|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
 District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced Thursday, July 7th, that a jury has convicted Victor Meraz (DOB 9-3-90), of Fillmore, of the first degree murder of 23-year-old Alberto Avalos during a drive-by shooting. The jury also found true the special circumstances and special allegations regarding the use of a gun and that the murder was committed to further the activities of “The Boyz” criminal street gang. The murder occurred on May 27, 2007. Victor Meraz, a passenger in a vehicle occupied by fellow gang members, drove through Fillmore looking for rival gang members. Meraz called out his gang’s name before shooting Mr. Avalos, who was walking with friends. Sentencing for Meraz is scheduled for August 4, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. in Division 23. Meraz faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Courtesy of Ventura County District Attorneys office. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
The Chili Cook-off was sanctioned by the International Chili Society ICS Red Chili Competition 1st place Gene Beller - Bakersfield 2nd place Howard Choate 3rd place Armando Sanchez - Westminster 4th place Mike Austin - San Bernandino ICS Salsa Competition 1st Place Mike Austin - San Bernardino 2nd Place Mike Ford - La Mirada 3rd place TIE Paul Laroche - Thousand Oaks and Irene Menchaca - Arroyo Grande People's Choice 1st Place Troy Leach - Ventura 2nd Place Barbara Vazquez - Fillmore The car Winners were as follows: T-Buckets - Tom & Bev Sheehan - Thousand Oaks Street Rods 1900-1932- John Sheeler - Castiac Street Rods 1933-1936- Richard Higgins - Lancaster Street Rods 1937-1941- Peter Moreno - Mission Hills Street Rods 1942-1948- James & Sally Porter - Granada Hills Street Rods 1949-1963- Robert Anderson - Ventura Mustangs - Mark Austin - Santa Clarita 1955-1957 Chevy's - Michael Brinkman - Santa Clarita Rat Rod - Steve Clark - Fillmore Ranchero - Steve & Connie - Lancaster Corvette - Patty Kemple - Canyon Country Thunderbird - Bob Kaplin - Lancaster Sports Cars - Darleen & Bill Lyons - Saugus Camaros - Kenny Bortas - Ventura El Camino - Adolfo Flores - Ventura Truck/Pickup - Kevin Warring - Fillmore Stock Original 1900-1940 - Ron & Sandy Hansen - Fillmore Stock Original 1941-1951 Errus Trujllo - Palmdale Stock Original 1952-1974 - Jim & Pat Kitowski - Acton Street Rod Open - Carlos Reyna - Oxnard Street Rod Closed - Mike & Liz Wiener - Reseda Mild Modification - David Moya - Oxnard Muscle Cars - Steve Rowe - Fillmore Most Likely to be Stopped - Mitch Allread - Canyon Country Under Construction - Wayne Smith - Lancaster Drag Cars - Vic Young - Camarillo Under 21 - Roy Nava - Santa Paula Best Flames - Joe Frias - Thousand Oaks Explorer's Choice - Ted Poliskey - Simi Valley We want to thank everyone for their help, especially our sponsors and we look forward to future events. The Santa Clara Valley Explorers appreciate all of the communities support. |
|
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Wednesday morning at 4:30 am Highway 126/Ventura St. was closed down between Highway 23/A Street and Central Ave for almost three hours as Fillmore City Police, City Fire Crews and Cal Trans had to clean up the diesel fuel that covered the highway and remove two rigs involved in an accident. One of the rigs, owned by Carpinteria Motor Transit, was hit while parked on the south side of the highway between A and Olive Streets. The driver had stopped to purchase some donuts from Moonlight Donuts in the Baldwin Shopping Center and was just about to clean his rear view mirror on his passenger side, when another big rig traveling east bound hit the parked rigs in the rear, blowing out one of the parked rig’s back tires. The east bound rig then continued moving side swiping the parked rig and finally jackknifed to a stop, landing up on the parkway in front of Papa Loys Liquor Store before spilling its diesel. |
|
By Bob Crum — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
 (Above) Folks on the Fillmore & Western open air cars enjoy the Fillmore fireworks show from front row seats. Story and photos by Bob Crum. If memory of history serves correctly... it was way, way, way back on July 2, 1776, that the members of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia undertook the bold (and dangerous) vote for independence from Great Britain. But... it wasn't until the 4th of July that they formally adopted the paramount document that we know as of the Declaration of Independence. The event was cause for great celebration throughout the land and the people of the United States of America have been celebrating ever since. When it comes to hosting a great July 4th party, Fillmore... the