On January 25, 2014 at approximately 12:26pm, Santa Paula Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of E. Santa Barbara Street. During the traffic investigation, the passenger in the vehicle was found to be on probation. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a suspicious object resembling an improvised explosive device was located. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad was called to assist. The immediate area was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Upon the arrival fof the VCSO Bomb Squad, they conducted an investigation and rendered the device safe by disruption. The driver, Albert Morales, 34 years of Fillmore, was arrested for possession of an explosive device. The area was then declared safe.

The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) held a special meeting last Tuesday to discuss what requirements the School Board is seeking in their new superintendent. The Costa Group, a company out of Fairfield California, has been hired to search for applicants that meet the needs of the District. Dr. George Bloch and Ken Noonan, representing The Costa Group, began meeting with parents, teacher and stakeholders last Wednesday asking what they were looking for in the next superintendent. The meeting was attended by approximately 60 throughout the approximately three hours of discussion.

A compiled prioritized list with three categories; Strengths of the District, Needs of the District, and the Desired characteristics of the new superintendent was handed out.

According to those Bloch and Noonan spoke with, the highest strengths of FUSD are: Sense of family (teachers, staff and parents) and they remain professional; Natural Habitat Grant-Program (River Basin Program); well-behaved kids; dedicated teaching staff-supportive of each other and the kids and many willing to go above and beyond what is expected; employees grew up together/tight community/ many went to FUSD and live in the community; staff looks out for best interest of students; parent volunteers are very strong.

Other priorities discussed CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

01/21/14
Theft
700 Blk. Del Valle Dr.
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Olive St.
Vandalism
Blue Jay St./D St.
Shiells Park
500 Blk. Fillmore St.
600 Blk. Ventura St.
Narcotics Violation
300 Santa Clara St.
01/22/14
Keep the Peace
100 Blk. Surrey Way
300 Blk. Saratoga St.
300 Blk. McNab Ct.
Search Warrant
900 Blk. 4th St. CONTINUED »

Elkins Ranch Golf Course is family-owned and operated by descendants of C.C. Elkins, who arrived in Fillmore in 1877. They have enjoyed 52 years of providing a great place to play golf as well as their famous cheeseburgers for those who come out for lunch. General Manager Cheryl Dimitt, member of the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Head Pro Luis Beltran, member of Heritage Valley BNI, Course Superintendent Jeff Naas and Office Manager Mary Collins support various projects in the Fillmore Community. In 2013, Elkins Ranch was a proud sponsor of the 1st Annual Fillmore Community Children’s Festival and provided basic SNAG golf lessons at the event as well as a 6 week SNAG course for the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club in Fillmore & Santa Paula. They support FHS sports and community organizations by donating to local raffles. Elkins Ranch Golf Course truly appreciates being named2013 Business of the Year. They know that the hard work of their employees have made it possible for them to receive this award.

Doris Nichols & Daniel
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Daniel Mendoza, a student at Fillmore Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

Daniel’s poster was among more than 170 entries in Fillmore. There are over 375,000 entries submitted world wide in the 26th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

Daniel’s poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme, “Our World, Our Future”. The judging was held November 6 at the Fillmore Middle School.

The judges were again impressed by the expression and creativity of the students’ art. It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. Fillmore Lions Club is proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions with other students and our city.

Mr. Daniel Mendoza’s poster has advanced to face stiff competition through the district, multiple districts and international rounds of competition.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US $500.

Runner-up students were Cody Balderas and Ana Manzo. All participants are students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art class at Fillmore Middle School. Mrs. Nichols is commended for her assistance in this annual event.

The new rules out of Sacramento for school funding were discussed at Tuesday’s Fillmore Unified School Board Meeting. The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) replaces the previous K-12 finance system and uses a base grant to start, and added supplemental and concentration grants to those schools that qualify. The base grant varies depending on grade span but the average is $7,643 and provides and adjustment of 10.4% (of the base) additional funds for grades K-3rd (if the class enrollment is 24 pupils or less). There is also a 2.6% added funds for grades 9-12th and 20% additional funds for targeted disadvantaged students which includes English learners (EL), students eligible to receive a free or reduced-price meal and foster youth. A concentration grant equal to 50% of the adjusted base grant is given to schools/districts where the targeted students exceed 55% enrollment.

According to the California Department of Education website; "Until full implementation local education agencies will receive roughly the same amount of funding they received in 2012-2013 plus an additional amount each year to bridge the gap between current funding levels and the new LCFF target levels. The budget projects the time frame for full implementation of the LCFF to be eight years."

