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Courtesy Head Football Coach Charlie Weis

Last Friday the Flashes opened their season with a resounding 49-0 win over the visiting California City Ravens. Sparked by touchdown receptions by Jarod Uridel and Nate Delgadillo, the Flashes shocked their opponents with 28 unanswered points in the first quarter.

The defense played an impeccable game holding the ravens to under 100 total yards of offense and earning the only shutout in Ventura County. David Jimenez led the team with 8 tackles while Matt Pineda and Diego Alcaraz forced turnovers in the first and fourth quarters.

Six different Flashes scored touchdowns including Nate Torres, David Jimenez (two), Matt Magana, Jarod Uridel, Nate Delgadillo, and Josiah Cruz. The team totaled 416 yards of offense with 276 rushing and 140 passing yards. Sophomore Quarterback Anthony Tafoya finished his first Varsity start with 140 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. Returning All-County and All-League TE Jarod Uridel picked up where he left off last season with 4 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Senior RB Nate Torres rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown including an electric 83-yard rush to the endzone. Junior David Jimenez added 66 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns. Senior Matt Magana also took a 33-yard rush to the endzone while going 7 for 7 on extra-point kicks.

The Flashes are excited to continue their season this Friday at John Burroughs high school in Burbank with JV kicking off at 4pm and Varsity at 7pm.

Ruth Walker, who in 1970 was president of the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, and was present at the 50th anniversary event.
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The museum in the Masonic Temple building in 1972.
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Museum front in 1974.
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Moving the depot in 1996.
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The museum site today in 2022.
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Pictured above is Ruth Walker, Edith Jarrett, Dorothy Haase 1970, which were instrumental in creating the Fillmore Historical Society and Museum. They sent a letter to 100 families in the community and to businesses and civic organizations asking why they came to Fillmore, when, and if they had items to put on display. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
Pictured is the Museum front entrance in 1974. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum, more photos online at www.fillmoregazette.com.
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum
On Sunday evening, August 21, members of the Fillmore Historical Museum celebrated the 50th year of the museum’s founding with a dinner held on site. Present were members, friends, and board members. Among those enjoying the evening event was Ruth Walker, who in 1970, was president of the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and who, along with Edith Jarrett and Dorothy Haase, was instrumental in creating the Fillmore Historical Society and Museum.
The process began when they sent a letter to 100 families in the community and to businesses and civic organizations asking why they came to Fillmore, when, and if they had items to display. They used the site of the Chamber’s offices on the ground floor of the Masonic Temple Building as the first Museum site. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
The museum opened its doors for the first time in 1971. The first display was a doll collection donated by Mrs. Clarence Cochran. This collection is still on display in the Bunkhouse as is another of the early donations, a 1910 Regina Corona music box donated by the Carl Burson Sr. family. It is in still operating and can be heard in the Bunkhouse.

It soon became apparent that more space was needed. In 1972 Southern Pacific Railroad was going out of business and tearing down any structures along the right of way. It was suggested that Edith approach the railroad with a request that they donate the 1888, beat-up, depot to the Society. They didn’t donate it but they gave her a good sale price - $1.00 plus 5 cents tax. They also gave her just one week to move it or it would be torn down. That week, she went to the Fillmore City Council asking for a location on which to place the depot. The location was immediately located and approved - a small lot east of the Fillmore Fire Station on the alley between Central and Fillmore Streets. Edith paid for the move and the restoration of the depot.

Fate took over in 1994 when the Northridge Earthquake rocked the Museum’s very foundations.
Light fixtures came off the ceiling, display cases toppled, and artifacts broke. The Museum closed for 4 years. Before the earthquake, Dorothy Haase had been working with the city on a plan to move the depot to a city owned parcel along the railroad tracks on Main St. The earthquake and subsequent need for massive repairs to the downtown area propelled the city council to form a task group to propose plans for the future of downtown Fillmore. Tourism was one of the areas of interest and the move of the depot to the area near the tracks was one of the approved projects.

