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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department In the early morning hours of December 12, 2013 deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a vandalism call in the 600 block of River Street in the City of Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies learned a citizen had observed 3 people vandalizing a semi-truck trailer and a nearby fence. The citizen gave chase and detained Juan Francisco Gonzalez. Deputies also discovered information that links Gonzalez to other acts of vandalism in the city. Gonzalez was arrested for vandalism and booked into the Ventura County Jail. WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI' PARENTAL CIVIL LIABILITY Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrest 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). |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Story and photos by Bob Crum
Is there a season with more family traditions than Christmas? A partial list: eggnog, fruitcakes, Christmas cards, fresh baked cookies, tamales, a smooch under the mistletoe, stockings hung someplace, Christmas carols, never-ending shopping expeditions and of course... figgy pudding. No easier to dismiss long-standing family Christmas traditions that it is to be rid of weeds. Oh... and the king of Christmas traditions... the Christmas tree... beautifully decorated... the centerpiece of so many homes. Speaking of long-standing traditions... and Christmas trees... it's no secret that hundreds of people make an annual trip to Fillmore from all over southern California. Upon arriving in town, they proceed to the railroad depot where they board a train for the ride to the Santa Paula Christmas Tree farm. Of course, any one can drive to the tree farm and cut their tree to take home. Many do. But for many others, an important and engaging factor of the tradition is the round-trip ride on the Fillmore & Western train. Driving the Suburban or Explorer to the tree farm is just plain ugh! Upon arriving at the Tree farm, armed with a saw... the fun of the hunt for the 'perfect' tree begins. Here and there they wander around the acres of trees until... aha!... there it is!... the 'perfect' tree! A few strokes of the saw... sometimes a lot of strokes... then the mighty yell... T__I__M__B__E__R! Once the tree is felled the farm crew tags it, picks it up and places it on the wagon for the trip to the shaker. The shaker dislodges tree debris. Then the tree is wrapped in mesh and put on the flat car for the trip back to Fillmore. If you think that's all pretty mundane you'd be very wrong. All the people involved in finding their perfect Christmas tree could just as well gone to any neighborhood tree lot and bought a tree to take home and decorate. But that misses the point: Tradition! For the majority of families, the entire event... the train ride to the tree farm... searching and finding the 'perfect' tree... cutting their special tree... it's not just about a tree. It's an annual pilgrimage. Couples have been making the pilgrimage for years. For many... it's a family of three generations traveling by car... then train... then on foot in the field in their quest for the 'perfect' tree that will grace their home. It's grandpa and grandson sawing their very personal Christmas tree. It's the makings of long-standing, cherished memories never to be forgotten. Example: Grandfather Peter Bueschem... affectionately known as Opa, with his 5-year old grandson Kane Brazell. Together... they located their 'perfect' tree. Quite large but 'perfect'. Together they cut it down. As Opa made the last pass with the saw... Kane watched the tree tumble to the ground... delighted with their mutual accomplishment. Their joy and memories cemented for eternity. Many Gazette readers may be aware that the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) recently abruptly cancelled Fillmore & Western Railway's lease for their operations on what's called the Santa Paula Branch Line. Hence, Fillmore & Western trains would not be permitted to use the line in their normal operations. VCTC relented for the Christmas programs. Legal challenges are pending. In the meantime, there's the Internet. Surprisingly... many people from all over southern California are aware of the events involving the VCTC and the Fillmore & Western Railway. For example: From Long Beach, California, Lidia Bowden and her son John made their annual Christmas tree pilgrimage last Saturday. Her story: “We have come here for the last 15 years to cut down a Christmas tree. I can't tell you what this means to our family. It's a tradition that we do every single year. We look forward to it. We're thankful for it. We're thankful to the county of Ventura for giving us the ability to do this. This means something to us. And it's something... for us... part of our heart at Christmas. We wouldn't miss it. When we come here we eat in the local establishments. We spend money in your town. We remember it and for this to be gone... it's like a little piece of our heart taken out at Christmas. My son John... now 22... started doing this when he was five years old.” John added: “I think it would be a shame to get rid of this. I think a lot of people come to this to have a lot of fun... really possibly kicks off the Christmas holiday for them. To get rid of this would be really sad.” Michael Simpson said: “This is only my third experience at the Tree Farm and and I said just this morning I look forward to this more than anything else the whole year.” Lidia added: “I understand bottom lines... I understand that... but sometimes there's a bottom line in the heart too.” (at this point Lidia was tearful as she spoke) “There's no price that can be put on that. It's a crime that you wouldn't have this anymore. We look forward to it... it's a part of us. We understand money.... we get it... we have money issues just like everybody else. But... we love this!” Another exciting tradition is a train ride to the North Pole. Every year, hundreds of children of all ages - along with young-at-heart adults - board the North Pole Express... many in their pajamas. On the way, Elves (Civil Air Patrol members) lead passengers in a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and... Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells... Jingle all the way... oh what fun, it is to ride, in a six-car North Pole Express train. (Writer's prerogative to ad-lib.) At the North Pole, Santa Claus... yes... jolly ole St. Nick... boards the train to the delight of all for the lonnnnng trip back to Fillmore. On the way he passes out candy canes to all the... ahem... good boys and girls. Back in Fillmore, Santa takes up his position in a special Santa car where all the... you know... good boys and girls sit on his lap and tell him about what they hope to get for Christmas. Moms and dads usurp the opportunity to eavesdrop and as phonetographers capture the... ahem... Samsung moment! Visited the Christmas village lately? If not you're missing a delightful treat. You'll enjoy a vast array of holiday decorations with all the icons... Santa, Rudolph, etc. Even a carousel all kids enjoy! You'll feel the energy of the holiday spirit... vibes of jubilation... as you leisurely stroll along the promenade. Photo ops abound. It's all right here in Fillmore. Around the corner at the train depot on Main Street. If you haven't bought your tree yet... well... you now know how to get a really fresh one you cut yourself. Aaaah... the magnificent aroma of a fresh cut fir tree. Back home, celebrate with a bowl of figgy pudding and a swig of eggnog! Aaaaaah! Long live traditions! To one and all... from all at the Fillmore Gazette... best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Photos by Bob Crum
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
 Fillmore Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive and BBQ Chicken Dinner was a big success this year. Held Sunday December 15th at the fire station, chicken dinners were served to participants who dropped off a toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be distributed to families in Fillmore in time for Christmas. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
12/10/2013 – 12/16/2013
 City of Fillmore 12/10/2013 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted in two fast food robberies that have occurred in less than two weeks. The first incident occurred on 12-3-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant on E. Avenida De Los Arboles. The lone suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect removed a hammer from inside his shorts and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene and got into a maroon colored Jeep Cherokee (see attached video/photos). The Jeep Cherokee drove through the Vons shopping center and was last seen turning southbound onto Erbes Road. Detectives believe there are two other occupants in the vehicle. The second incident occurred on 12-16-13 at the Taco Bell restaurant located on N. Moorpark Road. Authorities believe the same suspect as the first robbery, entered this establishment with a second suspect. The first suspect ordered a drink. When the clerk opened the register, the second suspect stepped up to the counter, displayed a knife and demanded the money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, both suspects exited the restaurant and were last seen eastbound in the alley behind the shopping center businesses. No vehicle was seen in this incident. Anyone with information about either of these robberies is asked to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers. 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). Nature of Incident: Suspects sought in fast food robberies |
 Capt. Monica McGrath informed Council of a $500,000 grant received by the City for gang reduction, intervention and prevention. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
CalGRIP: California rang Reduction Intervention and Prevention
 Councilmember Manuel Minjares is sworn in as Mayor at Tuesday night’s meeting. There was good and bad news at this Tuesday's Fillmore City Council Meeting. The good news is that Fillmore received a $500,000 grant. The bad news is an increase of both water and sewer rates. Also, Fillmore also has a new mayor, mayor pro tem, Code of Ethics and logo for the 100th Year Celebration. Back in August 2013 Police Chief Monica McGrath informed the Council of a $8,215,000 (for the entire State) restitution fund available for the fiscal year 2014-2015 and her plans to apply for a grant of $500,000 from the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program. The grant is for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015. These grants are a competitive process controlled by the Board of State and Community Corrections and require a dollar for dollar match. Back when announcing she was applying for the grant McGrath told the Council she may not get the large amount she was asking for and that asking for such a large sum is really reaching out there, but she felt it was worth a try. At Tuesday's meeting McGrath announced the grant was approved for the full amount of $500k and will cover Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe. CalGRIP was introduced by the California Emergency Management Agency, also known as Cal EMA and previously known as OES. In July 2012, The Board of State and Community Corrections took over the program and became the lead state entity on adult and juvenile criminal justice policy and will be prioritizing state and federal funds guiding local policy and programming. Preference is given CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
 A two car accident on Grimes Canyon Road left one car in the ditch on Thursday morning, 8:15am. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Candace Stines — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
