By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Barry Don Fike The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Fike on Fike was a minister at Fillmore Church of Christ, and previously taught at Oaks Christian High Deputy District Attorney Ben Moreno, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office "This case is a powerful reminder for parents to stay vigilant in protecting their children online.” Date: May 31, 2024 Charges pled to: |
![]() A Sheriff’s Bomb Squad Arson Investigator inspects a 1-acre burn area near Lake Piru Dam on Monday. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
On Monday, June 3, at 1:30pm, the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad Arson Investigator assisted the Ventura County Fire Department Arson Investigators with a brush fire near the Lake Piru Dam. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined but does not appear to be criminal in nature. Although the recent rains have brought about a lush landscape, as the weather begins to warm up, the chances of a large brush fire greatly increase. Please be especially careful when it comes to sparks and open flames near dry plant life. Let’s do everything we can to protect Ventura County this fire season! Photo credit VCsheriff_bombsquad Instagram. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
![]() On Thursday, May 30, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol investigated a semi that had collided with an SUV on SR23 / Bardsdale Avenue, ending up in a drainage ditch. According to the CHP, no injuries were reported. The semi involved was a Peterbilt with a 53-foot fully loaded trailer; the SUV was also damaged. Both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed for more than two hours so that towing could retrieve the semi from the ditch. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
![]() Rotary President Scott Beylik presented a check for $1,000 to Rotarian Jennie Andrade and Alina Cardenas, from Bank of Sierra for Grad Nite Live. Grad Nite Live is an event for Fillmore High Graduates. It began in 1991 and is meant to keep the students safe on graduation night, while having a great celebration. This year the students will be bused to Universal Studios for which they pay a fee, but most of the cost is from donations such as this. Pictured (l- r) are President Scott Beylik, Rotarian Jennie Andrade and Alina Cardenas. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
![]() On Thursday, May 30, at 8:21 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a semi-truck vs a semi-truck eastbound on SR126 / Powell Road in Piru. Arriving firefighters reported one of the trucks was leaking diesel fuel onto the highway, forcing the closure of one lane in each direction. After four hours, the road was reopened. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
![]() On Friday, May 31, 2024, Fillmore Adult Education Program recently hosted its annual awards ceremony and graduation, celebrating the achievements of its dedicated students. The event featured heartfelt speeches from several student speakers who shared their personal journeys and successes. County Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales attended and delivered an inspiring address. The ceremony recognized six high school graduates, two students who passed their high school equivalency exam, and 15 other students for their academic achievements, emphasizing the program’s commitment to adult education in our community. It was a memorable evening that highlighted the importance of education and lifelong learning. Congratulations! Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
![]() Congratulations to all the 2024 Fillmore Graduates! This week Sierra and Heritage Valley Independent Study Graduation Ceremony will be available via live stream on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 6pm and can viewed using this YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/live/CVP3-OOkY3o. On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the Fillmore High Graduation Ceremony will be available live stream at 7pm on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/nOgUSkhqtqo. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Monday, June 3rd, 2024
On 05/28/2024, a robbery occurred in the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. At approximately 12:30 PM, a male walked into the Wells Fargo Bank, located in the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore, and handed the bank teller a note demanding money. After a short time of engaging in communication with the teller, the suspect fled the location on foot. On 05/31/2024, deputies from the Fillmore police station contacted a subject matching the attempt-robbery suspect’s description. The suspect was identified as Jair Camarena. Fillmore detectives responded to assist and located evidence linking Camarena to the attempt-robbery from Wells Fargo Bank on 05/28/2024. On 05/31/2024, during the afternoon hours, resources from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau executed a search warrant at Camarena’s residence located in the 200 block of Village Square in Fillmore. As a result of the search warrant, additional evidence linking Camarena to the crime was located. Camarena was arrested for a violation of Penal Code 664-211 [Attempt-Robbery] and subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) pending court proceedings. Nature of Incident: Arrest of Robbery Suspect (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
![]() On Monday, May 27, 2024, at 11am, the community gathered for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Bardsdale Cemetery. Pictured right is Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church who gave the Inspirational Message. Above, the community honored those who gave their lives for our country Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
![]() In attendance at this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony was Fillmore VFW Post 9637 (above), Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400, and Bill Morris. Also, thank you to Bardsdale 4H for placing flags on Friday, May 24th, and removing them on Tuesday, May 28th. After the service water and cookies were available, provided by Fillmore PEO. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Greg Taylor, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris and newest board member Aileen Wokal welcomed the community to the special event. Inset, featured speaker, Ernie Villegas. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
