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By Kelli Couse — Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
 Kelli Couse After moving to Fillmore thirteen years ago I began volunteering in various community positions. When Mountain Vista Elementary opened in 2005 I assisted in forming the non-profit parent booster club. Our goal was to add books to the library, offer self esteem and anti bully training, provide art program and general support to encourage a positive school climate. In 2009 I received a Be The Change award for my participation in the school board Reconfiguration Committee. Working with Fillmore Middle School I volunteered my time where needed, including operating book fairs and chaperoning dances as well as attending the 2013 7th and 8th grade Washington D.C trip. My three daughters have attended Fillmore schools. Currently I have a freshman and a junior at Fillmore High. By serving on the school board I hope my insight as an involved parent will be of assistance in guiding the district. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane during closure; eastbound traffic will not be impacted During the closure, westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Drivers should expect delays. VCTC’s contractor, J.A. Palcek Construction Co., will begin installing temporary traffic control devices and light towers at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9. One westbound lane of Highway 126 is expected to be fully closed from 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 through 9 a.m. on Nov. 10. “We will partially close Highway 126 in order to make needed repairs to the Santa Paula Branch Line,” said Darren Kettle, executive director of VCTC. “By scheduling the closure during the nighttime hours, we hope to minimize the inconvenience to motorists and nearby businesses while ensuring the railroad crossing remains in safe, working condition.” The Santa Paula Branch Line, owned by VCTC since 1995, is a stretch of railroad track running from east Ventura through Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru to the Los Angeles County Line. It crosses Highway 126 just east of Santa Paula between Hallock Drive and Haun Creek. During the closure on Nov. 9-10, VCTC’s contractor will repair and replace a defective concrete railroad-crossing panel. About the Ventura County Transportation Commission |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
 (l-r) Board President Virginia de la Piedra and John Garnica. The Fillmore Unified School District School Board presented John Garnica with a plaque in appreciation of his years of service on the Board. Garnica recently resigned when his wife Beverly was appointed as the Principal of Rio Vista Elementary School effective Monday, October 19, 2015. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that CDPH has received the first report of an influenza-associated fatality in a person under age 65 for the 2015-2016 flu season. The death occurred in Santa Clara County and serves as a somber reminder that influenza can cause serious illness or death. “As California’s public health officer, I am troubled when the flu turns into loss of life,” Dr. Smith said. “It doesn’t have to. That’s why I urge you to get your flu shot. By getting vaccinated, you can keep yourself healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.” Overall influenza activity in California remains sporadic, but Dr. Smith points out that influenza viruses circulate at their peak levels from December through April. "Now is a good time to be vaccinated before the flu really spreads widely," said Dr. Smith. Each year, flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. To reduce this threat, CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older, including pregnant women. Two of this season’s vaccine components, the influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B (Yamagata lineage) strains, have been updated to match the viruses Californians are likely to face during the 2015-2016 flu season. Flu can cause severe disease across all ages. According to the California influenza surveillance report recently published, there were 78 influenza-associated deaths reported in persons under 65 years of age in California during the 2014-15 influenza season. Only deaths in persons under age 65 are reported to CDPH and many influenza-associated deaths are unrecognized. Therefore, the actual number of deaths due to influenza was much greater. Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, Californians should also: • Stay home when sick Dr. Smith encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician office, clinic or pharmacy about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations. For more information about the flu visit the CDPH influenza web page.To find a flu vaccine location near you, visit www.flu.gov. |
 Fillmore Police Chief Dave Wareham went Back to the Future in the film’s classic DeLorean last weekend, during the Back to the Future Day celebration, marking the movie’s 30 year anniversary. Film crews were stationed at Fillmore’s Sheriff Station a week in advance of the occasion. For a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, fans could ride in the DeLorean, which was retrofitted to ride back and forth on the train rails at Central Park. Fans were also able to glide across the park on a hoverboard suspended for a crane, for the price of $200 a ticket. A screening of the classic film was presented at the Fillmore Towne Theatre, while a Hill Valley sign welcomed the visitors to the event. Several downtown shops were transformed into the 1980’s townsquare where Marty McFly lived out his adventure. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
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 Seneca sites operations manager Luke Faith was on hand to answer operational questions about the facility. Enlarge Photo By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
