By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020
Courtesy Jan Lee Even though the Fillmore Flower Show has been a tradition in town for over 100 years, this year it had to be cancelled because of stay-at-home restrictions. However, gardeners are very special people. We know your yard and house plants are looking especially beautiful this year. The Fillmore Civic Pride Committee wants to give everybody an opportunity to display their flowers. Post them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheFillmoreFlowerShow Don’t limit your posts to just flowers. Create a bouquet (flowers all the same type) or an arrangement (variety of flowers). Maybe you have a potted plant that is particularly pretty. Or maybe a dish garden you’d like others to see. One of the more popular divisions has been miniature arrangements, not to exceed 4”x 4” or 10” x 10”. The theme for the Show this year is Fairy Tales and Flowers. Go to fillmoreflowershow.org to read about all the divisions and to view the BEAUTIFUL poster created by Joseph Bagley. The Committee has been working hard to recruit more and more Fillmore residents to enter the Fillmore Flower Show. This year you don’t even have leave your house to enter! But we’ll miss the beautiful music by Becky Morales and Barry Cooper, the plant boutique and the Garden Café. Those will all be back next year. This year, snap some photos and post them for all of us to enjoy. Tell your friends. |
![]() Photo of the Week: "Ventura Harbor commercial fishing boat & sunstar in building tower" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, manual mode, Tamron 16-300mm lens @24mm. Exposure; ISO 800, aperture f/20, 1/320 second shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020
Click... BINGO!
The pandemic remains prominent as we all continue hunkered down at home. I can't experience the grief felt upon losing a loved one or friend to the virus. Although seeming insignificant, I know not what else to do other than empathizing. And pray this pandemic nemesis ceases soon. Very annoying are buzzing mosquitoes and overly fanatical camera brand loyalists. No sooner was my previous column published, Nikon fanboys pounced like a flock of vultures on fresh carrion. I understand such angst, but the veracity of their vitriol is shocking. It was not like I said anything terrible about Nikon cameras, nor would I. Nikon cameras are first-class gear. I was scolded and chastised for not being an equal-mentioning columnist—their cry of woe—I never, ever mention Nikon. It's true. Should I apologize for my naughty oversight? Hmm. Since Canon pays me $3,750 per column for mentioning my Canon camera, a $3,750 check from Nikon will beget that apology. Just kidding! I don't receive any fees from any company that manufactures photographic products. Unless I'm writing a product review, I don't mention Sony, or Panasonic, or Olympus, or Fujifilm cameras either. However, all are welcome to send me a $3,750 check for a product mention in my column. Incidentally, two photography friends shoot with Nikon cameras--one a D750 and one a D850, and we get along fine. However, because my Canon camera photos are considerably better, they are obligated to buy the drinks after a shoot. C'est la vie! I previously discussed a photo walk at the Ventura Harbor. And the meetup with Arnold, a San Diego photographer friend on assignment at the Harbor. Johnny, a phonetographer wannabe photographer, tagged along. After Arnold's photoshoot, we three enjoyed a delish dish at Andria's Seafood restaurant. As the hour drew nigh, we were ready for a few sunset photos. Arnold went back to grab a golden-hour photo of his boat project. I was still holding an image in my mind that I visualized earlier. Rewind: After making a few photos from a dock earlier in the afternoon, I noticed an opening in the tower on the building in the background. This is a potential photo op because I'm known as one who cannot resist making a photo with a "sunstar" effect. But three elements--me, the subject and the sun--have to align for the visual to work. I consulted the "Photographer's Ephemeris", an app on my cellphone. The Ephemeris shows me the angle of the sun for any time and date at any location on a Google map. After entering my location, my plan appeared doable and my toes wiggled. As the time neared, Johnny and I went back to the pier where I planned to execute the photo I had in mind. Arriving a little early, I consulted the Ephemeris once more to verify the alignment. While waiting, I passed the time photographing the seagulls at the end of the dock. Johnny still had no idea what I was planning. As the magical moment neared, I rechecked my camera's settings. It's important to be ready because of a scientific fact that I discovered about 163 years ago: As the sun sets, it moves faster. As the sun rapidly approached the top of the tower, I had to move slightly to my right to get the alignment perfect. Such precise maneuvering is not for the faint of heart. Two minutes---one minute---CLICK! BINGO! Right place-right time-right on! The photo of the week is the result of visualizing and executing as planned. For those interested, here's the link to the photographer's ephemeris: https://www.photoephemeris.com/ Happy photoing. Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
![]() Fillmore High Athletic boosters purchased 270 yard signs to honor Fillmore High’s Senior Class for their school year that was cut short. On April 6th they announced they would be delivering yard signs on April 7th & 8th. Class of 2020 we are with you all! Thank you to our amazing board members for helping out: April Mendez, Kristen Koester-Dollar, Leslie Steel Gonzalez, John Holladay, and Jennie Alcaraz Andrade! Courtesy Fillmore High Athletic Boosters Club Facebook. More photos on Fillmore High Athletic Boosters Club Facebook page. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
