Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Fillmore residence was raided in connection with a Saticoy shooting and a Solimar Beach gang fight. Suspect Samuel Espinoza, 27, was arrested for a variety of weapons charges. He is suspected of selling firearms to gang members. Gang investigators served a search warrant at the location. During the search of the residence, four handguns, a rifle, and a high capacity magazine were recovered. One of the handguns had its serial number removed.

During the Month of March 2011, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit began investigating several shootings that were occurring in the unincorporated area of Saticoy. Most of the shootings went unreported and were not discovered until gang deputies began canvassing the neighborhoods soliciting information. Investigators found that two rival gangs located on the east end of Ventura were in the process of retaliating against each other for prior shootings.

During the later part of March 2011, Sheriff’s patrol deputies and members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to Solimar Beach on a report of a gang fight. During the investigation, investigators found that a group of young men attacked a black male victim and his friend who were at the beach. During the attack, the two victims were struck several times with a stick and one victim was stabbed. Investigators learned that the attack was unprovoked and the suspects yelled racial slurs both before and during the attack. During the investigation they also learned that 21-year-old Carlos Ek was responsible for the stabbing.

The victim was transported to CONTINUED »

On behalf of the Fillmore Chamber, RJ and Joni would like to extend a great big thank you to all who participated to make the May Festival Parade this year a great success. Special Thanks go out to Hal Provo and his crew from Santa Paula Pilots Association for the awesome flyover to start off the parade and Rowena at Santa Paula Airport for her help in lining up the pilots; Sonshine Pre-School for providing electricity; Eddie and Brenda Ortiz of Super Seal and Stripe for providing the flat bed for the judges; the Explorers and Sheriffs Department for help with closing down streets and traffic control; The Miss Fillmore and Miss Teen Fillmore Courts; parade volunteers Tom and Nikki Scott, Sarah Scott and Jessica Reed who did a fantastic job with registration, line up and bus parking; Orange Blossom Villa for use of the Gem car. Thank you also to all of the residents of Fillmore for your patience with the closure of streets and the parade lineup area. 2012 will mark the 100th May Festival. We would like to invite you all to get started now, be a part of, and help to make the 100th Parade the greatest ever.

The following is a list of winners by category, from the 2011 May Festival Parade:
Equestrian: 1st Wells Fargo Bank, Walking Groups: 1st Ballet Folklorico, 2nd Sonshine Pre-School, 3rd Sespe Elementary, Novelty Groups: 1st Bardsdale 4-H Sespe & Piru, 2nd Little Miss America, 3rd Perces Kenpo Karate, Classic Cars: 1st Mays T-Bird, 2nd Coach Craft, 3rd Curves, Car Club: 1st Ventura Chapter Model A Ford Club, 2nd Gem Car Club, 3rd Tow Truck, Antique: 1st Fillmore Historical Society, 2nd Buttercup – Bill and Pat Stocker. Awards may be picked up from the Chamber Office.

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean (above) addressed the council of concerns in maintaining the strides law enforcement has made in recent years.

The June 14, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting/Budget Workshop was the second meeting on the proposed budget cuts and mainly an ask-answer session of the budget proposals presented to the Council on June 7th by City Manager Yvonne Quiring. Also discussed was an annual review of the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment Report and a levy assessment along with the proposed termination of the Heritage Valley Parks Project Development Agreement.

One budget cut proposal presented was the elimination of three Sheriff Officers; a Motorcycle Officer, a School Resource Officer and a Gang Task Force Officer. Ventura County Sheriffs Chief Geoff Dean addressed the Council and expressed his concern in maintaining the strides law enforcement has made in recent years to combat crime in Fillmore. Dean said to expect a press release informing the public of the 11 gang members arrested in the last two days in Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks remarked to Dean that Fillmore is in a budget crisis and mentioned the 3% increase in cost for the Sheriffs services next year. Dean responded, “I feel your pain….they’re not easy decisions.” He informed the Council that the city’s charge is what it costs the Sheriffs Department and there was no profit involved, adding that it would be illegal for him not to charge that. “In the past (the Sheriffs) could work with you on it, but not today.” He then told the Council if they cut the three positions he would “find a way to make it work.” Dean commented that visitors to Fillmore on the 4th of July come because they know it’s a safe place.