last best small town in Southern California... knows a thing or two about serving up a magnificent banquet of good times. The recipe: a batch of fireworks booths... add a heaping supply of gorgeous restored classic cars, vendors serving yummy goodies... unlimited shaved-ice cones... music to massage the ear drums and a majestic steam engine that never fails to enthrall the multitudes within hearing distance of her magical steam whistle. Serving a feast of this magnitude... who wouldn't want to come? So they did. By the gazillions. You were there... right? Throngs of people ogled the many beautifully restored antique classic cars. Some folks were seen drooling excessively while others simply fell madly in love with the classic car of their dreams... and wishing. Many others were exercising their mouth muscles by munching on a tasty morsel of choice. Many also stopped by the hat booth and bought a sombrero to shield them from the blazing hot sun? The day was indeed a scorcher. When tired feet needed a reprieve, rest for the weary was on one of three scheduled trains pulled by Fillmore & Western Railways' mighty Baldwin #14 steam locomotive as she whisked delighted passengers on a thrill-of-a-lifetime trip through the beautiful Fillmore countryside. OK... it wasn't quite bullet-train speed but traversing Fillmore's bucolic terrain at unhurried steam locomotive speeds manifests melancholy. Remember how sweet were the good old days of leisurely travel? Steam engine aficionados not riding the train were chasing me chasing the train to catch a photo... or twenty. More is not even enough. Admittedly... no sooner than I hear the steam engine's whistle I'm afflicted with POCD... Photographic Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. An incurable malady. However... grabbing the camera and shooting a few photographs provides some measure of temporary relief. Very temporary! As the sun disappeared below the western horizon... a wonderful day of fun and good cheer was topped off with a fabulous display of fireworks. As a visual tribute... and a brief reminder of our independence as a country... the Fillmore's fireworks show did not disappoint. It was a fabulous banquet of good times! Now, however, torturous will be the 362 days waiting for the next July 4th festivities. Oh... if only we had a time machine! Congratulations to all the people who executed the many tasks that made the day of celebration great, as well as memorable, for all who partook of the fabulous festivities. A job well done! Enlarge Photo |
|
By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Fillmore resident Marcos A. Ruvalcaba, 34 years, was promoted to Captain in the United States Marine Corps on April 1, 2011. He recently returned from a seven month deployment in Afghanistan and is now stationed at Camp Pendleton, California near Oceanside where he is with the 1MEF at Camp Del Mar with G7 Training and Experiment Group Intelligence Section alongside Special Operation Training Group; assisting the 11th MEU on their pre-deployment training program. This was his third deployment to the Middle East and he is scheduled to redeploy in early 2012 for his fourth deployment. Captain Ruvalcaba attended Fillmore schools until the 9th grade when he transferred to St. Bonaventure High School. At St. Bonaventure he participated in soccer and baseball before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in February 1998. While in the United States Marine Corps he attended Chapman University from 2002-2005 where he studied Criminal Justice. Captain Ruvalcaba continued his college education as an enlisted Marine and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree which allowed him to attend Officer Candidates School. After completing Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on March 30, 2007 just nine years after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Captain Ruvalcaba is the son of Aurelia and Jose Refugio Ruvalcaba of Fillmore. He is married to Carmen of Palmdale and they a 10-month old daughter, Elisa Brianna born August 22, 2011. Elisa is the first grandchild for Aurelia and Jose and they are very excited for this new addition to their family. His siblings are Pablo 32 years of Fillmore, Victor 30 years of Santa Monica, CA, Jose 28 years of Fillmore and Mariza 25 years of Northern San Francisco. His maternal Grandparents are Manuel 89 years and the late Inez Aparicio of Fillmore and paternal Grandparents the late Longinos and the late Pachita Ruvalcaba of Fillmore. When I did an earlier article on Captain Ruvalcaba, approximately one year ago, he was a Ground Intelligence Officer with the Military Transition Team 0720 (MiTT) from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California embedded with an Iraqi Army Brigade in Al Anbar province Baghdadi, Iraq. He had been deployed for one year and had five months remaining on his deployment. That was his second deployment to Iraq. When 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on March 30, 2009 an Iraqi Army Officer (Lieutenant Colonel equivalent) pinned his silver bars on his collar. 