Our local Seneca oil company (Seneca Resources) invited a number of people to take part in a tour of its extensive Sespe oil fields above Fillmore, Tuesday. It was an eye-opening experience for me. The group of approximately 20 guests was treated to a fine lunch at the Oak Flat office. Thereafter, we toured the complete operations of the facility. Site Operations Manager, Luke Faith, lifetime Fillmore resident, answered all questions concerning operations, and provided a great deal of information about the condor population in the refuge surrounding Seneca's area of operation. Those who are concerned about the welfare of this endangered species can rest assured that every effort is being made to care for these special birds. I have never before seen an oil field whose roads, pads, and equipment could be described as pristine. It seems to me that Seneca cares for the birds as much as they do oil production. Seneca has been an important partner in California's oil production for the past 25 years, although the Pennsylvania-based company is more than 100-years-old. The company' "fracking" activity is extraordinarily clean, precisely controlled, and has no geological connection with well water in the Santa Clara River Valley (Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula). All of its gas and oil production is processed and utilized in Ventura County. Seneca is a great neighbor for Fillmore to have producing a vital resource. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
Part 1 of 3
 The Active Adult Center Health Fair was held on Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 10:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This was the first Health Fair put on by the Active Adult Center. There was been such a great response from vendors eager to come out to the City of Fillmore to provide services to the seniors in the community, with at least 40 venders participating. The Health Fair was a “One Stop Shop” with something for everyone with health care needs. The vendors were able to answer questions, give out information and schedule appointments for health services. The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation partnered with the Active Adult Center this year for their Health Fair. The Foundation has held very successful health fairs the last three years, which have typically been held in early November, at the Fillmore Store Front. This partnership ensures that the agencies coming out to Fillmore for the health fairs do not duplicate their services. Pictured, the Health fair had a great turnout. Photos courtesy Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
Part 2 of 3
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
Part 3 of 3
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, October 27th, 2015
Plan Ahead and Designate a Sober Driver Prior to Your Holiday Fun
 California Highway Patrol Halloween is often recognized as a holiday that offers just as much fun for adults as it does for children. Youngsters may look forward to a night of trick-or-treating, but many adults choose to partake in the festivities, too – oftentimes with alcohol included. While Halloween may be a spooky night, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) want to help ensure that it is also a safe one. If you plan on making alcohol a part of your celebrations this year, designating a sober driver or finding a safe ride home should be a top priority. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs always presents serious, life-threatening risks, but even more so on a night when pedestrians and children are out trick-or-treating,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “By taking just a few extra minutes to designate a sober driver, you will not only avoid the serious risk and costs associated with a DUI, but you will also help protect your own life and the lives of those around you.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2009 and 2013, 43 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night involved an impaired driver. In 2013 alone, 26 percent of all pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved an impaired driver. “With Halloween falling on a weekend this year, we expect an increase in celebrations,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With a few simple precautions, you should be able to enjoy the fun and get home safely. Drive sober, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and be especially alert around pedestrians.” Whether out trick-or-treating for the night or heading to a party, it is equally important for adults and children to take necessary safety precautions. For those walking door-to-door, consider using light producing or reflective devices to remain visible to cars. Only cross the street at crosswalks or corners and only when it is safe to do so. Costumes should be kept short enough to avoid tripping, and masks should be lifted or removed while on or crossing a street. Drivers need to pay extra attention to pedestrians – especially small children - as they may be unaware of their surroundings and trick-or-treaters can appear out of nowhere. Party hosts need to be ready with non-alcoholic drinks, food, and the responsibility to make sure their guests get home safely. The California Office of Traffic Safety wishes you a fun and safe Halloween. To keep up with the latest traffic safety information, be sure to follow us on Twitter at @OTS_CA or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS. For more information on all OTS efforts, visit www.OTS.ca.gov. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, October 26th, 2015
 Recently the The unknown suspect shown in the attached photograph is connected to at least three of these burglaries occurring within Ventura County. These burglaries have resulted in the loss of property and several hundred dollars worth of damage to the structures. The suspect is believed to be a white male, mid to late twenties, 5’8”- 6’0”, blond or light brown hair and a medium to stocky build. The suspect is also believed to be associated with a full size pickup truck similar to a Chevy Silverado. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the pictured suspect. Any information can be directed to Detective Michelle Kristol at (805)494-8211 or Detective Andja Marco at (805)494-8227. Nature of Incident: Church Burglaries / Public’s Assistance Requested 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 Jean McLeod — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Martha Hernandez At the October 20, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting an update was presented on the district's Program Improvement and the Board vacancy. Also, an action item was presented that was of great importance to Fillmore; the approval of Stefan Cvijanovich's designation to the Ventura County Adult Consortium (VCAEC) Assembly Bill 104 FUSD Representative. This Consortium is the first step in bringing an Adult Education Program (AEP) to Fillmore. What makes this different from past Adult Education Programs is that past programs were completely controlled in Sacramento. But on March 1, 2014, the Chancellor of California Community Colleges and the State Department of Education submitted a joint report on the status of developing regional control across the state. This put VCAEC in control. The goal of local control is to identify the underserved geographical areas or emerging gaps in regional programs of adult education. The consortium will develop common policies related to and affecting adult schools at local education agencies and community colleges, including fees and funding levels with the intent to expand and improve the provision of adult education. There are a few AEP in Ventura County, but not enough to provide services to a changing demographic and workforce. AEP provides classes for adults over 18 in both occupational and academic. Local public agencies considered stockholders in the future AEP are local departments and offices, particularly those with responsibility for public safety and social services; workforce investment boards, libraries and community-based organizations. FUSD Superintendent Dr. Adrian E. Palazuelos has reached out to the community, including Fillmore's Economic Development, to work on the future workforce needs, but received no volunteers. The City of Fillmore has hired The Retail Coach to explore the development and retail needs of the town. The AEP could provide the workforce training for those future businesses. It would seem that the two have something in common. An item discussed was FUSD's Program Improvement (PI) presented by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez. Hernandez spoke of the change in testing to meet Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to Illuninate Software that collects, organizes and analyzes student data. These changes require more time and data to give an accurate finding on what progress has or has not been made. But what data she could gather was presented. Hernandez stated there has been "no advancing or retreating......(but) making steady progress." She informed the Board that it would take one more Smarter Balance Assessment Testing (the testing required for CCSS) to give a proper assessment on where the District is regarding PI. It was announced that there was only one applicant submitted for the vacant FUSD Board Members seat. The applicant will be interviewed in the next few days. Associated Student Body Representative/Speaker of the House Hannah Wishart informed the Board students are getting ready for the renaissance rally which announces the top 10 GPA's in each class and working on next week's Red Ribbon dress-up days. Also, the senior class is currently preparing for the Annual Senior Ball which takes place Saturday, October 31, 2015. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies apprehended a man suspected of carjacking a vehicle in Palmdale on Wednesday night near Santa Paula. The pursuit took place on Highway 126, after the car matching a description was broadcast by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and spotted near Piru. At approximately 9:00pm, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Donald Frank over at Central Avenue and Highway 126, Fillmore. Frank fled and was taken into custody near the 10th street exit, Santa Paula. He did not resist arrest, and was held at the Fillmore Sheriff’s station for the night, awaiting Los Angeles County Sheriff officers. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On October 18, 2015, a homeowner discovered their home was burglarized in the 17000 block of South Mountain Road in unincorporated area of Santa Paula. Burglars broke into the home and stole the victim’s collection of antique firearms. Many of the 20 plus firearms stolen are rare collectables dating back to the mid 1800’s. Sheriff’s Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Station with any information regarding the crime or anyone attempting to sell antique firearms. Nature of Incident: Residential Burglary of Firearms 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 Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Twelve antique cars and 28 members of the Orange County Model T Ford Club toured the Fillmore, Santa Paula, Piru area October 9th through 12th. This was a trip several months in the planning by Fillmore native son, Leonard Morris, and club tour director, Dave Seiler. The club visited Bardsdale Cemetery where many members of the Morris family are buried. The tour culminated with a stop over at the Morris family home in Fillmore for lunch, horseshoes, miniature golf, and fun fellowship. What makes these tours so much fun is the challenge of the drive, getting to know fellow club members better, seeing new sights, learning new things, and meeting interesting people along the road, especially in Fillmore. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Maraz The life without parole sentence for Fillmore resident Victor Meraz has been reduced to include the possibility of parole. On Thursday, July 7th, 2011 a jury convicted Meraz, then 20 years old, of the first degree murder of 23-year-old Alberto Avalos during a drive-by shooting. The jury also found true the special circumstances and special allegations regarding the use of a gun and that the murder was committed to further the activities of “The Boyz” criminal street gang. The murder occurred on May 27, 2007. Meraz, then 16 and a passenger in a vehicle occupied by fellow gang members, drove through Fillmore looking for rival gang members. Meraz called out his gang’s name before shooting Avalos, who was walking with friends. Sentencing for Meraz was scheduled for August 4, 2011. Meraz was given a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. October 2015, a Ventura County judge reduced the sentence for Meraz, who was a juvenile tried as an adult. Recent rulings by the United States and California Supreme Courts require that judges reconsider life without possibility of parole sentences given to juveniles who were tried as adults. The judges were to consider any mitigating factors that could qualify for a chance of parole. Maraz’s sentence was reduced to 50-years-to-life with a chance of parole after 20 years. Mitigating factors included his involvement in drugs, his home circumstances, and his record of good behavior in prison for the past five years. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 Traffic was backed up for hours Sunday on Highway 126 in Fillmore as the mudslides in Los Angeles County continued to impact travel. Interstate 5 was closed Thursday, October 15th at the Grapevine. Highways 66, 138 and 58 also closed due to massive mudslides. The Grapevine reopened to southbound traffic by 4:15pm, with northbound lanes reopening by 6:30pm. Hundreds of cars and trucks were trapped in the mud and debris for up to 20 hours in some areas, according to reports. Many drivers rerouted as far north as Santa Maria, coming back down the 101 freeway. The torrential downpour that lasted for 30 minutes produced 1.81 inches of rain in Tehachapi, and at least 6 feet of mud on the roadways. The heavy rain is being attributed to what is being called the 1,000 year storm. Meteorologists are warning this may be a precursor to El Nino, which is expected to hit this winter. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
 American Red Cross of Ventura County The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood before the holiday season is in full swing. Blood donations often decline from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. This often causes a drop in the blood available for patients. Donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help offset this seasonal decline. Blood donor Kathy Steckly Neuschwander's father gave blood for years. She always saw him wear his pin when he reached his next gallon - about 12 gallons total. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, she and her family learned firsthand how important blood donations could be around the holidays. "He passed away in 1994 from leukemia and needed a blood transfusion so we could have one more Thanksgiving together," she said. "My brother and sister were able to come home from the East Coast for this. I can now say I am wearing his three-gallon pin." Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations. Red Cross Donation Center American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Additional blood donation opportunities: Camarillo Moorpark Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site. About the American Red Cross |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
 The F.H.S. Alumni Assn donates $2,000.00 to the High Schools Academic Decathlon Team. These funds will be used to purchase the Educational materials for this years team to compete with other local area High Schools. Once the materials are used for this year's competition they will be able to stay on campus so the high school can use them in the future. Good luck to the Academic Decathlon team 2015. Enlarge Photo |
 Mr. and Mrs. Pete Aguirre, center, presented the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department with a pizza dinner in appreciation of all they do to serve the community. The Aguirre’s son Pete Aguirre Jr. was killed in the line of duty in 1996. Second from left is Retired Cmd. SPPD Mark Trimple, who provided the dinner. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
 A deputy with Pete’s name and End of Watch date tattooed on his arm in memory of a fallen officer. Enlarge Photo Mr. and Mrs. Pete Aguirre, along with Fillmore resident Ret. Cmd. SPPD Mark Trimble, presented the Fillmore Police Station with dinner Friday night to show their appreciation for the officers’ service to our community. Mr. and Mrs. Aguirre wanted to honor their son, Pete Aguirre, Jr. with this act of appreciation. Officer Aguirre was killed in the line of duty on July 17, 1996 while investigating a domestic dispute in Ojai. His mother said she does not mind people asking about Pete; she looks forward to talking about him. “I have this feeling of warmth and peace that they still remember, and gratitude. They have nothing but good things to say about him and it brings happiness to my heart.” Mrs. Aguirre said that Pete was an ‘old soul’, with kind eyes. “He was a joy from the minute he was born. He never brought a tear to my eye, not even as a teenager. He was a good boy and a good man. He was born to Protect and Serve.” Captain Wareham, and the men and women of the Fillmore Police Department/ Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, We, the citizens of the City of Fillmore greatly appreciated the excellent service provided to our community by the Fillmore Police Department/ Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. From Administration, to the sworn personnel, to the support personnel, each and ever member provides the highest quaily service to the community. Your day to day attention to duty provides the highest quality of Law Enforcement service to the citizens of Fillmore. Many time the deputies and staff go above and beyond the call of duty not only in Law Enforcement related matters; but also in outreach to many segments of the community that contribute greatly to the overall well being and unity of Fillmore. We realize that not only do the employees of the Fillmore Police Department go above and beyond the set standards of service; but also the loved ones of the employees make a tremendous sacrific, in that their husbands, wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers also contribute very often by the fact their loved ones work rotating shifts, miss holidays togeather, etc. because of the nature of the profession of Law Enforcement. To each and everone of them we also extent our gratitude and appreciation. Today as we provide a very small but heartfelt gift of food for the Fillmore Police staff, we once again say thank you so very much for all you do. With The Highest Respect To You All, The Citizens of Fillmore |
