On Sunday, February 3, at 1:19 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle off the roadway, westbound SR126 at Howe Road. Arriving fire personnel found a solo vehicle into an avocado orchard with a total of four patients. All occupants suffered minor injuries and no ambulance transport was required. According to road safety experts, hydroplaning is most likely at speeds above 35 mph. It’s recommended to slow down as soon as rain starts. Driving 5-10 mph below the speed limit, especially in heavy rain or windy conditions, can significantly reduce the risk. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Sunday, February 3, at 1:19 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle off the roadway, westbound SR126 at Howe Road. Arriving fire personnel found a solo vehicle into an avocado orchard with a total of four patients. All occupants suffered minor injuries and no ambulance transport was required. According to road safety experts, hydroplaning is most likely at speeds above 35 mph. It’s recommended to slow down as soon as rain starts. Driving 5-10 mph below the speed limit, especially in heavy rain or windy conditions, can significantly reduce the risk. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Fillmore High’s Academic Decathlon team finished 3rd Place in the Division 2 Academic Decathlon and earned 24 individual medals competition. The Academic Decathlon is a unique opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete against teams of students countywide. The top Ventura County team participates in the statewide Academic Decathlon competition. A California team then participates in the United States Academic Decathlon which is the premier scholastic competition for students in America from both public and private high schools. The Academic Decathlon consists of ten academic events. This year’s theme was “Technology and Humanity.”
Fillmore High’s Academic Decathlon team finished 3rd Place in the Division 2 Academic Decathlon and earned 24 individual medals competition. The Academic Decathlon is a unique opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete against teams of students countywide. The top Ventura County team participates in the statewide Academic Decathlon competition. A California team then participates in the United States Academic Decathlon which is the premier scholastic competition for students in America from both public and private high schools. The Academic Decathlon consists of ten academic events. This year’s theme was “Technology and Humanity.”
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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to promoting firearm safety and helping reduce firearm accidents, thefts, and misuse. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Project ChildSafe, which is a comprehensive firearm safety and education program launched in 1999.

Project ChildSafe offers free educational resources to demonstrate the importance of firearm safety and to encourage the promotion and practice of responsible firearm ownership. Project ChildSafe works with law enforcement agencies across the country to provide free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock. Project ChildSafe also provides educational material on firearms and suicide prevention, firearms responsibility in the home, and discussing gun safety with kids.
As a strong supporter of gun safety in our communities, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has obtained gun locks and education pamphlets from Project ChildSafe. Gun locks and educational materials are available for free at all police departments within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, which include the cities of Ojai, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and our Headquarters station in Ventura. Community members in other jurisdictions can contact their local police department and inquire about gun lock availability. Remember, gun safety is everyone’s responsibility. To learn more about Project ChildSafe and the firearm educational materials they provide, please visit their website: https://projectchildsafe.org/about/

Prepared by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Approved by: Assistant Sheriff Jose Rivera

 
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, five Flashes traveled to Camarillo High School to compete in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West All-Star Game hosted by Ventura County Football Coaches Association for their chance to showcase their skills. The boys played great with the East Team winning (Flashes team) 20 – 23. Pictured (l-r) are Antonio Munoz, Anthony Porter, Joseph Perez, James Chaveste, and David Jimenez. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Full story on page 9.
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, five Flashes traveled to Camarillo High School to compete in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West All-Star Game hosted by Ventura County Football Coaches Association for their chance to showcase their skills. The boys played great with the East Team winning (Flashes team) 20 – 23. Pictured (l-r) are Antonio Munoz, Anthony Porter, Joseph Perez, James Chaveste, and David Jimenez. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Full story on page 9.
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On Saturday, February 3rd, five Fillmore Flashes got a chance to play in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West Game at Camarillo as mentioned on page 1. Left is one of our Flashes making the tackle as the player tries to break away. Right is a Flashes receiving a handoff during Saturday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
On Saturday, February 3rd, five Fillmore Flashes got a chance to play in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West Game at Camarillo as mentioned on page 1. Left is one of our Flashes making the tackle as the player tries to break away. Right is a Flashes receiving a handoff during Saturday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Courtesy FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.

The Ventura County Football Coaches Association put on the 50th anniversary all-star game on Saturday at Camarillo High School. Seniors from all local high schools were eligible to be nominated for the game and compete in one final showcase of their talents. Five Fillmore Flashes athletes were selected to compete: linebacker and running back David Jimenez (#17), defensive end Anthony Porter (#51), linebacker and running back Joseph Perez (#13), offensive and defensive lineman Antonio Munoz (#77), and defensive back James Chaveste (#29). These five Flashes anchored an East All-Star team on its way to a 23 to 20 victory. A game winning 46-yard field goal by Oak Park’s Will Stryuk was the deciding factor in a close contest.

