By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Tom Brown, 65, of Fillmore, was shot on Tuesday, September 6, while camping in Owens Valley, Mono County. A suspect, Deric Beach, 71, of Bishop, was detained and hospitalized, suffering from alcohol withdrawals, and injuries when captured by a police K9. Brown was shot in the shoulder/chest area and transported by Mono County medics to Bridgeport, then air-lifted to Renown Hospital, Reno. Condition was serious at the time of the incident, unknown at press time. Brown and Beach were acquainted prior to the shooting, which took place at 3am. Beach was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, September 12th. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Be aware that starting Thursday, September 15th at Rio Vista Park, City of Fillmore landscape contractors will be starting repairs on the irrigation system and the grass. There will be orange construction fencing installed for roughly two months to allow the grass to take root. Please be mindful and stay out of the areas until they are released by city staff. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Post Date:09/09/2022 1:50 PM The City of Fillmore (City) is currently in the process of reviewing and updating its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) for the 2020 cycle. The City is also preparing a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, a detailed proposal for the City’s actions in the event of a water shortage condition. The Department of Water Resources requires water suppliers to update their UWMP every five years. Among other things, the UWMP will evaluate current and projected water supplies and demands within the City’s service area over a 20-year planning horizon. The City encourages local agencies, the public, and other interested parties in its service area to participate in the update process. The City plans to make a copy of the draft 2020 UWMP available for public review by early October 2022. At that time, the plans will be available for review on the City’s website along with additional information, at https://www.fillmoreca.com/aboutus/news-list. Please send comments to: Robert Lepore, GISP, MKN & Associates, Inc. at (805) 904-6530 or email rlepore@mknassociates.us The City of Fillmore will review and take action on the 2020 UWMP at its City Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The City of Fillmore is set to review and update the Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) as well as preparing a Water Shortage Contingency Plan to begin reviewing in October of 2022. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Votes from 6-14-2022 Council Meeting: 8-A, B, C, D, E, H, and I, approved 5-0. 8-A RESOLUTION NO. 22-3892 – APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED BY THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 (SENATE BILL 1) 8-B 1. Approve an allocation of funds in an amount not to exceed $19,450 in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for a contract with Planet Bids within account 101-4207-0021-245- Contract Services; 2. and approve a contract and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Planet Bids Innovative Procurement Solutions for the components described above. Unanimously approved. 8-C City Council approved an agreement with Planet Bids Innovative eProcurement Solutions to provide citywide web-based eProcurement, contracts, and insurance management software. 8-D Adopted Resolution declaring the City-owned real property located at 308 Chambersburg Road/SH23 in the City of Fillmore (“Property”), known as the Fillmore Equestrian Center, to be surplus, authorizing offers of the Property for purchase pursuant to the Surplus Property Land Act, and finding these activities to be exempt from CEQA. Unanimously approved. 8-E Designated a primary voting delegate; and 2) Appointed up to two alternate delegates. Unanimously approved. 8-H City Council reviewed and approved the Agreement for Services (Valve Turning) with Veolia Water Contract Services USA, LLC. Unanimously approved. 8-I Staff recommended entering into a contract with Retail Strategies for one year with options for a second and third year, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract, and approve an appropriation in the amount of $45,000 to fund the cost to be incurred during fiscal year 2022-23. Unanimously approved. 8-F Authorized the Mayor to sign contracts with Willdan Financial Services for $17,500 in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office. Approved 4-0, Mayor had conflict. 8-G That the City Council discuss and provide direction to the City Manager whether to have the CPA Conduct a feasibility study for the City. Vote not to approve, 3-2. |
Jack Casner at a cattle round up at Pole Creek. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Horse riders just east of the corral in the mouth of Pole Canyon. Pictured are Dick Sackett, Harry McConnell, Jack Casner, Frank Arundell, Norman Arundell, Mark Richardson, Bill Akers, Steve Manriquez, standing is Joe Real and Joaquin Real. Enlarge Photo Jack Casner was not the most colorful constable Fillmore has had, that title would clearly go to Owen Miller (but that’s another story). He was, however, one of the longest serving and most respected law enforcement officers Fillmore has had. Casner was born in Santa Paula in 1876 and except for three years in Texas working on an uncle’s cattle ranch, he spent his entire life in Ventura County. He was married twice, first to Kathleen Ransom who died in 1917 leaving him with a daughter, Winifred. In 1920 he married Kate Brown Reams who had two daughters, Grace and Louise, by an earlier marriage. Together they had two more children, John and Emma. He came to Fillmore at the age of 26 and in 1910 became a deputy constable under John P. Trotter. In 