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba believes this was the first time an Iraqi Officer participated in the promotion of an American Officer! As a result of his distinguished service to his Country, Captain Ruvalcaba has earned the following awards and medals; (1) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, (3) United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, (1) Combat Action Ribbon (1) Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2) Iraq Campaign Medal, (1) National Defense Medal, (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the Combat “V”, (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1) Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, (8) Letters of Appreciation, (1) Certificate of Commendation (individual award), (3) Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, (1) NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan (3) Meritorious Mast and (4) Certificates of Appreciation. In November 2010 then 1st Lieutenant Ruvalcaba received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat “V” for his heroic actions while on his third deployment. The document recommending the medal outlines his actions leading up to this medal being awarded states: “Heroic achievement in the superior performance of duties while serving as a platoon commander, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division Forward from April 3, 2010 to November 10, 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. First Lieutenant Ruvalcaba successfully planned and executed hundreds of Dismounted Combat Patrols and 25 Cordon and Knocks Missions while his tactical patience, mature understanding of Counterinsurgency Principals, and use of Tactical Site Exploitation led directly to detention of ten insurgents during Operation Roadhouse II, the clearing of Safar Bazaar, he boldly conducted an explosive combined arms breach of a minefield and maneuvered his platoon to seize a key southern blocking position, isolating the Bazaar to the south along the forward line of enemy troops. His subsequent actions during 18 direct fire engagements displayed composure and decisive action while in contact that resulted in 15 enemy casualties. First Lieutenant Ruvalcaba's initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” Captain Ruvalcaba stated that, “The best satisfaction besides getting the mission accomplished and bringing the fight to the Taliban was bringing my platoon back home to their families in one piece. That was a collective effort between my Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leaders, Fire Team Leaders and our training together.” All of us here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru are proud of United States Marine Corps Captain Marcos A. Ruvalcaba for his service. As a former Marine myself I can say Captain Ruvalcaba is a textbook Marine and an officer I would have been proud to serve under. The communities of Fillmore and Piru wish him a long and distinguished career, safe travel and safe return home from his fourth tour to the Middle East in early 2012. We thank Captain Ruvalcaba and his family for the sacrifices they have already made and will make in the future. Captain Marcos A. Ruvalcaba is one of our own and is truly an American Hero! Semper Fi Captain! |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
 Sierra Huerta, 12, of Fillmore, CA is set to compete next week at the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run National Finals during the MLB All-Star festivities in Phoenix, AZ. Huerta, who will be representing the Los Angeles Dodgers, is one of 24 National Finalists who will take part in an array of MLB All-Star festivities, including shagging fly balls in the outfield during Monday night’s State Farm Home Run Derby. Over 650,000 boys and girls, ages 7-14, competed this spring in the official skills program of Major League Baseball for an opportunity to advance to the National Finals in Phoenix, AZ. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
 A single vehicle, non-injury accident occurred Saturday on Highway 126 near the El Dorado Mobile Home Park. While allegedly arguing with his female passenger, the male driver, heading west from Piru, lost control of his car at approximately 11:45 p.m., crashed into a telephone pole, down a slope and into the northeast corner of the AgRx office building. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Council’s disagreement with Commission’s approval of 65’ cellular tower causes rift
