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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 15th, 2021
 (l-r) Rotary Club of Fillmore’s President Andy Klittich with guest speaker Clay Downing. Downing works for the County of Ventura as the County Executive Officer in the Sustainability Division. This division works on developing and implementing durable sustainable energy initiatives that support sensible growth, healthy environment, economy and enhanced quality of life, and greater self-reliance for the region. Photo Courtesy Rotary Club member Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 15th, 2021
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum The Fillmore State Bank was incorporated in 1905 and soon thereafter moved into its own building (which is still standing) on the southeast corner of Central and Santa Clara Avenue. It is a two-story building, and the bank occupied the ground floor. The second floor was leased to the Fillmore Masonic Temple. Within a decade both groups outgrew their quarters and built two significant buildings in Fillmore. The Fillmore State Bank built a new bank building which still stands on the northeast corner of Main and Central, which is currently vacant. The Masons built a three-story structure on the northeast corner of Central and Sespe. This is the focus of this article, unfortunately it is a landmark that was lost in the 1994 Earthquake. Some background on Masonry is necessary. The term refers to fraternal organizations which trace their origins to local stonemason guilds from the late 1400’s in the British Isles. Many of the United States’ founding fathers belonged to the Masons including Washington, Jefferson and Franklin. The Fillmore Lodge was begun in 1906 as a spin off from the Santa Paula Lodge, it continued until the destruction of their building forced them to merge again with Santa Paula. The building itself was owned by the Fillmore Masonic Temple Association who rented to the various businesses and organizations which occupied it including the Fillmore Masonic Lodge 379. The Lodge was on the second and third floors of the building. Affiliated organizations such as Eastern Star and Jobs Daughters also used the facility. On the third floor was a large room and kitchen which was used by many local groups including Rotary. The ground floor was occupied by various businesses and offices. The “anchor” business was a grocery store on the corner facing Central Avenue. The first store we have a record of was Reinemen’s General Merchandise. This was replaced by the Red and White Store owned first by F. H. Adamson in 1922, and later by Glen Fansler, Sr. from 1942 to 1962. Regular customers ran monthly tabs and the store would deliver to the home. Like other grocery stores in Fillmore, the store had no meat counter. If a customer ordered meat, the store owner would go down to Coleman’s Meat Market and pick it up for the customer and included it in the order. The one story section on the north side of the main building housed at various times the local library, Hutchins’ Cleaners and the Christian Science Reading Room among other concerns. In 1972, the newly formed Fillmore Historical Museum moved into the ground floor of the Masonic Building. There it remained until the Southern Pacific Depot was purchased by Edith Moore Jarrett. After it was moved and renovated, it became the new home of the Museum at 444 Main Street next to the former fire station. When Fillmore incorporated in 1914, the time seemed right for a larger, more convenient post office. When the modern elegant Masonic Temple was built in 1919, space was provided at 455 Sespe Avenue, the post office opened for business there on Monday morning, January 5, 1920 and remained there until it was moved to its current location on Central Avenue. The area vacated by the Post Office became the location of the Municipal Court in the late 1950s and for a brief time the local library (having moved from the Central Avenue side of the building) and various other businesses. Also on the Sespe Street side of the building was A.E. Lamberg Jewelry Store. In addition to running the jewelry store, Mrs. Lamberg ran a lending library during the 1930s and Mr. Lamberg gave music lessons and conducted a community band. This all ended on the morning of January 17, 1994 when the Northridge Earthquake struck. The unreinforced masonry could not withstand the quake and the walls partially collapsed. The building was demolished but the many memories of it remain. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 Fillmore Fire Department The Firefighters of your Fillmore City Fire Department would like to invite you to attend a memorial celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. As a nation, we were brought together in tragedy, captivated by the images of destruction, despair, fear, and raw emotion. The only images strong enough to help us cope with such devastation were the amazing images of unity, strangers helping strangers, heroism, and watching America’s front line of public servants run toward the face of danger. We invite you to join us this Saturday morning to remember the civilians, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Military Personnel who perished on that fateful day. Please reflect quietly as I read a few brief reminders of what our country endured on the morning of September 11th, 2001. Let us remember the sacrifices made by so many that morning. From the everyday heroes who helped save perfect strangers, to the first responders who walked toward danger in hopes of helping anyone they could, they were all a shining example of how we can easily come together in times of national crisis. We will never forget those brave individuals, and we will never forget September 11th, 2001. Gathering at the Fillmore Fire Station will start at 6:30 AM in the front. The American flag will be raised promptly at 6:55 followed by a County-wide radio broadcast of a remembrance. Fillmore Fire Station 91 is located at 711 Landeros Lane, face masks and social distancing will be required. Refreshments will be served afterwards. |
 Larry Cassidy of Fillmore will ride 150 miles during the month of September in support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund. If you see Larry riding around town, give him a honk to show your support! Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
Larry Cassidy will ride 150 miles during month of September in support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Larry Cassidy, a resident of Fillmore, is planning to ride 150 miles and raise $500 during the month of September for Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) in support of its 7th annual Great Cycle Challenge USA. Founded in 2015, Great Cycle Challenge USA has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. In “Over 15,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer every year and, sadly, 38 children die every week,” said “This is the third time I have participated in Great Cycle Challenge,” said Larry Cassidy. “During those years, I rode 562 miles and raised $1,169.80. This year, I am aiming to raise $500 and ride 150 miles.” Funds go to support research at leading pediatric cancer centers across America. To learn more about Larry’s Great Cycle Challenge USA and to make a donation, please visit www.greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/LarryCassidy. To participate in Great Cycle Challenge USA, visit GreatCycleChallenge.com. About Great Cycle Challenge USA: Great Cycle Challenge USA encourages cyclists across the United States to About Children's Cancer Research Fund: Children's Cancer Research Fund invests in groundbreaking research that |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Thursday, 8/26/21, at about 11:39 AM, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a family member of a male subject who was reportedly stranded on the Halfmoon Trail (20W07) after his dirt bike reportedly broke down. The Halfmoon Trail is predominantly a single-track dirt bike trail rated as “most difficult.” The Halfmoon Trail is in northern Ventura County in the Los Padres National Forest near Lockwood Valley. The Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station initiated a response to the area. The stranded rider had reportedly text messaged a family member to call 911 and relay the trail he was on. The Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station is outfitted with a Polaris RZR four-seat utility-task vehicle (UTV). This UTV was purchased utilizing funding from the Ventura County Off-Highway Vehicle fund. A Lockwood Valley resident deputy utilized the Sheriff’s RZR and responded to Halfmoon Trail to a point near where the rider was believed to be. The deputy hiked about 0.3 miles and located the rider’s dirt bike on the trail, but the rider was not there. The deputy followed the rider’s shoe prints for several miles which led to Sunset Campground at the intersection of the Lockwood Trail, Miller Jeep Trail, Halfmoon Trail, and Piru Creek Trail. At the campground, the deputy located a pair of dirt bike riding boots and a chest protector believed to belong to the missing rider. After searching the area, the deputy located sock imprints in the dirt which led to the Piru Creek Trail. With temperatures over 90 degrees and the fact that the missing rider was walking in his socks in a remote area, additional resources joined the search including another Sheriff Lockwood Valley resident deputy and State Park Rangers from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. The Lockwood Valley deputies work closely with the Ventura County Fire Department Fire Captains who staff Fire Station 16 in Lockwood Valley. Fire Station 16 is also outfitted with a Polaris RZR four seat utility task vehicle (UTV-16). Due to the changes in the search conditions and location, UTV-16 respond to assist with the search. One of the Lockwood Valley deputies and State Park Rangers began hiking west on the Piru Creek Trail from Gold Hill Campground. The other Lockwood Valley deputy continued hiking east on the Piru Creek Trail following sock prints in the dirt. After hiking about four and a half miles, the rider was located on the Piru Creek Trail. The rider was fatigued and dehydrated but was able to hike a short distance back to Sunset