Posted on: July 10, 2024, courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=127
Fantastic News, Fillmore! We’re thrilled to announce that the Two Rivers Dog Park is NOW OPEN! Bring your furry friends for a day of fun, play, and tail-wagging excitement. With plenty of space to run, a new installation of a drinking fountain, shaded areas for you and your pup to relax, it’s the paw-fect spot for your four-legged family members.
The Two Rivers Dog Park is designed to make every dog’s day brighter. Come explore and meet new furry friends, and enjoy a community built around our love for dogs. Whether your pup loves a good game of fetch or just wants to sniff around, there’s something for everyone. Hours of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset.

On Friday, July 12th, Fillmore Library hosted Ventura County Search & Rescue K9 Team (VCSARK9) Members Lisa Hammond and Virginia Feyh (and her K9 Huck) as they spoke with the kids enrolled in the Summer Reading Program about “Hug A Tree and Survive”. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.

On Friday, July 12th, as part of the Summer Reading Program at the Fillmore Library, Team Members Lisa Hammond and Virginia Feyh (and her K9 Huck) of the Ventura County Search & Rescue K9 Team (VCSARK9), came to talk to the kids (and adults) about the program “Hug A Tree and Survive”. VCSARK9 is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, training and deployment of high performance, volunteer canine teams which will in turn effectively assist in the search and rescue or search and recovery of missing persons.

Hug-A-Tree and Survive was developed in the United States following the search for Jimmy Beveridge in 1981 and was first adapted for Canadian use by the RCMP. It was updated by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) and the SAR Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) in 2015 with new videos and activities to support program delivery. Hug-a-Tree and Survive is an AdventureSmart program that helps lost children survive in the woods. It teaches children how not to become lost in the woods, and what to do should they become lost. If a child should become lost in the woods, hugging a tree can help them stay safe, and be found. Staying near a tree offers some protection from the elements, and keeps lost children in the same place, which makes it easier for searchers to find them. The presentation included a short video presentation, discussion about the 4 rules to help keep children safe, and a demonstration with one of the dogs training to be on the VCSARK9 Team, Huck, a Redbone [!@#$] Hound.

The Hug-a-Tree Rules

Hug-A-Tree and Survive emphasizes four key rules to keeping children safe:
Always tell your parents, or another trusted adult where you are going, who you are going with, and when you will be back. You can do this in person, over the phone, through a text message, or by leaving a note in a place they will see it.
HUG-A-TREE” AND STAY PUT

A tree can help protect you from the elements while you’re outdoors, and most importantly, keep you in one place. Depending on where you are, there may not always be a tree. Perhaps your tree” can be a large rock or bench at a park, or a sales counter at a mall. No matter what your landmark is, it is important to stay put, in order to stay safe.
KEEP WARM AND DRY

Temperatures change throughout the day and can drop at night. Even if you are warm during the day, keep your jacket handy for nighttime. If you get cold, put on an extra layer, pull up your hood or put on your hat if you have one, tuck your shirt in, tuck pant legs into your socks, and zip up your jacket. You can also keep warm by building a nest to keep you off the ground, or by using an emergency shelter.

Whether searchers are parents, police officers, or SAR volunteers, remember they just want to get you home safely. Answer back to their calls by making noise and signaling (remember that whistle!), so you can be heard and seen. Make sure to leave lots of footprints and clues, so searchers can follow your tracks to find you.

While designed for the outdoors, these rules are easily transferable to other places including sporting events, shopping malls, public parks, urban areas, and much more! Together, these core points work to ensure kids have the knowledge and training needed to safely enjoy the outdoors, and their communities.

For more information about the “Hug A Tree and Survive” program go to https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/hug-a-tree-and-survive/.

For more information about VCSARK9 go to www.vcsark9.org. This presentation was funded by a grant from the California Fire Foundation https://www.cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-grant-seekers.

