On Monday, September 2, 2024, Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers selected the winners of the September “Yard of the Month”, Tom and Melody Micarelli, pictured above in their award-winning yard. Photo credit By Linda Nunes.
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By Linda Nunes

On Monday, September 2, 2024, Fillmore Civic Pride Volunteers selected Tom and Melody Micarelli’s yard, at 1014 First Street, to receive the September “Yard of the Month” award.
Melody said they moved into the home in 1994, which had only grass and a tree in front, and grass and weeds in the backyard. They raised their boys, Stephen and Travis there, gradually adding a few succulents and roses, such as “Betty Boop” and a yellow rose, “Eternal Flame” from Otto & Sons Nursery, as a memorial to her mother.

After painting their home in a lighter tone, they realized they were ready to do a major landscaping project in both front and backyard. In January 2024, they hired contractor, Victor Martinez of Tri-County Turf, and landscape architect, Greg Ray, asking them to incorporate their existing plants in a Xeriscape design out front. They finished in three months!
Victor put in a new driveway and Tom, who owns Tom’s Mobil Welding, in partnership with son, Stephen, built the bridge over a dry stream bed that drains water from the yard.

The yard is designed for low maintenance with weed barrier cloth, covered by rock and a hidden watering system.
Focal point trees are Toyon Berry with seasonal red berries and Palo Verde with yellow blooms. Artfully arranged around the yard are Red Yucca, Crassula varieties, several Flax varieties, purple Verbena, Jade varieties, Salvias, low growing roses, and ornamental grasses with Elephant Ears, Geraniums, Princess Flower and Azaleas near the house.

A peek into the backyard shows Tom’s amazing expertise in creating a steel welded patio cover with built-in BBQ and hanging table, a boulder surrounded firepit, vegetable planters and even a sand area with toys for their 3-year-old grandson, Wyatt!
Melody and Tom were very pleased to be selected and will enjoy using their gift card award. We appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for making this award possible over all these years!

We are expecting temperatures to reach triple digits for the next few days. The City of Fillmore cooling center will be open at the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara St, Fillmore, CA 93015. The Center will be open today, September 4th, 2024, from noon to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please stay connected for updates on the hours of operations for this weekend. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.

County of Ventura, California. – 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 24, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 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 speed, 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

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

Narrative:

On August 29, 2024, at approximately 1:07 PM, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies from the Headquarters Patrol Station responded to a call for service of a subject with a stab wound in the intersection of Rice Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard, in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. Upon arrival, deputies located a 33-year-old male suffering from a stab wound, who was identified as Ricardo Juarez. The suspect was identified as 42-year-old, Alvin Otis Johnson from the city of Camarillo.

Investigators discovered Johnson, and the victim were acquainted and were travelling together in the same vehicle when the stabbing occurred. Following the stabbing, the victim exited the vehicle while Johnson fled the scene, using the victim’s vehicle to get away. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated a search for the suspect and the vehicle involved. Multiple investigative and patrol resources, including aircraft were deployed.

At approximately 5:08 PM, Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon at a residence in the 3400 block of Huerta Court in the city of Camarillo. Simultaneously, an adult male victim arrived at the Camarillo Police Station, reporting he had been assaulted at the same residence and sustained injuries. Upon arrival at the Huerta Court residence, deputies encountered Johnson, who was armed with a handgun. Johnson was taken into custody without incident.

Deputies then entered the residence on Huerta Court and discovered a 75-year-old female with severe head trauma, who was identified as Marilyn Gallagher. Deputies immediately began performing life saving measures. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Deputies discovered an additional adult male victim at the residence who sustained non-life threating injuries. Investigators learned Johnson was an acquaintance of the individuals who were present at the residence during the assault.

Johnson was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, for two counts of 187 PC – Murder, two counts of 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder, 246.3 PC – Negligent discharge of a firearm, 207 PC – Kidnapping, 236 PC – False imprisonment, 29800 PC – Addict in possession of a firearm.
Johnson’s bail is currently set at $ 2,000,000 and his arraignment is scheduled for September 3rd, 2024, at 1:30 PM, in Ventura County Superior Court, Room #13.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kathryn Torres at 805-384-4740.

Nature of Incident: Double Homicide Investigation
Report Number: 24-108977 / 24-109093
Location: Rice Avenue & Channel Island Boulevard; Oxnard, CA
3400 Block of Huerta Court, Camarillo, CA

Date & Time: 8/29/24 at 1:07 PM
8/29/24 at 5:08 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Investigations, Camarillo Patrol, West County Patrol, West County Special Enforcement Unit, East County Major Crimes Unit, Fillmore Investigations, Technical Surveillance Unit, Aviation Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
City of Residence Age

(S) Alvin Otis Johnson Camarillo 42
(D) Ricardo Juarez Camarillo 33
(D) Marilyn Gallagher Camarillo 75
(V) Adult Male Camarillo 51
(V) Adult Male Camarillo 47

Prepared by: Sergeant Gabriel Gonzales #4368
Approved by: Captain Dean Worthy

Fillmore Gazette stock photo.
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All items passed 4-0, except 9D ad 9E which were discussion items only.

