 (above) A very early picnic at Kenny Grove Park. Fillmore’s first semiofficial park was Kenny Grove Park, named for Cyrus Kenny who homesteaded the property in 1870. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 24th, 2021
Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum There were few parks in Fillmore the early years. It was a small town and was located in the middle of orchards and at the foot of Sespe Canyon. There were plenty of places to visit the outdoors and have a picnic or a swim. Most of the children here grew up hiking the surrounding hills and swimming in the pool at Swallows Nest up the Sespe. Even earlier there was swimming at Wiley Lake at the top of the mountains to the south and for brave souls, a dip into the water at a variety of irrigation reservoirs in the area. The first semiofficial park in the area was Kenney Grove Park. It was named for Cyrus Kenney who, in 1870, homesteaded property just east of a natural oak grove on the north side of the valley. Once the railroad came through in 1887 the oak grove became a meeting place for celebrations of all sorts. In 1898, over 2,000 people came by train to the park to celebrate the 4th of July. Locals came by buggy, the rest by train and hiked or were ferried by buggy to the park. The property was originally part of Rancho Sespe and was purchased by Sespe Land and Water Co. from Martha Storke after the murder of her father, T.W. More. In 1929, Joseph McNab, founder of Sespe Land and Water Co., gave the 15 acre park to Ventura County. In 1957, the Sespe Loyal Friends, a women’s group descended from the membership of the Sespe Methodist Episcopal Church, donated funds to build the Kenney Grove Amphitheater. It has always been a gathering place for church groups, scout troops, picnics and outings. Many of the older members of the community will remember the “father powered” merry go round and the tall swings. There was also a BBQ pit used to prepare dinners for various groups in town and for the famous Fillmore Festival Pit BBQ lunches. Central Park was Fillmore City’s first public park in town. It is located on Central Ave and Main St. But there wasn’t always a park there. In the beginning there was empty space around the Southern Pacific Depot. The railroad track was laid through Fillmore in 1887 leaving nothing behind but a boxcar. Soon the depot was built. Early photos taken in 1905 show stores built on Main St., but not so much as a tree or blade of grass beside the depot. By 1930 there were a couple of palm trees on the west side and the beginnings of a grassy area on the south side of the tracks. By 1948 grass and palms were well established. The park finally was formalized and officially named following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and construction of the Fillmore City Hall. Delores Day Park located north of Old Telegraph Rd near Mountain Vista Elementary School is named for Delores Day, the first woman to win a Fillmore City Council seat. In 1946, she had come to Fillmore as the wife of Traver Day. They took over the “Sanitary Food Market”, which they renamed Day’s Market, located on Fourth and A St. and operated it for 25 years. In 1970, she was elected the first woman to serve as a Fillmore councilmember and eventually the first woman mayor, a title she held 5 times. Through her efforts ambulance service was brought to Fillmore. She also lobbied for and won EMT training recognition for the Volunteer Firemen and in 1976 pushed for the building of the Fillmore Convalescent Center. She was proud of the greenbelt that she co-sponsored with Eleanor Crouch of Santa Paula in 1979 and the construction of the concrete stairway up the steep hillside leading to the Jr. and Sr. High Schools. She retired from the Council in 1990. Shiells Park is named for the Shiells family who donated the land for the park as well as land for the Fillmore Library and Veterans’ Memorial Building. William Shiells and his brother, James, came to Fillmore in 1879. They purchased 1200 acres of property on Guiberson Road. In 1911 he leased 880 acres of hill property to Montebello Oil Co. which succeeded in drilling the first producing well on the south side of the Santa Clara River near Fillmore. In 1913, William was elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The family was always civic minded and continued to support local churches and charitable agencies. There is a small “pocket” park on Foothill Rd. where the road splits and one side goes up south of the hill and comes around and down the steep side. There is today a sign at the park honoring Oscar DeFever one of Fillmore’s Fire Chiefs. But, many years ago the city named the park for John Galvin. Mr. Galvin was named Fillmore’s first city attorney in August, 1914, when the city incorporated. He retired in 1966 at the age of 77 with the distinction of being the longest serving city attorney in the State of California (52 years). When asked in 1964 how he achieved the respectable position so early in his life, he said with a twinkle in his eye “I had personality, obvious and unimpeachable character and I was the only attorney in town.” His family also was well known in the community. Many of you in Fillmore had his