Photo courtesy of Fillmore Towne Theatre.
Enlarge Photo

Written by Carina Montoya

The Fillmore Town Theatre will be featuring its first annual Happy Fright Film Festival on Friday, October 18, and will run comedy horror shows on Saturday, October 19.

Friday at 8:00 p.m., a special screening of George A. Romero’s 1968 iconic film, Night of the Living Dead, presented in classic 16mm print, courtesy of Record Outlet in Thousand Oaks. On Saturday, the film festival will run from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature special screenings of “Night of the Missing” starring Gigi Gustin, Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses) followed by a live cast and crew Q&A moderated by Mutant City Horror, along with a screening of award winning “Cannibal Comedian,” and a variety of horror shorts from independent film makers from around the country. There will also be stand up-comedy from Pancho Moler, and live music from psychobilly ghoul rock-band. There’s a 20% discount to the first 50 buyers. Use code HAPPYFRIGHT.

The event is made possible by Sean Haitz, Mutant City Horror, a filmmaker in Los Angeles whose genre is horror comedy. Sean said the old Filmore Town Theatre is the perfect setting to have a horror film festival.

The Fright Film Festival is a great kick off to Halloween. Come and join the horror, screams, and laughs while munching on popcorn made fresh by the theater’s new popcorn machine!

The Ventura County Garden Club announces the beginning of its 101st Season with its third meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, followed by a luncheon at noon, provided by Fillmore/Piru Co-Directors/Organizers: Jeannie Westling and Michele Smith. Following lunch will be a discussion concerning Monarch Butterflies. Bring items to share/sell at the plant table. Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. We welcome new members. For more information, email VenturaCountyGardenClub@yahoo.com, OR Facebook.com/VenturaCountyGardenClubVCGC/

Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara Long Beach

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85), a priest in the Archdioceses of Los Angeles during the time of his crimes, pled no contest to one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material. He also admitted all the charged special allegations, including that he possessed over 600 images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of prepubescent minors under the age of 12.

A member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, Martinez-Guevara was associated with several churches, including Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard.

“The defendant betrayed the law and the trust placed in him as a religious leader,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Child sexual abuse material preys on the most vulnerable members of our society, and we will continue to ensure that anyone who engages in such heinous crimes is held accountable, no matter their position or title.”

Martinez-Guevara became the focus of an investigation after dozens of reports were made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In April 2023, the Ventura County Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force (VC-CEHTTF) initiated an investigation of their own. Investigators determined Martinez-Guevara was in direct possession of over 600 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. He was arrested on September 13, 2023.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“I am grateful for the cooperation of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit,” Mr. Wise said. “I am hopeful that Mr. Martinez-Guevara's acceptance of guilt today will be the first step in healing the hurt caused by his actions.”

Martinez-Guevara is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

VC-CEHTTF is comprised of investigators and prosecutors with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and United States Attorney’s Office. The task force is committed to identifying, rescuing, and protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse through education, enforcement, and through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Case: 2023024111
Defendant Information: Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85) Long Beach
Charges pled to:

PC 311.11(a) – Possession or control of child pornography
Special Allegations:

PC 311.11(c)(1) – Aggravated possession of child pornography, containing more than 600 images
CRC 4.421(a)(10) – The crime involved a large quantity of contraband
CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable
CRC 4.421(a)(8) – The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism

Pictured above is Kevin Shaffer at the organ, 2024. You may have read the article by Carina Montoya about how the organ was brought to life by Kevin. Insert, Arundell Adobe on Pole Creek, 1895. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
Enlarge Photo

Pictured above is Edith Moore Jarrett at the organ, circa 1977. In 1971 Edith announced the new Fillmore Historical Museum had been created and was looking for items of historical significance. Inset, the front page of the Estey Organ Catalog, 1886. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

You may be tired of hearing about the playing of the “Arundell” organ but here’s one more story with some background on how the organ came to occupy space at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
What I’m relating may be a partially “urban myth” but it’s the story we’ve been told. If anyone has corrections, please let us know.

The Arundell family home was an adobe on Pole Creek. In the late 19th Century an Estey “Cottage” organ sat in the parlor of the adobe. The Cottage Organ was produced by the organ company starting in the late 1870s through the early 1900s. The company was founded in 1852 in Brattleboro, Vermont and was in business until 1962. They made all types of organs, but the “Cottage” was one of their most popular. We’ve looked through many of their catalogs from the period and haven’t found the same one illustrated in the catalogs, but there were many similar ones, and a purchaser could make modifications in the cabinets.

We aren’t sure when the Arundell family purchased their organ, but we do know several similar ones were purchased about the same time by area locals.

Fast forward 50 years or so--the family moved from the adobe. The organ weighed a lot and was difficult to move so it was left behind. In 1972, Edith Moore Jarrett put out the word that the new Fillmore Historical Museum had been created and was looking for items of historical significance.

