 Friday, April 28 at 7:30pm Fillmore Fire received multiple reports of a structure fire at the 200 block of Olive Street. The first fire crew to arrive found the homeowner with burns and the house fully involved; Ventura County Fire was requested. It took crews approximately one hour to knock down the fire but crews remained on-scene over night. Red Cross was called and the burn victim refused medical treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Further information will be updated when available. Photos by Sebastian Rameriz. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
 Froggy Story by Joe Woods The time is here! When you ask? May 5th 2017. Where? Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Ca. the 805! Time? 6 p.m. What is it? Combate Americas M.M.A.! Who is fighting? Jose “Froggy” Estrada with a 3-0 record vs Emilio Chavez with an 11-9 record. Jose “Froggy’’ Estrada is from Fillmore. This will be his fourth pro fight and his first one in Ventura County. To everyone who knows Jose they know him as Froggy. He got the name when he was playing football for The Fillmore Raiders youth football team, and it has been his name since then. Now Froggy is fighting on the biggest stage in Combate Americas history. The Ventura Fairgrounds will be sold out with a lot of Froggy’s friends, family and fans. This young man is shooting up in the M.M.A. ranks as fast as you can take a shot of Patron on Cinco de Mayo. And that’s what some people will be doing this fight night in Ventura. Froggy has been training for the last seven weeks. Cardio, kick boxing, boxing, diet and living in the gym, this is his life. This is his job, 24/7. “Combate Americas is giving me a chance to live my dream,” said Froggy, “This is my life. This is what I do. I am thankful for the chance I have.” There are no days off. It’s road work and cardo for 2 hours and then about 5 hours in the gym working on his skills as a fighter. Diet is always on his mind. Froggy eats the right foods for him every day. On the day we talked he had a small piece of fish and a very small salad, and all the water he could drink. “I am on track to make weight. The diet is a huge part of my training,” said Froggy. I asked what food did he miss, and he said, “A Hamburger, a good one. But no more of that for me.” Froggy is very proud to be fighting for the Combate Americas. “They all treat me great. They cover me on T.V. and social media. They fly me out to other fights and believe in me. Mr. Campbell McLaren is a big support to me. He thinks I can be the next big thing for Combate Americas.” With the support of his teammate Michael Reyes, Coach Brian Espinosa and Coach Janik he cannot lose. “With my family, friends and Coaches I have all the support I need. And now add my Grandma, she will be there for her first pro fight.” “Her name is Teresa Ramos. Her and my grandfather ‘Tata’ who will be there in sprit have always been there for me. I will be thinking of them both when I come out to the ring.” I asked Froggy what does Emilio Chavez bring to the fight? “He has a good kick to the head, I need to look out for that. And a lot of ring experience. But I will do what I need to do and fight my fight.” I also asked him what is going through his mind when he walks down and to the ring? “Man, the roar of the crowd! It gets me going. There is no turning back and it is time to do what the Frog does! Time to take this guy out and win the fight!” So Fillmore and the rest of the 805 get ready because The Frog is coming and there will be no holding him back. “I will be a World Champion! I want to do it for Combate Americas. I want it and nothing will get in my way. I will be the next big thing in the M.M.A. world! Look out Froggy is here and I am ready!” Froggy would like to thank all of his Coaches, his family, his friends, and all the sponsors who support him. “Without my support team behind me I would not be here. And thank you Combate Americas for this chance, and I will not let anyone of you down. I will always work hard, and give it all I got in the cage.” So now you know all the where’s, who’s, and what’s. It’s fight time and now it’s time to do what The Frog does. Happy Cinco de Mayo Ventura County. And enjoy the fight live or on T V and watch Fillmore’s own Jose “Froggy” Estrada become the next big thing. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
 Eagle Scout, Johnathan Freeman Submitted By Sharon Overall-Freeman Johnathan Freeman has successfully met all of the requirements for Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Project, Johnathan led members of Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 411 and the community in replacing the large fence around the historic Camulos Ranch Cemetery. Over 500 hours of service were given to this project. An Eagle Court of Honor will be held on Friday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fillmore Ward Building, located at 1017 1st Street in Fillmore, California. |
 (l-r) Virginia Neuman, Sandra Ambriz, Nico Vargas, Ari Larson, Jan Marholin, Berta Vassaur, Francisco Pesantez and Buddy Escoto. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
Submitted By Ari Larson Proving they invest in the future, Union Bank made a $10,000. donation to the local Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (serving youth in Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula.) At the day long celebration on Friday, April 28th artwork from the Boys & Girls Club youth was on display at the bank. The student art was created under the tutelage of artist Virginia Neuman. Bank customers and the public were also treated to lunch. Branch Manager Berta Vassaur thanked the Boys & Girls Club for their dedication to the youth in the community. On hand to accept the donation were Jan Marholin, CEO of the BGC of SCV and Board President Ari Larson. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley please call 805.525.7910. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
