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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
A 3-judge Ventura County Superior Court appeals panel struck down the eviction of the Fillmore and Western Railway by the Ventura County Transportation Commission who owns the tracks the railway operates on. The panel released the decision on Tuesday, September 22, 2015. It ruled that the VCTC used an incorrect legal procedure to evict the railway, and the judge who upheld the eviction error in backing the eviction based on the incorrect legal procedure. It remains to be seen if VCTC will appeal this ruling to a higher court, or return to the trial court to seek a legal eviction. The VCTC filed a lawsuit in March 2014 against the Railway when they ignored the agency’s demand to stop running the train operation. The Railway countersued, claiming the Commission terminated its 20-year lease wrongly. The popular tourist train remains in operation for now. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
 On Monday, September 28th, a vehicle slammed into two parked cars in the 900 block of Ventura Street (Highway 126), at 6:15pm. No injuries were reported. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
 A local agricultural worker was driving west on South Mountain at Balcom Canyon Road, and lost control of his truck on Monday, September 28th, at 1:08pm. He left the roadway and rolled at least once before coming to rest in the middle of a plowed field. Three units were called to the scene. He sustained moderate injures and was transported to a local hospital. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
New Senior Center Location: Yeah! We now have “Fresh Coffee” Regular Scheduled Programs & Activities BINGO, STARTING SOON “KEEP” WATCHING FOR START-UP DATE! AARP Drivers Safety Program Monday & Tuesday, October 19th & 20th. this is a 2 day course 4 hrs each day. From 8:30 -1:00 pm Cars have changed. So have the traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's licenses, but even the most experienced drivers benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. You ask what will I learn by taking the Course? You can expect to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will learn the following: How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots: How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car: The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy Intersections: Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and new technologies used in cars: The effects of medications on driving: The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use. After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and of how you can avoid potential collisions and injuries to yourself and others. This is a “GREAT Course” One every Senior should take. Please Call and let us know your coming. 524-4533 One Stop Shop for Medicare 2016 will be held at the Fillmore Senior Centers “New Location”, 330 Central Avenue, Suite C, across the street form the Post Office in Fillmore. Friday October 23. (Time to be determined) HICAP Counselors will run a Prescription Drug Plan comparison for you. Receive counseling on Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap, Employer Group, Retiree Plans & Medi-Cal. Enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan for 2016 Call HICAP for a Free, Unbiased Medicare & Health Insurance Counseling 800-434-0222 they will also send you a Part D worksheet, so your comparison will be ready for the ONE Stop Shop. Remember Open enrollment begins Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2015 Next Board Meeting: is scheduled for Monday, September 28. at 1:00 pm |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
On July 18, 1980, at approximately 12:30pm, Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a call of a dead body found in a parking lot of Westlake High School, 100 N Lakeview Canyon Road, in Westlake Village. The murdered woman was at the foot of a dirt hillside in the rear parking lot of the school, accessible from N. Via Merida. It was determined the unidentified woman was sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled to death elsewhere before being dumped in the school’s parking lot. Her autopsy determined she was approximately five months pregnant with a son. Thirty-five years later, the murdered woman remains unidentified. As a result of major advances in DNA, in 2012, DNA that was collected from Jane Doe’s clothing and fingernails was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Wilson Chouest was identified as the person associated with this DNA. At that time, Chouest was serving a life sentence in state prison for the kidnap, robbery, and rape of one woman, and kidnap and robbery of another that occurred in Tulare County in August and September of 1980. Chouest is eligible for parole for these crimes in 2017. This new DNA information gave the investigation forward momentum, especially when investigators learned Chouest had been linked through DNA to another Jane Doe homicide in Kern County. The body of Kern County’s Jane Doe was found in an almond orchard near Delano on July 15, 1980, three days prior to the Ventura County Jane Doe being found. While detectives from both agencies worked to develop evidence in the case against Chouest, they continued in their efforts to identify the two Jane Doe’s. The women have been featured on bulletins shared on our social media platforms and on numerous Jane Doe websites. Despite not being able to identify the women, the investigation did develop evidence that showed Chouest was responsible for the deaths of the two women and the unborn child. The Ventura County Cold Case Unit detectives submitted evidence to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for review. On September 23, 2015, Chouest was brought back to Ventura County on a court order. He was arrested on September 30, 2015 for murder. Chouest is due to appear in court on October 1, 2015. These victims have been unidentified for 35 years. Both women had live births prior to their death. Somewhere, there are two families whose mothers disappeared in July of 1980, never to be heard from or seen again. We’d like nothing more than to bring the families answers and return their loved ones to them. Chouest traveled throughout several counties during his four months of freedom in 1980. Investigators believe these women’s kidnapping and murders could have occurred in Tulare, Kern, Ventura or Los Angeles Counties. If you have information about Wilson Chouest’s activity between June and September 1980 or you have information about the victims’ identities, please email your tips to the Cold Case Unit at coldcase.187@ventura.org. Nature of Incident: Arrest Made in 1980 Jane Doe Murders 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). |
 Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros presents Fillmore’s 2014 Firefighter of the Year Chad Panke with awards at the 13th Annual Firefighters & Heros Gala in Ventura, on September 11th. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
On September 11th, 2015 The 13th Annual Firefighters & Heroes Gala to honor Ventura County’s outstanding firefighters and civilian heroes was held. Fillmore’s Firefighter of the Year 2014 Chad Panke was honored with a plaque and award presented by Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. The event was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ventura. The evening included dinner, awards, and dancing with music provided by DJ Bruce Barrios. Firefighter/Medic Panke was born and raised in Arlington Texas and graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the Middlesex fire academy in New Jersey in 1997. In 1999 he moved to California and began his carrier in EMS. Chad is presently employed by AMR American Medical Response where he serves as a Clinical Education Manager. He has also held the positions of Field training officer and Field supervisor. Chad joined the Fillmore Fire Department in 2007, right at the time Fillmore Fire was starting their Paramedic program. He has attended the Oxnard Truck Academy, MCI drills, and multiple burn events throughout Ventura County. Chad has been instrumental in starting the county’s first Cardiac Arrest Management program and has trained every EMS and Fire agency in Ventura County on this program that is responsible for saving many lives. This program was designed to choreograph the way first responders provide aid to someone who is in cardiac arrest. To help put this into perspective, Seattle Washington has some of the highest recorded cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States, and since the Cardiac Arrest Management program was put into place, Ventura County survival rates are rapidly approaching those of Seattle, and in certain categories of cardiac arrest patients, Ventura County has a higher documented survival rate. In addition to Cardiac Arrest Management, Firefighter/Medic Panke has been instrumental in the development and improvement of numerous other programs within the Ventura County EMS system, including multi-casualty incident training and response, prehospital sepsis recognition and care, and ongoing EMS education. Firefighter/Medic Panke is well respected by his fellow firefighters and our EMS partners. His strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a valuable part of the Fillmore Fire Department team. |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
There were three items of new business on the Fillmore City Council Meeting and one old one, which was the establishment of a Pre-sale/Human Living Standards Inspection Program. Just as at the last council meeting on September 8th, many Ventura Country Realtors came to voice their opposition to the program. Dennis Goldstein past president of Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) addressed the Council stating, "Realtors are dedicated to peoples private property rights" and said he opposed the program "It places an unfair burden on property owners....reduces the privacy of the property." Dale King with Santa Paula Troop Realty stated he was also opposed to the program for many of the same reasons that Goldstein spoke of. "It's not the newer homes that are the problem, it is the smaller older properties that will be burdened with the added expense King told the Council..... Some were built before there was a code enforcement and some of the conversions were done because there was no need to park a car in the garage. It is expensive to return some properties back to their original condition, and often these are the people who can least afford it..... A first time buyer can't afford it." King encouraged a County Record check and a copy of the permit file, which cost about $40-$80. He said they are helpful disclosures between a buyer and seller. Realtor Mark Chacon CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 On the morning of September 11th, the Fillmore Fire Department, along with City Manager David Rowlands, Fillmore Police Chief Dave Wareham and sheriff’s deputies, the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders, and citizens wanting to honor the victims of 9/11, gathered to raise the flag in memorium. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley would like to thank Fillmore Rotary for supporting them with a brand new van for the Club. “This is so exciting for us as we have never had a new van and it will allow us to serve and transport more kids,” said CEO Jan Marholin. The van is a 2015 Chevy Van. Currently the club has a 15 passenger van and Club Site Director Buddy Escoto is the only one with a Class B license who can drive it. So when Buddy is ill or out there is no one else who can drive. This van will allow the Club to do more pick-ups after school, more field trip participation and Robotics team Work with the Club in Santa Paula and soon to be Piru. Thank you Fillmore Rotary! Jan Marholin, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 FUSD Board Member John Garnica The September 15, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognizing the Future Farmers of America (FFA) students who participated in the 2015 Ventura County Fair and ended with Board Member John Garnica resigning as a board member. Garnica, who has served on the board for 16 years, told the other members his wife is a candidate for a principal position and there would be a conflict of interest if he stayed on. Garnica spoke of the confidence he had with the present board along with the new superintendent and felt it was the right time to resign. All board members thanked him for his dedicated service to FUSD and his sharp mind would be missed. Board Member Lucy Rangel mentioned what a pleasure it was having Garnica as a student and them working with him on the board. Garnica responded, "It's been a pleasure for me." Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez gave a presentation on the Smarter Balance Assessment (SBA) test results for 3rd through 8th grade and 11th grade students taken last April and May. This is the first test results being considered. There was a preliminary test run the year before to make sure the computer systems were working properly. SBA is the testing California uses in connection with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the student testing is done on a computer. A total of 12 million students in 29 states took part in the new CCSS testing. The results are not good for both the State and FUSD. A majority of students statewide failed to meet the standards including FUSD students California has more than 3.1 million public school students that were tested in English with only 44% meeting or exceeded requirements and about equal that amount, 45%, that did not. In Math 33% of students met the standards and 67% did not. In Los Angeles which is the second largest school district in the country, only 33% of students met targets in English and only 25% met them in Math. What the testing CONTINUED » |
 A Relay For Life participant holds a pink balloon while bowing in prayer, remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, and those who have survived. The Relay 4 Life event took place Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13, at Shiells Park. Photos courtesy Adrian Rangel. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
"Two Communities One Goal"
 Relay For Life participants welcome each other. At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Enlarge Photo On Saturday, September 12, 2015 the communities of Fillmore and Piru joined forces for the 10th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The 24 hour walk started at 9AM on Saturday and concluded on Sunday at 9AM. It was a hot and muggy day but the 22 teams stuck together to support each other and all Cancer Survivors and to remember those that are no longer here with us. We would like to thank all our Team Captains, Participants and Sponsors, without you we would not be able to raise much needed funds to help find a cure and to support cancer patients. As of Sunday, September 13th we raised approximately $38,000 dollars. If you would like to donate please visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/fillmoreca We would like to acknowledge our wonderful sponsors for their generosity and Community support: Kenton Stafford Memorial, Fillmore Rentals, California Resource Corporation, Seneca, B & R Farm Labor Contractor, Bennett’s Honey Farm, Chevron, City of Fillmore, Granite Construction, Union Bank Villa Park Orchards, William L Morris Chevrolet, Lion’s Club of Fillmore, EJ Harrison Rubbish, Fro-Yo Yogurt, Fillmore Dram Club, Fillmore Fire Department, Otto & Sons Nursery, Wings of Grace, Fillmore High School, El Pescador, FUSD, Gil Zamora, Vallarta Restaurant, McLain Construction, After Hours Production, State Ready Mix, Bank of the Sierra, Grimes Rock, Tony’s Body Shop, Annette Cardona, Barry Thompson, Burger King, Cactus Mart, California Watercress Inc., Christine Ortiz, David Smallwood, Diamond Reality, Elkins Ranch Golf Course, Fillmore Building Supply, Fillmore Citizens Patrol, Manuel Minjares, Francisco’s Fruit Stand, Gama Aguilar, George Thompson Diamond Company, Island View Enterprises Inc., La Michoacana Bakery, McDonalds-Fillmore, National Charity League, ParRey Construction, Sespe 4H, Piru 4H, Richard Carrillo, Rocket 68, Santa Clara Valley Explorers, Starbucks-Fillmore, Super A Foods, Juano & Friends, The Fillmore Gazette, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Vons, Yanni’s Best Restaurant, Diana Araiza, Sam Araiza, Madai Bernal, Noemi Bernal, Chad Schommer, Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and our wonderful ACS Reps Lorissa, Angi, Kristin, Alex and Eric. You all are one in a million!!! |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Jesse Cushman, 43 of Fillmore, was killed on Saturday, September 12th in Moorpark city limits while driving northbound on Moorpark Road on his Suzuki motorcycle when he was struck head-on by an automobile. The accident took place around 5:20pm. A Saturn Ion was heading southbound on Moorpark Road at about 55 mph when the driver swerved into Maciek Malish, 53 of Simi Valley, while he rode is bicycle southbound on the shoulder of the road. Malish was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver then appeared to over-correct, crossing into the northbound lane where she struck Cushman. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. The driving actions of the driver are under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
September 24
Fillmore High School presents the F.H.S. Homecoming Parade 2015 next Thursday evening at 6:30pm. The F.H.S. Alumni Association also invites all the communities of Fillmore Bardsdale, and Piru to come celebrate our Hometown, and Fillmore High School as we celebrate Homecoming 2015. The game is Friday evening September 25th, and our Flashes host the Santa Ynez Pirates. The Parade will be the night before on the 24th, starting at 6:30 pm from Central and 2nd street, right through downtown, where all the floats will be parked between Sespe and Main for viewing that evening. Our downtown is open for business, so bring out that folding chair and come look at the floats, and the beautiful Fillmore Classic cars. All will be parked on Central. it's Homecoming Parade 2015. Don't miss it! GO FLASHES!! |