sister, Mary Galvin, as your kindergarten teacher. His sister, Leona Galvin Grady, served for 44 years in the post office. His brother Warren served as Fillmore’s first Fire Chief in 1916. Oscar DeFever was one of our best known Fire Chiefs. Oscar was born in Kentucky but came to Fillmore at the age of 1 and remained here for the rest of his life except for his time as a Marine during WWII when he served in the Pacific during the battle for Iwo Jima. In 1935 he became a dealer for Union Oil, opening his own service station in 1938 on the corner of Sespe and Central. He was a member of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years and Chief from 1964 to 1979. According to his obituary, he was a “decent and honorable businessman, as public servant, as civic minded private citizen, and as just plain friend, he was an ongoing influence for good.” His remodeled station remains on the same corner today as an auto repair shop. It isn’t any wonder that this small park was named in honor of these two men. We are still growing and as new subdivisions are built we are seeing more parks. There is Rio Vista Park near the Santa Clara, Two Rivers Skate Park and a walkway along the Santa Clara similar to the walkway along the Sespe. We have plenty of outdoors to enjoy. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
 Valerie Tobias, #32 for the Oregon State University Beavers. Did you know Fillmore has three successful female athletes, Valerie Tobias (Soccer), Jessie Fontes and Cielo Meza (Softball), who are playing Soccer and Softball at the Division 1 Pac12 level? This week we will feature Fillmore High School graduate Valerie Tobias who is currently a Freshman Midfielder for Oregon State University Beavers, Division 1 NCAA Pac12 Soccer team. Below is her player profile courtesy of the team website - https://osubeavers.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/valerie-tobias/8047. Fillmore High School Highlights: Club Soccer Highlights: Personal Notes: Stay tuned for next week’s feature of Jessie Fontes. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
 A "fight" call went out Saturday night, February 13th around 8:30pm, in the 500 block of Saratoga. Three Sheriff's units responded to the disturbance, and after a brief search four suspects were located. Outcome of the incident was not made available. With the COVID-19 lockdown police calls for Disturbance Party, Fight, and Keep the Peace have increased. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
 Fillmore Heritage Grove Housing development is going full steam ahead, growing by the minute. The development is divided into three neighborhoods: Iron Horse, East Bridge and The Orchards. The Iron Horse neighborhood will have 2-5 bedrooms, 2.5 – 4.5 baths, and 2 – 3 car garages with pricing from the low $600,000. The East Bridge neighborhood homes will have 2-4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 car garage with pricing from the high $500,000. The Orchards will have 3 – 6 Bedrooms, 2.5 – 4.5 baths, 2 -4 car garage with pricing from the $700,000. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook Page Last month’s extreme winds broke numerous limbs and toppled entire trees on Fillmore City property. Staff was busy for several days mitigating the damage. This wind damaged was not limited to public property. There was major damage to trees, sheds, awnings and other items on private property. If downed trees and limbs in residential neighborhoods are left in place they will quickly dry out and soon pose a more significant fire hazard. Recognizing this potential fire hazard, the City will be hosting a tree and limb disposal day on February 20th from 9am to noon at City Well #4 located at 728 Goodenough Rd. Only tree trimmings and other vegetation will be accepted, no other trash or building material will be accepted. This free disposal day is in addition to the annual vegetation drop-off day in May; it does not replace it. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
Over the summer my former student and now President of the club, Emilia Magdaleno, approached me about starting a new club at Fillmore. Emilia is a junior at FHS and she is a wonderful student. Her idea was to form a club at FHS where students could make cards for people who are affected the most by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since September, 35-40 students have been meeting virtually online every week and have been making cards for the Fillmore community. The students have sent virtual cards to teachers, administrators and staff members of Fillmore High School as well as throughout Fillmore Unified School District to encourage and thank them during this challenging time. Club members have also made cards to encourage fellow students during the pandemic. Currently, club members are working on creating physical cards for the patients and staff members at the Greenfield Care Center in Fillmore. Currently they have made well over 200 cards and by the time I deliver cards to the Greenfield Care Center, that number will be closer to 400. As a teacher at Fillmore High School and the advisor of the club, I am just endlessly impressed with and enormously inspired by the members of Flashes Cards 4 Kindness. During an incredibly difficult season, these students have decided to make time every week to create these cards and uplift others. They have busy schedules with distance learning and yet they keep showing up week after week. Teachers have personally reached out to me to tell me how much receiving these cards has meant to them during distance learning when we have been unable to see our students face to face. Here are the student leaders of the club: |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