 
On Sunday, February 4, between 5pm and 7pm, Fillmore Fire Department received at least eight flooding calls in the Fillmore city limits. Photo shows flooding at Santa Clara Street and B Street. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Sunday, February 4, between 5pm and 7pm, Fillmore Fire Department received at least eight flooding calls in the Fillmore city limits. Photo shows flooding at Santa Clara Street and B Street. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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One the morning of Thursday, January 25, Fillmore Patrol deputies were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle from out of the area. The pursuit ended within the vicinity of Sycamore Road near Young Road, with the assistance of multiple department resources, including Copter 3 West County Special Enforcement Unit and Lockwood K-9 unit. Deputies were able to recover the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled into an orchard. He was spotted by workers at a local nursery heading towards Boulder Creek. The search was expanded and lasted several hours; the suspect was not located. Inset, Deputy Bautista and K-9 Sam with the suspect’s Croc shoe located in the area. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident should contact Fillmore PD’s Detective Heersche at 805-524-2233. Photo credit Angel Esquivel Esquivel-AE News.
One the morning of Thursday, January 25, Fillmore Patrol deputies were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle from out of the area. The pursuit ended within the vicinity of Sycamore Road near Young Road, with the assistance of multiple department resources, including Copter 3 West County Special Enforcement Unit and Lockwood K-9 unit. Deputies were able to recover the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled into an orchard. He was spotted by workers at a local nursery heading towards Boulder Creek. The search was expanded and lasted several hours; the suspect was not located. Inset, Deputy Bautista and K-9 Sam with the suspect’s Croc shoe located in the area. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident should contact Fillmore PD’s Detective Heersche at 805-524-2233. Photo credit Angel Esquivel Esquivel-AE News.
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The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in Organized Retail Thefts from numerous Rite Aid locations throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. On December 29th, 2023, employees from the Fillmore Rite Aid discovered three females and one male had strategically entered the establishment and stole several thousand dollars of high-end skin care products from the shelves. The investigation revealed the same suspects were responsible for numerous similar crimes at Rite Aid establishments located in the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. Attached are the suspect photos. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspects and crimes. https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/?img_index=3; https://www.instagram.com/p/C15OC1RyoFj/?img_index=2.
The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in Organized Retail Thefts from numerous Rite Aid locations throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. On December 29th, 2023, employees from the Fillmore Rite Aid discovered three females and one male had strategically entered the establishment and stole several thousand dollars of high-end skin care products from the shelves. The investigation revealed the same suspects were responsible for numerous similar crimes at Rite Aid establishments located in the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. Attached are the suspect photos. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspects and crimes. https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/?img_index=3; https://www.instagram.com/p/C15OC1RyoFj/?img_index=2.
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On Monday, January 29, SCE work crews were at the corner of B Street and 5th Street working underground. They were relocating some of their facilities and came across unexpected, unmarked utilities. It was confirmed that the utilities did not belong to the city of Fillmore. SCE possessed an encroachment permit for the work, according to the city.
On Monday, January 29, SCE work crews were at the corner of B Street and 5th Street working underground. They were relocating some of their facilities and came across unexpected, unmarked utilities. It was confirmed that the utilities did not belong to the city of Fillmore. SCE possessed an encroachment permit for the work, according to the city.
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Kristen Dunst of San Cayetano Elementary School. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
Kristen Dunst of San Cayetano Elementary School. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

One of the greatest things about small town living is personally getting to know our teachers. It makes us so unique from other towns.

Ms. Kristen Dunst teaches 1st grade at San Cayetano and I am habitual about requesting her for my own kids. She jokes around that on breaks and weekends she’s just Kristy from the block. She’s been with the district now 20 years and subbed a year before being hired on. That’s another nice thing, we have good teachers that not only live in Fillmore but they are here to stay.

I love that my little kids get the opportunity to have Ms. Dunst in first grade. My children have gone from kindergarten to her class with ease and comfort, to start being prepared for their educational careers with such fluidity that maybe my older children didn’t grasp before coming to Fillmore.

She is very creative and all about the Aloha and Hawaiian themes with school career readiness. I love that her class performs a ukulele Hawaiian themed song at the winter performances but also the kids take home a seashell decorated frame for their parents as a rite of passage in her class. I know I have mine put up every Christmas, adding my last seashell frame this year.

I’m nostalgic as I write this as I’m getting ready to see my youngest get an award, and reflecting this will be my last year having Ms. Dunst as a first-grade teacher. Thankfully, Kristy from the block is here to stay, and not only is she a great teacher, but also a quiet and kind community member who is willing to help when she can.
Congratulations, Ms. Dunst, on your 20 years with FUSD and hopefully more to come. You are appreciated and valued. Thank you for serving this community! Aloha!

