St. Paul's Parish Day School Raises Money With Walk-A-Thon
St. Paul's Parish
Day School students, parents, faculty and friends walked their
way to raising over $2,400 to support school programs.The 16
members of the Kindergarten class had the most walkers. The
first grade class earned the most money.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is celebrating its 120th year
in Ventura. The Day School was founded in 1971 to provide a
learning experience of high academic standards in a small,
caring community in which students, families and faculty support
and share in each other's growth. Daily PE and weekly art
classes.
St. Paul's Parish Day School is enrolling students in all
grades K-8 for the 2009-2010 academic year. Open Houses are
scheduled on Thursday March 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and on
Saturday March 28 from 1:00-3:00 p.m..
St. Paul's is located 3290 Loma Vista Road in Ventura.
For more information, contact Admissions at 805-648-5650 or
www.spschool.org.
Picture and story courtesy of Melia Parchman.

a
The 500 block of Central Avenue was closed for several hours on
Monday September 12, 2005 due to Edison lines down. Martin Munoz,
past supervisor of Fillmore's Public Works Department contracted to
have a tree on his property removed. Branches from the tall tree
brought the street lamps lines down and a portion of the tree landed
in the north bound lane of the street. The street was re-opened
after the debris was cleared and Edison had replaced the lines.
All stories on individual pages are set up to be printer friendly but may take more than one page to print out.
American Medical Response ambulance prepares to transport a male resident to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of burns. The condition of the individual in unknown at this time.
Fillmore Fire Department brought fire under control but the apartment and its contents were charred.
An apartment in the 300 block of Santa Clara sustained major damage due to a fire. Fillmore Fire Department with the support of the U.S. Forestry Service from Sequoia Station 45 and Ventura County Station 27 had the fire out before further damage to other apartment.
Apartment Fire On Santa Clara Sends One Man To Hospital
Afternoon At Teague Mansion

Victorian wear will be the featured entertainment at the storied
Teague Mansion in Santa Paula where the latest fashions-"latest" as
in the early 1900s-will turn heads and maybe even offer a glimpse of
ankle in a unique show staged by Santa Paula resident Carol
Beckerdite and friends. Proceeds from the festivity and fashion of
the event, as well as a boutique and ‘Silent Auction’ of the table
decorations, will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara
Valley.
The “Tea at the Teague” is Saturday, July
10,2010, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and include
luncheon, a Victorian Wear fashion show and a boutique at the
historic mansion, a setting befitting the display of period
clothing. Seating for the event is limited and advance reservations
are required.
Built in 1924, the Teague Mansion was the
second home of the Charles Collins Teague family. The stately home
was carefully situated to take advantage of the sweeping views of
the valley and distant Pacific Ocean, and features lush gardens and
expansive lawns. Designed by Roy Wilson in collaboration with Edwin
Thorne and designer Peter Ficker, the style was called Old English
Manor House. Teague Mansion has been recognized as Ventura County
Historical Landmark No. 54. The Mansion doubled for the fabled "Pickfair,"
home of silent stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Sr., in the
1990s film "Chaplin." The Mansion as been generously opened to the
public by current owner Jackie Hamilton for this event.
A modern shuttle will be stationed at the
Mill parking lot at Railroad and Tenth Streets to transport guests
to the hillside setting of the Teague Mansion.
For more information and tickets, call Tammy Hobson, Boys & Girls
Club Board Member, at 805-320-5370. Tickets must be purchased by
July 2, 2010.
The old Henry's Restaurant Building, owned by the Balden Co. on the corner of B Street and Highway 126 is being torn down. According to city officials there are no plans for the parcel but the vacant land will be easier to maintain.
This And That
To music lovers:
Remember to send your check for $10, or more, to the High School for
buying new band uniforms. Our music program is growing each year and
the kids need our support. They are currently wearing uniforms over
25 years old so are in desperate in need of new uniforms----let’s
all help so they will be outfitted in style by September.
To every local politician/griper:
Did you vote last week? I doubt it, since only about 1/3 of the
registered voters made the effort to mark a ballot. At a time when
other people around the world are searching for a government that
will let them vote, here we can’t take the time to go to the polls.
What an oversight! I hope this isn’t a matter of “use it, or lose it
To all parents with kids on skateboards:
I hope you have courage enough to insist your kids wear helmets when
they skate board. (If they refuse, you can always take about the
skateboard until they decide to follow your rules.) Last week an 18
year old boy died after falling and hitting his head at a park and
he was not wearing a helmet. There should be no exceptions.
To local “world travelers:”
When you get home from a trip, how do you feel when you turn
down the Santa Clara Valley and head for Fillmore? Coming along the
Newhall Land and Farming fields I remember they hope to build 25,000
new homes in that area, but once I cross the county line, I suddenly
feel thankful for the terrible restrictions we have in Ventura
County. Without SOAR and the Green Belt, we would soon be just like
Los Angeles County. I can understand why people from LA come down
126 and suddenly see another world they did not know existed so near
Los Angeles. WELCOME HOME—aren’t we lucky.
I doubt that any school district in the United States has an Alumni
Association to compare to the one in Fillmore. It is great to have
such a dedicated group living here to keep it alive and well,
continue raising money for scholarships and trying to keep mailing
lists current. I did not graduate from Fillmore High, but sure do
support everything the Alumni Association does—rah, rah.
6-21-10
Noontime Rotary Awards Seniors
The Rotary Club of Fillmore honored six High School seniors with scholarships at a recent meeting. The six seniors were Esteban Casas, Kelsey MacDonald, Kellsie McLain, Lena Stehly, Rebecca Vassaur and Elizabeth Wareham. Each was awarded $1,000 toward their college education.
Sunrisers Rotary Announces Recipients
Fillmore HS:
Kellsie McLain - $500
Esteban
Casas - $500
Samantha McHammel - $500
Lena Stehly - $500
Sierra HS:
Breanna Johnson - $150
Out of many applicants, these young minds stood out during a
multi-review process of past Rotary Presidents.
District Governor Visiting Fillmore Sun Risers

Deepa Willingham
District Governor
Deepa Willingham will be visiting Fillmore Sun Risers Rotary Club this
coming Tuesday morning 7:a.m. 20th of July 2010 at El Pescador Resturant.
The District Governor is an officer of Rotary
International and is RI’s representative to its member clubs during the
District Governor’s year of service. (Rotarians are members of their
clubs; clubs are members of Rotary International) The visit is an
opportunity for clubs and the district to share information and inspire
each other to achieve their annual and long-term goals.
The official visit will include a one hour
meeting with the Club
Board of Directors, usually after a breakfast meeting. Club BOD and/or
Service Chairs will have brief but meaningful reports, about 2010-2011
year’s plan, to discuss with the Governor. DG Deepa will be looking
forward to hearing about these plans and see how she can support
everyone’s effort to achieve the club’s and the President’s dreams for
the year.
Fillmore Sun Risers Rotary Club is very excited
about the visit from our District Governor.
Fillmore Women’s Service Club
Awards Five Scholarships
June 12, 2010
The Fillmore Women's Service Club presented five Educational Scholarships to Fillmore High School Seniors during a luncheon at El Pescador Restaurant on May 26, 2010. The seniors present for the meeting was Megan Louth and Kelsey MacDonald, who each received $1,500; Samantha Mchammel and Kevin Brock each receiving a $1,000 Scholarship. Danielle Rojo was not able to attend but was awarded the Continuing Educational Award.
The FWSC would like to thank the community for supporting their fire works booth which allows the club to present awards and contribute other services to the Fillmore community.
New Small Business Development Center Opening In Ventura County
The Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County (EDC-VC)
has been selected to host a Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
and will begin operating on July 1, 2010. Since the closure of the
SBDC at Ventura College in December of last year, the Los Angeles
Regional SBDC Network has been working on recruiting a new center.
The new EDC-VC SBDC, located at 1601 Carmen Drive, #215 in
Camarillo, will provide consultations and training sessions to small
business owners in the Ventura County area.
EDC-VC is a regional public/private
economic development organization that delivers programs that
promote jobs and economic growth, and raises overall productivity
and incomes. "We are honored to have been chosen as the host for the
SBDC in Ventura County," said Bruce Stenslie, President/CEO, EDC-VC.