Another item on the calendar was the resolution regarding the Landscape and Lighting Levy Assessment, but before it could be discussed Council Members Patti Walker and Brian Sipes, who both reside in the tract districts, recused themselves. Walker, who lives in the Hometown Track, did speak to the remaining Council as a resident. She stated the storm drains benefit all of Fillmore residents and the costs to maintain them should be passed along to everyone not just those tracks where the drains are located. The Council agreed to discuss Walker’s recommendation at the June 28, 2011 Public Hearing on the matter.

The meeting continued on with what other cuts could be made to help resolve the City’s financial problems. It was decided that the City News Letter would only be available on line and would no longer be printed and mailed out saving the City $2,400. Also the Print and Advertising budget for legal notices to the Gazette would be reduced from $6,750 to $1,500 and would be done without a contract on a need-to bases. The Information Technology Technician/Computer Support (IT) will be reduced by 1.84 positions and the IT provider has lowered the cost by $100 per month saving the city $1,200 annually. Walker asked the City Manager for the scope that the IT provides and Mayor Washburn asked for a job description of the IT.

Also on the chopping block were two Senior Water Maintenance and two Intermediate Maintenance positions (eliminated), saving the City $285,553. A Meter Reader will be added, costing $75,068 annually.

Council Member Conaway was concerned with all the proposed cuts, which in some cases are severe, and questioned if the City can function with this proposed budget and cuts.

The termination of a Development Agreement with Griffin Homes was again the focus of the Council. In 2002, the City entered into a Development Agreement with Griffin Homebuilders Group for the development of Heritage Valley Park. Due to financial difficulties Griffin sold a portion of the project to Hearthstone Multi-Asset Entity. In January 2010 the City was notified Williams Homes were interested in purchasing 31 vacant lots and 3 model homes in the detached condo area known as Oak Haven and on April 26, 2011 Lance Williams, the President of Williams Homes, addressed the Council asking if the Development Impact Fees (DIF) could be lowered. At that time he also told the Council the selling price for the homes would range from $250,000 to $290,000.

The term of the Development Agreement originally extended until 2017 if an elementary school was built by 2008, if not the Agreement was to be shortened by 5 years to 2012. The school was not built and the agreement is set to expire in November 2012.

Conaway read the letter sent to the Council and City Manager on June 14th from Williams Homes. It reads, “Terminating the development for 34 ready to build lots in the City of Fillmore will discourage new housing starts and cost jobs. The proposed impact fee increase would come at a time when municipalities across Southern California are slashing building impact fees. New construction creates jobs and demand for many goods and services that will benefit local business. I strongly urge you to side with your planning commission and abandon the termination of the development agreement as proposed today. Go further and create an incentive for builders to pull permits sooner rather than later.”
Walker stated that at present, Williams Homes is not an action to the Development Agreement because the property is presently owned by Comerion and that originally the homes were planned to sell for $450,000 to $475,000.
If the agreement is not terminated the fees would be less than current or future rates and would not be paid for 18 to 24 months. Brooks responded saying developers need to pay a standard fair share. Sipes added the town needs amities, “Do we let developers have reign over our city?” Conaway then gave his opinion stating, “If we leave it in tack, the developer may build 5 or 6 homes…A bird in the hand is better than none.” Adding that what the Council was doing was double dipping and this was a new source of revenue and a long term plan, “I think it is short sided to pull this agreement.”
If Williams homes was allowed to build and they pulled all 34 permits between now and November 2012 they would infuse the city with over $900,000. That does not include Entitlement permit fees. Williams homes was working to build about 5 to 7 homes this year, which means when the DA terminates in 2012 they would be paying the prevailing fees for the yet to be constructed homes.
Sipes responded to Conaway saying that he is asked all the time why the Two Rivers Park isn’t done. “He’s (Conaway) saying set the parks aside.” Mayor Washburn told the Council that when this item had been discussed (at the April 26th Meeting) it bothered her all night and after thinking about terminating the agreement she was not completely in favor of doing so adding that Fillmore’s DIF’s are the highest in the County. A vote was taken and the agreement was terminated with Conaway and Washburn voting no and Sipes, Walker and Brooks voting yes.

Rigo Landeros, Fillmore Fire Chief

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
If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

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.
Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.

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.

Officer Brandon Mumme
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Brandon Mumme, a California Highway Patrol officer based in Moorpark has been selected by the Kiwanis Clubs of Ventura County as Officer of the Year.

