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.

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.
 

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.
 

               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

      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

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

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
 

       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.
 

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.
 

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

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

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

First Annual Freedom Breakfast Hosted By FFA

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.

       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 4^th 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 4^th 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

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 20^th 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.

San Cayetano School's Children Go For A Swim

Four New Banners

On Central Avenue

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.
 

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.
 

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

“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

John Kozar, with his family around him, prepares to enjoy a pit barbecued dinner at a retirement party held in front of Fillmore City Hall, November 18, 2005.

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, 5^th 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.

 

John and Lois Kozar show off the beautifully decorated dessert table at John's retirement party, November 18, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Apartment Fire On Santa Clara Sends One Man To Hospital

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.

 

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.       

Ventura County 2010 Fair Poster

Presented To Fillmore City Council

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.  

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.