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All items passed 5-0

NEW BUSINESS

9.A CONSIDER RESTATED AUDIT CONTRACT WITH CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLETING FY 2022-23 FINANCIAL AUDIT AND EXTENDING THE SERVICES TO INCLUDE THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT. RECOMMENDATION
Staff is requesting and recommends that City Council:

1. Approve a restated contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, to be substantially in the form attached hereto and subject to the approval of the City Attorney, for audit services effective from July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 to authorize payment of additional costs associated with completing the FY 2022-23 Financial Audit and extending the services to– include the FY 2023-24 Financial Audit; and

2. Authorize the City’s City Manager to execute the contract.

9.B PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF OPIOID RELATED LITIGATION AGAINST THE KROGER CO. 01148.0001/992632.2 CITY OF FILLMORE CENTRAL PARK PLAZA2 50 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California 93015-1907(805) 524-3701 - FAX (805) 524-5707

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: David W. Rowlands, City Manager
Tiffany J. Israel, City Attorney

DATE: July 9, 2024

RE: PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF OPIOID RELATED LITIGATION AGAINST THE KROGER CO.
REQUEST

That the City Council adopt a resolution approving the City of Fillmore’s participation in the Kroger Settlement Agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) in connection with opioid-related litigation with The Kroger Co. and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents related to the Settlement Agreement, to carry out all acts necessary to participate in and carry out settlement implementation, and to execute and participate in any future opioid related settlement agreements that the City Manager and City Attorney deem to be in the City’s best interests.
9.C CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 24-4017, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR CITY CLERK AND CITY TREASURER AND REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION OF THE ELECTION FOR THESE OFFICES WITH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

9.D RATIFY FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION
NO. 23-05, DOG PARK ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT TWO RIVERS PARK
PROJECT.

RECOMMENDATION

That the City Council:

1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 23-05, Dog Park ADA Improvements at Two Rivers Park Project (“Project”), performed by FS Contractors, Inc.;

2. Ratify staff’s June 13, 2024 filing of the attached Notice of Completion; and
3. Authorize the final payment to the contractors of owed retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period.

On Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, Fillmore’s Jose “Froggy” Estrada fought with great heart and sportsmanship against his opponent, Devon Brock, who by judges’ decision after the hard-fought rounds, was named the winner. Photo credit Joe Woods.
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Pictured right is Jose “Froggy” Estrada along with his Coach Brain Espinoza after the match. Photo credit Joe Woods.
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By Joe Woods

Sometimes life doesn’t seem to go as planned. Saturday evening, at the Commerce Casino, Jose “Froggy” Estrada fought with heart, showed great sportsmanship and defeat. His opponent, Devon Brock, came in 10 pounds overweight; Froggy could have taken the win and not fought, but he showed his love for the sport and like a true man of his word, his fans and team, he took the fight. By fight time, Brock outweighed Froggy by 25 pounds.

With no excuses, Froggy fought with heart and determination and most of all, no excuses. The first round both fighters came out toe to toe to see what each fighter had within him. Brock had a strong jab with a longer reach, but that did not stop Froggy. Froggy countered a couple of times with punches to the head and in this writer’s eyes, a draw.

“I came out with a game plan and tried to stick with it,” said Froggy. “I knew he was bigger than me and I knew he was a puncher, and it is what it is, so I just kept on fighting to look for an opening.”

In the second round, Brock came out with more aggression, still wanting to stand and fight. More jabs were thrown, opening a small cut over Froggy’s right eye. “Yeah, it took a couple of stitches after the fight, but to me pain is pleasure,” said Froggy. “And even though he was 25 heavier, I wanted to give it my 100 percent, and wanted to have fun doing it”.
I feel while watching the fight that Brock won the second round due to his jab and his abilities to keep Froggy from using his wrestling to attempt to take him to the ground, while he never backed down and he fought with heart.

The crowd erupted and showed support for Froggy from the very start of the fight and stayed with him until the end. “After a five year’s absence from fighting in front of my hometown crowd, it sure was nice to hear it again,” stated Froggy. “Yeah, I miss that crowd noise. I heard it and felt it and wanted to thank everyone who was supporting me. I heard it, and it motivated me to keep on going”.
In the third round, Froggy tried again to take the fight to the ground, however, didn’t succeed. “I wish I could have used more of my jiu jitsu and wrestling skills on him, but his jab and reach and size prevented me from succeeding at that,” said Froggy. “And then he rocked me with a good right, and I said to myself ‘that was a good punch’ but I kept coming at him.”
When the fight was over the judges awarded the fight to Brock to the disappointment of Froggy’s fans. Froggy showed great sportsmanship and devotion to the fight and his opponent. He fought hard and never gave up by showing that he was a true fighter and true man.

“I would like to fight again by the end of the year for the UNF, and I would like to go back down the 145 (weight class). I feel more comfortable at that weight” said Froggy. “I came out of this fight healthy and if I just heal my cuts, I’ll be back in no time. But I feel good, and I can’t wait to get out there again in front of the crowd. That supports me.”
It was hard to see Froggy go down in defeat; however, it was great to see Froggy fight again with such heart and determination with the ability to always persevere. “I want to say thank you to all of Fillmore for always supporting me,” said Froggy. “I want to thank all the people who came out and I hope to see more of you all by the next fight. I will always try to represent Fillmore… It is always great to hear the crowd again.”

With support, going back down in weight, to the 145 weight class, and with his team at West Coast Gym of Oxnard and coach Brain Espinoza and his brother Francisco “Turtle” Estrada and girlfriend Jordan Johnson, I know that Froggy will be working hard in the gym to succeed in the next fight.

Introduction of letter by an AYSO parent

On Friday, June 28 a letter was sent out by Fillmore AYSO Regional Commissioner, Arnold Muñoz, urging AYSO families to speak out about their concerns with having to share Two Rivers Park with another youth sports organization at the next city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

The AYSO soccer program in Fillmore has multiplied throughout the last 45 years, and with almost 700 athletes, AYSO is the largest youth sports organization in the community, and needs a larger park like Two Rivers to accommodate that many players, not only for games, but also practice.

The last few years, AYSO has been submitting their park request application for Two Rivers Park but has only been granted limited access due to the contractual agreements between the city and the Fillmore Raiders organization, which gives them a right to first refusal to practice at Two Rivers Park through October.

This decision has created a difficult situation for many parents and coaches who have multiple children and are having to travel back and forth between parks for practice and has created an abundance of complaints to the AYSO organization. Parents were really hoping that things would change this upcoming season, however, it doesn’t seem to be the case.
AYSO is committed to serving the Fillmore youth and will continue to work on a dialogue with the city about this important topic in hopes of finding a way to best accommodate two great youth sports organizations.

The letter sent by Fillmore AYSO Regional Commissioner, Arnold Muñoz, can be read below:

***

AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION
Region 242, Fillmore, CA.
fillmoreayso@gmail.com

AYSO Region 242 Parents, Players, and Volunteers,

This letter is to be as transparent as possible with the players, volunteers, and parents of Region 242 about the challenge we are currently facing, which is preventing us from using Two Rivers Park for practice.
As some of you may know, we always submit our park requests as early as March every year. This year was no different. We requested the park in March and received the approval on April 2. However, on June 12, we received an email from the city of Fillmore stating that:

“Unfortunately, we have encountered an unforeseen scheduling conflict Despite a contract being signed, Fillmore Raiders have precedence for the use of Two Rivers Park, and we have to cancel your contract and create a new one for Shiells and Delores Day Park until mid-October because that’s when Fillmore Raiders move to Shiells Park and AYSO moves to Two Rivers Park.”
This has been a recurring issue every year, despite our multiple requests. We always receive the same treatment.

AYSO is the largest youth sports organization in our community with over 650 players and approximately 70 teams. Raiders Football has 215 players and 6 teams. As our region has grown we no longer fit at Shiells Park. With AYSO having the largest number of players and teams it would be more appropriate for AYSO to utilize Two Rivers Park for practice, and Raiders to use Shiells and Delores Day Park for their practice.

AYSO Region 242 will address this issue at the next City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:30pm. We would greatly appreciate community support as we present our concerns to the City Council members. Our families will face the challenge and difficulty of moving multiple children playing in different divisions from park to park, especially the October move from Shiells Park to Two Rivers Park. Utilizing Two Rivers park as one stop park for all of our families for the whole season, alleviates these issues.

Our hope is that we will be able to resolve this issue with the city and that we will be able to provide a quality, world class youth soccer program that enriches children’s lives for the Fillmore community.
Best Regards,

Arnold G. Muñoz Regional Commissioner AYSO Region 242 Fillmore, CA.