"The entrepreneurial spirit of our small business owners and
surrounding communities is truly unique. We are confident that the
EDC-VC - in conjunction with the SBDC network - will be able to
support and promote economic growth for our entire region."
The new center will further enhance the
already established Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network which is
hosted by Long Beach Community College District and operates six
centers throughout the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura
Counties. "Long Beach City College and the SBDC Network look forward
to working with the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura
County to support small businesses and create jobs," said Eloy Ortiz
Oakley, President of Long Beach City College. "EDC-VC has a history
of responsive small business programs, is a strong economic
development organization and excellent addition to our Network. We
are looking forward to working with Bruce and his team to serve the
small businesses in our region" adds Sheneui Weber, Regional
Director for the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network.
Currently, any small business can take
advantage of the free services that are offered by the SBDC centers
in their area. The SBDC program is the SBA's most extensive economic
development program which helps small businesses create jobs and
strengthen local economies. The SBDC program is designed to match
dollar-for-dollar every federal dollar that it receives with state,
community or private funds. The Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network
received $3.4 million in federal funds in 2009.
Since January 1, 2006, Long Beach Community
College District (LBCCD) has been the host for the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) Network servicing the Los Angeles, Ventura
and Santa Barbara communities. The SBDC program is the U.S. Small
Business Administration's (SBA) most extensive economic development
program, helping small businesses create jobs and strengthen local
economies. LBCCD as the Lead Center holds the contract with the SBA
and contracts with a diverse group of six educational and community
development organizations to deliver services to small businesses.
For more information, please visit
www.smallbizla.org
Civic Pride For Month Of July
Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee has selected Joe and Karin Diaz’s yard at 56 Rio Grande to be the recipient of the July “Yard of the Month” Award.
The Diaz family has lived in their home for four years and with the help of local landscaper, Joe Acosta, has created an inviting and welcoming front yard. White tree roses from Otto & Sons follow the lines of flower beds on both sides of the entry to the front porch, creating a neutral background for the bright splashes of color at their base. Begonia varieties in both red flowering with burgundy foliage and white flowerings with green foliage, along with marigolds, snapdragons and orange daisies fill the flower beds, and pots near the front steps and around the Raewood Ash trees. Miniature bottle brush shrubs, edge the steps. Massive hanging baskets of petunias fill the front porch openings, giving balance to the structure and inviting one up to the entry.
The porch was festively decorated with patriotic hangings and flags for the Fourth of July because it is also Joe’s birthday celebration.
Karin and son, Shawn, expressed appreciation for receiving the $25 gift certificate donated by Otto & Sons Nursery on Guiberson Road and they liked the sign which will remain in their yard for July.
Theft Suspects Arrested
On June 25,
2010, at about 3:30 a.m., Camarillo deputies responded to the 800
block of Calle Portilla for a report of suspicious subjects dressed
in black.
Upon the deputies’ arrival, the suspects
fled on foot. One suspect was seen jumping a fence into a backyard.
Deputies subsequently discovered the suspects were stealing items
from unlocked cars. They requested the assistance of a K-9 unit and
began searching for the suspects.
About 4:50 a.m., with the assistance of the K-9,
one suspect, Mark Gonzales,21, of Santa Paula was located lying in a
cement planter in the 500 block of Calle Castano. There was also a
backpack found near Gonzales that contained a stolen handgun.
Deputies consequently requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s
helicopter.
About 5:45 a.m., a second suspect, Michael
Dryer, 18, of Santa Paula was located while hiding in a shed in the
1600 block of Calle Del Manzano. Dryer was found wearing only his
underwear. He was uncooperative and would not comply with the
deputy’s directions and suffered a minor dog bite.
About 6:55 a.m., the third suspect, Aaron
Morua, 22, of Oxnard was located in the 800 block of Sausalito.
Morua was found in possession of a backpack that contained a loaded
handgun.
All three suspects were booked at the
Ventura County Main Jail for conspiracy to commit a crime,
possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, and
carrying a concealed firearm. Bail was set at $50,000.00. The
investigation is ongoing.
Man Arrested for Secretly Videotaping
On June 18,
2010, Sheriff’s Deputies working at the Ventura County Courthouse
were notified by other Government Center employees that a man on the
grounds was acting suspiciously. Deputies began looking for the
person and eventually found the suspect, 32-year-old Murat Aksu of
Ventura. During the course of the investigation, it was determined
that Aksu was secretly videotaping under women’s skirts as they
walked to and from the Government Center Complex without their
knowledge by use of a miniature video camera hidden in a briefcase.
Aksu engaged his victims in conversation while the videotaping was
occurring.
During the investigation, investigators
seized video evidence supporting the allegations. Other information
indicates that Aksu had been walking around the complex wearing a
government I.D. around his neck giving him an official appearance.
Information from witnesses indicates that Aksu may have been
periodically conducting this activity from as early as February
2010. Anyone who may have witnessed or been victimized by this
activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit at
805-477-7000.
Aksu was arrested on June 18th for using a
concealed camera to secretly videotape another and was booked at the
Pre-Trial Detention Facility. He was released on June 19th after
posting a $10,000 bond.
School’s Out and Summer Camp At The Club Is Open
Boys & Girls Club members gather in the park for Club Round Up, a daily members meeting to learn Club rules and share information. This day’s meeting is conducted by staff member and Boys & Girls Club alumni Jose Saucedo (center.)
June 30, 2010
School is out in Santa Paula, and the Boys
& Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley’s Harvard Clubhouse is rocking with
the sound of young voices. The Club reports a record 120 children
enrolled in the Summer Program, with over 100 children per day taking
advantage of the Club and its programs. The Club helps kids learn and
grow utilizing programs developed through Five Core Areas, The Arts,
Education and Career Development, Health & Life Skills, Sports, Fitness
& Recreation, and Character & Leadership Development. Of course, summer
is time for fun and activity, and the Club is meeting the challenge with
weekly themes such as “Splash Week” “Creative Art Week” and “Super
Science Week.”
Days start early at the Club, with “Early
Birds” arriving at 7:30 a.m., where they are greeted by staff members,
Debbie Gonzales, Mari Juarez and Julio Romo, all of whom organize the
members into such activities as gym games, arts, board games, and other
activities. The Club’s staffers make every effort to take full advantage
of their location by taking the members out into the park and/or sports
fields to be sure everyone is active and enjoying the great outdoors.
Older Club members are also encouraged to read to the younger members,
with instructions to be “enthusiastic” and “speaking clearly,” behaviors
that engage both reader and recipient. The day is rounded out with
snacks, lunch and plenty of fresh air and fun for all.
Construction is on-going at the Harvard
Site, and should be concluded by mid-July. The contractor’s work is
being conducted in closed-off locations in the Club’s perimeter.
Additionally, the Club parking has been restricted with parents and
staff asked to park their cars in the adjacent parking lot, leaving the
black-top available for kid chalk art, which has been enthusiastically
embraced by Club members (their artwork covers the black-top in several
colors and sizes.)
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley
provides after school and Summer Camp programs for children ages 5 to
18, at the Club’s two locations; 1400 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula and
565 First St., Fillmore. Club members pay a $25 annual fee to attend the
Club, and no child is turned away for their inability to pay the
membership fee. It costs the Club $560 per child annually to provide
services for its members. The obvious gap between cost of services and
membership is bridged by generous donations from local businesses,
private donors and local and national grants. Donors interested in
providing financial assistance to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara
Valley are encouraged to contact the Club at 805-525-7910. All
donations, regardless of amount, are gratefully appreciated.
Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic
Returns To Las Posas Country Club
2008 Team Low Gross First Place Winners Steve Brown, Dan Diaz and Jim Tovias.
The Boys & Girls
Club of Santa Clara Valley Golf Classic Planning Committee is pleased to
announce its decision to return to Las Posas Country Club for the 7th
Annual Golf Classic. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 26th
2010. Entry forms for this tournament have already arrived in the mail.
Golfers will enjoy green fees, golf cart, putting contest, raffle, range
balls, lunch, gourmet buffet dinner and prizes at the end of the
tournament. Entry fee for the tournament is $200 per golfer, family
members are encouraged to attend the awards dinner at 5:30 p.m. at an
additional cost of $50 per diner.