The June 28, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting ended close to 1:00am as Council addressed the task of finalizing the deep budget cuts. From employee layoffs and furloughs to proposals of sales tax increase and special assessments the they took action. But Council saved the best—or worst—for last; the Council’s disagreement with the Planning Commission’s approval of a 65-foot in height cellular tower Verizon is planning to place on the Super Seal & Stripe business property. At the opening of the meeting Super Seal and Stripe owner Brenda Hampton-Ortiz asked the Council why they had waited until now to protest the Commission’s decision. The submission period is approaching and Hampton-Ortiz question why Council is just now showing concern about the tower. Ortiz was referring to last week’s Council and Planning Commission meetings, June 21 and 22, which launched a serious of disagreements between the two bodies. At the Council meeting Mayor Gayle Washburn protested the tower, stating she would appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to approve it, a decision that had not yet been made. She was supported by Council Members Jamey Brooks and Brian Sipes. The next night, at Planning Commission, Commissioner Vance Johnson had this to say, “Last night’s comments by the Mayor with regard to appealing a decision that hadn’t even been made yet is amazing…it was supported by two other council people [Brooks and Sipes]. The other two council people [Walker and Conaway] obviously well versed in the law, and well versed in the processes, they’re well informed and think along the lines of the correctness of actions. But to question the planning commission even before we made a decision is ludicrous and I’m being gentle.” He went on to say that although the two bodies may not always agree on every decision, “I’m beginning to see something happening here that I’m not comfortable with.” Commissioner Douglas Tucker said that there has to be a trust between the two bodies. “The Planning Commission is appointed, City Council is elected”, a comment that was repeated by the Mayor at last night’s Council meeting. “Working with my fellow Commissioners I know we take this job extremely seriously. To have a decision that I haven’t even made, that I haven’t even discussed appealed, again to use your word is ludicrous [quoting Johnson]; it’s inappropriate and it’s extremely unprofessional.” Commissioner Mark Austin was CONTINUED » |
|
By Joe Woods — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
 (l-r) Jose “Froggy” Estrada with his brother Frank “Turtle” Estrada before the fight. Turtle defended his title at the fight and will keep the belt. Froggy made his first debut and won last Friday night. Enlarge Photo Last Friday night, June 24th, was a big night for two young local Fillmore men. Frank "Turtle" Estrada and his younger brother Jose "Froggy" Estrada fought their M.M.A. fights at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. Turtle was there to defend his "Combat Fight League" 145 lbs. Championship. Froggy to make his M.M.A debut. When I first met up with the fighters they were in their hotel room relaxing after their weigh-in. Turtle's weight was 144.8 lbs.; Froggy weighed in at 168 lbs. After some lunch Turtle was feeling good and ready to go. By now he was already up to 153 lbs. in three hours time. Froggy was also ready for his big night and up to 173 lbs. The two fighters out of the "West Coast Fight Club & Cazadores Fight Team" feeling was that all the hard work was done in training and this was their night to shine. The training of eight hours a day, six days a week was about to pay off for them. The fighters’ day always started around 10 a.m. in Oxnard at the West Coast Gym. Coaches Brian Espinoza, Jamie "The Ghost" Toney, Alfredo Lemus, John "Grandpa" Hernandez, and Ed "9 M.M." Ratcliff would put the two young men through workouts everyday until around 8:30 p.m. "It's a full time job to get ready for a fight," Froggy said. "We take this like a lifestyle. Nothing but training before a fight," said Turtle. Without the help of sponsors the two fighters would not be able to perform the amateur fights they need to before they go into the pro ranks of M.M.A. Some of the folks that helped out are Killer Bees Fight Shop, The Lab, La Fondita, E.Q. Fresh Cuts, and Fillmore Boxing Club. "Without them we could not do it," stated both fighters. When asked how they feel, Froggy said, "I feel excited and ready for this. I can't wait to get going. I am not nervous. I know that it will be like a sparing session...Just more people will be watching." About to