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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
 On Thursday, June 16th, 2022, Fillmore Citizen Patrol awarded three scholarships to high school seniors interested in the first responder professions. Izaac Mercado is interested in the fire service as a career and was awarded the John Harm Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Oscar Villalta was awarded $1,000 and is also looking to go into the fire service. Kayla Cervantez was awarded $1,000 and is interested in going into law enforcement. Pictured are (l-r): Captain Garo Kuredjian, Izaac Mercado, Oscar Villalta, Citizen Patrol Secretary Lisa Hammond, Citizen Patrol member Jerry Peterson, and Citizen Patrol member German Cea. Not pictured: Kayla Cervantez. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
Two Brush Fires in Fillmore & Santa Paula
 On Wednesday, June 15th at 7:25am, a brush fire broke out in the 1400 block of Boosey Road near Toland Park. And at 8:09am firefighters responded to a second brush fire in 2400 block of Grand Avenue, Fillmore. Both fires burned in remote areas with structures near the area and by 9am the fires were declared out according to authorities. Later authorities reported that the fires were under investigation but were suspected to have been caused by lightning. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
 On Wednesday, June 30th at 8:30am, at Sespe and Central Avenue, film crews were swarming to set up filming along Central Avenue. Equipment trucks, along with Fillmore Police and Fire personnel, could be seen along Sespe Avenue, while film crews were around the corner setting up a giant lighting modifier to hang over the street. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
Fireworks sales have started! On Tuesday, June 28th, noon booths throughout Fillmore opened, with sales ending Tuesday, July 5th at noon. All booths support Fillmore non-profit organizations. The Fillmore Fireworks Show will be on Sunday, July 3rd, at 9pm (sundown). The community can watch the show from their residence or parks. Also, don’t forget about the Fillmore FFA Annual Pancake Breakfast to take place Monday, July 4th at 7:30am, at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, and the 34th Annual Sespe Creek Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 4th in downtown Fillmore. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
 Congratulations Alexis Velasco and Adrian Estrella for your 3rd place win (which came with a $200 cash prize) in the NatGeo/MERITO “Tales of Exploration” Competition, that included 68 student teams from around Ventura County. Alexis and Adrian combined photojournalism with ecological fieldwork in the Channel Islands, studying how humans have impacted symbiotic relationships between species on Santa Cruz Island. Courtesy Fillmore High Flashes Blog. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
 On Saturday, June 11th, the FHS Alumni Association hosted their 109th Annual Fillmore High Alumni Dinner. The FHS Alumni Association has awarded thousands of dollars to graduating seniors for decades. This year will be no different. This year’s dinner was a big hit, and Fillmore’s City Hall was over-flowing with FHS alumni eating great food and dancing the night away to live music. In the past recent years, the Alumni Association has served well over 600 alumni annually and their guests and expects to do the same this year. Photos courtesy Mark Ortega, FHS Alumni Association President. Enlarge Photo |
 The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind residents to use Safe & Sane fireworks; there will be extra patrols for the holiday weekend. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
The Fillmore Police Department encourages residents celebrate responsibly the Fourth of July weekend with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Department will have extra patrol deputies deployed throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend. The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind residents of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes: “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th. Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1,000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious activity, illegal fireworks, and crimes they come across by calling 9-1-1. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Community: News Story - Fourth Of July Holiday Weekend Extra Patrols 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 Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 Fireworks booths are popping up around town. Fireworks sales may occur within the Fillmore city limits from Monday, June 28th, noon through Tuesday, July 5th, noon. All booths support local non-profit organizations. The Fillmore fireworks show will be on Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 at 9pm (sundown). The community can watch the show from their residence or parks. Also the 34th Annual Sespe Creek Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 4th in downtown Fillmore. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 On Monday, June 20th, 2022, at approximately 9:57pm, Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported hit & run in the intersection of Mountain View St. & Santa Clara St., Fillmore. Arriving fire crews reported a solo vehicle with front end damages with at least one patient being evaluated by fire personnel. No ambulance transports were made. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 15, 2022, the Fillmore Department conducted a tobacco compliance check in the city of Fillmore and Piru areas. The compliance checks were conducted at 7 locations by utilizing an underage decoy to attempt to purchase tobacco products from the businesses. The goal of this operation is to prevent the sale of tobacco products to underage individuals and to ensure that the businesses are following the California State Tobacco Laws. All 7 of the businesses checked were in compliance and none of their employees sold tobacco to the decoy. During the operation detectives helped to educate the business employees regarding the required signage and potential consequences of selling tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21. Tobacco and nicotine related addictions are a prevalent and a serious problem with the youth in our community today. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Fillmore Police Department are committed to the health and wellbeing of the youth in our community and will continue to proactively enforce laws prohibiting the sale of these products to people under the age of 21. If you have information about a local retailer in the city that is supplying nicotine or tobacco products to underage buyers, please report it to the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233. One of Fillmore’s two School Resource Officer positions is funded by a California Department of Justice tobacco grant. The SRO proactively engages the students in the Fillmore School District and educates them about the dangers of tobacco while providing exciting programs as interventions for tobacco use. The SRO also works with the Detective Bureau to conduct compliance checks and investigations into businesses that may supply tobacco to youth in the community. Nature of Incident: Fillmore Tobacco Products Retailer Compliance Check 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 Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 On Wednesday, June 17th, 2022 at 3:57pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motorcycle vs. car in the area of Saratoga St. & Ventura St., Fillmore. Arriving fire crews reported a motorcycle and car involved collision, with the motorcyclist being treated by paramedics and transported by ambulance to a local hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the crash is under Investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 Back in October 2021, Fillmore Library closed its doors to begin the Fillmore Library Expansion Project. Above is the current building under construction today. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 Don’t forget the Fillmore FFA will hold its annual Pancake Freedom Breakfast at the Veterans Memorial Building on Monday, July 4th, 7am to 9:30am. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
 On Tuesday, June 21st, the official first day of summer did not disappoint, with high temperatures reaching the 90s. Fillmore Aquatic Center was swimming with resident’s coming to cool off. The Aquatic Center hosts Recreation Swim times, for $2 per person, minors 13 & under must be accompanied by an adult or minor 16+. Lockers are available for use for 25-cents. Arm wings & life vest are permitted. Pool floats/inflatables are not allowed, donut rings etc. June dates are as follows: June 20th – 23rd 12:30pm – 4pm, June 24th 11am – 3pm, June 25th 12pm – 3pm. For more information visit https://www.fillmoreca.com/departments/parks-and-recreation-department/fillmore-aquatics-center. Enlarge Photo |
 On Thursday, June 9th, Fillmore High School 2022 Graduation Ceremony took place at the Fillmore High football stadium. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! This year’s ceremony was live-streamed via YouTube. You can watch the full ceremony at www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqFKyBYktfQ Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
 FHS Mariachi Los Rays from the FHS Band as they performed during the 2022 Graduation Ceremony. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
Words cannot express the pride we have for these students. They are all unique wonderful humans. Go forth and do great things Class of 2022! Keep making Fillmore and Piru PROUD! (Photo by https://photographybymarlene.pic-time.com/). You can view the live-streamed ceremony at https://youtu.be/6yNjUHnPxZw. |
 On Tuesday, Fillmore City Council voted unanimously to authorize offers of sale for the property known as the Fillmore Equestrian Center. The property is considered surplus, pursuant to the Surplus Property Land Act. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