The earthquake also had severely impacted large numbers of homes in Fillmore. One of these homes was owned in the early years by Dr. Ira Hinckley. It sat on a parcel on First Street. This parcel also had a barn to the north which had been transformed by artist Lawrence Hinckley into the famous “Artist’s Barn”. The house, off its foundation, was destined for destruction. The owner, Oliver Corl, instead donated it to the Museum. In just a few months it was moved from First Street to its new location on the west end of the new Museum site.

Within the year, Jim Finch donated the Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse to the Museum. It was moved down highway 126 in the dead of night to a location on the east side of the new Museum site.

The last building moved was the depot. It was moved in 1996 to its current location along the railroad on Main St. It was the final building restored and was opened in 2006.

Since then, the center of the Museum site has been paved and trees planted. The gazebo which had originally been in the park north of the city hall and then moved to the vacant Masonic Temple site was moved again to its permanent location on the Museum site.

More recently a display building was built to house a 1930 Model A pickup which was restored by students at Fillmore High School under the direction of teacher, Lin Thomas. Finally a small post office building which was the first post office in Bardsdale was placed on the site. Before the earthquake it had been located on the dock of the depot.

We had considered the site complete. But in 2021 we received the donation of a 1926 American LaFrance fire engine which had been restored by a group of Fillmore volunteer firemen. The fire engine was used in Fillmore from 1927 until the early 1950s. A new building is in the planning stages to soon be constructed to house this beautiful vehicle. And, of course, fundraising has begun to pay for this new addition.

But, we do more than restore buildings. We are open to tourists from all parts of the world and the United States. We provide school tours for students, scouts and families. We do research on local historical events and write stories for you to enjoy in the Gazette and online on the Museum website.

We, the Museum staff and volunteers, hope that you will visit the Museum, enjoy the many new displays and become members in support of our projects. We also welcome new volunteers – people who want to help by leading tours or just want to know more about local history.

Learn more about our programs by visiting our website: fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org. Or just come by and visit us at 350 Main St. in Fillmore, CA. You can also contact us at Fillmore.museum@gmail.com

Courtesy https://www.retailstrategies.com/fillmore-california-brings-in-downtown-...

August 15, 2022
Fillmore, California, has appointed Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, to develop a downtown strategic plan on behalf of the city. The Downtown Strategies team will host a Strategic Visioning Workshop in Fillmore on August 16, touring downtown and gathering input from community leaders, downtown business owners and stakeholders, and elected officials.

The five-year plan will be defined and developed considering policy and administration, design, tourism and promotion, economic vitality, and in-market research.

“We believe giving attention to our historic downtown will enhance its features greatly. This partnership will add value to the work city leaders have already begun. Business owners, stakeholders, and community leaders are excited to attend the Strategic Visioning Workshop and take away knowledge they can apply to their respective roles,” said Mayor Diane McCall.

“Our team is delighted to partner with the city of Fillmore on a Downtown Strategic Plan,” said Jenn Gregory, president of Downtown Strategies. “Creating the strategic plan will enhance the city’s historic downtown features. Our downtown team looks forward to the downtown workshop to kick-start the partnership and meet with the community leaders in Fillmore.”

About Fillmore, California
Fillmore is a small city in Ventura County, California, United States, in the Santa Clara River Valley. In an agricultural area with rich, fertile soil, Fillmore has a historic downtown that was established when the Southern Pacific built the railroad through the valley in 1887.

For more information, visit https://www.fillmoreca.com/.

About Downtown Strategies
Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, exists to provide realistic, implementable strategies to communities for revitalizing their downtowns. Led by a team of former downtown revitalization practitioners and real estate experts, our combination of real-world experience, plus expertise in real estate and retail uniquely qualify us to assist communities with backfilling vacancies, increasing tourism, and enhancing the sense of place in their downtowns. Serving rural communities in 22 states, Downtown Strategies is the leading national firm for downtown revitalization planning with an emphasis on real estate and retail.

About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in recruiting businesses and strategically developing communities. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality of life amenities. With confidence, we pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.

Courtesy Head Football Coach Charlie Weis

The transition from summer to fall is marked by changes in the weather, a return to campus, and gathering of community. Although there is some understandable hesitancy in the transition back to school for families and students, there is only excitement surrounding Flashes Football.