CONTESTANT 1 – Yanelli Cobian Yanelli is currently a Junior at Fillmore High School. She has been participating in the lady flashes girls soccer team since her freshman year and is a two year varsity starter. Yanelli has been playing soccer since the age of three and hopes to continue playing throughout college. Yanelli hopes to become an ultrasound technician and wishes to attend a four year university close to home. Excelling in her school work is important to Yanelli, as she has maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during her high school attendance. She loves spending time with her friends and family whether it be at school, riding dirt bikes, or simply eating dinner together every night; she loves the endless amount of jokes, laughs and giggles they share. Yanelli's friends and family would say that art is part of Yanelli's personality as she loves to draw and paint. They also describe her as bubbly, independent, hard-working, dependable, out-going, kind hearted and an overall beautiful person inside and out. Lauren is currently a senior at Fillmore High School. She has always been involved in an array of extracurricular activities and held positions such as ASB secretary, volunteered for the mentor program, and participated in local art shows. She has come to love the sport of running. Since her sophomore year she has been a part of the cross country and track teams. She intends to always lace up her shoes and explore the environment around her by running the hills, streets, and trails wherever she may go. Lauren holds her family as very dear and is thankful for her loving and supportive mother Maria, her older sisters, Moneh and Anissa, and her younger brother, Joseph. In her free time, you can catch Lauren working on multiple projects. Whether she is on her sewing machine, strumming a new song on the ukulele, or arranging foraged flowers - she is always creating. After high school she will attend San Francisco State University and major in business studies with the hopes of opening her own business one day. She excitedly awaits for this next chapter in her life and all the experiences that will come with it. Alyssa plans on becoming a wildlife biologist and travel the world helping and studying animals. She is a senior at Fillmore High School, and will be attending Northern Arizona University in the fall as a biology major. Alyssa loves sports having participated in cross country, basketball and track and field. She enjoys volunteering time keeping stats for the high school girls’ varsity basketball team and was previously a member of the Fillmore High School ASB, serving as commissioner of publicity. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, painting, running and listening to any and all types of music. She is a big Harry Potter fan (team Ravenclaw), and has a lot of interest in photography as well. Alyssa feels that one of her biggest accomplishments is stepping out of her comfort zone and competing in this pageant. She is glad she chose to compete and even more so that her best friend is competing right by her side. Chloé is a Junior at Fillmore High School and has also been a student for 2 years at Ventura College. She has a love for animals and plans to attend a four-year university; majoring in Animal Science. Chloe plans to further her education and become a Veterinarian. Chloe enjoys community service and extra-curricular activities. She has been a member of 4H since she was 5 years old and has held several officer positions, currently holding Bardsdale 4H Vice President and Arts & Crafts Teen Leader. 4-H helped in building the leader Chloe is today, it also led Chloe to joining Fillmore FFA. Chloe has been a member of FFA for 4 years and has received several awards for leadership and raising cattle. She is currently a member and officer in the Fillmore FFA Chapter and is the Treasurer for the Ventura Section. She won many awards with her SAE and Breeding heifer projects at the Ventura County Fair as well as earning her FFA State Degree and 2017 Star Farmer Award. While balancing school work with club activities, she is an avid swimmer for Fillmore High's Swim Team. Sara is a senior at Fillmore High School and after graduation plans on completing her general education requirements at Ventura College. Her college goal is to transfer to Northern Arizona University to complete her studies in nursing. Her future career ambition is work as a neonatal nurse. Sara loves sports, but cheerleading has been her passion for the past thirteen years. She is a four year member of the Fillmore High Pep Squad and Varsity Team Captain. She has volunteered as a Fillmore Raiders Youth Cheer Coach for the last seven years and was recently appointed the cheer director for the entire organization. She is thrilled about this new venture in her cheer career and is ready to give back to the organization that helped her grow into the person she is today. Sara volunteers extensively throughout our community but an organization that she holds close to her heart are the local animal shelters. She believes that all animals deserve unlimited love and enjoys volunteering at the animal shelters, helping out in any way she can. Amanda is an honor student at Moorpark High School where is currently a junior. At the age of five, Amanda walked into a