By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
On Saturday, May 25, at 6:21 p.m., a Fillmore Police Deputy informed dispatch that graffiti vandalism was taking place under SR126 (Pole Creek) west of El Dorado. The deputy was able to identify suspect information, and it was relayed over the radio to responding units. While deputies attempted to make contact with the subjects, they fled on foot. Subject 1 ran through the private community gate at The Bridges into a backyard. Subject 2 ran north along the washbasin and was apprehended near Main Street. The suspects, Cristian Guerra, 27, and Brandon Rodriquez, 28, were charged with graffiti vandalism, conspiracy, and resisting arrest (2 misdemeanors/1 felony); they were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail Facility. Enlarge Photo |
On Tuesday, May 28, the City of Fillmore recognized multiple Fillmore participants and winners of the Ventura County Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program Regional Tournament. The State Qualifiers were held in March 2024. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
All items passed 5-0 except 9.C which was a first reading approved 4-1 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF FEMA GRANT FOR AUTOMATIC CHEST COMPRESSION DEVISES AND AUTHORIZATION PURCHASE OF DEVICES WITH GRANT FUNDING. RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends that the City Council: .B CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 7.10 YARD AND GARAGE SALES REGARDING THE FREQUECY OF GARAGE AND YARD SALES ALLOWED IN A MONTH/YEAR AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA. The City Council is requested to: 9.D ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-4007 APPROVING THE FY 2024-25 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE. CITY OF FILLMORE |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
On May 14, Ventura County Board of Supervisors agreed to shut down Santa Paula Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Obstetrics Unit, according to a report given to the Board by Barry Zimmerman, chief deputy director the Ventura Conty Health Care Agency. This will not only displace many nurses and healthcare staff, but it will also take away critical care access for the growing communities of Santa Clara Valley. If a patient arrives to the Emergency Room and needs critical care, they will no longer be able to stay at Santa Paula Hospital ICU unit; the plan would be to transfer them out to Ventura County Medical Center. If a woman arrives in labor, there will not be any services available to deliver her baby, she will need to be transferred out to VCMC as well. Please act now and sign the petition to keep services available for our growing community. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on June 4th, when this petition can be presented. Santa Paula Hospital administrators want to move forward with their plan to close services effective August 2024. By signing this petition, you are agreeing that the community deserves better. We deserve to have local critical care access available for our families when they are sick and in need of a higher level of care. Women in labor should also have the choice to deliver their babies locally and not have to be transferred to Ventura because of lack of services. If you care about the future of your local Hospital and would like to see services remain open and available to you and your families at Santa Paula Hospital please share and sign the petition link below: https://www.change.org/p/save-santa-paula-hospital-services?cs_ |
At the May 21, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting, the Fillmore Unified School District held an awards ceremony for the annual students and Staff of the Year award winners for the 2023-24 school year. The careers of 14 employees retiring this year were also celebrated: Sandra Butts, Reading Intervention Teacher, 24 years, Oscar Carrillo, Bus Driver/Grounds, 18 years, Hope Chavez, Kinder Teacher, 39 years, William Chavez, English Teacher, 12 years, Frank Gomez, Offset Press Operator, 27 years, Karen MacDonald, Reading Intervention Teacher, 24 years, Baldomero Magana, Head Custodian, 25 years, Marisa Martinez, 6th Grade Teacher, 18 years, Julie Mendez, Special Educational Instructional Assistant, 38 years, Laurie Merrill, Science Teacher, 41 years, Laurie Montano, Food Service Worker II, 8 years, Harrell Moore, Math Teacher, 26 years, Lupe Reyes, Attendance Clerk, 44 years, and Lori Schneider, Cafeteria Manager, 28 years. See Classified/Certified Staff of Year awards on page 10. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
On May 21, 2024, the Fillmore School Board also gave awards to the 2023-24 Students of the Year Aleena Camacho of Fillmore High School, and Lexi Martinez of Sierra High School. Enlarge Photo On May 21, Fillmore Unified recognized the annual Students and Staff of the Year awards, mentioned on page 1. Pictured right are this year’s Classified Employee of the Year, Norma Magaña-Office Manager, Piru Elementary School; Certificated Employee Year, Greg Godfrey-Music Teacher / Fillmore High School & Administrator of the Year; and Hector Vargas, Maintenance Manager. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 24th, 2024
On Friday, May 24, at 9:12am, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision westbound SR126 near Hopper Canyon Road. A semi-tractor trailer loaded with sand rear ended a truck trailer and overturned, spilling its load onto the roadway. Arriving firefighters reported that both occupants of the trucks were uninjured. Both westbound lanes were closed for more than two hours while the debris was cleared. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
