VC Aviation Unit Rescue 11 Adults & 3 dogs from Sespe River Trail
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024

On the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded to multiple groups of stranded hikers on the Sespe River Trail, in the Los Padres National Forest. This area is north of the Fillmore area. In total, 11 hikers and 3 dogs were airlifted to safety.

The recent storm over the weekend caused major impacts to the Sespe Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Rain caused water levels in the Sespe River to rise quickly leaving hikers stranded in harsh conditions. Ground units from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to safely access the areas to lead the groups to safety. Two separate rescue helicopters were dispatched to the area.

Copter 9 is a Bell 412-EPX helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, available seating for 10 passengers including the crew of 4, a paramedic, crew chiefs, and pilot. Copter 4 is a Fire Hawk firefighting/ rescue helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, and available seating for 14 passengers including 2 crew chiefs and a pilot.

This year, Ventura County and most of Southern California has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. These storms have the ability to change normal water conditions into dangerous water currents and flash flooding. This has in turn increased the amount of rescues in the region. While both the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office have highly trained teams to respond to these types of emergencies, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions and recommendations given by public safety agencies. Rescue operations are intrinsically dangerous to both the rescuers and the victims.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction.

Media Follow-Up Contact: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook (805) 388-4212/ jeffrey.seabrook@ventura.org

Prepared by: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook – Ventura County Aviation Unit

Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski
 


 
9-1-1 Filming in Fillmore
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
On Friday, April 5, Sheriff’s deputies were detouring traffic near Sespe & B Street as Hollywood set up to film 9-1-1: Lone Star, making Shiells Park the base. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Friday, April 5, Sheriff’s deputies were detouring traffic near Sespe & B Street as Hollywood set up to film 9-1-1: Lone Star, making Shiells Park the base. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Ballot Initiative Seeks to Increase Misdemeanor Fentanyl & Thefts to Felony Status
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Over the weekend, a petition table was set up outside of VONS Fillmore seeking signatures on proposed initiative 23–00017A1. The petition allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950, both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed: Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes: Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community. The petition requires 546,651 signatures to make the ballot, As of 01/24/2024, 25% signatures were reached, deadline 04/23/3024. Courtesy https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/circulating-initiatives-25percent-signatures.
Over the weekend, a petition table was set up outside of VONS Fillmore seeking signatures on proposed initiative 23–00017A1. The petition allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950, both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed: Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes: Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community. The petition requires 546,651 signatures to make the ballot, As of 01/24/2024, 25% signatures were reached, deadline 04/23/3024. Courtesy https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/circulating-initiatives-25percent-signatures.
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Fight at Balden Center Parking Lot Ends With 2 Taken into Custody
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported fight in progress with multiple subjects at the Fillmore Vons parking lot. According to sheriff’s dispatch, two male subjects and two female subjects were involved in an altercation. Arriving deputies located one male subject with a bloody face in front of Vons and a second male subject in front of Subway; both male subjects were detained. According to witnesses one of the female subjects threw a large bottle of alcohol at one of the male subject’s face. A detective sergeant attempted to make contact with the female subjects who had fled into the coin laundry, running out the rear of the business. They later returned to the scene. Deputies also requested Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics to respond to the scene to examine the male subjects. Both were taken into custody. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported fight in progress with multiple subjects at the Fillmore Vons parking lot. According to sheriff’s dispatch, two male subjects and two female subjects were involved in an altercation. Arriving deputies located one male subject with a bloody face in front of Vons and a second male subject in front of Subway; both male subjects were detained. According to witnesses one of the female subjects threw a large bottle of alcohol at one of the male subject’s face. A detective sergeant attempted to make contact with the female subjects who had fled into the coin laundry, running out the rear of the business. They later returned to the scene. Deputies also requested Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics to respond to the scene to examine the male subjects. Both were taken into custody. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Arson Suspected in Vehicle Fire
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 30, at 10:32 a.m., Ventura County Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of East Guiberson Road and Torrey Road. Arriving firefighters reported a truck on fire, requesting an additional engine. Firefighters requested an arson investigator and the CHP to start an arson investigation while they were on-scene. No other additional information was provided. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Saturday, March 30, at 10:32 a.m., Ventura County Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of East Guiberson Road and Torrey Road. Arriving firefighters reported a truck on fire, requesting an additional engine. Firefighters requested an arson investigator and the CHP to start an arson investigation while they were on-scene. No other additional information was provided. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Old Telegraph Road Reopens!
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Old Telegraph Road has reopened after being closed in early February for repairs caused by the Sespe River after a heavy rainstorm. The bridge repair was made possible by the hardworking crew at Ventura County Public Works. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Old Telegraph Road has reopened after being closed in early February for repairs caused by the Sespe River after a heavy rainstorm. The bridge repair was made possible by the hardworking crew at Ventura County Public Works. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Fallen Tree Closes Highway 126 Lane
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 30, at around 12:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol responded to reports that a large tree had fallen and was blocking the eastbound lanes of SR126 near Old Telegraph Road. CHP officers arrived and requested Caltrans and the VCFD for traffic control and chainsaws. While crews cleared the roadway, both directions of SR126 were shut down for over 30 minutes. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Saturday, March 30, at around 12:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol responded to reports that a large tree had fallen and was blocking the eastbound lanes of SR126 near Old Telegraph Road. CHP officers arrived and requested Caltrans and the VCFD for traffic control and chainsaws. While crews cleared the roadway, both directions of SR126 were shut down for over 30 minutes. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Fillmore Middle School Wins Big at Speech & Debate Tournament
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School students competed in the 21st Annual Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. This year’s tournament drew approximately 70 students. Fillmore had placements in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Two Fillmore High students, Abraham Vargas Cortes (10th grade), and Marileny Manzo Zambrano (11th grade), qualified to move onto the state level tournament in May of this year in Monterey, California. The Speech and Debate Tournament is a tremendous learning opportunity that helps students build confidence and sharpen student’s critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. “The talent and dedication on display at the tournament was nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this play a vital role in helping our migrant students overcome the many challenges they face. Countless students who have been part of the Migrant Education Program have gone on to achieve academic success and build rewarding careers in our community and beyond.”
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School students competed in the 21st Annual Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. This year’s tournament drew approximately 70 students. Fillmore had placements in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Two Fillmore High students, Abraham Vargas Cortes (10th grade), and Marileny Manzo Zambrano (11th grade), qualified to move onto the state level tournament in May of this year in Monterey, California. The Speech and Debate Tournament is a tremendous learning opportunity that helps students build confidence and sharpen student’s critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. “The talent and dedication on display at the tournament was nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this play a vital role in helping our migrant students overcome the many challenges they face. Countless students who have been part of the Migrant Education Program have gone on to achieve academic success and build rewarding careers in our community and beyond.”
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Don’t Miss the 2024 Fillmore Flower Show!
Fillmore’s Annual Flower Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7. “Flower Power” theme will commence from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara, for all to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun. Photo from last year’s Flower Show courtesy Jan Lee.
Fillmore’s Annual Flower Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7. “Flower Power” theme will commence from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara, for all to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun. Photo from last year’s Flower Show courtesy Jan Lee.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024