![]() Courtesy City of Fillmore. This past Saturday, April 11th during the City of Fillmore’s #FillmoreChalk Fest, encouraging residents to get out and create some chalk art in their yards, the Easter Bunny along with some very special friends including Fillmore’s Fire Chief Keith Gurrola & the on-duty fire crew made their rounds through Fillmore. Many happy faces were out getting creative on the sidewalks, driveways, brick/wooden fences & were so excited to see the Easter Bunny during Easter weekend. Thank you to our Fire Chief Keith Gurrola and his crew, our generous residents Vanessa and Mario Robledo and Family, and Linnae & Randall Edgeworth and Family who made all of this happen. Pictures can be seen from last weekend on the City of Fillmore’s Facebook & Instagram pages @cityoffillmore Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
![]() Pictured above are some budding artists with their Chalk Art Drawing for this past Saturday’s Fillmore Chalk Fest. Photos courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
On April 7, 2020, detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Fillmore Patrol Station concluded a narcotics sales investigation and arrested three Fillmore residents for various narcotics and firearms violations. During the month of March 2020, detectives began an investigation involving Cary Roberts who was suspected of selling narcotics to residents in Ventura County. Detectives conducted surveillance and were able to gather enough evidence of Roberts’ involvement in methamphetamine sales. Based on the investigation, detectives were able to obtain search warrants for Roberts’ residence located in the 700 Block of 4th Street in Fillmore and a business associated to him located in the 700 Block of Santa Maria Street in Santa Paula. On April 7, 2020, detectives executed search warrants at both locations associated with Roberts. Detectives contacted and arrested Roberts at his residence in Fillmore. While at the residence, detectives also contacted Billy Howard and Dana Baysinger. Both Howard and Baysinger reside at the residence and were arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, respectively. Detectives searched the residence and found methamphetamine, money, scales and packaging consistent with narcotics sales. During a search of Roberts’ business, detectives located additional methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, ammunition and illegally possessed prescription medication. In all, detectives seized approximately 383 grams of methamphetamine and over 2,700 Oxycodone pills. Roberts’ past criminal history prohibit him from owning and or possessing any firearms or ammunition. Roberts and Howard were both subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a variety of charges. Baysinger was cited and released for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine. Prescription medications are contributors to both fatal and non-fatal overdoses taking place in Ventura County. The Narcotics Unit is committed to aggressively target narcotics sales and help combat opiate overdoses in Ventura County through aggressive narcotic enforcement. Nature of Incident: Narcotics and Firearm Arrest |
By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
Last week the FHS Alumni Board of Directors held an emergency meeting where they made the difficult decision to cancel the June 13th 2020 Alumni Dinner, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic outbreak. Without a vaccine, they are very uncomfortable bringing together a large group of people in a confined area. They will be reaching out to everyone who has prepaid for this year’s dinner and inform them of their refund options. That will probably take place within the next two to three weeks. Thank you for understanding, and continued support of the FHS Scholarship Foundation. Pictured are this year’s scholarship recipients. Mark Ortega ’79, FHS Alumni President |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
Dear Friends and Supporters, We are in the midst of difficult and unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has brought worry, uncertainty and has totally disrupted life as we knew it. The one thing that hasn’t changed is our Mission at The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Our Mission is “To enable young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” Our youth are the most vulnerable and even though they cannot physically be with us each day, we have not stopped planning for them. Our Site Directors have been using our green screen technology and creating virtual instructional and informational videos and posting them on various social media platforms for our youth. They are awesome videos and we are proud of our staff for the quality of these short presentations. Our Site Directors are now working diligently on summer programs, and know they must insert an academic curriculum that will deliver a direct impact on our youth. This will to help close the gap of the learning loss from the closure of school this Spring. We want our youth to go back to school in the Fall with resources and skills to help them achieve success. We are asking for your support and partnership. We have had to cancel or postpone fundraising events greatly reducing one of our key revenue streams. We are asking for more individual donor partnerships at this time. Thank you for your consideration and for investing in the young people of the Santa Clara Valley. We can hardly wait to open our doors and see our youth again! Please Donate Now Thank you for your continuous support! Sincerely, |
![]() Photo of the Week: (from the archives) "Ventura Harbor at Sunset" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera with Tamron 16-300mm lens @24mm. Exposure; ISO 1600, aperture f/11, 1/80 second shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
Johnny did it!
