Mark, Angel and Michael will be staying at a hotel with a kitchenette for a few weeks. They are very thankful for everyone’s support and donations to the GoFundMe page that was setup on their behalf. The family is currently looking for a rental in Fillmore. If anyone has a place to offer, please contact scott@fillmoregazette.com

Another option for helping Mark, Angel and Michael has been created. You can now donate to an account at Union Bank in Fillmore under Angel R. Ortega.

Although the goal at the GoFundMe page has been reached, the family could use all the help they can get. Please continue to donate at https://www.gofundme.com/ortega-house

More updates coming soon.

The house and its entire contents are a total loss.

Just before noon January 5th, Fillmore Fire responded to the 400 block of Cook Drive in Fillmore. Upon arrival the department found a fully involved structure fire. With the aid from Ventura County Fire and Santa Paula Fire, the house fire was knocked down and is under investigation. The house and its entire contents are a total loss. A GoFundMe page has been setup to help the Ortega Family https://www.gofundme.com/ortega-house

By Superintendent Adrian Palazuelos, Ph.D.

As we embrace a new year it is only fitting to look back and reflect on our collective achievements over the course of 2016. The Fillmore Unified School District is committed to our mission and is working to ensure that “Every day we develop high-performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.” Our work is centered on this mission and on ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our students. We are especially grateful for the Fillmore Unified classified, certificated, and management staff who provide inspired service in helping all of our students achieve success.

In 2016 Fillmore Unified celebrated the opening of two new programs, Preschool and Adult Education. The Preschool and Adult School provide additional opportunities for district staff to work directly with our families. Our district has benefited greatly from the ability to compete for state funding and provide direct services and programming in our community. Fillmore Unified received over $2 Million dollars from the State of California to open Preschool programs in our school district during 2016. To date we have programs at Piru Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary, Mountain Vista Elementary, and on the Sierra campus. Over the course of the next month we will be opening a Preschool at San Cayetano Elementary and at the Sespe campus.

Additionally, our district received over $500,000 to open an Adult School program on the Sierra campus. The Fillmore Adult School provides opportunities for district residents over the age of 18 to access English as a Second Language, Adult School Diploma, and GED courses. We have over 200 adults enrolled in the Adult School program and are exploring additional courses and programs to meet the needs of our community.

In 2016 our Board of Trustees approved the Long Range Facilities Master Plan and approved for Measure V to be placed on the ballot this past November. Leading up to the election we witnessed firsthand the outpouring of positive community support for our schools. Our community further demonstrated that support with Measure V passing with 72.88% approval at the polls. A heartfelt thanks to our community for their support of our schools.

Our work in creating new opportunities for families and enhancing our facilities are but a few examples of reflection on the last year. However, the greatest honor is serving as the educational institution for this community. The tremendous privilege of educating the youth of this community is what we are most thankful for. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Fillmore Unified School District we extend a Happy New Year to the community we serve and look forward to an exceptional 2017.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Bureau would like to remind motorists that a new cell phone law takes effect on January 1st 2017.

On Jan 1st, 2017, the existing cell phone law, California Vehicle Code 23123.5, is being repealed and a new cell phone law, which was signed by Governor Brown on September 2016 (Assembly Bill 1785) is being put in its place.

California Vehicle Code 23123.5. now states:
(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while driving.

(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.

(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the driver’s hand while the driver is operating the vehicle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield in the same manner a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (b) of Section 26708 or is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road.

(2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

This new cell phone law means if drivers intend to use their cellphones while operating a motor vehicle, drivers must have their cell phones mounted to the dashboard, center console, or windshield and can only use a “feature” on the phone with a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

A violation of this law is an infraction. The base fine for the first offense is $20.00 and $50 for each subsequent offense.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “The percentage of drivers text-messaging or visibly manipu¬lating handheld devices increased from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent in 2015. Since 2007, young drivers (age 16 to 24) have been observed manipulating electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers. Data shows the average time your eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.”

Nature of Incident: New cell phone law, effective January 1st , 2017
Report Number:
Location: California
Date & Time: January 1st , 2017
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Police Department Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Prepared by: Sergeant Sean Britt #3572
News Release Date: 12/22/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Sean Britt #3572
Approved by: Captain Cory Rubright

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).