The opportunity to play this course is a
rare treat for the casual golfer, as well as the seasoned duffer. As one
of California's premiere golfing destinations, Las Posas Country Club is
a private equity club, owned exclusively by its members. The 18-hole
course was designed by golf course architect, Lawrence Hughes.
To make reservations or to get more
information on the tournament please call the Boys & Girls Club of Santa
Clara Valley at 805-525-7910. Sponsorships are available; golf fees are
included in the sponsorship levels and can be arranged by calling the
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.
7-14-10
Fillmore Peace Pole Nearing A Reality

The Fillmore Peace Pole is in the last planning stages and is projected to be installed in the Fillmore City Park in front of City Hall by September 21, 2010, the International Day of Peace. The Soroptimist International of Fillmore and the Fillmore High School “S” Club are sponsoring the pole in order to have a permanent area in Fillmore to focus on the need for international and local peace. The Peace Pole will be seven sided and each side will be inscribed with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in seven languages. There is still an opportunity to donate toward the Peace Pole. Those persons or organizations donating $100 will be given the opportunity to have an inscription on a plaque at the base of the Peace Pole. Anyone interested in donating toward this worthy project may contact Sarah Hansen at 524-0132 or Oralia Herrera at magnoliares@sbcglobal.net
ArtsLIVE Campaign
Convinced Ventura
County is home to countless “hidden artists,” the ArtsLIVE
initiative of the Ventura County Community Foundation is launching
its I am the Arts campaign.
The campaign invites Ventura County residents to
create an individual poster, highlighting their artistic passions.
Once created, each will join a gallery of online posters.
“This county is full of people who hold down
‘regular’ jobs,” said VCCF President and CEO Hugh J. Ralston. “By
day, they’re accountants, farm workers, teachers, engineers,
students, nurses or homemakers. Maybe even a lawyer, CEO or
entrepreneur. But at night and on the weekends, they pursue their
artistic passions. They’re singing and making music in local
churches and clubs, acting in community theater, dancing ballet,
hip-hop, ballroom and salsa, photographing local landmarks and local
characters; they’re painting, sculpting, making movies, crafting
poems and much, much more.”
They are creating the tapestry of arts in our
community, Ralston added, noting these creative, if sometimes
uncelebrated, people sustain local companies and organizations and
enrich lives on multiple levels, often outside of what are
considered “traditional arts.”
“Believing it is important to show each other how
many of us are actively involved in the arts – whether as artists,
as patrons, as leaders and as advocates – the ArtsLIVE initiative
wants to demonstrate how the arts are important to all of us through
celebrating the artist in each of us,” said Ralston, himself an avid
choral singer.
The I am the Arts posters feature a photo of the
artist with short responses to three questions: What I do to live,
What I live to do and Why I do it.
The first posters in the series feature an
accountant/tap dancer, a teacher/Aztec dancer and a boiler
operator/photographer, and are featured on the initiative’s website,
at artsliveinvc.org.
VCCF invites those who want to cast themselves in
an I am the Arts poster to go
www.artsliveventuracounty.org.
Click on the Resources tab, select “I Am the Arts
poster.” There they can view a gallery of the previous posters and
then upload a photo of themselves practicing their art and fill in
the answers to questions posed in a series of short prompts.
The information will be reviewed and then posted
on artsliveinvc.org.
“Local arts organizations are also considering using these I Am The
Arts posters as part of their marketing campaigns and
donor-recognition efforts,” said Susan Scott, ArtsLIVE consultant.
“We recognize strengthening the arts locally will be more effective
when we understand exactly how many of our neighbors are part of the
arts in our region and engage them in ways that encourage them to
share their artistic passion with the wider community.”
ArtsLIVE is a three-year initiative of the
Ventura County Community Foundation in partnership with The James
Irvine Foundation’s Communities Advancing the Arts. For more
information, go to artsliveinvc.org.
VCCF is a family of charitable funds with combined assets of $100.5
million. Its mission is to promote and enable philanthropy to
improve our community for good for ever, which it does through grant
making, scholarships and leadership training programs through the
Center for Nonprofit Leadership. VCCF has been certified in
compliance with national standards by the Council on Foundations,
the highest form of peer review in the United States . For more
information, visit vccf.org or contact
VCCF at (805) 988-0196.
7-18-10
Safe Kids Day In The Park And Safe Families Event
Bicycles are a classic symbol of childhood recreation, transportation and health. More than 70% of children age 5 to14 ride bicycles. In addition, child participation in other wheel-based sports, such as skateboarding and inline skating, has grown exponentially over the past decade.
Unfortunately, bicycles are also associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile. In 2001, 134 children ages 14 and under died and nearly 314,600 were injured in bicycle crashes. Additionally, more than 176,000 children ages 5 to 14 are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to skateboards, scooters, and skates. Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important determinant of bicycle-related death and permanent disability.
Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%. New observational research conducted by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign reveals that fewer than half of children (41%) wear helmets while riding on wheels and of those who do, more than one third (35%) are wearing their helmets incorrectly.
Safe Kids Ventura County will be having a "Kids Day in the Park and Safe Families" event in collaboration with Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center, Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, and Ventura County Medical Center.
The event will be on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center located at 1030 Temple Avenue, Camarillo. This event is for all families in Ventura County and not limited to Camarillo residents. The First 30 participating children will receive a free gift. Other games and prizes will be available throughout the event.
Activities will include:
Bike/Wheeled Sports Obstacle Course
Helmet Fitting
Booster Seat and Child Passenger Safety Education
Water Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Nutrition and Physical Activity
7-16-10
Girl Scouts Come To Boys & Girls Club
The
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is pleased to welcome two Girl
Scout troops to the Club. Sheila Tate, CEO for Boys & Girls Club of
Santa Clara Valley has been meeting with Sally Knight, Girl Scouts of
California’s Central Coast, with the goal of bringing troop meetings to
the Club so that female Club members would be able to participate. The
meetings are scheduled to begin Monday, June 21st at the Fillmore
Clubhouse and Monday, Tuesday, July 6th at the Santa Paula Clubhouse. In
Fillmore, the girls will meet every Monday for 8 weeks, from 1:00 to
2:30 p.m. In Santa Paula the troop will meet on Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to
2:30 p.m. Both troops will work on earning ‘badges’ during their
meetings.
Guided by the Girl Scout Law: “I will do my
best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and
caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,
and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources
wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl
Scout,” the Club’s girls will learn skills and tools to help them grow
into responsible caring adults. Funding for the Girl Scout program is
being provided by Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast.
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley
is open for the 2010 Summer Season and accepts children ages 5 to 18
yrs. The annual membership is $25 per child per calendar year, allowing
members’ access to the Club and its programs from 12:00 noon to 6:00
p.m. Monday thru Friday. Early Bird program is available from 7:30 a.m.
to 12:00 noon at a rate of $10 per day, which includes a free snack and
lunch.
Water Quality Board Considering Costly Bacteria Measure
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board)
is considering establishing a limit on the amount of bacteria
allowed in the Santa Clara River. Meeting this requirement is going
to touch almost every owner of a home or business in the valley. The
cost will be significant and there is no funding source from the
State to meet this new requirement. The full financial burden of
compliance will likely not hit the property owners until we draw
closer to the compliance deadlines in 2018 and 2024.
The regulatory process the Board would use
to regulate bacteria is called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
which would limit the concentrations of bacteria discharged into the
river and the quantity of bacteria living in the river. Bacteria can
come from many sources including sewage treatment plants discharging
to the river, farm animals, horses, septic systems, wildlife and
storm drains from urban areas.
The TMDL includes recommended strategies
and treatment measures to control bacteria. The measures include
picking up pet waste, increased street and storm drain cleaning,
constructing vegetated filter strips, storm water planters/rain
gardens, cisterns, treatment wetlands, media filters and diverting
storm drain flow to sewage treatment plants. According to the TMDL
Public and private properties would have to be retrofitted with
these storm water treatment measures.
Fillmore storm drains have never been
tested for bacteria and yet this expensive TMDL is being proposed.
The adoption of this TMDL should be postponed until the sources of
bacteria are determined and the responsible parties identified. Also
Reach 3, Santa Paula and Fillmore, should be excluded because both
communities eliminated their treated sewage discharges to the river
during the past year and the benefits of that improvement have not
been measured.