The call came at 2:30 PM one day last August. No sooner had I uttered howdy when Johnny G. blurted, "I'm ready." I was not surprised. It began when Johnny tagged along with me to the Ventura Harbor. A photographer friend, Arnold, commissioned to shoot a commercial project at the Harbor, was coming up from San Diego. I was delighted for the opportunity to reconnect with Arnold, a friend I miss. He was a great excuse to visit Ojai, his previous homestead. Arnold's photoshoot involved a commercial fishing boat recently refurbished in a nearby boatyard. The company, proud of its workmanship, and the happy captain, needed photos for a new company brochure touting the company's staff and competency. We left Arnold to do his work. Back in the Village, my photoshoot began. As in any harbor replete with ships of all stripes, it's a treasure chest of photo ops to shoot. Selectivity becomes key. Some subjects are naturally photogenic, while others are just interesting. And of course, all manner of wildlife has to be photographed-it's a law-so to speak. As we were walking along, I was photoing several subjects. Not so much for Johnny. Curious, I asked why he was taking so few photos? Let's get a drink he suggested. With two tall glasses of refreshing ice tea before us, Johnny began his tale of woe. "I notice that you take an inordinate amount of time composing a photo. I also notice that you also take several photos of the same subject using various exposures. And you vary the format, some vertical and some horizontal photos. All of which makes my iPhone inadequate. I frame the subject I'm shooting, push the button and done. It doesn't feel like I even took a photo." I empathized but Johnny did capture some interesting photos. As Johnny spoke in a subdued monotone voice, I empathized. As our discussion continued, I also learned that Johnny was developing a better understanding of photography as a creative exercise. He also began to realize that phonetography did not scratch his creative itch. The kind of creativity he saw me exercising during our walk. The phone call announcing that Johnny was 'ready' meant that he was ready to buy a camera. I suggested Johnny first outline and define his photographic intentions and desires. When finished, distill it further to its essence. The distilled list will help determine the best system to consider. It was immediately apparent that he needed more than a point and shoot. Briefly considered were all-in-one bridge cameras with dSLR's ergonomics, a superzoom lens and compact convenience. Furthermore, bridge cameras sell at bargain prices. But without the ability to change lenses, this didn't fulfill Johnny's needs either. Johnny was ready for a prosumer dSLR camera. With the category defined, he could concentrate on specifics: brand, model and price. Update. Johnny understood that one does not just buy a dSLR camera - you buy into a system: lenses and a host of accessories. Canon was his decision. No arm twisting on my part. Due in stores soon, he pre-ordered a Canon EOS Rebel T8i. He also bought a Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO, but not because it's my favorite lens. Johnny made his decisions without any persuasion on my part. Seriously! From the archives, the photo of the week is one I made at the Ventura Harbor during the photo walk described above. Pay especial attention to the tower on the building on the left. It plays a "star" role next. Happy photoing! Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 14th, 2020
There are meal bags available for students on Wednesday, April 15th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Mountain Vista only. Supplies are limited and all meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribución adicional de alimentos el miércoles 15 de abril |
By Anonymous — Sunday, April 12th, 2020
A revised meal service plan will go into effect starting on Monday, April 13. FUSD Students will be prioritized by using Student ID number/bar code on post cards that have been mailed to Fillmore student homes for meal distribution. Post cards for students living in Piru will be available for pick-up at the food distribution sites. Please bring this card with you each week to one of our 3 sites: Fillmore Middle School, Mountain Vista Elementary School, and Piru Boys and Girls Club Parking Lot from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. every Monday starting on April 13. · One weekly meal bag will be provided per student ID Number/Bar Code; meal bags cannot be obtained at any other location. Staple items are based on availability. Supplies are limited and all meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. · Children without a student ID Number/Bar Code will be served after those with an ID Number/Bar Code if meals are still available. No identification or proof of school enrollment is required. For more information, please call Child Nutrition Services at 805-524-6164. *** Un cambio de plan de servicio de comidas entrará en efecto a partir del lunes 13 de abril. Los estudiantes de FUSD serán priorizados usando el número de identificación del estudiante / código de barra en las tarjetas postales que se han enviado por correo a los hogares de estudiantes de Fillmore para la distribución de