1914 when Fillmore was incorporated, Jack Casner was appointed its first city marshal. He would serve for 27 years. According to him, he had no close calls as marshal but he was a strong influence on the young people. In dealing with a young man who had fallen in with bad company and was subsequently incarcerated in the town jail, Jack lectured him on his bad behavior and what it would lead to. Later the youth’s cronies came to the jail to break their friend loose. Jack arrived just in time to hear the prisoner objecting to the idea, “Jack said this would be good for me, and what Jack says goes, so you guys just try to take me out of here!” There is no later word on how the young man turned out. Jack Casner owned one of several livery stables in Fillmore. At one time he had seven men on his payroll. He owned 25 horses, 17 one-horse buggies, four surreys, four buckboards and two larger four-seaters, all of which were for hire. He also had four and six-horse teams which hauled material and supplies to the oil fields as well as hauling plaster to the cement factory which was “just west of the grammar school grounds.” When there was an event elsewhere in the county, he could expect that all of the rigs would be rented. He would also house the horses and rigs of visitors coming to Fillmore for events like the 4th of July Celebration. When interviewed by Charles Jarrett in 1934, he admitted that he helped bring the end of the livery stable about. Once automobiles began coming to town, he would keep a drum of gasoline and sell to the automobile drivers. He missed the era of the horse and buggies, “Maybe they get there faster [in a car] but anybody whoever wrapped the lines around the whip on a moonlight night and let the horse find it’s way home, simply doesn’t know what he missed.” Although he was busy with law enforcement and the livery stable, Jack Casner was also well known as a cattleman. He ran cattle in the Pole Creek area for many years. He was considered the “dean” of stockbreeders in the county. He was so well thought of that when he lost his herd in the early 1930s, other breeders in the county chipped in to buy a rail carload of new stock for him. He retired in 1938 and in 1939 he suffered a stroke. He passed away on November 18, 1942. |
On Sunday, September 11th, Fillmore Fire Department will hold a memorial ceremony marking the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. The ceremony will start at 6:30am in front of the Fillmore Fire Station, 711 Landeros Lane, Fillmore. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
September 11th Remembrance: 21st Anniversary of the Attack on the United States. The Firefighters of your Fillmore City Fire Department would like to invite you to attend a memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. As a nation, we were brought together in tragedy, captivated by the images of destruction, despair, fear, and raw emotion. The only images strong enough to help us cope with such devastation were the amazing images of Fillmore Firefighters to Remember 9/11 at Ceremony unity, strangers helping strangers, heroism, and watching America’s front line of public servants run toward the face of danger. We invite you to join us this Sunday morning to Let us remember the sacrifices made by so many that morning. From the everyday heroes who helped save perfect strangers, to the first responders who walked toward danger in hopes of helping anyone they could, they were all a shining example of how we can easily come together in times of national crisis. We will never forget those brave individuals, and we will never forget September 11th, 2001. Gathering at the Fillmore Fire Station will start at 6:30 AM in the front. The American flag will be raised promptly at 6:55 followed by a Countywide radio broadcast of a remembrance. Fillmore Fire Station 91 is located at 711 Landeros Lane. Refreshments will be served afterwards. |
Fillmore Dog Park at Two Rivers Park was closed back in 2020 due to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With an allocation of $200,000 from the city, the dog park and other areas of Two Rivers Park to be renovated are set to reopen in spring 2023. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
What will $200,000 get you? If you’re Fillmore, it’s an updated dog park and additional renovations to Two Rivers Park. The dog park (at Two Rivers Park) closed over two years ago after violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a fact pointed out to the city by a Fillmore resident who uses a wheelchair. At that time the cost to make the necessary corrections (dog park) would have been $52,000, which the City of Fillmore decided not to do. The corrections called for the city to redesign, relocate and enlarge the gates and provide an accessible route to the benches. ADA corrections were also needed regarding the parking lot, play spaces, skate park, and athletic field seating. The City Council voted in 2020 to pay approximately $200,000 for the violations in the other areas, along with the dog park. In February the Parks and Rec Commission reached out to the public with a survey, and for input. By summer, the city allocated $200,000 for the dog park renovations. Parks & Rec is looking at having everything in place by the end of the year and hoping to open the dog park by spring 2023. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
With temperatures reaching in the 100s on Tuesday, September 6th, the Fillmore Cooling Center at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, was open from 11am to 5pm, but was empty. The City of Fillmore announced earlier this year that over the past few years, staff has been monitoring the use of the cooling center. The city opens the cooling center for residents once the temperature reaches 100 on multiple days. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