On Tuesday, May 21, at 3:45 p.m., Fillmore Police, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle crash on Sespe Avenue and Orchard Street. A total of three patients received minor injuries; no ambulance transports were made. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 11AM. The featured speaker this year is local resident, Ernie Villegas. Ernie is the principal owner of Villegas Public Affairs. He currently serves on the Board of the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District. Recently he was the Special Projects Manager for the City of Fillmore, responsible for Economic Development. While attending school he served in the U. S Army Reserves from 1970-1976. Ernie has more than 30 years in local government. He was Mayor and Councilman for the City of Fillmore from 2002-2006 and is the former District Director for California State Assemblyman, Jeff Gorell, having served from 2010-2014. He is a retired Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Edison, having served for 30 years. Ernie serves on various boards including the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District, the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Day committee, Ventura County Vista Real Charter Schools, the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club and El Concilio Family Services. He is also a member of American Veterans United. He and his wife Chris have three grown sons and 10 grandchildren, all living in Ventura County. The Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephens Anglican Church will give the Inspirational Message. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bill Morris. The Boy Scouts & Bardsdale 4H will put out the flags on Friday, May 24th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 28th. After the service water and cookies will be available. Cookies are provided by Fillmore PEO. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Greg Taylor, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris and newest board member Aileen Wokal would like to invite the community to this special event. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 11AM. The featured speaker this year is local resident, Ernie Villegas. Ernie is the principal owner of Villegas Public Affairs. He currently serves on the Board of the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District. Recently he was the Special Projects Manager for the City of Fillmore, responsible for Economic Development. While attending school he served in the U. S Army Reserves from 1970-1976. Ernie has more than 30 years in local government. He was Mayor and Councilman for the City of Fillmore from 2002-2006 and is the former District Director for California State Assemblyman, Jeff Gorell, having served from 2010-2014. He is a retired Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Edison, having served for 30 years. Ernie serves on various boards including the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District, the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Day committee, Ventura County Vista Real Charter Schools, the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club and El Concilio Family Services. He is also a member of American Veterans United. He and his wife Chris have three grown sons and 10 grandchildren, all living in Ventura County. The Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephens Anglican Church will give the Inspirational Message. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bill Morris. The Boy Scouts & Bardsdale 4H will put out the flags on Friday, May 24th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 28th. After the service water and cookies will be available. Cookies are provided by Fillmore PEO. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Greg Taylor, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris and newest board member Aileen Wokal would like to invite the community to this special event. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
On Saturday, May 18, Rotary Club of Fillmore hosted a 5/10K Run & Fitness Walk. The run & fitness walk began at 8am in front of the Fillmore Unified School District. After the run, awards were given. This race is in memory of our fallen Rotarian, John Scoles, dedicated in his honor. John was an influential member of the Fillmore community, a long time Rotarian, and a former high school and collegiate athlete. He could be seen daily running throughout town. Our t-shirt design includes a runner with a J & S design to commemorate his memory. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “We are delighted to share that as a result of action taken at the April 2, 2024 School Board meeting, Dr. Isaac Huang was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services commencing on July 1, 2024. Dr. Huang’s previous role was Director of Expanded Learning, where he spearheaded the development of innovative programs and expanded learning opportunities for all students in our district. In October, Dr. Huang was asked to fill an interim appointment as Assistant Superintendent of Education Services where he quickly transitioned to fill that vacant seat. His transition was smooth as he quickly acclimated to keep all functions of Education Services key initiatives successfully moving forward. He has proved to be a valuable leader in FUSD where he is dedicated to supporting our educational programs. Dr. Huang is a strong advocate for instilling growth mindsets and fostering a culture of active learners rather than passive students. He places a significant emphasis on equity and diversity, exemplified by his participation in the Inaugural Equity Task Force of the Conejo Valley Unified School District. In