comida. Las tarjetas postales para los estudiantes que viven en Piru estarán disponibles para recoger en los sitios de distribución de comida. Por favor traiga esta tarjeta con usted cada semana a uno de nuestros 3 sitios: Fillmore Middle School, Mountain Vista Elementary School, y el estacionamiento de Piru Boys and Girls Club de 11:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. todos los lunes a partir del 13 de abril. · Se proporcionará una bolsa de comida semanal por número de identificación del estudiante/código de barras; bolsas de comida no se pueden obtener en cualquier otro lugar. Las provisiones son limitadas y todas las comidas se distribuirán en el orden de llegada. · Los niños sin un número de identificación de estudiante/código de barra serán servidos después de aquellos con un número de identificación/código de barra si las comidas todavía están disponibles. No se requiere identificación o prueba de inscripción escolar. Para obtener más información, llame a Servicios de Nutrición Infantil al 805-524-6164. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
Ventura County Public Health Officer changes position on face masks, no longer advising against wearing them in public. Instead, he supports those residents who wish to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. The face coverings should not be hospital grade at this time because there is a shortage and our health professionals need them. Masks should be homemade and cover the nose and mouth. There are numerous sites online which demonstrate or give patterns for how to make fabric masks. The Camarillo Sewing Brigade provides video instruction at the following link. Additional instruction at the following link. Fabric masks can be washed and used again. For decades, Public Health officials nationwide and locally have said that wearing a mask for protection against the flu is unnecessary for the general public. Now, Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin says circumstances have changed. “There is growing evidence that people can have COVID-19 without any symptoms and that they can pass it to others at this stage. Many people wear masks thinking it will protect them from a virus, and in certain cases it may. That may also be true for COVID-19 especially if accompanied by good hand hygiene and social distancing, but now there may be a better reason to wear a mask; it will decrease the chance of you spreading it to someone else if you have the infection asymptomatically.” This is particularly important if decreasing spread means not infecting a senior or someone with other chronic conditions. “In light of building evidence, I support those who wish to wear a mask in public. I don’t think everyone must do so, but I look upon those who do as making a responsible decision. I never thought I’d say that.” It is imperative though, that the use of masks by members of the public not contribute to the shortage of personal protective equipment needed by first responders like health care workers. If someone chooses to wear a mask in public, it should be home made, at least until there is no more shortage. “I’m not ready to wear a mask yet but I will respect those who do. It’s going to be hard for me to not start wearing one,” said Doctor Levin. “Covering your face doesn’t change the orders everyone must abide by to stay home as much as possible and maintain social distancing, but it’s an extra layer of protection that I think is reasonable to add.” The rationale for covering one’s face comes from the belief that transmission occurs primarily through droplets from an infected individual, which fabrics may filter. This not only helps to reduce the risk a well person can breathe those droplets in, but also protects others around someone with mild or no symptoms who may not yet realize they have the COVID-19 infection. Face coverings may be worn anytime a person is outside of their home, even in offices of essential businesses. “We must work together to stop the spread and save lives in our County,” said Doctor Levin. “That means that flattening the curve may benefit from another layer of protection against the virus. Consider the additional step to cover your face.” Health officials continue to stress that frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying home are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay in your place, maintain your space and cover your face. |
![]() On Saturday, March 27th John Tunis and the Band hosted their first ‘outdoor’ parking lot performance at Fillmore’s Greenfield Care Center for the residents to enjoy during these hard times. Pictured above are band members Bruce Johnson, Mal Stich, Garr Wharry, Greg Agostinelli, and John Tunis. Photos Courtesy John Tunis. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
For months John Tunis and the Band have performed once a month at the Santa Paula Senior Center, but due to the Coronavirus outbreak the center is closed to all visitors. Band member John Tunis had a thought to call Activities Director of the Greenfield Care Center Marrhias Gonzales and asked if the Band could perform live music for the residence to enjoy. The Band would set up in the parking lot and residence opened up their windows and listen as the band played Saturday morning for all to enjoy. The band plans to performs every Saturday morning going forward as long as they will allow. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
A Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy yesterday received confirmation that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This is the first known case in the county involving an employee of the sheriff’s office. The deputy, who is assigned to the Detention Services Division, began experiencing symptoms recently during his days off. He immediately quarantined himself at home pending the outcome of the test. The deputy is feeling better, and is anxious to return to work. Efforts are being made to evaluate individuals with whom the deputy had contact prior to experiencing symptoms. The sheriff’s office continues to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among its staff and inmate populations. Prepared by: Captain Eric Buschow |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
![]() Heather’s chalk art drawing is a good reminder to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Don’t forget to participate in the Fillmore Chalk Fest this Saturday, April 11th. Enlarge Photo “Lately we’ve been hearing and seeing what we CANT do due to COVID-19.... let’s focus on what we CAN do! Let’s come “together” for #FillmoreChalkFest. Join us & every member of the Fillmore community to partake in this special event. Saturday April 11th decorate your sidewalk/driveway with chalk-art, this is a fun way to come “together” while still honoring the Stay at Home Order placed on us all. Take pictures of your art work & post on social media tagging @cityoffillmore & using the hashtag #FillmoreChalkFest so we can see all of the beautiful & creative works Fillmore comes up with! If you don’t have a sidewalk or driveway to decorate, there is still time to order window chalk so you can decorate your windows at home. We hope you’ll “join us “in this fun project in celebration of the Fillmore community coming together to have some fun during these trying times! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore/photos/a.1200594716737108/193517... |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
![]() On Friday afternoon, April 3rd on Guiberson Road going towards Piru, small clouds of smoke were seen from Highway 126. Turns out it was a controlled orchard burn to clear the way for new trees. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
![]() Thank you to Mikey and Clay for making sure the seniors and compromised health customers who shop at Vons Market have their time to shop, from 7am to 9am, Monday through Friday. Courtesy Jennafer Wiebelhaus-Ramirez Facebook page. Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
The City of Fillmore is prepared to ensure continuity of government during this pandemic. Based on the guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the California Governor’s Office to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City Council meeting will be available online and broadcasted on Channel 10 and via the City’s website as described below. The Council Chambers will not be available to the public. On March 17th, Governor Newsom implemented Executive Order N-29-20, which excuses a legislative body, under the Brown Act, from providing a physical location (while social distancing requirements are mandated) for the public to observe and comment if certain conditions are met. A physical location does not need to be provided if the legislative body: 1. “[H]olds a meeting via teleconferencing and allows members of the public to observe and address the meeting telephonically or otherwise electronically;” 2. Implements a procedure for receiving and “swiftly resolving” requests for reasonable modification or accommodations from individuals with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility; 3. Gives advance notice of the public meeting and posts agendas according to the timeframes and procedures already prescribed by the Brown Act (i.e. 72 hours for regular meetings and 24 hours for special meetings); and 4. Gives notice of the means by which members of the public may observe the meeting and offer public comment, in each instance where notice or agendas are posted. If there is a change in the means by which the public may observe and comment, this requirement can be satisfied by advertising this change using “the most rapid means of communication available at the time” within the meaning of Government Code section 54954(e). This includes posting the change to the body’s website. The City of Fillmore remains committed to continuing to employ social distancing, holding online meetings, and, as a result, is requiring the public to interact with us online or via mail and phone. Accordingly, to participate in our public process for Council and Planning Commission meetings, please review the guidelines below: 1. You are strongly encouraged to observe the live stream of the City Council’s meeting by logging to our website and clicking on the link for the applicable meeting date. Please note that for streaming to take place, the meeting must be live. If you are unable to join us during the live streaming period, the recording of the video should be available the morning of the next business day on our website. 