The Arundell’s were one the first of the local families to respond and donated the organ. This is the first, if only object that if the Museum were to close, it would be returned to a member of the Arundell family. There may have been doubt in 1972 that the museum would last a few years, let alone the 50 years plus it has.

We are not sure when the Arundell family moved from the adobe on Pole Creek, but we do know the organ was left behind – perhaps no one had room for it, or perhaps no one wanted it. Organs like this were going out of fashion while Hammond B3’s were all the rage. A crew went up Pole Creek with two mules. The organ was taken in four pieces; two were loaded on each of the mules and brought into Fillmore. It was taken to the museum, which was then in the Masonic Building on Sespe and Central, and put back together. Probably the most amazing part of this is that the organ still played. We have a photo of Edith Moore Jarrett playing it (see above), but we had no record of how it sounded.
The years passed and the museum moved from the Masonic Building to the Southern Pacific depot which was by the City Fire Station on Main Street. After the 1994 earthquake the organ was moved to its current location in the Hinckley House on the museum grounds

A few weeks ago, you may have read the article by Carina Montoya about how the organ was brought to life by Kevin Shaffer who had a passion for reed organs. We are still trying figure out how we can share this more widely, but for now, here is the complete recording from Kevin that evening. https://youtube/BbEcrZHfxkk

Special thanks for Kevin and his wife, Kimberly, but also to Tony Recendez and his daughter, Andrea, for capturing all for posterity.

Courtesy
https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/866/Fillmore-Spooky-Seaso...

October has arrived, and the spooky season is officially here in Fillmore! As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, it's time to carve pumpkins, hang up decorations, and prepare for fall festivities. While we all love getting into the fall spirit, this year, let's make an effort to celebrate sustainably. From creative pumpkin recycling to reducing waste in your fall décor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this season while being eco-friendly.

For additional information regarding SB1383, please visit https://www.¬llmoreca.gov/236/Cal-Recycle One of the best-loved traditions is carving pumpkins, but what happens to them after the big night? Instead of letting them end up in a landfill, consider greener options! Once the trick-or-treaters have come and gone, you can recycle your pumpkins by composting them or placing them in your green waste bin. Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and break down naturally, enriching the soil. Just remember to remove any candles, wax, or decorations before disposal!

If you're feeling extra creative, pumpkins can be repurposed as bird feeders or planters. Carve a wider opening, fill it with seeds or soil, and let nature take over! Your leftover pumpkin could become a feast for local wildlife or a home for new plants, reducing waste while giving back to the environment.

Decorations are a key part of the spooky season, but they often generate unnecessary waste, especially when made of single-use plastic. This year, why not create your own fall decorations using natural or reusable materials? For those who love string lights, energy-efficient LED versions save electricity while still lighting up your space in a fun, eco-friendly way.

When it comes to trick-or-treating, encourage your little ghouls and goblins to carry reusable bags or buckets instead of disposable plastic ones. You can even decorate an old pillowcase for a DIY spooky treat bag! For handing out treats, consider candy with minimal packaging or small goodies like pencils, erasers, or toys that don't contribute to single-use waste.

If you're hosting a spooky party, skip the single-use plates, cups, and utensils. Instead, opt for reusable or compostable options to keep the fun going without harming the environment.

Avenue in Downtown Fillmore. This event is a perfect opportunity to showcase your eco-friendly spirit with decorated trunks, candy giveaways, and prizes. And remember, sustainability doesn't stop at decorations—let’s ensure proper disposal of treats, wrappers, and any waste.

Fillmore is a community that cares deeply about its environment, and small changes can help preserve our beautiful city. Let's all do our part this spooky season by celebrating in a way that's kind to both then planet and our neighbors.

Stay spooky, stay sustainable, and have a hauntingly fun time, Fillmore!

For additional information regarding SB1383, please visit https://www.¬llmoreca.gov/236/Cal-Recycle

A public prayer meeting open to all will take place this year on Saturday, October 12, 2024, noon to 1:30 pm. Please join us as we gather to pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet asking for peace, for the welfare of all Fillmore and Heritage Valley families, marriages, and residents! We need your prayers in these difficult times! Bring your petitions to the patio of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., and we will pray for your intentions. We will begin at noon, pray, process through Two Rivers Park once with the beautiful statue of our Blessed Virgin Mary and return to St. Francis Church where light refreshments will be provided! Come join us! For information, please contact the church secretary at (805)524-1306 or a parishioner at (805)524-9929.

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers will be selecting a Fall Harvest/ Halloween, best decorated yard from all over the community, so get your creative “juices” flowing and get those decorations put up. You can be an award winner! The yard will be selected October 12th. The winner and honorable mentions will be written up in the Gazette and “What’s Happening” site, so you can take the family out for a tour.