Courtesy FHS Alumni Office If you are a current Senior at Fillmore High School, and will be enrolled at a four year University, Community Collage, or Trade School in the fall of 2021, you may apply for the Fillmore High Alumni Scholarship starting Tuesday, February 16th by picking up an application at the High School in the main office. Deadline to hand in will be March 31st, 2021. You can hand in at the High School or by dropping off the application in the front door of the Alumni Office at 559 Sespe Ave. (Mail Slot on Front door) The FHS Alumni Mission: FHS Alumni office has help many of Fillmore Students obtain Scholarship money if they plan to attend a four year University, Community College or Trade school this years window to apply is February 16th to March 31st. |
 A group gathered for tea under the Pepper tree in 1940. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
 Pictured above is the Artists’ Wall today with a close up of local teacher, writer and artist, Harriet “Petey” Weaver’s square in the top right hand corner. Enlarge Photo  Fifteen years ago, the tree split in two and it was advised to remove it. The current owners carefully nurtured a sprout coming up from the remaining roots, and here it is today. Enlarge Photo  Art Lyceum 1937 Schedule which was a monthly event where speakers would come and speak about art. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore History Museum One day in 1936, while visiting her in-laws, Ira and Kate Hinckley, Mildred Coombs Hinckley noticed a derelict barn, 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, on the two acres the Hinckley's owned off First St. The idea struck her that the barn could be converted into a home and studio. Her enthusiasm for the idea carried the day and Labor Day saw a family barn raising. One thing they didn’t immediately get was a new roof. The night of the first rain found the couple marshalling anything which could hold water to catch the water from all the leaks in the old barn’s roof. By the fall, the newlyweds had a new home (with a new roof) and Fillmore had an art gallery, the Artists’ Barn. The gallery opened on November 21, 1936 and would be a landmark on Bard Street in Fillmore until 1961. Opening day saw exhibition of not only Hinckley’s work but Jesse and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie and Douglas Shively, all of Santa Paula. Also included from the beginning were wares of local craftsmen. The couple had expected a few dozen guests for the opening. Instead, they had over three hundred. Instituted the first year was the Art Lyceum, a monthly event with a speaker on something related to the art world. The cost? $5 per event. No one knew what sort of audience this would draw in the rural community, but like the opening event, it was soon had a waiting list for tickets. When it opened, the Artists’ Barn was the only art gallery in the county. It became a meeting place for the community and for the art world. The Hinckleys drew artists from throughout the United States to the small community. The community became more knowledgeable and interested in art as a result. Besides artists, the Barn drew tourist buses as it made a good place to break the long drive between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. It was estimated that in the first five years it was open; it had an attendance of 20,000 people. Eventually, the Hinckleys had to enlarge the home to accommodate the art studio and gallery. One aspect of the home was the Artists’ Wall where visiting artists would leave signed works that became a permanent part of the home. Things slowed down during World War II and Lawrence went to work at Douglas Aircraft making charts for the Air Corps. The Hinckleys moved to Los Angeles, renting the Barn to Beatrice Albright, a schoolteacher. Agnes Ashby kept the gift shop running in their absence. After the war ended, they returned to the Barn and began a new phase, ceramics. They made figures and kitchen items such as spoon rests (the first of its kind), match holders and funnels. Lawrence insisted that anything they produced be of the best quality and quickly disposed of flawed items. The current owners tell of when gardening finding unbroken ceramics buried in the dirt – Lawrence’s rejects. Also, immensely popular were the classes that were held at the Artists’ Barn. Many residents remember taking classes there. Their ceramics line was phased out as imports began to flood the market. In 1961, the Hinckleys closed the Artists’ Barn, converting it back to a private home. Lawrence continued to paint and Mildred, now Dr. Mildred Hinckley, a Doctor of Theology, became the minister at the Church of Religious Science in Fillmore. In 1981 the Barn and the massive pepper tree in the garden were both declared Ventura County Historic Landmarks. Lawrence Hinckley passed away in 1987 and Mildred in 1995. |