his free time, Dr. Huang dedicates himself to serving others through his involvement with the CALSA (California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators) Mentoring Committee. He also holds the position of Past-President and is a founding member of CAAPLE (California Association of Asian Pacific Leaders in Education). Furthermore, Dr. Huang is an active board member of the California Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (CASCD), an organization committed to promoting exemplary practices that ensure all learners reach their fullest potential. His dedication to educational leadership extends beyond his professional duties, reflecting his commitment to driving positive change in education. Dr. Huang’s educational achievements include a Doctor of Education degree from USC, a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from California State University Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from California State University Northridge. His professional journey commenced as a preschool educator and progressed to become an elementary school teacher. He subsequently served as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) with a focus on curriculum and second language acquisition. Dr. Huang has also contributed his expertise by teaching at Rose City Continuation High School in Pasadena and instructing post-secondary candidates in the MAT Program at the University of Southern California as an Adjunct Professor. We look forward to Dr. Huang’s continued leadership as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.” |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
The Fillmore Unified School District and the City of Fillmore hosted a Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 18, from 10am-1pm, in front of the school district office, 627 Sespe Avenue. The event offered many different booths promoting health and wellness tips, tricks and resources for all who may have needed them. Thank you to all who came out to support! Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
It was Homerun Derby Day at the Fillmore Little League fields on Saturday, May 18, 2024. It’d been a fantastic year for Little League Baseball; so much mighty talent, and drive for hometown baseball. Pictured, Shane Morger, of Fillmore’s Bunnin Chevrolet, who drove up to the field sporting a $500 check to help continue in their sponsorship with the league, along with extra-large boxes full of equipment to help keep the costs down. Chevrolet and Little League Baseball have a long relationship of supporting youth. Prior to driving over to the fields, Shane made a stop to support the Rotary 5k, 10k run and last weekend we saw him at FWSC Casino Night. He was having a blast at the roulette table! Fillmore Little League and their sponsors work hand-in-hand to ensure the program continues to run smoothly and grow, just like our little hometown. Thank you, Bunnin Chevrolet, Leo Bunnin and Shane Morger, along with the rest of the team, for continuing to help support your community! Photo/article courtesy Brandy Hollis. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On Wednesday, May 8th, at approximately 2:15pm, deputies were dispatched to the Sespe Creek area just north of Old Telegraph Road with a reported unresponsive male subject who had possibly drowned in the creek. Deputies arrived and began CPR on the subject until they were relieved by paramedics from the Ventura County Fire Department. Despite life-saving efforts, the 36-year-old Fillmore resident was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was nothing suspicious noted at the scene and the cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
On April 13, 2024, police responded to a call at Fillmore’s Dollar General on Ventura Street to a reported theft by two subjects, but no arrests were made at the time. On May 8, 2024, police arrested suspects Daniel Garcia and Destiny Beserra for an unrelated incident and found probable cause to arrest them in connection to the Dollar General theft incident. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
A joint effort by Fillmore Patrol Services and the Fillmore Bureau of Investigations resulted in the arrest of two subjects believed to be responsible for the theft of highly sought-after merchandise from the Dollar General store in Fillmore. On 04/13/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the Dollar General store located at 1154 Ventura Street in Fillmore for a report of two subjects who committed a theft from the store. From the investigation, deputies learned a female acted in concert and conspired with a male to steal a shopping cart full of merchandise by leaving through an emergency exit of the store without paying for the items. After the initial investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies collaborated with Fillmore detectives and were able to identify the male and female involved in the theft. On 05/08/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies contacted (S) Daniel Garcia and (S) Destiny Beserra in the city of Fillmore for an unrelated incident. As a result, Garcia and Beserra were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Incident to arrest, detectives developed probable cause to arrest Garcia and Beserra for the organized retail theft from the Dollar General store on 04/13/2024. Ultimately, they were supplementally booked for a violation of Penal Code § 490.4 – [Organized Retail Theft]. Both subjects were later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura pending court proceedings. Nature of Incident: Organized Retail Theft Arrests (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent Prepared by: Senior Deputy Wendell Cambell |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
