By Linda Nunez

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected, Verna Tipton’s yard at 846 Wileman St., to receive the May “Yard of the Month” award. After I introduced myself, the first comment that Verna made was, “I wondered when we would get noticed!”
Verna gives all the credit for the beautiful yard to her son, Justin Tipton, who designed, organized, decorated & maintains the yard. And she showed me the backyard, which is just as beautifully landscaped!

The yard has a welcoming, flagstone path that leads to the door. It is bordered by Mexican sage & purple Lantana. Focal points on each side of the path are Variegated Century plant on one side & Blue Agave on the other, with Golden Charm Cypress behind the Agave. Lantana appears in groups of yellow, purple & white with geraniums in pink & orange contrasting with burgundy flax near a wooden well. Small Sespe Brownstone boulders, blue grey bunches of Fescue or Festuca, a rose & various succulents fill in spaces. Near the house are Ficus plants, deep purple Pelargoniums, Rock Rose & Azaleas in planters.

Verna said her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Rollo, purchased the home in 1964 & “raised 6 kids” there. After they passed, Verna purchased the home from her siblings & moved from Oxnard in 2009.

She has never been out to Otto & Sons Nursery, so she will be in for a lovely experience!
Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this program since it started, by providing the gift cards.

Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Rotarian Martha Richardson (RYLA Coordinator), and rotary guest speakers Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez.
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The Rotary Club of Fillmore sent four students to RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, in Ojai, April 11-14. The students who attended were Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez. There were 230 students in attendance, and they were divided into groups with all new people. The girls said it was intimidating at first, but by the end they had all new friends. They were put in many situations that forced them out of their comfort zone, such as the ropes course in the rain, but the result was more new friends and skills and ideas that they will take into the future. They also talked about the terrific speakers who totally changed their perspective on things and one who really opened their eyes to all the challenges people may be facing that you don’t even realize. They all agreed that RYLA camp changed their lives, and the experience will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Pictured is the J. P. Hinckley House, c 1920, Ventura Street, built prior to World War 1, on the southeast corner of Ventura St. and Central Avenue. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Above is the Harry Gage Home, c 2018, which was located in Bardsdale and wasn’t too badly damaged after the St. Franics Dam disaster but was moved to a new location. More photos online at www.FillmoreGazette.com. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is the Dr. Ira Hinckley House, 2021, moved from its original location at 423 1st Street to the Fillmore Historical Museum on Main Street. See more photos on page 9.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Fillmore has a number of mobile homes. We aren’t talking about the type found in El Dorado (although some may make this definition). We are talking about homes (and other buildings) which were built at one location but were moved in or around Fillmore.

We have told the story of Trinity Episcopal which was built as a private chapel for Mrs. Mary Bard in Hueneme but later moved to its present location at 2nd and Saratoga. It may not be the building which was moved the farthest distance. It is told (but we have not been able to independently verify) that the John McNab home at 411 1st Street was actually built on Catalina Island and later moved to its present location.

One of the earliest buildings moved was a small building originally built by Frank Sprague as a school house located near the mouth of the Sespe. In 1879 the little school was moved to the east bank of the Sespe just a little north of today’s railroad bridge where it served as both church and school. The old school building was moved once again in late 1888 from the east bank of the Sespe to a location two lots south of Sespe St. on the east side of Central Ave where it served the Fillmore School District as an office.

In 1890, Dr. John Hinckley bought the old school building that Sprague built and moved it across Central Ave. to a lot on the northwest corner of Sespe and Central. He remodeled it, added a room, and used it as his office and Fillmore’s first drug store. He later sold the building to Owen Miller who turned it into a restaurant.
Herky Villaseñor used the old school building briefly in the 1930s until he moved his tamale factory to Main and Clay St. In 1936, Mr. O.M Topley took over the restaurant intending to open a beer parlor but in May, 1936 the building was destroyed by fire.

Homes owned by the Hinckley family seem to move around, but only after the Hinckley’s had vacated them. Prior to World War 1, Dr. John P. Hinckley built a home on the southeast corner of Ventura St. and Central Avenue. November 7, 1947, saw this headline in the Fillmore Herald, “50 Ton Building Moved Through Center of City.” The two-story building was moved up Central Avenue to the end of Central Avenue where it now resides. The hardest part of the move was getting it safely over the railroad tracks. Another Hinckley “mobile home” is the 1905 bungalow once owned by Dr. Ira Hinckley that was moved in 1994 from its original location at 423 1st street to the Fillmore Historical Museum on Main Street.

