Calling all FHS Alumni from the Great Class of 1977! The Alumni Association will be hosting your 45th Class reunion at the 109th Alumni Dinner on Saturday, June 11th, 2022. The event takes place in downtown Fillmore at the City Park/Front of City Hall. Your special class reunion/dinner package includes a special designated area just for the Class of 1977. In your section of the event, your class will have their own special private cabana area enclosed by white picked fencing, complete with couch, and chairs, and coffee table for seating and socializing with your classmates. Your royal blue linen draped round tables will surround your private cabana area. Each table will have silverware with white linen napkins and glassware for water or wine. Your reunion committee will be allowed to come in the day of your reunion and decorate your area any way they wish. Your special Class of 1977 designated area will be “THE PARTY AT THE PARTY!” Many in your class have already paid but it’s not too late. You can make reservations now by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events. See you all on June 11th!

Lucy Jorgensen, Fillmore's first librarian.
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Hazel Cheek, Librarian who served for twenty years, and was also a former school teacher.
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Art Arundell, Librarian who served as Librarian from 1959 until 1988.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

The Fillmore Library is closed for now, undergoing a long needed expansion. The Fillmore Branch Library has been a part of the community for 106 years. Even before that, the community recognized the need for some sort of library for its residents. As with many things in early Fillmore, the need was filled by Dr. John P. Hinckley. Shortly after the Fillmore Herald newspaper began publication in 1907, a “Traveling Library” at the home of Dr. Hinckley was advertised. The “traveling library” was operated by the State of California which provided 50 books at a time to Fillmore. Every six months a new supply of books arrived and the former supply was returned. Books could be borrowed by anyone over the age of twelve. Those younger than twelve could borrow books if recommended by an adult.

This remained the library for a number of years. By 1910, there was interest in a more permanent library. I. W. Stewart, secretary for the Oxnard Public Library, asked through a letter to the Herald, if Fillmore would be interested in having a library. He said the Ventura County Library system could establish branches in towns that had no public library. There was definite interest in this idea, but Fillmore was not yet a city and nothing happened until after the close incorporation vote in 1914 (https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/1914-incorporation).

Elizabeth Elkins Rivard was the driving force behind the campaign to have a permanent library in Fillmore. Through her efforts people of the town and surrounding area donated over 350 books to start a library. Ventura County contributed between 50 and 75 volumes. In February of 1916, Julia Steffa, county librarian, outlined the steps needed to secure a branch library. All the town needed to do was furnish a location and the necessary furnishings and equipment and be responsible for the maintenance of the library.

On February 11, 1916, an article titled “Local Library is Assured” appeared in the Herald. It would be housed in the Ventura County Co-Op building at 345 Central Avenue and Mrs. Lucy Jorgenson would be its first librarian.

Mrs. Jorgensen was not a surprising choice for librarian. She and her husband, Lefieldt, and daughters, Marion and Ruth, had moved to Fillmore from Minnesota in 1912. Lucy was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Her husband managed Mayor George Tighe’s citrus orchards. She was a member of the group which were early supporters of the branch library.

The library opened on Saturday, April 1, 1916. In the first month 225 volumes were checked out. The January, 1917 report had a total of 1,024 books checked out in that month:
Adult Fiction 564
Adult Non-Fiction 111
Juvenile Fiction 258
Juvenile Non-Fiction 91

In March 1917, the number had grown to 1,096. By this time also, the library needed new quarters. A few months later the library moved to the second floor of the new Fillmore State Bank Building at 316 Central on the northeast corner of Main and Central.

Lucy Jorgensen served as librarian for four years. Her husband had taken a new position as manager of Roger Edward’s interests in Buckhorn and it required the family to move from Fillmore. She was replaced by Mrs. Bonnetta Dresser who had prior library experience in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Under Mrs. Dresser the library’s circulation numbers continued to grow. She was especially noted to encourage children’s reading, especially Spanish speaking children. She retired in 1936 but continued to help at the library as needed. It was while she was librarian that her family’s home in Bardsdale was destroyed in the St. Francis Dam collapse.