The required schedule in the draft Bacteria
TMDL requires cities to implement a monitoring program within
6-months; prepare an implementation plan within 3-years; achieve dry
weather discharge compliance within 8-years; and, within 14-years
achieve compliance with wet weather discharges.
The public is welcome to attend the Public
Hearing on July 8th being held at the Ventura County Government
Center at 800 S. Victoria Avenue Ventura in the Board of Supervisors
meeting room beginning at 9:00 A.M.
Bert J. Rapp, P.E., Public Works Director
One Injured In Traffic Accident
July 1, 2010
On June 28, 2010 about 5:54 p.m. the California Highway Patrol was dispatched, along with the Ventura County Fire Department and AMR ambulance to a single car accident in the 1400 block of Grimes Canyon Road. Ronald Kitzmiller, 62, of Simi Valley and his son, Anthony Kitzmiller, 34, also of Simi Valley, who was a passenger, was in a 1983 Toyota. Driver Ronald Kitzmiller was traveling northbound on SR 23 just south of Bardadale Avenue at an unknown speed. Traffic ahead came to a sudden and abrupt stop and Kitzmiller applied his brakes and made an unsafe turning movement towards the right side of the roadway. His vehicle overturned into a dirt culvert on the east shoulder and came to rest on its side. Anthony Kitzmiller complained of a broken finger, abrasions, cuts to his head and was transported by ambulance to Santa Paula Hospital for treatment. Ronald Kitzmiller sustained no injuries.
Inmate Death At
Todd Road Jail
July 3, 2010
On July 3, 2010, at approximately 2:30 a.m. a deputy sheriff conducting regular safety checks discovered William Patrick, 52, of Ventura County, unresponsive in his cell at the Todd Road Jail. The deputy immediately summoned additional staff, including a nurse, to assist with life saving efforts.
Paramedics were summoned to render additional aid. Once the paramedics arrived they conducted their own assessment and treatment of Patrick but he was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead at 3:00 a.m. by paramedics.
Per protocol, Sheriff’s Major Crimes investigators responded to assist with the investigation. Later in the morning, an autopsy was performed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Medical Examiner ruled that Patrick’s death was a suicide.
Patrick was arrested on June 22, 2010, for a misdemeanor warrant. He was due back in court on July 13 for further proceedings on his case.
Ribbon Cutting Opens Two Rivers Park
From left is Bert Rapp, Public Works Director; Glen Hille of Boyle Engineering; Joshua Sandoval; Mayor Patti Walker, cutting the red ribbon; Alphonso Romero; Sammy Domingues; David Lugo; Camilla Conaway and Jonathan Richmond, who submitted the winning name of the Two Rivers Park. The celebration took place on Friday, July 2, 2010, with very few people attending to enjoy the opening of the park.
First Annual Freedom Breakfast Hosted By FFA
July 7, 2010
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) held a breakfast on July 4, 2010, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Fillmore, CA. Veterans and active military personnel were offered a free breakfast, all others paid $5 for their tickets to the event.
According to Brooke Aguirre, an FFA member there were approximately 380 in attendance from the community. Each FFA member participated by selling presale tickets, parents and boosters cooked while student were serving the meals. There were lots of decorations in red, white and blue and to fulfill the student’s goal to give the community a place to gather and visit in celebration of the Fourth, and they hope to continue a breakfast as an annual event in the future.
The morning meal consisted of eggs, sausage, and all you can eat pancakes. Donations were given from Starbucks, Chase Brothers Dairy, Matt Davis, and Roger and Rose Martin. A special thank you went to Ron Mendez, Rigo Landeros, FFA Boosters Club and parents for all their time and effort which went into preparing and cooking for the occasion.
An upcoming Barn Dance at the high school farm is planned for July 24, 2010, and the tickets will be on sale soon so watch for more information on this next fun affair.
All proceeds go to support FFA educational activities and leadership conferences.
Fourth Of July Holiday A Success

July 7, 2010
The week before and during the Fourth of July holiday went fairly well according to the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department.
There were fourteen citations issued to various individuals for the use of illegal fireworks. The illegal type of fireworks were taken by police and housed at the Fillmore Fire Departments Storage until they could be picked up by the Ventura County Hazardous Materials Unit to be destroyed. The individuals who were found in possession of the illegal type explosives were given a citation for $1,000 for setting off or preparing to use any type of explosive devise not under the Safe and Sane type fireworks which could be purchased at the various booths along Highway 126.
This year’s fireworks booth sales were up from last years sales. The money from each of the non-profit booths will go to help various organizations which support service clubs in their effort to contribute toward scholarships, provide for seniors, or to be donated in such a manner which improves the community.
The Fillmore Sunriser Rotary’s booth was broken into and some large packages of fireworks were taken. There were a few non-injury accidents but no major damage was reported to the occupants of the vehicles.
The city’s display of fireworks began at about 9:10 p.m. and was beautiful and exciting to everyone watching the many different types of explosives being shot high in the air from the Fillmore Middle Schools playing field.
According to those individuals working long hours in the fireworks booths were pleased with the amount of money their clubs made this year.

Patty Harrison, 2010-2011 Board President, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.
The Board of Directors
of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is pleased to announce their
newly elected President of the Board, Patty Harrison who took over the position
on July 1, 2010. A lifelong resident of Santa Paula, Patty is pleased to lead
the Boys & Girls Club on its journey as a leading after school child development
organization. “Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated, professional, and
exceptionally talented people. I am excited to work with each person on our
Board, using all of our gifts and talents to support this organization. The Boys
and Girls Clubs of the Santa Clara Valley will be here to provide the valuable
support through our after-school and summer programs, homework assistance,
mentoring and fun activities. Look for the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls
Clubs to benefit each community we serve through innovative programs and strong
leadership. It is the ‘Positive Place for Kids!” said Patty.
The Board is also happy to announce its
newest member. Cynthia Dunbar, Troop Real Estate, was voted onto the Board at
the Board’s June meeting. The balance of the Board is made up of members:
Mike Hause, Immediate Past President, Deborah Jurgensen, Vice
President, Tracy Grove, Secretary, Mike Mobley, Treasurer and Past President,
Tammy Hobson, John Kulwiec, Steve MacKinnon, Tom McGrath, Earl McPhail, Gary
Nasalroad, Past President, and Tony Soriano, Past President.
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley
provides after school and Summer Camp programs for children ages 5 to 18, at the
Club’s two locations; 1400 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula and 565 First St.,
Fillmore. Club members pay a $25 annual fee to attend the Club, and no child is
turned away for their inability to pay the membership fee. The actual cost to
the Club is $560 per child annually to provide services for its members. The
obvious gap between cost of services and membership is bridged by generous
donations from local businesses, private donors and local and national grants.
Donors interested in providing financial assistance to the Boys & Girls Club of
Santa Clara Valley are encouraged to contact the Club at 805-525-7910. All
donations, regardless of amount, are gratefully appreciated.
Crowds Visit Fillmore's Car Show

Approximately 20 to30,000 folks enjoyed the special cars in downtown Fillmore on the Fourth of July. The specialty of each car which was restored and in perfect condition for the show was a true pleasure and the crowd was busy asking questions about the older models which looked as if they had just come off the show room floor. It was evident that many hours and lots of work had gone into each a every car for the restoration of all the vehicles on display. (Pictures courtesy of Timeless Images.)

Helicopter Rescue
On July 7,
2010 at approximately 2:00 PM a helicopter was requested for a
victim who was stranded on a cliff in the Santa Monica Mountains,
overlooking the ocean, near Sycamore Cyn. Upon arrival the
helicopter crew noticed that a young girl,11, of Ontonagon,
Michigan, was stranded approximately 200 feet up the cliff side
clinging to a rock outcropping. The girl’s father had climbed the
rocky cliff but was only able to ascend to within 40 feet of his
daughter. A California State Park Ranger had climbed up to her
location and was helping her remain calm while sizing up the rescue
options.
The Sheriff’s Department helicopter,
piloted by Kim Bergeson responded with a rescue crew comprised of
AMR Paramedic Vanvlymen, Fire Captain Monday, Fire Fighter Golden
and Sheriff’s Sergeant Underlin. Fire Fighter Golden was hoisted out
of the hovering helicopter approximately 100 feet down to the
stranded girl to assess her condition. Golden was able to cling to
the rock face next to the victim and communicate to the helicopter
that the victim was uninjured but unable to climb down due to the
unstable rock conditions.
