By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 15th, 2024
Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, August 15, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at City of Fillmore City Hall Council Chambers 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015. To participate in the Board of Directors meeting via Zoom, please access: To hear just the audio portion of the meeting, phone into: Toll-free number: 877 853 5247 Meeting ID: 854 8030 5580 AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER 1A Pledge of Allegiance 1B Directors Roll Call 1C Public Comments Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Agency) will accept public comment concerning agenda items at the time the item is considered and on any non- agenda item within the jurisdiction of the Board during the agendized Public Comment period. No action will be taken by the Board on any non-agenda item. In accordance with Government Code § 54954.3(b) (1), public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker per issue. 1D Approval of Agenda Motion 2.UPDATES 2A Director Announcements/Board Communications: Oral Reports from the Board. Fillmore Pumpers Association Stakeholder Director Update Piru Pumpers Association Stakeholder Director Update Environmental Stakeholder Director Update City of Fillmore Member Director Update United Water Conservation District Member Director Update County of Ventura Member Director Update 2B Executive Director Update Information Item The Executive Director will provide an informational update on Agency activities since the previous Board of Directors 2C Legal Counsel Update Information Item Legal Counsel will provide an informational update on Agency’s legal issues and concerns since the previous Board of Directors meeting of June 20, 2024. 2D GSP Consultant Update Information Item Representatives from Daniel B Stephens & Associates will provide an informational update on the Agency’s groundwater 3. CONSENT CAL-ENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the Board and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member pulls an item from the Calendar. Pulled items will be discussed and acted on separately by the Board. Members of the public who want to comment on a Consent Calendar item should do so under Public Comments. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) 3A Approval of Minutes The Board will consider approving the Minutes from the Special Board of Directors meeting of July 9, 2024. 3B Approval of Warrants The Board will consider approving payment of outstanding vendor invoices: United Water Conservation District $67,183.72 DBS&A $43,684.50 Solinst $ 1,897.20 County of Ventura IT Services $490.00 3C Monthly Financial Report The Board will receive the monthly financial report for the Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency. 4. MOTION ITEMS 4A Master Professional Services Agreement with Stillwater Sciences for As-Needed Technical Services The Board will consider approving a Master Professional Services Agreement with Stillwater Sciences for as-needed technical services to support the Agency’s planning and implementation of its groundwater sustainability plans. 4C Task Order DBSA-FY25-01 with Daniel B. Stephens & Associates for Water Year 2024 Annual Reports and Online Database Management Motion The Board will consider approving Task Order Number DBSA-FY25-01 with Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., for as-needed technical and planning support services for preparation of the Water Year 2023-2024 Annual Reports to the California Department of Water Resources. The Board will consider approving Task Order Number DBSA-FY25-02 with Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., for as-needed general technical and planning support services. The Board will consider authorizing the transfer of funds from the Agency’s Bank of the Sierra account to the Agency’s new Citizens Business Bank account in the amount of $1,000,000 to implement the change to the new bank. 5. FUTURE TOPICS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION 6. ADJOURNMENT The Board will adjourn to the next Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, or call of the Chair. The Americans with Disabilities Act provides that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, the District’s services, programs or activities because of any disability. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, or if you require agenda materials in an alternative format, please contact the UWCD Office at (805) 525-4431 or the City of Fillmore at (805) 524- 1500. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make appropriate arrangements. Approved: Board Chair Kelly Long |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
On Friday, August 2, Kevin Shaffer played the organ at the Hinckley House for members and friends of the Fillmore Museum to enjoy. Photo courtesy of Andrea Recendez. Enlarge Photo Written by Carina Montoya You never know who might show up at your front door. Last year, Kevin Shaffer and his wife Kimberly visited the Fillmore Historical Museum for the first time. They had driven California State Route 126 many times through the years, passing through Fillmore going east or west, but never stopped to see what Fillmore has to offer. One day in 2023 when they were passing through Fillmore, Kimberly suggested to Kevin that they stop and visit the Fillmore Museum. The day of their visit coincided with a day the museum’s Hinckley House was open to tour. The Hinckley House was built in 1905 and later owned by Fillmore’s first dentist, Dr. Ira Hinckley, and his wife Catherine, “Kate.” When Kevin and Kimberly entered the front parlor of the house, Kevin’s eyes became fixed on a more than century-old pump organ that sits prominently in the room. He told the museum staff that he knows how to play the pump organ and asked if he could try it. Museum staff said, “yes,” and without hesitation, Kevin played the piece “Let it Be,” a song by the Beatles, released in 1970. The music from the pump organ awakened the quiet and pristine exhibit of today with a sound that echoed years past when the house was filled with music and laughter. Museum staff were so pleased to hear the pump organ played by someone who knows how to play it, and Kevin was happy to be given the opportunity to play it because the last time he played a pump organ was in 1969. For both Kevin and the museum, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. On Friday, August 2, Kevin played the pump organ to members and friends of the museum. The performance was recorded, and Andrea Recendez photographed the event, which was the first of its kind held at the Hinckley House. One of the special guests was Diane Arundell, who was married to the late Jim Arundell. The Arundell family in Fillmore dates to the mid-1800s. William Arundell and his son Thomas “Tommy,” came to Ventura County in 1879. Tommy established an apiary in Pole Creek and accumulated over 1,200 acres, soon harvested six tons of honey, and had up to seven hundred stands of bees. Tommy built an adobe on the property and purchased a pump organ. The pump organ was later donated to the Fillmore Historical Museum by the Arundell family, and it is now a permanent exhibit at the Hinckley House. Diane recalls seeing the pump organ years ago at the adobe, but Friday’s event was the first time she heard it being played. She said it sounded beautiful. When Kevin was asked about the quality of sound and condition of the pump organ, also called a harmonium, or reed organ, he said “it’s still in good shape and has good resonation.” Although the pump organ is much like an organ, the difference is the pump organ makes sound by blowing air through reeds, which are tuned to different pitches to make musical notes. |
SoCal Edison (SCE) crews and contractors will be in the Fillmore area conducting aerial inspections over the next few days hours of operation: Daylight Hours, Monday – Saturday. Photo credit Roberto Lazarte & Casey Wian. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
In our ongoing commitment to safety and California’s fight against wildfires, “We get to see a birds-eye view of our infrastructure and our assets that we don’t typically get to see from the ground, said Kathy Hidalgo, SCE director of inspections. “We now have a holistic view of the health of our assets.” Citizens have an expectation of privacy and we do not intend to invade a person’s privacy. SCE deploys drones and helicopters strictly for the purpose of inspecting and evaluating equipment in the field,” said Kristi Gardner, SCE principal manager of program oversight, development and planning. “The focus of these operations is our own electrical assets, structures and right of ways to support our assets. SCE pilots and vendor pilots comply with all applicable laws and regulations.” |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
We have exciting news for the church- we are starting our Date Night after a long hiatus from the Covid pandemic. So, we need your help and prayers! The first time will be August 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm in LeBard Hall. We could use cardboard cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, or any small boxes so our budding architects can have at it with glue and staples! Please start collecting these and drop them off at church on Sunday. When we have enough, we will ask you to kindly stop, but at the moment, we need our various building supplies. There is a registration form for the parents to fill out, so we will have emergency numbers on file. Eventually we will limit the number to 25 children, but that will take some time before the idea catches on in the community. As always, please continue to hold this and our church in prayer. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
We have exciting news for the church- we are starting our Date Night after a long hiatus from the Covid pandemic. So, we need your help and prayers! The first time will be August 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm in LeBard Hall. We could use cardboard cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, or any small boxes so our budding architects can have at it with glue and staples! Please start collecting these and drop them off at church on Sunday. When we have enough, we will ask you to kindly stop, but at the moment, we need our various building supplies. There is a registration form for the parents to fill out, so we will have emergency numbers on file. Eventually we will limit the number to 25 children, but that will take some time before the idea catches on in the community. As always, please continue to hold this and our church in prayer. |
On Wednesday, July 31, Caltrans announced that SR 150 is now reopened in Santa Paula, but construction will still continue so please be mindful of crews working on the retaining wall which is being built. Closures will be avoided during peak travel times from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
Caltrans is happy to report that their crews have removed enough dirt and material to reopen SR 150 in Santa Paula. “We will open the roadway later this evening, July 31, to traffic.” Be mindful that striping work is ongoing and pending pavement repair. Reminder, construction for the retaining wall is still ongoing. The remaining tasks include four more rows of end anchors (tiebacks), timber lagging, final grading, and landscape for erosion control. Occasionally, there will be a one lane closure to facilitate the remainder of the work. Flaggers will be onsite directing traffic during this closure. Closures will be avoided during peak travel times from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. With the roadway open for both directions, we will no longer work 24/7. However, we will evaluate the need to work extended hours based on our progress. We thank the community for the cooperation and please be work zone alert. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 8th, 2024
Last week, Fillmore Rotary enjoyed a program by Murray McEachron and John Lindquist from the United Water Conservation District. They discussed water issues in the Fillmore, Piru and Sespe watershed. Because of the great water years recently, almost all the water basins are full. It is more water than we’ve seen in 10 years. This captured water can be released when needed. Pictured is President Anna Reilley with speakers John Lindquist and Murray McEachron from the United Water Conservation District. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Time to spice up your family outing this Saturday evening in Fillmore! The Bardsdale United Methodist Church at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue is hosting “Movies Under the Stars” starting this Saturday at 8:00p.m. The movie being shown is Prince of Egypt, a family friendly saga about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The cost is free, but there will be freshly popped popcorn and soft drinks for a nominal donation to add to your viewing pleasure. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors to attend also. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 1st, 2024
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Fillmore residents gathered blankets and chairs to sit out in front of City Hall and enjoy Fillmore’s Summer Music Festival which began July 19th and will take place on Fridays until August 30th from 6pm -8pm. Last week, folks heard live music by The Wonder Brothers, followed by DJ Danny Ibarra. Enlarge Photo Last Friday, July 26, crowds enjoyed the music as well as the food trucks along with some dancing as the sun went down on Friday night. Don’t miss this week’s show which will feature Mac & D. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore or https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 1st, 2024
This last Sunday I took a later than usual walk and man was it a warm one. I like to take the path behind the High School Football stadium towards the bus barns and jog down the dirt path because for a second I feel like I am out trail running without really going up a trail. I saw a man who I think is Larry Jennings trying to get a bush into a trash bag. I have met him before, last month in preparation for Fourth of July fireworks at City Hall—a very kind gentleman. I stopped and asked him if I could assist, and we got a very large Goat Head plant into the bag, big stickers and all. He told me he didn’t realize how big it was! Mister Jennings was just out there pulling those big monsters for the love of his community before they all dried out and got stuck in everyone’s shoes and, in particular, my son’s bike tires. I just thought it was really neat he was out there in Fillmore helping out. I talked with him for a while and offered to carry the bag down to the trash. No sir, he was going to wait till the trash bag was full and carry it home which was a bit of a walk. I talked to him about the train museum article and mentioned my name. This is how I know he must be the sweetest man alive, because he said, “That Brandy Hollis, everything she writes is good”. Oh wow! That is the best compliment I have received in a good, long while! Mister Jennings, thank you for all you do out of the goodness of your heart, without an ask! My son’s tires and my shoe soles also thank you. But most of all, thank you for bringing a tremendous amount of joy to my day with your kind words. Sometimes we don’t know how much someone might need a kind word, and let me tell you, I really did. I appreciate you, Larry Jennings! Fan girl forever, Brandy Hollis. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 1st, 2024
The Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation invites our community members to the “Annual Ventura County Sheriff K9 Foundation Golf Classic” to be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Moorpark Country Club. The course, a 27-hole scenic beauty, offers a challenging and exciting experience for all skill levels. This fundraiser will include a pre-event K9 demonstration, multiple on-course contests for amazing prizes, hole-in-one opportunities to win a car from Bunnin Chevrolet or an E-Bike from Newbury Park Bike Shop, golf trips, and many other awards and opportunities. Guests will be provided on-course beverages from local breweries, a Bloody Mary bar, ‘Dog Haus’ hotdogs at the turn, hand-rolled cigars, awesome player goody bags, gift basket opportunities, and more. Players will have a chance to win a full set of TaylorMade irons, drivers, and putters for their teams. The Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Unit is a specialized unit that is funded through generous donations from the public and local businesses. All proceeds from fundraising efforts will go directly toward our hard-working four-legged friends for medical expenses, life-saving equipment, food, and advanced training to ensure our dogs are ready at a moment’s notice to keep the public safe when they are called to action. Please come out and have a great time, for an amazing cause! To become a sponsor for this event, or to register your foursome to golf, please visit https://www.vcsok9.org/2024golf. Nature of Incident: Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation Golf Classic Prepared by: Sergeant Matthew Delahuerta |
Attention Fillmore Residents! As the new water meter project unfolds, we have created this new landing page to keep you updated. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Fillmore’s water system running smoothly! Scan QR Code for more details. Posted July 24, 2024, courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=872117214948852&set=pb.100064517449611.-2207520000. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1327/Water-Meter-Cleaning-Calendar-Project-Up Here is some important information regarding this project: * Utility Systems will not need to enter your home For more information regarding the cleaning and installation process, please call Keystone Utility Systems at (877) 587-2279 Meter Cleaning Route Week of 07.22.24 Locations - https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/783/Meter-Cleaning-Route-.... Water Meter Cleaning Route for week of 07-29-24 https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/783/Meter-Cleaning-Route-.... City of Fillmore - Willdan Progress Update WE 7.26.24.pdf – Visit https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1327/Water-Meter-Cleaning-Calendar-Project-Up. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
Above is a photo of Edith with her husband Bert (Bertran “Bert” Roderick), c.1954. They married in 1952. Bert was manager at People’s Lumber and was an active Mason; he passed in 1974. Inset, Hazel Hiberly, on the right, with Edith on the Statendam, c. 1970. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Edith’s home on Foothill Drive was known for many things; one included a built-in kitchen which was hidden behind a wall, pictured above. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Pictured above is a mural of a world map done by Lawrence Hinckley, which was one of many unique features in Edith’s home on Foothill Drive. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Although the couple seemed to have much in common, in 1940 they divorced. Edith moved into the “Alley Mansion” at 424 Clay. World War II curbed Edith’s travel, but she kept up a steady correspondence with many of her former students. In 1948 she returned to Europe and was disturbed by much that she saw – such as the Dachau Concentration Camp. In March of 1949, Edith started the major project of building a new home on Foothill Drive. She had to have an engineer draw up proper plans for permitting, but essentially, she was the architect of her dream home. While the outside was mid-century modern, it was what was on the inside that “Sunset Magazine” featured. Edith truly believed in built-ins including the kitchen which was hidden behind a wall. One of the more remarkable features was a mural of a world map done by Lawrence Hinckley. It is a pity that later owners chose to paint over the mural which showed the places Edith had visited. In her 1952 holiday letter (always sent in January), her friends learned of the new man in her life. She told of how they met in a store and they both immediately knew theirs would be a special relationship and he moved into the house on Foothill with Edith. He would often want to go out and have fun. If she couldn’t go with him, he would go on his own. Finally, there was a time when he left and didn’t come back. He had left for untamed, non-descended brethren. Yes, Spunky was a skunk. One wonders if Edith ever compared notes with her neighbor on Foothill, Harriet “Petey” Weaver, as to who made a better housemate – a skunk or a racoon. 1952 saw more changes – as in marriage to Bertran “Bert” Roderick, a widower. Although not born in Fillmore, Bert had lived here many years, he was manager at People’s Lumber and was an active Mason. The 1950s and 1960s Edith planned and decorated two duplexes and four homes, including the house on Foothill. She also was busy as a writer and lecturer. She sometimes traveled with Bert but often with friends such as Hazel Hiberly, Fillmore teacher and school principal. Edith loved to fly. She first flew with some barnstormers over Santa Paula in 1918 and flew cross country in 1932, a trip which took two days. As flying became more common, Edith flew whenever she had the chance. So now it is 1972, Marie Wren told the story this way: “My husband, Gene Wren, was on the board for the Chamber of Commerce, and he came home from a meeting one night about 1972 and said, ‘We just put $500 into the pot to start a museum for Fillmore.’” Soon Edith was involved, and the community went through their basements, attics and barns looking for things to donate. The office space the Chamber of Commerce rented in the Masonic Building was turned into a museum. Edith, Dorothy Haase and Ruth Walker oversaw the early growth. Her beloved Bert died in 1974 and her travel schedule again picked up. It was probably a stroke of luck in 1974 that Edith was home in Fillmore and not touring the world. Southern Pacific Railroad announced that they were going to tear down the Fillmore Depot which had sat empty, deteriorating for several years. According to Marie Wren, “Edith made a deal to buy it for $1 and move it across the street so museum items could be moved from the Chamber office into a building of their own and thus, we had a real museum.” The costs to move the depot, which had to be done immediately and to restore it, were paid by Edith as a present to her hometown. Edith was devoted to the Museum, but in 1979 she resigned as curator. The museum was now in the hands of the very capable Dorothy Haase. In 1983 she published “Old Timers’ Tales of Fillmore”, a compilation of articles written for “Vista Magazine.” It has now been reprinted and copies are available at the Museum. Time was catching up with Edith, but it wasn’t diminishing her enthusiasm for life. In 1977 she met for the first time (so she said) another longtime Fillmore resident – Charlie Brown, a well-known outdoorsman who had worked in the oil fields. They were married but unfortunately living together as man and wife did not work out, so Charlie moved out although they remained friends and did not divorce. Edith died on April 11, 1988, after a long illness. She was survived by her sister, Alice Moore Milton, and brother, Fred Moore. Her brother George had passed away in 1986. What has also survived, Edith Moore Jarrett Roderick Brown, is the Fillmore Historical Museum. Even in death Edith was looking out for the Museum, giving an endowment which put the Museum on sound footing. If you haven’t been to the Fillmore Museum, there is no better time than now. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
Above is former Fillmore resident Jeff Porter and his wife, Christina, who have opened two classic California burger stands known as Sespe Burger in northeastern Ohio. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Jeff Hansen With its widespread popularity, you can find a hamburger just about anywhere but if you want a Sespe Burger you have to head to northeastern Ohio. The Youngstown area towns of Boardman and Columbiana to be exact, where former Fillmore resident Jeff Porter and his wife, Christina, have opened two classic California burger stands. Jeff graduated from Fillmore High School in 2003 and went to Moorpark College before earning a marketing degree from Cal Poly Pomona. He got his first taste of the restaurant business while still at Pomona, starting as a busboy at Ruby Tuesdays in West Covina and worked his way up to server. “Sometimes I wasn’t real happy with the food coming out of the kitchen,” Porter recalled, “and one day the manager threw me a chef’s apron and said if I could do better, go ahead. I didn’t know at the time it was the start of my food career. “ ‘What’s a Sespe?’ With Ohio a long way from SoCal, customers often ask about the name. A counter sign explains the pronunciation and Jeff tells folks ‘it’s ‘an area not a town’ While customers may not know the Sespe geography, they know a great burger when they eat one. A devoted customer base gives Sespe Burger rave reviews that sizzle just like the burgers being smashed on the grill. ‘hooked on the first bite’…’our official favorite burger joint’…’the best burger I’ve ever had.’ In a posted video, sprinkled with some salty language, one Sespe Burger fan claims he drove four hours to get his favorite burger. “We keep it simple,” Jeff said. “We just use the best ingredients available and offer classic California burgers.” Sespe’s menu also includes delicious pastrami and plant based sandwiches and nuggets and interesting takes on fresh cut ‘loaded fries’ with chili cheese, pastrami and avocado and egg. Although not open until 11 a.m., Sespe’s breakfast burritos are also a hit with several meat choices. “When we opened the Boardman location our daughter said she wanted to open a lemonade stand out front,” Christina said, “so we came up with June’s Lemonade and some of the proceeds go to local charities that she gets to pick” The Porters’ move to Ohio also enabled a lifestyle hard to achieve in the food business. “The cost of living is better here,” Jeff said. “Restaurants require a big time commitment to be successful. If we were in California, we would have to be open additional hours and charge more. Here, we can keep our menu prices affordable and have time for other things besides work.” With young kids at home, the hours fit the Porters’ lifestyle. Sespe Burger closes at 7 p.m. and the doors are locked on Sunday. Jeff remains loyal to his roots and can always be found wearing his Dodgers hat in an area populated with Cleveland Guardian and Pittsburgh Pirate fans. “I’m a big Dodgers fan, the only drawback is the west coast games don’t come on until 10 p.m. here.” At 38 and with ‘a few grey hairs,’ Jeff said he and Christina are happy with their current locations and lifestyle although people have approached him about possible franchising. His sister Megan Hernandez and several cousins still live in Fillmore. “I go home every year and I’d love to open a Sespe Burger in Fillmore but we’ll see.” He’s inquired about the vacant Margaret’s Cocina on Ventura Street and even has a picture of Margaret’s on the Sespe Burger wall as well as colorful logos of local citrus growers to remind him of his hometown. If you’re planning a summer road trip and find yourself in Ohio, stop by Sespe Burger. You’ll find a little bit of Fillmore and maybe just the best burger ever! |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 11am to 2pm, the City of Fillmore hosted a Family Fun Day for residents. Folks were able to enjoy games, activities for the kids, food, live music, bouncy houses and more. Visitors also had the chance to get free giveaways, and the Fillmore Towne Theatre showed free cartoons. A full day of fun in downtown Fillmore! Enlarge Photo |
Photo credit https://www.vcoe.org/news/ArticleID/10188/New-Bookmobile-to-Serve-Ventura-County-Schools. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
A brand new mobile library dedicated to serving local students was unveiled today at the Ventura County Government Center. The School Mobile Library will visit schools throughout Ventura County, with a particular focus on those that do not have credentialed librarians on staff. The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students. “Nearly 70 thousand Ventura County students attend schools that don’t have a professional librarian on staff. And some of those schools have no on-site library at all,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “The new bookmobile will bring library services to students where they already are – at school.” The School Mobile Library will contain $50,000 dollars’ worth of brand-new books. Staff from the Ventura County Office of Education will lead book discussions and lessons on media literacy, financial literacy, and more. County Library staff will provide STEAM kits and other fun activities during school visits. The bookmobile will also provide an opportunity for students to sign up for library cards, which will help comply with an upcoming state requirement that all students get library cards by the 3rd grade. The School Mobile Library is a joint project of the Ventura County Library and the Ventura County Office of Education. It is made possible by a generous donation of $50,000 from the Ventura County Library Foundation, Premier America Credit Union, CBC Federal Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, and Ventura County Credit Union. This funding is in addition to the $250,000 Stronger Together: Improving Library Access grant received by the Ventura County Library through the California State Library. The School Mobile Library will begin visiting Ventura County schools during the upcoming 2024-25 school year. # # # About the Ventura County Office of Education The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training |
The Fillmore community has been enjoying the Fillmore Aquatic Center while trying to keep cool. The Aquatic Center is now open as of June 10th by reservation only, read story for details in article. The fee is $5.00 per entry not usage. If you have any questions, please contact Juana Garcia at 805-524-1500 ext. 240 or via email at jgarcia@fillmoreca.gov. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
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 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. 2024 Lap Swim - https:// www.cognitoforms.com/-CityOfFillmore/_2024LapSwimRegistrationForm For questions or concerns, please contact Juana Garcia at jgarcia@fillmoreca.gov or via phone at 805-312-9975 ext. 240. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
PRESS RELEASE July 12, 2024 In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, Ventura County Law Enforcement will continue to approach homelessness and related issues through a multifaceted strategy. Emphasizing collaborative and supportive methods, we will maintain partnerships with social services, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential resources and support. This recent court decision restores a tool for law enforcement when handling homeless encampments. Increasing law enforcement’s ability to make arrests, when appropriate and necessary, expands our options when responding to or proactively engaging with concerns involving our homeless populations. Ventura County law enforcement will evaluate the need for arrest on a case-by-case basis, understanding that each situation presents its unique set of circumstances. While other jurisdictions may face different challenges regarding homelessness, Ventura County has found it important to focus not only on illegal behavior but also on the causes of such behavior and the individual’s ability and willingness to receive assistance. Enforcement and arrests are sometimes necessary, but connecting individuals with housing, healthcare, and other support services can often be a more constructive approach. Local law enforcement agencies will always respond swiftly to criminal activity while considering contemporary and emerging practices for addressing the complex societal issue of homelessness. By taking this flexible approach and working closely with our county and city leaders, along with community partners, we aim to achieve successful outcomes for our unhoused population while improving livability and safety in our communities. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 25th, 2024
Now available home for rent, 3bdr, 2bath, $3250.00 mon., plus deposit. No utilities included. Text Barbara @ 805-797-3697. (7/25) |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Monday, July 22nd, 2024
The Connie Converse Universe Celebrating Connie Converse's 100TH Birthday comes to Ojai on August 3, at 7:00pm at the Ojai Underground Exchange 616 Pearl Street, Ojai 93012. |