Late Night Collision Closes Highway
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
On Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00pm, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, an AMR Supervisor, and Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on SR126 & Center Street, Piru. Arriving firefighters reported three vehicles involved with moderate to heavy damage to all vehicles. Four patients were involved, with two minor injuries and two moderate injuries. A Los Angeles County Fire Dept. transport helicopter landed in the westbound and eastbound lanes of SR126, causing both directions to shut down. The crash is under investigation. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00pm, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, an AMR Supervisor, and Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on SR126 & Center Street, Piru. Arriving firefighters reported three vehicles involved with moderate to heavy damage to all vehicles. Four patients were involved, with two minor injuries and two moderate injuries. A Los Angeles County Fire Dept. transport helicopter landed in the westbound and eastbound lanes of SR126, causing both directions to shut down. The crash is under investigation. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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FUSD Says Goodbye to Resource Officer Deputy John Schnereger Promoted to Senior Deputy
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
Senior Deputy John Schnereger
Senior Deputy John Schnereger

Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

After 12 years of service, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy John Schnereger has been promoted to Senior Deputy and will no longer serve the Fillmore Unified School District as a School Resource Officer.

Deputy Schnereger has a diverse background through his education, military, and law enforcement experience. Deputy Schnereger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies – both with an emphasis in archaeology from the University of Southern California, and has a Masters of Arts degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

After graduating from college, Deputy Schnereger served six years in the military before starting his career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. He has worked assignments in the jail, Ojai, Moorpark, and Headquarters stations.

Deputy Schnereger said, “I’ve enjoyed my time over the past 2 years working with Fillmore Unified School District staff and students and appreciate the opportunity to impact student lives. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to use my passion for mentoring and developing youth throughout my career and will continue my work with the Boys & Girls Club and R.M. Pyles Boys Camp.”
 