 (l-r) Jonathan Santos-Beltran, 21, Los Angeles; Kevin Orellana-Cerna, 23, Los Angeles; Sinesio Rodriguez-Escobar, 27, Los Angeles; Kevin Sanchez, 22, Los Angeles; Moises Barahoma, 25, Los Angeles. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
A crew of catalytic converter thieves were apprehended after they stole from a Fillmore resident. Investigators suspect they might be involved in similar crimes occurring in the region. In the early morning hours of February 8th, a Fillmore resident heard a loud noise coming from her vehicle that was parked nearby. Upon further examination, the victim discovered her catalytic converter had been removed from the vehicle and the suspects fled the area. The victim provided the vehicle information that was believed to be associated with the thieves. Deputies quickly responded to the area and noticed two vehicles fleeing. One was identified as a white Toyota Prius, containing three suspects and a yellow Chevrolet Camaro with two occupants. Deputies coordinated a stop of both vehicles. Deputies immediately noticed the Prius had a catalytic converter that had been cut in the rear compartment. The deputies investigated deeper and located saws, a car jack and other items related to catalytic converter thefts. All of the subjects associated in both vehicles were deemed to be working in concert to steal catalytic converters. They were arrested and transported to the Police Station. As the investigation progressed, a second resident called and reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from her vehicle which was parked in the 900 block of Fourth Street. Investigators were able to link this theft with the suspects associated with the Prius and Camaro. All five suspects were arrested and booked at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility for the following charges: The suspects in this case are currently in custody pending a court appearance on February 10, 2021 and $300,000 bail. Catalytic converter crimes are on the rise throughout county. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with reducing these events. We encourage you to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood and help reduce your chances of becoming a victim by parking your vehicles in well-lit areas or secured garages. Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez 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 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
 Daniel Gonzalez, 61, Santa Paula. Santa Paula man arrested for possession of more than a ½ pound of methamphetamine. During the past year, deputies received information regarding a local transient, Daniel Gonzalez, selling methamphetamine to area residents. This information came from multiple sources over a 13-month period. On February 6th, deputies were conducting foot patrol of the district watershed area, in Santa Paula. While conducting their patrol, they contacted Gonzalez, who they suspected of trespassing. During their investigation, they determined Gonzalez was under the influence of a controlled substance and placed him under arrest. While conducting a search of Gonzalez’s personal belongings they discovered 246 grams (8.66 ounces) of methamphetamine. The deputies arrested Gonzalez for violations HS 11550 Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance and HS 11379 Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sales. Gonzalez remains in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility awaiting arraignment. Gonzalez’s bail has been set at $60,000.00 and he is due to appear in court February 9, 2021. Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested with over ½ pound of methamphetamine 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, February 10th, 2021
 On Monday, February 8th at 6:24 pm, at Highway 126 and Atmore Road near Fillmore, a 3-vehicle crash occurred, involving a Tahoe, a compact sedan and a United Pacific Energy semi, hauling propane/butane. There were three injured according to reports, with one transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Cause of the accident is under investigation. Photos courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is in the process of updating the Ventura County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The EOP addresses the County’s planned response to emergency situations and natural, human caused or technological disasters, and requires reviewing and updating every three years. We believe that emergency preparedness is a shared “whole community” responsibility, involving a broad spectrum of community interests, including individual members, businesses, faith-based and other community organizations, academia as well as the media and all levels of government. The public is invited to review the draft EOP and can download a copy by visiting www.ReadyVenturaCounty.org, www.VCEmergency.com or www.VenturaCountyRecovers.org and click on the 2021 EOP Update link at the top of the page. Nature of Incident: Ventura County Emergency Operations Plan |
