The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25th at 11AM. Featured speaker this year is Ed W. Campbell who is the President of the Resident’s Allied Council at the Veterans Home in Ventura. Mr. Campbell started his Military career with the US Navy Reserve in Santa Barbara, took his Basic SeamanTraining in San Diego in 1956 and USS Sioux Fleet Tug Seaman Training in San Diego in 1958. From 1958 until 1962 he served in the USAir Force taking his Basic Training at Lackland AFB in Texas in 1958, served in Portugal 1960-61 doing Management Analysis and was a Civil Engineering Draftsman in 1962 at Edwards Air Force Base. Mr. Campbell then went on to establish a career as an Architect and has designed many projects locally and throughout the United States receiving several awards. He is a Board Member of the Ventura Music Festival and served as Executive Director of the Pierpont Inn. The Rev. Bob Hammond will give the Memorial Service, special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church choir. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May 22nd and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 26th. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this special event.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to help ensure blood is available for patients in need by giving blood in May before the busy summer season kicks in.

Blood and platelet donations often decrease when regular donors are vacationing and school is out of session, but the need for blood is constant. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to summer to help alleviate this seasonal decline.

Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who come to donate blood between May 23 and May 25, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross-branded RuMeR tote bag, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities

Oxnard
5/19/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
5/16/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community,
5005 E Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
5/18/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd
5/26/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Whole Foods, 740 N. Moorpark Road

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are
17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Fillmore, the Last Best Small Town in Southern California, has been named one of the Safest Cities in California by Safewise.com. Out of the top 50 cities named, Fillmore ranked No. 17. Below is the article at http://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-California-2015/

17. FILLMORE
Situated in the Santa Clara River Valley, “Sunset Magazine” named Fillmore one of “The West’s Best Cities,” a title bestowed on only two dozen communities. Indeed, the unspoiled Southern California town has a lot to offer those looking for small town charm, not the least of which is safe neighborhoods. In fact, only a few cities on our list reported less property crime than Fillmore.

Cool ocean breezes, a landscape dotted with citrus groves and a comfortable average yearly temperature of 78 degrees are more reasons you’ll fall in love with “The last, best small town in Southern California.”
Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.70 - Property Crimes per 1,000: 9.99

With approximately 38 million residents, California is by far the most populated state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean it has a particularly high crime rate. In fact, according to recent FBI Crime Report data, the Golden State’s crime rate is about on par with the national average, reporting 3.96 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 26.65 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The report reveals that the typical American city reported 3.67 violent crimes per 1,000 citizens and 27.30 property crimes per 1,000 citizens. As a whole, crime went down in California over the last year. Specifically, violent crime was reduced by seven percent and property crime was lessened by four percent.

When we took a close look at the 50 safest cities in California, we found they reported much lower incidents of crime than the national average. The average violent crime rate among our safest cities was 1.12 per 1,000 people, and the average property crime rate was 11.32 per 1,000 people. That means the average safe city listed below experienced 70 percent less violent crime and 60 percent less property crime than the typical U.S. city. We were particularly impressed to discover that 42 of California’s 50 safest cities (84 percent) reported no murders. And the safest city on our list, Hillsborough, reported no incidents of violent crime whatsoever.

If you’re looking for a safe place to call home in California, start by looking at our list to make sure you’re going somewhere with a good safety record. Once you’ve become familiar with the safest cities in California, you’ll want to explore the security and safety information found in our comprehensive California Safety Directory. In addition to finding the latest information on crime prevention programs, you can explore an interactive map of the most (and least) burglarized counties in the state.

How We Chose the Safest Cities in California
We followed a strict protocol to arrive at the 50 safest cities in California. First, we identified cities with a population of over 10,000 residents in 2013 and evaluated recent FBI Crime Report data. From there, we determined the number of Violent Crimes, which are considered murder, aggravated assault, robbery and forcible rape, as well as Property Crimes, consisting of burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and larceny-theft that were reported in each city. Then, to create a level playing field and make it easy to compare crime rates among several cities, we calculated the chance of these crimes happening out of 1,000 people.

When reviewing the list, you should keep in mind that although the annual FBI Crime Report is considered a premier source for a myriad of crime data, not every city in California reported complete information to the FBI. If you think we overlooked one of the state’s safest cities, it could be because its law enforcement agency did not report complete data to the FBI, and that caused it to be removed from consideration.

If you want to see how your city did in our past report, check out last year’s crime data.

Fillmore athlete, Justin Coert is being honored this year with the 2015 Tri-Valley League Most Outstanding Athlete in Track and Field award. This title, honors him as the top athlete of the league. This season Justin has been a very versatile athlete competing in shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, and occasionally the 100 meter dash. He has proven to be one of Fillmore’s greatest athletes, breaking school records in the discus and earning league titles both in the shot put and the discus. Currently Justin is ranked third in the discus and fourth in the shot put in the Southern Section Division 4.

Joining Justin at the CIF prelims are many other Fillmore Flashes. Junior Lupita Perez earned League Champion in the 3200 meter race and takes second place in the 1600 meter race. She will compete in both events at CIF prelims. Senior Hayden Wright qualifies in both the long jump and the 4x100 meter relay. Hayden took second place at league finals in the long jump. Demitriouz Lozano will be the only Fillmore athlete tripling up in events. Demitriouz will compete in the open 100 meter dash and in both the 4x100 meter and the 4x400 meter relays. This is his second year competing at the CIF prelims. Teammate Aaron Cornejo, a junior, qualified in three events for CIF prelims including the 400 meters and both relays. Carlos Briceno will make his third appearance at CIF prelims, where he will compete in the 110 meter high hurdles. The 4x100 meter relay will include Demitriouz Lozano, Michael Luna, Aaron Cornejo and Hayden Wright. For 4x400 meter relay the athletes include Demitriouz Lozano, Dominick Gonzalez, Aaron Cornejo and Damien Gonzalez. Both Damien, Demitriouz and Dominick are making their second appearance at the CIF prelims in track and field. Our sophomore competitor of the day was Karissa Ibarra in the shot put. She was second at league finals. In addition we have alternates for both relays, which include freshman Enrique Gutierrez, and sophomores Jaime Malagon, and Saul Santa Rosa.

The CIF Prelims will take place this Saturday, May 16th at Carpinteria High School. The throwing events begin at 11:00am and the running events will begin at 12:00pm. The 4x100 meter relay is the first event on the track. We are very proud of our team and wish them the best at the CIF Prelims. Go Flashes!

photo courtesy accuweather.com

The City of Fillmore, like other cities in California, is grappling with the new water restrictions out of Sacramento. A fine for wasting water was approved at the May 12, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting. The meeting also contained a proposed 2015-2016 Budget and approval of four Active Adult Commissioners.

On May 6, 2015, California's state water board approved emergency drought regulations that aim to reduce water usage throughout the state. The new restrictions range from 8% to 36%, depending on the city's or water district's use, to meet an overall 25% reduction statewide. Cities or water districts that do not comply with the new state orders could receive fines as high as $10,000.

Sacramento uses a tiered system to determine a city's or water district's water use. The three highest tiers 7, 8 and 9 and are required to save the most water at 28% to 36%. Fillmore is considered a tier 7 city and thus is required to cut back water use by 28% over the next nine months.

The City's restrictions include prohibiting irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water; directing water suppliers (the City of Fillmore) to develop rate structures, including surcharges, fees, and penalties to maximize water conservation.

Other requirements include the City permanently provide monthly information on water usage, conservation and enforcement; impose restriction requiring reductions in potable water use at commercial, industrial and institutional properties and prohibiting potable water used for irrigation outside of new home construction without drip or micro spray.

Restrictions that everyone must abide by are; not allowing potable water drain or spray on sidewalks, driveways and streets; no use of potable water in fountains that do not recycle; hoses require shut off nozzles when washing a vehicle; not using potable water on landscape within 48 hours after measurable rain; no water served at restaurants without being requested.

The Council, on CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 9, 2015, the Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to Santa Paula Hospital for an assault victim. During the investigation, it was determined the victim was assaulted and robbed of his prescription medication and money. The victim knew both suspects who robbed him. The victim sustained an eye injury and needed five stitches.

As a result of the investigation, Tiffany Limon was arrested several hours later at her residence. There was also probable cause to arrest Fernando Vasquez for the robbery and violating his conditions of parole.

On May 11, 2015, investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and Major Crimes Bureau received information Vasquez was traveling on an Amtrak train back to Madera, California. With the assistance of the Amtrak Police Department, Vasquez was arrested at the Amtrak Hanford train station by the Hanford Police Department. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau responded to Hanford and arrested Vasquez. Vasquez was transported back to Ventura County and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Limon was charged with 211 PC (Robbery), and 11550 (a) H&S (Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance) and Vasquez was charged with 211 PC (Robbery), 245(a)(1) PC (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and 182(a)(1) PC (Conspiracy to Commit a Crime). Vasquez had an additional charge of 3056 PC (Parole Violation). Limon’s bail was set at $55,000 and Vasquez has a no bail hold.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of Robbery Suspects
Report Number: 15-10474
Location: 600 Block of Clay Street, Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: May 11, 2015
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Male Victim, Fillmore, 37
Fernando Vasquez, Madera, CA, 35
Tiffany Limon, Fillmore, 34
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
News Release Date: May 12, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre 805 384-7430 anthony.aguirre@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Melissa Smith

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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Come join in the Fun as Central Ave will be closed from Main Street to Sespe Ave and lined with Beautiful Classic cars from the past. The Alumni Assn will be parked outside of Central Station with all their goodies. Music provided by Joey Ortiz, and you'll hear all the classics like Elvis, the Beatles, and others. So bring your folding chair and sit and visit with friends and family. It's something fun to do in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore on Friday, May 15th, 2015 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

For details see: http://www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2015/5/15/flashback-friday-alum...

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Calling all classmates from these two classes. Your class representative asked the Alumni Association to spread the word that you are having your Class reunion on Saturday, June 13th, 2015. Your reunion this year is happening at the 102nd Alumni Dinner, and Dance. You can pay or pick up your dinner reservation form at Patterson Hardware Store. (Open 7 days a week), or go onto the Alumni website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com and print a form out and mail it in. Happy hour and Social 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Dinner at 6:00pm, and Music and Dancing into the night. New this year is a Social Bar/ Lounge area open to 11:00pm. Lot's of surprises in store for this years Event. Get your reservation forms in soon. Seats are filling up.

The following students participated in the 5TH Annual Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament in Coronado, April 25, 2015 (l-r) David Vargas, Daniel Flores, Tereck Morales, and Michael Castro, with Anna Morielli center. Not present: Chad Petuoglu, Derek Flores, Ricardo Lomeli, Angel Velez, Matthew Hammond, Chaperones Bob and Lisa Hammond. The Spirit of the Gut Award, held by Morielli, was presented to the team who participated in the 4th Annual Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament, May 2014 for displaying the most spirit, heart, inspiration to continue the course despite the challenges.
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Over fifty people attended the May 5, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Some had come to see the Fillmore High School (FHS) students who competed in the U.S. Navy Seal Challenge at the U.S. Naval Base in Coronado, California, but most had come to support an FUSD employee up for termination.

Sixteen Public Speakers cards were turned in, with five of them forfeiting their time to Louann Brock, who read a statement from Bob Sube. Public comment lasted about an hour. The item that had drawn such interest and filled the room to overflow capacity was the termination of Fillmore's School Farm Tech Wayne Noblitt.

First to speak was Brock. She addressed the Board from a written statement saying, "On Friday, March 6, 2015 Mr. Noblitt was placed on paid administrative leave due to the fact that he discharged a firearm on the school farm (grounds) when he shot a vicious dog (1 of 2) who had attacked and killed one student's goat and was going after another. The dogs ran off into the river and have not been seen since. Mr. Noblitt truthfully and immediately reported the incident to Mr. Joe Richards, a practice that has been the standard for as many years as we have owned the School Farm. Mr. Noblitt had absolutely no idea that having done what was expected of him would in turn result in a termination recommendation. Not only has he been faced with possible termination, but the District also requested that the local Sheriff's department get involved and alluded to the possible need for criminal charges.......I have spent weeks on the phone talking to community members who have expressed complete disbelief that Mr. Noblitt, while attempting to safeguard our students animals, was being recommended for termination, when no written policy exists and the only verbal policy is that he did exactly as instructed (which was) if you discharge a firearm to report it, as he did, and then don't discuss it, end of story.....To have placed an employee on paid administrative leave without notifying me as the President, while not illegal, is certainly not conducive to open, honest communication and concern for an employee and their rights."

Brock ended by CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

03/06/15
Brandishing
400 Blk. Hume Dr.
Theft Identity
400 Blk. Mockingbird Ln.
Disturbance Music/Noise
Central Ave. / Sespe Ave.
03/07/15
Narcotics Violation
700 Blk. Sespe Place.
Theft
600 Blk. Ventura St.
Hit & Run
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Keep the Peace
600 Blk. Santa Clara St.
03/08/15
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Cottonwood Ln. CONTINUED »

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Come and Get it!! Please join us for the 102nd Alumni Dinner on Saturday, June 13th, 2015. The Day starts out with Social time from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. You will be escorted out to the beautiful lawn area of the Veterans Memorial Building under the Alumni Party Tent, for light snacks, a cool drink and laughter with friends and Alumni from all over the country, and our community.

Dinner is served at 6:00pm and the Menu includes: Wood Fired Prime Angus Tri-Tip of Beef, Served au Jus with Creamed Horseradish, BBQ Sauce & Fresh Salsa, Tequila Lime Chicken Breast, Boneless & Skinless Breast with a Creamy Tequila Citrus Sauce, Three Cheese Macaroni & Cheese, With Sharp Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan Cheeses, Pacifica Salad, Select Baby Greens with Sliced Local Strawberries, Caramelized Pecans, & Crumbled Feta Cheese with Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing, Wood Fired Asparagus & Zucchini, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, & Grilled Plum, Tomatoes, Assortment of Freshly Baked Rolls, With Butter, Dessert: Fudge Brownie Sundae, Vanilla Ice Cream with Homemade Fudge Brownie, Topped with Hot Fudge and Whipped Cream.

Seats are filling up fast! You can pick-up a reservation form at Patterson Hardware (and pay there if you like), or print out a form from the Alumni website at:

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f508fde4b02043de880cdf/t/54f546a...

See you all there!

Mark Ortega,
Fillmore High Alumni President

Cal Fire

Sacramento – As drought conditions continue to significantly elevate California’s fire danger, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has declared May 3-9, 2015 as “Wildfire Awareness Week”. During Wildfire Awareness Week, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians of the role they play in preparing for and preventing wildfires.

“With a record dry and warm winter Californian’s fire activity has been nearly double what it normally is for this time of year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Our firefighters continue to meet the challenges posed by California’s historic drought, but we all must do our part to ensure our homes are prepared for wildfire and that residents and visitors to our state take extreme caution to avoid sparking a wildfire.”

On May 1, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that California’s snowpack water content was only 3 percent of normal. The lack of snow and overall rainfall has led to conditions being much drier than normal, lending themselves to the quick spread of wildfire. Between January 1 and May 2, CAL FIRE has responded to over 1,100 wildfires that have charred over 4,200 acres. In an average year for the same time period, CAL FIRE would typically respond to fewer than 650 wildfires burning approximately 1,500 acres.

During Wildfire Awareness Week, CAL FIRE is reminding Californians that when it comes to wildfires, remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials. During this drought CAL FIRE is highly recommending residents landscape their yards with drought tolerant and fire resistant plants. Being Set includes have an evacuation plan and an emergency supply kit. Lastly, when a wildfires strikes, residents are urged to Go! and evacuate early.
CAL FIRE is also urging all Californians during Wildfire Awareness Week to learn the steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. Over 90 percent of the wildfires in California are sparked by the activity of people, so CAL FIRE has joined local and federal fire agencies in the “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” campaign in hopes of getting the public to practice fire safety outdoors and prevent sparking a wildfire.

Residents looking for additional information on how to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for wildfire can visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. The site offers tips for residents to make their homes more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their families are ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.
For more than two years, California has been dealing with the effects of drought. To learn about all the actions the state has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit drought.ca.gov.

Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at SaveOurWater.com.

Jose Martin Herrera

On April, 23, 2015, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department were working a gang suppression detail under a CalGRIP (California Gang Reduction Intervention Program) grant. At approximately 7:15 PM, they contacted two men in the 600 block of Ventura St. in Fillmore. During the contact, the deputies found Fillmore resident Jose Martin Herrera in possession of a loaded handgun. Herrera was quickly and safely taken into custody and no one was injured during the arrest. The handgun had been reported stolen during a residential burglary in Piru in April 2014. Herrera, a documented gang member, was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on the following charges:

25850(a) PC – Carrying a loaded firearm in public (Felony)
25400(a)(2) PC – Carrying a concealed firearm (Felony)
29800(a)(1) PC – Convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Felony)
30305(a)(1) PC – Convicted felon in possession of ammunition (Felony)
27545 PC PC – Illegal transfer of a firearm (Felony)
186.22(b)(1) PC – Participation in a criminal street gang (Felony)

Nature of Incident: Gang Member Arrested for Firearms Charges
Report Number: 150009248
Location: 600 Block of Ventura St., Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: 4/23/15 @ 7:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
(S) Herrera, Jose Martin Fillmore
Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
News Release Date: 4/24/15
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Mario Aguilar (805-524-2233) mario.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by:
Captain Mark Franke

Responsibility for Military Banners will be shared by the City and School Board.

For years meetings between the City Council and Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) have stalled. The April 28, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting was the first joint meeting with the School Board in three years. According to Board Member John Garnica their last joint meeting was in 2011, at which time they had held meetings quarterly. "Other priorities came into play" Garnica stated, that prevented the meetings from continuing.

The joint meeting's agenda contained the Military Banner Program, City's Mobile App and a Joint Use Agreement.
The City Council/Successor Agency Meeting proceeded the FUSD joint session. It contained an adoption of a joint resolution for operation of the Senior Center and development of the adjacent vacant lot.

The City of Fillmore and FUSD Board established a Military Banner program in 2008 to recognize Fillmore and Piru residents serving in the military. Virginia De La Piedra, with the help of David Smallwood, have continuously operated the program, which includes fundraising through the non-profit United Parents of Education.

From its beginning CONTINUED »

One thing I just love about living here in Fillmore is the way its residents share information about the events occurring in their lives. As many of you know a chance meeting in the grocery store, bank, or even while on a recreational walk on the bicycle trail, or in your neighborhood, can bring neighbors closer together by this sharing of information. A few years back I met Lynda Kagel, a neighbor and exercise partner of Jean Dempsey as they walked by my home on Grand Ave. I was out front watching my dogs do their business when we met over the fence. Over the many years since I have heard the story of Lynda's Grandmother, “GMA” as she is referred to by Family. Most of these stories were around GMA reaching another milestone birthday. GMA lives independently with neighbors and family checking in on her. She is a longtime Lakers Fan proudly flying Laker's pennants on her car until she stopped driving at age 104! Although her driving was self-restricted primarily to going to the beauty parlor once a week and picking up a few groceries she is amazingly independent and worked until she was 76 years old! By the time I met GMA, just after her 108th Birthday, she had already reached celebrity status in my home with the stories I enthusiastically listened to in amazement as Lynda shared them!

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 family and friends gathered in Fillmore, at the home of Lynda Kagel, Granddaughter of Gertrude Ness “GMA”, of Glendale, CA, who celebrated her 109th birthday on April 22nd. Also at the celebration were Lynda's husband Dean Glassburn, Gertrude's Daughters, Dianne DeGeer of Dallas, Texas and Jo Ness from Montrose, Ca. Granddaughter Susan Kagel, of Montrose, CA, nephew Ralph Ness of Minneapolis, Minnesota, step-great granddaughter Stacy Fontana, of Thousand Oaks, CA. and close friend Jean Dempsey, of Fillmore. Not able to attend were Granddaughter Amy DeGeer, Great-Grandson Bryson Nolly and Great Granddaughter Ayiana Turner, all of Dallas, Texas and Step Great-Grandson Danny Glassburn of Thousand Oaks, CA.

On April 18, 1906, just five days before Gertrude Ness was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, a small farming town some 2,100 miles east of San Francisco, the devastating 7.8 magnitude San Francisco Earthquake rattled San Francisco killing 3,000 people! When GMA was born Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States and she would see eighteen other Presidents serve the United States of America! The RMS Titanic sank when when she was not yet six years old. Gertrude has seen the horrors of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the many other conflicts that have occurred since her birth. Man has landed on the Moon, invented the computer and made the earth a smaller planet with faster modes of travel.

Gertrude, one of six children, was born on April 22, 1906 in Bemidji, MN to Noble and Eliza Sherwood. She married Peder Ness in 1933 and they raised two girls, Diane and Jo. Prior to marrying, Gertrude taught elementary school Band. As the Drum Major, the young Gertrude and her young students traveled and entered many parades. When Gertrude married Peder, he was in banking. But after she married the 27 year old teacher was no longer permitted to teach because female teachers were not permitted to teach once married. One account was that teachers held positions of authority and married women were not permitted in that authority role! This prohibition continued until 1919 when the “Sexual Disqualification Removal Act” was passed allowing married women to teach in the classroom. But, because of the Depression of 1920 women were frowned upon for working because so many men were out of work that teaching still was not a woman’s permitted area of work.

Gertrude and Peder moved to Glendale, CA in July 1941. Gertrude worked at Lockheed, in Burbank assembling bomber doors to support the War effort. After the war she developed the day care system in the Glendale School District for single Moms. She opened multiple nursery schools. At the end of her career, at 76, she was in Administration with the Glendale School District. Peder continued in banking. Peder passed away of cancer in July 1991. They were married for 58 years.

Gertrude continues to live in Glendale, CA in the house that she, and Peder rented when they arrived in CA and later purchased. Gertrude remains an avid Lakers Fan. Gertrude lives independently, with help from neighbors and visiting nurses a few times a week. Gertrude continues to visit the hair salon once a week to have her hair and nails done!

Gertrude has many awards from City of Glendale for her work in the school district and Glendale Beautiful as well as recognition from many other organizations. When asked, and she is asked frequently,”What is your secret to long life?” GMA's only answer is, “Growing up on a farm.” From that I take it that farm life was hard and everyone had to learn to work hard to support the family in order for the family to survive. GMA surely has worked hard all her life which could be the key to her longevity! From me, and from the Community of Fillmore, we would like to wish you Happy Birthday Gertrude! You Rock!