Campground with the deputy. UTV-16 met them at the campground and safely transported the rider to the Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station. The rider’s dirt bike was successfully recovered, and some valuable lessons were learned by the involved rider. When visiting the national forest, the age old saying “Proper planning prevents poor performance” couldn’t be truer. It is imperative to recognize the trails difficulty ratings, with respect to the abilities of your vehicle and your abilities as its operator before proceeding into any off-highway vehicle areas. Many of the hazards and risks associated with OHV recreation in these remote areas can be mitigated by proper planning and preparation. At a minimum, it is imperative to be familiar with the area you are in, have a map, be able to identify where you are on that map, have sufficient food and water, and ensure someone who is not with the group knows the details of your trip and when to report you as overdue. Additional OHV safety information can be found at www.parks.ca.gov. The Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station credits this successful rescue to the outstanding partnerships and exceptional teamwork with the Ventura County Fire Department and California Department of Parks and Recreation Park Rangers. Nature of Incident: Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Remote Rescue |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 On Sunday, September 5th, 2021, at 8:07pm, the Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Rancho Sespe apartment complex. Arriving fire crews reported a 2-story apartment complex with smoke coming from one upstairs unit. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire 15 minutes after arriving on scene. An initial primary search was made and all occupants were accounted for. Fire crews determined the fire did not spread into the attic and was primarily confined to the one unit. Crews remained on scene for about three hours. Fire investigator was also on scene. There were no injuries. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 On Tuesday, August 31st, at approximately 11:55am, a Fillmore Sheriff’s deputy advised radio traffic that a suspect had fled from the deputy in the area of Ventura and Fillmore Street. Additional units responded to assist in searching for the suspect. Units had a perimeter set up in the area of Fillmore City Hall. Suspect description was a Hispanic male with white tank-top, grey sweatshirt running through the senior apartments off Saratoga and Ventura Street, east of the alley by Circle K. VC Sheriff’s Copter was searching for over 30 minutes before being cleared. Suspect was not located. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 On Saturday September 4th, 2021, the City of Fillmore hosted an Emergency Preparedness Day in Central Park from 10a.m. to 1p.m. Emergency personal and their vehicles were on hand, and visitors could talk to real life heroes who respond to emergencies throughout Ventura County. Pictured are Fillmore Parks & Rec employees Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards. Enlarge Photo  Ventura County Fire Station reps, smiling as they hand out Emergency Preparedness material. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
 On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, at 11:36am, Fillmore City Fire (E191) was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Santa Clara St and Fillmore Street. Arriving fire crews reported a possible apartment complex fire with nothing showing. Fillmore Fire requested Sheriff’s Department and Investigator 91(IV91) to respond to the scene for investigation; no injuries were reported. No additional information was given at the time of the incident. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Take a walk on the bike paths around town either along the Sespe or the Santa Clara and you will encounter a number of people out for a run. The track team and cross-country team use the streets to train. Fillmore has an active running community. Here’s a little inspiration for them all. “The Packing House Bunion Derby” “On the 4th of July, 1927, myself and some other boys who had parents working at the Fillmore Lemon House, decided to participate in the race from Santa Paula to Fillmore. It was part of the holiday barbecue put on by the Lemon House. I hitched a ride with one of parents of a classmate to the starting point in Santa Paula. The other boys had second thoughts about the race and decided it was too far to run; I decided I would run anyway. The gun sounded and we were off! The race was going along just fine and after running about three miles, I found myself in the lead. Since I was ahead, I had an entourage of six or seven autos following my progress. They were supplying me with plenty of liquids. By the time I reached Rancho Sespe, I realized I would not make it to Fillmore without getting rid of some of the liquids I had consumed thus far, so I dashed into a lemon orchard and relieved myself. I returned back to the highway to find eight or ten cars waiting for me to continue the race, so off I went! I was first to cross the finish