Most of the early businesses were on Main Street. But frequent fires destroyed most of Main Street due to the combination of wood buildings, east wind and oil lamps. Central Avenue had been residential, but now became the main business area with masonry buildings. Central Avenue had several homes built on it, including one built in 1895 by Joseph and Mahala Stone where Central Market is now located. By 1910, Mr. Stone had passed away and Central had become the commercial center of town. Mrs. Stone decided to move, but take the house with her. It was moved to 561 Mountain View. Members of the Stone/Morey family lived there until Al Morey (Mahala’s grandson) died in the 1960s.

Shortly after the Southern Pacific built the Depot, they also built a “section house” which would house railroad workers and supplies. This house was moved, we believe to the eastern end of Main Street.

After the St. Francis Dam disaster several homes in Bardsdale such as the Gage House which weren’t badly damaged were moved to new locations which would be out of the way of the next flood.

There is a story we have heard but haven’t been able to document. This would have happened when people knew a flood was coming, such as 1914 or 1938. Supposedly a family was out of town. When neighbors realized their house was in the path of the flood, they moved it to higher ground. When the family returned they were quite surprised to find the house in new location. If anyone can prove this, please let us know.

The Fillmore Refinery had several homes within its boundaries. When the refinery was closed these homes were moved to 3rd Street or elsewhere in the city. If you happen to know where one ended up, again, please let us know.

Bardsdale UMC invites children K – 5TH Camp Firelight Vacation Bible Study (VBS) where they will be on a Summer Camp adventure with God! This includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that will show children they can trust God all the time!

The adventure runs from June 24 through June 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Bardsdale United Methodist Church, 1498 Bardsdale Ave. Learn more about Camp Firelight VBS by calling Cristina Ramos at (805) 524-2070.

Giant Yard Sale
Everything must go!
Furniture, tools, patio sets,
kayak and much, much more.
Super sale: shopping plastic bags of clothing for $5.00 fill them up.
419 2nd St, Fillmore @8:30am till noon
Only Friday, May 3rd and May 10th. (5/9)

Moving Sale
Swamp Cooler/Evaporative Cooler.
1 year old, Paid $1,400. Selling for $800.
Call 805-524-2830. (5/9)

Giant Yard Sale
Everything must go!
Furniture, tools, patio sets,
kayak and much, much more.
Super sale: shopping plastic bags of clothing for $5.00 fill them up.
419 2nd St, Fillmore @8:30am till noon
Only Friday, May 3rd and May 10th. (5/9)

Moving Sale
Swamp Cooler/Evaporative Cooler.
1 year old, Paid $1,400. Selling for $800.
Call 805-524-2830. (5/9)

Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long was the Fillmore Rotary speaker last week. She gave an overview of the county, which contains 850,000 people. We have diversified employment with Agriculture and the Navy base being the largest ones. We have transportation, Metrolink and buses to help citizens to get where they need to go. We have two hospitals, as well as mental health and wellness facilities. The goal is to make sure everyone has access to what is needed. Kelly is on many boards in the county, helping to keep her informed on what is happening in all areas and how they can work together.

The Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council has received a grant to dispose of flammable vegetation in residential neighborhoods that are adjacent to wildland areas. This grant is being applied to all residents who reside in Fillmore. All residents who live within three hundred yards of a wildland area are especially encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity.

On Saturday May 11th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, all residents in the City may haul any tree/brush trimmings direct to the Fillmore City Well #4 location at 728 Goodenough Rd. for free disposal. Any ornamental vegetation and cut grass/weeds will also be accepted if it is free of any dirt, metal, plastic, or other trash.

Residents are especially encouraged to have professional tree trimmers, trim up palm trees, of all dead palm fronds as these can be especially hazardous when caught on fire. All palm fronds will accepted.

Any questions may be directed to the Fillmore Fire Chief at 524-1500 xt 226.

The Award’s Night for the Fillmore Young Writers Contest has been moved from May 2nd to May 9th. They will be honoring 63 students that night in recognition of their stories, poems, and artwork which will be submitted for the contest.