Both Mrs. Jorgensen and Mrs. Dresser lived the rest of their lives in Fillmore. Bonnetta Dresser died in 1975 and Lucy Jorgensen in 1971.

Bonnetta Dresser was replaced by Miss Dorothy Farthing. She was a graduate of Ventura Junior College and acted as the library’s “custodian” until April of 1939 when she left to be married.

Dorothy Farthing was replaced by Hazel Cheek, a former schoolteacher. Her husband, Homer Cheek, had been manager of the Rancho Sespe Packinghouse but had died suddenly in June of 1938.She served as librarian for the next twenty years and made an impression on many of her younger patrons by requiring their silence while in the library.

Between 1917 and 1955, the library relocated several times. After moving to the Fillmore State Bank building on Main and Central in 1917, it later was located for a time at 408 Central. It then moved to space in the first floor of the Masonic Building at 455 Sespe Avenue which had previously housed the Post Office.

In 1955, the current building was constructed on land donated by the William Shiells Company. A few years earlier, The Shiells Company had donated the land adjacent to the library for the Veterans’ Memorial Building.The building was begun in June, 1954 and was to be finished by February, 1955. A “floor error” delayed opening until June 12, 1955.

In 1959 the Fillmore Library had a new librarian, Art Arundell. Art was Fillmore “born and bred” being the grandson of Tommy and Inez Kellogg Arundell who had settled on Pole Creek in the 1870s. He had a bachelor's degree from UC Santa Barbara and a Master’s from Princeton. In World War II he had served in the Middle East. He was librarian until 1988. Art had a great influence on many of the people who frequented the library, especially young people who received a love of books and learning from him. According to his obituary, he made the library, “a place where people of all ages went to brighten their day and children went as though they were going to a second home.” Many residents and former residents remember Art fondly and speak of how he encouraged them in their education.

Since Art Arundell, there have been many librarians who have served the community well, despite a library building which had not kept up with the growth of the town and the expanded needs of the community. Anyone who happened to stop by to look for a book during children’s story time would find it crowded and sometimes happily chaotic (Mrs. Cheek would not have approved). If you attended a meeting at the library, adults would often find the only seating to be chairs built for 8-year-olds. The expanded facility will undoubtedly be embraced by the community just as Lucy Jorgensen’s small library in a corner of the Ventura Co-Op was. Hopefully she, as well as Elizabeth Elkins Rivard and the others involved in getting the library first established, would be pleased with the results of their efforts.

At about 12:30 a.m., members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office were actively searching for Daniel Drum who was previously reported as a missing person at-risk due to mental health issues. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call reporting a family disturbance in the area. Deputies responded and learned an altercation between Drum and a known male subject occurred resulting in a homicide. Drum fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.

Deputies later located Drum in the area, and he was taken into custody without incident. Currently, the homicide investigation is on-going.

Nature of Incident: Homicide suspect apprehended in Piru
Report Number: RB# 22-52120
Location: 500 Block of Main Street, Piru
Date & Time: 04/21/22 @ 12:30 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Major Crimes
Prepared by: Natalie Hernandez
Approved by: Captain Cameron Henderson

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On April 22, 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) concluded an investigation into Lenay Guevara-Mendez regarding her involvement in a fatal drug overdose.

On August 21, 2021, Fillmore Patrol deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Arundell Circle the City of Fillmore reference a subject who was deceased as the result of a fentanyl overdose. PCU detectives took over the investigation and determined Guevara-Mendez was the subject who sold fentanyl to the victim that caused the fatal overdose.

During the month of April 2022, Special Crimes Unit (SCU) detectives developed additional information that Guevara- Mendez was responsible for drug sales in Ventura County. SCU, with the assistance of PCU, detained Guevara-Mendez and served a search warrant at her residence. Detectives seized 286 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of fentanyl, 6 grams of heroin, numerous counterfeit pills believed to contain fentanyl, scales, packaging material, $1099 in US currency and 3 rifles.