VENTURA COUNTY, CA (9/25/2024) - Residents living in the highest wildfire risk area in Piru, CA have received Firewise USA recognition. To celebrate this national achievement, the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council (VRFSC) is hosting a 3-Day Community Wildfire Preparedness event starting October 3 through 5 in Piru. The event offers free defensible space assistance to residents within the Firewise USA boundaries. The work includes brush clearance, vegetation removal, gutter cleaning, and other yard work. Piru residents can register now at venturafiresafe.org to reserve their spot.
Wildfires pose a risk to communities like Piru, an unincorporated town along the Santa Clara Valley just below the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest. According to the Piru Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), “the town of Piru has largely been spared from wildfire, although the surrounding hillsides have burned multiple times over and continue to pose a wildfire fuel threat to the community if appropriate precautions are not taken.”

Starting at 10am on October 3rd, crews will be dispatched to registered residences to start the yard work. Resource tables will also be set up to provide residents with emergency preparation information and last call registrations for the event. October 4th will be a continuation of the first day with more defensible space work. On October 5th, VRFSC will bring everyone back to Corazon de Piru Coffee Shop with a celebration to recognize the volunteers and invite the residents to free pizza and free plants from 10am to 2pm.

VRFSC is completing this work with the help of the Environmental Workforce collaborative, which includes the Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers (CREW), Safe Passage Youth Corps, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, Los Padres Forest Watch, Ventura County Community Foundation, and other partners like the Piru Neighborhood Council, Ventura County Resource Conservation District and the Ventura County Fire Department. Funding for this program was made possible by Edison International through the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Environmental Workforce Collaborative and from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program, through the California Fire Safe Council.

***

About Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council:

Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is a grassroots, community-led organization that mobilizes residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire, through collaborative planning, programs, mitigation and education.

Ready for delicious enchiladas? On Monday, November 4th, the Fillmore Lion’s Club will celebrate their 77th year of the Enchilada Dinner, held on the first Saturday of the month, November 2. Due to the construction of the Memorial Building, the meal will once again be served as take-out from the Fillmore High School bus drive-through (near the cafeteria) off of 1st Street. Beginning in 1947, the dinner is composed of beef enchiladas, rice, beans, salad and dessert. Tickets can be purchased from any Lion’s’ Club member or RSVP to pick up your tickets at the door by calling Scott Lee at (805)625-3346 or Stephen McKeown at (805)904-5224.

Ready for delicious enchiladas? On Monday, November 4th, the Fillmore Lion’s Club will celebrate their 77th year of the Enchilada Dinner, held on the first Saturday of the month, November 2. Due to the construction of the Memorial Building, the meal will once again be served as take-out from the Fillmore High School bus drive-through (near the cafeteria) off of 1st Street. Beginning in 1947, the dinner is composed of beef enchiladas, rice, beans, salad and dessert. Tickets can be purchased from any Lion’s’ Club member or RSVP to pick up your tickets at the door by calling Scott Lee at (805)625-3346 or Stephen McKeown at (805)904-5224.

Pictured (l-r) are Rotary President Anna Reilley, FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle, Kellsie Weis, and Dr. Isaac Huong. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Enlarge Photo

Rotary Program Chair Superintendent Christine Schieferle introduced the program on What is in Each Student’s “Educational Backpack”? Kellsie Weis and Dr. Isaac Huong explained all the new technology that the students are benefiting from. Each student k-2 received an iPad and 3-12 a laptop, charger, carrying case and Wi-Fi if they don’t have it at home. There are several programs for them to use; one is My Path with lessons to give students better skills and a test that tells teachers where they are and what they need help with. Myon Digital Library gives students the opportunity to look up books in the library, home, etc., and they can access books of their interests. Tutor.com helps students with problems in Math and Science and more. In Parsec Reel, school can ask what can they do to make the student feel safer or what are their problems? It’s a way to bring students, staff and parents together. This is a small portion of what they are doing to improve students’ education.

Community: September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California Pedestrian Safety Starts with You: Stay Alert to Protect People Walking

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads.

Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.