dance studio, cried, and never went back. So needless to say she is an avid sports fan, playing softball and basketball, but running stole her heart. She is on the Moorpark High School varsity cross country and track teams. Throughout her high school career, she has competed at the Cross Country State Championships three times. She is also on the leadership team of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Interact Club. She currently maintains a 4.1 GPA and balances 2 AP classes as well as an honors class. In the future she aspires to run at UCSB and to major in Global Studies and minor in Political Science. Some day she would like to work to strengthen international relations. Until then you can see her at the beach with friends, watching Netflix, or camping with her family. Sarah is an honor student and senior at Fillmore High School who will be attending Cal State University Chico this fall, majoring in animal science. Once graduated from CSU Chico, she plans to attend Purdue University to further her education and become a small and large livestock veterinarian. Sarah has a love of soccer and has been playing the sport competitively for over 13 years. She is also musically talented, trained to play instruments such as the flute, tenor saxophone, keyboard and timpani. She has been a member of band class since the 4th grade, training two years in JAZZ band, and four years in marching-concert band. Sarah has been a member of Fillmore FFA for 3 years and has received several awards for public speaking and raising rabbits and lambs. She currently serves as the Fillmore FFA Chapter Secretary and was recently awarded her State FFA Degree in April. Outside of school and FFA, Sarah enjoys reading novels, horticulture, and walking around Fillmore with friends enjoying the scenery. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
CONTESTANT 1 – Natalie Couse Natalie takes pride in her academics. She has obtained over a 4.0 throughout her freshman and sophomore year in high school. She has been a member of the Fillmore flashes pep squad for her two years in high school and is currently on the varsity squad for the upcoming year. Natalie has been a supportive member of Relay for Life and is currently on the planning committee for the Fillmore-Piru event. One of Natalie's favorite things to do, is go to concerts. Some of her favorite bands include red hot chili peppers and sublime. After she graduates high school, she plans to join the Air Force and aspires to attend the Air Force Academy. While serving she plans on continuing her education to become an aeronautical engineer or a pilot. After graduation, Ari hopes to attend either Stanford or UCLA and major in Forensic Science. With her degree, she aspires to venture into the science and detective side of the criminal justice field, where she can work to ensure justice for all those who have been victimized. Outside of school, Ari takes part on the committee of the Fillmore/Piru Relay for Life and is an active member of her church. Ari also likes to draw sketches of people and things that surround her, and hopes to work to make art one of her talents. Ari loves to talk, is energetic, and goofy. To relax she spends hours in her room sketching and listening to many different types of music. She loves classical books, her favorite being the Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger and has taken a new love to short stories. Alexis loves the outdoors and enjoys working with her pig for numerous hours a day teaching it to do 360's and figure 8's. His name is Diesel, only because he will be big enough to burn diesel. Alexis started her own charity in 2016 called Paying it Forward. She wanted to make a difference in her community and people’s lives. The community of Fillmore really came together by donating two truck loads of can goods, clothes for all ages, and baby items to the Salvation Army and transitional living shelter. Alexis enjoys being a positive roll model for all girls and does a great deal of volunteering in the community of Fillmore. CONTESTANT 4 – Charlize Virto In her free time, Charlize volunteers with the Fillmore Bears Cheer Youth Organization. She loves working with the youth of the community and passing on her cheer knowledge to the next generation. She has been volunteering with them for the past 2 years and plans to continue until she graduates from high school. FFA is one of the many things Charlize has a strong passion for and enjoys. She is a current member of the Fillmore FFA, and is currently raising a market swine to take to the Ventura County Fair this summer. In the future Charlize aspires to attend a four-year university; majoring in Animal Science. She hopes to take her love of animals and become a veterinarian. Until then she enjoys going to amusement parks with her friends. |
 Photo of the Week by Bob Crum. Tufas on Mono Lake, Lee Vining, CA. Photo data: ISO 640, 15mm, f/11 at 1/500 seconds. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
Once Isn’t Enough