Guevara-Mendez was arrested for 11351 HS- Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance, 11352 HS- Sales of a Controlled Substance, 11378 HS- Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and 11379 HS, Sales of a Dangerous Drug. Guevara-Mendez’s was booked into the Ventura County Jail and is currently out of custody on $50,000 bail. She is scheduled for arraignment on May 6, 2022, in Ventura County Superior Court.

The public may contact investigators from the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or pharm.tip@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics.

The Ventura County Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Thousand Oaks Police Department; The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication and fentanyl to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdoses due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST). We have partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org.

Nature of Incident: Fatal Overdose Investigation Leads to Narcotics Arrest
Report Number: 22-52693 / 21-112308
Location: 700 block of Forest Park Boulevard- Oxnard, CA
Date & Time: April 22, 2022- 0845
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU)
Ventura County Sheriff Special Crimes Unit (SCU)
Fillmore Patrol Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Guevara- Mendez, Lenay, Oxnard, 39
Prepared by: Sergeant John Hajducko
Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski

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) or at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org

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All properties located within the city limits of Fillmore are due for abatement of hazardous dry grass/brush/weeds that could carry and sustain a fire capable of threatening residents and their homes or other property.

The large amount of rainfall received this past December combined with several weeks of hot dry weather has created a dryer and earlier than normal potential fire season. Historically our residents have been noticed to have their dry weeds cleared by June 1 of each year. Property owners are again noticed to have the weeds cleared before June 1st, but the Fillmore Fire Department is asking that all property owners try to clear all weeds as soon as possible.

In addition to the annual weed clearance, the Fire Department is asking all property owners to pay special attention to any palm trees that they may have on their property. Dry palm fronds on the tree or on the ground are very hazardous when caught on fire. Every attempt should be made to keep palm trees free from dry fronds. If you have a palm tree with a large accumulation of dry palm fronds, advice should be sought on the best method of removal.

To help facilitate weed and brush disposal, your Fillmore Fire Department has teamed up with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, to offer up a free Community Hazardous Yard Waste Disposal event will be held on Saturday May 7th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Rd. Only vegetation will be accepted, no trash, metal, or other debris. This is a great opportunity for free disposal of any tree trimmings or any other vegetation.

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Calling all FHS Alumni from the Great Class of 1977! The Alumni Association will be hosting your 45th Class reunion at the 109th Alumni Dinner on Saturday, June 11th, 2022. The event takes place in downtown Fillmore at the City Park/Front of City Hall. Your special class reunion/dinner package includes a special designated area just for the Class of 1977. In your section of the event, your class will have their own special private cabana area enclosed by white picked fencing, complete with couch, and chairs, and coffee table for seating and socializing with your classmates. Your royal blue linen draped round tables will surround your private cabana area. Each table will have silverware with white linen napkins and glassware for water or wine. Your reunion committee will be allowed to come in FHS Class of ’77 Celebrates 45-Year Class Reunion at 109th Alumni Dinner the day of your reunion and decorate your area any way they wish. Your special Class of 1977 designated area will be “THE PARTY AT THE PARTY!” Many in your class have already paid but it’s not too late. You can make reservations now by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events. See you all on June 11th!

On April 21, 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team came to the aid of a hiker in distress off the east fork trail in the area of Santa Paula Canyon.

At approximately 8:00 PM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch received a call of a 64-year-old male hiker in distress approximately 3 miles east of the Santa Paula Punch Bowls located in the Los Padres National Forest. The male hiker had become fatigued and faced a 5-hour hike back to his vehicle. At sunset, the temperature dropped below 50 degrees and a weather front had moved in, bringing rain to the area. The male subject took shelter and was able to relay his location to the rescuers using his cell phone.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit dispatched a helicopter to the hiker’s location, but due to the inclement weather, was unable to find the subject. Due to the rain and low temperatures, there was a concern for the hiker’s health and well-being.

