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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 On Monday, March 21st, 2022, at 11:51am, Ventura County Fire and Fillmore City Fire dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of South Mountain Road and Sespe Street, Bardsdale. Arriving fire crews found an abandoned building with a small fire inside. They were able to extinguish the fire quickly; no injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
 The Fillmore Police Department is proud to announce “Coffee with a Cop” day. Coffee with a Cop brings deputies and community members together, over coffee, to discuss issues and learn more about resources, services, and needs of the community. On Thursday, March 17th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Fillmore deputies, along with the Fillmore Police Chief were at La Michoacana, 511 Sespe Avenue in the city of Fillmore, sharing a cup of coffee with neighbors. Community trust is one of the key elements to the success of the Fillmore Police Department. By sitting down and having a simple conversation, deputies, and the community members they serve, can continue building and growing together. Enlarge Photo |
 (l-r) 9-year-old Jack Russell Crackers and his owner Dave Anderson, who many may have seen driving around Fillmore in/on their convertible Mercedes. All photos credit Carina Monica Montoya. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
By Carina Monica Montoya It’s anything but a dog’s life for this pooch. His name is Crackers, known around town as “the dog riding in the back of a convertible Mercedes”. Crackers is a 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier that literally knocked on Dave Andersen’s door one night in 2014. He was hungry, thirsty, and alone. Dave and his wife fed him and gave him a comfortable bed to sleep before taking him to the Fillmore Animal Hospital the next morning to find out if he was microchipped. Although he was microchipped in Oklahoma and the information listed his birth date as November 2012, he was not registered and there was no one to contact. Days passed and no one claimed to be missing a dog. The rest is history. Standing at about 15 inches tall and weighing 14 pounds with a broken coat, which means his coat is a combination of a rough double coat and wiry fur, he is built for sports such as surfing. Crackers’s skills are as good as the likes of Duke Kahanamoku, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, who is known for his incredible balance and coordination on a surfboard, except Crackers’s incredible balance and coordination skills are riding on top of a convertible roof cover. It really is not as easy as it looks. With his little hip-width ratio distributing weight equally between both legs, gravity’s pull is what keeps Crackers in position while he rides on the vehicle in motion. It’s all science. Newton’s law of motion describes movement of matter which contributes to maneuverings and the ability to stay atop something without falling, not to mention the fact that Crackers is always securely tethered down. Most people are delighted to watch Crackers surf the streets of Fillmore. With approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in his nose, he can catch all the smells in the air, and he enjoys the feel of being outdoors with the wind running through his fur, and clocking miles without having to actually run them. The Scottish believe that if a stray dog follows you or enters your home, it is a sign of new friendship to come, one that will be faithful, sincere, and caring. This is what Crackers has been to the Andersens and what the Andersens have been to Crackers. He shares the Andersen’s home with Sophie, a rather large 35-pound Yorkie mix. Together they patrol the property, but Crackers has proven to be more of a guard dog so Dave promoted him as director of security. Dave, a longtime farmer originally from Monterey, first moved to Los Angeles where he met his wife. After his son was born, the Andersens relocated to Fillmore in 1998 because of its wide-open space, country-feel, country-hospitality, and friendly people. It was the perfect place to raise a child and build a business in agriculture marketing, buying and selling fruits and vegetables from the farm to buyers around the country. Fillmore has been a wonderful place for the Andersens to settle and call home, and Crackers couldn’t have picked a better house to choose for his new forever home. |
 Above is an entry from a past flower show which took first place and is called a Dutch Iris. Photo courtesy Jan Lee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
By Jan Lee “Farie Tales and Flowers” is the 2022 theme for the Fillmore Flower Show. It will be held at the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. If you want to enter single stem flowers, arrangement, bouquet, potted plant or dish garden, bring it to the Adult Center Saturday morning, April 9th, between the hours 7:30a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Judging begins at 10a.m. so don’t be late! It costs only $5 for unlimited entries. All youth entries are FREE. If you want to come to see all the lovely entries, viewing hours are 1:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoon. During the viewing hours, there will be live music. The plant sale will also be open during the afternoon hours. In addition, there will again be the cafe with coffee and sweets. For children there will be a table where they can plant something to take home. Viewing is free. Don’t miss the Fillmore Flower show. Even if you stop by for a few minutes on you way from a game, on your way to the store or on your way home from church, you will be glad you came. For those of you thinking about entering something in the flower show, the following are comments from the judges you may find helpful: Join the fun. Come to the Fillmore Flower Show April 9th and 10th. |
 The Fillmore High Alumni Association has awarded thousands of dollars to graduating seniors for decades. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