line in Fillmore. I was later told the next runner behind me was just crossing Sespe River bridge. I went to Jim Ipswitch’s pool hall to pick up my shirt and pants, left there when I changed into my running clothes. Since I was not eligible to receive the first prize money of $15.00, (my parents did not work at the packing house) Jim Ipswitch took up a collection for me-enough to provide candy, cokes, milk shakes, etc. for me for three or four months. That was the end of the Packing House Bunion Derby!” This fun remembrance was collected by Kenneth Fine for his An Anecdotal History of Fillmore, California. Kenneth was unable to find someone to publish his book before his death in 1989. With help from Don Nelson, Thomas Nelson, and Doug Fine the book passed into the hands of Marie Wren who was writing her own book on Fillmore history. Marie did some minor editing and had the book published for all to enjoy. There are a few copies for sale at the Fillmore Historical Museum. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
 On August 9th photos of the Fillmore High Career Technical Education buildings were taken and it looks as though they are on their way to completion. Only a few more weeks and students will be in the state-of-the-art facility! Construction is being handled by Westgroup Designs. You can visit their website for more details and photos at https:// westgroupdesigns.com/portfolio/fillmore-usdfillmore-high-school-new-cte-buildings/. Courtesy Fillmore High School blog. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
 On August 27th, 2021, at 3:21pm, Fillmore Fire (E91), Sheriff’s Deputies and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a traffic collision in the area of 3rd Street and Yucca, Fillmore. Upon arrival fire crews reported two vehicles with minor injuries. Fillmore PD shut down 3rd Street into both directions until roadway was cleared. One male patient was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
 Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent Below is a letter to Fillmore Unified Families posted on the FUSD Website. Dear FUSD Families, Proud to be a part of FUSD, |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
 On Tuesday, August 31st at 5:20pm, two separate traffic collisions occurred at the corner at of Ventura and B Street. The vehicle above pulled into the 7-Eleven gas station and appeared to have sustained front end damages; cause of the crash is unknown. Enlarge Photo  The second collision took place along Ventura Street; one person was examined at the scene. Cause of the crash is still under investigation. And at least one person was transported to a local hospital. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Written by Mary Nunez My grandfather came to Fillmore in 1962, driving up in an old station wagon with his wife and his then six kids. He was moving away from his family down in Orange County, but as it turned out, he was leaving them only to find a new one. A quirky, hard-working, wonderful community, filled with beautiful old souls. A rich valley ribbed with citrus groves and the lingering remnants of stone fruit orchards. A place with a sense of home. That was the Fillmore he found, the town he entrusted with educating his children, with his ranch, and with his future. I was born into that future in 2004. The daughter of a social butterfly, I was thrust into everything. I have entered every Fillmore Flower Show since I was 7(and attended the garden tour after), and in the Christmas parade, I was always one of the bedsheet - robed shepherds leading a goat down Central Avenue. None of this really matters, except to point out that those things haven't really happened this past year and a half. And yes, it's to keep us all safe, and of course that's important. But for the past few months, I've been considering how important my community is to me also. How much I can feel those events not being there, marked on the calendar. I loved those occasions; the runs, parades, holidays. All of it. But I realized something this past month, while in the middle of Faulkner's The Hamlet. A community is not made up of the events it organizes, its parades, or composed of only the floats who show up. A community is based on people. People who come together, creating connections and joy. Talking, laughing, and making memories together, taking pride in our town. There is history and guidance in those conversations. Stories about Rancho Sespe, and Camulos, and the way it was. Tidbits on everything from raising plants to raising children. Funny stories, tearjerkers: relationships. But they can’t take place unless we are willing to make a commitment to our community, and recognize that the future of this place, everything that makes it special lies in our hands. It would be too easy, as Covid, and it's Delta variant rage, to give in to fear, not to hope for the next conversation, the next time we can all be together as a community. To lose the tight-knit sense of family culled and protected over generations. Instead, as the library opens, and school comes back into session, I hope we come back stronger than ever, like chaparral after a fire. At my grandfather’s funeral, the church and hall were filled, with still more people spilling into the outside. Half of those people came from this town, and that is just as much a testament to them as it is to him. My only goal in this “letter” is to try and ensure that the respect, generosity, and friendship I have grown to love here does not get lost in these isolated days. A friend of mine from Santa Paula likes to make fun of Fillmore - he knows it irks me. But I am proud that our town is small - that you can run into someone just by walking downtown. I am proud of the heritage of the grower., the pickers, and our Mayberry-ness. The ‘F’ on the mountain lighting up at night, and the way San Cayetano stands over us. I hope you’re proud too. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
 Pictured are Rotary President Andy Klittich and speaker Steve Conway of Fillmore who qualified for the World Finals to held in Arizona and spoke with the club about his upcoming benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of SCV. Photo courtesy Rotary Club Member Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo  Pictured above is FUSD Superintendent Chrissy Schieferle, with Rotary Club President Andy Klittich, after her speech to the group. Enlarge Photo Steve is a Fillmore native and a competitor in the sport of BBQ. He has been competing for several years and is a member of the State Steak Cookout Association. In 2020 he won a Golden Ticket which was followed by the World Finals in Texas where he placed 36th in the world! In 2021 he had competed in 21 events in five states and won another Golden Ticket which qualified him for the World Finals in Arizona. His passion for BBQ has led him to host a World Class BBQ here in Fillmore, Central Steak Out, on October 30th. The event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley. This event will include a Kids BBQ; each kid will receive a New York steak to BBQ and a grill. To find out more about this event go to www.centralsteakout.com. Fillmore's new Superintendent Chrissy Schieferle grew up in Fillmore and graduated from FHS. She began as a |
 322-330 Central Avenue as it appeared in 1920 (built in 1910) as a single building with two storefronts. Photos Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Often we seem to highlight places that are fairly well known in our community. But there are some locations which are seen almost every day that most of us don’t pay much attention to. Our first location is on Kensington Drive. Close to the west end of the street, there is a cluster of 3 sycamore trees, raising the sidewalk and towering over their surroundings. Long before the arrival of the railroad in 1887, this was a location of a corral for sheep shearing. Raising sheep here had been a long established business before development would occur in the late 19th century. But why was it there? The “why” is because Pole Creek, then known as “yellow Creek” ran right past it. The water in the creek was needed by the sheep shearers and the animals. The creek also encouraged the growth of the sycamore trees which still remain along its original path. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the creek’s path was changed to flow south as it does today. The original creek crossed what would become Fillmore from east to west roughly following part of 4th St and dropping down to about the corner of First and Saratoga, then proceeding past those Kensington Drive sycamore trees and on west to the Sespe River. The next notable unnoticed spot is the corner of First and Saratoga. There on the south east corner is a lonely concrete post with the date, 1936, near the top. That post was the support for Fillmore’s first neighborhood mail drop box, installed September 30, 1936. The first person to post a letter there was the mayor, Lester Price. Free mail delivery to local residences was just beginning. Before this date residents picked up their mail at the post office. Before mail delivery began that October, home owners needed to buy and install their own mailboxes. The new mail carriers were required to take a civil service exam and, as was customary at the time, women were not allowed to apply. There were two daily deliveries with the postal carriers leaving the post office at 9:15 a.m. and at 12:45 pm. The carriers did not wear uniforms and did not carry stamps, but they could pick up mail from the boxes to take to the post office. One of the first two carriers, “Brick” Fansler reported that every dog on his route knew he was coming and set off barking and charging because of the sound made by his corduroy slacks as he walked the route. This was probably the beginning of a love hate relationship between mail carriers and local dogs. Located on the northwest corner of First St. and Saratoga St. is the home once owned by John McNab, manager of Sespe Land and Water Co. and member of the family which laid out the City of Fillmore. The house is thought to have been originally located on Catalina Island and moved to Fillmore in 1910. The site was popular for picnicking in the early days because of the large sycamore trees there. Baseball was also a popular pastime