fight for the fifth time, Turtle said, "Yeah, I am a little nervous, but that means I am ready and focused. I want the belt to stay in Fillmore and with West Coast." When I went downstairs to the room where the nine fights of three rounds and two minutes each would take place, I saw more Fillmore people than anyone else there. It was like a home game on the road. One thing that came to my mind sitting in my seat next to my son Joey was what was Osama Bin Laden thinking when he attacked us on 9-11! The crowd of people that went to this event could take Al-Qaeda down themselves. I have never seen so many tattoos in my life...and the men even had some too. Froggy was the third fight of the night against Daniel Reynolds. When Froggy came into the arena the Pro- Fillmore crowd went crazy with "Froggy Fever". Corey Cole said to me, "Look at the fighter he’s fighting. He knows he can't win...he’s beat already!'' I had to agree with him. And it did not take long at all to prove that the young Mr. Cole was right. After a few seconds of feeling the other fighter out with a few jabs, Froggy went for and got a take down. After a few punches the ref had them stand up and fight. Not a good thing for Mr. Reynolds because that gave Froggy a chance to bodyslam him to the mat. After that it was a bad day for Reynolds because Froggy saw his opening and took it. With a very strong "ground & pound" shots to the head the ref stopped the fight at 1:30 into the first round. The crowd went nuts for young Froggy Estrada, calling out his name, and mobbing him after the fight with high fives and hugs. When I asked him how he felt when he came into the arena for his first fight he said," It was hard to focus but I knew the task at hand. Like I said before Coach, another sparing session; just a lot more people watching!'' Time to fast forward to the main event of the night… The C.F.L. Championship fight between the challenger Tim "The Tyrant" Riscen and the Champion Frank "Turtle" Estrada. After getting some restful sleep and a good warm -up session, Turtle knew he was focused and ready. With his West Coast team mates hooked up along with his brother and coaches Turtle came out to a wild pro-Turtle crowd. The fighters were in the cage and it was time to get busy. And that is just what they did. At the sound of the bell they went at it. A good exchange of punches started the fight. Riscen got a take down on a shocked Turtle. A few good moves and Turtle got out from under the fighter. "I was mad at myself for letting him do that to me. I knew I would not let him do that to me again!'' said Turtle. In the corner of the second round his coach told him to be more aggressive and come out quick. And that is what Turtle did. A great leg kick, followed by a shove into the cage, Turtle slammed Riscen to the mat next to his corner. He took his time for the open shot. Turtle then began his assault with a good ground & pound. "I was landing good punches to the head. I felt and heard them so I just kept hitting him. I wanted to end it right there,'' said Turtle. Then the ref saw enough and stopped the fight. The belt was still his and the crowd went crazy for the young man. "The old Fillmore sports mentality came out in me; hit hard and grind him down!'' Turtle exclaimed." The crowd was going crazy and that made it all great for me right there! I DID IT! The belt was coming back with me to Fillmore and West Coast team! And that was a great feeling!'' So what is next for Turtle & Froggy? "Back in the Gym on Tuesday. Start it all over again!" is what they both said to me after the night was done. Froggy would like to fight about nine more times before thinking of going pro. Turtle thinks he would like to go pro in about five more fights. The two fighters said they wanted to thank all the Fillmore fans, sponsors, West Coast team mates, and family for everything. These two young men are one class act. |
 Fireworks booths opened their doors at 12:00 p.m. June 28th and will remain open until July 5th, 12:00 p.m. All booths are non-profit organizations. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Courtesy City of Fillmore Fire Department As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration. The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal in Fillmore only June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm. The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area, please report it! Please call 805-524-2233 with any information you can provide. Callers may remain anonymous. Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration. Fire Safety Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal. Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire. Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. |