Mumme, 38, exemplifies “courage, honesty, professionalism, principles, respect, integrity, dedication and esprit de corps” according to Kiwanis officials. He is an “exemplary office and deserves the honor” according to Lt. April Baxter, head of the Moorpark CHP station.

Mumme joined the CHP in 2002 and was stationed at the Ventura office before transferring to Moorpark in 2005.
Mumme said he enjoys helping people out, as just one aspect of his job. “It’s exciting because you never know what’s going to happen on any given day.”

Officer Mumme was involved in an incident in Fillmore on July 27, 2010 in which he verbally disarmed a possible suicidal subject. As Mumme arrived on scene, the subject attempted to ram his CHP unit head-on. He was able to avoid a head on collision, but the subject’s vehicle collided with the right rear side of the unit. The incident ended with the subject being taken into custody; Mumme received minor injuries. His family said, “We praise the Lord for protecting Brandon in the face of danger.”

Mumme is a 1991 graduate of Fillmore High School, and lives in the area with wife Angela and their three children. Angela also said they are grateful for the recognition and the family is very proud of his achievement.

Fillmore City Manager Yvonne Quiring addressed council with budget recommendations, Tuesday night. Cuts, reductions and reorganization dominated the presentation.

The June 7, 2011 Fillmore City Council meeting started late after a 5:30 closed session concerning former fire Chief Peter Egedi.

The Special Fillmore City Council/Budget Workshop Meeting started at 7:20pm and left many of those in attendance speechless as the anticipated 2012 Budget Overview was laid out. With over 13 full-time and part-time positions on the chopping block, and other income-generating proposals including another water/sewer increase, the costs saving suggestions were the hard reality of the City’s fiscal situation.

City Manager Yvonne Quiring presented a grim presentation of the City’s 2012 finances starting with a mid-year deficit amount of $2.1 million and ending the fiscal year in about the same shape. The bottom line; revenue generated by the City does not cover the expenditures and drastic measures must be taken. Quiring reported this may require reducing service levels, City employee salaries, benefit concessions, fee increases, and using monies from the General Fund Reserve. The City’s fiscal challenges are expected to extend to fiscal year 2013 unless the City obtains some new sources of revenue.

Fillmore’s General Fund Revenues is generated mostly from taxes which amount to about 50% of the fund; then Transfers In at about 30% and the remaining comes from licenses, permits, fines and other revenue. The largest portion of the City’s General Fund Expenditures goes to Public Safety which requires about 66%; next is the General Government at about 20% with the remaining going to Public Works, Community Development and Transfer Out Loans.

The City of Fillmore has hired CONTINUED »

Dorothy Wilson Leland

Dorothy Leland, a graduate of Fillmore High School, has been named UC Merced’s Chancellor. The former Dorothy Wilson, 63, will begin her new position on July 1, 2011.

Leland has a long and stellar career history.

During college at Purdue University, where she received her doctorate, she served in the Peace Corps, working in India with a nutrition program and medical clinic. She was visiting faculty member at CSU Northridge, CSU Chico and UC Santa Cruz. She then returned to Purdue, where she taught and served as the first full-time director of the Women’s Resource Center.

She is now president of Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA.

Leland was called one of the “100 Most Influential Georgians”.

A national search was conducted to fill the position. Her annual salary will be $310,000, and a university house and a relocation allowance of $77,500 will be paid her over four years.
Leland said she is thrilled to be returning to her native California and an area which reminds her so much of the 60-acre Fillmore ranch she grew up on.

Deputy Leonardo Vazquez

On May 27, 2011, Kiwanis Clubs of Ventura honored several Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies by presenting them with the service club’s “Officer of the Year” awards. These deputies are being recognized for their outstanding performance and service to the communities they serve while on patrol. The Kiwanis Clubs of Ventura County will be hosting a dinner banquet at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura.

Deputy Leonardo Vazquez, Fillmore, was selected to receive the award. The recipients are to be commended for their exemplary accomplishments above and beyond their normal duties. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office joins in congratulating this year’s “Officer of the Year” recipients.

The Bardsdale Cemetery held its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th at 11AM. Special recognition was given to Sean Chandler who completed his Eagle Scout project – a Walk of Honor at the Cemetery with a brick walkway honoring those who served our country.

A large crowd turned out to honor the nation’s service personnel and their sacrifice.

Four private single-engine planes flew over early in the ceremony as a salute to those remembered on the national holiday.