K-3rd grants are projected to range from $6,845 to $10,769; 4-6th $6,947 to $9,899; 7-8th $7,154 to $10,194; and 9-12th $8,289 to $12,119. California spent $57,923,591,137 on education during the 2011-2012 school year and in 2013, $50,584,391,000 went to k-12 and higher education, which is over 53% of the state's general fund.
All schools receiving state funding are required to develop and adopt a three-year Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) beginning on July 1, 2014. The process starts next month and administrators must determine where the students’ needs are greatest using guidelines adopted by the California State Board of Education. The plan must be drafted by March 31, 2014. From May thru June 30th public input will be solicited and a proposed plan presented to a parents advisory committee for review and comment. Because English learners make up more than 15% of FUSD enrollment there will also be a District English Learner Advisory Committee which must include parents. The process requires administrators consult with school employees, parents and students for advice, and also have an open discussion at a public meeting, solicit written comments from the public, respond to comments from the parent advisory committee and adopt the plan during a public hearing.

LCAP requires established CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

01/14/14
Shots Fired
500 Blk. Mountain View St.
Keep the Peace
200 Blk. Olive St.
01/15/14
Vandalism
500 Blk. Via Rodeo
Narcotics violation
600 Blk. Shiells Drive
Search Warrant
200 Blk Palm St.
Keep the Peace
1000 Blk. Tudor Lane
Violation Restraining Order
300 Blk. 4th St.
Theft Residential
100 Blk. 3rd St.
01/16/14 CONTINUED »

On Saturday, January 11 at 1:59pm, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim laying on the road in the 1600 block of Grand Ave. Upon arrival, the deputies discovered two victims were shot near a party at a residence on Grand Ave. A male adult, Adrian Moreno, 18 of Fillmore, sustained fatal injuries.

A second gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing. A party of approximately 50 was taking place at the time.

Morena sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. There are no suspects in custody.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help. Anyone with information is urged to call Sheriff’s Major Crimes at (805) 384-4730. Information by Captain Don Aguilar Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

There were a number of agenda items on the first Fillmore City Council meeting of 2014. It began with a presentation by Fire Chief Rigo Landeros regarding the Centennial Celebration. Other items included Facility Use Policy, an ordinance for landlords to evict criminals from rental properties, and an introduction of some new additions to City Staff and Police.

Fire Chief Rigo Landeros representing the Fire Foundation, presenting all Council Members, the City Manager and the Fillmore Firemen, with an embossed Fire Badge honoring Fillmore's Centennial Celebration. The badges will be worn by Fillmore's Fire Department throughout the year and then retired in a Lucite sleeve to be displayed at their homes or offices.

Patrick Maynard, was also recognized for, among many other things, helping establish the Fire Foundation and obtaining grants adding up to $225,000 that went towards equipment such as breathing apparatus and radios. Maynard, who was not in attendance, also designed the Fillmore Centennial Logo. He will also be given a bottle of wine with the City Logo.

Landeros also thanked all the organizations and individuals for the success of the Toy Giveaway in December, with thanks to the Sheriffs Department and a special thank-you to Maynard who did much of the organizing. This year’s giveaway saw the largest crowd of families since the program began 16 years ago. There were 362 toys given to boys, 373 to girls and 373 to adults in the community.

Fillmore seems to CONTINUED »

The Fillmore Lions Club has announced that this year’s Student Speaker Contest will be held on February 3 – a Monday at the Fillmore Scout House at the end of Sespe Ave. Pole Creek. The topic will be “Community Service – What does it mean? And why does it matter?” The topic is interesting and very relevant to High School Students as all student have to do community service in order to graduate and as part of their High School curriculum. To be a good citizen it is necessary to volunteer in community activities and to do meaningful community service. This topic will be very interesting to the students and to the citizens of Fillmore. Chair Bill Edmonds states that the total prize money in scholarships and cash will again be over $21,000. The Fillmore winner will receive $75 and will advance to the next round. Runner ups will receive $25. The winner goes on to compete against the winners of other local Lions club contest on March 13 in Camarillo. All high school age youth who live within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries are eligible to compete. This includes home taught students, foreign exchange students as well as Fillmore residents who attend another high schools.

Students who wish to enter may contact Bill Edmonds at 524-4839 or Jennifer Fitzpatrick the FHS English teacher. Edmonds emphasizes that public speaking competition will be very worthwhile to the students and very interesting to their and to the community. Public speaking competition will also look very good on college applications and resumes. Students should get started early because it takes time to develop and practice a good speech.

Fillmore Unified School District

The Cosca Group has been hired to locate candidates for the Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent position. A public meeting will be held in English/Spanish on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30pm, Sespe Auditorium. It is located in the FUSD building. The public will be asked to contribute their opinions as to the strengths of the District, the critical needs of the District, and Characteristics sought in a new Superintendent. Walk-in option for giving input on Thursday, starting at 5pm, same location.

City of Fillmore

01/07/14
Fight
300 Blk. Clay St.
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Bard St.
Threats – Verbal/Written
1000 Blk. Tudor Lane
Vandalism
1000 Blk. B St.
Violation Restraining Order
300 Blk. 4th St.
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Bard St.
01/08/14
Vandalism
300 Blk. Main St.
Vandalism
300 Blk. McCampbell St. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim laying on the road on Grand Ave. Upon arrival, the deputies discovered two victims were shot near a party at a residence on Grand Ave. Adrian Moreno sustained fatal injuries. A second gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Moreno was pronounced deceased at the scene. There are no suspects in custody.