With one of the largest rosters in program history, and the return of county leaders in key position, the Flashes are looking forward to showing our community what they can do. Fresh off a record setting quarterfinal appearance in the CIF playoffs, this year's team has high expectations for itself.

The Flashes open their season at home Friday, August 19th against the California City Ravens. JV will kick off at 4pm and Varsity at 7pm in Flashes stadium. This will begin a very competitive and challenging non-league schedule that includes games against Burroughs-Burbank, Hart, and Bakersfield South amongst other competitive Southern Section teams.

This season the Flashes will be led by physically imposing seniors Ivan Becerra on the offensive line and Tory Cabral at linebacker who inspire and motivate their teammates every day. In addition, the team will be leaning on returning county statistical leaders Jarod Uridel, who was the number one receiving Tight End in the county last fall, Anthony Chessani, who was the top rusher and scorer in 2021, and Mathew Magana, who compiled county leading statistics in points scored, turnovers forced, and offensive production.

Last Friday’s Blue Vs. White scrimmage was a testament to how deep and talented this team is. Huge game breaking runs from Junior David Jimenez and Senior Diego Amezcua paired with touchdown throws from Sophomore quarterback Anthony Tafoya illuminated how strong this team can be.

After a spectacular run last season that culminated in hosting an impressive playoff win over Coachella Valley and a quarterfinal berth in the playoffs, the Flashes have something to prove this year as one of the last small town football programs left. In an era where most top programs in southern California rely on transfer talent and out of area athletes, Fillmore stands as the pinnacle of what a home-grown program can be.

However, this can’t be done by players and coaches alone. They need everyone's support to keep this unique program thriving and they look forward to sharing many Friday nights under the lights with their friends, family, and fans.

Let’s bring back the One Town and One Team mentality that made last fall's CIF run so special! Our stands are the STORM and we've heard that The Storm Is Coming.

GO FLASHES!

Written by Carina Monica Montoya

Long-time resident John Grimaldo is a jack of all trades man and master of all. Not only is he known for his local auto repair shop in Fillmore, Grimaldo Enterprises, but he is also a professional ceramicist, and is popularly known for his musical band called “House Arrest.” His son, John Grimaldo Jr., helps run the auto repair shop and is the soundman and part-time percussionist for House Arrest.

John has lived in Fillmore for more than 30 years. In addition to his music, he loves old classic cars. You can see him driving around town in his classic 1950 Chevy Panel truck that he fondly named “Trigger.” He also enjoys restoring old cars and his business of auto repair enables him to do one of the things he does best.

Originally from Arizona, his family moved to Southern California in the 1950s and settled in Pacoima where Latino-style music was not yet popular in America. Ritchie Valens, one of the music industry’s first Chicano artists, also lived in Pacoima and was best friends with John’s father. It was in the 1960s when Latino-style music and classic cars made a big impression on John, and they would become his passions for life. His music studio walls are lined with photographs of his bands and many other popular musical groups John has played with through the years from 1967 to present.

John began his music career in the 1960s. He developed a passion for playing the guitar and singing. Although Latino-style music at the time was not yet “mainstream,” he continued to play his preferred style even though record companies and many venues were against it. He was even thrown out of clubs for playing his music.

In the 1970s, Latino music groups were beginning to make its mark in the music world and Latino-style music began to rock the music world. Some of the Latino groups include Tierra, Los Lobos, and El Chicano. These groups helped put the Latino-style rock music on the map.

One of the biggest rewards that John finds in his music is making people happy. He believes music is healing and people of all ages come alive when they hear music that takes them back to happy times. John also invites retired musicians, some in their 90s, to come up on stage and do what they do best, which is play an instrument that they may have not played in years yet are able to jam as if it was only yesterday that they were on stage performing.