 Bob Crum Won't return home in time so I'm writing this from my daughter's home in Reno, NV, because publication deadlines wait for no one. Not even me. Photos are from my heavily guarded impenetrable photo vault. (A hard drive in the cabinet.) Dewitt Jones, a renowned outdoor photographer, recently penned: “If I could stop time and contemplate the true beauty of a given moment, my eyes would widen and my jaw would drop. (Wait, I can do that! That's why I photograph!)” That's why I photograph too! A lot! I love the outdoors. Nature, undisturbed by mankind is special because of its grandeur, it's stately elegance. Explicitly Lordliness in all it's glory. When I encounter stunning scenery the urge to photograph is immediate. Bad idea! Opulence deserves savoring. Then evaluate the play and direction of light and the character of the subject. Then program the camera and shoot while realizing that I'll fail. I fail every time I attempt to capture what made my eyes open wide and my jaw drop because cameras cannot capture the exquisite essence of a natural wonder. Nevertheless, I persevere because I'm afflicted with photography obsessive compulsive disorder (POCD). Caution: It's contagious. The only remedy is to continuously press the shutter button! With each press... relief! Last week I introduced you to the tufas of Mono Lake. I've been there three times. Why? Because as you cannot step into the same river twice, you'll never see tufas the same way twice. Never! The south tufa area with the greatest concentration is a maze of tufas. There uniqueness challenges even the most experienced photographers. Several compositions could easily be shot from one place. Turn 45° either way and still many more compositions. Almost endless perspectives. The interplay of light (the essence of photography) on the tufa varies greatly from month-to-month, day-to-day, hour-to-hour. Light is the main reason the tufas are revealed anew with each succeeding visit. Notice the green water in a couple of the (website) photos. In recent summers, due to microscopic algae, Mono Lake turns green. The lake typically turns into a blue, Lake Tahoe-like clarity as abundant Artemia minica (brine shrimp) graze the algae. Obviously if you only visited Mono Lake during July, you wouldn't get to see the blue water in January and vice versa. Most hardcore photographers dislike midday shooting for various reasons. Given good weather, I've photographed tufas an entire day. Loved every minute and every challenge. Well, truth be told I'm always hopeful that the Mono Lake mermaids would surface at any moment. I remain disappointed! Technical notes: A variable circular polarizing lens filter is recommended to eliminate/reduce reflected light on the water. Forget the filter if you prefer a super-wet look. A dSLR camera isn't mandatory. A fully charged battery, memory cards and command of your point-and-shoot camera can get the job done. On one visit to Mono Lake, I had the good fortune to witness a mating pair of ospreys nesting on a tufa island. Their activities were fascinating to watch. Henry Miller wrote: “One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Photography also teaches a new way of seeing things. Relish the challenge. Question: If I presented a weekend photography workshop at Mono Lake, would you be interested? Or perhaps a workshop closer to home instead? Email me your thoughts. Until next time, happy photoing. Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
30th reunion to be celebrated at the 104th annual Alumni Dinner
In 1987, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series! The New York Giants won the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Lakers were NBA Champions, and the FHS Class of 1987 marched under the Shasta Daisy arches in June! The Class of '87 will be celebrating their 30th class reunion on June 10th at the annual FHS Alumni Dinner/Dance. The annual Alumni Dinner is for all FHS Alumni. Lately, the Alumni Dinner has been hosting quite a few class reunions because of the outstanding dinner menu. The Veteran's Memorial Building is decked out with old FHS memorabilia as far as the eye can see and each class that has their reunion at the Alumni Dinner doesn't have to lift one finger – the Alumni Board of Directors and their volunteers do all the work. So who wouldn't want to have their reunion there? The Class of '87, and all FHS Alumni, can make reservations online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (click on Events) or you can always stop by Patterson Hardware in Fillmore (open 7 days a week) and pay there. It's so simple to attend the dinner. Come be a part of it and be on the look out for the class of '87! They will be rocking their 30 year class reunion both at the dinner and on the dance floor. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, May 1st, 2017
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the first confirmed illness in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The illness occurred in Kings County. “West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. This year to date, West Nile virus activity has been detected in three dead birds, one each from San Mateo, Orange, and San Diego counties. Heavy rains this winter in California have contributed to an increase in mosquito breeding sites. It is not known what impact the wet weather may have on the actual virus transmission risk in humans. So far this season, West Nile activity is within expected levels. West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area and the level of West Nile immunity in birds. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. 1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age. 2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. 3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency. California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 On Monday, April 17th, friends, family, coaches, staff and teammates all gathered at the Fillmore High School gym to witness and support FHS senior Marisa Felix, as she signed her official letter of intent to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on an athletic scholarship for softball next year. Submitted By Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal. Enlarge Photo |