Fire Fighter Golden was able to attach a
rescue rope to a small bush that was growing out of the rock and
both the girl and the ranger were able to safely descend the cliff
face with the aid of the rope to waiting emergency personnel.
Golden was then able to untie the rescue rope
from the small bush and he was hoisted back into the helicopter.
While rock climbing can be a safe activity, it
requires proper safety equipment and training. Rock conditions along
the Pacific Coast in Ventura County are inherently unsafe due to the
unstable shale rock and a lack of safe areas where proper climbing
equipment can be utilized.
Winners Of The Fourth Of July Car Show
July 8, 2010
City officials estimate that about 20,000 people ventured out to Fillmore on the 4th of July to attend the Sespe Creek Car Show and Festival, observe the horseshoe tournament, purchase safe and sane fireworks and stay for the annual spectacular fireworks display in the sky.
The car show attracted approximately 220 car entries this year, down about 30% from previous years, but still substantial enough to satisfy the car enthusiast. The following entrants took home a beautifully crafted blue glass-engraved trophy for winning in their selected category.
T Buckets—Tom Sheehan; Street Rods 1900-1932—Gary Larkins; Street Rods 1933-1936—Mark Pierce; Street Rods 1937-1941—Greg Chavez; Street Rods 1942-1948—Roy Tapia; Street Rods 1949-1963—Ralph Casallittas; Mustangs—Tony Rivas; 1955-1957 Chevy’s—Mike Wiener; Rat Rod—John Lynch; Rancheros—William Taylor; Corvettes—Kevin Warring; Thunderbirds—Gerald Lybolt; Sports Cars—Richard Faidley; Camaros—Gran Classics; El Camino—Jerry Jenkins; Truck-Pickup—Kevin Warring; Stock Original 1900-1940—Pepe Gonzales; Stock Original 1941-1951—Ernie Trujillo Stock original 1952-1974—Joe Avila; Street Rod Open—Bob Boudreau; Street Rod Closed—Deuces Wild; Mild Modification—Albert Papu; Major Modification—Jerry Kransler; Muscle Cars—Eddie Arano; Most Likely to be Stopped—Nick Donwen; Under Construction—Manny Figuerea; Drag Cars—John O’Hare; Under 21—Roy Nava; Best Flames—Joe Freas.
Fillmore & Western Railway’s sponsor and event coordinator would like to thank the following businesses for donating goods and services as door prizes to the car owners: Vaquero Sports Wear, La Fondita, El Pescador, Snap on Tools, Deuces Wild Hot Rods, Dewey Thompson Auto Parts, Loose Caboose Garden Center and Gift Emporium. We would also like to thank the volunteers of the Fillmore Noon timers Rotary Club, Jesus and Sammy Hernandez and the VC Sheriff Explorer Cadets, who so generously gave of their time working the event.
After coordinating the five car shows, Fillmore & Western Railway will be handing the event over to Carnales Motorcyle Club in 2011. Fillmore & Western has been seeking a non-profit organization for the last two years to take over the event and the motorcycle club stepped up this year to help with the event and is ready and willing to take on the responsibilities to coordinate all of the activities next year, much to the appreciation of the railroad. Several non-profit entities have managed the event over the past 20 years, and in an effort to keep the event local, Fillmore & Western took over from the local Rotary in 2006.
Many car and fireworks enthusiasts find their way to Fillmore each 4th of July, benefiting all of the non-profit fireworks booths and the for profit businesses in the downtown business district and along Highway 126. Thank you again to the prize sponsors and to the volunteers for another successful Independence Day event.
Trees Burn From Fireworks And Threatens Home


Four Italian Cypress trees caught fire and burned on the Fourth of July, 2010. The Fillmore Sheriff's Department and Fire Department feels the cause of the fire was due to illegal fireworks. The blaze was intense and next to a home, however the structure was not burned but the owner did have a water hose to water down the roof. The picture on the left shows the flames and then the burned out trees after the fire had been extinguished which occurred in the 600 block of Boulder Street off of Third Street. No other damage was reported. (Pictures courtesy of Timeless Images)
Fillmore Historical Museum Displays
Wedding Dresses From Days Gone By
Antique wedding gowns worn by brides ready to marry their husbands in Fillmore are on display at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
May 15, 2009
Starting on May 15, 2009, the Fillmore Historical Museum, located at 340 Main Street in Fillmore, will be displaying wedding dresses and photos from 1886 to the 1960’s. The display includes a century-old hand crocheted wedding dress, a lovely dress made from a silk parachute, a dress worn by a mother and her daughter, and a 70 year old dress that is modern enough to be found on the fashion runways of today.
Courtesy of Mathias Gonzales, we included the Hispanic tradition of the father of the groom writing the father of the bride, asking for the bride’s hand in marriage. Pictures of the families and a copy of the letter written in Spanish and translated into English are on display. We invite you to visit the museum and discover the joys of romance and marriage during the time period since Fillmore’s establishment until the mid 20th century.
The museum has been fortunate that over the years local Fillmore residents have donated numerous items of their family treasures to be displayed for all to enjoy. This is your hometown museum dedicated to showing how Fillmore and its surrounding communities of Bardsdale, Sespe and Piru grew and developed.
The restored 1887 depot is now home to many railroad related photos and artifacts. There are tools used by the farming community, photos of the early days and a beautiful mural created by local artist, John Brothers, depicting Central Avenue in about 1910.
The craftsman style Hinckley House is filled with antiques of the kind found in your grandmother’s home. There is also a display of art by Lawrence Hinckley who, with his wife, established the “Artist’s Barn” in Fillmore. Lawrence was an early Fillmore High School graduate who became a noted artist in the 1930s and 1940s.
Finally the 1919 Rancho Sespe bunkhouse houses an eclectic mix of Fillmore memorabilia. This is where the wedding display is located as well as displays of Fillmore’s early schools, Indian artifacts, WWI and II and hundreds of photos of early Fillmore.
People are welcome to visit the museum which is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are offered to groups and day by appointment.
The museum is run by an all volunteer organization and is always looking for additional helpers to guide tours or work in the collection. Contact the museum office in the bunkhouse or by phone at 524-0948.
A wedding gown on the left was remade to a party gown from a parachute returned from WWII. The grown on the right still reveals how small the women were in the late at the 1800s and early 1900s. Many more item housed in the Fillmore Museum tell a long story of the early days as Fillmore became a city in Ventura County. There are so many things to see which brings back times that should never be forgotten.
San Cayetano School's Children Go For A Swim
7-11-10
Four New Banners
On Central Avenue
On July 8, 2010, family member Ethan Arnold is holding up Noah Arnold's banner; Annette Fox, mother of JT Stone's is holding her son's banner; Capt. Brandt Klopp, Army, is holding up his own banner and is dressed in full uniform and Joseph Mendoza's banner was held by Jim Rogers of the VFW since his family was unable to attend. The ceremony took place on the south steps of Fillmore High School before they were installed on the light poles on Central Avenue. The event was attended by numerous family members before the banners were installed The new banners will be along those who have already been installed to honor all our men and women serving their country from the City of Fillmore.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9637 stand attention and salute the banners while they are being held up by family members. The short ceremony took place on July 8, 2010, on the front south side of the Fillmore High School before being installed on the light poles. Shown from left is Vic Westerberg, Jim Mills, John Pressey, and John Hart.
7-11-10
Extreme Heat Advisory To Residents
Local public
health officials have activated the Ventura County Contingency Plan
for Excessive Heat Emergencies in response to the extreme heat
warning issued by the National Weather Service for inland and
mountain regions of Ventura County. The excessive temperatures are
forecasted throughout the upcoming weekend. The plan directs public
health leaders to coordinate with local officials and agencies to
provide public information and support in order to prevent
heat-related illnesses.
Ventura County officials have begun
outreach to local media, senior centers, nursing homes and
businesses offering guidance on ways to reduce heat-related
illnesses.
Precautionary cooling centers are available in the following
locations:
Fillmore Senior Center 533 Santa Clara Street 8 a.m. to 8
p.m.