CALLING ALL FILLMORE HIGH ALUMNI!! The applications are in. The grading and scoring starts next week. Come on out to this year's Alumni Dinner Event on SATURDAY JUNE 11TH, 2022, and meet our 2022 Alumni Scholars. The FHS Alumni Association has awarded out thousands of dollars to Graduating Seniors for decades. This year will be no different. We hope you make plans to come to this year's Dinner and welcome this years recipients to our Alumni Family. In the past recent years, the Alumni Association has served well over 600 Alumni annually and their guests, and expect to do the same this year. The Award winning Caterer, DJ's California Catering (Ventura) will be serving up their delicious dinner along with their special hors d'oeuvres (for the early arrivals). Included with dinner is Coffee, Tea, and Water. Also included this year is a live Band, and two DJ's for your dancing and listening pleasure. Your paid dinner reservation guarantees your entry to the event. Social hour starts at 3:00pm, and Dinner starts at 6:00pm. Dancing and listening to music starts at 7:30pm. THIS EVENT TENDS TO SELL OUT so we encourage you to confirm your reservations online by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 Adrian Beserra, 18, Piru, Ca. [At press time, according to Sergeant Hollowell of the Ventura County Sheriff ’s Department, “Charges remain subject to reinvestigation.”] An 18-year-old Piru resident was arrested for attempting to rob an elderly victim. On March 12, 2022, at approximately 9:30 pm, deputies responded to a 911 call of an attempted carjacking in the Piru area. An elderly resident reported to have been battered by a known suspect who entered his home and attempted to steal his vehicle. The suspect was unsuccessful at stealing the vehicle and fled the area on foot prior to police arriving. Members of the Fillmore Detective Bureau, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, and Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded and took over the investigation. The suspect was positively identified as a Piru resident named Adrian Beserra. On March 13, 2022, at about 1:30 pm detectives located and arrested Beserra in the Piru area. Beserra was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for violations of Attempted Robbery, Burglary, Elder Abuse, and Conspiracy to commit a crime. Beserra remains in custody with his bail set at $105,000. His court date is set for 03/15/2022. Anyone with information pertaining to this crime or any other crimes are urged to contact the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233 or the below-listed detective. The reporting party may remain anonymous. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has established a secure database to log information about who has security systems. If you would like to register your system and allow authorities to contact you, should a crime occur in/or near where your cameras are installed we ask that you email the Fillmore Police Department at fillmorePD.CameraShare@ventura.org. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, 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 - Suspect Arrested for Attempted Robbery, Burglary, and Elder Abuse Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 On Tuesday, March 15th, 2022, at approximately noon, Ventura County Fire, Fillmore City Fire, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) were dispatched to several spot fires along Highway 126 between Fillmore and Piru. According to CHP, the first fire was reported at noon by the shoulder of Highway 126 and Pacific Avenue, Piru. The second fire was reported eastbound 126 Highway and Fish Hatchery Road, Fillmore. The third fire was reported westbound 126 Highway just west of Sycamore Road. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fires quickly. The incidents are being investigated as arson with a possible suspect vehicle described as a white four-door Toyota, according to CHP. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Paula Police were also notified. No additional formation was provided at the scene. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff’s Office leads the effort to collect supplies to provide humanitarian aid to the citizens of Ukraine. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department is assembling a surplus of ballistic vest, helmets, and medical supplies that have reached their recommended life span. Although the collected items can no longer be used by the agencies, they will provide a layer of protection to those providing medical care to the citizens of Ukraine. “Our hope for this equipment, which has helped to keep first responders safe right here in our own community, is that it will help to save lives in the struggle for Ukraine’s future,” said Sheriff Bill Ayub. The items will be collected countywide and shipped to Ukraine where they will be distributed. Prepared by: Sergeant Timothy Lohman |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A 36-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for stealing several security cameras that belong to the city of Fillmore causing thousands of dollars in damage. On February 23, 2022, a deputy noticed several city-owned security cameras were missing from an area near the high school. Detectives began an investigation which revealed the cameras had been stolen in the middle of the night. Detectives were able to positively identify the suspect responsible for this crime as a Fillmore resident named Isaac Halcon. On March 10, 2022, detectives located and arrested Halcon for this crime. Fillmore Detectives along with members assigned to the Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a residential search warrant at Halcon’s residence in an attempt to recover the cameras. The cameras were not found however, a stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle was recovered in the garage of Halcon’s residence. Halcon was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for the crimes of vandalism, grand theft, and being in possession of a stolen vehicle. His bail was set at $30,000. Halcon has since posted bail with a court date of March 28, 2022. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has established a secure database to log information about who has security cameras. If you would like to register your information and allow authorities to contact you, should a crime occur in/or near where your cameras are installed we ask that you email the Fillmore Police Department at fillmorePD.CameraShare@ventura.org. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Vandalism and Grand Theft Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 On Tuesday, March 14th at 1:15pm, on Central Avenue at Highway 126, the driver of a black four-door Honda crashed into the “Welcome to Fillmore” and “Drive Safely-Come Again” sign. The car sustained moderate front end damages; no injuries were reported at the time of the incident. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 On Friday, March 10th, it was an exciting day for the Condors! They received a visit from County Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales, and Superintendent Christine Schieferle. Pictured above are Dr. Cesar Morales and Mrs. Christine Schieferle as they work on a project with students at Piru Elementary. Photo credit Piru Elementary Blog https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
By Jan Lee This week let’s talk about bouquets and arrangements. First bouquets are cut stems of the same flower variety. The flowers can be mixed colors or type, but of the same variety. Bouquets have no filler material just the flowers. The exhibitor chooses the vase that looks best with his or her bouquet. Remember the theme. Another division is arrangements. Maximum size for arrangements is 20 inches by 20 inches. The exhibitor provides the container. These flower displays may include items appropriate to the scene. Choose whatever flowers and material you feel best express your interpretation of the theme. There are three classes of arrangements that are judged: Traditional, Oriental Manner and Modern Abstract. A very popular division for both exhibitors and viewers is Miniature Arrangements and Bouquets. Especially when you are expressing the theme of farie tales and flowers, a miniature display could be awesome. The height and width of the arrangement or bouquet are important. The smallest cannot exceed 4 inches by 4 inches. The class for bigger miniatures is 10 inches by 10 inches. Some entries have been very small! Maybe the wild flowers growing on the hills will inspire you to look around your own garden and find some blossoms to arrange in a bouquet or arrangement. Come on Fillmore, dazzle everybody with your cleverness! Enter something in the Fillmore Flower Show or at least come by and see what your neighbors have designed. For complete information go to: www.fillmoreflowershow.org |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
Mask Mandate
 Christine Schieferle, Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District Released March 11, 2022 Dear FUSD Families, In alignment with Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) and the Executive Order issued by Governor Newsom, beginning March 14th, FUSD students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks indoors and on school busses regardless of their vaccination status. We will continue to strongly recommend indoor masking; however, students and staff will have the personal choice to wear a mask or not wear a mask. I understand that the anticipation of these changes will be a relief to some and a source of anxiety for others. We will continue to support both students and staff in making the individual decisions on whether to wear masks. Responsibility for COVID Safety/Continuing Mitigation FUSD will remain prepared to adjust with conditions of the virus and to all updated public health mandates Respecting Personal Choice We look forward to this next phase and are very excited to see smiling faces and to take another step towards returning to normal operations and bringing back the activities we have all missed. Sincerely, |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
 Hulbert "Hub" Cloyd, Fillmore’s Mayor in 1985. Photos courtesy Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo  Ernie Morales, former Fillmore mayor, addressing a demonstration against the English as the Official Language Initiative. Ernie served as mayor in 1984. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum “Miles From the Border” was created by Ellen Frankenstein as part of her master’s program at the University of Southern California. At the time she was doing research for a film company which was interested in doing documentaries. A headline, “English Language Rule Splits California City” in the August 18th, 1985, New York Times caught her eye. The Fillmore City Council has passed a resolution making English the official language for City business (the ordinance was repealed in 1999). A group of people called the ABC Committee objected to the schools requiring a period of bi-lingual education for all students. Mayor Hulbert “Hub” Cloyd was on record as saying a second language should be taught only at home on a voluntary basis. City Councilman Gary Creagle presented a one sentence resolution to the City Council stating that “The English Language is the official language of the City of Fillmore.” The passage of the resolution widened an existing division between Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents. People on both sides of the issue misunderstood the actual impact (official City business would only be conducted in English) and felt this was an “English Only” statute. According to Ernie Morales who had served as Mayor of Fillmore in 1984 prior to the resolution’s enactment and led the opposition, “The resolution message was vague and cause for confusion as to what it meant outside of city hall business. Town folks became strangers, hostile comments were doled out by both sides of the issue, businesses were boycotted, some services were denied to minority residents, long-time social relationship were split, etc.” Ellen was sent to Fillmore for one day to see if this was something that could be turned into a documentary. The company she was working for did not end up making the documentary on the resolution, but Ellen saw a possible topic for her Master’s thesis. “I really started thinking about the immigrant process, what it means to come to a new country.” Ellen