Honored at 86th National FFA Convention
86th National FFA Convention Day 1: First, I would like to acknowledge my FFA Advisor and Past Ag. Teacher, Joe Ricards. Without him, receiving my American Farmer Degree wouldn’t even be possible. Thank you for your continued support through out the years Ricards! Alright so back to my trip. Well we left California at 6 AM and arrived in Louisville at 3 PM. Got to the hotel and was dressed in my full uniform by 5 to attend the reception that was put together for all of the American Farmer Degree Recipients at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. I was able to hear the inspiring words of some of the representatives of the companies that continue to support in sponsoring the National FFA Convention. They spoke of us very highly in stating that we we’re very lucky to not only achieve our degree, but to receive our degree in person at the convention. After the reception we went into downtown about 2 blocks from our hotel, and ate a t a very nice restaurant and called it a night. Day 2: The next morning we woke up at 4 AM and got dressed for the big day! Today was the day that I had been waiting for; I was receiving my American Farmer Degree this morning in front of 68,000 people, plus not to mention I’ll be on television! We arrived at the Kentucky Fair and Expo. And in no time, I was seated with many other FFA members around the country receiving their American Farmer Degree. Walking across the stage, receiving my degree was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had. To shake the National Presidents hand and to receive a National Honor was amazing. After, the recognition I was reunited back with my Ag Advisor and parents. We then went to the Shopping Mall that was full of FFA attire and much more. Since we had CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
477 School Districts Across the Nation Are Honored
 Fillmore Unified School District  Fillmore, California—Fillmore Unified School District is one of 477 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 4th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Reaching these goals indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work. Since 2011, Fillmore Unified School District has increased the number of students participating in AP while also improving the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. In 2013, more than 3,300 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement and/or consideration in the admission process, with many colleges and universities in the United States offering credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores. “It is indeed both an honor and a privilege to be named one of 477 school districts in the United States and Canada selected for this most prestigious award. We congratulate our students, teachers, and administrators for their hard work and dedication as the District continues the arduous journey toward higher expectations and academic rigor. This award is just one more indicator that our students can and will succeed in the future as we continue to implement one of our mottos: ‘Student Success, Whatever It Takes’,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan K. Nishino. Data from 2013 CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
12/03/2013 – 12/09/2013
City of Fillmore 12/03/2013 |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, December 5th, 2013
 Dustin Anderson Fillmore native Dustin Anderson took the $1,000 prize, competing on the holiday baking edition of “Food Rush”. He received a $1,000 gift card from Cost Plus World Market. “It’s marked down as one of the milestones of my life,” stated Anderson. Executive chef at Rabalais Bistro and Bakery of Santa Paula, he competed on the holiday baking edition. The show aired on November 26th on the Disney-ABC Television Group’s Live Well Network hosted by “Top Chef” alumni, Ryan Scott. Anderson was invited to compete on the show after an interview. He flew to San Francisco for a week of filming. While in San Francisco, Anderson had the chance to meet with some renowned chefs including celebrity chef Tyler Florence, owner of the Wayfair Tavern. New to being in front of the cameras, Anderson said he eased his nerves with his sense of humor. "I was able to joke around on camera and with the people so it loosened me up quite a bit but the hardest part was not looking at the camera. It’s hard to ignore when it’s right in your face." Anderson felt the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
 According to Sheriff’s Department information, two arrests were made Wednesday on Cook Street. Named were Hernan Casillo and Edgar Nolasco. Casillo, a probationer, was arrested for littering after disposing of a replica firearm and possessing another in a backpack. Nolasco was arrested for possession of marijuana. A third associate who was detained was subsequently released. Replica firearms can be visually identical to real firearms. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
Tuesday's Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting focused on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and school funding. There was also a presentation of FUSD's 2012 and 2013 audit by Jenny Dominguez, Senior Manager of Forensic Services at Vicenti, Lloyd, Stutzman Business Consultants and CPAs. Raina Arellano, Educational Staff Services, presented the CCSS Update: Fillmore High School Curriculum Map Implementation Plan. This is a continuance of the "shift" in teaching that was presented to the Board at the last meeting. Arellano's presentation follows the work of Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Executive Director of the Curriculum Mapping Institute, whose work school districts throughout the country are following. Jacobs considers present teaching skills and paper textbook to be dated. Her website states that teaching for the 21st Century requires overhauling and updating the K-12 curriculum replacing it with contemporary content and skills in a deliberate process of upgrading to technology and how these changes are transforming teaching. The site goes on to say that with these newer technology tools students will be motivated and more engaged, with the goal to encourage wanting to learn. What Jacobs is striving for are students becoming informed users of multiple forms of media and gaining a global perspective. Students writing essays or teachers standing at the front of the class giving a lecture is a thing of the past. Arellano told the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