Featured speaker this year was Don Gunderson who attended the University of Wisconsin on a Navy ROTC scholarship. Upon his graduation in 1957, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He later attended the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey where he earned his degree in electrical engineering. During his naval service he had two commands as well as three deployment tours to Viet Nam. Captain Gunderson retired in 1985, after completing four and a half years on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. During his years of service, Don was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with combat “V” and the Air Medal as well as numerous campaign and unit awards. Don returned to Ventura County in 1985. From November 1990 to November 2002 he served 12 years on the Fillmore City Council, 4 as Mayor, as well as many county boards.

The Rev. Bob Hammond gave the Memorial Service, special music was provided by Jeanie Allred. Also assisting in the ceremony was VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts put out the flags on Friday, May 27th and they were picked up by the Sespe 4H on Tuesday, May 31st.

The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District are Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz.

At Tuesday night’s AR study session, Fillmore Hight School Principal John Wilber spoke to the school board in support of the program.

According to the website of Renaissance Learning, the maker of Accelerated Reader (www.renlearn.com) or “AR” is “the most cost effective successful reading software of all time.” Over 60,000 schools use this program nationwide. In 2010 Renaissance Learning had sales of $130.1 million. The site goes on to state that the software provides “frequent progress monitoring and produces the greatest reading improvement for the least investment.” They also report that AR “is fully supported by scientifically based research.” Another benefit touted of this program is that it builds a lifelong love of reading. Some parents of high school students at Fillmore High School would not agree with that assessment.

On Tuesday, May 24, 2011 the FUSD Board of Education met for a public “Study Session” on AR. Assistant Superintendent Katy Hadley explained, “AR is not a teaching program, it is a reading management program. It is a way for teachers to track the outside reading that students are doing.” The computer-based program has a list of 150,000 books for students to choose from. Each book is rated at a particular reading level and is worth a certain number of points. Depending on their level of reading proficiency (above, below or at grade level) students are assigned a certain number of points they must earn. They earn points by taking a test after they have read a book. At the high school AR is 20% of a students grade in their English class while at the middle school it accounts for 10%. At the elementary level AR points are tied to “prizes” such as stickers, ice cream and parties. Hadley reported that AR came to FUSD in 2000-2001. During that time there has been issues and Task Forces were formed, School Site Councils dealt with it and curriculum committees examined the program. FHS Principal John Wilber began the presentation in support of the AR program stating that the year they brought in AR, “Staff felt that AR was the single thing that we did that made an impact on our school climate to make it more of an academic school.” He stated his belief that it is the “commitment to high expectations in reading” that has led to recent improvements in “performance” at the school. FHS English Teacher Jennifer Fitzpatrick presented a report regarding her department’s support for the AR program. Fitzpatrick was the only representative of the English Department in attendance and found herself charged with defending the program against the brunt of the parent’s frustration. Her report focused on the value of reading in future success and the important contribution that the English Department feels AR makes in creating proficient readers. She informed the Board on the California State Standards, which “mandate that in addition to their regular school reading… students read annually one-half million words by grade 4, one million words [annually] by grade 8, and two million words [annually] by grade 12.” The standards intend that those words come from sources including “a wide variety of classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers and online information.” The AR program aims at getting students to that goal. Fitzpatrick presented an interesting “footnote” to help understand how many words a million actually is. The entire Harry Potter series (seven books) totals 1.08 million words. While the report was aimed at supporting AR, many of the points made to support it refer to “recreational reading” and “the value of free voluntary reading.” Many who spoke to the Board clearly did not feel that AR was “voluntary” when it makes up 20% of the students grade. Approximately 25 parents, some FUSD staff members, and a couple students spoke to the Board regarding their concerns. The concern voiced most often was with AR making up 20% of students grades. At one point Hadley reminded the Board that Board policy and Ed Code “do state that grades given for course work of instruction in our district is determined by teachers of that course” She goes on to state the policy “does further state that parents and guardians should have an opportunity to work with schools in a mutually supportive and respectful partnership so their children are successful in school.” Board Member John Garnica took the floor to begin Board discussion and complemented Fitzpatrick on presenting the position of the English Department but “Where the rub is,” he pointed out “[is in the] implementation…[I think it can be] improved… How can we encourage kids to read in a positive manner?” A brief conversation clarifying that the evening would be spent in an information-gathering vein, Board Member Dave Wilde asked, “Where do we stand in determining [how] teachers [set their grading system]?” Superintendent Jeff Sweeney responded, “It’s a slippery slope” as school board start to meddle in the details of classrooms.