To promote the safety of people walking, The Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on September 30, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

Drivers
- Do not drive over the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
- Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians
- Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
- Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 MPH, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
- Make it easier for drivers to see you at night, consider wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight when practical.
- Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.
Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Location: City of Ojai
Date & Time: September 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Police Department

Prepared by: Sergeant Tom Woof
Approved by: Captain Trina Newman

Above are the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation SHIP scholarship recipients, Luz Castaneda (Fillmore), Maria Isabel Alba (Santa Paula), Juan Castro (Fillmore), Arely Garza (Santa Paula), Marcus Lopez (Fillmore) and AudriRose Riggatire (Santa Paula). Photo credit Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation.
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation
One of the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation’s most significant community contributions is their annual paid Dr. Samuel Edwards Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP). This opportunity is open to high school juniors and seniors who reside in Fillmore, Piru, or Santa Paula and who are interested in pursuing a career in the broader medical field. Some
of this year’s applicants included prospective orthodontists, biomedical engineers, OBGYN physicians, morticians, and anesthesiologists. Once interviews were complete, Luz Castaneda, Steven Marcus Lopez, Juan Castro, AudriRose Riggatire, Maria Isabel Alba, and Arely Garza De Jesus earned one of the six limited program spaces. In collaboration with the HOPE SUMMER STUDENT PROGRAM, each intern rotated between hospital and clinic settings, where they observed orthopedic operations, breast reconstructions, and cesarean sections, among other surgeries. They also learned to perform urine tests and blood samples and even practiced suturing on synthetic skin. By the closing ceremony on 8/3, all six interns were immensely grateful for the perspective altering insight they had gained. Their parents’ recalled (and recoiled from) stories their children brought home regarding the equally frightening and enthralling cases they witnessed daily. For some students, SHIP redirected intended career paths. “You don’t really choose the specialty, the specialty chooses you,” Lopez asserted regarding his change in career choice from medical professor to family physician. For others, the program reaffirmed their initial vocational paths and reinvigorated the passion they have for service. After earning their degrees, it would be a privilege to see these students return to our hospitals and clinics and pave the way forward in
medical technology. The SCVWF offers this program with the hope of developing and retaining future healthcare providers
in the Santa Clara Valley. Castaneda explained that “later on I’m going to be able to give back to my community who gave back to me when I needed it the most. I’m very thankful for that.” In order to continue this stream of future providers, community support is vital. The foundation invites you to its annual Health and Harvest Pumpkin Festival on 9/29 at the
Santa Paula Agriculture Museum from 12:00pm 4:00pm. The event will host vendors, a bake sale, pumpkin decorating crafts, a live mariachi, health education, and more. They hope to both earns donations for the 2025 SHIP program and promote a sense of community among Santa Clara Valley residents.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/FillmoreHighSchoolAlumniAssociation

Get ready Fillmore! Fillmore High will be hosting their annual Blue & White Night in celebration of Flashes Homecoming Parade on Thursday, September 19 from 4pm to 9pm in Downtown Fillmore. Congratulations to Fillmore Business owner, (Ameci Pizza & Pasta) and full-time Fillmore resident Mr. Erik Landis. Erik was chosen by the ASB to be the 2024 FHS Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall. Eric has donated many boxes of his amazing pizza throughout the Fillmore unified school district. Especially at Fillmore High School. All the students love him and they love Amici pizza Fillmore. Congratulations Eric.

The Fillmore High Homecoming Parade starts at 6 pm sharp on the corner of Second Street and Central Avenue. Come on in to town and enjoy one of FILLMORE‘s longtime traditions. Food vendors and music will also be there for all to enjoy as well as a Classic Car Show. The game will take place Friday, September 20th against Chatsworth High School. JV 4pm Varsity 7pm.

Pictured (l-r) are Rotary President Anna Reilley, Fillmore Middle School Principal Jenny Plugge and Assistant Principal Jan-Erik Sand. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Enlarge Photo

The Rotary Club enjoyed hearing from Fillmore Middle School Principal Jenny Plugge and Assistant Principal Jan-Erik Sand. Plugge grew up in Bakersfield, taught math for many years and has two children. Sand grew up in Thousand Oaks and has lived in Fillmore for 12 years and taught in Santa Paula. The Collective Community developed the school motto that Each Person Feels Valued and Successful. They are bringing all the teachers together on one wavelength and goals so they can all work together for the students. Meanwhile, they are keeping the parents involved. Recently they had an iReady reading reward for all students on campus. Students who maintained or increased their iReady reading level received a cool Popsicle treat at break. They had 576 students receive the reward which is 70% of the student’s population. The students are excited and working to get the award next time. Something new this year is sports, boys and girls Flag Football and Cross Country. Great things are happening at Fillmore Middle School!

County of Ventura, California. – The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 15-21.

“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Captain Steve Jenkins said. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to take a few minutes to double-check their child’s car seat. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused. Properly installed car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury crashes by 71% for infants under a year old and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 through 4.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Children under the age of 8 may not ride in the front seat unless the vehicle is not equipped with a rear, forward-facing seat. Children 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be wearing a properly fitted safety belt.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.
To schedule a free child safety seat inspection, contact your local CHP Area Office.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Nature of Incident: Child Passenger Safety Week Highlights Importance of Making Sure Your Child is in the Right Seat
Location: Ventura County
Date & Time: September 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Office

Prepared by: Sergeant Daniel Gonzales
Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren