By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 29th, 2023
In October of 2023, CIT Ventura County will host its 60th Crisis Intervention Team Academy Class. This milestone will have resulted in the CIT Program having trained nearly 2200 first responders, communication operators, and key designated personnel. The CIT program goals are: Modeled after an international program created in Memphis, Tennessee in 1988, the Crisis Intervention Team program is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health professionals, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and other advocates. It is an innovative first-responder model of police-based crisis intervention training to help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access support and medical treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system. It also promotes officer safety and the safety of the individuals in crisis. The 40-hour training requires an instructional team of 50-60 mental health clinicians, peers, persons with lived experience, and law enforcement professionals. The Ventura County CIT program was created in 2001 as a response to law enforcement leaders’ recognition that there was a growing need for law enforcement to be able to safely respond to crisis calls for service, reduce the use of force, and compassionately connect people with services while avoiding incarceration. Ventura County is unique in the State of California because every law enforcement agency participates in the same training program. The program staff’s two full-time employees to manage the program. The program is funded by a collaborative partnership through a law enforcement memorandum of agreement and VCBH memorandum of understanding. CIT has also maintained a strong working partnership with NAMI since 2001. Nature of Incident: Ventura County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Celebrates its 60th CIT Academy Calss Ventura County Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team: Prepared by: Aaron Kitzman, CIT Program Administrator II Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 21st, 2023
On Wednesday, September 13, the Rotary Program was presented by Fillmore Unified School District staff members (l- r) Rosanna Lomeli, Nancy Luna, Maria Hurtado and Trina Tafoya, along with Rotary President Scott Beylik. They informed the Club about the Wellness Centers and resources provided, at each school, to aid the students and families. The Wellness Centers provide mental health services, trained wellness peers and counselors. This has been especially important since Covid when the students were isolated at home and are now having to adjust to the chaotic life of classrooms and school. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
The photo above of the author’s great-grandfather was taken in 1902, Juan De La Cruz and great-grandmother Dolores (Fernandez), George William and younger brother Ernest. Photo courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 21st, 2023
Above are the three amigos, George William, the author’s grandfather (Mark Aguirre), his father George Benjamin (in uniform) and Joe Nunez, 1944. Photo courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Above is a photo taken in 2018 after Marge Aguirre passing; George B. and Marge Aguirre's Children, left to right Andrew, Chris, Elizabeth, Philip, Michele, Tim, Mark, Angela, Kim, Matt. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum, Written by Mark Aguirre is sharing the history of his family. Does your family have a story to tell? When I began to collect the records of my ancestors, I began to understand how they helped build and become part of the communities of Camulos, Piru and Fillmore. It began with the arrival in the Santa Clarita Valley of my two great great grandfathers and grandmothers. Theirs is a tale of American migration, arriving with nothing and building something substantial. They – along with their children and grandchildren – became land owners, started businesses, fought in world wars and raised large families. THE FIRST TO ARRIVE: Juan B Fernandez (1842-1900), Jesus Aguirre (1825-1902), Petra Soto (1855-1934) and Conception Gonzales (1842-1912) Both Juan and Jesus migrated into this country from different towns in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, and their lives would mirror each other’s. Juan came from Rayon in 1854 and Jesus from Pitiquito in 1870. It is likely that they both worked for Camulos Ranch. Juan and his wife, Petra Soto, raised ten children, and so did Jesus and his wife, Conception Gonzales. Both Juan and Jesus homesteaded 160 acres up in Piru Canyon and died before their wives. Petra and Conception became landowners. In 1907, Petra sold her land (where Lake Piru is today) and built a house in Santa Paula. The Aguirre homestead was in the hills east of Piru Creek. Oil was discovered there and still produces small royalty checks for the Aguirre family. THE BUILDERS: Juan De La Cruz Aguirre (1875-1964) and Dolores Fernandez (1876-1970) THE RANCHERS: George William Aguirre (1900-1996) and Lillian Nuñez (1905-1998) THE HOMEMAKERS: George Benjamin Aguirre (1924-1994) and Marjorie Terrel (1928-2018) |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 21st, 2023
Chrissy Schieferle, Superintendent of FUSD Schools and Rotary Program Chair introduced the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which Dr. Isaac Houng is in charge of. It is an after-school program for TK-6th grade, and includes academics, enrichment, nutrition, physical activities, and more. It is a program for kids and for families who work. The Program also partners with Boys & Girls Club in the summer. Ann Thille is in charge of the Discovery Center where they have Family Nights with hands-on stations for kids and parents to learn about science. Pictured (l-r) is Dr. Isaac Houng, Ann Thille and Rotary President Scott Beylik presenting them with a mug as a thank you. Courtesy Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 21st, 2023
On Tuesday morning, September 19, crews were spotted along Highway 126 near Norman’s Nursery working on multiple power lines. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 21st, 2023
St. Francis of Assisi Church is pleased to invite you to our annual Rosary prayers and Procession which will take place this year in the Church patio, with the Procession taking place once around Two Rivers Park. The event, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, will start in the patio at noon sharp, and, weather permitting, proceed to the park. Bring yourself, your family, your children, and be blessed as you all participate in the Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. See you there! For information, contact Olivia Galvez at (805) 368-4944. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 14th, 2023
The Fillmore Police Station will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future drivers. This program will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Fillmore High School Library. The “Start Smart” Program is a cooperative effort between California Highway Patrol, Fillmore Police Station, teenage drivers, and their parents/guardians. In an ongoing effort focused on community outreach, this is a proactive, educational program Call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233 for reservations. Space is limited to 20 students and their parents/guardians. There is no charge to attend the program. |
Above is the new building at 527 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, back in 1957, which is now Bank of the Sierra. Photos Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum In 1927, thirty men met at the Piru Citrus Exchange to discuss nothing that had to do with citrus, but everything to do with their community. They met to form a building and loan association that would serve the needs of the Piru and Fillmore areas. They formed what would become Ramona Savings and Loan. In 1963, Frank Erskine wrote to a new depositor who asked how the name was chosen. This is his explanation: We held several meetings and there was much discussion as to whether we could make it pay in so small a town. Finally a permit was issued and we had to have a name. The majority of the organizers were in Fillmore, but the idea was born in Piru, so we hesitated about calling it Fillmore Savings, and did not think Piru was the proper name. The stream thru Fillmore is known as the Little Santa Clara River. So we adopted the name “Little Santa Clara Valley Savings and Loan.” Plenty long. Then I suggested Ramona. Many years ago Helen Hunt Jackson wrote a book which for many years was a best seller. It was the story of Ramona and Allesandro. 13 miles east of Fillmore, and in the Piru area, is an old adobe house that was built on a Spanish grant, and this house was the home of the servant girl Ramona. It has always been known since as the home of Ramona. As we were to be helping people acquire homes, I said one of the most famous homes in California was that of Ramona, and why not call this association Ramona Savings. No one had a better idea, so that is the story.” The new business was capitalized with $75,000. It had a seven-man board of directors which initially included: Hugh Warring as president, W. H. Price, vice-president, David Felsenthal, Harry P. Brown, Charles W. Padelford, Frank Erskine and J. M. Horton (this J. M. Horton was a major rancher in the Piru area, not the principal of Fillmore Union High School). As of the Association’s 50 anniversary, in 1977, they had never missed an interest payment. By that time they had grown to over $30,000,000 in assets and were a major lender for home buyers in the area. Frank Erskine soon left his position as manager of the Fillmore Citrus Association to manage Ramona. He took a very hands-on approach, often inspecting the property involved in the loan himself. He did not hesitate to tell prospective customers exactly why Ramona would not be offering to lend the money. In at least one case he told the applicant the building should be condemned it was in such poor condition. At the same time, there were many instances where a debt was carried as long as possible to allow the customer to catch up on payments. Solvency, however, was a prime concern especially during the dark days of the Great Depression. Over the years there had been several offers to purchase the Association. Finally in 1984, Ramona was sold for $4 million to Donald Magano and John Molinaro. The headquarters was moved to Orange with a branch only in Fillmore. Under the new ownership, questionable loans were made and in 1986 Federal and State Regulators seized Ramona and transferred its assets to a newly chartered Ramona Federal Savings and Loan. It was too late to stop the downhill slide and in February 1988, the Association was closed down by regulators with no notice. There is more to the story than there is space here to tell it, but both Magano and Molinaro were convicted of more than 30 counts of bank fraud and conspiracy. It’s a sad ending for something that was started for such good reasons and served its community so well for so long. |
Above is Fillmore Rotary speakers Howie Freedman and Susana Willeford with Rotary President Scott Beylik presenting them with a rotary mug as a thank you. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, September 7th, 2023
The Rotary Club of Fillmore enjoyed two speakers Susana Willeford, Executive Director and Howie Freedman, Assistant Director from the Santa Clara Valley Hospice. This is a non-profit Home Support Group who has been serving our area for over 40 years. They have an office in Santa Paula at 217 N. 10th Street Monday - Friday from 9am – 1pm and one in Fillmore at 642 Lemon Way. The Fillmore office is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am -12pm, by appointment the phone is 805-525-1333. They have many services from grief support, to caregiving training, to medical equipment lending program wheelchairs, hospital beds, adult diapers etc. Everything is free. They are also happy to receive monetary donations as well as used medical equipment in good condition. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 365, Santa Paula, CA 93061. |
Left is Regina Stehly Nunez who always does the Flower Show Cafe and on the right is Doris Nichols who brought all her Middle School students art work for display. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
August 27, 2023 By Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteer Committee will resume their monthly meetings, September 20, 2023, after taking a summer break. We meet at 1:30 pm in the Council Chambers until the elevator is repaired. And what is Civic Pride Volunteer Committee? What have they done in our Fillmore community? What do they do? Would you be surprised to know that the only surviving committee that has continued to serve & function, would be Civic Pride Volunteer Committee? Our group has worked over the years to beautify the downtown, Central business area, by refurbishing all the large cement pots & stucco planters, with watering systems, new soil & plants, beginning in 2012, involving many different community groups & placing a plaque with their names on each pot. We continued to fertilize, weed & prune these until the city landscape crew took over. We refurbished the weed-filled planters in the east & west side of Central parking lots with succulents, weed barrier & watering timers on the west side. We have encouraged homeowners to keep their yards, attractive & well maintained by awarding a “Yard of the Month” gift card provided by Otto & Sons Nursery, who have supported this project since its’ inception. In the past, we put on Artwalks downtown to high light local artists & businesses with musicians playing. It takes many volunteers to grow & propagate plants for the boutique, handle all the publicity, gather donations for the drawings, put out signage, set up the show on Friday, & be ready at 7am with tables, Saturday morning to receive all the entries, provide treats for the Café refreshments , and then take it all down until next year. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
On Friday, August 25, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm, the City of Fillmore hosted their Summer Music Series & Movie in the Park. They had food trucks, venders, live music by DJ Danny and as the sun went down folks were able to gather and enjoy watching Super Mario Brothers. Photo courtesy https://www. facebook.com/cityoffillmore. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 31st, 2023
In observance of the Labor Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, Sept. 4. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collected on Saturday, Sept. 9, one day later than usual. The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week. Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be put into paper or plastic bags, and the bags should be closed tightly and tossed into the yard/organic waste cart. Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley, the Channel Islands beach communities and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park as Newbury Disposal. For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Fillmore’s Ernest (Ernie) Joseph Morales passed away at age 88 at VCMC after a brief illness on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He spent 16 years on the Fillmore City Council, started Knights of Columbus Chapter at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, served as Fillmore Rotary President, and more. He graduated from Fillmore High in 1953 and earned his associate degree at Ventura College. He was an Army Veteran and for 30 years was a civilian administrator at Point Mugu Navy base. Fillmore thanks you, Ernie. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the Santa Paula Branch Line Advisory Committee held a joint meeting on Tuesday, August 15th to discuss future plans for the graffiti-covered railcars now parked on the tracks west of Fillmore. The caption referenced another meeting to be held on Friday, September 8 at 9am. That will be the regular commission meeting, not specifically related to the railcar issue. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Sespe Creek is flowing again after the weekend rains from Hurricane Hilary. The storm brought 2-inches to the valley, and 4-inches to the area mountains. The Sespe is a stream, some 61 miles long that starts at Potrero Seco in the eastern Sierra Madre Mountains, and is formed by more than 30 tributary streams of the Sierra Madre and Topatopa Mountains, before it empties into the Santa Clara River in Fillmore. The 31 miles of the creek is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and National Scenic Waterway, and is untouched by dams or concrete channels. It is one of the last wild rivers in Southern California, and lies primarily within the southern Los Padres National Forest. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 24th, 2023
9.A RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3950 to extend the declaration of a local emergency arising from the collapse of a sewer manhole which rendered the downstream pipeline unusable; 2. Adopt the Designation of Applicant’s Agency Resolution for Non-State Agencies; 3. Approve the First Amendment to the City’s contract with Toro Enterprises, Inc. (“Toro”); 4. Approve the Second Amendment to the City’s contract with Ferreira Construction Co. Inc. (“Ferreira”); and 5. Appropriate additional funds for the contract amendment with Toro in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for the contract with Ferreira, as further described in the Fiscal Impact section below. 9.B APPROVAL OF THE VENTURA COUNTY STORMWATER PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION AND COST-SHARING AGREEMENT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the attached Ventura County Stormwater Permit Implementation and Cost-Sharing Agreement (Agreement) and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on the City’s behalf. |