2. To make public comments, under the public comment portion of the agenda or on any agenda item, a new City Manager’s policy, the Temporary eComment Policy has been implemented. Please submit your comment to the Deputy City Clerk via email at eherrera@fillmoreca.gov . The comment period for each regular meeting agenda will begin at 4:30 p.m., the Friday before the Tuesday meeting. The comment period will close once the applicable section of the agenda has been completed at that meeting. Although eComments will be distributed to the City Council and read out loud during the “Public Comment” time of the Council meeting or at the applicable item for an item on the agenda, eComment users should not expect responses to their comments made under “Public Comment” time. 3. Personal information volunteered by the user in their eComment is treated as a public record and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law. 4. The City Manager’s Office will be responsible for the administration of eComment constituent submittals in accordance with the foregoing user policy requirements. As the Deputy City Clerk is undertaking several functions during the Council meeting, to endeavor to have your comments provided at the appropriate time, please format your eComment as follows before emailing the comment to eherrera@filmoreca.gov: • Title of email message: Public Comment Meeting Date: XX-XX-XXXX (add date of the meeting) Agenda Item XXX (identify which item) If you have any questions, please contact Erika Herrera at 805-946-1712 or email at eherrera@fillmoreca.gov. Next City Council Meeting is Scheduled for April 14th, 2020. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
![]() Groundbreaking ceremony for the Fillmore Mononrail which took place July 7th 1927. Pictured is Clarence Arrasmith, City Manager, standing. Seated L to R: Dock Wyatt (Santa Paula); Mayor W. H. Price; P. S. Coombs, VP Sespe Development Company; J. O. Groves, head engineer, Sespe Development Company; Joseph McNab, chairman of the ceremony; David J. Reese, Ed Goodenough; reporters. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum 1927 was the high point of the Roaring 20s. Lindbergh flew the Atlantic, Ford brought out its new Model A and Fillmore was going to get a Monorail – well maybe…… In May, 1927, Mr. P. S. Coombs came to town. He told city leaders he was formerly chief engineer for the city of Chicago and was now the vice-president of the Sespe Development Company, a Delaware corporation. The Sespe Development Company had determined that developing the Sespe Hot Springs area with a hotel and health spa would be a wonderful idea and to facilitate people’s travel to the hot springs, a monorail would be built. He even had a conceptual drawing of the monorail. The Chamber of Commerce agreed that this would be a wonderful idea. For many years local folks had enjoyed the hot springs and recently there had been people from Los Angeles traveling to the Sespe for “the cure.” Wasn’t there already the Hot Springs Hotel and a spa? This was a Fillmore joke, since the hotel was a shack without even an outhouse and the spa was some tarps hung on poles around one of the hot springs. Coombs was soon joined by Dr. Ernest Basher who said he represented a medical group from Los Angeles interested in developing the health spa, as well as Frank Buren, president of the Sespe Development Company and J. O. Groves, head engineer. A crew was brought in and a wagon road was blasted through to Grassy Flat where the main construction camp would be. While this was going on, W. E. Campbell, a well-known Fillmore real estate agent, was appointed to sell shares in the company to the public at $100 per share (about $1500 in today’s money). The conceptual drawing now adorned the Chamber of Commerce’s letterhead with the slogan “Home of the Monorail”. On July 16, 1927 a dedication ceremony was held chaired by John McNab. McNab was the founder of the Sespe Land and Water Company which had originally purchased the land Fillmore was on from the heirs of Thomas More. It was the Sespe Land and Water Company who had sold the land to the Southern Pacific for the depot, thus creating the town of Fillmore. P. S. Coombs gave a rousing speech about the plans for the monorail – why it might go as far as Bakersfield or even San Francisco. Those purchasing shares now would not regret it, think how much your shares in Ford would be if you had bought early! Eventually Mayor W. H. Price dug the first shovelful of dirt with a silver plated shovel and the project was officially started. Within a week, P. S. Coombs, Buren, Groves and Basher had all disappeared along with the silver plated shovel. In September, the Chamber of Commerce was reported as “wanting an inquiry as to what has become of the monorail project.” That was the last heard of the project. Fillmore had been suckered. When the old timers were asked bout the project didn’t seem to want to talk about it. If anyone finds some monorail stock certificates among their family papers, they have no value, but the Museum would love to have one for our collection. For more on Fillmore’s history, visit fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org. |