Once public comment began CONTINUED »

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Participants of “Every 15 Minutes”, Top Row, Left to Right:Dave Wareham, Chris Gaskins, Evan Zellmer, Louie Farah, Bob Thompson, Camilo Melendez, Mark Hubbard, Daren Hendren, Leo Vazquez. Middle Row, Left to Right: Rigo Landeros, Janelle Payne, Joseph Palacio, Manny Perez, Al Huerta, Monica McGrath, Leanne Thompson, Anthony Biter, John Wilber. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Bill Herrera, Cesar Benigno, Arin Aghakhanian, Byron Becke, Patrick Maynard, Sergio Cornejo, Adam Strong, Freddy Boudier.
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On Friday, May 13, the Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department presented to the Fillmore
High student body “Every 15 Minutes”, a program to stop underage alcohol consumtion and driving. Pictured above is the live simulation that took place to show students what happens when you mix drinking and driving. The whole incident took approximately 30 minutes, from the beginning of the accident to “Every 15 Minutes” shows dangers of drinking and driving a teenager being airlifted to the Coroner taking the body away, and ending with the driver arrested for being under the influence.

The program was Directed by: Patrick Maynard and Steven Karnazes, Produced by: Dave Wareham, Edited By: Louis C. Farah Jr., Casting Supervisor: Leanne Thompson, Camera Operators: Steven Karnazes, Ryan Kell, Adam Strong and Louis C. Farah Jr., Sound: Anthony Ventura, Makeup & Special Effects: Sarah Sexton, CAST: Father & Mother of Victim in Hospital -Barbara Vazquez and Leo Vazquez, Suspect - Sergio Cornjeo, Arresting Deputy - Anthony Biter, Supervising Sergeant - Dave Wareham, Judge - Hon. Nancy Ayers, Death Notification Deputy - Gabriel Gonzalez, Booking Deputy - Deputy Doepking, District Attorney - Theodore Schneider, Defense Attorney - Tom Adams, Parents of Suspect - Mr. & Mrs. Cornejo. Car Crash Victims: Breanna Vazquez, Josefina Fernandez, Jessica Givan, Brandon Pina. Party Scene: Khristian Felix, Josefina Fernandez, Eddie Gutierrez, Brandon Pina, Michael Topete. Ventura County Medical Center Trauma Team: Dr. Thomas Duncan (Trauma Surgeon), Dr. Nicole Te Poel (head of bed-Airway), Dr. Mariana Mejia Botero, Shannon Kaminski, RN (Trauma Nurse Practioner), Karen Beatty, RN (MICN on radio), Tom Gallegos,RN, Joseph Laurente, RN, Graal Diaz, RN, Dede Utley, RN. Ventura County Medical Examiners Officer: Janelle Payne and James Baroni. City of Fillmore Fire Department: Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, Assistant Chief Bill Herrera, Captain Al Huerta, Captain Bob Thompson Engineer Joseph Palacio, Engineer Manny Perez, Firefighter Arin Aghakhanian, Firefighter Freddy Boudier, Firefighter Mark Hubbard, Firefighter Evan Zellmer
Firefighter Camilo Mendez, Firefighter Byron Becke, Firefighter Paramedic Chris Gaskins and Firefighter Paramedic Cesar Benigno. American Medical Response: Paramedic Supervisor Rob Rolfe, Paramedic Richard Houston, EMT Roberto Reyes. The Grim Reaper - Darin Hendron. "Living Dead" at Traffic Collision Scene: Kiana Garibay, Blanca Villa, Ashley Pech, Andrew Ornelas, Leah Robledo, Tania Dominguez Leslie Hernandez, Cali Gunta, Jazzlyn Gonda, Oscar Nava, Andrew Perez, Mayra Landin Ray Estrada, Johnny Golson, Joseline Franco. Sponsored by: HBO Entertainment – Triple Love Productions, Diana Lara, Ralph Coleman and Matt Prisk. Fillmore Noontime Rotary Club, City of Fillmore. Special Thanks to… John Wilber - Fillmore High School, City of Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriffs Department, Ventura County Explorer Post 2958, Ventura County Medical Center, Ventura Superior Court, Skillin Carol Mortuary, Fillmore High School.