REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for vacation Bible School Camp Firelight: A Summer Camp

Adventure with God! Register now through June 16th $30 per child/ $50 per family (2 or more)
Late Registration June 17th-24 $40 per child $60 per family (2 or more). Our adventure will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on June 24 – June 28. VBS is open to children from K – 5th grade and includes daily snacks, crafts, science, games songs, Bible story dramas and more! Pick up a registration form at Bardsdale UMC (805) 524-2070. Hope to see you there!

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with 7-Eleven, Inc. in the 29th consecutive year of “Operation Chill®.” The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and 7-Eleven want to reward local kids through the company’s community outreach program.
This summer, as our deputies’ patrol neighborhoods, they will keep an eye out for youth doing great things. Some acts include kids wearing safety helmets while riding a bike or skateboard, kids observing safety rules while crossing the street, kids participating in positive activities, kids holding the door open for someone, kids picking up trash, or kids helping someone in need. If observed, our deputies and professional staff, at any of our stations in the county, will make a positive contact with the youth and issue an Operation Chill coupon. The coupons can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee drink at any participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, or Stripes® store.

This year, 7-Eleven will issue nearly 550,000 coupons to more than 1,300 participating law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to recognizing the good deeds being done daily by the youth in our communities. We have a lot of great kids in our communities and we have a lot of Slurpee coupons to hand out to keep encouraging them to become great citizens. This program allows us to continue to build trust and relationships with the communities we serve. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Prepared by: Sergeant Thomas Miller
News Release Date: 06/03/2024
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

Article/photo credit Brandy Hollis

On Tuesday May 21, 2024, before the Fillmore Little League Juniors baseball game, the District Umpire in Chief for District 63 came out to present Fillmore’s own Ivan Beccera with District 63’s Umpire of the Year award. Ivan grew up in Fillmore Little League with a love and a passion for the game. Ivan is just 19 years old and has been umpiring for six years. He is one of the few who give up their time and energy to make sure the kids are able to play ball. Umpiring requires thick skin and true love of the sport. Part of his award from District 63 included brand new baseball equipment of his own. Fillmore Little League President Anthony Albnanez also presented Ivan with brand new umpire shoes. Ivan, you have made your league, city and district proud! Congratulations on your accomplishments. May you continue to inspire others to pursue their passions. Thank you for being of service to your community and fellow ballplayers. District 63, Anthony Albnanez, FLL President, and Jax Avila, FLL Treasurer.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1323/Aquatic-Center

We appreciate your enthusiasm and support for our community pool. Historically, our pool season has kicked off on Memorial Weekend, marking the beginning of summer fun. However, due to current staffing challenges, we must delay the opening of the pool this year until June 10th.

Key Information:

New Opening Date: June 10th
Reservation System Launch: June 3rd
Reservations: First come, first served
Registration: Online only

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, all pool reservations will be managed through an online system. This system will go live on June 3rd. We encourage you to check this website periodically for updates and to secure your spot as soon as the reservation system becomes available.

How to Reserve:

Visit Our Website: Bookmark this page and return on June 3rd.

Register Online: Fill out the reservation application available on this site.

First Come, First Served: Reservations are limited, so early registration is advised.
We understand that this delay may be disappointing, but the safety and quality of your experience remain our top priorities. We are working diligently to ensure that the pool is staffed and ready for a fantastic season starting June 10th.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to the pool soon!
For questions or concerns, please contact Juana Garcia at jgarcia@fillmoreca.gov or via phone at 805-312-9975 ext. 240.
Stay Updated: Please check this site regularly for the latest information and updates regarding the pool season.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collection schedule in the city of Fillmore during the week of Juneteenth, June 16-22. The holiday is on Wednesday, June 19.

Remember that Santa Clara Valley Disposal residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as the company collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

It’s important to recycle your food waste every week. In 2022, the state of California began to require the diversion of food waste from landfills, and your efforts are needed. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you should still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Newbury Park, Piru, Pt. Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Santa Paula, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena, and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, plus the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

Ventura County, California. – The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds travelers to always buckle up and secure children in the right car seats when visiting friends and family.

This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 20 to June 2. During this time, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats or the right safety seats for their age.

“Wearing a seat belt should be automatic for all drivers and passengers every trip,” Senior Deputy Brian Dent said. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember always to buckle up.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 12,000 people killed in crashes throughout the country in 2021 were not wearing seat belts. In California, 878 people killed in crashes in 2021 were not wearing seat belts, an increase of 12.3 percent from 2020.

California law requires a child to be secured in a safety or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.

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: “Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians to Always Buckle Up
Seat Belt Safety Campaign Runs Through Memorial Day

Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: May 20th, 2024, to June 2nd, 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

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

Article and photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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It was another beautiful Sunday this year for Faith Community Church’s (FCC) Annual Cowboy Sunday, with the service being held outside under the Oak tree. There were coloring pages laid out for the kids and many donned cowboy attire for the service. There was tri tip and chicken straight from the grill and everyone’s favorite chili beans filled the crock pots. Desserts were plentiful and hearts happy. This is one of the many special traditions that FCC continues to the delight of the community. Special announcements were made in preparation for VBS. FCC will be gearing up to host its children’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) as usual this summer. VBS is a free event for all kids in the community and they come from across the city to participate. This year it will be held in the evening hours, so parents can enjoy a little bit of a date night. As someone who’s worked during this week-long event, I can tell you how much preparation and work goes into this every year. It’s magnificent that they are able to continue to offer it free of charge and the sets they build for the themes are always mind blowing for the children and transport them to another world. This year it looks like we are gearing up for some scuba underwater adventure and I can’t wait to see what they cook up! Please follow FCC on social media, YouTube or go onto their website FCCFillmore.com to see all that is offered. There is something for everyone. And don’t forget our service!

Flags were flown at half-staff last week to honor Police Officers Memorial Day and Police Week.
"Every day, police officers pin on their shields and walk out the door, rushing into harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. Being a police officer is more than what they do — it is who they are. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay.

During the pandemic, States and cities saw violent crime rising as they faced deep cuts in law enforcement and public safety budgets. That is why the American Rescue Plan, one of the first bills I signed as President, provided $350 billion that States could use to keep law enforcement on the beat and communities safe from violence. That led to the largest Federal investment in public safety in our history. Police departments used that funding to establish training facilities, hire more officers, and raise salaries. I also expanded benefits for first responders disabled in the line of duty and for their families. I increased access to mental health resources for police officers, who too often experience emotional and physical trauma on the job. Supporting our police officers with resources they need to do their jobs has paid off. Last year, the United States had one of the lowest rates of violent crime in more than 50 years.

My Administration recognizes that being a police officer is harder than ever. We expect them to be everything to everyone — counselors to people experiencing a crisis, social workers to kids who have been abandoned, and guardians to communities flooded with weapons of war. That is why we have invested in more crisis responders who work alongside police officers to respond to non-violent crimes. We have also increased investments in recruiting, retaining, and training officers and in violence prevention to get guns off the streets. We are working hard to strengthen the bonds of trust between officers and the people they serve. My Budget requests over $10 billion to recruit, train, support, and hire 100,000 additional police officers trained in effective, accountable community policing — working hand in hand with community leaders and local partners to gain trust and advance public safety.

My Administration has also taken historic action to end the scourge of gun violence in America, which puts far too many police officers at risk. To date, my Administration has taken more executive actions to stop the flow of illegal guns than any other administration in history. I formed the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris. I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years. I appointed the first Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director to lead the agency in over 7 years, who has since led efforts to crack down on gun trafficking, ghost guns, rogue gun dealers, and unlicensed sellers that fuel the flow of illegal firearms. I continue to call on the Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of guns, fully fund ATF, and pass universal background checks and a national red flag law.

This year, we also honor our Nation’s law enforcement families, who serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones. Every day, they summon courage as their loved ones put on their badges and leave for work, praying for their safe return home. To those who have lost a loved one who served, I know that no memorial can fill the void left in your heart. But I hope you find solace in knowing that their memory lives on through you, the community they served, and all those that they inspired through their example. Our Nation will never forget their sacrifice.