Votes from 6-14-2022 Council Meeting: 8-A, B, C, D, E, H, and I, approved 5-0. 8-A RESOLUTION NO. 22-3892 – APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED BY THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY 8-B 1. Approve an allocation of funds in an amount not to exceed $19,450 in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for a contract with Planet Bids within account 101-4207-0021-245- Contract Services; 2. and Approve a contract and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Planet Bids Innovative Procurement Solutions for the components described above. Unanimously approved. 8-C City Council approved an agreement with Planet Bids Innovative eProcurement Solutions to provide citywide web-based eProcurement, contracts, and insurance management software. 8-D Adopted Resolution declaring the City-owned real property located at 308 Chambersburg Road/SH23 in the City of Fillmore (“Property”), known as the Fillmore Equestrian Center, to be surplus, authorizing offers of the Property for purchase pursuant 8-E Designated a primary voting delegate; and 2) Appointed up to two alternate delegates. Unanimously approved. 8-H City Council reviewed and approved the Agreement for Services (Valve Turning) with Veolia Water Contract Services USA, LLC. Unanimously approved. 8-I Staff recommended entering into a contract with Retail Strategies for one year with options for a second and third year, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract, and approve an appropriation in the amount of $45,000 to fund the cost to be incurred during fiscal year 2022-23. Unanimously approved. 8-F Authorized the Mayor to sign contracts with Willdan Financial Services for $17,500 in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office. Approved 4-0, Mayor had conflict. 8-G That the City Council discuss and provide direction to the City Manager whether to have the CPA Conduct a feasibility study for the City. Vote not to approve, 3-2. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
 Back in April 2022, at about 12:30am, members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office were actively searching for Daniel Drum, 25, who was previously reported as a missing person at-risk due to mental health issues. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call reporting a family disturbance in the area. Deputies responded and learned an altercation between Drum and his 62-yearold father occurred resulting in a homicide. Drum fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. Deputies later located Drum hiding under an abandoned house in Piru and arrested him. UPDATE: Drum’s defense attorney expressed to the court that his client may not have the capability to understand the charge brought up against him. Criminal proceedings have been suspended and schedule for next month to discuss the issue of his mental competency. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
On Tuesday, June 7th residents gathered outside of Fillmore’s First Baptist Church to cast their votes for the 2022 election. On June 14th, 12:56am, the result were as follows: Measure A: Yes – 89,818, NO- 99,203; Measure B: Yes – 88,516, NO –99,034; Supervisor District 2: Claudia Bill-de la Peña (D) - 25,329 votes, Jeff Gorell (R) - 19,903 votes , Tim McCarthy (R) - 8,389 votes; VC Sheriff: Jim Fryhoff - 102,515 votes & Bill Ayub - 77,397 votes; District Attorney: Erik Nasarenko - 100,594 votes & John Barrick - 74,548 votes; Clerk and Recorder: Michelle Ascencion - 108,663 votes, Jeff Hargleroad - 55,478 votes & Bruce Boyer - 6,989 votes: Treasurer-Tax Collector: Sue Horgan - 114,981 votes, Ron Speakman - 53,521 votes; Assessor: Keith Taylor - 121,820 votes Bradley Coburn - 40,984 votes; Auditor-Controller: Jeffery Burgh - 136,271 votes. More voting result info at https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CA/Ventura/114132/web.285569/#/.... |
 On Friday, June 3rd, Diamond Realty hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new location in Fillmore’s Historical Landmark 47, the old bank building at the corner of Central Avenue and Main Street. After the ribbon cutting folks were welcomed inside to enjoy refreshments and local artwork displayed throughout the building. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
A Grand opening was held Friday, June 3rd and was very well attended and supported by Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Association of Business, Fillmore City Officials and the community! They had live music by Professional Saxophone Player, Isaiah Venegas. Charcuterie and champagne were served. Many Thank You’s to Claudia Tovar of CMT Interior Design, Ruben Andrade with Andrade’s Flooring, Veronica Morris of Watermark Art, West Coast Signs (for our upcoming building signage), the Cardenas/Cornejo Family for entrusting us with their building, City of Fillmore and our loving family, friends & Clientele. On exhibit in our office now, Ms. Nichols’ Art students from Fillmore Middle School have a beautiful display of art. They are for sale. Please stop by. We are very blessed and thankful to serve our community with their real estate needs! Services provided: DiamondRealtyTeam.com |
