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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
 Torrey Phillips A Fillmore man admitted Wednesday to shining a laser beam at the sheriff's helicopter. It happened in December 2011 as the copter was over Fillmore helping ground units look for a gunman in a shooting. 21-year-old Torrey Phillips pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of shooting at laser at an aircraft plus two special allegations. Phillips shined the laser at the helicopter twice. Following the second incident, the copter had to break off its search for the shooter and return to Camarillo Airport, but not before they got a fix on where the beam came from. Ground units arrested Phillips at his home in the 600 block of Fernglen Circle. Deputies say the pilot, crew chief, and paramedic on board the helicopter that night were all wearing night vision goggles. They say training a laser at an aircraft is dangerous in several ways, including disorienting or blinding the pilot, and, causing severe eye damage to the crew members, especially if they're wearing night vision goggles, as they were that night. Phillips is free on bail until his sentencing on May 16th. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
A great deal of last Tuesday’s Fillmore City Council meeting was talking about transportation. Both those who came to give a presentation and those who spoke during public comments addressed Fillmore's transportation needs. Other items on the agenda were a Code of Conduct document and the Mid-year Financial Report. Ventura County Transportation Commission's (VCTC) Executive Director Darren M. Kettle gave an in-depth presentation on the transportation needs of both the County and the City of Fillmore and where their priorities must be given. Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Minjares is one of 17 members of the Commission Board. The VCTC uses Countywide polling to understand the transportation priorities of its residents, with the number one priority being completing local roads and maintaining them. Second priority is transportation connections in and out of the County; and next the capacity (congestion) and frequency of connection. Fourth is safety, and then planning for growth. Increasing bus routes was at the bottom of priorities. Kettle explained that the Federal Highway Trust Fund cannot meet its present obligations and will spend $2.5 billion on transportation locally in the next few years. Over the next 30 years the cost is projected to be $4.9 billion with a shortfall of $1.8 billion. This shortfall is due to less tax revenue as more fuel efficient cars require less gas and therefore fewer taxes paid at the pump. To overcome this the State of California may consider one or more of the following; Raise the gas tax ten cents (estimated to raise $2.1 billion at today's consumption rate), tolling express lanes, raising vehicle registration, and/or asking for a 1/2 cent tax measure. Kettle said there is a real possibility of having a toll lane on Highway 101. For now VCTC's CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has applied for a Certificate of Authorization (COA) through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow training flights of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The COA will only allow limited operation within a restricted unpopulated area for training and evaluation purposes only. The evaluations will take place in conjunction with Sheriff's Search and Rescue, the Ventura County Fire Department, and other public safety agencies. The initial training flights will occur in the area of the Ventura River as well as portions of the Ventura County backcountry. Since the application has not yet been approved, actual flights may still be several months away. The ultimate goal is to use the small UAV for critical life-saving efforts, such as locating missing persons and monitoring incidents where a hazardous condition exists. The UAV being tested is known as the Qube (pictured below), and operates with four small rotors that allow it to take off vertically. It is battery powered and remote controlled. It can stay aloft for a maximum of 40 minutes on a single charge. The Qube has a built-in camera system, but is otherwise incapable of carrying any payload. Currently, the Sheriff's Office utilizes four Bell Huey helicopters for a variety of public safety purposes. One of the primary missions of our air unit is search and rescue. While the UAV will not replace our Aviation Unit, there are many circumstances that do not require a fully equipped helicopter. It is hoped that a UAV will assist with lifesaving operations at a significantly reduced cost to the taxpayer. UAVs also have a critical use in the fire service for mapping and aerial observation during wildland and other fires. In addition to the FAA guidelines, which restrict flights to 400 feet above ground level and below, the Sheriff's Office has developed its own policy to govern the use of the UAV for search and rescue purposes only. The FAA guidelines and the Sheriff's Office policy are available to the public. (The documents will be attached with the press release). Again, the request CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 25th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 4, 2013, sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported home invasion robbery on Sulphur Mountain Road, outside of Santa Paula. The male victim (and occupant of the home) was brutally beaten and tied up. He lost consciousness and suffered multiple serious injuries including lacerations to his head and facial fractures. After the suspects left the residence, the victim regained consciousness, freed himself and summoned help. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he remained in intensive care for several days. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took up the investigation and quickly identified the suspects as Hallye Wright and Shavon Oboh of Los Angeles. Oboh was determined to be a member of a criminal street gang. Search warrants served at both suspects’ homes in Los Angeles, located some of the victim’s property. Sheriff’s Investigators recovered additional pieces of the victim’s property at Los Angeles area pawnshops. At the time of the search warrants, two firearms were recovered; a shotgun and a loaded .357 caliber handgun which had been reported stolen previously in Los Angeles County. A large amount of cash and narcotics were also found. Both Wright and Oboh were arrested and booked at Ventura County Main Jail for conspiracy, robbery, kidnapping, and assault causing serious bodily injury. Wright’s bail was set at $250.000.00, while Oboh’s bail was listed at $750,000.00. Nature of Incident: Suspects Arrested for Home Invasion Robbery |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 25th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A Fillmore Patrol deputy was on routine patrol in the area of A Street and Third Street, when he saw Carlos Mejia using a “paint marker” to graffiti his moniker on a city park bench. Mejia was arrested for the vandalism and possession of a graffiti tool and transported to the Fillmore Police department for processing. While at the station, the deputy learned Mejia had done more graffiti in the area of the Sespe Bridge. The deputy went to the bridge to photograph the graffiti for his investigation. When the deputy walked into the area of the Sespe Bridge and riverbed area, he discovered four male juveniles who had used spray paint to graffiti the support columns of the bridge. Two of the juveniles used spray paint to graffiti, while the other two were “look-outs.” All four juveniles were arrested and transported to the Fillmore Police Department. Carlos Mejia was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail – PTDF for Vandalism and possession of graffiti tools. Two Male Juveniles were cited and released to their parents for conspiracy, vandalism, and trespassing. Two Male Juveniles were cited and released to their parents for conspiracy and trespassing. Nature of Incident: Five Graffiti Taggers Arrested 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 25th, 2013
Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is asked to contact police
A man armed with a handgun robbed the Smart & Final store in Thousand Oaks. The suspect approached the cashier clerk, displayed a handgun, and demanded money from the cash register. After getting an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect ran through the parking lot and was last seen leaving the scene in a 1990’s white sedan. Witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic male about 35 years old, approximately 5’-11”, weighing approximately 275 lbs, and clean shaven. He was wearing a white or light colored baseball cap, a light colored long sleeve button down shirt, baggy blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is asked to contact Det Mike Ferguson with the East County Major Crimes Unit at (805) 494-8222/ e-mail mike.ferguson@ventura.org. Nature of Incident: Gunman Robs Thousand Oaks Smart & Final Store 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
Sammy Martinez is a dynamic young man, who has a strong work ethic that ensures success in all things in which he is involved. Currently, he is the Associated Student Body (ASB) President for Fillmore High School. When asked who should represent Fillmore High School in different programs, Sammy’s name comes up as “Mr. FHS.” He is outgoing, listens well, and supports all students and staff whenever they ask for his assistance. Sammy ran for ASB at the end of his freshman year and decided that he was going to learn to be a leader. After his sophomore year, Sammy was selected to attend the HOBY program, which is one of the nation's foremost youth leadership development organizations. While there, he learned different ways of analyzing school and leadership issues. He used those new skills immediately upon starting his position as the FHS Speaker of the House in ASB last year. One of his job requirements was to attend all School Board Meetings as the high school student representative. Sammy definitely charmed the board members and superintendent. The district office commented on his stellar performance at board meetings. In addition, he was the student representative on the school site council both last year and this year. He does an exceptional job the on committees, and his views of student activities are vital to the committees as they make decisions regarding students. Sammy decided to run for ASB President this year and he was elected by the student body. He has done an amazing job as