Last year, I bestowed six law enforcement officers with the Medal of Valor for going to unimaginable lengths to protect their fellow citizens. They exemplified a selflessness of character and a bravery that inspires. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, let us show our gratitude for all the women and men of our Nation’s law enforcement community, who make extraordinary sacrifices every day. Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen in service to their fellow Americans. Let us recommit to supporting the people in uniform and their families, who ensure the safety of our communities all across the Nation.

By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2024, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure of devotion in the line of duty. I also call on the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR."

Article/Photo courtesy Brandy Hollis

Fillmore Women’s Service Club’s Susan Banks Memorial Fundraiser was a huge success. An extra special thanks to Heather Swetman from Escalera Pest Control. Her hustle and dedication to ensuring this night would be a success was more than one could hope for. Memories reflected, memories made, and most importantly funds were raised. The ultimate memorial. The bar was set just a tad bit higher. With conflicting events and memorial building not open, Fillmore’s finest still flocked to the opportunity to serve once again. All the sponsors were amazing and too countless to name in just one article. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts from your SERVICE club! Fillmore Women’s Service Club is an organization of women in service to the community of Fillmore. Profits from the evening will be used towards scholarships within the community. Follow us on social media for the latest Fillmore happenings.

Next showing is Magic Comedy and Song to be held May 18, 2024, from 7pm – 9pm. Visit www.Fillmoretowntheatre.org for more information.
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Written by Carina M. Montoya

The Fillmore Town Theatre held its Fillmore Funnies (Monthly Comedy Night) on Saturday, May 11. Before the show, an “unnamed” musical group featuring Greg Agostinelli, Michael Kirby, Danny Torres (Danny Torres and The Piru River Band), and Peter Copley, rocked the theater. It was a great opener before the show. The musical group on its own can easily fill the theater with its wide repertoire.

The featured comedians had the audience roaring in laughter. Carlos Oscar, is described as “a lean, clean joke machine”. His stories and facial expressions had the audience rolling on the floor laughing. Carlos has performed on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and is the only winner of The Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year award.

Omar Covarrubias is a comedy magician and used audience participation that was fun, entertaining, and hilarious. Omar has been a comedy magician for 20 years and performs in comedy clubs, including the Ice House, Hollywood Laugh Factory, and the House of Blues.

Fillmore is proud to have its own theatre, but the life of the theatre depends on community support. Come and see the many different events held at the theatre. Your support will keep our theatre alive.

Pictured is Theresa Robledo with husband Henry Robledo and son Adrian Robledo.
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Article/Photo courtesy Brandy Hollis

This morning as I was at the gym and I looked over and saw another Fillmore staple hard at work, before she is hard at work--Theresa Robledo of Diamond Realty. So, I decided to bug her and ask if she is coming to the Fillmore Women’s Service Club (FWSC) event this weekend and it would be nice to see her there.

I have been blessed to sit at her table at the Boys and Girls Club Auction and witness her many donations for all the different organizations over the years that she so kindly serves.

I know she is always trying to do the right thing for our community. Her conviction to stand in our town as a solid member alongside her family speaks volumes of her character. Our sons both went into the Marine Corps, so there is another bond of one Marine mom to another. She is a strong woman of faith, and good soul to know.

When I was pregnant with my son Rowdy, she even dropped off a little something for the baby, when she came by to welcome my new neighbor with a gift. That is just the type of thoughtful person she is.
I couldn’t name all the organizations she aids if I tried, so I think I better not. Her grandchildren are the light of her eyes, and her family rises up and calls her blessed.

I was able to text my other FWSC members and let them know we had another Diamond Sponsor (for Casino Night) this morning, and our Diamond Sponsor’s wouldn’t have been complete without Diamond Realty.

I look forward to having fun with her and everyone else who is gracious enough to attend the Casino Night event this weekend. All proceeds from the event will be used in scholarship awards for graduates who reside in the district boundaries, regardless of school choice. Thank you, Theresa and Henry Robledo, for always being a source of inspiration!

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.