explained that, “I'd met Manuela (Aparicio) and asked her and her brother Ben, if I could focus the film on them.” “Miles From the Border” focused on the experience of the children of the Aparicio Family who had come to Fillmore in 1961 from a small village, Huejote, in Zacatecas arriving in Fillmore in 1965. Their father, Manuel Aparicio, picked oranges as did the children when they weren’t in school. It was Manuel’s dream for his children to become educated and prosper in the United States. The children were encouraged by their parents to excel academically and go on to college. This put the family at odds with some others in the Hispanic community. Manuela recalled being referred to as a ‘traitor” because she aspired do more than work in agriculture or the bra factory. The children of Manuel and Ines Aparicio lived in two worlds and that is reflected in the documentary. After the screening, Manuela Aparicio and Ellen Frankenstein, joined by Thomas Luehrsen who had been the camera man for the documentary, reminisced about the making of the documentary and took questions from the viewers. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
 On Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 8:16am, Ventura County Fire Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Sheriff’s, California Highway Patrol and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported solo vehicle in a ditch in the area of Riverside Avenue and Santa Paula St., Bardsdale. Arriving fire crews reported a vehicle in ditch, one occupant out of the vehicle-no injuries-with a fully engulfed Tesla, according to CHP. According to CHP the Tesla battery caught fire—vehicle was fully engulfed. VCFD PIO Twitter reported: “It took about 4 hours, 2,500 gallons of water, 5 engines, 1 water tender 2 BC’s and a Hazmat Officer to control the scene.” According to the onscene CHP Officer the Tesla was traveling eastbound on Riverside Avenue, lost control and caught fire. Sheriff ’s Deputies shut down eastbound and westbound lanes of Riverside Avenue for over six hours. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
 At Tuesday night’s Fillmore City Council meeting two members were appointed to the Council Utilities Ad HOC Committee. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
CITY COUNCIL NEWS 8. NEW BUSINESS 8. A PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 21-04 TO AMEND FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6.04.0417 TO UPDATE DENSITY BONUS STANDARDS FOR CONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW AND FINDING OF CEQA EXEMPTION CC Stf Rpt 1st Reading - Density Bonus Ordinance 3-8-2022.pdf. 4-0 APPROVED. 8.B PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 22-01, ORDINANCE 22-937, TO PROHIBIT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN THE VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD ZONE AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA CC Staff Report 1st reading - ADUs in Very High Risk Fire Hazard Zones.pdf 8.C CREATION OF UTILITIES AD HOC COMMITTEE AND APPOINTMENT OF TWO COUNCILMEMBERS TO COMMITTEE Fillmore - staff report Council Utilities Ad Hoc Committee.pdf. 8.D REQUEST APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES FOR NORTH FILLMORE SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT Fillmore - Rincon Contract for the NFSP SR FINAL.pdf. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
 Fillmore Rite Aid’s construction looks to be nearing completion with the pharmacy moved to its original location and shelves being stocked. The store underwent major remodeling due to a plumbing flood in June 2021. Enlarge Photo |
 This Saturday, March 12th, is the Fillmore 5k Shamrock Color Fun Run/Walk starting at Central Park. Pre-registration is required (see article below). Pictured is the 2019 Fillmore 5K Shamrock Run. Photo courtesy Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
Courtesy City of Fillmore This is the Annual City of Fillmore 5k Shamrock Color Fun Run/Walk! It’s all happening March 12, 2022, 8am to 11am, starting at Central Park, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015. Pre-registration is recommended at this link: The 5K Color Fun Run/Walk starts at 9am in front of Central Park (this is an untimed event). Details: ** First 100 registrants will be receiving an event memento at the end of the 5k route, look for the City of Fillmore table & pop-up tent! Registration Fees: - 5k Run/Walk General $15 - K-12th Grade/Senior Citizen/U.S. Active Duty/Military Veteran $10. (Must show valid picture ID 6th-12th grades, senior citizens, U.S. Active Duty/Veterans for the discount). |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
The last day to apply is March 31, 2022! HousingIsKey.com is still accepting and reviewing applications for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which can help protect tenants from eviction through the end of March. Funds for rental reimbursement are prioritized based on the time of submission and the highest risk of eviction. Even if you aren’t sure if you are at the highest risk, you are still encouraged to apply to help protect yourself from eviction. Receive more information, check eligibility and apply at HousingIsKey.com today or call 833-430-2122. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
Calling all Fillmore High Alumni from the Great Class of 1982. Please confirm your reservations for this year’s Alumni Dinner happening in downtown Fillmore on Saturday, June 11th, 2022. The Class of ’82 has reserved a special area for this year’s Alumni Dinner event as they celebrate their 40-year class reunion. Their beautifully draped royal blue linen tables will surround their private cabana area enclosed by white picket fencing. They plan to come early to enjoy their special hors d’oeuvres table prepared exclusively for the Class of ’82. Wow! 40 years? Say it ain’t so. Fillmore Class of 1982 Celebrates 40 Year Reunion at FHS Alumni Dinner so..... If you are a Fillmore High Alumni, or from the class of ’82 and plan to attend this year’s Alumni Dinner, you can make your reservations now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events. Live band, and two DJ’s this year! |