At approximately 9:15 PM, the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was activated, and 5 team members immediately responded to the Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead.

SAR team members hiked approximately 6 miles into the canyon, facing rain, cold temperatures and darkness.

At approximately 2:00 AM, SAR team members contacted the hiker and were able to provide him supplies to stay warm. SAR Team members camped with the hiker until sunrise and the weather front had moved out of the area.

At approximately 6:00 AM, after the weather cleared the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded back to the location. The male hiker and SAR team were transported by helicopter to the trailhead. The male hiker was not injured and was reunited with a family member.

Volunteer members of the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team responded to the search within one hour of being contacted. They are a valuable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and play an intricate role in all search operations in Ventura County. These volunteers are skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. The volunteers log close to 4000 hours a year on searches, rescues, recoveries, training and public events.

For more information on the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team, visit their website at www.ojaisar.org. The team can also be followed on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ojaisar.

Nature of Incident: Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team Navigated Through Challenging Weather to Aid Hiker in Distress.

Report Number: 22-52564
Location: Santa Paula Canyon, Los Padres National Forest, CA
Date & Time: 04/21/2022 at 8:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team & the Ventura County Aviation Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(P) Male Hiker Santa Paula 64
Prepared by: Deputy J. Havelka
Approved by: Captain Downard

The St. Francis Dam just prior to the collapse.
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On May 3rd PBS’s American Experience series will premiere “Flood in the Desert,” the story of the 1928 St. Francis Dam catastrophe. The Fillmore Historical Museum was pleased to be one of many local institutions which contributed to this documentary. PBS researchers spent several days on site looking through hundreds of photos from the museum’s collection. Other local resources included the Ventura County Library, Ventura County Museum, John Nichols Gallery, Santa Paula Historical Society and SCVHistory.com. Here is a link to information about the documentary. www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience

Mountain View and Santa Clara Street.
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This past week’s Police Blotter showed a disturbing spike in vandalism/graffiti in Fillmore. 21 reports were made in three days.

In February 2022 five juveniles from Fillmore were arrested for graffiti vandalism and conspiracy to commit a crime after they were caught defacing property at a local Fillmore park. All the arrestees were cited and released to their parents pending a future court date. The juveniles had spray painted graffiti on the tables, benches, and playground equipment which caused hundreds of dollars of damage to the city owned property. During the month of January 2022, there was also an increase in graffiti vandalism throughout the City of Fillmore.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities.

If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Gang graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious conflicts between rival gangs. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. Fillmore 2021 graffiti cleanup cost the city $6,817 dollars. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling (805) 524-2233 or (805) 654-9511.

Once the police have investigated these crimes, all graffiti should be immediately removed.

Leroy Chad Tracy Jr., Santa Paula

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Leroy Chad Tracy Jr. (DOB 06/30/80), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 36 years in prison by Judge Gilbert Romero for multiple sexual assault crimes arising from one incident in 2013.

On May 20, 2013, the victim was jogging in Santa Paula near Briggs and Peck Roads when she noticed Tracy following her. Tracy, who was unknown to the victim, pulled her by her hair into a nearby orchard. Tracy threatened the victim with a knife as he sexually assaulted her. Afterwards, Tracy threatened to harm the victim’s family and warned her against reporting the incident. Despite this, the victim immediately reported to law enforcement. A male DNA profile was obtained from the victim’s clothing and added into the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

On May 22, 2018, Tracy was arrested for an unrelated matter. His DNA was collected and entered into CODIS. On July 5, 2018, the Ventura County Sherriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau received notification of a match linking Tracy to the DNA taken from the victim’s clothing. After a thorough investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Tracy was taken into custody in April 2019. On March 22, 2022, Tracy pled guilty to one count of forcible rape with the use of a weapon, and one count of forcible sexual penetration with the use of a weapon.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 290 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.