Photo courtesy Jose “Froggy” Estrada

By Joe Woods

That’s right, Fillmore, it’s Froggy Fight Night in Southern California for the first time in five years, Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. It will be Jose “Froggy” Estrada vs Devon Brock. They will fight at 155lbs for UpNext Fighting Championship. You can stream the fight on Stream USA or get your tickets this week from Froggy at West Coast Gym in Oxnard.

After fighting for the last four years mostly in Florida and Mexico and taking a year off just to get healthy again, his Fillmore pride and love for the sport has brought Froggy back.

“It’s been over a year since I fought, but I never got out of the gym, taking some time off, new league, new start. I am excited to fight in front of my Fillmore people again in Southern California,” Froggy said. “For the first time in a long time I’m 100%, I’m in great shape and ready to go.”

Froggy, at 33-years of age with a professional fight record of 7–3, is ready for this new adventure. With the strength of his team at West Coast Gym, Coach Brain Espinoza, brother Francisco “Turtle” Estrada in his corner, and girlfriend Jordan Johnson, he’s excited and ready to go.

“It’s my first fight at 155lbs. I am healthy for the first time in a long time, with speed, power, boxing ability and Jiu Jitsu background, and along with my wrestling skills, I know I am ready for anything. My team at West Coast, Coach Brain, my brother Turtle and I have been sparring with Jeremy Stevens. I know I’m ready to go.”

Seeing the gleam back in his eyes again, I know this will be an exciting fight. I look forward to seeing this young man performing this craft he does so well in the cage. He’s missed the crowd noise, and I know he will be energized by the chanting of his name again.

“I can go toe-to-toe with this guy, or I can take it on the ground, whatever it takes,” stated Froggy. “And to all my Fillmore friends and family, the 805 champ is back in Southern California! I will be out there fighting for my hometown, and I will never forget where I came from.”

So, Fillmore fireworks will not stop on July 4th this year, they will continue on July 6th, at the Commerce Casino, when the 805 and the Fillmore people scream out “Froggy, Froggy, Froggy!” one more time.

Posted on: June 20, 2024

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=117
Attention Fillmore Residents:

As the Fourth of July Season approaches and residents prepare to celebrate with fireworks, the City of Fillmore is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The City would like to remind residents of important measures and regulations regarding the use and purchase of fireworks.
- Legal Fireworks Only: Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks, those that are State Fire Marshal-approved, are permitted for use in Fillmore. These fireworks will always display the State Fire Marshall’s Seal directly on the firework or its packaging
- Sales Restrictions: Fireworks sales are ONLY permitted within city limits of Fillmore from approved vendors between June 28 and July 5th.

- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violation of fireworks regulations can result in fines up to $1,000 and confiscation of illegal fireworks as stipulated in FMC Chapter 15.39. Serious infractions may lead to criminal charges. Ventura County Sherriff Department and Fillmore PD are capable of issuing citations for firework violations. To Report illegal activity please call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233.

- Areas of Use: Fireworks purchased in the City of Fillmore are only legal within city limits. Fireworks are illegal in all other Ventura County Cities. Visitors to the City of Fillmore are encouraged to visit a public park to discharge their fireworks. (Delores Day Park, Sheills Park, Two Rivers Park)

- Keep it Safe- never allow children to play or ignite fireworks, keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap, never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully
This flier will provide further information regarding safe and sane fireworks: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc: VA6C2:3edd3ded-28fd-4952-b270-ea528b88ad76

By following the established guidelines and exercising caution, we can prevent accidents and keep our community safe.

The Fillmore Police Department invites all members of the public to join us in a community centered event and enjoy a cup of iced coffee or iced tea with local members of public safety. This event is geared towards meeting your local police and fire department members with an emphasis on fireworks safety, with the Fourth of July around the corner.

Special appearances by Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K9, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, and local supporters Starbucks Coffee and Roan Mills Bakery. Join us, enjoy a treat and get your public safety questions answered.

We encourage you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Department will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend.

The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind the citizens of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:

• “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.

• Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1.