1. NEW BUSINESS

CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATES AS REQUIRED FOR A PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PROCESS AND APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 24-4207 TO AUTHORIZE RATE INCREASES FOR A FIVE-YEAR (5-YEAR) PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2029 WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE.

FILLMORE HAR-RISON - REFUSE RATE INCREASE SR.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the City Council approve Resolution No 24-4027 that will authorize the rate increases to become effective September 1, 2024.

9. BIENNIAL REV-IEW OF THE CITYS CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 24-4028 UPDATING THE CITYS CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE SR BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITY’S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE.PDF.
9.B BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITYS CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 24-4028 UPDATING THE CITYS CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE

RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the City Council approve Resolution No 24-4027 that will authorize the rate increases to become effective September 1, 2024.

SR BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITY’S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the City Council approve Resolution No 24-4027 that will authorize the rate increases to become effective September 1, 2024.

9.C APPROVAL OF A NEW LEASE AND OPERATING AGREEMENT WITH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY
SR - BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB 2024 LEASE.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve a new fifteen (15) year lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (Boys and Girls Club).

9.D CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON DOG PARK SR - DOG PARK DISCUSSION.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss future improvements to the Fillmore Dog Park and provide feedback and direction.

9.E CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON CONSTITUTION WEEK SR - CONSTITUTION WEEK.PDF.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss ideas for Constitution Week, which is September 17 – September 23.

9.F APPROVAL OF A NEW PART-TIME SEASONAL CLASSIFICATION RECREATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL COORDINATOR AND ADOPTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION

YOUTH RECREATION BASKETBALL PT SEASONAL CLASSIFICATION SR.PDF.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-4029 approving the establishment of a new unrepresented part-time seasonal classification titled Recreational Youth Basketball Coordinator. Adoption of Resolution No. 24-4029 will also establish the compensation and adopt a job description for the position.

Photo and article credit Brandy Hollis and Raiders Board Members.
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Mighty Mites Silver Dax Camacho opened up the Raiders football season by scoring three touchdowns. Great job, Dax, keep it up! As for Head Coach Samuel Bennett III, a special thank you to the Bennett family for all you do for our community and football.

Cheering loudly from the sidelines was Fillmore’s own Mighty Cheerleader, Catalina Perez. Her coach has said not only is Cat a natural leader, but she always sets a great example for her teammates while keeping a positive attitude. Being a positive leader in our community is vital and amazing when demonstrated at a young age. Way to go, Catalina!

This is my first season as part of the Raiders family with my two youngest sons playing. I cannot wait to see what else is going to unfold this year as we continue to show special recognition to athletes, refs, coaching teams, and board members.

Remember that coaches and board members are out there volunteering their time and energy for the love of the game and the kids. Refs as well are trying to make fair calls, and kids are playing with their whole hearts. I don’t blame these kids for being so excited!

And remember to purchase your fan gear. I was excited to see T-shirts, and black, grey and blue choices in the hats. They also accept Venmo and Zelle.

Let’s all pick up our trash and water bottles and keep it clean for our Raiders!

Stay safe & cool, let’s GO RAIDERS!!!

FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY
BACK STACKS Used Book Sales
If you are interested in Vintage or Collectible Books, we have a SALE for you! The Friends of the Blanchard Community Library have a 50% off sale on ALL of our Vintage & Collectibles. When people clean out their closets, drawers and bookshelves they tend to donate a lot of old books. Some of those are Gems! Come down on Saturday September 7th and browse our Back Stacks.
Monthly Saturday Sale SEPTEMBER 7TH from 10am to 2pm.
Start your Saturday Morning by checking out the Back Stacks great used book inventory. You will be amazed at how many books you can buy without spending a fortune! All proceeds from sales go to support the Blanchard Community Library.
If you miss our Saturday Sale stop by one of our regular weekday hours of operation:
Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 PM
Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm
Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm
We have Loads of Fiction and Non-fiction, as well as children’s books. Our collection features 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. 100% of book sale proceeds goes to support the Blanchard Community Library. PLEASE NOTE: We accept donations ONLY on days when the Library is open for business to ensure that your generous donation is not damaged or stolen.
Located at 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula,
Enter via the north parking lot, thru the roll-up door in the back.
LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Street

The Ventura County Garden Club announces the start of its 101st Season with its first meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at11:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church followed by luncheon at noon provided by Santa Paula members. Bob Sussman from Matilija Nursery to speak at 12:45 pm on native plants. Bring items to share/sell for the plant table. Board Meeting at 10:00 a.m., Organizer: Constance Leshin (SP). For more information, email VenturaCountyGardenClub@yahoo.com, OR Facebook.com/VenturaCountyGardenClubVCGC.

Fillmore Country Club is seeking a maintenance man. Must have multiple trades, including but not limited to plumbing, painting and electrical. If identified for a position, you will be asked to submit to a background check & drug screening. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license. 805.524.5080 connie.smiley@fillmorecountryclub.com (8/29)

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Our popular “history classes” are back from hiatus. “What’s in a Name” will kick off the fall session on September 17, at 7 pm. How did streets and landmarks get their names? Why is there a Guiberson Road but no Gerberding Street? There’s 7th Street, but what happened to streets 1 through 6?

On October 17, “A Brief History of Bardsdale” will be presented by Museum Executive Director, Martha Gentry, whose family has lived in Bardsdale since early in the 20th century.

This will be followed by “Churches of Piru” presented by Michele McKinley on November 21st. You will learn about the Rock Church, the church built by David Cook and other places of worship in the Piru, Camulos and Buckhorn areas.
There is no charge, but you must register in order to get the link to the presentation. Registration is now open for the September event at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/.../whats-in-a-name.

Pictured above are Mike Richardson, Francisco Avila and Remy Richardson. Article and photo credit Brandy Hollis, sports mom--once I coach a kid they are like my own for life!
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I got a call from Francisco Avila’s mom during fair on auction day. I thought to myself, I wonder if Mike Richardson bought his pig. What a crazy instinct. I have been lucky enough to coach Francisco in baseball and soccer, so when he saw the Quality Ag logo he knew that it was his team’s sponsor.

If you have never seen the Quality Ag trucks in town you must not be from here. It’s a local to Fillmore Agricultural business and supports many members of our community. His two children, Chloe and Remy, are by their dad’s side, helping grow their family business.

Francisco knew that Quality Ag has always helped Coach Brandy’s teams and thanked him for taking care of them. Mike has been extremely generous to my teams or my son’s sports teams. He has made it possible to provide jackets to every player and names on hats.

He has also sponsored organizations all over town. There are so many things he is involved with, I know I cannot cover them all. While being a great employer who takes care of his work family, he also makes sure the kids are supported in their animal endeavors.

So this is just a special little thank you to Mike from me. From the bottom of this coaches heart. you are much appreciated!

Religious Education registration for 2024-2025 has begun at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura Blvd., for 1st Communion sacrament ages 7 years through middle school aged children. Also, for High School aged children for Confirmation, or 1st Communion sacraments, ages14+, and for OCIA formally RCIA, for adults needing any initial sacraments, or looking to becoming Catholic, please stop by the office for a registration form, M-Th. from 9am-5pm or visit our website at saintfrancisfillmore.org to register. Classes start in September. You can call our office for more details. 805-524-1306. Thank you.

Dear Santa Clara River Watershed Committee,

The Santa Clara River Watershed Committee meeting is this Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am! This is a hybrid meeting with in-person attendance highly encouraged. As always, organization updates are appreciated. Come prepared to share if you’d like.

Access the digital agenda below or use this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f66r-sshTe21KG6RgB oMiTIp45ZA4IEl/view
Topics and Presentations Include:

- Santa Clara River GSA Updates

- Introducing the Ventura River Watershed Resilience Pilot Project
-Assessing Wildlife Biodiversity and Habitat Use in Complex Agroecosystems in Southern California
- Arundo Management in the Santa Clara River Watershed Roundtable Discussion
If you would like to request to present at any of the meetings, please reach out to the watershed coordinator at Heidi.Ortloff @vcrcd.org or Lauren.Zaragoza@vcrcd.org

Thank you for your continued engagement and support,
Heidi Ortloff & Lauren Zaragoza (VCRCD), Santa Clara River Watershed Coordinator

***
Full Agenda

SANTA CLARA RIVER WATERSHED COMMITTEE
MEETING #104

Thursday, August 22, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In Person: 1701 Lombard St, Oxnard, CA 93030
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89181903264

Call-in option:
Dial: +1 669 444 9171
Meeting ID: 891 8190 3264

1.Welcome and Self Introductions – (9:00)

2.Committee Member Updates and Announcements – Everyone (9:00-9:10)

3. Santa Clara River GSA Updates – (9:10-9:20)

4.Introducing the Ventura River Watershed Resilience Pilot Project – Lynn Rodriguez and Lara Shellenbarger – (9:20 – 9:35)

5. Assessing Wildlife Biodiversity and Habitat Use in Complex Agroecosystems in Southern California - Elizabeth Scordato from Cal Poly Pomona -- (9:40 – 10:00)

6. Arundo Management in the Santa Clara River Watershed Roundtable Discussion -- (10:00– 11:00)

7. Adjourn – Next Water-shed Committee Meeting: October 24th, 2024
Mission Statement

Stakeholders in the Santa Clara River Watershed are dedicated to the conservation of the Santa Clara River, from its headwaters and tributaries to its estuary, for the mutual benefit of the
natural resources dependent on the river and the people who live, work, and recreate along the river. (www.SCRwatershed.org)

Fillmore, CA – Conejo Health has been awarded the prestigious Elevate Youth California (EYC) grant award funded by the dedicated efforts of the Conejo Health team. This award marks the launch of an innovative program aimed at preventing substance use and promoting healthy habits among the youth ages 12-26 in the Heritage Valley area of Ventura County.

Elevate Youth California supports this project through Proposition 64 funds. The California Department of Health Care Services contracts The Center at Sierra Health Foundation to support the implementation of this program. Elevate Youth California is designed to foster the next generation of community leaders through prevention, education, and early intervention programs. Conejo Health, a Southern California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020, dedicated to providing equitable public health services, with a primary focus on substance use disorders in our area.
The founding of Conejo Health was inspired by a personal tragedy experienced by its founder, Matt Pall, who lost his partner in 2019, followed by the loss of two friends. Determined to prevent others from experiencing similar losses, Matt Pall, a paramedic, established Conejo Health to offer access, awareness and action around substance use. Conejo Health is proud to have been awarded the first grant from the EYC platform based solely in Ventura County. In 2023, longtime Fillmore resident Brandy Hollis sought to bring positive change to her community by exploring street/backpack medicine initiatives. This led her to collaborate with Conejo Health's Ian Anderson and former 20-year Fillmore resident Larissa Nelson who has a passion for community service and youth programs. Recognizing their shared passion for preventative measures, together they developed this program and Brandy joined Conejo Health to serve as Director of this groundbreaking youth program in Ventura County. The program is being run with the help of Larissa Nelson and set to join the team is youth intern Fillmore native Ivan Becerra who will act as a community mentor while entering his second year at Cal Lutheran. Ivan was recently awarded District 63’s Umpire of the Year and received special recognition from Fillmore Mayor Carrie Broggie.

This EYC-funded program, named "Rompiendo Cadenas" (Breaking Chains), symbolizes the community’s commitment to overcoming addiction and fostering future leaders. The program will focus on community involvement, public speaking, social campaigns, mentorship, the arts, sports, technology, volunteerism, and character building for those ages 12-26.
Numerous community partners are poised to support this transformative initiative.

Brandy Hollis, the new program director, is an active member of the Fillmore community and currently serves as a Commissioner on the City of Fillmore Cultural Arts and Recreation Commission (CAR). Brandy's extensive community involvement includes serving on various committees, contributing articles to the Fillmore Gazette, and participating in local government and school board meetings. She has served as member at large on Fillmore Lions Club scholarship committee, Fillmore Women's Service Club (just served as MC for the 1st Casino Night fundraiser in May), Fillmore High Schools School Site Council President, San Cayetano Elementary Schools Site Council Vice President , participated in the LCAPP process, and you can usually find her at the City Council and/or School Board meetings. In the past she has coached youth sports in baseball, softball and soccer as well as served on AYSO 242 Board. She looks forward to promoting Fillmore's Summer Music Nights, bringing live music and dancing to the city.

With her proven track record of child advocacy and community engagement, Brandy is confident that Rompiendo Cadenas will not only break the chains of addiction but also dismantle stigma, empowering youth to become future leaders. Conejo Health is proud to embark on this journey with Elevate Youth California, introducing innovative and impactful initiatives to our youth to combat the substance abuse epidemic sweeping our state and nation.

Contact: Conejo Health Brandy Hollis eyc@conejohealth.com IG: rc_ch_eyc

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Courtesy Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley

Celebrate with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley at their 2nd Annual Happy Hour on Friday, September 13th, at the beautiful Otto & Sons Nursery! Enjoy live music by the amazing Juano & Friends, while sampling delicious bites from a variety of local vendors. Sip on adult beverages such as fine wine and craft beer as you mingle in a stunning setting. The cost for unlimited fun is only $50 per person. Purchase online at bgclubscv.org/hh/2024.html or at the event. Hours are from 4pm - 7pm. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!

Fr. Dev belongs to the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus order. The word rogationist comes from the Latin rogate which means “pray”. The spirituality of the congregation is centered on the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospels: “The harvest is rich but the workers are few. Pray, therefore, to the Lord of the harvest that He may send workers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38; Luke 10:2). Hence, they carry out the mission of praying for vocations to the priestly and consecrated life in the Church and propagating this prayer worldwide, caring and promoting the human and spiritual welfare of orphans, needy children and the poor.

~~~

Join us in worship & welcoming Fr. Dev. See church directory below-Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,1048 West Ventura St., Fillmore. www.saintfranicsfillmore.org.