By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
“I graduated with the greatest class ever” Eleazar Lopez, 19 years old, told me of his 2007 Fillmore High School Graduating Class. Eleazar soon after graduation enlisted in the United States Army on March 31st 2007 and completed his basic training was at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Eleazar also attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. Eleazar was on the FHS Cross Country and Track and Field teams all 4 years at FHS. He also played the trumpet in the band from the 4th grade to his freshman year at FHS. United States Army Private Eleazar Lopez’ parents are Victor and Susan Lopez of Fillmore. His siblings are Victoria Lopez, 20 years old, and Sofia Lopez, 16 years old, both of Fillmore. Private Eleazar Lopez is the Grandson of the late (Maternal) Dr. James Francis (a United States Navy veteran of WWII and former fireman) and Thelma Grace Basque and the late (Paternal) Crispin and Maria Guadalupe Lopez Saucedo. All of us here at home wish Private Eleazar Lopez safe travel, we are proud of his service and we thank him and his family for their sacrifices to maintain our freedoms. |
Councilman Scott Lee spoke at the June 23rd Fillmore Senior Center meeting, as liaison between the city council and the center’s Board of Directors. Seated are city attorney Ted Schneider, Facilities Supervisor Annette Cardona, Boardmembers Loretta Dunehew, Bill Brunet, and Nick Robles. Brunet announced his resignation from the Board. Enlarge Photo By Wanda Castel de Oro — Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
The Fillmore Senior Center Board meeting held Monday, June 23, attracted 30 participants, as the new Board members were announced. |
From left, Bill Steiger and Dr. Gosta “Gus” Iweasiuk, owners of the 40-acre parcel in north Fillmore, received the good news that their petition to get approval for use of a tentative tract map met success. The project is praised for its family friendly, lower density plan. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
City council’ approval of the preliminary budget at Tuesday night’s regular meeting keeps funding for gang and school resource officers. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
On June 21st, 2008 at approximately 1245 hours, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit was dispatched to Lake Piru for a reported burn victim. Sheriff’s Helicopter Air Squad 8 responded to the scene to assist. Upon arrival, Air Squad 8 was able to land in the parking lot near the lake’s main boat launch ramp. Ventura County Fire Department personnel were on scene and escorted the 2 year old male burn victim to the helicopter. The information to the flight crew was that the infant male had accidentally fallen into a fire pit at one of the campgrounds. The child suffered second and third degree burns to his abdomen and hands. The child and his mother where loaded onto the helicopter and flown to Simi Valley Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the child’s care was transferred to emergency room personnel. Courtesy of Ventura County Sheriff. |
Shown is Patterson Hardware Store, an anchor to Fillmore’s downtown business for nearly 90 years. In a world that changes on the whim of the consumer, where can you find such continuity in retail? Enlarge Photo By Joyce Schifanelli — Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
Do you need a quart of milk, a pair of jeans, a screwdriver, a plant, a television or a new sofa? There are dozens of mega-stores that you can shop at these days and purchase any or all of these items under one roof. Advertisements boast about simplifying your life and saving you time and money, however, the experience is usually impersonal and sometimes frustrating. Some of the oldest businesses in town have spent decades building their reputations by offering quality merchandise and customer service. Patterson’s Hardware, originally located at 312 Central Ave., had its origins during WWI in 1919. It was one of five hardware stores owned by Hickey Brothers of Ventura. Local Fillmore resident, Harvey S. Patterson was named manager. When the stock market crash of 1929 heralded the Great Depression, thirteen-year old Harvey F. Patterson found himself working by his father’s side for half pay. In 1937, Harvey S. and his wife Edith purchased the business from the Hickey Brothers. They renamed the store Patterson’s Hardware and moved to a newer building built in 1928, its present location, 360 Central Ave. The Pattersons took their business very seriously, employing all their children through the years and teaching them the importance hard work and fine customer service. Harvey S. Patterson died in 1959 and his son, Harvey F. and his wife Emma purchased the enterprise by mortgaging their home. The couple subsequently purchased the hardware store’s portion of the building in 1976, continuing to work diligently servicing the needs of their growing town. Through the years, Emma and Harvey F. also passed their strong work ethic onto their own children and scores of FHS students and other employees. Even after thirty years on the job, the Patterson’s daughter Michelle is always happy to help customers. Harvey F. still works in his hardware store, helping customers, telling his stories and keeping an eye on things. He plans to work at least until his one-hundredth birthday. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the intimate atmosphere of an old-time traditional hardware store. Another decades-old family run business is Ballard’s Furniture, presently owned and operated by Ron Stewart and located at 348 Central Ave. Ballard’s was founded in 1937 by Sherrie Ballard. He and his daughter Eleanor Stewart operated the shop together. Prior to Sherrie’s death, Eleanor’s husband, Ken Stewart purchased it. In the 1970’s Ken operated the business together with his son Ron and an employee C.B. West. Mr. West remained for over thirty years, acquiring brief ownership in 1981. Ron recalls C.B. fondly as a second father. Ron Stewart repurchased the operation shortly after. Before the days of big furniture outlets and discount stores, nearly everyone in Fillmore purchased from Ballard’s Furniture. Today, after total devastation from the ’94 Northridge earthquake and $1,000,000 in reconstruction costs, the building houses five additional shops, six apartments and Ballard’s modern, attractive showroom displaying living-room sofas, tables, odd pieces, a huge selection of recliners and art. An unusual combination, the showroom also offers horse tack and hand crafted saddles. One can also purchase Graceland® memorabilia. Construction of the storm drain on Central Ave. has negatively affected Ballard’s Furniture as well as the recent decision by large furniture manufacturers to discontinue sales of small quantities, and/or discontinue sales totally to individually owned showrooms. Consequently, Ballard’s is overstocked, especially with La-z-boy® recliners and selling them at discounted prices. “Times have changed,” says Mr. Stewart. “The little guy is being pushed out by the big guys”, a sentiment seconded by Harvey F. Patterson. Visit Ballard’s Furniture soon. You’ll be glad you did. Downtown construction and changing times will continue to take its toll on our local businesses if the people of Fillmore fail to support them. Try it. Step back to a time when the customer was number one and service was top priority. |
By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
I got one of those early morning phone calls yesterday that raises the hair on the back of your neck and sends a chill down your spine! My initial response was probably due my belief that no good news comes late in the night or at 5:30 AM. So as the phone rang I rushed towards the ringing expecting to hear the worse news from the caller. |
By Steve Conaway — Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
For the past 25 years the Sespe Creek levee has served Fillmore well and allowed economic development to slowly march forward. Due to reconsiderations by FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) Fillmore’s future may be placed in peril. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has embarked on a mission to restudy all levees in the country. The outcome of the pending study may determine if the Sespe Creek levee provides protection against a 100-year flood event in what is now 24 years post construction. In the event that the Sespe Creek levee is deemed to no longer meet that requirement, it will be decertified. Decertifying the levee may affect approximately 40 percent of city residents and would greatly affect the economic health of the city. If this happens, it will have devastating consequences. Property values may be reduced, homeowner insurance rates may be affected and the now pending Business Park may be stalled. For the past 70 years the County of Ventura has collected storm flow numbers from Sespe Creek. The highest recorded flow in Sespe Creek was 85,300 cubic feet a second (cfs), which occurred in 2005. FEMA and the County’s Watershed Protection District currently recognize the 100-year flood flow calculation at 98,000 cfs. The Sespe Creek levee was designed to protect against a flow of 121,000 cfs. The new 100-year flood flow FEMA is proposing is 135,000 cfs. That is an increase of approximately 3158 percent in calculated flow from a watershed which is essentially unchanged from the date the levee was completed. Temporary issues, such as sediment build-up, need to be acknowledged as short term concerns and not permanent problems. The City has begun working with our Federal representatives to help them understand what impacts we will feel if the proposed FEMA calculations are not reconsidered and revised to more accurately reflect historic flows in Sespe Creek. To date, as a City, we have met with the City of Santa Paula, Supervisor Kathy Long’s office and contacted Supervisor John Flynn to gain their support in our efforts. On Tuesday, City Manager Tom Ristau, Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels, Council Member Scott Lee and I met with Senator Boxer’s Senior Field Representative, Adolfo Bailon, to enlist the Senator’s assistance at the Federal level. We will also be contacting Congressman Elton Gallegly’s office to further our request for reasonableness and assistance. As City leadership we are doing everything we can to seek assistance and relief from what appears to be an unsupported change in the flow numbers. I believe that historical data will support our claims that the proposed numbers are not reasonable and that FEMA should recalculate the 100-year flood flow event numbers. Additional studies will be conducted and it is our hope that through a comprehensive review process we will find that the Sespe Creek levee can continue to serve the City and its residents into the future. In the event our efforts fail, we will have to search for solutions to this issue. Possible solutions include revising the levee so that it meets FEMA standards and/or removing debris from the river bottom so that freeboard on the levee can be reclaimed. Any solution will require funding and great effort on all our part to complete. I will continue to provide updates to this important issue as we work to solve this problem. If citizens have questions or comments I can be reached by email at sconaway@ci.fillmore.ca.us. Steve Conaway |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