Bardsdale UMC invites children K – 5TH Camp Firelight Vacation Bible Study (VBS) where they will be on a Summer Camp adventure with God! This includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that will show children they can trust God all the time!

The adventure runs from June 24 through June 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Bardsdale United Methodist Church, 1498 Bardsdale Ave. Learn more about Camp Firelight VBS by calling Cristina Ramos at (805) 524-2070.

(Ventura County, CA) – The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Fillmore Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org
Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential.

From: Lysa Urban
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:00 PM
Subject: First 5 Ventura County media release 4.16.2024; Families Invited to Take 5 and Read to Kids! Campaign Kick-off May 3rd

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Description automatically generated

For Immediate Release
Date: April 16, 2024
Contact: Lysa Urban, First 5 Ventura County
Phone: 805-648-9990
Email: Lurban@first5ventura.org
Photo opportunities available

Families Invited to Take 5 and Read to Kids! Campaign Kick-off May 3rd
First 5 Ventura County to Host Free Events Countywide with Local Celebrity Readers

(Ventura County, CA) – The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Rio Plaza Elementary (NfL classroom), 3300 Cortez St., Oxnard, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
Ruben Castro Center (NfL classroom), 612 B. Spring St. Suite 401, Moorpark, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
Sheridan Way Elementary (NfL classroom), 573 Sheridan Way, Ventura, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
E.P. Foster Library on Monday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m.
Fillmore Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
Hill Road Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
Ojai Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org
Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential.

The Fillmore Investigations Bureau would like to educate the community and remind them to be alert to ongoing financial scams that attempt to solicit funds from unsuspecting victims. Millions of elderly Americans are targeted by criminals each year with a variety of financial fraud and/or confidence schemes. It is common for criminals to impersonate family members, government agencies, technical support professionals, banking institutions, and others to steal money and information. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Elder Fraud Report, the following are the most common types of fraud scams affecting victims over 60 years old:

Tech / Customer Support and Government Impersonation Scams
Tech / Customer Support derive from call centers that are often located outside of the United States. These call centers overwhelmingly target the elderly and are responsible for defrauding thousands of victims each year. Scammers will often exploit the victim’s naivety with technology and online banking to manufacture deceitful circumstances of outstanding debt or payment discrepancy requiring immediate corrective measures. Government impersonations can be perpetrated in a variety of ways, from a missed or overdue jury summons, outstanding and unpaid tickets, or false claims of a family member being in severe trouble with law enforcement. The scammers will demand monetary compensation in exchange for resolving the situation. The effects of these scams are devastating, with victims being coerced into providing large sums of money to remedy the issue.

Investment Scams
Trust-based investment scams often exploit the good-natured and trusting characteristics of the elderly to establish a rapport with the victims prior to offering low-risk investments with guaranteed returns. Victims are pressured to invest as much money as possible into the fraudulent scheme, oftentimes being enticed to access and deplete saving accounts, retirement accounts, and/or the equity of their home. Reporting data indicates victims over 60 years old are devastatingly impacted, as they are typically on a fixed, limited income and often lose their entire life savings.

Lottery / Sweepstakes / Inheritance Scams
The functionality of lottery / sweepstakes scams and inheritance scams are very similarly to one another, with the initial contact often being a call, email, social media notification, or a piece of mail notifying the victim of winning a big contest, lottery, or sweepstakes the victims did not enter, or as being the recipient of a large inheritance from a distant relative. In order to receive the proceeds of either the contest winnings or inheritance, the victim is instructed they are required to pay upfront fees and/or taxes. Depending on the susceptibility of the victim, the scammers can prolong the scam and demand additional payment for months or even years, with the promise of the prize or inheritance being contingent on the additional payments.

Romance / Confidence / Extortion Scams
Exploiting the victim’s confidence and affection, scammers will adopt a fake online personality and use their expertise in forming false emotional connections, giving the illusion of being caring, believable, and genuine. Once rapport is established with the victim, the scammer will use their romantic or close relationship to influence and manipulate the victim into providing them with money or other assets. Scammers will often select a cover story, such as being in the military or employment in a trades-based industry, which would restrict their ability to meet the victim in person. This strategy also strengthens the plausibility of circumstances surrounding the scammers request for money to be sent overseas. Another strategy associated with this scam is to extort the victim for monetary gain by threatening the release of sensitive data, such as sexually explicit photographs or reputationally damaging communications.

Tips for Protection
Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
Never give unknown, unverified persons remote access to devices or accounts.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
Government or law enforcement officials will not demand payment by cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or overnight mailed cash, nor contact a subject by phone to notify that they are under investigation.
Legitimate customer, security, or tech support companies will not initiate unsolicited contact with individuals, nor demand immediate payment or require payment via prepaid cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or mailed cash.
Legitimate lotteries and beneficiaries do not need to pay upfront taxes and fees to claim a prize or inheritance. Playing foreign lotteries in any form is a violation of federal law.
Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you do not know and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account.
Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.
Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls. Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.

If you receive a suspected scam call, we recommend citizens hang up, block the number (if possible), and do not send the scammers any money. If you are unsure or concerned you may be involved in a scam, you can contact the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2235. If you are a victim of a scam, please contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch non-emergency number at 805-654-9511 to make a report. You can also file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.ic3.gov.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: April 22nd, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Pictured is a Fillmore firefighter surveying the fields during a previous weed abatement event. Photo courtesy Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola.
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All properties located within the city limits of Fillmore are due for abatement of hazardous dry grass/brush/weeds that could carry and sustain a fire capable of threatening residents and their homes or other property.

The large amount of rainfall received this past winter combined with several weeks of hot dry weather has created a dryer and earlier than normal potential fire season. Historically our residents have been noticed to have their dry weeds cleared by June 1 of each year. Property owners are again noticed to have the weeds cleared before June 1st, but the Fillmore Fire Department is asking that all property owners try to clear all weeds as soon as possible.

In addition to the annual weed clearance, the Fire Department is asking all property owners to pay special attention to any palm trees that they may have on their property. Dry palm fronds on the tree or on the ground are very hazardous when caught on fire. Every attempt should be made to keep palm trees free from dry fronds. If you have a palm tree with a large accumulation of dry palm fronds, advice should be sought on the best method of removal.

To help facilitate weed and brush disposal, your Fillmore Fire Department has teamed up with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, to offer up a free Community Hazardous Yard Waste Disposal event to be held on Saturday May 11th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Rd. Only vegetation will be accepted, no trash, metal, or other debris. This is a great opportunity for free disposal of any tree trimmings or any other vegetation. Clean up your yards of overgrown vegetation and have avoid dumping fees.

Dear residents of Fillmore,

We have recently become aware of a concerning issue regarding residents receiving false visits from individuals claiming to be from the City of Fillmore. These individuals have been falsely asserting that the water is contaminated and urging residents to purchase water filters from them. Here are the facts: **Unauthorized Visits:** The City of Fillmore has not authorized any individuals to conduct water tests inside residents’ homes. If anyone approaches you claiming to be from the City and asks to test your water, please do not allow them access and report the incident to us immediately by calling: (805) 524-2233. **False Claims:** Contrary to what these individuals are saying, our water is not contaminated, and there is no need to purchase bottled water or filters. It is safe to drink, cook with, wash clothes, and shower in. **Transparency:** We maintain transparency regarding our water quality, and the latest water quality report is available on the City’s website for your reference. Link to reports: https://www.fillmoreca.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=40 Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are actively working with law enforcement to address this issue. If you encounter anyone making false claims about our water quality or falsely representing themselves as City officials, please contact us by calling: (805) 524-2233. Thank you for your cooperation and vigilance in safeguarding our community’s integrity.
- Fillmore Police Department

The California Highway Patrol is introducing a new system that will make it easier for motorists to obtain a digital copy of their crash report.

The agency took to social media on Monday to post about its new Online Crash Portal (CHP | Crash Report Search (ca.gov) that will be free of charge.

“Just another way to improve the service we provide to the communities we serve,” the CHP posted on Instagram along with a short instructional video.

Motorists involved in a collision will be given a crash card with a QR code that can later be scanned to find detailed information about the incident.

The information can also be obtained by registering and logging into the http://crashes.chp.ca.gov website.
Website users can then enter the information found on the crash card and search for their report.
Crash reports are typically available within eight business days of the incident, according to the CHP.