 It’s nearly time for the 2013 Fillmore Christmas Parade sponsored by Fillmore’s Lions Club. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 p.m. and will start at the corner of Central Avenue and Second Street and then proceed down Central to Santa Clara Street. Santa Claus is expected to be in Fillmore in time for the parade and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He will also be available for pictures at the Fillmore Historical Museum, near the train station, immediately following the parade. So be sure to bring your camera so that you can capture all those parade memories along with that special picture with Santa. The Fillmore Lions Club continues to sponsor the parade in honor of their long time member, the late Henry “Hank” Carrillo. Hank urged our Lions to assume the responsibility of the parade when it was in danger of losing sponsorship. This is the 12th year the Lions Club have sponsored the Annual Fillmore Christmas Parade. The Parade is open to all groups or persons wanting to celebrate the season with a holiday themed entry. Parade check-in is at 11:30 AM on Second Street in front of the Memorial Building. Applications to participate in the parade are available at Fillmore’s City Hall and at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce Office located at 211 Central Avenue. See you all on December 7th! Merry Christmas! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
City of Fillmore Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee will be selecting the best holiday decorated home & yard for their “Yard of the Month” award in December, 2013. The winning selection will be made on December 14th, and the community is invited to help in the selection process by sending your suggestion with address to Theresa Robledo at Theresa@DiamondRealtyTeam.com or by phone to 805-625-4450 or stop by her office at 460 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore. The award winner will receive a gift certificate for $30 that has been generously donated by Otto & Sons Nursery |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
11/26/2013 – 12/02/2013
City of Fillmore 11/26/2013 |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
 Moten, 19 of Santa Paula, a documented gang member known as “Napps” and “Clumsy,” is wanted for allegedly gunning down Joseph Arellano, 24, on June 28 outside a home in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Moten, 19 of Santa Paula, a documented gang member known as “Napps” and “Clumsy,” is wanted for allegedly gunning down Joseph Arellano, 24, on June 28 outside a home in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Arellano was shot multiple times at about 1:50 p.m. in front of the home of his grandmother in what police believe was a gang-related attack. Arellano was just inside the picket fence of the neat vintage home just south of a famed stretch of historic East Santa Paula Street when he was shot. Witnesses told police the vehicle carrying the shooter parked away from the 6th Street house and the gunman exited. When Arellano walked up to the residence, the shooter came out from a concealed position and fired multiple times before fleeing. Arellano, struck in the back, was pronounced dead at Ventura County Medical Center. Arellano was the second homicide of 2013 and his murder was followed by three other fatal incidents. He has tattoos of dots above and next to his eyes, red lips tattooed on his neck, an Aztec circle with a skull on one side of his chest and Felicia on his left forearm. Moten was last reported to have a shaved head that is also tattooed, although police said he might be letting his hair grow in to alter his appearance. A documented gang member, Moten is on parole. Moten, said McLean, should give up: “There’s no place for him far enough to go and that includes Mexico.... we proved that with Andres Rene Rodriquez,” handed over to Santa Paula Police at the border by Mexican authorities in mid-September. Noted McLean, “All our efforts and energy, and the efforts and energy of the community should be on Moten, this is the person we want now, and that $5,000 reward still stands,” for his capture and conviction in the murder of Arellano. Anyone with information about Moten’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 805-525-4474X221. If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 805-933-5691. Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded. Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for a tip that leads to a felony arrest as confirmed by the arresting agency. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
 Martha Gentry accepts a $4500.00 grant check on behalf of The Fillmore Historical Museum from Leslie Klinchuch, Project Manager, Chevron Environmental Management Co. The funds are to be used for museum programs and projects especially during the Centennial of the Incorporation of the city in 2014. All of us at the museum are pleased that Chevron supports the efforts of the Board and Members whose goal is to safeguard and display the history of Fillmore, Piru, Sespe and Bardsdale. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
 A two-car collision occurred at the intersection of Mountain View Avenue and Main Street, Friday at approximately 5:15 p.m. Substantial damage was done to both vehicles but no injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