In order to make some sense out of City of Fillmore salaries for top and mid-management employees, the Gazette has provided a schedule of 8 federal legislative, executive and judicial positions, and salaries for all 50 state governors, together with the complete wage scale for all top and mid-management positions in the City of Fillmore. Discretion is suggested when making comparisons; remember, a few positions require graduate credentials, and that certain mid-level employees are especially valued for their dedication, experience, leadership, and competence. One size does not fit all. May 15, 2007 |
Enlarge Video By Anonymous — Friday, June 13th, 2008
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Hackney Stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
Airman First Class (AIC) Ryan Hackney, 20 years old, a life-long Fillmore resident is a 2005 graduate of Cornerstone Christian School in Camarillo. Ryan also attended the Fillmore Christian Academy through the 6th grade. Ryan played in the Fillmore Little League Baseball and AYSO soccer. He also four years of soccer, as well of one year of basketball and one year of baseball for Cornerstone Christian School and In soccer he was voted MVP his junior and senior years. Ryan excelled as an athlete and a scholar in school. In the 8th grade he won several local, District and State spelling bees and then represented Southern California in the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. AIC Ryan Hackney enlisted in the Air Force on August 22, 2006 and he is stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. AIC Ryan Hackney is the son of Chuck and Tracy (Carpenter) Hackney of Fillmore. He has one sister Elyse Hackney, 17 years old, and a senior at Ventura County Christian High School. His Maternal Grandparents are Fred Carpenter of Fillmore and Evelyn Carpenter of Camarillo. His Paternal Grandparents are Dick Hackney and the late JoAnn Hackney of Fillmore. Ryan follows a long line of family members who have served in the military, his Grandfather Dick Hackney served in the Army and his Great-grandfather Paul Hackney, served in the Navy during WWI. Also serving was his Great-grandfather Fred Carpenter (Sr.) who served in General George S. Patton Jr.’s Third Army during WWII (1944-1945). Ryan’s Great-uncle, Larry Carpenter, served as the Sheriff for Ventura County from 1993-1998. AIC Ryan Hackney has served a six-month deployment to the Middle East in 2007. In the Middle East he served with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar located on the outskirts of the capital city, Doha, Qatar. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is one of the largest, most diverse expeditionary wings in the Air Force, providing combat airpower and support for the Global War on Terrorism in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and through support of the Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. The wing and its associate units operate more than 100 aircraft, making the base a large hub for humanitarian airlift activity while providing mission-essential combat power, aeromedical evacuation and intelligence support for three theaters of operations. AIC Ryan Hackney has been awarded an Expeditionary Medal for "outstanding service” in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and the National Defense Medal. He has earned Expert Marksman ribbons in both the M-4 and M-9 weaponry. He also has earned a ribbon for being an Honor Graduate at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where he completed his basic training. Lackland is home to the 737th Training Group which provides Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) for all enlisted people entering the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, earning Lackland the nickname, "Gateway to the Air Force." In Alaska, AIC Ryan Hackney is with the 3rd Security Forces Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska. When I asked Ryan what he does he told me, “I perform functions as both a law enforcement officer such as the normal speeding tickets, and other traffic stops, to responding to robberies, we are first responders to emergencies, domestic situations, suicides and basically any other law enforcement related responsibilities a civilian law enforcement officer would do. Along with that we perform security functions protecting Priority level 2 and 3 resources to include a Intelligence Squadron several AWACS airplanes, Alert cell F-22’s that are armed and manned at all times, and a quite extensive flight line.” Being familiar with law enforcement I believe AIC Ryan Hackney’s job in the Air Force is very important and one I believe he does well and will continue to do well. Elmendorf's host unit is the 3rd Wing. As the largest and principal unit within 11th Air Force, the 3rd Wing trains and equips an Air Expeditionary Force lead wing comprised of more than 6,600 Airmen and F-15C/D, E-3B, C-17, F-22A and C-12 aircraft. It provides air supremacy, surveillance, worldwide airlift, and agile combat support forces to project global power and global reach. The 3rd Wing also maintains the installation for critical force staging and throughput operations in support of worldwide contingencies and provides medical care for all forces in Alaska. The 3rd Mission Support Squadron executes mission support for the 3rd Wing and 36 associate units assigned to Elmendorf AFB—the largest military installation in 11th Air Force and is responsible for Civil Engineering, Services, Mission Support, Security Forces, Communications, Logistics Readiness, Contracting, and Non-Commission Officer Professional Military Education. Maintains combat and contingency readiness forces and supports two forward operating bases. All of us here in Fillmore and Piru wish AIC Ryan Hackney safe travel, a great career and we thank him and his family for his service and for their sacrifices while he is protecting all of our freedoms. |