“What’s Up in Fillmore”

Saturday, April 16th on Central Avenue residence came out to the “What’s up in Fillmore” festival, which welcomed new residence to Fillmore. They were able to listen to live music by Glenn Allan Britain and Jenni Alpert hyped the event as well as learn about all the organizations Fillmore has to offer. Photo credit By Carina Monica Montoya.
By Carina Monica Montoya
The Fillmore Women’s Service Club sponsored the “What’s up in Fillmore” festival on Saturday, April 16, on Central Avenue. Central Avenue was closed between Sespe and Main, where several organizations lined the street with tables and booths. The event was to welcome new residents of Fillmore by introducing many local organizations and activities. Live music entertainment by Glenn Allan Britain and Jenni Alpert hyped the event. Participating organizations had many giveaways and raffles. The event had a nice turnout, and both children and adults had fun taking photos with the Easter bunny.
Participating organizations that helped make the event possible included Church of Christ, Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society, First Baptist Church, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Police Department Explorer Post #2958, Regen Yoga, Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB), Sespe Players Community Theater, Fillmore Historical Museum, Faith Community Church, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rancho Camulos Museum, Sespe Creek Bible Church, Rotary Club of Fillmore, Fillmore AYSO Region 242, William L. Morris Chevrolet, Fillmore Flower Show, and Bardsdale United Methodist Church.
The Fillmore Women’s Service Club was established in 1964 for the purpose of raising funds to help the community of Fillmore. The Club assists families in need, graduating seniors, women returning to education, school activities, local museums, libraries, and many other community groups. Learn more about the Fillmore Women's Service Club and see photos of the festival on Facebook (The Fillmore Women’s Service Club) and at www.fillmorewomensserviceclub.com.

M. B. Brinley Horse Shoeing, circa 1910.
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Horse team being watered outside Fillmore Stables circa 1900.
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Working team of horses, Rancho Sespe, 1920s.
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Inside of the Blacksmith shop, Rancho Sespe, date unknown.
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Andy Godinez preparing horseshoe, Rancho Sespe, 1920s.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Many historians would agree that obituaries are a great source for information. This is especially true of older obituaries which are often very detailed. An obituary on the front page of the January 25, 1946, Fillmore paper caught our attention for that very reason.

The obituary was not for a person, but for a business, actually a particular type of business. The title read, “Fillmore’s Last Blacksmith Shop Dies In Peace of Natural Causes.” The article doesn’t say who was running the blacksmith prior to its passing and gives its location only as “on lower Central Avenue.”

We do know from other sources that in the 1890s there were at least two blacksmiths, F. P. Brigham and Frank Cooper. These were no longer in business in 1914, but there was Hooper’s Blacksmith with the appropriate phone number, “Black 551”.

The best documented blacksmith was William Froehlich (phone number Red 161) who for a time at least occupied the premises at 340 Central Avenue. He was in operation from the 1880s into the 1920s.

By the time of the demise of the only blacksmith, the profession had changed a great deal. Originally, the blacksmith was an essential part of a community creating whatever might be needed from iron – from wheel rims to cooking pots to tools. With industrialization, mass production, and interchangeable parts, much of the job of the blacksmith disappeared. Before long the staple business of a blacksmith was horseshoeing. The profession became blended with that of a farrier. Many other blacksmiths branched out to work on the new phenomena, the motor car, morphing into auto mechanics.

Blacksmiths as farriers were in demand in the Santa Clara Valley well into the 20th Century. At Rancho Sespe, horses worked alongside more modern tractors. Andy Godinez worked as the blacksmith/farrier at Rancho Sespe for many years and the Rancho had a well fitted out blacksmith shop.

The obituary ends thusly:
“Gone with the frontiersman and the wide open spaces, gone with the gaslights and mustache cups, gone with the covered wagons, the carriage and the buggies was another replica of a venerable American institution that lives chiefly in story book lore and in the graybeards’ tales, enshrouded in the mists of memory.”