Nature of Incident: Coffee with the Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot
Date & Time: June 28th 10am – 12pm
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Campbell
News Release Date: June 25, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Pictured above is an item the museum found years ago and was recently identified as a cigar mold by intern, Ryan Baumann from CSUCI, and is now on display at the museum. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is a blue banner with gold lettering that reads, “Fillmore Band”. Since the museum has no reference to the Fillmore Unified High School, they believe it was for the Fillmore City bands organized by Frank Erskine and Clarence Arrasmith. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Since the Museum was founded over 50 years ago by Edith Moore Jarrett and others who felt preserving the history of our area was important, we have many items donated to us. We only accept things that reflect the history of the valley, so unfortunately, we have had to refuse several pump organs and pianos which were not even owned by a former resident (and also would take up a lot of storage space which we don’t have).

We also have to politely refuse things that don’t really add to the story of our area – like a cement block out-house. It is true that originally the Hinckley House would have been served by a privy, but probably not one made from cement blocks. We were also concerned someone might think it was ready for use.

One item that we have had for several years but couldn’t identify was recently identified by our intern, Ryan Baumann from CSUCI. He took one look at it and said “could it be a cigar mold”. We went to the internet and sure enough there were many pictures identical to our item. It is now on display in the Depot next to a tobacco cutter from Lindenfeld’’s market.
Another item that is on display is one we didn’t have to guess as the person donating it could tell us its provenance – it’s a femur which was amputated about four inches above the knee with a musket ball hole. Etched in the bone is “Dr. Leon Hammond, October, 1864.” Dr. Hammond was a Union Army surgeon. This may have come from the Cedar Creek Battle. During the Civil War little could be done under the drastic circumstances to save a leg or an arm. Not amputating could lead to gangrene and death.

Dr. Parker Hubert practiced dentistry in Fillmore in the 1920s and 1930s. We did an article about him a few months back highlighting his pastime as an amateur film maker and rider. His son, Robert Hubert, also gave us a set of “Gold Bugs” he had made from dental gold.

We have found two other things in the Museum which we have no clue who donated them. Unfortunately, after the 1994 earthquake many of our items were damaged or destroyed and records were also damaged or destroyed.
One item was found rolled up on top of some cabinets. It is blue with gold lettering and just says “Fillmore Band”. Since there is no reference to the Fillmore Unified High School we believe it was for the Fillmore City bands organized by Frank Erskine and Clarence Arrasmith. If anyone has photos of the early Festival parades that might show this banner, we would love to see them.

The other banner has a more national connection. It simply says Fisk and Brooks. Clinton Fisk and John Anderson Brooks made up the Prohibition Party ticket in the 1888 presidential election. Fillmore had a very strong temperance league led by Mrs. Hattie King (https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/hattie-king-and-the-wctu ). Since Fillmore had just been laid out in 1888, the banner was probably used elsewhere.

On Monday, June 17, the Fillmore Women’s Service Club (FWSC) was able to present AYSO 242 with a generous donation of $1,000 to help the organization in its ability to provide some additional scholarships for the League.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club is an organization of women who are of service in the Fillmore community. When the request was read and discussions were made, there was only one right move, to help anyway we can, first, with a monetary donation.
FWSC is hard at work for the community and partnering up with AYSO to help ensure their motto of EVERYONE PLAYS--and AYSO Epics Everyone Plays in our Community is a part of what they stand for.

Fillmore AYSO 242 is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. They are hard at work gearing up for another fantastic year of soccer with some extra special celebrations along the way. FWSC looks forward to celebrating with them.
If you have any desire to make a difference in a child’s life, especially when it comes to the community and youth sports, here are a few things you may consider: Volunteer as a Coach, Volunteer as a Referee, consider sponsoring a child or a team, sponsor a team’s banner yourself or as a business, and lastly, any new or used sporting equipment would gladly be accepted (cleats, shin guards, soccer balls, cones).

You can follow both organizations on social media if you are interested in the above. Both organizations would gladly accept equipment to be used towards a child this year (or feel free to contact anyone pictured in the photo).
Good job, AYSO 242! 45 years serving your Fillmore community. Good job, FWSC, on showing up for the youth by supporting scholarship efforts. See you on the soccer field! Let’s have a great season!