FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City of Fillmore

FILLMORE, CALIF-ORNIA – May 1, 2025– The City of Fillmore Fire Department is urging property owners within city limits to
act quickly in removing hazardous dry grass, brush, and weeds from their properties in anticipation of an earlier and
potentially more severe fire season.

Due to early winter rains followed by several weeks of hot, dry weather, fire conditions are developing sooner than usual.
Historically, the deadline for weed abatement has been June 1st, and formal notices will be mailed in the coming weeks.
However, Fire Chief D. Keith Gurrola is encouraging residents not to wait.

“We’re asking all property owners to clear their dry weeds as soon as possible,” said Chief Gurrola. “The combination of wet
winters and early heat has created ideal conditions for fire spread.”

In addition to general weed abatement, the department is asking property owners to pay close attention to palm trees on
their property. Dry palm fronds—whether on the tree or on the ground cause a serious fire hazard. Property owners are
encouraged to seek professional guidance on removing large accumulations of dry fronds safely.

To assist with disposal efforts, the Fire Department will host a free Community Hazardous Yard Waste Disposal Event on
Saturday, May 24th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Road. Only organic vegetation will be accepted—
no trash, metal, or other debris.

Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Community Contact:

Name: Keith Gurrola

Title: Fillmore Fire Chief

Phone: (805) 524-3701

Email: keithg@fillmoreca.gov

Ventura County, California – The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe. With the arrival of warmer weather, more people are biking for commuting, exercise, or recreation, making it essential for all people to look out for one another and save lives.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022,
and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured.

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,”
Deputy Joe Nanez said. “Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on
our roads.”

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will conduct traffic safety operations
throughout the month focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making
illegal turns, failure to yield right of way and stop sign/red light running.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

- Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.

- Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.

- Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a
lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.

- Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

- Use lights at night.

- Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the
chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.

- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

- Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at

intersections.

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

Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann

News Release Date: May 2, 2025

Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren

Ventura County, California. –the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly
by planning ahead and designating a sober driver.

On May 5, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will have additional officers on patrol 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. looking for drivers
suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Don’t put yourself and others on the road at risk by driving impaired,” Deputy Tyler Brown said. “If you’re planning to
celebrate with a drink or two, leave your keys at home and designate a sober driver.”

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause
impairment. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see
someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1

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

Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann

News Release

Date: April 28th, 2025

Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren

On Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th will be the 2025 Fillmore Flower Show at the Fillmore Active Adult Center a free a event for all ages. Read article for full details. Photo credit Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee

The Fillmore Flower Show is this weekend, April 26th and 27th. Don’t miss it! What beautiful weather. The hills are splashed with color. As you drive around Fillmore (or walk), so many yards are bursting with color. Share those blooms with your neighbors. Bring them to the lower show.

The theme is, “Fillmore Spirit in Bloom”. What does that mean to you? Say it with flowers, plants, dish gardens, bouquets or arrangements.

To enter something in the flower show, bring it to 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore between 7:30 and 10 a.m. Saturday morning, April 26th. Judging will begin soon after 10. All entries are FREE. The lovely entries can be viewed by the public between 1:00 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You won’t want to miss it.

In addition, there will be live music, cookies, plant sale, youth compositions and art.
All gardeners welcome regardless of age. For full instructions go to fillmoreflowershow.org.

Posted on: April 21, 2025, courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=216

April is Earth Month, and here in Fillmore, it’s a chance for all of us to come together and take simple steps toward a cleaner, greener future.

Whether you’re sorting your food scraps into the right bin, joining us at our Earth Day event, or safely getting rid of household waste, every action makes a difference.
This month, let’s celebrate Earth Day not just as a holiday—but as a chance to create real, positive change.

Want to learn more? Check out this helpful article (funded by CalRecycle) for tips, local programs, and ways we can all make an impact together!

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Fillmore Recycles - Earth Month in Fillmore article below:

April is Earth Month, and in Fillmore, it’s a time to come together as a community and take action toward a cleaner, greener future. Whether you’re sorting your food waste into the correct bin, attending the Earth Day event, or safely disposing of house- hold items, every step we take helps protect the environment we all share.

This month, we invite you to join us in recognizing Earth Day not just as a celebration—but as an opportunity for real, positive change. Through education, local programs, and collective effort, Fillmore continues to make sustainability a priority year-round.
Earth Day Celebration – Saturday, April 26 at Central Plaza, 250 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join us for Fillmore’s annual Earth Day celebration - a free, family-friendly event with vendor booths, recycling education, giveaways, and partner agencies from across Ventura County. Learn how to reduce waste, protect our natural resources, and get involved in local efforts to make Fillmore more sustainable. There’s something for everyone—from composting tips and green business programs to fun activities for the kids.

SB 1383: Fillmore’s Role in a Greener California
Under California’s SB 1383, cities are required to reduce organic waste and recover edible food that would other- wise be thrown away. Fillmore is proud to be making great progress in both areas.

Edible Food Recovery Update:
In 2024 alone, Fillmore helped recover an impressive 159,403 pounds—that’s nearly 80 tons—of edible food from going to waste. This included 61,617 pounds in the spring and 97,786 pounds in the fall, all of which was safely redirected to feed people in need rather than filling up our landfills. These efforts not only support community health but also reduce methane emissions and help combat climate change.

What You Can Do:

Residents can support SB 1383 by:
Putting food scraps, soiled paper, in a bag in the green bin
Using the blue bin for recyclables
Only placing non-recyclables in the black bin
These small actions at home help create nutrient-rich compost and reduce harmful emissions.

Bulky Item Pickup: Old furniture and appliances? Schedule a free pickup (up to two per year for residents).
E.J. Harrison & Sons 805-647-1414 or 800-41-TRASH

Hazardous Waste Disposal: Paint, chemicals, and batteries should never go in your regular trash. Visit fillmore- ca.gov for safe drop-off options.

Growers: Pesticide Container Recycling Event – April 29
Freedom Park, 275 E. Pleasant Valley Rd., Camarillo
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Appointments required:

Camarillo: 805-388-4222
Santa Paula: 805-933-2926

This free event is an opportunity for growers to dispose of empty pesticide containers responsibly. For prep guidelines and accepted materials, visit interstateagplastics.com.

Let’s make Earth Month a time to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to sustainability—because every action matters. Whether you’re learning something new, joining our celebration on April 27, or simply making sure your food waste goes in the green bin, you’re helping to shape a healthier Fillmore for all.

Happy Earth Month, Fillmore!

For additional information about SB 1383, food recovery, bulky item disposal, and more, please visit: www.fillmoreca.gov/236/Cal-Recycle

Supervisor Kelly Long Presents: On Monday, April 21, at 6pm. Please join us for three engaging and informative presentations covering the new Cal-Fire Hazard Severity Maps, wildfire home hardening and defensible space strategies, and an in-depth update on the California insurance market—including current rates, coverage options, claims processes, the FAIR Plan, and more.

PRESENTERS

Ventura County Fire Department, Joe Morelli, Fire Marshal

Ventura Fire Safe Council, Stephon Watson, Executive Director

California Department of Insurance, Rob Obedoza, Outreach Coordinator

More Information Visit www.Ventura.org/Kellylong

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89836071596?pwd=DIgTA2tw9xopBEuarfmK9tbes02p.1

Tim Flynn, our speaker, was a former Oxnard mayor and council member and now a high school teacher. He said he loves Interact Clubs. Forty years ago he won a Rotary scholarship and was able to study in West Germany. He had many adventures. He and his friend were allowed to tour and when they were in Berlin they attended a Parliament Session which was interesting. When they were in Bonn they attended a Rotary meeting and were asked what they had seen, especially about the Berlin Wall. They told the group that the Wall would last about 10 more years and of course it was finally taken down. Tim has taken 10 groups of students there to show them how it looks now. They visited Checkpoint Charlie, that is now a museum. He has personally been back 21 times and is always an Ambassador of Goodwill.

By Jan Lee

Not much time left before the Fillmore Flower Show. Read the signs around town. Some of the signs give you the where and when
of the flower show. Other signs are the many beautiful plants and bushes blooming all over town telling you spring is here and

that means it’s time for the Flower Show. April 26 and 27 are the dates.

Why plan to enter and/or visit the Flower Show? In addition to the many flowers, dish gardens, potted plants, bouquets and
arrangements there will be live music, goodies to eat, a plant boutique and some lovely garden accessories you may want to get
for your own garden. Barry Cooper will be playing his guitar again this year. Such a treat! Also, you will hear the amazing
Rachel Wodcinski on the piano. How can you not be there?

Just to remind everybody, the Flower Show theme is “Fillmore Spirit In Bloom”. People of all ages can bring something to
exhibit FOR FREE. Bring them to 533 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore on Saturday morning between 7:30 and 10 a.m. The Flower Show
is open for FREE public viewing Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1-4:00 p.m. We encourage our youth to enter some of the
special categories created just for them.

See you there! For complete information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org

Ventura County, CA—In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Ventura County Sheriff’s
Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether
checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

“Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,” Sergeant Matthew Ogonowski said. “Distracted Driving
Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of in attention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to
serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert and help us keep our
roads safe.”

According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey,, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted
driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving
traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able
to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of
the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle,

even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving
is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the
same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

• Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.

• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.

• Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.

• Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.

• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.

• Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.

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

Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann

News Release Date: April 7, 2025

Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren

Ventura County Garden Club's May 7, 2025, meeting.
"Hope to see you all on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, for our tour of the Australian Native Plants Nursery and Gardens. The tour begins at 10:00 am at 9040 N. Ventura Avenue, in Casitas Springs, followed by BYOL at Foster Park. Oganizer, Vice President, Kathleen Cressy. We welcome new members. For more information, email VenturaCountyGardenClub@yahoo.com, OR Facebook.com/VenturaCountyGardenClubVCGC/"

At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting President Anna Reilley presented speaker Martin Erickson with a Rotary mug. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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The Rotary speaker last week was Martin Erickson, Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission. The Commission is made up of 17 members, all of the Supervisors, Mayors of each city and two others. Along with the support of other partners across the county, they keep transportation moving. Some of their responsibilities are Ride Share, Valley Express, and Dial A Ride. They are always trying to stay relevant in Ventura County. When the landslide occurred on State Route 150 between Santa Paula and Ojai, they launched an emergency shuttle to help residents travel between the two cities. They now have a route from Fillmore to Moorpark which provides service not only to Moorpark College, Metrolink Station, and Moorpark Marketplace but also to 8 other bus lines and Amtrak.

Don’t miss out on the Fillmore Flower Show, April 26th and 27th, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center. Above is a bouquet arrangement from a previous flower show. Photo credit Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee
The Fillmore Flower Show is just around the corner, April 26th and 27th, 2025. We hope many gardeners of every age will decide to exhibit something or at the very least come to the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, to view the many beautiful displays. There will also be live music, a plant sale and some treats to eat. Entries are accepted Saturday morning between 7:30am and 10am in the morning. Public viewing is 1pm - 4pm in the afternoon both Saturday and Sunday. All entries are FREE. Mark you calendar and plan to come.

Two categories in the competitive divisions are bouquets and arrangements. What is the difference? Bouquets are defined as: In a single vase, provided by the exhibitor, cut stem or stems of the same flower variety, or mixed colors or type of variety, but with no filler material— no size limit. Arrangements are: Flower displays up to 20 inches by 20inches with containers provided by exhibitor that may include items appropriate to the scene. Remember, the theme is “Fillmore Spirit in Bloom”.

Judges will take into consideration how your arrangement expresses the theme. In past years there have been some extraordinary arrangements and bouquets. What will you bring this year? For complete rules and information see: fillmoreflowershow.org.