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By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
 VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Daniel Nuno (DOB 06/07/82), of Fillmore, was sentenced by Judge Ryan Wright to 50 years to life in prison after being convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for killing Ricardo Gonzalez, a chiropractor from Oxnard. The jury returned their verdict on August 7, 2015, after two hours of deliberation. On August 9, 2012, Nuno armed himself with a loaded handgun and traveled to the home of Mr. Gonzalez’s mother in Fillmore. There, Nuno confronted Mr. Gonzalez as he stood in the driveway of the home beside his elderly mother and four-year-old son. After a brief conversation, Nuno quickly drew his firearm, pressed it to Mr. Gonzalez’s head and fired a single shot, killing Mr. Gonzalez. Nuno then fled the scene and disposed of evidence, including the murder weapon which was never found. Nuno was apprehended two hours after the murder by deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to eye-witness testimony identifying Nuno as the shooter, Mr. Gonzalez’s blood and DNA were located on Nuno’s clothing at the time of his arrest. Nuno will not be eligible for parole until he is 80 years old. |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
Classic Cars, great food, old time music, and lot's of fun in downtown Fillmore This Friday, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. It's our next to last Flashback Friday event, so make sure you make plans to come join in all the fun everyone's been having this summer with our Classic cars parked on Central. The Fillmore High Alumni will also be out in front of Central Station with all their Flashes gear available for this Fall Season. And speaking of Fall season, that means HOMECOMING. Next week is Homecoming week, and the Homecoming Parade is Thursday evening, September 24th at 6:30pm. On that night the Floats will be parked on Central along with the Classic old time cars from Fillmore. So it's two great events left for you to enjoy before our long wet raining season begins. (positive thinking) This Friday evening at Flashback Friday/Alumni Nights, and next Thursday for the Homecoming Parade along with the Classic Cars from Fillmore. Bring your folding Chairs, and we look forward to seeing you DOWNTOWN!! |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, September 15th, 2015
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone to protect themselves when temperatures are very high as is expected the rest of this week in most of the state. The excessive heat warning is in place through Friday, and Dr. Smith would like everyone to stay cool and hydrated. “It’s going to be a hot week, and we would like everyone to protect themselves from the dangers of excessive heat,” Dr. Smith said. “It is important that everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, stay inside and take other precautions to prevent heat-related illness.” Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities, pregnant women and people who are socially isolated. Heat-related illness includes cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness. “Taking a moment to check on someone who lives alone can make a big difference in these extreme conditions,” says Will Lightbourne, director of the California Department of Social Services. “Care providers, relatives, friends or neighbors, we all share the responsibility of making our communities safe.” In areas where air quality is poor, people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should reduce or eliminate their outdoor activities. Schools and programs with children who have sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases, should conduct activities indoors as much as possible. Smith offers the following tips to stay safe during this period of excessive heat: Watch CDPH’s video message from Dr. Smith on extreme heat warning signs and tips. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
 You may have heard them all day last Thursday, helicopters flying over Fillmore from sun-up to sun-down. All available Ventura County helicopters were used to drop water on the “Burson Fire” this week, refilling water at Two Rivers Park in Fillmore. Private helicopters were contracted due to a shortage of County helicopters which are being used in other California fires up north. As of Tuesday, the wildfire burning above Fillmore in the Sespe Mountain range was over 90% contained. Approximately 30 acres were burned in the “Burson Fire”, which was reported last Wednesday night on the Burson Ranch, along the southern edge of the Los Padres National Forest near Hopper Mountain. A large amount of equipment from Cal Fire, the US Forest Service and Ventura County was utilized in fighting the fire. No structures were threatened, and no injuries were reported. The Cornell Lab Condor Cam was shut down for a few days to protect the equipment; the Condors were never in any danger. The cause of the fire is under investigation. One theory was the underground geothermal activity in the area that has started vegetation fires in the past. Photo courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 James Farr, class of 2012, one of the 29 Continuation Grant recipients receives his award from Scholarship/Grant Committee Member Becky "Sosa" Morales, class of '58. Enlarge Photo By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
Back in May, the Fillmore High Alumni Association awarded out $36,000.00 in Scholarships to the Class of 2015 Scholarship winners. This August, they are awarding an additional $19,000.00 to Fillmore High Grads who are continuing their Upper Education in Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools. The Alumni Association Thanks all their loyal donors, and Alumni Members for their Contributions to our Association. If you’re an Alumni member you can be the first to see a complete list of all this year’s recipients by logging in here http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/login/ |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
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