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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
On July 18, 1980, at approximately 12:30pm, Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a call of a dead body found in a parking lot of Westlake High School, 100 N Lakeview Canyon Road, in Westlake Village. The murdered woman was at the foot of a dirt hillside in the rear parking lot of the school, accessible from N. Via Merida. It was determined the unidentified woman was sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled to death elsewhere before being dumped in the school’s parking lot. Her autopsy determined she was approximately five months pregnant with a son. Thirty-five years later, the murdered woman remains unidentified. As a result of major advances in DNA, in 2012, DNA that was collected from Jane Doe’s clothing and fingernails was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Wilson Chouest was identified as the person associated with this DNA. At that time, Chouest was serving a life sentence in state prison for the kidnap, robbery, and rape of one woman, and kidnap and robbery of another that occurred in Tulare County in August and September of 1980. Chouest is eligible for parole for these crimes in 2017. This new DNA information gave the investigation forward momentum, especially when investigators learned Chouest had been linked through DNA to another Jane Doe homicide in Kern County. The body of Kern County’s Jane Doe was found in an almond orchard near Delano on July 15, 1980, three days prior to the Ventura County Jane Doe being found. While detectives from both agencies worked to develop evidence in the case against Chouest, they continued in their efforts to identify the two Jane Doe’s. The women have been featured on bulletins shared on our social media platforms and on numerous Jane Doe websites. Despite not being able to identify the women, the investigation did develop evidence that showed Chouest was responsible for the deaths of the two women and the unborn child. The Ventura County Cold Case Unit detectives submitted evidence to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for review. On September 23, 2015, Chouest was brought back to Ventura County on a court order. He was arrested on September 30, 2015 for murder. Chouest is due to appear in court on October 1, 2015. These victims have been unidentified for 35 years. Both women had live births prior to their death. Somewhere, there are two families whose mothers disappeared in July of 1980, never to be heard from or seen again. We’d like nothing more than to bring the families answers and return their loved ones to them. Chouest traveled throughout several counties during his four months of freedom in 1980. Investigators believe these women’s kidnapping and murders could have occurred in Tulare, Kern, Ventura or Los Angeles Counties. If you have information about Wilson Chouest’s activity between June and September 1980 or you have information about the victims’ identities, please email your tips to the Cold Case Unit at coldcase.187@ventura.org. Nature of Incident: Arrest Made in 1980 Jane Doe Murders 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). |
 Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros presents Fillmore’s 2014 Firefighter of the Year Chad Panke with awards at the 13th Annual Firefighters & Heros Gala in Ventura, on September 11th. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
On September 11th, 2015 The 13th Annual Firefighters & Heroes Gala to honor Ventura County’s outstanding firefighters and civilian heroes was held. Fillmore’s Firefighter of the Year 2014 Chad Panke was honored with a plaque and award presented by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. The event was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ventura. The evening included dinner, awards, and dancing with music provided by DJ Bruce Barrios. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
There were three items of new business on the Fillmore City Council Meeting and one old one, which was the establishment of a Pre-sale/Human Living Standards Inspection Program. Just as at the last council meeting on September 8th, many Ventura Country Realtors came to voice their opposition to the program. Dennis Goldstein past president of Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) addressed the Council stating, "Realtors are dedicated to peoples private property rights" and said he opposed the program "It places an unfair burden on property owners....reduces the privacy of the property." Dale King with Santa Paula Troop Realty stated he was also opposed to the program for many of the same reasons that Goldstein spoke of. "It's not the newer homes that are the problem, it is the smaller older properties that will be burdened with the added expense King told the Council..... Some were built before there was a code enforcement and some of the conversions were done because there was no need to park a car in the garage. It is expensive to return some properties back to their original condition, and often these are the people who can least afford it..... A first time buyer can't afford it." King encouraged a County Record check and a copy of the permit file, which cost about $40-$80. He said they are helpful disclosures between a buyer and seller. Realtor Mark Chacon CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 On the morning of September 11th, the Fillmore Fire Department, along with City Manager David Rowlands, Fillmore Police Chief Dave Wareham and sheriff’s deputies, the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders, and citizens wanting to honor the victims of 9/11, gathered to raise the flag in memorium. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley would like to thank Fillmore Rotary for supporting them with a brand new van for the Club. “This is so exciting for us as we have never had a new van and it will allow us to serve and transport more kids,” said CEO Jan Marholin. The van is a 2015 Chevy Van. Currently the club has a 15 passenger van and Club Site Director Buddy Escoto is the only one with a Class B license who can drive it. So when Buddy is ill or out there is no one else who can drive. This van will allow the Club to do more pick-ups after school, more field trip participation and Robotics team Work with the Club in Santa Paula and soon to be Piru. Thank you Fillmore Rotary! Jan Marholin, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 FUSD Board Member John Garnica The September 15, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognizing the Future Farmers of America (FFA) students who participated in the 2015 Ventura County Fair and ended with Board Member John Garnica resigning as a board member. Garnica, who has served on the board for 16 years, told the other members his wife is a candidate for a principal position and there would be a conflict of interest if he stayed on. Garnica spoke of the confidence he had with the present board along with the new superintendent and felt it was the right time to resign. All board members thanked him for his dedicated service to FUSD and his sharp mind would be missed. Board Member Lucy Rangel mentioned what a pleasure it was having Garnica as a student and them working with him on the board. Garnica responded, "It's been a pleasure for me." Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez gave a presentation on the Smarter Balance Assessment (SBA) test results for 3rd through 8th grade and 11th grade students taken last April and May. This is the first test results being considered. There was a preliminary test run the year before to make sure the computer systems were working properly. SBA is the testing California uses in connection with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the student testing is done on a computer. A total of 12 million students in 29 states took part in the new CCSS testing. The results are not good for both the State and FUSD. A majority of students statewide failed to meet the standards including FUSD students California has more than 3.1 million public school students that were tested in English with only 44% meeting or exceeded requirements and about equal that amount, 45%, that did not. In Math 33% of students met the standards and 67% did not. In Los Angeles which is the second largest school district in the country, only 33% of students met targets in English and only 25% met them in Math. What the testing CONTINUED » |
 A Relay For Life participant holds a pink balloon while bowing in prayer, remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, and those who have survived. The Relay 4 Life event took place Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13, at Shiells Park. Photos courtesy Adrian Rangel. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
"Two Communities One Goal"
 Relay For Life participants welcome each other. At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Enlarge Photo On Saturday, September 12, 2015 the communities of Fillmore and Piru joined forces for the 10th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The 24 hour walk started at 9AM on Saturday and concluded on Sunday at 9AM. It was a hot and muggy day but the 22 teams stuck together to support each other and all Cancer Survivors and to remember those that are no longer here with us. We would like to thank all our Team Captains, Participants and Sponsors, without you we would not be able to raise much needed funds to help find a cure and to support cancer patients. As of Sunday, September 13th we raised approximately $38,000 dollars. If you would like to donate please visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/fillmoreca We would like to acknowledge our wonderful sponsors for their generosity and Community support: Kenton Stafford Memorial, Fillmore Rentals, California Resource Corporation, Seneca, B & R Farm Labor Contractor, Bennett’s Honey Farm, Chevron, City of Fillmore, Granite Construction, Union Bank Villa Park Orchards, William L Morris Chevrolet, Lion’s Club of Fillmore, EJ Harrison Rubbish, Fro-Yo Yogurt, Fillmore Dram Club, Fillmore Fire Department, Otto & Sons Nursery, Wings of Grace, Fillmore High School, El Pescador, FUSD, Gil Zamora, Vallarta Restaurant, McLain Construction, After Hours Production, State Ready Mix, Bank of the Sierra, Grimes Rock, Tony’s Body Shop, Annette Cardona, Barry Thompson, Burger King, Cactus Mart, California Watercress Inc., Christine Ortiz, David Smallwood, Diamond Reality, Elkins Ranch Golf Course, Fillmore Building Supply, Fillmore Citizens Patrol, Manuel Minjares, Francisco’s Fruit Stand, Gama Aguilar, George Thompson Diamond Company, Island View Enterprises Inc., La Michoacana Bakery, McDonalds-Fillmore, National Charity League, ParRey Construction, Sespe 4H, Piru 4H, Richard Carrillo, Rocket 68, Santa Clara Valley Explorers, Starbucks-Fillmore, Super A Foods, Juano & Friends, The Fillmore Gazette, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Vons, Yanni’s Best Restaurant, Diana Araiza, Sam Araiza, Madai Bernal, Noemi Bernal, Chad Schommer, Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and our wonderful ACS Reps Lorissa, Angi, Kristin, Alex and Eric. You all are one in a million!!! |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Jesse Cushman, 43 of Fillmore, was killed on Saturday, September 12th in Moorpark city limits while driving northbound on Moorpark Road on his Suzuki motorcycle when he was struck head-on by an automobile. The accident took place around 5:20pm. A Saturn Ion was heading southbound on Moorpark Road at about 55 mph when the driver swerved into Maciek Malish, 53 of Simi Valley, while he rode is bicycle southbound on the shoulder of the road. Malish was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver then appeared to over-correct, crossing into the northbound lane where she struck Cushman. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. The driving actions of the driver are under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
September 24
Fillmore High School presents the F.H.S. Homecoming Parade 2015 next Thursday evening at 6:30pm. The F.H.S. Alumni Association also invites all the communities of Fillmore Bardsdale, and Piru to come celebrate our Hometown, and Fillmore High School as we celebrate Homecoming 2015. The game is Friday evening September 25th, and our Flashes host the Santa Ynez Pirates. The Parade will be the night before on the 24th, starting at 6:30 pm from Central and 2nd street, right through downtown, where all the floats will be parked between Sespe and Main for viewing that evening. Our downtown is open for business, so bring out that folding chair and come look at the floats, and the beautiful Fillmore Classic cars. All will be parked on Central. it's Homecoming Parade 2015. Don't miss it! GO FLASHES!! |
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By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Daniel Nuno (DOB 06/07/82), of Fillmore, was sentenced by Judge Ryan Wright to 50 years to life in prison after being convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for killing Ricardo Gonzalez, a chiropractor from Oxnard. The jury returned their verdict on August 7, 2015, after two hours of deliberation. On August 9, 2012, Nuno armed himself with a loaded handgun and traveled to the home of Mr. Gonzalez’s mother in Fillmore. There, Nuno confronted Mr. Gonzalez as he stood in the driveway of the home beside his elderly mother and four-year-old son. After a brief conversation, Nuno quickly drew his firearm, pressed it to Mr. Gonzalez’s head and fired a single shot, killing Mr. Gonzalez. Nuno then fled the scene and disposed of evidence, including the murder weapon which was never found. Nuno was apprehended two hours after the murder by deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to eye-witness testimony identifying Nuno as the shooter, Mr. Gonzalez’s blood and DNA were located on Nuno’s clothing at the time of his arrest. Nuno will not be eligible for parole until he is 80 years old. |