John has played in many musical groups through the years. He manages his current group House Arrest and is the lead guitarist. House Arrest is one of the most popular local and out of town musical groups, and always packs a full house at The Grape in Ventura and The Copa Cubana at the Ventura Harbor, to name only a few. House Arrest comprises some very talented musicians on the horns, saxophone, keyboard, drums/percussionist, bass guitar, and vocals. John’s music is rooted in oldies with a beat that one can’t help but get up and dance. His sound is a mix of R&B, jazz, and cumbia. Let’s face it, some of the best music and dances were from the 60s and 70s. Who can resist dancing to oldies with a Latin beat?

Growing herbs, raising dogs, writing music, restoring classic cars, and collecting antiques are just some of the many things John does with a passion. He will never retire because one can never set a passion aside. So next time you see John in his 1950 Chevy Panel, don’t be a stranger and say “hello.”

Pictured above is an Edison Cylinder player, the earliest is an Edison “Standard” cylinder player they were popular between 1898 - 1913, there ahs been one in the Museum from after 1908 since it plays a 4-minute cylinder.
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Victrola VV-VI
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Edison recording of the Blue Danube Waltz
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Edison Phonograph
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Arundell Pump Organ
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Thelma McCauley Shaw, St. Francis Dam Flood survivor.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Museums are often thought of as quiet places with people murmuring to each other about the exhibits. The Fillmore Historical Museum is full of sound!

Almost every building has an element of sound. Let’s start with the 1887 Southern Pacific Depot. Anyone who has ever visited on a school tour will remember the loud clang of the Bardsdale school bell, but that’s not the only sound. Visitors will see QR codes throughout the Museum. Often these take you to our website for more information about what you are seeing. In some cases, however, they take you to audio or video clips. Two in the Depot are a Sunkist commercial filmed in Bardsdale and Thelma McCauley Shaw, a Bardsdale resident, recounting her survival of the St. Francis Dam flood when the rest of her family was killed.

Other QR codes that can be found in the 1919 Rancho Sespe #2 Bunkhouse will take you to audio clips. Would you like to hear L. W. Fansler and his daughter, Goldie, who are depicted in a photo playing the violin and piano respectively? Or how about “Santa Clara Valley,” by local dentist Jim Bliss? Tex Ritter played it at a Fillmore Festival in 1954 (unfortunately we haven’t found a recording of that performance). Or how about the “Sunkist Waltz” that was written by Walter Sutton of Piru in 1915? Follow the QR codes and you can hear all of that and more.

It's not just QR codes which can sound off. In the 1919 Hinckley House is an Edison Model H19 Hepplewhite disc phonograph which was given to us by Marion Beem and dates from between 1919 and 1927. The docents are more than ready to play the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss, II, for you. If you are lucky, the docent might be able to play at least a scale on the pump organ in the home’s parlor which once graced the Arundell Adobe on Pole Creek.

The Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse is especially blessed with sound. On the first floor is the Regina Music Box. Built about 1902 by the Regina Music Box company of Rahway, New Jersey, it was used in the Star Vaudeville Theatre on Fillmore Street in Fillmore. It can hold 12 – 27” discs and will automatically change the discs. This was a gift from the Carl Burson family.

Upstairs visitors will find the south end of the large display room dedicated to music. Besides displays on various musical groups that entertained Fillmore from the turn of the twentieth century to today, there is an exhibit on machines which reproduced sound. The earliest is an Edison “Standard” cylinder player. These were popular between 1898 and 1913, with the one in the Museum from after 1908 since it plays a 4-minute cylinder (earlier were only 2 minutes). The cylinders are easily broken. The Museum has several and you can hear them, either live or through a QR code.

One item the Museum is incredibly lucky to be able to demonstrate is a Victrola model VV-VI, or Victrola the Sixth, internal horn phonograph. It was a “no-frills” phonograph when it was introduced in 1911 and was produced for 11 years. The original selling price was $25.00 which equates to about $750 today! Still out of the range of most people.

Ours was given to us by Juanita Hammond Elkins and was found during the pandemic in our storage box car. It was in sad condition and not playable. Who should appear but one of our dedicated volunteers, K. C. Staples. K. C. said, give it to me and I’ll see if I can get it working. Obviously, he did because now you can hear Billy Murray sing “Come to the Cabaret” or at Christmas, “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night).