Moorpark Active Adult Center 799 Moorpark Avenue 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. - Mon-Fri
Port Hueneme Community Center Senior Room 550 Park Avenue 8
a.m. to 6 p.m.
Moorpark City Library 699 Moorpark Avenue 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. -
Mon-Thur 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Fri - Sat 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Sun
Some health conditions such as obesity,
fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and
drug and alcohol use can make it harder for the body to stay cool in
hot weather.
While the heat advisory is in effect, be sure to:
• Get plenty to drink
o Drink more water, juice and sports drinks
o Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) and alcohol
• Stay cool indoors
o Stay in an air conditioned area, if possible
o If you don't have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or
public building for a few
hours o A cool shower or bath is also a good way to cool off
• Wear light clothing and sunscreen
o Choose lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing o A
wide-brimmed hat will keep your head cool
o Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher
and reapply every two hours while in the sun (all skin types)
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully
o Try to be less active during late afternoon, the hottest part of
the day
o Rest often in a shady area
o Never leave kids or pets in a parked car
• Pace yourself
o Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks
o If your heart pounds, you become out of breath, lightheaded,
confused, weak or feel faint, stop your activity and rest in a cool
or shady area
• Use a buddy system
o Check on your friends and family and have someone do the same for
you o Check on the elderly and people with health conditions twice a
day during a heat wave
"Heat-related illness can be prevented by taking precautions while
the heat advisory is in effect," said Dr. Robert Levin, County
Health Officer.
Warning signs of heat illness include heavy
sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness,
dizziness and fainting. Due to the extreme heat forecasted for
Ventura County, officials will continue to closely monitor weather
reports.
For more information about extreme heat, visit
www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov.
Information will also be posted on our Web site at
www.vchca.org/ph . Anyone with concerns
about the extreme heat is encouraged to consult the Web site for
relevant information.
7-15-10
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
A recent column by
Diane Lohof in the Ventura Star talks about old folks trying to get
a job. It says all the things that many of us are aware of. As a
former employer for over 40 years, I often pulled out my hair with
high school kids who wanted to work under the RIP. Frequently they
arrived in inappropriate dress (skirts and shorts toooooo short,
hair frizzed all over or hanging in their eyes without being combed,
bellies showing), seldom on time, did not even know how to answer a
phone or file alphabetically or being able to figure 10% off a
premium. And they wanted top pay to start the job.
Where did my generation learn about things and become
so smart so quick? I guess when the food on the dinner table each
day depended upon your small salary going into the food budget, you
wanted to learn and hold that job as long as possible. Kids were
expected to be
responsible and be a part of the family first with little time to
just hang out and be lazy.
Employers today should realize that WE senior citizens have already
learned a long list of job requirement.
DEPENDABILITY: You can bet we will be on time,
and maybe a few minutes early, be willing to work overtime if
necessary to get an important job completed for the company. Few of
us ever call in “sick” to just take off the day for personal
business. We are seldom sick—little things with your body just are
accepted and we work through them and unless we have a
fever, WE WILL BE THERE.
RESPONSIBILITY: If you give us the keys, you know
things will be locked up in your acceptable way and no problems. If
we happen to be working alone, we will give our best to resolve
problems and work it all until you get back to take care of the
situation.
PROFESSIONALISM: We will not show off any tattoo
that we may have acquired or have any piercings. Our attdire will
fit into the job whether it is for the office or an outside job. We
know how to look our best and know that a customer coming into your
business will probably see us first and judge your business by the
way we are dressed and present ourselves.
HARD WORKING: We will get our assigned job
completed and stay with the project until it is turned over to you.
We know the job is not the place for answering our personal cell
phone. We can check messages at noon, so kids (or grandkids) should
not be calling while we are at work. And we never play computer
games during our work time. You can depend on getting 8 hours of
work for 8 hours of pay.
COMPATIBILITY: If we have learned one thing, in
our many years of working, it is getting along with people,
accepting “the strange and funny” other people we are working with
and making things go as smoothly as possible. We have people that we
don’t like but know how to get the job done working with them.
Often, any job shows how pouring oil upon the water and working
together to get the job done is better than making trouble with
gossip and just being stubborn with a chip on our shoulder. With
most older folks, that “just isn’t going to happen.” We know that
honey will work every time.
Most of us ”way over 60 retirees” enjoy being at home
and just taking on simple jobs to entertain ourselves, but
occasionally when one of us needs to take over a real job, we are
turned down because of our age. Hey, that is their loss because you
won’t find better workers anywhere than us old folks, whether it is
a paying job or being a volunteer.
6-21-10
To all clock watchers:
Oh my, last week we had the longest day of the year to start summer,
and now every day will be getting a bit shorter until we get to the
shortest day of the year, Dec.21st. I hate the thought, so enjoy
these longer summer days while we have them.
By the time Christmas gets here it will be dark before “supper
time.”
To all kids:
Are YOU HAVING ANY FUN! Remember to do your chores and enjoy a
little time to just be lazy before you head for the pool or
skateboard park for the afternoon.
To seniors over 60 years of age:
If you are missing the nutrition program at the Senior Center, you
are missing some good food with an outstanding salad bar each
Tuesday and Thursday. Pat Rees will soon have fresh garden produce “
from home” to add each week to her salads, so don’t miss these
great, and inexpensive, meals.
To the folks in Fillmore:
Have you noticed the signs and improvements in front of several of
our schools and the school farm? Most of these were done as Eagle
Projects by local boy scouts, so be sure and help any of the boys
when they need a donation to finance their projects. A little bit
from you makes a big difference to them.
Yes, we all hate the traffic when the fireworks stands are open so
take the back roads and stay off the highway when possible. These
stands finance many, many scholarships and other needed activities
in Fillmore, so work and support them as much as you can----AND BE
CAREFUL so no fires are started, or kids injured by using them.
The TREASURE BOX hopes to be able to deliver food in the near future
for local Fillmore and Piru residents. Norman Sandford is doing the
paper work and the Senior Center will be taking the money in advance
and keeping track of orders. The 22-25 pounds of frozen food will
then be delivered monthly to the Center for pickup. There is no age
or income restrictions for this program, so if you want to spend $30
for a box of first quality frozen food, call the Center for details.
524-4533.
This And That
6-28-10
“FISHING”
Early Day Fishing Near Fillmore
I guess, when it was too cold for swimmin’
in the Sespe, it was fishin’ time. By 1910 the opening day of
fishing season was May 1st, and that was reason enough to quit any
local job if the boss was obstinate enough to insist you had to
work. Kennie Fine said the
opening day of fishing and hunting season was an unofficial holiday
for all the men around Fillmore and that was understood before you
“hired on” in most cases. Even school closed for “fishing day” for
kids and teachers until the 40s---imagine that!
The Sespe Creek had a reputation all over
Southern California. It was good fishing for trout and steelhead.
And everyone came to check it out! Rooming houses were booked up and
you couldn’t get a stool at the local cafes so the city folks almost
took over for a few days when the season opened. Kennie said it
would get so crowded, “you had to take your own rock” to have a
place to stand and fish.
The locals usually had a favorite fishing
spot “up the Creek” and they packed in the day before and had a
little privacy and elbowroom when they wet their lines
on opening. They expected to get their limits and seldom were
disappointed. If possible, these fishing holes were not divulged to
outsiders.
After opening, fishing became a favorite
pastime for local youths when their chores
were done. The kids were close to both the Sespe and Santa Clara and
always ready to take an afternoon to try their luck. Harold Balden
grew up on the southwest corner of Central and Ventura Street. From
his house, it wasn’t far by bike to Sespe Creek and his favorite
fishing spot located near the present bridge on Highway 126. He told
me it wasn’t unusual to take 100 trout out of that hole. Harold
enjoyed fishing as long as he lived and was very good at it. The
Sespe trained him well. (Since the limit was 50 fish, maybe Harold
used his “official fisherman’s training” and added a few to that
report to me. Maybe he did take
an extra 50 ”for good measure.”)