president. This is not an easy job as ASB Presidents are required to lead in all aspects, and Sammy does so with a cheerful and optimistic demeanor. In addition to the regular ASB items, he started working with one of the elementary schools last year training them on proper procedures and helping them with an academic rally during state testing. Sammy has been instrumental in organizing and executing training the Fillmore Middle School’s ASB. He set the goal of including all of the elementary and middle schools our trainings in an attempt to reach out to the youth in our community. As a member of the FHS Cross Country team for four years, Sammy has spent many hours running miles and miles around Fillmore and also been a mentor for the Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, Sammy has participated in the California Lutheran University’s Math and Science Upward Bound Program. |
 (l-r) Rene Stovesand-Martels, Brenda Hampton-Ortiz, Theresa Robledo, Ari Larson, Cindy Jackson and Scott Klittich. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
Otto & Sons Nursery was recently named “Lifetime Achievement Business“. Scott & Cindy Klittich own and operate the nursery which is located at 1835 E. Guiberson Road. Otto & Sons Nursery has been in Fillmore for over 30 years and has always supported the community in many ways. Plants have been donated or loaned for many events including High School Graduation, landscaping at Fillmore High School, Middle School, San Cayetano, Piru, Sespe and Mountain Vista Schools. Boys and Girls Club, Fillmore Women Service Club, Central Park, Relay for Life, Bardsdale Cemetery and Shiells Park have all been recipients of Otto & Sons Nursery’s generosity. Otto & Sons Nursery has donated to the Fillmore Civic Pride Committee’s Yard of the Month program for many years. They also participate in the Ventura County Fair by creating a beautiful rose filled landscape display each year for the past 25 years. Otto & Sons Nursery moved to Fillmore in 1977 after being in Chatsworth for 20 years. Scott’s father Otto was a landscape contractor in the San Fernando Valley when he developed the business into a nursery. Scott rejoined the business in 1984 after receiving his degree in Horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The nursery currently employs 18 full time, and 3 part time staff, many of whom have been there for over 20 years. The staff is a team of professionals who work together to supply the best plants for the best customers. Otto & Sons specializes in growing rose plants, fruit trees and landscaping plants. They have the largest rose selection in southern California with over 800 varieties. The nursery services retail garden centers and landscapers throughout California delivering plants in their fleet of trucks weekly. The nursery has a retail garden shop which is open Wednesday thru Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shorter hours in winter. Visit our web site www.OttoandSons-Nursery.com for great information about roses and fruit trees. Also become a fan on Facebook “Otto and Sons Nursery local business” for updates on special sales, events, and pictures. Scott and Cindy have been married for 30 years and have 3 sons: Danny who is pursuing his doctorate in Entomology at UC Davis., Andy who is a senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Applied Plant and Environmental Science, and Timmy who is in 10th grade at Fillmore High School. Cindy works part time at Associates Insectary as a biotechnician and also at the nursery. Cindy is a Community Club Co-Leader for Bardsdale 4H leading projects in entomology and gardening, secretary of Fillmore FFA Booster Club, and serves on the Fillmore Civic Pride committee. Scott currently is Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 406, serves on the Ag Advisory Board for the Fillmore School farm, Board of Directors for Ventura County Farm Bureau, Board of Directors for the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers and is currently a member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Class 43. The family attends Peace Lutheran Church in Camarillo. Otto & Sons Nursery would like to thank the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce for selecting them as “Lifetime Achievement Business“! |
 (l-r) (back row) Dave and Tresa Wilkinson, Rene Stoevsand-Martels. (front row) Theresa Robledo, Kathleen McCreary, Cindy Jackson and Ari Larson. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
Fillmore Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Fillmore & Western Railway Co. for receiving Business of the year for 2012. Thank you for all you do for our community. Short Line Enterprises was founded in 1967. Between 1967 and 1972, the company bought, sold and traded locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars, mostly of 19th century origin. The majority of the equipment was acquired from the property departments of three major movie studios: MGM, Paramount and 20th Century Fox. This activity, combined with Short Line’s experience in buying, selling and evaluating railroad equipment led to the company’s emergence as one of the foremost appraisers in America of rolling stock and other railroad-related items. It also focused the company on its long-term path of providing movie trains for the film industry. During this time (1985), Short Line moved its movie operations to the Newhall Ranch, placing it within the Hollywood production zone. Between 1985 and 1990, Short Line was used in over seventy feature films, television series and commercials. No Hollywood railroad location had ever amassed that number of credits in such a brief period of time. The track lease was cancelled in 1990 when the Newhall Land and Farming Company decided to develop the surrounding area in a way, which was incompatible with movie operations. A search began for a new home for Hollywood’s “movie trains”. The only line that met the specific needs of the film industry was Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch in rural Ventura County. The pastoral surroundings of the area also bode suitable for development of a passenger excursion business. The City of Fillmore showed great enthusiasm for the operation of a vintage train in conjunction with the revival of its 1920-era Central Business District. The objective—to create a major visitor destination that features the movie trains, passenger excursions and dinner trains as the master theme for the community redevelopment. To date over 400 feature films, television series, commercials and still shoots have been filmed on Fillmore & Western Railway, home of “The Movie Trains”. The “Movie Trains” found a home, and Fillmore became known as “train town”. In 1996, Short Line Enterprises became the film division of the Fillmore & Western Railway Company, when Dave and Tresa Wilkinson purchased the railroad from the former owners. Operations expanded from movie work and limited passenger trips to regularly scheduled daytime passenger excursions and Saturday night dinner trains, and have gone on to include widely recognized “train themed” events such as Day Out With Thomas, the first tourist railroad to present PumpkinLiners, the North Pole Express and Xmas Tree Trains. Because of the mild valley climate, Fillmore & Western is one of the few historic railroads that operates year round. Many southern California school children have ridden one of the “school field trip” trains either to the Fillmore Fish Hatchery or “Ichabog”, Fillmore & Western’s private pumpkin patch. The antique trains of Fillmore & Western continue to attract visitors and railfans to the Heritage Valley and is as involved as ever in the magic of movies, while the company’s passenger excursions, dinner trains, private parties and corporate events provide the means of travel to a bygone era. The owners and staff of Fillmore & Western are involved in many community based organizations and contribute to county wide and local fundraisers. Fillmore & Western has partnered with 5 tourism bureau organizations, several regional Chambers of Commerce all in an effort to bring more visitors and prosperity to all businesses in Fillmore and the valley. The owners have proven time and again that they are committed to giving back to their community by donating train trips and sponsoring non-profit organization. When the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau lost its funding, the railroad owners stepped up and provided full time staffing to keep the Tourism Bureau operational. The train partners with local museums and businesses to promote not only the train, but all the historical and cultural treasures, festivals and events that our community has to offer. The original tracks, depot and trains arrived in Fillmore in 1887 hauling citrus and passengers, now one hundred and twenty six years later it is still “chugging down the tracks” carrying tourists and locals because Dave and Tresa Wilkinson have devoted the last twenty years of their lives to ensuring the history and heritage of railroading stays alive and thriving. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
 Fillmore Unified School District The 45 parents and teachers who attended this Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting were there primarily to hear the findings on Fillmore Middle Schools mold spore report, but received some very good news on other issues as well. It was reported that FUSD is in good financial shape and that a contractor has been chosen to begin the roofing repairs on Fillmore Middle School. Other agenda items covered were the Common Core State Standard Assessment Format and English Language Arts (K-5) Curriculum Update. Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino informed the Board that FUSD is in a strong financial position with a Positive rating, the highest of the three ratings the State of California gives to school districts. A Positive rating means that a district is on good footing and will remain in the black for the next three years. The next lower rating is Qualified which means a district's financial stability is questionable for the next two to three years. The lowest rating is Negative which means the district can not sustain itself for the next coming year. When that happens the State takes over receivership and governs the district. The Positive rating is really exemplary for FUSD considering the District received cuts five years in a row. Other districts in the County have not faired so well such as Simi Valley School District which almost landed in Receivership with a $20,000,000 debt that was reduced to $10,000,000 after Prop. 30 passed. The FUSD financial figure are CONTINUED » |