 After the 1994 Northridge Earthquake the cannon was moved and now sits in front of the Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building on 2nd Street. The plaque reads “W.W.I Cannon Donated by the U. S. Govt. to the City of Fillmore in 1921. Dedicated to all the men and women who serve their country. W.F.W. 9637 – 2001”. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
 The Veterans Service Club formed in 1927 in Fillmore, and in July 1928 the Veterans Service Club ordered a cannon as a gift to Fillmore from the Rartian Arsenal in New Jersey. Pictured above is Len Hawthorn firing the Howitzer in 1979. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum The Fillmore cannon? Well, actually, it’s not. It’s a howitzer, probably of French manufacture based on German plans. So how did it get to Fillmore? In January 1927, a group of Fillmore veterans formed the Veteran’s Service Club. Membership was open to “all men who honorably served in the army, navy or marine corps of the United States or her allies as well as those who have served this country in former conflicts.” The first president of the organization was R. A. Fremlin, who served in the British armed forces during World War I. The American Legion accepted only those who had served in the US military. The Club grew from a charter membership of 35 to 134 by the end of 1927. The group was active in the improvement of Fillmore, taking on sponsorship of the city park which be created near the Southern Pacific Depot between Main and Santa Clara Streets. As a gift to the town the VSC ordered a “cannon” from the Raritan Arsenal in New Jersey. As it was war surplus, the “cannon” itself cost them nothing, but they had to pay $150 in for shipping. In July 1928, the “cannon”, a 150mm howitzer arrived was installed in the City Park which at the time was the area in front of the current City Hall. The “cannon” was not the only thing the VSC were doing in 1928 (although some of their plans were interrupted by the sudden collapse of the St. Francis Dam on March 12/13). They were the sponsor of the spring and fall flower shows, they put on several stage plays. To complete the year, they donated and installed the neon “Fillmore” sign that still can be seen on Central. The “cannon” was a “mobile” piece and on at least two occasions traveled. One story is that in the early 1950s, some fun-loving Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) moved it to the Wm L. Morris lot, then on Central and Santa Clara. No damage was done and the cannon was returned to its home in the park. It was a different story in 1974 when a “local prankster” hooked the howitzer up to his pick up and towed down the street. The wheels of the venerable gun broke under the strain. Retired cabinet make Fred Barger was commissioned to repair the wheels, which he did at no charge. The City Works department placed it on the southwest corner of the City Park so visitors were greeted by the “cannon” as the drove up Central Avenue. The 1994 Earthquake changed many things and so it was with the “cannon”. With the construction of the new City Hall, the “cannon” lost its home. It was also in need of some TLC. Ralph Rees and Basil Dalsem undertook the job of restoring the cannon and when finished, it found its new home at the Veteran’s Memorial Building on 2nd Street where it remains. |
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By Anonymous — Friday, February 5th, 2021
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 On January 27th the Ventura Sheriff ’s Department hosted a Gun Turn-In which resulted in them obtaining 60 guns for destruction, 7 replica BB guns and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Photos courtesy Ventura County Sheriff ’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
On January 27, 2021, the Ventura Sheriff’s Office, and all the cities that contract police services with the Sheriff’s Office, hosted a gun turn-in. This was an opportunity for citizens to turn in unwanted firearms, replica firearms and ammunition for destruction. As a result, 60 guns were turned in for destruction as well as 7 replica BB guns and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Nature of Incident: Gun Turn-In Results 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, February 3rd, 2021
 On Tuesday, February 2nd at 8:14 pm Fillmore Police, Fillmore Fire Engine 91 and AMR responded to a traffic collision involving a pedestrian. The accident occurred in the intersection of Ventura St. (Hwy 126) and Central Avenue. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, injuries unknown. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel - AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
Application period ends February 8