Courtesy Jane Lee

Spring is here! It’s time for the annual Fillmore Flower Show. Plan to attend to see what local gardeners have cultivated. It is always a spectacular display. The theme this year is “Flower Power”. What an opportunity to demonstrate creativity and a green thumb. Don’t miss it!

Come to the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. This is where you bring your flowers, dish gardens, potted plants to exhibit for your friends and neighbors to see. Flowers, etc. must be entered on Saturday, April 6, between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. There is only one entry fee for each adult exhibitor of $5, no matter how many entries. All youth entries are FREE. Expert judges will rate the entries. You might take home a blue ribbon!

Then from 1:00-4:00p.m. Saturday and Sunday the Flower Show is open to the public. Everyone is invited to view the flowers and plants. But that is not all there is. There will be live music both days. There is a plant and garden boutique with excellent prices. There are sweets and juice. There is an activity table for youth. There are gardeners who will talk to you about plants. You can learn a lot and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The most popular categories are single stem cut flowers. Whether it is a rose, an iris or any other single stem flower, the entries are beautiful! Everyone should have at least one stem of a flower to bring. So, bring a single stem flower, a bouquet, an arrangement, a potted plant, a dish garden or a mini arrangement. Help make the Fillmore Flower Show a success. Meet some new people. Enjoy blooms, plants, music and sweets. See you at the Flower Show.

For more information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org
 
3 Hikers Rescued
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Copter 9 landed at Two Rivers Parks to drop off three hikers who were rescued near the Los Padres National Forest Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Copter 9 landed at Two Rivers Parks to drop off three hikers who were rescued near the Los Padres National Forest Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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