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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
 On April 14, at 12:17 a.m., Fillmore Police, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a traffic collision near Mountain View Street and Main Street. When deputies arrived, they discovered a black pickup truck on its roof as well as two other parked vehicles that had been damaged. The driver of the pickup truck was reported to have exited the vehicle before fire authorities arrived; no ambulances transports were made. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were a factor. Cause of the crash is being investigated. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
 On Sunday, April 14, at 2:58 a.m., Fillmore Police Department responded to a hit & run in the 300 block of Los Serenos Drive. While deputies were on their way, a witness observed a female driver reverse into a parked vehicle, fleeing the scene, leaving alcohol bottles on the side of the road. The witness was able to follow the female driver until the subject stopped in the 300 block of McNab Court where officers conducted a field sobriety test and placed the female subject under arrest for driving under the influence. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
 Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a probation search at the residence of a convicted felon and found him to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. When a defendant is convicted of a crime, the judge may grant probation if the defendant agrees to certain conditions, which often include submission to warrantless searches. Proactive probation and parole searches by law enforcement are conducted in an effort to reduce high rates of recidivism and to hold probationers and parolees accountable to their court appointed probation conditions. The theory of proactive probation and parole searches by law enforcement helps to minimize the risk to public safety because the probationer or parolee will be less inclined to possess the fruits and instrumentalities of crime, such as weapons. Carlos Vargas, a Fillmore resident, has two previous felony convictions involving the illegal possession of firearms and controlled substances. In 2023, Carlos Vargas was convicted in Ventura County for being in violation of Health & Safety Code § 11378 – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale. Carlos Vargas was placed on Ventura County Probation and accepted probation terms requiring him to submit to search of his person, residence, vehicle, or any property under his control by a probation officer or law enforcement officer, with or without a search warrant, for items prohibited by his probation conditions. On April 9th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a probation search at Carlos Vargas’ residence in the 100 Block of Clearwood Street, Fillmore. During a search of the residence, deputies located a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Possession of firearms and ammunition is in direct violation of Carlos Vargas’ probation conditions outlined by the court. Due to his status as a convicted felon, Carlos Vargas is also prohibited under California Law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. Carlos Vargas was arrested for being in violation of Penal Code § 29800 (a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Penal Code § 30305 – Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Carlos Vargas was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Prepared by: Senior Deputy Dustin Heersche |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Division I – Single Cut Rose (Melody Parfumee), Rita Rudkin: Div. II – Cut Iris (Yellow Patterned), Rita Rudkin: Div. III – Other Cut Flower (Orchid), Jean Westling: Div IV – Bouquet (Melody Parfumee), Rita Rudkin: Div. V – Arrangements (Oriental Style), Amelia Aparicio: Div. VI – Miniature Arrangements & Bouquets, Susan Hopkins: Div. VII – Potted Plants (African Violet), Debbie Curnett: Div. VIII – Dish Gardens (Succulents), Susan Hopkins: Div. IX - Youth Arrangement, Olivia Michelle Herrera: Div. X – Youth Team Arrangement, The Muskelkers: Div. XI – Youth Composition & Poetry, Nessie Klittich. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
 On Wednesday, April 10, at 1:21 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported truck in a tree on River Street and Willow Street. Upon arrival, deputies found a city of Fillmore work truck crashed into a tree, as well as a parked vehicle that had been side-swiped. The truck's occupant was a Fillmore city employee who was treated and transported to the Santa Paula Hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
 Above is Flashes Emma Torres (grade 11), a 3-time Citrus Coast League Champion (CCL) at 112 lbs. and Gonzalo Landeros (grade 10), named CCL Champion for the boys at 152 lbs., and named 1st Team All-League as well as the Upper Weight MVP for the Flashes. Above is the Fillmore Flashes Academic All-League Awardees as mentioned on page 1, including James Alcantar, Aiden Asfour (grade 10), Delilah Cervantez, Olivia Juarez, Micah Harm (grade 9), Natalia Herrera, Marcus Lechuga (grade 10), Tony Lemus, Ava Manzano (grade 11), Alexa Martinez, Christine Panopio (grade 11), and Christopher Tobias (grade 10), in no specific order. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
By FHS Boys & Girls Wrestling Coach Michael Torres |
 Pictured is Isaac Huang, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Kristyn Bennett, Special Projects Coordinator, Keith Derrick, FHS Principal, and Rotary President Scott Beylik. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent and Rotarian Christine Schieferle announced that Fillmore High School has been named a 2024 California Distinguished School. Keith Derrick, FHS Principal, talked about what they have done to improve scores, classes and advancing validation for staff. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 On Monday, April 8, at 3:38 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a reported overturned vehicle on westbound SR126, just east of Old Telegraph Road. Arriving firefighters found a white truck on its side. AMR Paramedics treated one patient, who refused medical treatment. The cause of the crash is being investigated. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 At the April 2, 2024, Fillmore Unified School District Board meeting, Office Manager Beatriz Zamora and English teacher Bill Chavez we’re recognized for their dedication and commitment to Sierra High students. The Board of Trustees, Superintendent Christine Schieferle, and Sierra High Principal Blanca Mendieta said they appreciate everything Beatriz and Bill do to support student success! Zamora said, “My ultimate goal is to always put students first.” “My career here at Sierra High School has been important and meaningful,” stated Chavez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
 Fillmore High School has a new Track & Field school record in the Boys Discus. At the Flashes’ April 3rd meet, Anthony Tafoya hit a mark of 154 feet 6 inches, breaking the previous record mark by Justin Coert (2015) of 149 feet, 9 inches. Photo credit Kim Tafoya. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Includes Removal, Electrical & IT Costs
8. NEW BUSINESS All items passed 5-0 8.A AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve: 1. An appropriation in the amounts described below; 2. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a contract with Omnia Partners BNR $68,766.62 ($63,880.15 for furniture and installation $4,886.47 for removal of furniture) through Tri County Office Furniture, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, for the purchase and installation of furniture and modular walls for the Administration and Finance departments; and 3. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a purchase orders in the amounts of $2,000 for electrical costs and $3,000 for IT related costs associated with the office reconfiguration. |
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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 |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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. Enlarge Photo |
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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.” Enlarge Photo |
 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. Enlarge Photo 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 |