 
Trash Truck Flips on Highway 126
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
On Wednesday, April, 12, at 1:45pm, Ventura County Fire Dept., AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a traffic collision on Sr126 at Honey Lane, Piru. Arriving firefighters found a Harrison trash (right) truck flipped on its side, with a dump truck involved. Firefighters found the occupant of the trash truck on the floor, and arriving paramedics transported the patient to a local hospital, condition unknown. The accident caused SR-126 both eastbound and westbound lanes to back up for at least three hours until units cleared the scene. Cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Amanda Castaneda, caption by Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April, 12, at 1:45pm, Ventura County Fire Dept., AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a traffic collision on Sr126 at Honey Lane, Piru. Arriving firefighters found a Harrison trash (right) truck flipped on its side, with a dump truck involved. Firefighters found the occupant of the trash truck on the floor, and arriving paramedics transported the patient to a local hospital, condition unknown. The accident caused SR-126 both eastbound and westbound lanes to back up for at least three hours until units cleared the scene. Cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Amanda Castaneda, caption by Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Fillmore Flower Show a Blooming Success
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
This past week was the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show. This year’s theme was “Garden Treasures” and there was something for everyone to enjoy. This year’s winners are pictured above: (l-r) Julie Latshaw, Colleen Chandler, Carmen Zermeño, Jean Westering, Bene Ambrosio, Michelle Smith and Lupe Garcia. Inset, some of the submissions for this year’s show. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Teacher Doris Nichols’ Fillmore Middle School students’ artwork was also on display at the Fillmore Flower Show. Also, a café was created for visitors to sit and chat as well as snack on some tea and treats, something they hope to continue for next year. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Above are more Flower Arrangements from this past weekends Flower show. Photo courtesy Jan Lee.
This past week was the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show. This year’s theme was “Garden Treasures” and there was something for everyone to enjoy. This year’s winners are pictured above: (l-r) Julie Latshaw, Colleen Chandler, Carmen Zermeño, Jean Westering, Bene Ambrosio, Michelle Smith and Lupe Garcia. Inset, some of the submissions for this year’s show. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Teacher Doris Nichols’ Fillmore Middle School students’ artwork was also on display at the Fillmore Flower Show. Also, a café was created for visitors to sit and chat as well as snack on some tea and treats, something they hope to continue for next year. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Above are more Flower Arrangements from this past weekends Flower show. Photo courtesy Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee
Once again, local gardeners brought their “Garden Treasures” to the Fillmore Flower Show. The Active Adult Center was lovely with all the flowers and plants on display. Otto and Sons Nursery brought many yard decorations, plants and roses to further beautify the show.
It takes many people to plan and organize the flower show. The Civic Pride Committee would like to thank those who donated door prizes:
- Civic Pride volunteers
- Diamond Realty and Investments
- El Pescador Restaurant
- Green Thumb Nursery
- Houry Meguerditchian at Tracks Store
- King and King Ranch
- La Flor Bonita
- Los Altos Estilo Jalisco Restaurant
- Nancy Cope
- Otto and Sons Nursery
- Roan Mills Bakery
- Santiago Ranch
- The Scented Path
- The Treasure Station
- Vallarta Restaurant
- Yani’s Best Restaurant
- Sandi Ward’s Train Stop
Music on Saturday, April 15 was provided by Miss Faustina Walenski and Sunday by Barry Cooper. The music added to the enjoyment of the flower show.
The Committee would also like to thank everyone who brought flowers and plants. So many people went into their garden to select the best blooms to share with their community. Some of the dish gardens and potted plants have been growing for many years and seem to be family friends. Also, many of the participants took the extra care to make their entries reflect the theme, “Garden Treasures”.
The judges had a tough job. Each year the two judges volunteer their time to rate everything on display. They are professionals, but love coming to Fillmore so never let us pay them for their expertise.
Who were the 2023 winners?
Julie Latshaw won Best of Show with her gorgeous single stem cut iris (Division II). Michelle Smith won (Division I) Single Stem Cut Rose with her pink rose, “First Prize”. Michelle Smith also won (Division III), Other Single Stem Cut Flower with her Cymbidiums. Michelle told the crowd that she learned to grow flowers as a member of the Ventura Garden Club and encouraged others to join in the fun. Bene Ambrosio won (Division IV), Bouquets with her beautiful white watsonia. (Division V), Arrangements, was won by Colleen Chandler with her dramatic peach blossoms artistically arranged in an Asian vase. (Division VI), Miniature Arrangements and Bouquets has two categories and two winners. Carmen Zermeño won for Class B not to exceed 10 by 10 inches. Jean Westering won Class A not to exceed 4 by 4 inches. She said the vase for her arrangement was brought from Japan by her father at the end of World War II. (Division VII), Potted Plants, was won by Lupe Garcia, with her red Crown of Thorns plant. This was Lupe’s first year to enter! (Division VIII), Dish Gardens, was won by Carmen Zermeño, with a great succulent garden.
The Youth Arrangements were especially good this year. The young people really tried to follow the theme. (Division X), Youth Arrangements, was won by Dorie Klittich. The Youth Composition, (Division XI), was wan by Alice Klittich. Thank you to our talented Youth who entered. Thank you to their parents and teachers who encouraged them.
Ms. Doris Nichols brought her Fillmore Middle School student’s art work which added to the show. Regina Nuñez created the cafe for visitors to sit and chat and have a homemade cookie and a glass of tea. The plant boutique was popular again this year. All in all, it was a wonderful event. It will return again next year, so get cultivating!
 