You’ll see in the display case other sound machines – most of which are playable. These include a wire (not tape) recorder, also restored by K. C., radios from the 1920s through 1950s, a cassette tape recorder, atransistor radio from the 1950s and even an MP3 player. Now many may not consider an MP3 player to be an historical artifact, but most people under twenty do not know what they are. We are looking for a Sony Walkman to add to the display.

So next time (or maybe the first time) you visit the Fillmore Historical Museum, don’t just look around – but listen for the sound.

Above is the illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills police recovered in their investigation.
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A 49-year-old Lancaster man was arrested in Fillmore for possession of a stolen firearm and illegal drugs.

On August 8, 2022, a deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 900 block of Ventura Street for a vehicle code violation. The driver was identified as Darrell Rutledge.

During the contact, the deputy saw a substance that appeared to be illegal drugs in plain view in the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the deputy confirmed the substance to be an illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills. In addition, a search of the vehicle revealed a stolen, loaded firearm that was found concealed inside of a backpack on the rear seat.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm had been stolen in an unrelated residential burglary two years ago. Rutledge is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history that included prison sentences for firearm and narcotic related charges. As a convicted felon, Rutledge is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Rutledge was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm with prior conviction, carrying a loaded firearm in public, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Rutledge is currently being held in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura with bail set at $500,000. Rutledge’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2022.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and/or vehicles, and to promptly report any crimes they come across by calling 911. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Illegal Drugs
Report Number: 22-105486
Location: 900 Block of Ventura Street / City of Fillmore
Date & Time: August 08, 2022 @ 8:41 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services and Fillmore Detective Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(A) Rutledge, Darryle Lamonte, Lancaster, Ca., 49
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian, Fillmore Chief of Police

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).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Beginning Thursday, September 1st, 2022, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. Designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies, the program will allow participants to meet with members of the Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Agency. Classes will be held Thursday nights, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Fillmore Police Station, 524
Sespe Ave. In 2023 we plan to have another Public Safety Academy which will be held in Spanish. For an application, requirements,
and additional information, contact the Fillmore Police Department.

Prepared by: Deputy Eric Tumbleson
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On July 29, 2022, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives conducted directed enforcement in the City of Fillmore and arrested a subject for local warrants, unlawful firearm possession, and a narcotics violation.

On July 29, 2022, at approximately 2017 hours, detectives made a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 800 block of 3rd Street in Fillmore while conducting directed enforcement. Ismael Hernandez was a passenger in the vehicle. Hernandez was wanted for local misdemeanor warrants and he is on probation for narcotics violations. Detectives searched the vehicle, pursuant to Hernandez’s probation search terms, and determined he was in possession of an unregistered revolver handgun and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. Hernandez was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for his warrants, firearm violations, and possession of a controlled substance.

On August 2, 2022, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed felony and misdemeanor charges against Hernandez for the case. Hernandez remains in Ventura County Jail custody with an upcoming court date and his bail was set at $10,000.00.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities from criminal street gang terrorism and reducing violent crime by actively investigating illegal firearm activities.

The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of illegal firearm activities in Ventura County. If you have any information about unlawful firearm activities in the West County areas in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, including in Fillmore, Saticoy, El Rio, and Ojai, please contact Detective Sergeant Beau Rodriguez at 805-767-0360.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Community: News Story - Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest

Dear Fillmore Gazette,

Nature of Incident: Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest
Report Number: 22-101078
Location: 800 block of 3rd Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 7/29/2022 @ 20:17 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit (SGU)
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Hernandez, Ismael, Fillmore, 31
Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

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).

Jack with the Guiberson Barn on display at the museum.
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Jack with the Southern Pacific Depot built for Marie Wren.
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Jack with the Trinity Little Free Library.
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The Little Red School House at the Museum.
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Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Jack Stethem and his wife, Joleen, came to Fillmore in 1964. Like his father, Jack became a painting contractor and Joleen worked at Fillmore High School while raising their family. Jack got his private pilot’s license and kept a plane at the Santa Paula Airport which he flew regularly. Jack also became active as a volunteer at the Fillmore Historical Museum, also serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors.

Jack and Joleen both retired in 2004. That was when Jack took up wood working. He started small, building boats for the children of friends, but slowly worked up to bigger projects.

One day in about 2010, Marie Wren called Jack and asked if he could build a “Little Free Library” for in front of her home. Jack at that time hadn’t known that “Little Free Libraries” were a “thing,” but Marie educated him on their history and started him on this new path. They chose the Museum’s 1887 Southern Pacific Depot to be the model for her library. Soon other people were inquiring about Jack building libraries for them and he was off and running.

Since that initial project, Jack has built Little Free Libraries modeled on Trinity Episcopal Church, a home on Foothill Drive, the Hinckley House at the Museum site on Main Street, as well a as ones on Clay Street and B Street. When the Fillmore Library was closed during the pandemic, these little libraries saw much use.

On display in the Museum are replicas of the Santa Clara “Little Red” School House on Highway 126, a model of the Guiberson Barn and a diorama of a condor habitat, all Jack Stethem’s creations.

If you see Jack and Joleen on their daily walk along the bike path, leaving a trail of goodies for the local bunnies, quail and squirrels, stop and thank him for doing his part to make Fillmore Special.

Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent.

Dear FUSD Community,
I am excited to welcome you back to the 2022-2023 school year. I hope your family had the opportunity this summer to spend quality time with loved ones and that you and your children are ready for the upcoming school year. It is going to be a great year!

The beginning of each school year is always time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure that we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools.

Staff have been working all summer long to prepare for the upcoming school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as:

• School counselors at every school site
• Wellness Centers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School, each staffed with a full-time licensed social worker and a shared counselor
• Community Learning Hubs in Fillmore, Rancho Sespe, and Piru, staffed with a teacher, instructional assistant, and counselor
• Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all school sites
• Free online academic tutoring 24 hours a day /7 days a week
• Reading Intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle school
• Additional assistant principals at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School
• New STEM Electives at Fillmore Middle School
• Fieldtrips to universities and colleges to promote a college-bound culture
• After-school Bridges program until 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all school sites. Each year, all staff receives training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school conducts regular emergency drills and we will continue to have school resource officers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School to build relationships and respond in the event of a school emergency. COVID safety measures for the upcoming school year can be found on the FUSD website.

Please also consider supporting our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and other schools/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations along with your student's teachers, principals, counselors, and support personnel is critical to your child's success in school. I am looking forward to seeing our students back on our campuses on Wednesday, August 17th. I am confident that working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students.

Proud to be a part of FUSD.
Chrissy Schieferle, Superintendent

Cara Hazard, 6th Grade Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School.

A proud member of the Bulldog Family since the spring of 2020, Ms. Cara Hazard was immediately thrown into action as she helped navigate the difficulties of distance learning brought on by the COVID pandemic. Ms. Hazard is thrilled to be back for her second full year of in person learning, and as this years 6th grade assistant principal she cannot wait to meet all the incoming students who are just beginning the next step in their educational journey.

Ms. Hazard began her career in education as a para-educator with the Saugus Union School District from 2005 until 2007. From there she went on to her first teaching job in the Palmdale School District, where she gained experience at both the elementary and middle school levels. In 2015 she would spend a year teaching middle school algebra in Albuquerque, New Mexico before returning to her teaching roots in Palmdale. All told the time she spent in Palmdale would see her twice voted as teacher of the year, and she would spend 5 years as an administrative intern. All these experiences helped lead her to the amazing opportunity of assistant principal at Fillmore Middle School (Go Bulldogs!).

Growing up just down the road in Santa Clarita, Ms. Hazard attended Cal State Northridge. There she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Always striving for more knowledge, Ms. Hazard prides herself on being a lifelong learner and an avid reader. There are few things she loves more than sitting outside on a beautiful day with a good book in hand.

Ms. Hazard loves fostering an environment where students know that they are respected and cared for, believing it is paramount to educational success. She welcomes open communication with all our Bulldog family. Ms. Hazard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to what will undoubtedly be a strong leadership team that will benefit not only Fillmore Middle School but our surrounding community.