Free application webinars offered daily in several languages. Courtesy City of Fillmore website https://www.fillmoreca.com/Home/Components/News/News/3324/18 Sacramento, CA – California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), today announced that Round 2 of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is open. The $500 million program is intended for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $25,000. Approximately half of the available funds were awarded in Round 1, with disbursement beginning January 22, and the remainder will be awarded to eligible businesses in this second round. The application portal opened at 8:00 a.m. today and will remain open through 6:00 p.m. February 8. Eligible applicants who submitted all necessary documents in Round 1, but did not receive a grant, will be rolled over for consideration in this second round – there is no need to reapply. "What we are seeing is an unprecedented, urgent need,"said Dee Dee Myers, Director of GO-Biz. "Millions of hardworking Californians, who provide jobs to millions more, need help. Inclusive, equitable relief is fundamental to the small business support this state is providing. Surveys find that without additional funding, more than one in three small business owners will not survive past the next three months, including an astounding 32% of Latinx-owned and 41% of Black-owned businesses. This grant program serves to address an immediate need, but there is so much more that needs to be done. We look forward to the additional grants and loans proposed by the Biden Administration." California’s small businesses employ nearly half of the state’s private sector workforce and create two-thirds of new jobs. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies showed small businesses were facing low cash flow levels – estimating nearly half of all small businesses had only two weeks of cash flow pre-pandemic. CalOSBA is pleased to share preliminary data from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program's first round of recipients: For more information on grant requirements and eligibility, along with links to application tips and webinars, visit CAReliefGrant.com. About GO-Biz About CalOSBA |
 If you expressed interest in seeing if you qualify/apply to live in the new affordable apartments project in Fillmore, Many Mansions created an email address to receive community interest inquiries and for the Fillmore community members to join an interest list. To request to join the interest list: Mountainviewapartments@manymansions.org. Above and below are renderings of the final project when complete. Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook Page. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
Affordable Housing Units Double in Fillmore
Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook Page Fillmore is the future home of Mountain View Apartments. Many Mansions partners with the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura to start construction on their very first affordable housing community in the City of Fillmore. Mountain View Apartments design influence is inspired by Fillmore’s rich history in rail and agriculture and has a timeless agrarian craftsman style. This beautiful development will feature 42 townhome style units with attached garages and 35 flats and walk-ups for a total of 77 apartment homes. There will be 37 one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 19 three-bedroom apartments, built as workforce housing for very low- and extremely low-income families. There are numerous on-site amenities including but not limited to a spacious community room that will host free after school programs for the resident children and family services such as food assistance and life skills training for the adults. Access to on-site County of Ventura library services will also be available for the tenants. This is a new partnership we look forward to bringing to more of our affordable housing communities. “Many Mansions invests in more than just building apartment homes, we invest in the future of individuals, families and youth through comprehensive whole person support. We will continue to provide affordable housing and support so that everyone can achieve their life dreams.” There will also be lots of outdoor activities such as a playground, outdoor activity center, barbecue/picnic area, community garden, and a bike and pedestrian paths connecting the property to beautiful downtown Fillmore. This development will be a shining example of a high-quality and well-designed affordable housing and a true community asset. |
 (left) Jolene and Jack Stethem with Yesenia and Alejandra Robles, the proud owners of the newest Free Little Library here in Fillmore which opened at 853 Oliver Street. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
 The following is a letter to the City of Fillmore from Yesenia and Alejandra Robles about their new Free Little Library. Hello city of Fillmore, Our names are Yesenia and Alejandra Robles and we are the proud owners of the new Little Free Library located at 853 Oliver Sr. in Fillmore. This Little Free Library was made by our friend, neighbor and local artist, Jack Stethem. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we do. You are welcome to read the books, the more you read the smarter you get. We want our Little Free Library to be for all ages, so come on take a book and leave a book. If you would like to donate books, they are welcomed, you can leave them inside the library or you can leave them in front of our house. And remember, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the places you’ll go.” - Yesenia and Alejandra Robles |