Minor Crash Sends One to Hospital
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
On Wednesday, April 12, at 2:09pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics along with an AMR Supervisor were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Sespe Avenue & B Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with moderate damage, with one female patient trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient from the vehicle by using Jaws of Life; she was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo/Caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April 12, at 2:09pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics along with an AMR Supervisor were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Sespe Avenue & B Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with moderate damage, with one female patient trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient from the vehicle by using Jaws of Life; she was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo/Caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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One Injured in Storefront Car Crash
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 13th, 2023
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 2:48pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Dept., and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 600 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found a blue truck had jumped the curb and crashed into the Fillmore Water Store, with moderate damage to the storefront. One female patient was treated by AMR paramedics and was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 2:48pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Dept., and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 600 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found a blue truck had jumped the curb and crashed into the Fillmore Water Store, with moderate damage to the storefront. One female patient was treated by AMR paramedics and was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Council Recommends May 23 Public Hearing on Proposed Infrastructure Assessment
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 13th, 2023
Community Comments Welcomed
Concerned citizen Tracey Stewart spoke at Tuesday’s regular Fillmore City Council meeting, asking for help from the city to have Sierra Northern Railway move their graffiti-covered railcars from the present Grand Avenue-7th Street railroad tracks.
Concerned citizen Tracey Stewart spoke at Tuesday’s regular Fillmore City Council meeting, asking for help from the city to have Sierra Northern Railway move their graffiti-covered railcars from the present Grand Avenue-7th Street railroad tracks.
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Items 9.A-D approved 5-0

Item 9-E continued to April 25 with 5-0 vote.
9.A REQUEST: That the City Council adopt Resolution Number 23-3933 declaring a real property at the northeast corner of Mountain View and Santa Clara Streets in the City of Fillmore (“Property”) to be surplus, authorizing offers for the purchase of the Property pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, and finding these activities to be exempt from CEQA. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve Resolution No. 23-3933 declaring the Property to be surplus, authorizing offers for the purchase of the Property pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, and finding these activities to be exempt from CEQA.

9.B SUMMARY: Staff is requesting the City Council to the Council initiate annual proceedings and review the FY 2023-24 proposed assessments for the City’s Landscape and Lighting (L&L) Assessment Districts. In order for the City to proceed, the City Council must also approve the Preliminary Annual Engineer’s Reports for Fiscal Year 2023-24, adopt the attached resolutions, and set a public hearing date for May 23, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends the City Council take the following actions: 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3931 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, Pursuant to the Provisions of Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code; 2. Adopt Resolution 23-3925 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Preliminarily Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024; 3. Adopt Resolution 23-3926 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Setting a Public Hearing to Consider This Proposal; 4. Adopt Resolution 23-3927 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore.

9-C REQUEST Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-3932 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24, and set a Public Hearing for May 23, 2023, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.

CITY COUNCIL GOAL This addresses the City Council’s goal to strive to ensure that Fillmore has the necessary components for new construction and maintenance of all infrastructure. RECOMMENDATIONS City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1 Adopt Resolution No. 23-3932 Declaring the Intention to Levy the Annual Assessment for FY 2022-23 for Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District Nos. 01, 01A, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07A, 07B, and 07C.
9.D REQUEST The owner of property located at 461 Central, LLC (Alex Glasscock, “Owner”), is requesting that the City Council approve a second amendment to the Property Remediation Agreement (Attachment 1) for the property located at 461 Central Avenue (“Property”). The requested amendment to the Agreement will allow the Applicant until October 20, 2023 to complete the last two items required pursuant to the Conditions of Approval. Currently, under the Agreement and the time extensions previously granted, these last two (undergrounding utilities and installing benches) tasks are required to be completed by April 20, 2023.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council: 1) Approve the Second Amendment to Property Remediation Agreement with 461 Central, LLC to extend the deadline to October 20, 2023.
9.E RE: PROPOSITION 218 HEARING FOR WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR 2023 THOUGH 2027 REQUEST Staff recommends that City Council conduct the Proposition 218 hearing for the sewer and water rates and accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2027 water rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3914. Further, staff recommends that City Council accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2027 sewer rates by adopting Resolution No 23-3915.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2027 water rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3914. Further, staff recommends that City Council accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2027 sewer rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3915.
 