Please join us for the Annual Fillmore High Alumni Dinner (celebrating 109 Years) on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 3:00pm to 11:30pm, at Fillmore City Park in front of Fillmore City Hall, located at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore. Make your reservations soon. We are nearing the 200th prepaid mark for reservations! You can pay now online, or you can go to our webpage and click on Events and print out a dinner reservation form and mail it in. Visit website for more details and reservations: http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events.

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By Jan Lee

After a 2 years being closed for public safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibitors and spectators turned out to see the beautiful displays at the Fillmore Flower Show.

The City of Fillmore Civic Pride Committee volunteers planned and worked over several months to accomplish the Flower Show. Local gardeners, from the very young to seasoned experts, brought their prized flowers and plants to share with their neighbors. It was amazing to see the diversity of entries; common native plants and blooms to exotic varieties from around the world. The sense of pride and enthusiasm from the gardeners was contagious. Thank you for sharing your “beauties” with us!

We congratulate the following top of division winners:
Division I, Rose: Joanne King, floribunda rose, Fourth of July
Division II, Iris: Michelle Smith, bearded iris, cinnamon
Division III, Other Flower: Mark Ortega, pink amaryllis
Division IV, Bouquets: Linda Nunes, pink roses
Division V, Arrangements: Coleen Chandler, snowball viburnum
Division VI, Miniature Arrangements: 4X4 inches, Jan Lee; 10X10 inch Amy Berger
Division VII, Potted Plants: Bene Ambrosio, crown of thorns—BEST OF SHOW!
Division VIII, Dish Garden: Mark Ortega
Division IX, Youth Arrangement: Lauren Berger
Division X, Youth Composition: Isabella Minjares

We especially thank everyone who took the time and effort to enter their plants and flowers who did not win top of division. What kind of show would it be with just 10 displays? There were a pincushion protea and a king protea that attracted a lot of attention. The succulents and cacti in the potted plant division were beautiful this year. The judges were quite impressed! Roses took a beating in the hot weather and wind just a week before the show, but there were still dozens of roses in many lovely colors. Many visitors had never even heard of a snowball viburnum before this weekend! The bouquets and arrangements gave all attendees a chance to see how nature’s beauty can be enhanced by the hands of creative people. All the effort was greatly appreciated.

We had many youth entries this year. It was fun to watch these young artists arrange their flowers with special extra items to express just exactly their vision. Ms. Doris Nichols, art teacher extraordinaire at Fillmore Middle School, displayed the wonderful floral art created by her students. Amelia Aparicio brought art and compositions from participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. There were compositions from all schools in the Fillmore School District. The judges had a hard time picking just one winner. Way to go students! (and the teachers, parents and group leaders who help and encourage them).

The cafe with sweets and fruity tea was popular. The plant sale was successful. Many youth took home a succulent of their own. Each day there was delightful, live background music provided by accomplished musicians. Saturday, flautist Deven Leon played for us. Sunday, guitarist Barry Cooper provided the music. Thanks to both of them.

A HUGE thank you goes to the vendors who donated items for the door prize drawing. They are: Diamond Realty & Investments, El Pescador Restaurant, Green Thumb Nursery, Meguer Ditchian/ Tracks; King & King Ranch; La Flor Bonita- Rosa Agraz; Los Altos Estilo Jalisco Restaurant; Nancy Cope Jams & Marmalades; Otto & Sons Nursery; Roan Mills Bakery, Sandi Ward’s Train Stop, Teresa Norris; The Treasure Station; Vallarta Restaurant; Yanni’s Restaurant. Be sure to thank them when you stop by to eat, buy something or invest. A special thank you to Otto and Sons for all the roses and plants to decorate the room.

One more thing, it was fun to listen to some of the comments as people walked around looking at the plants and flowers. A child said, as he rushed from table to table, “Oh Mom! Look at this! Did you see this one? Oh wow! How pretty!” There were families and friends seen in deep discussion as to what type of flower this could be. “I have never seen this before.” “Look and see who grew this.” “Oh, I have one like that.” “This is great!”