In 1969 the Santa Clara River was running
“full” after some big rains and the William Shiells Company lost
over 45 acres of prime orange orchard planted next to the river. The
Santa Clara is noted for going “where it wants to go” and this year
it wanted a new channel on the north side and started making it. As
my husband watched whole trees covered with unpicked fruit floating
down the river, Jim Shiells told him not to worry about it. Jim
said, “I’ve sat on this north bank when I was a boy and fished from
this very spot and caught trout. We knew it used to be river and now
it is once again.” It was too late in the century to make new
fishing holes and the water was soon gone, but the memory remains.
According to Kennie Fine, the favorite way
of securing big steelhead was by spear. Now, spearing fish was
illegal, immoral and unconstitutional, but if you didn’t get caught,
it didn’t make any difference. Every family had a good spear for
taking steelhead, and it was used. When a family wanted “fish for
dinner”, they usually had it. When the young men wanted some
entertainment, they went to a shallow place and caught fish by
hand---now, that was a challenge!
We all know that times change, but it is
the wonderful memories that keep the
old-timers sitting on the front porch with a smile on their faces
with a “BEEN THERE, DONE THAT” attitude. (If you want to read more
about Kennie Fine’s Memories, stop by the Historical Museum,
Patterson Hardware, or The Treasure Station and buy a copy. Sandy
Ward’s gift shop in the train caboose may still have a copy for
sale. It would make a great gift for any father or older friend.)
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
Start Smart Presentation
7-14-10
Mayor Ernie Villegas reads a proclamation from the City of Fillmore acknowledging Kozar for his 34 years of dedication to his department and the city.
Public Works Superintendent Retires After 34 Years
With perfect Autumn California weather family, friends, the city staff honored John Kozar by getting together for an outside dinner party on the front patio of the Fillmore City Hall for his retirement party. After 34 years as an employee with the City of Fillmore, Kozar will officially retire on December 31, 2005.
On Friday, November 18, the evening began at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres by Jesus “Chewy” Ortiz. Amid the beautifully decorated area, filled with plants and tiny lights wrapped around the tree trunks, gave the surroundings a warm and comfortable illusion.
A buffet dinner of pit barbecued pork and beef, with many side dishes, was served to the large group of more than 200 people. The dinner was prepared and served by Steve and Brian Villegas, sons of Mayor Ernie Villegas. Six special frosted cakes were prepared for desert. Special music was played by RJ Stump, everyone’s favorite DJ.
Kozar received several proclamations from dignitaries including Supervisor Kathy Long Office, which was presented by Administrative Assistant Martin Hernandez, Audra Strickland’s Office, Senator Elton Gallelgy, and State Senator George Runner gave him a plaque for his years of service. Ernie Villegas read a proclamation from the City of Fillmore. The Soroptimist International of Fillmore gave him certificate for his never ending support, commitment, and awareness for the ongoing projects of their organization.
The men who had work so many years under John’s supervision gave him a special gift made from some of the tree trunks which had been removed from areas around Fillmore. The craftsmen made “their boss” a beautiful hand made park type bench he not only can enjoy but also remember them for years to come. Kozar’s nephew Gilbert Zavala, had all the medals John had earned during his service in the Viet Nam war mounted on a framed dark background and placed under glass. Kozar served with U.S.Army, 5th Mechanized Infantry Division was awarded the Purple Heart after an injury.
Several family members presented John with gifts while many employees enjoyed roasting John now that he was no longer “upper management.” Retired Fire Chief Pat Askren gave him some books on how to catch fish the right way, while Master of Ceremonies, City Manager Tom Ristau had everyone laughing with his share of remarks.
Before the evening came to an end a video was shown on his early childhood, married life with Lois and their children along with pictures of the numerous accomplishments as a machine gunner on a tank and many of his war buddies.
John and his wife Lois will be leaving Fillmore in mid December to live in a new home in an area where there will be streams for John to go fishing and places for hunting.
Kozar is a graduate of Fillmore High School and besides his love of the outdoors; he enjoyed decorating the city with the beautiful White “Iceberg” Roses.
John Kozar relaxes on the handmade bench crafted by employees from the Public Works Department while Roger Campbell has a few choice words for John.
American Medical Response ambulance prepares to transport a male resident to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of burns. The condition of the individual in unknown at this time.
Fillmore Fire Department brought fire under control but the apartment and its contents were charred.
An apartment in the 300 block of Santa Clara sustained major damage due to a fire. Fillmore Fire Department with the support of the U.S. Forestry Service from Sequoia Station 45 and Ventura County Station 27 had the fire out before further damage to other apartment.
Apartment Fire On Santa Clara Sends One Man To Hospital
Fillmore Fire Department's Annual Toy Drive And Chicken Dinner The Best Ever
Fillmore fire fighters prepare the barbecued chicken dinner along with salad, beans and rolls. For most this was a drive-through affair. Chief Chef, pictured in center with white apron, was Capt. Bob Thompson. Chief Egedi wanted to thank all the people who brought toys and the food was donated by Gelson's Market, Cisco's Foods and L.A. Poultry for their donations.
Fillmore Fire Department pile the donated toys for a chicken dinner on December 11, 2005, in a vintage fire truck which was filled in back and down the sides. According to Fire Chief Pete Egedi "This was the best turn out ever!" The department gave out 325 dinners for all the wonderful toys. Chief Egedi said more toys will be accepted through December 20 for those who would still like to contribute. The toys will be taken to the North Fillmore Storefront where Santa will be handing out the goodies to the children on Wednesday, December 21, starting at 3 p.m.
Fillmore Fire Department's Annual Toy Drive And Chicken Dinner The Best Ever
Fillmore fire fighters prepare the barbecued chicken dinner along with salad, beans and rolls. For most this was a drive-through affair. Chief Chef, pictured in center with white apron, was Capt. Bob Thompson. Chief Egedi wanted to thank all the people who brought toys and the food was donated by Gelson's Market, Cisco's Foods and L.A. Poultry for their donations.
Fillmore Fire Department pile the donated toys for a chicken dinner on December 11, 2005, in a vintage fire truck which was filled in back and down the sides. According to Fire Chief Pete Egedi "This was the best turn out ever!" The department gave out 325 dinners for all the wonderful toys. Chief Egedi said more toys will be accepted through December 20 for those who would still like to contribute. The toys will be taken to the North Fillmore Storefront where Santa will be handing out the goodies to the children on Wednesday, December 21, starting at 3 p.m.
2010 Ventura County Fair Entry Guides
Entry Guides for the 2010 Fair are available now. You can get a hard
copy at any County Library (check out a good book while you are
there) You can also download the Entry Guide on line. Entry Dates
for most departments are Friday, July 23, Saturday, July 24 and
Sunday, July 25. Here is a list of the Fair departments and some
suggestions of what you can enter!
Agriculture- Enter something you grew in the garden; Zucchini,
tomato beans Enter agriculture products; Cheese, Beer, Wine. The
entry guide has a category for everything agricultural. There is a
Youth division, so encourage your children to grow and show.
Fishes and Friends- If you like raising tropical Fish, Goldfish,
Turtles, or Tortoises this is the place for you! Create a beautiful
Aquarium, or enter the Fish on its own merit. This is a beautiful
department and it is enjoying the second year in its new location
down by Small Livestock! Don’t miss the Ugliest Fish Contest!
Floriculture- Flowers and Arrangements, Cactus, Succulents and
Bushes, Gardens, Ponds and Patios. Youth and adult divisions
available. Pay attention to the special entry days for cut flowers!
Gem and Mineral- Enter Jewelry, Gems, Gem Cutting, Minerals, Fossils
and more. Youth department available. Note there are special entry
dates for Gems and Minerals!
Hobbies and Collections- Adult and Youth divisions! Model airplanes,
Ships, Space Craft, Figurines, Models of all kinds. Collections of
Baseball cards, Trains, Ornaments, Dolls, Stamps and all other
collections.
Home Arts! Amateur Art, Arts & Crafts! Creative Writing & Poetry!
Dolls and Doll Clothes! Scrap Books, Wood Carving. Baked Goods and
Preserved Foods! Clothing, Quilts, Knitting, Needlework, Embroidery
and so much more! - Enter Cooking and Baking Contests. Talk mom into
entering her best recipe, she will love you for it!
Horse Shows- Western, Drill Team, English, Friesian, Mules, Draft
Horses, and other special events!
Large Livestock- Sheep, Goats, Swine, Heifers, Lambs, Steers and
more! Please check the rules very carefully before entering!