then. Fortunately, someone had the foresight to take a picture of a game held in about 1910 as you will see in one of the accompanying photos. The last locations mentioned in this article are in downtown Fillmore on the east side of the street at 328-330 and 322-324 Central Ave. The building at 328-330 was built in 1910 as a single building with two storefronts. Today it appears as two separate buildings as it has been completely remodeled over the years. In 1915 a new building was built just to the south, adjoining this building at 332-324 Central Ave. The buildings’ look was nearly identical at the time with just a few changes to the façade. This building looks today much as it did when built. Fillmore is fortunate to have retained as many of the original buildings as it has despite modernization, fires and earthquakes. This is a testament to the concern our citizens have for their shared history. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 25th, 2021
 Congratulations Captain Al Huerta on your retirement! In recognition of your 38 years of service and dedication to the Fillmore Fire Department and the citizens of Fillmore, your loyal service will not be forgotten! “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill. Thank you for giving, Al! Enlarge Photo |
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By Cindy Blatt — Wednesday, August 25th, 2021
 Cindy Blatt, FHS Swim Coach. I would like to point out some incorrect information that was stated in the City of Fillmore’s press release re: pool project halt, published in the Fillmore Gazette on August 18. In the second paragraph, it states that FUSD has exclusive use of the pool 8 months of the year. That is an incorrect statement. That has not been the case in the past and If you read the original proposed agreement from 2021 and all subsequent proposed agreements you will find on page 1, under Recitals, paragraph 3, first sentence: "Whereas, City is willing to grant to District a license for the non-exclusive use of the pool....". The agreement repeatedly refers to “non-exclusive use”. The City’s statement is misleading. During the 2021 FHS swim season during the District's non-exclusive use of the pool, the City rented out the pool on several Saturdays to Trinity Classical Academy from Valencia for high school swim meets. The press release makes it seem like the City does not have any right to pool use during the District's 8 months of use. Again, it is stated throughout the agreement that the District only has non-exclusive use of the facility Regarding the District requesting use of the pool during the City's exclusive use of the pool, before fall of 2018, the District's programs (swim team, water polo, cross-country, football, etc) used the pool during the summer months by agreement with City staff during down times or times when there were few City programs using the pool. The District programs did not conflict with any of the City's programs. The District programs worked around the City's programs. Over the past three years, access to the entire pool facility by FHS coaches and students has been whittled away in such a way to cause safety concerns and was a hindrance to providing quality and successful programs. Coaches were locked out of three rooms at the facility with no explanation. Coaches had had full access to the facility from March 2000 until Fall of 2018. Not until a complaint was issued by FUSD Athletic Trainer about no access to the AED in 2021 were coaches again given access to the First Aid Room and the AED. FHS equipment was removed from the pool site and the City claimed ownership. The press release states that the City was informed in July 2020 by the County of Ventura that the pool needed to be re-plastered. In fact the City was notified in July 2019 during an inspection of the pool of the need to re-plaster. I guess the City chose to ignore this and the County did not follow up until 2020. I have a copy of the Inspection report. It is public record. Re-plastering should not be a surprise. It should be something the City plans for. The pool is 12 years old. The Fillmore Aquatic Center is a City facility. The FUSD Board of Trustees agreed to fund 50% of the replastering work along with paying a monthly $4,500 rental fee. This was not good enough for the City. Now they threaten to close the pool. A pool closure will be a black eye for the City of Fillmore. The City complains that the City only uses the pool for three months of the year. The pool was built with the intention that the pool would have year-round programs. The City of Carpinteria, with a smaller population basis than Fillmore, seems to manage to have year-round programs at their Community pool, including working with their school district to include water polo and swim team programs. The main reason why the Aquatic Center has a fund balance deficit totaling over $800,000 is because the fund started in a deficit due to mismanaged capital spending and poor staffing management. The press release unfairly points a finger of blame at FUSD. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 25th, 2021
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