 
On Tuesday and Wednesday, January 30/31, sidewalks and street parking were blocked for the day as city crews trimmed trees along Sespe Avenue, Kensington Avenue and Orchard Street, just in time for the expected storm front.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, January 30/31, sidewalks and street parking were blocked for the day as city crews trimmed trees along Sespe Avenue, Kensington Avenue and Orchard Street, just in time for the expected storm front.
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Fillmore City Public Works continues to clean up graffiti vandalism in the city. Here they are at Edison Way and Fourth Street, Tuesday morning, January 30th.
Fillmore City Public Works continues to clean up graffiti vandalism in the city. Here they are at Edison Way and Fourth Street, Tuesday morning, January 30th.
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On Sunday, January 21, at 6:55p.m. the Fillmore Police Department responded to a robbery call at the 100 block of Chambersburg Road. Once on-scene police learned the victim had been walking along the road when two suspects jumped out of a vehicle and assaulted him, taking his belongings. The victim was taken to the hospital with multiple knife wounds. Police are still looking for the suspects. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Sunday, January 21, at 6:55p.m. the Fillmore Police Department responded to a robbery call at the 100 block of Chambersburg Road. Once on-scene police learned the victim had been walking along the road when two suspects jumped out of a vehicle and assaulted him, taking his belongings. The victim was taken to the hospital with multiple knife wounds. Police are still looking for the suspects. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Nature of Incident: Robbery and Assault / Request for Public Assistance
Report Number: 24-8603
Location: 100 block of Chambersburg Road, Fillmore
Date & Time: 1/21/2024 at 6:55 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Station Detectives, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
S1 – Unknown Male Unknown Unknown
S2 – Unknown Male Unknown Unknown
V – Male Fillmore 49 Unknown

Narrative:
On 1/21/2024, at approximately 6:55 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a robbery that occurred along the 100 block of Chambersburg Road in the city of Fillmore. The victim was walking on the west side of Chambersburg Road and was approached by a dark colored sedan that was traveling south on Chambersburg Road. Two suspects exited the sedan, assaulted the victim, and robbed the victim of his property. After the robbery, the suspects went back to the vehicle and fled south on Chambersburg Road.

During the assault, the victim sustained multiple wounds. The victim was transported to a local area hospital for treatment and has since been released.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau believes the robbery could have been witnessed by other passing motorists and are requesting assistance. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Corey Stump at 805-384-4745 or by email at Corey.Stump@Ventura.Org.

Prepared by: Detective Corey Stump
News Release Date: 1/23/2024
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Corey Stump
805-384-4745
Corey.Stump@Ventura.Org

Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

Booking Photo Release: NO

 
The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in Grand Theft. Unknown suspect stole a total of $2000 from the victim’s bank account at the Fillmore Bank of America ATM machine on October 2023. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspect and crimes. Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C17VP2nLEqX/?img_index=1
The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in Grand Theft. Unknown suspect stole a total of $2000 from the victim’s bank account at the Fillmore Bank of America ATM machine on October 2023. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspect and crimes. Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C17VP2nLEqX/?img_index=1
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On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the EL Dorado Mobile Home Park Social Club gave a donation to the Fillmore Fire Fighters Foundation, presented by Patrick Mckenzie and Charles Richardson.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the EL Dorado Mobile Home Park Social Club gave a donation to the Fillmore Fire Fighters Foundation, presented by Patrick Mckenzie and Charles Richardson.
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PRESENTATIONS

5.A DONATION FROM EL DORADO MHP (EDMHP) SOCIAL CLUB (SC) TO THE FILLMORE FIRE FIGHTERS' FOUNDATION BY MR. PATRICK MCKENZIE & CHARLES RICHARDSON.

5.B U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PRESENTATION BY CLAUDIA ANDERSON, GEORGE KOSTYRKO ANDERSON AND CLAUDIA K. DETAILED DISCUSSIION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES.

9.A DISCUSS APPROPRIATING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS FOR TOWN THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS.

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss whether to appropriate $90,000 in ARPA funds for improvements to the Town Theatre. Should the City Council elect to approve this appropriation, or a smaller amount, the City Council is also requested to approve an agreement to award such funds and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. APPROVED 5-0
9.B PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 6053 FOR CREATION OF 134 PARCELS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 20-04 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 133 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES (“CREEKSIDE”), 20 OF WHICH WILL CONTAIN AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, AND A CEQA EXEMPTION. (Item continued.)