Small Livestock- Enter your Chickens, Turkeys, Rabbits, Cavy (Guinea
Pigs) and more! Great contests like Chicken Clucking and Rooster
Crowing! Animal dress up contests! So much more- this is FUN!
Photography- Color, Black & White, Series, Portraits, Landscapes,
Photo Stories and more can be entered in this incredible department!
Check the entry guide for more information.
Professional Arts- If you are a professional painter, sculptor or at
other fine art take a chance and enter into the Pro Arts departments
juried show. Only the best get in. (well, at least what the judges
think is the best!)
Youth Expo- Kids from pre Kindergarten to 12th grade enter in a LOT
of categories! Scrap Booking, Computer Art, Photography, Creative
Writing, Painting, Drawing and so much more! Check out the GLUE A
SHOE Contest! You will love it because it is so cool!
The 2010 Fair theme is “Western Nights and Carnival Lights”. The
Fair opens Wednesday, August 4 and runs through Sunday, August 15.
Fillmore Fire Department's Annual Toy Drive And Chicken Dinner The Best Ever
Fillmore fire fighters prepare the barbecued chicken dinner along with salad, beans and rolls. For most this was a drive-through affair. Chief Chef, pictured in center with white apron, was Capt. Bob Thompson. Chief Egedi wanted to thank all the people who brought toys and the food was donated by Gelson's Market, Cisco's Foods and L.A. Poultry for their donations.
Fillmore Fire Department pile the donated toys for a chicken dinner on December 11, 2005, in a vintage fire truck which was filled in back and down the sides. According to Fire Chief Pete Egedi "This was the best turn out ever!" The department gave out 325 dinners for all the wonderful toys. Chief Egedi said more toys will be accepted through December 20 for those who would still like to contribute. The toys will be taken to the North Fillmore Storefront where Santa will be handing out the goodies to the children on Wednesday, December 21, starting at 3 p.m.
The old Henry's Restaurant Building, owned by the Balden Co. on the corner of B Street and Highway 126 is being torn down. According to city officials there are no plans for the parcel but the vacant land will be easier to maintain.
Public Works Director Bert Rapp called a special meeting of the Fillmore City Council to discuss violations at the waste water treatment plant during the past twelve months.
Opening the meeting was Kirby Chaney of OMI, which has been the city’s contract maintenance company for the past eight years. Chaney gave a power point presentation on the problems the city has now and will continue to face until the new water recycling plant is built in September of 2008.
The present facility was built in 1956 and was upgraded in 1962 and 1977 but was never able to handle the demands by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) which is put on the city today.
In the past two years Griffin Industries constructed the levee protecting the River Street homes and the sewer plant. Because of the area needed for the construction of the levee about 50 percent of the drying beds were taken out which caused the processing of solids to be affected.
Council Discusses Violations From Sewer Plant
.The 46 inches of rainfall Fillmore experienced from October 2004 through September 2005 has raised the water table so high the plants discharge, which is primarily done by percolation, was interrupted and another wet winter season the problems are expected to continue.
Improvements which have been made are the installation of the trickling filter, dewatering belt press, the use of Sodium Biosulfite before discharge for de-chlorination.
The major violations were the amounts of chlorine in the water for disinfections. Chaney noted this conflicts with what is allowed to be discharged even though the biosulfite neutralizes the chlorine the amounts fluctuates and must be monitored all the time. When the new plant comes on-line the problems will automatically be regulated.
The belt press unit is processing about 28,800 gallons of solids compared to the 53,500 demanded causing further problems. Again the unit is too small and a fix will not occur until the new plant is up and running.
Toxicity is another violation discussed. Rapp stated there is no way the present plant can treat for ammonia but the new plant will handle the problem.
Matt Griffin addressed the council in behalf of Griffin Industries stating the company has paid for several systems such as $2,500 for the Sodium Bi-Sulfate de-chlorination system; $400 for the Carbon Dioxide PH control system and $12,000 for the Chlorine residual analyzer.
Griffin expressed his concern over the problems the city is having and wanted the council to be aware of all the improvements his company has paid for and the city’s fines are less now than in the past before the upgrade in the systems.
Councilperson Cecilia Cuevas asked about the total amount of fines the city is facing. Rapp answered by saying the dollar amount on fines is premature at this time. It depends on the RWQCB’s demands and the city being successful in asking for forgiveness in areas where our plant has not met compliance and other things we have no control over.
Rapp, along with OMI will be keeping a close analysis on the discharges and functions of the plant until the new plant is built.
Accident On Highway 126 At Central Ave. Holds Up Traffic
Ventura County 2010 Fair Poster
Presented To Fillmore City Council
Carolyn Mescher, presented Fillmore City Mayor Patti Walker with the 2010 Ventura County Fair Poster. Mescher is an employee in the Publicity / Marketing Office at the fair grounds. The poster was given to the council at their July 13, 2010, meeting.
2010 Ventura County Fair Poster

On May 5, 2010, Kayalin Akens-Irby, 14, of Ventura was awarded First Prize, out of 75 entries, for her rendition of horses bounding down a Ventura County hillside and onto the Carousel as fireworks explode in the air above. The art was done in oil pastels on black paper in a playful style which is colorful and fun. Second place was won by Mattie Myers, 14, of Ventura for her beautiful illustration of a Ferris Wheel in a style that is reminiscent of Art Nouveau and also of a 1960's abstract. Third place was awarded to Amanda Vassaur, 15, of Fillmore for her electrifying depiction of the Fair in a pointillist style that not only illustrates the theme but illuminates it with point after carefu7l points of color. Barbara Quaid, Ventura County Fair CEO stated every artist who entered is valuable because they all have contributed to their community by sharing their talents. The Fair will run from August 4 through 15, 2010. The Children's Dental Group sponsored the contest.
Non-injury accident involving a Big Rig out of Whittier takes out the Fillmore sign on the east end of town almost ends up in Pole Creek.

Conway Transportation Services loaded with 25,000 pounds of cargo stops short of going into Pole Creek taking out the Welcome To Fillmore sign.
June 16, 2006
At approximately 4:20 a.m. the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to call for a truck into a ditch near the intersection of Ventura and Santa Clara Street. Upon arrival deputies found a truck, driven by Fernando Lopez, 33, had traveled across a small park and came to rest just before plunging into Pole Creek.
At 4:45 a.m. deputies requested Fillmore Fire to also be dispatched for hazardous conditions due to the fuel tanks on the truck were leaking.
The Sterling big rig owned by Conway Transportation Services out of Whittier, California, carrying 25,000 pounds of cargo, was traveling west bound when for an undetermined reason Lopez went through a small park, taking out part of the rose bushes, went through the Welcome to Fillmore sign and hit the chain link fencing on the eastside of the concrete wash. When the rig stopped it was lodged on top of the brick base, which held the sign, and the electrical lines, used to light up the sign during night time hours, was under the cab of the truck.
A tow service, capable of handling large trucks, was called in to pull the truck out and Edison Company was called out to cut the live electrical line.
Lopez was traveling alone and was not injured in the incident.
Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) announced today that he
will partner with Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Westlake
Village) to bring the Community Renewal Regional Conference
to Santa Paula on Saturday, October 29, 2005, 8:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m.
Runner, who is co-hosting the event at Logsdon’s Restaurant
in Santa Paula, said the event will provide non-profit
groups, faith-based organizations and community leaders with
a network of resources to encourage community and economic
development in the Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru areas of
his district.
The Santa Paula Community Renewal Regional Conference is a
local presentation of a statewide program developed in 1996
by a group of state legislators. The program has empowered
and equipped more than 2,000 faith-based and community
leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to revitalize
and renew their communities and organizations.
“I am very pleased to co-host this Conference. Our local
community leaders have the definite desire to make a
positive impact, but they often need help finding the
information and tools to build a dynamic organization.
This is an opportunity for community leaders to build a
network of resources and partners that will help them be
successful. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the
event will be free to those who attend,” Senator Runner
said.
Space is limited, so please contact Senator Runner’s
District office, 661-286-1472 or Assemblywoman Strickland’s
office, 805-230-9167 for details
regarding attendance.
SENATOR GEORGE RUNNER HOSTS
COMMUNITY REGIONAL CONFERENCE