Fillmore Patrol Services arrested two Los Angeles County residents for felony offenses of burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime. On 05/06/2024, during the early morning hours, a vigilant Fillmore resident called Sheriff’s Communication Center to report a vehicle burglary in progress in the 600 block of Mountain View Street, Fillmore. The resident was able to provide information, which included a suspect vehicle description. The Sheriff’s Communication Center coordinated with Fillmore patrol resources and dispatched them to the area of the reported crime. Deputies responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle. An enforcement stop was conducted, and the occupants were identified as Diego Solis and Victor Valtierra. Both were detained pending the investigation. Report Number: 24-55456 (S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
City Council discussed issues concerning home-made yard sale advertising which is negatively affecting city appearance. Enlarge Photo All items passed 5-0 except for 8A – passed 4-1 8.A INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.28 OF THE REQUEST That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-970 to amend 8.B AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY BACKUP GENERATOR It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of an emergency backup diesel 8.C DISCUSSION OF CITY OF FILLMORE YARD SALE AND SIGN POLICY Staff recommends that the City Council appoint a representative to the Ventura Air Pollution Control 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. 24-971 3. Find that Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-971 is exempt from CEQA; and 4. Direct staff to continue to study appropriate modifications to the Fillmore Municipal Code to 8.F PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24- Staff requests that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 24-4004 8.G PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to 2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and Actions to confirm and order the annual levy: 1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage May 14, 2024 Page 2 of 6 3. Adopt Resolution 24-4002 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, 4. Adopt Resolution 24-4003 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, 5. Authorize staff to incorporate the revenue and expenditures contained in the Annual Budgets RECOMMENDATIONS City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to 2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and Actions to confirm and order the annual levy: 1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, 2. Adopt Resolution 24-4001 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, Public Hearing to Consider the Annual Engineer’s Report, Levy and Collection of Assessments May 14, 2024 Page 2 of 6 3. Adopt Resolution 24-4002 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, 4. Adopt Resolution 24-4003 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, 5. Authorize staff to incorporate the revenue and expenditures contained in the Annual Budgets |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On Saturday, May 11, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol hosted their Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo at Rio Vista Elementary School, along with help from the Fillmore Fire and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The overall goal was to educate parents and children about the safety aspects of riding a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter on streets. A Bicycle Safety Rodeo is a safety clinic where young riders can learn about proper safety and the rules of the road. There was a bicycle safety course chalked out for basic riding skills and more. Above are photos of all the fun at this year’s Bike Rodeo. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On May 13, 2024, at the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica presented an update on the success of the school’s programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year. Office Manager Karina Lechuga, and Speech Language Pathologist Isabella Liu, were both recognized for their outstanding work, and dedication to Rio Vista Elementary staff, students, and families. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2024/5/13/rio-vista-elementary-school-update-amp-recognition. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
CDFW wildlife officers recently responded to several tips received through the Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) site. A wildlife officer contacted a man in possession of 49 rainbow trout in a section of Piru Creek in Los Angeles County that was catch and release only. Piru Creek is one of two streams in the Angeles National Forest managed for wild trout. Size and bag limits are in place to allow recreational harvest and consumption of fish and game species in low enough numbers to ensure their populations are self-sustainable. Left unchecked, poaching activities, like being over the allowable limit and undersized takes (especially before they have a chance to reproduce), threaten those populations and the lawful authority to fish or hunt for them. Witnesses to a poaching or pollution event can report them to CalTIP at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue event was held to honor all first responders. This year’s ride began at 8:00 a.m. at Simi Valley City Hall. They stopped at the following police stations in this order: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula, before ending their ride at the Fillmore Police Station at 2:30pm. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |