From left is Bill Herrera owner of Fillmore's State Farm Ins. office, John Whited, Agency Field Office Representative, Hilary Whitcomb, Public Affairs Representative, Mayor Pro-tem Ken Smedley, Chief Pete Egedi and Deputy Chief Royce Davis Sr. of the C.E.R.T. Program accepting an $8,950 check for the education of the community in cases of disaster.
Council Gets Update On City Goals
Before the regular agenda of the Fillmore City
Council began Marie Wren spoke on the White Ranch
property along Highway 126. Wren feels the area
should be for commercial use and not used to build
apartments.
Wren also requested the council inform the people on
the city’s emergency plans in case of earthquake,
fires, floods or any other type of disaster to
affect the city. Fire Chief Pete Egedi told her the
city has an extensive plan and has just hired
Patrick Maynard as a Disaster Coordinator to work
with various agencies and update all emergency
plans. The plans, in about a 700 page book, are
available for public review now but as the updating
is accomplished the public will be informed.
Police Chief Randy Pentis stated his department is also
prepared and is working closely with the city to be
prepared for any type of emergency situations. Even
though many city officials do not live in Fillmore
there is ample staff which lives within the city
that is capable of providing needed services.
Driver and passenger got back into the car before driving a short distance and parking. The caved in door which was pushed in enough to do major damage to a toy train display inside the museum. The bicycle the driver ran over is shown on the left of the truck.
Witnesses who were visitors from Orange County were on hand at the time of the accident to the Fillmore Railroad Visitor Center building and were able to take pictures of the truck which allegedly ran over a bicycle before plowing into one of the building's door. An unknown woman was thrown from the truck but is shown running back to the vehicle.
He built his son a larger layout board, which was 10 by 10
feet with a crawl hole in the center and he used a 0 gauge
track. A pair of 022 switches, a second line and 622
Switcher was also added to the old steamer and the F3’s. Two
trains could now run at once with one on the siding. Gerry
remarked, “My friends and I would spend most of the summer
vacation running my layout.”
After turning 15 years of age, and his interest turning
to cars and girls, the trains were put away and the big
layout folded down against the wall. A year or two went by
and Gerry decided he needed a welding torch more than a toy
Lionel train, so he sold the it all to a young kid for $100.
Gerry said he heard the train had been set up outside and it
had all ruined. “It was sad, however, Tim Kelly, my life
long friend, had a 1947 Lionel 671 locomotive with six
freight cars Kelly had received around that time. The set
included a Lionel ZW 275 watt transformer, a 164-log loader,
two or three Marx accessories and a pair of 022 switches.
When Tim went into the army he gave the train to Mathews,
and still has the complete set today. The train was
incorporated into the layout at the railroad museum.
“Because I had Tim’s trains, I set out to replace the
toys I had sold to buy the welder. I collected a few, but
for twenty years the trains sat in my attic. I would get
them out and run them for a few days then put them away
without doing anything to them. I have replaced all of the
trains and accessories and a few locomotives are on loan
from members,” Mathews said.
In 1993, Gerry saw a layout in a toy train magazine. He
built the display and after a few modifications the result
was the present layout at the museum.
The train starts at a given point, climbs over itself,
reverses direction, goes around again passing the point of
origin, only going the opposite direction. It crosses over
itself again, reverses again and returns to the starting
point, all without having to throw a switch. The train
actually made four laps to complete the trip.
The damaged layout is L shaped and measures 12 by 8
feet and is designed to easily come apart for storage and
moving. The display was moved in 1999 to the bank building
at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. After 18
months it went into storage again until the Fillmore Fire
Department moved into their new quarters and the railroad
museum took over the old fire station. The layout was
reassembled and added a five by nine foot freight yard,
capable of operating two trains and all the mechanical,
animated accessories, as well a providing track for guests
to run their trains.
Don Creasy of San Pedro did the mountain/tunnel scenery
and Mathews did the flat land work. Decorating and painting
took a long time and searching for just the right type of
dirt and dry vegetation to make the landscape, trees, and
bushes also took a lot of time.
The project is an ongoing endeavor and would never be
finished because of all the new ideas to incorporate into
the work of art.
Prior to 1960 the Lionel Corporation made all of their
trains in America. The time period of the display is around
the 1950’s; it is not to scale because it is a toy train.
The scenery has included many places, which are or were
at one time, found in and around Fillmore. Some of the
places are the old S&D Dairy, the Limoneira/LaCampana Ranch,
R & R’s Arena, the old Arundel Cabin, Fillmore High School’s
“F” on the mountain, the old Fillmore Depot, the Town
Theatre, the Bardsdale Church, Mathew’s cabin at Piru.
Children and adults could easily see the entire display
from an elevated walkway. As many as 100 people would stop
by each day over the weekends. The damage done to something
which gave so many people true enjoyment is heartbreaking,
Mathews said.
An effort to locate the unknown juvenile suspects who
threw the rocks is still being investigated.
Deputies said it is a felony to throw rocks at moving
vehicle and it is also a felony to use a vehicle to try and
scare or cause intentional harm to someone. Sheriff’s
investigation in the matter is continuing.
An arrest has not yet been made involving the vehicle accident
which occurred on Friday, Oct. 28, 2005, at approximately 4:05
p.m. in the 400 block of Main Street.
The building damaged in the incident used to be the Fillmore
Fire Department but is now leased from the city to house the
Santa Clara Valley Railroad Historical Museum.
A 17 year old male was driving the family truck west bound on
Main when several young males allegedly threw rocks at the
victim’s truck striking the vehicle. The driver then lost
control of the truck and crashed into one of the metal doors
driving it into a large toy train display causing major damage,
according to Fillmore Sheriff’s Deputies.
The exhibit,
owned by long time resident Gerry Mathews, was hit causing it to
fall to the floor and ruining a great portion of the replica of
old Fillmore. Mathews stated the dollar amount is probably
several thousand dollars, however, you can’t really put a dollar
value on something which has taken years of work and the work
was still continuing today. One of the building’s three doors
also had major damage and may have to be totally replaced.
The history of Mathew’s trains and display started when
he received his first train in about 1945, during WWII. Unsure
of where his father got the train, Mathews is sure it was a
pre-war Marx 027. Toys, of any kind, were hard to get at that
time because of the war effort.
“I have a picture of my dad, sister and I playing with
the train. It consisted of a locomotive and four passenger cars
on an oval track. Judging from the background in the photo, it
was Christmas at my Grandfather’s house in Los Angeles. I know
it was my train because I recall playing with the train in my
bedroom until the transformer burned out. I know it was before
1948,” Gerry said.
“About 1951 I was able to get a used pre-war Lionel 027
locomotive and four freight cars. My dad built a plywood board
which folded up against the garage wall when I was not playing
with the layout. Dad had me do all the track and wiring work. I
learned from experience. I decorated the display with home made
signs and Log Cabin syrup cans. I used toy cars on chalked roads
and an old live steam engine for a factory,” Gerry continued.
Mathew’s said his dad saw he was still interested in
trains so he found a used Lionel Santa Fe F3 AA with some
freight cars.
Railroad Museum's Toy Train Display Badly Damaged By Teen Driver
To all who read the daily funny papers:
I pay for the Los Angeles Times just to read CRANKSHAFT every
morning. That crotchety old man really hits it on the head most of
the time. This week he was talking to friends at the coffee shop and
said, “We are all better off when everyone’s better off!” Oh, how
true, how true!
To each Fillmore citizen who is considering filing papers for the
City Council election:
In case you haven’t heard, Fillmore Councilmen do not get $100,000
annual salary like the councilmen in Bell, so don’t expect to make
your fortune by running for office. However, we do appreciate your
dedication and service to the community.
To each Fillmore citizen who is considering filing papers for the
Fillmore Unified School Board:
Go for it! Every elected board in town needs a change of pace, so if
you really want to be a part of the decision making process, put
your name in the pot. Talk is cheap but actions speak louder than
words. It is a great experience and good luck if you want to be a
part of the solution instead of part of the problem!
To budget conscience families:
The Treasure Box food program for EVERYONE will start in September.
If you want 22-25 pounds of high quality frozen food for only $30,
call or stop by the local Senior Center for information. There are
no age or financial restrictions. Starting Sept. 1st you may pay
your money and reserve a box for delivery the last Saturday of the
month. Volunteers to help on delivery day will be welcomed so get
your name and application at the senior center.
A reminder to all parents of school kids:
Most major stores are putting their school supplies on sale, so
watch for the best buys for your kids. If you are careful, you can
make you money go a long ways. (Grandma: this is the time to spend a
little and get a lot for the kids.) If you don’t have kids, buy the
things and donate to your favorite neighborhood school. Teachers and
principals always struggle to have enough supplies for everyone so
let’s help all we can.
This And That
7-26-10
To those who collect and accumulate old stuff:
If any of you have old books about Fillmore and Venture County, and want
to pass
them along, please give me a call. I frequently have calls for Edith
Jarrett’s book about her memories of Fillmore and the one about
Camulos that Wally Smith put together. Anything with historical
interest is welcome at my house and I will find it a new home. Call
Marie Wren 524-4044.
To weather experts:
Did your rain gauge show anything from that little shower that passed
through
Fillmore last Saturday? It sure did mess up the dust on my car-----
To local drivers:
I wish you would all get better at making U-turns in the middle of
Central Ave. and getting into a parking space correctly. Very few of you
have mastered that
technique so why not stop practicing and just go around the block and
come down
the street properly to park.
To the fire department EMT squad:
It is good to know you will arrive quickly when one of the speeding
skateboarders on the sidewalk hits me coming out of the post office.
Maybe I should ask the City Council to install speed bumps in a couple
of place to slow them down. (Hint, hint)
Hey kids: ARE YOU HAVING FUN? Summer vacation is half over so you better
get it in gear!
This And That
7-12-10
To the budget minded:
For the best “food stretcher” in Fillmore, call the Senior Center
524-4533 and get on the list for a 22-25 pound box of frozen food
for only $30. The Center and Norma Sandford are working on getting
the Treasure Box to have a monthly delivery at the Center. If you
are interested, call NOW and get on the list. We hope to be ready to
deliver near the end of August.
To all grandparents:
For a change of pace with the kids this summer, try taking them to
the local movie. The City does an excellent job of showing good PG
films for us and the grandkids—try it! You might like it!
To all bored folks:
If you are retired, or just home with nothing to do, please call
Marie Wren. 524-4044. I have a long list of things that local
volunteers keep going for the good of our community. My kids once
told me they never dared to say, “I’m bored,” because Mom always had
a list to hand to them for worthwhile things to keep them busy. If
you want my handy hints for taking up your spare time, give me a
call. Our greatest need at the moment is someone to do the salad bar
once a week on a regular basis.
To all fireworks stands:
I hope each of you did a good business this year and have money for
your scholarships for the kids in 2011. Everything we can do to help
them complete their education is appreciated.
To all Fillmore “young people:”
Many of you really showed your stuff for the 4th of July—the scouts
did a great cleanup job at the park with funds going for summer
camp; the new explorer group had a neat “secure motorcycle parking”
lot on Central; the FFA did a wonderful job feeding a lot of people
at their breakfast early in the morning. Now, don’t tell me we
don’t’ have kids who will work and continue traditions within our
community. My congratulations to each of them.
As soon as we get past this JUNE GLOOM, we will be wishing
for it to return. The deserts are now about 105-115, so just be
thankful we live in Fillmore.
This And That
7-5-10
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship went to Jackie Reynoso for $6,000 and Daniel Klittich for $6,000.
CSU Northridge Scholarship for $1,500 each student went to: Evelyn Villalvazo, Luz Figueroa, and Angelica Amezcua.
Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarships:
Vocational Career & Technical Education – Rosalia Martinez, $2,000.
Jean Weber Memorial Scholarship – Luz Figueroa, $750.
Saticoy Lemon Association Employee Scholarship – Luz Figueroa, $750.
William A. Fairburn, Jr. & Cynthia D. Fairburn Memorial Scholarships went to: Daniel Gradias for $1,700; Daniel Klittich for $1,700; Kristen Klittich for $1,700; and Robyn Torres for $1,700.
Milton McKevett Teague Scholarship went to: Daniel Klittich for $2,250.
Stanley E. Cohen Memorial Education Fund Scholarship went to: Margarita Licon for $900.
The James C. Basile Scholarship for $20,000 each student went to: Jacqueline Magana and Steven Uribe.
Iris and Roger Wilkins Scholarship went to: Jocelyn Piche for $2,700.
Orfalea Nursing and Health Field Scholarship went to: Jamie Taylor for $2,500.
Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was awarded to: Danielle Rojo, $500.
Ventura County Star Scholarship/Athlete Awards went to: Nadine Orozco and Andrew Gerardy.
Buddy Burgett Memorial Scholarship went to Nadina Orozco for $500.
Cal Grant A & B Winners: There were four CSU for $2,520 per year; four UC $6,140 per year; and Private donation at $9.708 per year. Approximately 24 recipients for a total of $589,440.
Cal Grant’s B Average for $1,550 per year for approximately 24 recipients is $148,800.
Friends of Piru School Scholarship was Luiselias Garcia for $250.
National Mentor Program: Mario Rodriquez $5.000.
Ronald McDonald HACER Scholarship: Angelica Amezcua, $2,000.
Roasanna Porras Memoral Scholarship: Nadine Orozco $600.
Northland College Lake Superior Academic Excellence Scholarship for four years: Nadine Orozco, $40,380.
Northland College Diversity Scholarship for four years Nadine Orozco, $6,000.
Presenter Katrina Tafoya for Tony Tafoya Scholarships went to: Breanna McClain $500
and Gilberto Camarena for $500.
Presenter Patty Torres for Pacific Oaks Federal Credit Union went to: Daniel Klittich
$1,000 and Danielle Rojo for $1,000.
Presenter Roz Mitzenmacher for the Hinckley-Artist Barn Scholarship went to:
Shihori Nakayama.
Art Awards: Meghan Eucce, Daniel Gonzalez, Shihori Nakayama, Luis Rodriguez, Mario Rodriguez and Erika Ramirez.
Presenter Jose Luis Lomeli for Ron Balden Scholarships were: Maria Candelario, $2,500; Nadina Orozco, $2,500; Andrew Gerardy, $2.500; and Andres Becerra, $2,500.
Presenter Joe Torres for NECHA Scholarships all in the amounts of $400 were: Norma Lopez, Evelyn Villalvazo, Luz Figueroa, Kavy Trujillo, Nadine Orozco, Juliana Cruz and Angelica Amezcua.
Presenter Mario De La Piedra for the Fillmore Sunrisers Rotary Scholarships all in the amount of $500 were: Kavy Trujillo, Daniel Gradia, Jackie Reynoso, Karen Louth, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Torres, Maria Candelario, Daniel Klittich, Margarita Licon.
Presenter Virinia De La Piedra for Jeremiah Allen’s Dream Scholarship was Daniel Gradias for $500.
Presenter Mario and Rosaria Contini Scholarship to: Angelica Amezcua for $500.
Presenter Harrold Burns for the Fillmore Unified Teachers’ Association Scholarships all in the amount of $300 to: Robyn Torres, Robert Martinez and Luz Figueroa.
Presenters Sheriff’s Deputies Brian Hackworth and Steven Holzberger for the Fillmore Citizens Patrol Scholarship all in the amount of $500 to: Lidia Arredondo, Margarita Licon, Gregory Palmer, and Danielle Rojo.
Gladys Choate for the JDC Family Foundation Scholarship to Jackie Reynoso for $2,500 and Luiselias Garcia for $2.500.
Presenter Fay Swanson for the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Scholarships were: Daniel Klittich, $2,000; Danielle Rojo, $2,000; Kristen Klittich, $1,500; Robert Martinez, $1,500; Luz Figueroa, $1,000; Luiselias Garcia, $1,000; Andrew Gerardy, $1,000; Danielle Johnson, $1,000; Norma Lopez, $1,000; Karen Louth, $1,000; Jennifer Mendez, $1,000; Breanna McLain; Jackie Reynoso, $1,000.
Presenter Donna Volker for the Christine Warring Scholarships was: Angelica Amezcua, $500; Diana Rocha, $500.
Presenter Lynda Edmonds for the Piru Petroleum Club Scholarships all in the amount of $250 was: Samantha Day, Jocelyn Piche, Monserrat Ayala, and Nadine Orozco.
Presenter Bill Edmonds for the Fillmore Lions Club Scholarships, all in the amount of $1,000 each was: Norma Lopez, Monserrat Ayala, and Breanna McLain.
Presenter Don Downey for the Fillmore Noon Rotary Scholarships, all in the amount of $,1000 each was: Jackie Reynoso, Daniel Klittich, Danielle Rojo, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Torres, and Karen Louth.
Presenter Kathy Marsden for the Imogene Vest Memorial Scholarships was: Kristen Klittich, $1,000 and Karen Louth, $1.000.
Presenter Christine Johnston for the Violet Richardson Award was: Cassandra Cone.
Presenter Bobby McLain for the Fillmore Girls Softball Scholarship was: Brittany Gonzalez, $500, and Oralia Castro, $500.
Sgt. Manuel Rivera for the U.S. Army Scholarship/Athlete Awards was: Nadine Orozco and Andres Becerra.
Sgt. Marvin Ruano for the U.S. Marine Distinguished Athlete Awards was: Andrew Gerardy, and Nadine Orozco. Marine Scholastic Excellence Award was Jackie Reynoso. Semper Fidel’s Music Award was Robert Martinez.
Presenter John Wilber for John and Peg Wilber Memorial Scholarship was Monserrat Ayala for $200.
FHS Principal Rebecca Larkin present the following students with the gold bands for the California Scholastic Federation Life Members: Angelica Amezcua, Gilberto Camarena, Juliana Cruz, Luz Figueroa, Lindsay Garcia, Daniel Gradias, Tanya Klein, Daniel Klittich, Kristen Klittich, Jan Lohachitranond, Norma Lopez, Karen Louth, Chris Lomeli, Crystal Murrillo, Shihori Nakayama, Nadine Orozco, Christine Phillips, Jackie Reynoso, Jennifer Robledo, Danielle Rojo, Alma Romero, Alicia Samano, Jessica Sanchez, Robyn Torres, Kavy Trujillo, Evelyn Villalvazo, and Eva Zavala.
Students who are possible California Scholastic Federation Life Members are: Andres Becerra, Maria Candelario, Melissa Cardenas, Jasmine Hernandez, Martha Izarraras, Bianca Magana, Jacqueline Magana, Robert Martinez, Breanna McLain, Stephen Micarelli, Martha Munoz, Erika Renteria, Oscar Sanchez, Bukhbaatar Tsogtgerel, and Steven Uribe.
The one Salutatorian and a possible 10 Valedictorians will be announced at the graduation ceremonies.
The grand total of scholarship money presented totaled $989,920.
Don Downey presented scholarships on behalf of the Fillmore Noon Rotary Club. Each student received a $1,000 each. Those picture, not necessarily in order are: Jackie Reynoso, Daniel Klittich, Danielle Rojo, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Tores and Karen Louth.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship went to Jackie Reynoso for $6,000 and Daniel Klittich for $6,000.
CSU Northridge Scholarship for $1,500 each student went to: Evelyn Villalvazo, Luz Figueroa, and Angelica Amezcua.
Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarships:
Vocational Career & Technical Education – Rosalia Martinez, $2,000.
Jean Weber Memorial Scholarship – Luz Figueroa, $750.
Saticoy Lemon Association Employee Scholarship – Luz Figueroa, $750.
William A. Fairburn, Jr. & Cynthia D. Fairburn Memorial Scholarships went to: Daniel Gradias for $1,700; Daniel Klittich for $1,700; Kristen Klittich for $1,700; and Robyn Torres for $1,700.
Milton McKevett Teague Scholarship went to: Daniel Klittich for $2,250.
Stanley E. Cohen Memorial Education Fund Scholarship went to: Margarita Licon for $900.
The James C. Basile Scholarship for $20,000 each student went to: Jacqueline Magana and Steven Uribe.
Iris and Roger Wilkins Scholarship went to: Jocelyn Piche for $2,700.
Orfalea Nursing and Health Field Scholarship went to: Jamie Taylor for $2,500.
Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was awarded to: Danielle Rojo, $500.
Ventura County Star Scholarship/Athlete Awards went to: Nadine Orozco and Andrew Gerardy.
Buddy Burgett Memorial Scholarship went to Nadina Orozco for $500.
Cal Grant A & B Winners: There were four CSU for $2,520 per year; four UC $6,140 per year; and Private donation at $9.708 per year. Approximately 24 recipients for a total of $589,440.
Cal Grant’s B Average for $1,550 per year for approximately 24 recipients is $148,800.
Friends of Piru School Scholarship was Luiselias Garcia for $250.
National Mentor Program: Mario Rodriquez $5.000.
Ronald McDonald HACER Scholarship: Angelica Amezcua, $2,000.
Roasanna Porras Memoral Scholarship: Nadine Orozco $600.
Northland College Lake Superior Academic Excellence Scholarship for four years: Nadine Orozco, $40,380.
Northland College Diversity Scholarship for four years Nadine Orozco, $6,000.
Presenter Katrina Tafoya for Tony Tafoya Scholarships went to: Breanna McClain $500
and Gilberto Camarena for $500.
Presenter Patty Torres for Pacific Oaks Federal Credit Union went to: Daniel Klittich
$1,000 and Danielle Rojo for $1,000.
Presenter Roz Mitzenmacher for the Hinckley-Artist Barn Scholarship went to:
Shihori Nakayama.
Art Awards: Meghan Eucce, Daniel Gonzalez, Shihori Nakayama, Luis Rodriguez, Mario Rodriguez and Erika Ramirez.
Presenter Jose Luis Lomeli for Ron Balden Scholarships were: Maria Candelario, $2,500; Nadina Orozco, $2,500; Andrew Gerardy, $2.500; and Andres Becerra, $2,500.
Presenter Joe Torres for NECHA Scholarships all in the amounts of $400 were: Norma Lopez, Evelyn Villalvazo, Luz Figueroa, Kavy Trujillo, Nadine Orozco, Juliana Cruz and Angelica Amezcua.
Presenter Mario De La Piedra for the Fillmore Sunrisers Rotary Scholarships all in the amount of $500 were: Kavy Trujillo, Daniel Gradia, Jackie Reynoso, Karen Louth, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Torres, Maria Candelario, Daniel Klittich, Margarita Licon.
Presenter Virinia De La Piedra for Jeremiah Allen’s Dream Scholarship was Daniel Gradias for $500.
Presenter Mario and Rosaria Contini Scholarship to: Angelica Amezcua for $500.
Presenter Harrold Burns for the Fillmore Unified Teachers’ Association Scholarships all in the amount of $300 to: Robyn Torres, Robert Martinez and Luz Figueroa.
Presenters Sheriff’s Deputies Brian Hackworth and Steven Holzberger for the Fillmore Citizens Patrol Scholarship all in the amount of $500 to: Lidia Arredondo, Margarita Licon, Gregory Palmer, and Danielle Rojo.
Gladys Choate for the JDC Family Foundation Scholarship to Jackie Reynoso for $2,500 and Luiselias Garcia for $2.500.
Presenter Fay Swanson for the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Scholarships were: Daniel Klittich, $2,000; Danielle Rojo, $2,000; Kristen Klittich, $1,500; Robert Martinez, $1,500; Luz Figueroa, $1,000; Luiselias Garcia, $1,000; Andrew Gerardy, $1,000; Danielle Johnson, $1,000; Norma Lopez, $1,000; Karen Louth, $1,000; Jennifer Mendez, $1,000; Breanna McLain; Jackie Reynoso, $1,000.
Presenter Donna Volker for the Christine Warring Scholarships was: Angelica Amezcua, $500; Diana Rocha, $500.
Presenter Lynda Edmonds for the Piru Petroleum Club Scholarships all in the amount of $250 was: Samantha Day, Jocelyn Piche, Monserrat Ayala, and Nadine Orozco.
Presenter Bill Edmonds for the Fillmore Lions Club Scholarships, all in the amount of $1,000 each was: Norma Lopez, Monserrat Ayala, and Breanna McLain.
Presenter Don Downey for the Fillmore Noon Rotary Scholarships, all in the amount of $,1000 each was: Jackie Reynoso, Daniel Klittich, Danielle Rojo, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Torres, and Karen Louth.
Presenter Kathy Marsden for the Imogene Vest Memorial Scholarships was: Kristen Klittich, $1,000 and Karen Louth, $1.000.
Presenter Christine Johnston for the Violet Richardson Award was: Cassandra Cone.
Presenter Bobby McLain for the Fillmore Girls Softball Scholarship was: Brittany Gonzalez, $500, and Oralia Castro, $500.
Sgt. Manuel Rivera for the U.S. Army Scholarship/Athlete Awards was: Nadine Orozco and Andres Becerra.
Sgt. Marvin Ruano for the U.S. Marine Distinguished Athlete Awards was: Andrew Gerardy, and Nadine Orozco. Marine Scholastic Excellence Award was Jackie Reynoso. Semper Fidel’s Music Award was Robert Martinez.
Presenter John Wilber for John and Peg Wilber Memorial Scholarship was Monserrat Ayala for $200.
FHS Principal Rebecca Larkin present the following students with the gold bands for the California Scholastic Federation Life Members: Angelica Amezcua, Gilberto Camarena, Juliana Cruz, Luz Figueroa, Lindsay Garcia, Daniel Gradias, Tanya Klein, Daniel Klittich, Kristen Klittich, Jan Lohachitranond, Norma Lopez, Karen Louth, Chris Lomeli, Crystal Murrillo, Shihori Nakayama, Nadine Orozco, Christine Phillips, Jackie Reynoso, Jennifer Robledo, Danielle Rojo, Alma Romero, Alicia Samano, Jessica Sanchez, Robyn Torres, Kavy Trujillo, Evelyn Villalvazo, and Eva Zavala.
Students who are possible California Scholastic Federation Life Members are: Andres Becerra, Maria Candelario, Melissa Cardenas, Jasmine Hernandez, Martha Izarraras, Bianca Magana, Jacqueline Magana, Robert Martinez, Breanna McLain, Stephen Micarelli, Martha Munoz, Erika Renteria, Oscar Sanchez, Bukhbaatar Tsogtgerel, and Steven Uribe.
The one Salutatorian and a possible 10 Valedictorians will be announced at the graduation ceremonies.
The grand total of scholarship money presented totaled $989,920.
Don Downey presented scholarships on behalf of the Fillmore Noon Rotary Club. Each student received a $1,000 each. Those picture, not necessarily in order are: Jackie Reynoso, Daniel Klittich, Danielle Rojo, Kristen Klittich, Robyn Tores and Karen Louth.
1878 Ventura County Fishing
The County required screening over
irrigation ditches so fish would have to stay where they belonged. After
these items were officially done, the Board completed an
application to the Fish Commissioners in Washington asking for salmon to
stock the rivers. When the local fish commissioner did not approve, he
did not send in the application. With another WET YEAR and over 32 in of
rain, the Town Trustees still wanted to stock the Ventura River with
salmon.
When the next season opened, the 15 in. of
rain had cleared the oil out of the Sespe and the fish were ready for
the frying pan. After the season opened, it sounds like everyone “got
fish.” The Ventura Free Press reported one man who caught the same 14
in. trout twice. The first time that fish broke the line, but came back
for another time at the bait. J. M. Kaiser recognized the hook from the
first time. Ferndale Ranch offered a $10 reward to anyone turning in
fishermen within their land.
1880- brought 18.20 inches of rain.
In 1881 Fish Commissioner Redding ordered a
large quantity of Eastern trout eggs from the East and expected to
distribute them in February or March. The commissioners put the small
fry into the streams and hoped the local fishing clubs would help
enforce the game laws to preserve fish in the State. Perhaps the Ventura
Sportsman’s Club helped deliver the fish and enforce the laws too.
By January 1882, the Ventura Rod and Gun Club accepted the challenge of
getting the young trout to the headwaters of the local streams and
regulating the catch during the season. Seining trout was a quick way to
get fish to sell in the markets so that was a big NO NO and frowned upon
by any real fisherman.In May it was printed in the Ventura Signal that
Robert Ferguson had landed 241 trout every day for a month and caught
them all with hook and line. (No wonder they needed to stock the creeks
and river every year.) They also reported that a 1000 pounds of trout
had been taken from the Ventura River each Sunday for 4 or 5 weeks. In
June they said the Ventura River could be the best trout stream in
California if the trout could be protected for two years. At the same
time, 5 men said they had caught 943 trout on a recent trip to the
Matilija.
The next year showed about 11 inches of
rain and that was about par for the past several years. The Ventura
Signal continued to include fishing reports frequently in 1883. One item
said it took 50 trout to weight 5 pounds, so they were taking many, many
little fish. In April the steelhead were starting to run up to Matilija
and one 22 inch-8 pound was landed. Near the mouth of the Ventura River
they took one that measured 36 inches. (Many people could not tell the
difference between a rainbow trout and a steelhead if they were about
the same size, but the steelhead grew much bigger, so it is hard to tell
which kind of fish they “caught” if the story is reasonable.)
Ventura County got over 35 in. rain in 1884
and the fishermen could hardly wait for the season to open. Thousands of
small trout were seen in the mill flume and when April arrived, those
little fish were not interested in any bait the men could throw into the
roiling water. The fish were not hungry. By
May two men spent two days fishing and came home with 312 from Matilija
so things were picking up. All the water brought in the steelhead to
Santa Paula Creek and fish 12 to 16 inches long were being taken every
day.
In March 1885, after only 10 inch of rain,
several men got an early start on the season both fishing and hunting.
Constable Jeff Hampton caught them and all went to court where they were
fined $50 each. Several others were also fined for opening the season
before April. A couple of men at the resort at Matilija were fined, but
they were invalids and died before they got to court.
Everyone in the County bragged about this area being world-renowned for
the fishing and many tried to prove it.
A wet year with over 23 in. of rain counted
in 1886 and the fishing was still good. Santa Paula Creek always had
some nice three-pound brook trout that would measure 22 in. and just the
thought of hooking one made the fishermen (and women) keep throwing in
their lines. Barnard, Blackstock and Shepherd had 131 acres of land for
sale on San Antonio Creek for $3500 with ½ mile of trout
stream through it. (Oh, why didn’t we buy then!)
A glowing report about camping and fishing in the
County was published in CENTURY MAGAZINE in 1887, so no wonder
people were flocking in to the area. The Fish Commissioner had 250,000
fish (fry) to put into steams in Southern California late in August and
the State put up $7500 for hatching trout and salmon, so things were
getting organized. A local fishing club took over the job of putting
them into the steams and urged people to give them time to grow and
catch them next year. Legal trout had to be 8 in. or bigger to keep, but
many died from the hook even when released. Some things never change.
Yes, FISHING was a favorite activity of most men in the early days.
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
7-12-10
Last
night I picked up an old copy of my Hawaii magazine and suddenly was
immersed in memories again! It mentioned the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
renovation was completed after 82 years. (Well, since I just turned
82 years also, I discovered I was in good company and I probably
need a renovation also.) With kids, college and boy scout
activities, we did very few big vacations in our 60 years of
marriage—nothing beyond visiting family until our 25th wedding
anniversary.
We had a very simple wedding in 1947 and no
reception, so we sort of thought we’d do a party on our 10th
anniversary. Well, when that time arrived, I was pregnant with a
third baby, money was really, really tight so we thought a party for
our 25th anniversary would do us. When that time rolled around in
1972, Gene and I decided we’d rather have 2 weeks in Hawaii instead
of a party. We did
the Pakiko tour with the AAA and had a wonderful time on four
islands. Our first connection with Hawaii was perfect for us. We had
an escorted tour, no responsibility except to get out of bed each
morning and follow directions for the day and a chance to see a
wonderful new world. It was so much fun, that Gene never wanted to
do anything else for a personal vacation except “go to Hawaii,” so
every few years, when we could afford it, we had another trip.
Few people could visualize Gene in sandals,
shorts and a bright native print shirt acting like a tourist or a
local resident in Hawaii, but he could pull it off and enjoyed every
minute of it. We went so many times that I lost count, but think it
was ten or eleven. We went for our 25th, 50th and 60th
wedding anniversaries, took Jessica and my mother along to enjoy it
in 1975, escorted elderly friends twice, went with other friends
once and took off alone three or four times.
Last January the Hawaii magazine listed many
special things to do on the islands and Gene and I had tried them
all in 35 years. He went fishing and didn’t catch a thing, he took
me to a small airfield so I got a longed for glider ride, we floated
3 miles down a flume that carried water to sugar cane fields long
ago, snorkeled in Honaunau Bay, explored museums and tourists traps,
always checked out the Arizona Memorial and Punchbowl Cemetery from
WWII, stopped in sugarcane and pineapple fields to see how they were
irrigated, watched harvesting, drove to lighthouses and back roads
to see livestock and barns, looked at parks with great camping
prospects if we could pack enough gear, enjoyed riding an outrigger
on waves like surfing, attended a county fair and got a view of the
kids and their animals during the auction held next to the orchid
competition, loved every hula show we saw and did lots of “people
watching.” We drove to Hana three times and crossed dozens of WPA
built bridges on the way, looked at the beautiful Hawaiian quilts
and bought patterns for those, watched outrigger races and found a
farmers market with local produce and craft items. Eventually we
visited the old section of town in Honolulu that Gene remembered
when his troop ship made a brief stop on the way home from the
Pacific in 1946—that part of town has dozens of lei shops one after
another and what fun to see all of the different styles of leis.
(And go back to the hotel with a fresh one for the evening dinner.)
And don’t forget the BIG WAVES on the north shore near an old shop
for Hawaiian ice and the huge turtles sunning on the beach. We
visited in different months so saw lots of different seasonal
things. If it was THERE, we tried it (This is my short list of
things we tried on vacation.)
Our first trip was taken “while it was still old
style Hawaii.” Through 35 years we saw lots of changes and hated
them, but that happens. (Sort of like remembering Fillmore when it
was less than 5000 population.) We always found the local people
were friendly, willing to help us when needed and
delightful. On our last trip in 2007, we were beyond trying to drive
ourselves in their traffic, so used the bus. We took a day riding
the bus around the island of Oahu and seeing the “real people.” Oh,
that was fun. We got off to have lunch at Turtle Bay (very elegant)
and then got back on the $1 bus to get
back to our hotel. It was a day of cheap transportation for us.
On the AAA tours we were always in very nice
hotels. We always had “down time” on each island to explore for
ourselves and found some neat little hotels for future trips. Yes,
we tried several of those. We stayed at the old Royal Hawaiian twice
and loved its elegance from long ago with walk-in closets for people
who “came for the season” by boat and often stayed several months.
We also loved being at Uncle Billie’s that is only a One Star rating
with AAA, but it was clean and homey and had good food and local
family entertainment. After several visits to the Coco Palms Hotel
on Kauai we were on a first name basis with the Larry Rivera Family
who all entertained there nightly. One our first trip, his youngest
daughter was dancing with the family and she was only three years
old. The last time we visited there, that girl was grown. We enjoyed
his original songs for both the dinner show with the family and his
singles time in the cocktail bar till midnight so I brought home his
recordings.
One time I found an ad in the Times about 5 days
in Honolulu for $379 “Air and Hotel” and Gene said, “Take it.” We
did a spur of the moment trip. The little hotel was just across the
street from the ones fronting on the beach in Honolulu, so we were
in a good location with a lanai—of course, the
lanai looked out over the top of the adjoining McDonalds roof top
exhaust fans, but we didn’t care. With fresh McDonald’s coffee and
fresh fruit from a little stand just around the corner, we had our
own special breakfast each morning. Our room was so tiny we could
only get one chair in it and still open the door and in the bitty
bath, the sink faucets were on the end wall for lack of space. But
the bed was good and we had a shower. We had lots of laughs. Oh,
that trip was fun for us.
I suppose my most exciting time was a drive on a
back road on the Big Island just looking at ranch land. Suddenly I
yelled, “Stop, Stop” and when Gene came to a screeching stop from
our 25 miles an hour speed, I said, ”Look, that fence post is
sprouting.” And it was! Old style wooden fence posts along the road
had 12 inch green shoots growing from the top. Well, that was a new
one on us! I could write a travel book about Hawaii and the fun
things to see and do there. Maybe I will if I live long enough.
Each time when we returned to Fillmore, we told
each other we were making memories for the time when we could no
longer travel. I still have my dried coconut palm hat and a dried
lei for my hair next to my native doll and two dozen books on
Hawaiian history to keep those good times close to the
surface for me. Gene is now gone, so the fun of Hawaii is gone too.
My limited walking makes Hawaii more of a memory for me than a
reality; however, I did see an ad for using a Segway in town, so
there might be a chance for me to try it ONE MORE TIME. I still have
a “to do” list: I want to see a Hawaiian rodeo with cowboys riding
in big Western hats with a lei hatband and have an evening of
slack key guitar music—hope springs eternal! Aloha.
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
7-26-10
More Fishing
Kennie Fine’s memories are enough to keep
me going another week on the fishing stories around Ventura County.
Recently a friend gave me a chunk of new material about trout and
steelhead in this neighborhood so I can tell you more about the
“early days.”
First of all, my new information about fishing, also gives the rain
totals for each year, so I will throw those into the pot as they
make a difference in the fishing prospects many years.
This story starts in 1870—only 20 years
after we had become the State of California.
The hunting and fishing in Ventura County is legendary. I think some
of our early American pioneers came because of the hunting and
fishing located so near to fields for making a living. Hey, life is
good when you can combine the two!
The rainfall in 1870 and 1871 was only 9
inches and in 1872 and 1873 it was 12 inches. Although the creeks
were not running full, there were still some trout fishing
available.
When Mr. Noble of Indianapolis wrote and asked about the hunting and
fishing in Ventura County, someone sent him an answer about the
quail, lions, and bear. They invited Mr. Noble to “come up and Ari
Hopper, the bear hunter of the Sespe, will introduce you to a
grizzly, on short notice.” No report if Mr. Noble made the trip or
not, but we still had
grizzlies around here from that report.
Soon after that letter, the first car load
of little fish (fry) were delivered to California fish association
by the Central Pacific railroad to be delivered to small streams. (I
wonder if the
Sespe got any of those.) F.A. Sprague decided not to wait for those
outside fish to come to the Sespe. He dammed up a small stream
coming from a spring on his place and made himself a tiny lake. He
added 40-50 small trout about Sept. 1 and started his own private
fishing spot. It was reported at the end of October they had grown
to be a foot long. (Now we know how fishermen are prone to
exaggerate a bit, so perhaps this is a bit longer than the little
fish actually measured.) But, these little fish did grow nicely and
rapidly in that cold spring water with little trouble and expense.
Fillmore had their first “hatchery.” Just a year
later, a visitor said the 4-5 acre lake would soon be able to supply
the country with fresh fish. This was a money making project also.
About the same time, R.M. Brown got
property about 16 miles north of Ventura in
Matilija Canyon and built a hotel at the hot springs site. He
advertised it as a place for invalids to recuperate with good food
and accommodations near the best fishing anywhere. The stage from
Ventura made the trip three times week so locals and tourists were
invited to come for the food and stay for the fishing. (It sounds
like a great excuse to go fishing to me---go to Brown’s with a bad
cold and fish for a week, but many of the patients did have TB.)
In 1875, after 13 inches of rain, it was
reported the Sespe was dry on a trail between Fort Tejon to Ventura
County. But, that did not stop S.P.Guiberson from writing a letter
from Cienega that he caught 14 trout and one was 17 inches. Perhaps
he was fishing in the Santa Clara that usually had water year round.
When a group of men came in from the Santa Ana Ranch to vote, they
reported they
used rocks to kill a 25 inch trout in the Arroyo los Coyotes. These
very large trout were probably steelheads who grew larger than the
rainbow trout. By November they said the
irrigation ditches leading from the Ventura River were full of fish.
People fished when they wanted fish.
After 6 years of drought, Ventura County
got 20 inches of rain in 1876---well, it was
about time! That much rain broke Sprague’s dam and he lost all of
his breeding stock into the Sespe and ended his dream. The heavy
rains also washed out the road to Matilija but in May they had it
repaired, widened and open so it was a first class carriage drive up
the canyon from Ojai to get to the resort.
In May T.W. More was crossing the Sespe when he ran into a school of
trout and succeeded in capturing by hand one that weighted 2 ½
pounds.
The Ventura Free Press reported mountain
trout were in the markets the first week
in June. People in Santa Paula were organizing fishing excursions on
the Sespe.
When W.D. Hobson, at the request of President U. S. Grant, wrote the
history of Ventura County for the centennial celebration of 1876, he
said artesian water was obtained over much of the county at a depth
of 90-250 feet. Wells with a 7-inch bore provided
sufficient water for milling purposes. He also stated trout were
found in the mountainous districts.
Although only 4 inches of rain were
reported in 1877, the Ventura Signal said two local
sports from Santa Paula recently caught 183 trout in Santa Paula
Creek in a few hours. (I am never sure which of these stories are
true and which are pure spoofs.)
Another season with 20 inches of rain got
things to humming again in 1878. In April the Legislature passed a
law for the preservation of game that said no variety of trout could
be taken from the steams between Nov. 1 and April 1. In June, the
Ventura Signal said three men caught 38 dozen trout in Ventura river
in one day. (Where is the game warden when we need him!) In October
the newspaper reminded people that trout season would close on Nov.
1. This seems to be the first year with any regulation on fishing.
Dr.Bowers, from Santa Barbara, with Dr. S.P.
Guiberson as an assistant, worked in exploring the Piru and Sespe
creeks in May 1879. With several men and two wives in the party,
they drove up Piru Creek on one jaunt and camped at Reasoner’s ranch
the first night. After putting up a spacious wall tent and starting
a cooking fire, Mr. Reasoner arrived with a nice mess of venison and
a card of honey to start the first supper. Mr. Reasoner had over 100
hives of bees and felt his mountain honey was far superior to that
produced in the valley.
The next day the group went 6 miles further up Piru to camp at Fish
creek with plenty of wood, water and shade under the live oak trees.
Signs of grizzly bears were everywhere. I don’t know if Dr. Bowers
got much ethnology work done, but they did catch lots of rainbow
trout. (More next week.)
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
7-5-10
Aunties Emporium located at 327 Central Avenue has a wide variety of antiques, collectibles and gifts for everyone. Store hours are Tuesday through Sunday.
TO ALL “COUNTRY FOLKS”:
Get your stuff ready to enter the Fair that starts Aug. 4 for 11
days! Oh, what fun for everyone. I know the kids with animals are
getting them ready to show and compete for prizes and then sell “for
a mint.” Let’s all enjoy the fair and support all of our kids too.
To drivers young and old:
The Senior Center just finished a two-day class for “mature drivers”
to keep us sharp and driving safely longer. It will be repeated in
about two months, so call the Center for dates---524-4533. The CHP
sponsors a teen driving class called “Start Smart” for beginning
drivers. This class starts July 27th. It is free and more info about
it can be secured by calling Elena Gutierrez at 652-5904.
To dreamers and workers:
Piru is installing a new playground for their kids near the depot
and will be working August 5, 6, 7 to put it together. Everyone is
invited to bring their hand tools and work any day that fits their
schedule---I am sure the Piru kids can hardly wait!
You may call Kim 727-1393 for details.
To the families of seniors:
If you need names and phone numbers for the many services available
for the
elderly, stop by the Senior Center and pick up a copy of ELDERCARE.
It contains
a wealth of information for every facet of a senior’s life. The
booklet is free.
OH, I ALMOST FORGOT: IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?
This And That
7-19-10
I don’t want
to loose all of my women readers, so will leaving the fishing
stories this week and talk about things that “us ladies” are
concerned about—raising our children to adulthood.
My grandmother was born 1874 a short distance
from Houston, Texas. Mosquitoes and swamps provided plenty of fevers
and disease and babies were especially susceptible. Log cabins and
house did not have screens; water was not pure unless you had a
nearby spring; even doctors did not know about germs and what cause
so many of the illnesses; it was a difficult time.
Most mothers felt lucky if they got half of their
babies past the age of two. In some places, a baby was not named
until they were a year old because so many died. Often families used
the same name again if the first child died young. Now, you should
work on genealogy and see how confusing that can be! With no birth
control, many women were pregnant from the time they married, at 16
or 17,
until menopause. It was just a fact of life! That is the way things
happened. Occasionally a family had all of their children survive,
but that was rare.
Small pox and diphtheria were an awful scourge.
Often it wiped out a whole family of children. My friend, Frank
Erskine, told me he had two little sister die from diphtheria about
1890. When his parent discovered why the young girls were ill, they
sent Frank to live with an aunt for a month. He came home each day
and did ”the outside work” of feeding and caring for livestock, but
he did
not have contact with other family members in the house. Both of his
little sisters died. A picture of these two darling girls is with
his things at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
My family in Indian Territory has many burials at
McAlister Cemetery, a rural cemetery near the early day village of
Overbrook. As I was growing up, several times my mother said, ”Aunt
Dora ran off and abandoned her kids and husband.” It was sort of a
hush, hush family story, as no one was proud of a woman who would
leave her family. Rather large stones near their grandmother, who
died in 1895, marked the three tiny graves. When I started work on
my family genealogy, I wondered about this story and gave it some
serious thought. I THINK, these three children all died from
diphtheria about 1897 and their mother was probably so distraught,
she had a nervous breakdown and did “run off” from the rest of her
family. Oh, how hard to have several children die about the same
time! Two years ago, I had a small marble headstone installed to
mark those family graves. They deserve to have their existence
acknowledged. I am sure their mother loved them dearly.
A couple of months ago, 5 simple tombstones at
Bardsdale Cemetery were brought to my attention. These were all
STONE FAMILY children. This was a new Fillmore family to me, so I
was interested in checking out further information. Four of the
graves dated within a week of each other in 1878. The children were
ages 1, 3, 6 and 12 and all were gone within a week. After their
death, another girl was born and she lived to be 10 before
succumbing and her grave is the fifth little tombstone. These graves
were among the first to be place on the hill southwest of the
Bardsdale Methodist Church, long before local families, including
Judge Elkins, organized the cemetery in 1895. His little daughter
Lillian was buried near the Stone children. This “old section” of
Bardsdale
Cemetery is very interesting.
Once again we are experiencing an epidemic, but
this time it is whooping cough. This childhood disease can also be a
killer. After many years of vaccination children again whooping
cough and diphtheria, most of us thought both were “gone” and no
longer a threat to our kids. For various reasons, some parents now
are “afraid” of vaccinating and when these diseases arrive in the
United
States, they quickly spread to those susceptible children. Babies
younger than 3 months often do not live through whooping cough.
Modern medicine keeps many of the children alive, but it seems like
such an unnecessary risk when it is so easily preventable. Can any
mother imagine what it would be like to have 4 of her children die
almost at the same time? I don’t know what that would be like
and I don’t want to know! How do parents feel when they have a child
succumb to something that they could have prevented? Yes, we are
fortunate in Fillmore.
MARIE’S FLY BY
by Marie Wren
7-19-10