![]() On Saturday, May 25, at 6:21 p.m., a Fillmore Police Deputy informed dispatch that graffiti vandalism was taking place under SR126 (Pole Creek) west of El Dorado. The deputy was able to identify suspect information, and it was relayed over the radio to responding units. While deputies attempted to make contact with the subjects, they fled on foot. Subject 1 ran through the private community gate at The Bridges into a backyard. Subject 2 ran north along the washbasin and was apprehended near Main Street. The suspects, Cristian Guerra, 27, and Brandon Rodriquez, 28, were charged with graffiti vandalism, conspiracy, and resisting arrest (2 misdemeanors/1 felony); they were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail Facility. Enlarge Photo |
![]() On Tuesday, May 28, the City of Fillmore recognized multiple Fillmore participants and winners of the Ventura County Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program Regional Tournament. The State Qualifiers were held in March 2024. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
All items passed 5-0 except 9.C which was a first reading approved 4-1 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF FEMA GRANT FOR AUTOMATIC CHEST COMPRESSION DEVISES AND AUTHORIZATION PURCHASE OF DEVICES WITH GRANT FUNDING. RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends that the City Council: .B CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 7.10 YARD AND GARAGE SALES REGARDING THE FREQUECY OF GARAGE AND YARD SALES ALLOWED IN A MONTH/YEAR AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA. The City Council is requested to: 9.D ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-4007 APPROVING THE FY 2024-25 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE. CITY OF FILLMORE |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
On May 14, Ventura County Board of Supervisors agreed to shut down Santa Paula Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Obstetrics Unit, according to a report given to the Board by Barry Zimmerman, chief deputy director the Ventura Conty Health Care Agency. This will not only displace many nurses and healthcare staff, but it will also take away critical care access for the growing communities of Santa Clara Valley. If a patient arrives to the Emergency Room and needs critical care, they will no longer be able to stay at Santa Paula Hospital ICU unit; the plan would be to transfer them out to Ventura County Medical Center. If a woman arrives in labor, there will not be any services available to deliver her baby, she will need to be transferred out to VCMC as well. Please act now and sign the petition to keep services available for our growing community. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on June 4th, when this petition can be presented. Santa Paula Hospital administrators want to move forward with their plan to close services effective August 2024. By signing this petition, you are agreeing that the community deserves better. We deserve to have local critical care access available for our families when they are sick and in need of a higher level of care. Women in labor should also have the choice to deliver their babies locally and not have to be transferred to Ventura because of lack of services. If you care about the future of your local Hospital and would like to see services remain open and available to you and your families at Santa Paula Hospital please share and sign the petition link below: https://www.change.org/p/save-santa-paula-hospital-services?cs_ |
![]() At the May 21, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting, the Fillmore Unified School District held an awards ceremony for the annual students and Staff of the Year award winners for the 2023-24 school year. The careers of 14 employees retiring this year were also celebrated: Sandra Butts, Reading Intervention Teacher, 24 years, Oscar Carrillo, Bus Driver/Grounds, 18 years, Hope Chavez, Kinder Teacher, 39 years, William Chavez, English Teacher, 12 years, Frank Gomez, Offset Press Operator, 27 years, Karen MacDonald, Reading Intervention Teacher, 24 years, Baldomero Magana, Head Custodian, 25 years, Marisa Martinez, 6th Grade Teacher, 18 years, Julie Mendez, Special Educational Instructional Assistant, 38 years, Laurie Merrill, Science Teacher, 41 years, Laurie Montano, Food Service Worker II, 8 years, Harrell Moore, Math Teacher, 26 years, Lupe Reyes, Attendance Clerk, 44 years, and Lori Schneider, Cafeteria Manager, 28 years. See Classified/Certified Staff of Year awards on page 10. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 30th, 2024
![]() On May 21, 2024, the Fillmore School Board also gave awards to the 2023-24 Students of the Year Aleena Camacho of Fillmore High School, and Lexi Martinez of Sierra High School. Enlarge Photo ![]() On May 21, Fillmore Unified recognized the annual Students and Staff of the Year awards, mentioned on page 1. Pictured right are this year’s Classified Employee of the Year, Norma Magaña-Office Manager, Piru Elementary School; Certificated Employee Year, Greg Godfrey-Music Teacher / Fillmore High School & Administrator of the Year; and Hector Vargas, Maintenance Manager. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 24th, 2024
![]() On Friday, May 24, at 9:12am, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision westbound SR126 near Hopper Canyon Road. A semi-tractor trailer loaded with sand rear ended a truck trailer and overturned, spilling its load onto the roadway. Arriving firefighters reported that both occupants of the trucks were uninjured. Both westbound lanes were closed for more than two hours while the debris was cleared. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
![]() On Tuesday, May 21, at 3:45 p.m., Fillmore Police, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle crash on Sespe Avenue and Orchard Street. A total of three patients received minor injuries; no ambulance transports were made. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 11AM. The featured speaker this year is local resident, Ernie Villegas. Ernie is the principal owner of Villegas Public Affairs. He currently serves on the Board of the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District. Recently he was the Special Projects Manager for the City of Fillmore, responsible for Economic Development. While attending school he served in the U. S Army Reserves from 1970-1976. Ernie has more than 30 years in local government. He was Mayor and Councilman for the City of Fillmore from 2002-2006 and is the former District Director for California State Assemblyman, Jeff Gorell, having served from 2010-2014. He is a retired Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Edison, having served for 30 years. Ernie serves on various boards including the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District, the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Day committee, Ventura County Vista Real Charter Schools, the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club and El Concilio Family Services. He is also a member of American Veterans United. He and his wife Chris have three grown sons and 10 grandchildren, all living in Ventura County. The Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephens Anglican Church will give the Inspirational Message. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bill Morris. The Boy Scouts & Bardsdale 4H will put out the flags on Friday, May 24th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 28th. After the service water and cookies will be available. Cookies are provided by Fillmore PEO. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Greg Taylor, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris and newest board member Aileen Wokal would like to invite the community to this special event. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 11AM. The featured speaker this year is local resident, Ernie Villegas. Ernie is the principal owner of Villegas Public Affairs. He currently serves on the Board of the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District. Recently he was the Special Projects Manager for the City of Fillmore, responsible for Economic Development. While attending school he served in the U. S Army Reserves from 1970-1976. Ernie has more than 30 years in local government. He was Mayor and Councilman for the City of Fillmore from 2002-2006 and is the former District Director for California State Assemblyman, Jeff Gorell, having served from 2010-2014. He is a retired Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Edison, having served for 30 years. Ernie serves on various boards including the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial District, the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Day committee, Ventura County Vista Real Charter Schools, the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club and El Concilio Family Services. He is also a member of American Veterans United. He and his wife Chris have three grown sons and 10 grandchildren, all living in Ventura County. The Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephens Anglican Church will give the Inspirational Message. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bill Morris. The Boy Scouts & Bardsdale 4H will put out the flags on Friday, May 24th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 28th. After the service water and cookies will be available. Cookies are provided by Fillmore PEO. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Greg Taylor, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris and newest board member Aileen Wokal would like to invite the community to this special event. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
![]() On Saturday, May 18, Rotary Club of Fillmore hosted a 5/10K Run & Fitness Walk. The run & fitness walk began at 8am in front of the Fillmore Unified School District. After the run, awards were given. This race is in memory of our fallen Rotarian, John Scoles, dedicated in his honor. John was an influential member of the Fillmore community, a long time Rotarian, and a former high school and collegiate athlete. He could be seen daily running throughout town. Our t-shirt design includes a runner with a J & S design to commemorate his memory. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “We are delighted to share that as a result of action taken at the April 2, 2024 School Board meeting, Dr. Isaac Huang was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services commencing on July 1, 2024. Dr. Huang’s previous role was Director of Expanded Learning, where he spearheaded the development of innovative programs and expanded learning opportunities for all students in our district. In October, Dr. Huang was asked to fill an interim appointment as Assistant Superintendent of Education Services where he quickly transitioned to fill that vacant seat. His transition was smooth as he quickly acclimated to keep all functions of Education Services key initiatives successfully moving forward. He has proved to be a valuable leader in FUSD where he is dedicated to supporting our educational programs. Dr. Huang is a strong advocate for instilling growth mindsets and fostering a culture of active learners rather than passive students. He places a significant emphasis on equity and diversity, exemplified by his participation in the Inaugural Equity Task Force of the Conejo Valley Unified School District. In his free time, Dr. Huang dedicates himself to serving others through his involvement with the CALSA (California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators) Mentoring Committee. He also holds the position of Past-President and is a founding member of CAAPLE (California Association of Asian Pacific Leaders in Education). Furthermore, Dr. Huang is an active board member of the California Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (CASCD), an organization committed to promoting exemplary practices that ensure all learners reach their fullest potential. His dedication to educational leadership extends beyond his professional duties, reflecting his commitment to driving positive change in education. Dr. Huang’s educational achievements include a Doctor of Education degree from USC, a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from California State University Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from California State University Northridge. His professional journey commenced as a preschool educator and progressed to become an elementary school teacher. He subsequently served as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) with a focus on curriculum and second language acquisition. Dr. Huang has also contributed his expertise by teaching at Rose City Continuation High School in Pasadena and instructing post-secondary candidates in the MAT Program at the University of Southern California as an Adjunct Professor. We look forward to Dr. Huang’s continued leadership as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.” |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
![]() The Fillmore Unified School District and the City of Fillmore hosted a Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 18, from 10am-1pm, in front of the school district office, 627 Sespe Avenue. The event offered many different booths promoting health and wellness tips, tricks and resources for all who may have needed them. Thank you to all who came out to support! Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