Investigators are seeking the public's help. Anyone with information is urged to call Sheriff's Major Crimes at (805) 384-4730.

Nature of Incident: Homicide Near Fillmore
Report Number: 14-863
Location: 1600 block of Grand Ave.
Date & Time: 1/11/14 @ 11:59 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff's Homicide Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(D) Male Fillmore 18
(V) Male Fillmore Juvenile

Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar
Media Release Date: 1/12/14
Follow-up Contact Captain Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349
don.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Bill Ayub

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

An 18-year of Fillmore man is dead and one was wounded after a Saturday night shooting. The crime took place at approximately midnight in the 1600 block of Grand Avenue. Its been reported that a large party was taking place in the area. The victim was reported lying in the street and was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. Another victim was shot and received non-life threatening injuries. He is at Ventura County Medical Center. Names have not been released. Major Crimes detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene interviewing witnesses. Ventura County Search and Rescue was on scene until 10:30am Sunday morning, looking for evidence in the shooting. A suspect is at large; anyone with information should call Sheriffs Major Crimes at 805-384-4730.

Mayor Manuel Minjares

Having recently been selected by our City Council to serve as the City of Fillmore’s Mayor for our Centennial year, I am appreciative of the opportunity to let the citizens of our City, and all of Ventura County, know of the great strides that our community is making, and of our hopes and aspirations for the coming year. As many know, Fillmore has faced some significant financial challenges in the recent past. Rather than simply try to work within the constraints of these challenges, our City Council has worked together cooperatively and collegially to face down and successfully abate these challenges, and we are looking forward to brighter days ahead for our citizens. Our City Council, by continuing to work cooperatively with each other and with those at all levels of government, anticipates the ability to achieve success in many different areas during the coming year.

Through a coordinated effort with the City of Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission, we anticipate developing and implementing a seamless system of transit and transportation for those in the Heritage Valley, a system that can become a model for other areas to emulate.

By maintaining a close working relationship with Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean and our Police Chief, Monica McGrath, our City Council has continued to emphasize the value of a safe community and has focused law enforcement and community efforts on both crime prevention and firm, fair enforcement of our laws.

We are also working hard to upgrade the environmental aspects of our community, coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce to attract new business to our downtown area, working with Caltrans to beautify the 126 corridor through town, supporting our Film Commission in their successful efforts to bring more filming to our City, and bringing community groups and economic development together to find common ground for making Fillmore an ever greater City to live in and raise a family.

At the same time that we will be working on these issues, we also realize that there are significant challenges that we still must face on behalf of our residents. Due to federal and state regulations our City was required to build a wastewater treatment plant that although was very sophisticated and expensive for a community of our size, it will perform its needed functions well in the decades to come. Our City Council will be working closely this year with County, State, and federal officials to seek ways to bring our operating costs down for the benefit of our residents, never losing sight of our goal to lower our rates while maintaining all of the required environmental safeguards.

Another challenge that we will face this year is that of finding a way to keep the Fillmore and Western Railroad a viable, operating, and safe tourist train. This train benefits not just the Heritage Valley, but is a major tourist attraction for Southern California. Unfortunately the need for costly maintenance of the tracks and their infrastructure, as well as the needed renewal of the lease for the operating rights on the tracks, have combined to cloud the future operation of this important regional attraction. Our City Council knows of the important economic benefits of Fillmore and Western, yet at the same time we also know the importance of a safe facility and the fiscal viability of the operation.

Our City Council is proud of our community and we know that our residents are proud to call Fillmore their home. Our community continues to be shown in movies and on television worldwide as a picture-perfect downtown setting of small town America. Our shops and businesses are proud of this recognition and we invite all of Ventura County to stroll our downtown sidewalks on any weekend. We’re proud of our community and know that as all of Ventura County gets to know us, that same pride in Fillmore will spread throughout the County.

And to our residents, friends, and governmental colleagues, thank you for your contributions to Fillmore’s first one hundred years. May our next hundred be as successful!!

United Water Conservation District officials are reporting the discovery of an invasive species of mussels at Lake Piru. District personnel discovered what appears to be suspicious aquatic bivalve mollusks attached to settling and monitoring devices placed at various monitoring locations on Lake Piru.

Samples of the suspicious findings were collected by California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and sent to the Bodega Bay marine laboratory for analysis to determine if the samples might be one of two invasive species from the Dreissena family, including the quagga and or the zebra mussel.

Invasive species of mussels have long been a concern of water agencies throughout the Western United States, including agencies such as United Water, because of their impact on water system infrastructures, including piping and pumps. Invasive mussels such as the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can damage boat motors and clog water intake structures, such as pipes and screens.

Since 2008 United Water has been proactively conducting vessel inspections at Lake Piru to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic species, particularly that of Dreissenid mussels. Lake Piru staff has conducted tens of thousands of vessel inspections and implemented various monitoring practices, including that of below-surface settling devices as part of their effort to stop the introduction of such species.

Pending lab analysis CONTINUED »