High temperatures can be dangerous to your health and can strain our electric power grid. The good news is, California has avoided outages so far thanks to people like you and we need you to keep it up as temperatures reach triple digits through much of the state. Pre-cool your home before 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., turn up your thermostats to 78 degrees or higher if health permits and avoid using big appliances like ovens and dishwashers. Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, and Stay Informed and Connected. Call 2-1-1 to find a local cooling center, for non-emergency help and for questions. Or go online for a map of cooling centers near you. Call 9-1-1 for heat-related illness. Check on your neighbors. Call, text or visit vulnerable people, and offer to pick up groceries, medication, and other necessities. Older adults, young children and babies, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are most vulnerable. Power officials are urging people not to charge their electric vehicles during peak hours during this heat wave during the flex alert. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
Help be of service to your community in the event of an emergency! FREE Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program starting September 20th! 6 PM - 9 PM. This will be a unit training for the communities of Fillmore and Piru. Classes will be Tuesdays & Thursdays for 4 weeks starting 9/20/22. Register by calling Mike Salazar 805-208-5338 or Mike Lopez 805-320-8559; day of registration is acceptable. Location: Fillmore Fire Station 91, 711 Landeros Lane, Fillmore CA 93015. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE from National Weather Service. Ventura County Mountains-Los Angeles County Mountains- Castaic Lake, Newhall, ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING TO 8 PM PDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions, with high temperatures of * WHERE...Portions of southwest California. * WHEN...From 11 AM this Wednesday, August, 31st to 8 PM PDT Monday, September 5th. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Moderate confidence that a cooling trend will start by Tuesday after Labor Day. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
On Thursday, August 25th at 3:45pm, California Highway Patrol responded to a crash at Old Telegraph and Highway 126 slowing down traffic traveling in the west bound lane. Pictured is a white Volkswagen being towed away from the scene. There were no serious injuries reported at the time of the crash, which is still under investigation. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
The Fillmore Raiders kicked off their 2022 Season on Saturday, August 27th. Photo Credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
Fillmore Firefighters responded to Fillmore High School's main office for a reported structure fire on Monday, August 29th, at 7:43am. The call was cleared by 8am. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel--AE News. Enlarge Photo |
Many Mansions Fillmore is officially opened. Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/bgclubscv Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has a new clubhouse. Many Mansions Fillmore is officially opened, and they are welcoming new members! Many Mansions Branch Director Cynthia Hernandez is representing the BGCSCV team in the best possible way and they are excited to see the awesome things to come! They are growing and serving more children than ever, and are proud to be |
Belty’s Pool Hall and Barbershop, owned by R.O. Betly who in 1930 claimed to be the oldest business in Piru. Belty’s had three pool tables, two barbershops and sold candy, cigars, hair tonics, etc. Photos credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 1st, 2022
Fillmore’s George Palmer handing over the Fire Chief ’s hat to Oscar DeFever. Palmer was appointed assistant fire chief in 1940 and was elevated to city fire chief – a position he held until 1964. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Barbershops began far back in antiquity. They became especially popular in the United States in the 19th century. They were not just a place for men to go for a shave and a haircut; they were a place for socializing, debating current issues and entertainment. The first barber we can find a record of in Fillmore was C. P. Allen who was listed in the 1898 county directory. No address was given – Fillmore was small enough that addresses weren’t required. Undoubtedly there were barbers in Fillmore before 1898, the well-groomed men of the community would require one. Piru’s first barber may have been R. O. Belty who claimed in 1930 that his was then the oldest business in Piru. His was not only a barbershop but also a pool hall. By 1930 he had two barbershops, three pool tables and sold various dry goods. If you go by a picture of his establishment, he also sold tires. Piru News in March of 1927 reported that Green’s Barber Shop had installed a player piano with “very pleasing tone.” Thomas H. Green owned the Ideal Billard Parlor and Barber Shop on Center Street. For Christmas that year, he raffled off three turkeys. Whenever a customer spent 25₵ at his establishment, the customer would receive a ticket for the drawing. The turkeys were won by Joe Elson of Camulos Ranch, Chet Horton and Officer M. M. Willis. Over the years Fillmore has seen many barbering establishments. One of the longest tenured was George Palmer. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1891 and made his way to Fillmore by 1913. He had a shop on Central Avenue which was formerly Pete’s Sanitary Barbershop, next door to Jim’s Pool Hall. Because girls were not allowed in the Pool Hall, they often went into George Palmer’s barber shop where a “Dutch” door opened into the Pool Hall. From that opening they could order cokes or sodas without setting foot in the “forbidden” zone. (See “No Girls Allowed” https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/no-girls-allowed). Palmer’s Barber Shop would be open in the morning well before other businesses as would other barbershops in Fillmore. The businessmen and city fathers of the town would need to have a shave and trim before opening their own businesses. George was active in Fillmore life. In 1938 he was appointed assistant fire chief and in 1940 was elevated to city fire chief – a position he held until 1964. He was a member of the Fillmore Club and the local Masonic Temple. George Palmer retired in 1968 and passed away in 1970. His son, Richard “Tulie” Palmer was athletic director at Fillmore High School for many years. George Palmer had competition in town. William Servoss, who was born in New York, had a shop at 368 Central Avenue in Fillmore for 37 years from 1916 until the 1950s. Oliver Hamblin had his shop at 246 Central Avenue in 1928 and plied his trade for thirty years. William McKinley was a barber in our area for many years. He worked in George Palmer’s shop in 1933, but by 1939 opened his own shop in the Owen Miller Building on Central Avenue. Other shops over the years include Pearson’s Barbershop which was adjacent to the theater in the 1920s and Olin Core’s Barbershop in the 1940s and 50s. “Shave and a haircut, 2 bits” is a phrase from the turn of the 20th Century – now a shave and haircut costs closer to $50 than 25₵. But if a gentleman wants he can still get a lather shave with a straight razor and you can still see a red, white and blue barber pole on Central Avenue. |
Happy 100th birthday Alice Bustamante Romero, pictured above with sons Steve (left) and Petey. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 25th, 2022
This past July the Family held a reunion at Dolores Day Park, in Fillmore remembering family past and present. The Romeros also honored and celebrated the 100th Birthday of Alice Bustamante Romero, pictured above. Alice is widow of Pedro (Pete) Romero. one of the Romeros that made America home, beginning in the early 1900s. Pedro served in the Army, returned decorated with awards then proceeded working several positions, one was warehouseman on the military base. She worked several jobs from homemaker to librarian. Back in November of 2021 the Fillmore Historical Museum hosted a book signing for local author Dr. Ofelia Romero-Motlagh of Fillmore. Her book, “The Legend of the Romeros, Then and Today,” identifies and celebrates her nineteen-member family from their humble beginnings as farm laborers to their lives as successes. This July’s reunion added to the Romero Familia’s journey. |
Pictured above is theft evidence collected during a search of the Santa Clara River homeless encampment in Fillmore. Nine people were arrested on various charges including drug possession, possessing stolen property and possession of a deadly weapon. Photo credit Ventura County Sherriff’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 24th, 2022
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Paula Police Department conducted a joint investigation into several theft related crimes that occurred in their respective jurisdiction. During the month of July, both agencies had a rise in theft related crimes. During this time, the Fillmore Detective Bureau arrested a 33-year-old Santa Paula transient for stealing approximately 80 feet of telecommunication wires from Southern California Edison utility poles costing the victim approximately $10,000 to replace. The telecommunication lines flanked the roadway of South Mountain Road near Balcom Canyon Road in the unincorporated area of Ventura County near Santa Paula. Both agencies worked together and located evidence related to this theft, which led them to identify suspects living in the Santa Clara River bottom. In addition, the Santa Paula Police Detectives also had evidence the same suspects may be responsible for committing theft crimes within the city of Santa Paula. The operation resulted in nine people being arrested during the search of the river bottom: two for outstanding warrants and seven for drug charges. One of the nine arrestees had an additional charge of possessing stolen property, and another of the nine arrestees had an additional charge of being in possession of a deadly weapon. All nine arrestees were transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Various items of recovered property are currently being held at the Santa Paula Police Station pending owner identification. Anyone with information pertaining to this crime or any other crimes are urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station @ (805) 524-2233 or The Santa Paula Police Department @ (805) 525-4474. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Nature of Incident: Multi-Agency Santa Clara River Bottom Operation |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 24th, 2022
On Saturday, August 20th, 2022, Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 1000 block of Olive Street, Fillmore. Arriving fire crews reported a small attic fire; on-scene firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly. A fire investigator was also dispatched to the scene, no injuries were reported at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
At last night’s city council meeting the Council discussed water and sewer past due payment plan options and changing of job description for Accounting Supervisor. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 24th, 2022
Presentation 5.A 5.A Adopted unanimously. 7.B 7.B CONSIDERATION OF JOB DESCRIPTION AMENDMENT FOR THE ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR CLASSIFICATION STAFF REPORT AMENDING AS JOB DESCRIPTION. Resolution 22-3897 adopted unanimously. |