Graffiti Covered Railcars Draw Complaints
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 13th, 2023
Nearly a quarter-mile of “belly dump”-type railroad cars are being parked on the tracks between Grand Avenue and 7th Street in Fillmore. They are completely covered with gang graffiti and have become a major eyesore and attractive nuisance, allegedly affecting property values. Repeated letters requesting owners, Sierra Northern Railway, to move the cars have been ignored.
Nearly a quarter-mile of “belly dump”-type railroad cars are being parked on the tracks between Grand Avenue and 7th Street in Fillmore. They are completely covered with gang graffiti and have become a major eyesore and attractive nuisance, allegedly affecting property values. Repeated letters requesting owners, Sierra Northern Railway, to move the cars have been ignored.
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20K Gallon Fuel Tank Removed From Destroyed Shell Station
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 13th, 2023
A damaged 20,000-gallon fuel tank is removed from the Shell Gas Station accident site, where on April 19, 2022 an 18-wheeler drove into the structure. That morning at 10:14 a.m., Fillmore Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department (ME191), Ventura County Fire (RE27) and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported semi-truck into the Shell Gas Station located at Ventura Street (SR-126) and Santa Clara Street. According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola the semi was traveling westbound on Ventura Street, drove through a power pole and a large Palm tree, crashed into a parked car and struck at least two diesel gas pumps before crashing into the east side of the station, stopping half way in. A male patient suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR Paramedics—the store clerk was not injured. The gas station attendant acted quickly to shut down all the gas pumps before exiting the building, according to Chief Gurrola. There were no spills from the pumps, but the semi’s 40-gallon tanks were ruptured and the store was red tagged by Building & Safety. Edison and SoCal Gas inspected the sight for powerline and natural gas issues— none were immediately found. Fillmore Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash. It was later the site of a fire and torn down. Information courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
A damaged 20,000-gallon fuel tank is removed from the Shell Gas Station accident site, where on April 19, 2022 an 18-wheeler drove into the structure. That morning at 10:14 a.m., Fillmore Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department (ME191), Ventura County Fire (RE27) and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported semi-truck into the Shell Gas Station located at Ventura Street (SR-126) and Santa Clara Street. According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola the semi was traveling westbound on Ventura Street, drove through a power pole and a large Palm tree, crashed into a parked car and struck at least two diesel gas pumps before crashing into the east side of the station, stopping half way in. A male patient suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR Paramedics—the store clerk was not injured. The gas station attendant acted quickly to shut down all the gas pumps before exiting the building, according to Chief Gurrola. There were no spills from the pumps, but the semi’s 40-gallon tanks were ruptured and the store was red tagged by Building & Safety. Edison and SoCal Gas inspected the sight for powerline and natural gas issues— none were immediately found. Fillmore Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash. It was later the site of a fire and torn down. Information courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
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Fillmore Middle School Welcomes New Resource Officer Deputy Yolanda Avila
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 13th, 2023
Fillmore Middle School’s New Resource Officer, Deputy Yolanda Avila
Fillmore Middle School’s New Resource Officer, Deputy Yolanda Avila

Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

The Fillmore Unified School District would like to welcome Deputy Yolanda Avila to Fillmore Middle School as our new School Resource Officer. Please stay tuned for meet-and-greet opportunities!

Deputy Avila said, “My name is Yolanda Ávila, and I am the new Fillmore School Resource Officer. I am a proud native of Ventura County. I was born and raised in the City of Oxnard with my siblings. I am fluent in Spanish and English, and this has provided me the opportunity to better serve our diverse community. Throughout my career, I have served Ventura County in various assignments. I have served in the county jail and as a patrol officer for the City of Moorpark. While working for the Sheriff’s Office. I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to use my passion for mentoring and developing youth throughout my career. I have worked with our local AYSO, and have made it a goal to volunteer in local schools. I look forward to using my life-long experiences and drive to help students as Fillmore’s newest SRO.”
 
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