On Tuesday June 10, Fillmore Police Cheif Tim Hagel spoke to students at Fillmore Community High School. Chief Hagel’s charismatic and down-to-earth friendly approach with students was obvious as many students approached him after he fi nished speaking. Enlarge Photo By Norma Sandford — Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
What a wonderfully exciting time of year at Fillmore High School at Fillmore Community High School. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
At last night’s city council meeting it was determined by City Attorney Ted Schneider that the following city staff salary figures are permitted for public disclosure. Following are the present and proposed salaries for Fillmore’s eight top and mid-management city staff. These figures reflect base salary and total benefits packages. Salary reviews are built into the draft budget, occurring at a 3-year cycle at management and classified level, according to Mayor Steve Conaway, with the following going into effect on July 1, 2008. They will be made final, according to Conaway, in August or September. |
At 3:25 p.m., Tuesday, a Suzuki motorcycle struck a three-quarter ton Dodge pickup on Highway 126 at Cavin Road. According to one witness, the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, eastbound, before striking the truck. The driver of the truck was attempting a left turn, heading westward. The motorcycle driver was thrown from his bike and the bike traveled for a considerable distance after the collision. The biker was airlifted from the scene with undisclosed injuries. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
|
By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
2002 Fillmore High School Graduate, Now Stationed at Aviano, Italy
This article began with an email from the older brother of Pedro Rivera-Aparicio, Roque Rivera. Roque asked me if it was possible for me to do an article about his brother, without his brother being contacted for the information I needed. His request was because he wanted to surprise his brother with the article. Roque told me that Pedro would be proud that his community would want to honor him with an article about his service in the United States Air Force. Although unusual I thought it was a worthy cause and enlisted Rogue as my assistant in gathering the necessary information. Now that the article has been written and I have gotten to know Pedro, through Roque, I am thankful that I was allowed to participate in Roque’s surprise for his brother Pedro! |
By Wanda Castel de Oro — Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
An editorial by Wanda Castel de Oro
Remember the old tv show “Who’s the Boss?” That’s what I’ve been wondering lately while observing the last two meetings at the Fillmore Senior Center. |
By Joyce Schifanelli — Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Part Two
Dr. Mark Pratt, a local dentist and his daughter Kristyn, a Cal State Northridge student of speech pathology, recently returned from a humanitarian adventure. They traveled to the tiny, northern mountain village of Zacualpa, Guatemala, administering urgently needed dental care for its inhabitants and those of the remote Mayan village of Turbala. Father and daughter participated in a two-week hands-on-project coordinated by Amigos de Guatemala, a partnership created by Rotary Clubs International to provide quality international service projects in the Quiche district of the impoverished country. Dr. Pratt and his daughter report treating as many as fifteen patients a day per dentist, performing simple and surgical extractions, fillings, root canals and cleanings. Every child required major dental work and most visitors to the clinic, child or adult, were in varying degrees of pain. None had ever been seen by a professional dentist. Untrained practices and home remedies, administered without antibiotics or anesthesia are a normal course of treatment. Donated dental services exceeded over $40,000 in value. The climate is warm and damp. Southwestern lowlands border the Pacific Ocean, while Belize and the Caribbean Sea create the country’s northeastern boundary. Most of the topography is hilly or mountainous, interspersed with high valleys, grassy plains and forests. Timber, chrome, silver, gold, copper, iron and lead are natural resources. Nevertheless, agriculture is the primary industry with the raising, processing and exporting of crops including, sugarcane, coffee, bananas, cocoa, beans and rice, cotton, essential oils (citronella and lemon grass), and lumber. Hand crafted pottery is locally made and sold to tourists in village marketplaces. Guatemala appears to be a tropical paradise. However, the people who call this enchanting landscape home have often suffered violence, isolation, sickness, natural disasters and crushing poverty throughout their history. The first human settlers arrived in the area from the north, more than 10,000,000 years ago. Those original tribes cultivated maize around 3500 BC. Centuries later, another populace, the Mayans, one of the most advanced and studied ancient civilizations, succumbed to a horrific drought around 900AD. European explorers arrived in the early 15th century bringing epidemics that nearly devastated the native Quiche populations. Two hundred years later, Spanish Conquistadors overran Guatemala. Though not as abundant in gold and silver as Mexico and Peru, during these centuries, plunderers stripped the territory’s natural wealth of sugarcane, blue dyes, cocoa and magnificent precious woods, shipping them to Spain to enrich kings and queens, palaces, churches, the aristocracy and themselves. In 1821, Guatemala won its independence from Spain and was incorporated into the Mexican empire, eventually separating to become an independent country of revolts and revolutions. During the 1870’s coffee became an important crop. The United States wielded considerable influence on the struggling country during the Cold War years with the USSR (1950-1990), supporting the Guatemalan Army with training, weaponry and funds. The CIA played a significant roll in overthrowing a freely elected president in a 1954 coup d’etat. In 1961, the Guatemalan government provided airfields to the United States during the Bay of Pigs invasion, and authorized military training for 5,000 anti-Castro Cubans. Guatemala’s modern history has been fraught with guerilla groups, rightwing paramilitary organizations, death squads, torture, revolts, civil wars, overthrown governments, disappearances, scorched earth policies and government sponsored genocide against indigenous populations in addition to loss of life from severe earthquakes, massive flooding and mudslides from hurricanes and four active volcanoes. As recently as 1982, 45,000 Guatemalans fled to Mexico to live in camps. The year 1996 brought peace accords ending decades of civil war. Successful democratic presidential elections followed. Free trade agreements have been implemented with other Central American countries and Mexico. Nevertheless, the country ranks amongst the highest in the world in murder rates and lowest in convictions. Despite moving into modern times, Guatemala City (the capitol), population 2,000,000, is nearly the only place where professional medical and dental attention is readily available. An additional 5,000,000 people live within the urban area. Distance and poverty prevent the balance of the population from receiving services. The average farm-worker earns $1 per day, leaving more than 56% living below poverty levels, primarily in the highlands and mountainous regions. The government sponsors public elementary and secondary schools; however, students’ parents are responsible for uniforms, books and supplies. If their parents can spare the expense, poverty-stricken rural children often walk hours to reach local schools. In addition to public schools, private, paying schools are available to middle and upper class children primarily in urban areas. Sixty-nine percent of the population over fifteen years of age is illiterate, the lowest rate in Central America. In spite of cultural and language barriers, the inhabitants of Zacualpa, mainly Indian, and the Mayans of Turbala tried their best to accommodate the volunteers. Most volunteers roomed in the church convent in Zacualpa and the church-school children performed their native dance in a welcoming presentation. Several villagers volunteered their help and time, and some acted as translators. Although offered, none took money! The days flew by in a flurry of rewarding work, especially when the team saw the grateful smiles upon the faces of people with so little. Recognizing the tremendous needs of these forgotten people, Dr. Pratt plans to return next year with Amigos de Guatemala and minister to the poorest of the remote Mayan communities. He says that although the trip is difficult, the work hours long, the living and working conditions very poor, along with the strong possibility of getting sick from the food, Guatemala and its people have left an imprint that tugs upon his heart every day. Kristyn feels the same, and hopes she can accompany him again. |
Mayor Steve Conaway greets members of the Southern California chapter of the Horseless Carriage Club of America in front of city hall. Club members paid an unexpected visit to Fillmore, Monday and treated residents to a glittering display of pre-1916 automobiles. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
|
By Anonymous — Saturday, May 31st, 2008
A head-on collision resulted in a double fatality on Friday, May 30th at approximately 4 p.m. on highway 126, just east of Old Telegraph Road. Kenneth Nemson, 58, of Elk Grove and Henry Charles Farner, 22, of Fillmore were both killed in the accident. Enlarge Photo |
Fillmore’s war heroes honored at Middle School’s Pride in America Day. From left, Richard Schuck, Bud Untiedt, Victor Westerberg, William Preciado, J. C. Woods, Wendell Tilley, and John Pressey. This year’s program was attended by a disciplined and respectful student audience, and especially dedicated to Staff Sergeant Felix Gabriel Chavez, U.S. Army, who is recovering from severe injuries suffered by an improvised explosive device (IED) while fighting in Iraq. A special slide presentation was shown, with a thank you message from Gabriel Chavez. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
|