bursting out from the tunnel and speeding by. Often characterized as a photo op. Enlarge Photo |
 Thursday night at the The Community Awards dinner Attractions Spa was presented “The Business of the Year” award. It was presented by April and Sean Hastings (center), grandmother Mary Tipps (left). Also pictured is Cindy Jackson. Community Awards dinner photos courtesy of KSSP Photographic Studios. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today the Ventura County District Attorney's Office is currently prosecuting James Homer Schoenhofen (DOB 7/19/43) for alleged crimes involving the sexual abuse of a child. A jury trial is set for May 2, 2012, and Mr. Schoenhofen has pled not guilty to all charges. Mr. Schoenhofen is a 68-year-old former resident of Oxnard who may have been a foster parent beginning in the 1960s. The District Attorney's Office is requesting that anyone who has ever lived with Mr. Schoenhofen, has information concerning the identity of persons who may have lived with him in the past, or has information about crimes perpetrated against children by Mr. Schoenhofen to please contact the District Attorney's Office at (805) 477-1623. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 26th, 2012
Jerry Dean Bohannon, Ventura, 49
 Jerry Dean Bohannon, 49, Ventura Jerry Dean Bohannon lives in the Ventura Riverbed west of Hwy 33, near Stanley Avenue. Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes unit have learned that Bohannon was the victim of a violent assault during the third week of January 2012. An extensive search for Bohannon has been conducted with little information revealed as to where Bohannon is or his current physical condition. Prior to the assault, Bohannon was last seen on January 13, 2012. Detectives have received many conflicting stories as to what has caused Bohannon’s disappearance. Detectives are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of Jerry Bohannon. They are requesting the public’s help in locating Bohannon or any information that may lead detectives to the reason for his disappearance. If you have any information about or have seen Jerry Dean Bohannon since 01/13/2012, please contact: Nature of Incident: Missing Person 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, March 21st, 2012
Congratulations to Nico Frias and Sammy Martinez for completing the 2012 L.A. Marathon. They were two of 18817 finishers, they placed 434th overall with an excellent time of 3:17 (3 hours 17 minutes). Nico is a sophomore at Fillmore High School and this was his third L.A. Marathon. He participates in Cross Country and Track during the school year. Sammy is a junior at Fillmore High School and this is also his third L.A. Marathon. Sammy is on the Cross Country, Track and Swim teams. He is also Speaker of the House for FHS Associated Student Body. Both boys have many extracurricular activities, and have found time to still participate in the training involved to prepare for the L.A. Marathon with Students Run Los Angeles (SRLA). With all these activities they still manage to be good students in the classroom as well. They were trained by Joel Frias, Nico's father, this was his 12th year coaching for SRLA and has mentored many student runners throughout those 12 years; over 200. He prepares them from August to March and they attend sanctioned practice runs, each one increasing in distance over the months. They also hold regular practices as an individual team. Congratulations to both boys, hard work and determination always leads to a strong finish! |
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Fillmore, it is that time of year again to come out and support the local arts. Fillmore High School Drama is again teaming up with The Sespe Players in a production of a drama called "Guides". The play will be at the Fillmore District Auditorium on Sespe Ave in Fillmore. The time and dates are Frida,y March 23rd, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24th, at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday March 25th, at 2:00 p.m. Then again next week on Friday, March 30th, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday March 31st at 7:30 p.m., and the last show will be Sunday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m. Students and senior citizens $5.00... adults $8.00...and $15.00 you can come to as many shows as you like for the one ticket price. All cast members have tickets to sell or call Janet Foy at 524-2757. The Saturday show on March 24th, at 2:00 p.m. will be a fundraiser for Grad Night Live. All ticket sales for that show will go to Grad Night Live, so that the Seniors of Fillmore High School can again have a safe and fun way to celebrate graduation. This is a good way to help out a good cause, and have some fun doing it. The cast of... CONTINUED » |
