Drawing Picked to Serve as Sign of City’s Vision

As 16-year-old Adali Arana sees it, Fillmore is chugging down the railroad tracks of change.

Yet his hometown is also embracing tradition.

That is why, when students were asked to draw a picture that best depicted Fillmore, Adali drew a train snaking around a giant, shiny orange--the fruit that has graced the city seal since shortly after its incorporation on July 10, 1914.

The drawing was chosen as the official logo for “Fillmore Vision 2020,” in which residents and officials are working together to create a blueprint for the city in the 21st century.

“It’s the turning point for all of history and for Fillmore,” said Adali, a 10th-grader at Fillmore High School. “Fillmore may be taking a new direction. I hope to see Fillmore move up and improve, but keep the same charm as it has now.”

Adali (pronounced AH-thi-lee) was one of 30 local students who entered the contest. He was awarded $500, donated by Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, and said he plans to spend the money on computer equipment and software.

The 10-member Fillmore Visioning Committee, composed of residents and city and school officials, chose the winning entry.

“It’s a bright, colorful logo that shows elements of Fillmore,” said Deputy City Clerk Steve McClary.

Adali is no stranger to winning art contests. The young artist’s drawing of City Hall was chosen to promote the city’s 1997 Orange Festival.

The same year, his drawing of people riding skateboards and waiting for buses won first place in a county “transportation and clean air” contest.