If you missed the Fillmore Flower Show this year, we will do it again next year. If you participated, thank you. Fillmore is a special place filled with talented and generous people. Congratulations!

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Pastor Leslie Lanier, of Wayfarer's Chapel Lutheran Church, among nearly a dozen others, came to the thank the City for rejecting the proposal to host a Pride Resource Fair this year.

About a dozen people came out (no pun intended) to thank the City of Fillmore for its decision to not sponsor a Pride Resource Fair this year, as it did in June 2021.

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8. NEW BUSINESS
All items passed 5-0, with the Mid-Year Budget accepted and filed.

8.A CITY COUNCIL APPROVE OF PROPOSED USES OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS SR - AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS

8.B CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRACT WITH RSG TO ASSIT WITH COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT SR - RSG ARPA ASSISTANCE

8.C FY 2021-22 MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT FY 2021-22 MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

8.D CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL FUNDING REHABILITATION FOR THE VETERANS MEMORIAL DISTRICT (VMD) BUILDING SR - RENOVATION MEMORIAL BUILDING

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve a loan agreement with the District to fund the upfront costs of the $1.2M Phase 1 project for the VMD renovation project.

8.E INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 21-938 UPDATING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODER CHAPTER 15.38 “FIREWORKS” FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT UPDATE TO FMC CHAPTER 15.38

8.F CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT TO PURSUE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR 908 B STREET STAFF REPORT - AGREEMENT WITH JEM

8.G REQUEST BY A NEW OWNER TO WAIVE PENALTIES AND INTEREST OWED ON CFD 6 FILLMORE STAFF REPORT - CFD 6 - REQUEST TO WAIVE PENALTIES AND INTEREST

8.H APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE’S SEATS ON THE CITIZENS TRASPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (CTAC/SSTAC) VCTC_CTAC_STAC_APPOINMENT_STAFF_REPORT

8.I APPOINTMENT TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SR - PARKS AND REC COMMISSION 2022 APPOINTMENT

8.J APPROVE THE 2022-2023 VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICE LEVEL REQUEST VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES SERVICE LEVEL- STAFF REPORT

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Fillmore Police Department conducted a multi-agency evacuation and search of Fillmore High School in response to a bomb threat.

At approximately 10:00 AM, the front office of the Fillmore High School received a bomb threat to the school’s campus. The high school’s staff immediately notified the School Resource Officers (SRO), who were able to coordinate with patrol deputies and the high school and Fillmore School District a safe evacuation of all students and staff within minutes of the threat.

Members of the Sherriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit, Fillmore Detectives, and Fillmore Patrol Deputies arrived to assist with a search of the school. Several K-9 Units assigned to surrounding law enforcement agencies also responded with K-9’s trained in bomb detection provided mutual aid for the search.

The responding units conducted an extensive search of the high school’s campus. The search teams found no evidence of bombs or suspicious items. The teams determined the school to be safe, and students were allowed to return to campus for their final classes.

The Fillmore School District worked closely with Fillmore Police Department to provide support and safety for the students during the evacuation. Fillmore School District staff and the Fillmore Police Department set up a central location for parents who wanted to pick up their children before the end of school.

The SRO’s close partnership with the high school and the school district staff allowed for the prompt response of patrol units and school support resources for the safety and care of the students. The Fillmore Police Department takes pride its relationship with the Fillmore School District and its schools which led to an efficient and coordinated effort during this incident.

The investigation into the threats is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the threats is encouraged to call the Fillmore Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at the below listed numbers.

Nature of Incident: Bomb Threat
Report Number: 22-44615
Location: Fillmore High School
Date & Time: 04/06/2022 10:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Bureau, School Resource Officer Unit, Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit, Several Police K-9 Units
Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
News Release Date: 04/06/2022
Media Follow-Up Contact: Fillmore Police Department, Deputy Jonathan Schnereger, (805) 524-2233
Fillmore School District: Fillmore Superintendent Christine Schieferle, (805) 524-6036
Approved by: Captain Jose Rivera

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).