9.C PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE EXTENDING FOR 10 MONTHS AND FIFTEEN DAYS THE CITY’S MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OR EXPANSION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES OR FACILITIES AND MOBILE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES WITHIN CITY LIMITS, DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF, AND FINDING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Council take the following actions: 1. Receive the staff report and conduct the public hearing; 2. Waive full reading and adopt by four-fifths vote Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-961 (Attachment 1), extending for ten months and fifteen days the temporary moratorium prohibiting medical marijuana facilities and mobile medical marijuana dispensaries within City limits, as read by title only; 3. Find that Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-961 is exempt from CEQA; and 4. Direct staff to continue to study appropriate modifications to the Fillmore Municipal Code to mitigate the conditions outlined in this staff report and Section 2 of the Urgency Ordinance that arise out of developing, maintaining, and expanding medical marijuana facilities and mobile medical marijuana dispensaries. The Community Development Director is further directed to report back to the City Council with his findings at least 10 days prior to the expiration of this ordinance. (Approved 5-0).

9.D PUBLIC HEARING: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY EXISTING REQUIREMENTS AND ESTABLISH NEW REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SELF-STORAGE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITIES IN THE CITY AND FINDING THIS PROJECT TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1. Receive the staff report and conduct the public hearing; 2. Discuss the proposed ordinance and potential additional language to elevate the facades of self-storage and recreational vehicle storage facilities; and 3. Approve first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-956 (Attachment 1) amending the Fillmore Municipal Code to clarify existing regulatory requirements and adding new regulations for self-storage and recreational vehicle storage facilities within City limits, and finding of exemption from CEQA. (Approved 5-0)

9.E APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG)

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1.) Appoint an elected official to attend the SCAG General Assembly as Primary Delegate and to serve as the regional representative; and 2. ) Appoint an Alternate. (Approved 5-0).
9.F DISCUSS INCREASING CITY COUNCIL SALARIES AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-962.

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss whether to increase the City Council’s salary from $300 per month to $600 per month effective January 1, 2025.

(Approved 3-2, Gurrola and Austin nay.)

 
On Monday, January 22, at 2:40 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 / Boosey Road, Ventura County. Arriving fire personnel reported several vehicles involved with major damage; two patients trapped needing extrication. Firefighters were able to extricate the two patients and they were transferred to a local hospital by ambulance. A third patient was pronounced dead on-scene. CHP reported the deceased driver as a 23-year-old Santa Paula woman driving a 2008 Mercury SUV eastbound, when she side swiped a westbound 2002 Honda Civic, crashing into a 2022 Honda Civic. The transported female patients were 19-year-old and 42-year-old Fillmore residents; a female 30-year-old Santa Paula passenger suffered minor injuries. Westbound traffic lanes were shut down causing traffic to back up from Toland Road. Officers remained at the scene until 5pm. Cause of the crash is under investigation by Ventura-CHP. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Monday, January 22, at 2:40 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 / Boosey Road, Ventura County. Arriving fire personnel reported several vehicles involved with major damage; two patients trapped needing extrication. Firefighters were able to extricate the two patients and they were transferred to a local hospital by ambulance. A third patient was pronounced dead on-scene. CHP reported the deceased driver as a 23-year-old Santa Paula woman driving a 2008 Mercury SUV eastbound, when she side swiped a westbound 2002 Honda Civic, crashing into a 2022 Honda Civic. The transported female patients were 19-year-old and 42-year-old Fillmore residents; a female 30-year-old Santa Paula passenger suffered minor injuries. Westbound traffic lanes were shut down causing traffic to back up from Toland Road. Officers remained at the scene until 5pm. Cause of the crash is under investigation by Ventura-CHP. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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On Thursday, January 18, Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vegetation fire at the Santa Clara Riverbed near Burlington Street and Surrey Way. The arriving engine reported a 30' x 30' spot fire in the Arundo area. The call was upgraded to a brushfire and with the assistance of the Ventura County Fire Department, fire personnel knocked it down within minutes before it could spread. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Thursday, January 18, Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vegetation fire at the Santa Clara Riverbed near Burlington Street and Surrey Way. The arriving engine reported a 30' x 30' spot fire in the Arundo area. The call was upgraded to a brushfire and with the assistance of the Ventura County Fire Department, fire personnel knocked it down within minutes before it could spread. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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On Friday, January 19, at 3:43 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 2400 block of Grand Avenue. While firefighters were enroute a large plum of white smoke was visible. Arriving firefighters found an illegal burn taking place, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Friday, January 19, at 3:43 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 2400 block of Grand Avenue. While firefighters were enroute a large plum of white smoke was visible. Arriving firefighters found an illegal burn taking place, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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The weekend rain brought much needed water to Sespe Creek. Herons, Egrets and Ducks all appreciate the natural flow into the Santa Clara River. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
The weekend rain brought much needed water to Sespe Creek. Herons, Egrets and Ducks all appreciate the natural flow into the Santa Clara River. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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