At its regular meeting on October 14, the Fillmore City Council voted 3-1 to become a member of Clean Power Alliance (CPA), a locally-operated clean electricity provider. With this decision, Fillmore becomes the final city in Ventura County to partner with CPA.
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At its regular meeting on October 14, the Fillmore City Council voted 3-1 to become a member of Clean Power Alliance (CPA), a locally-operated clean electricity provider. With this decision, Fillmore becomes the final city in Ventura County to partner with CPA, officially joining the rest of the county in offering residents and businesses access to renewable energy and greater local control over electricity decisions.

At last night’s meeting, Fillmore residents, youth, and environmental advocates gave public comment to show strong local support for this important energy decision.

“I understand change can be daunting. But the risks of inaction are greater,” said Cesar Campos, fellow at Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and Oxnard College student. “All of the cities in Ventura County have already joined CPA, thus showing their commitment and awareness to ensure a better and brighter future for their residents and future community members. Fillmore deserves the same.”

This decision to officially move forward as a Clean Power Alliance member community comes after months of grassroots advocacy efforts by local community members and youth, accompanied by One Step A La Vez and Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG). In May, the Fillmore City Council first decided to move forward with a feasibility study that determined the city was eligible to participate.

“It is time that Fillmore residents have the choice,” Mayor Christina Villaseñor shared during the meeting. “I’m excited about having a seat at the table and to be able to consider the energy needs for our community and our region [...]. CPA being able to reinvest profits back into the community because there are not investors or shareholders to pay; this is a great quality.

CPA sources energy from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. The transition to CPA will give Fillmore customers access to: cleaner energy at competitive rates, community reinvestment programs and grants, and support for local clean energy jobs and infrastructure. The City of Fillmore will also have the opportunity to actively participate in the energy provider’s decision-making process by appointing a City Council representative to the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors.

“This is one of the most impactful steps our city can take to address climate change at the local level,” said Karen Laiz, youth leader with One Step A La Vez. “By making clean energy the default, we make sustainability more accessible and equitable, especially for the lower-income households that might otherwise be left behind in the transition to a greener future.”

“Energy affordability, access to clean power, and climate resilience are not just energy policy concerns; they are energy justice issues and therefore, environmental justice priorities,” said Fabiola Gomez, Senior Environmental Justice Coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation.

“Joining CPA is a cost-efficient, value-aligned, and forward-thinking step that will protect the community, support vulnerable residents, and help fulfill the city’s environmental goals.”

Beginning in 2027, Fillmore residents and businesses will automatically receive clean, competitively priced power from CPA. The next decision for the city to make is the default energy tier, which ranges from 40% to 100% renewable sources.

VENTURA, Calif. – On Friday October 10, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1344, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, officially enacting a pilot program that allows district attorneys in select counties to directly petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), also known as “Red Flag Laws.”

The measure authorizes prosecutors in Ventura, El Dorado, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties to petition for GVROs, giving district attorneys the ability to intervene when individuals pose an imminent threat to themselves or others.

Existing law authorizes law enforcement officers, family members, coworkers, and others to obtain a GVRO when a person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm and when less restrictive alternatives are inadequate.

Under AB 1344, district attorneys in the four participating counties will also be able to seek a GVRO.
“This is a significant law for community safety,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Prosecutors are uniquely positioned and qualified to seek these restraining orders to prevent gun violence, and I thank Assemblymember Irwin for championing this much-needed legislation.”

“The frequency of mass shootings committed with legally purchased firearms continues to drive home the point that removing firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others, is perhaps the first-line of defense in preventing tragedies,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “The expanded use of Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO’s) has proven to be an effective tool to address this issue. I am thankful to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, who has been steadfast in his support of my efforts to pass legislation that would authorize a pilot program to allow District Attorney’s to petition for GVRO’s. The data gathered through this pilot program could lead to statewide legislation that would have a significant impact on gun violence in California.”

The law also requires annual reporting to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis beginning in 2027, allowing the state to analyze GVRO usage and outcomes to guide future firearm safety policies.

***
Contact: Joey Buttitta

Title: Communications Manager/PIO

Phone: (805) 767-3400

Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov

Approved: SW

Date: October 13, 2025

Release No.: 25-125

Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=245.
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Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=245

Posted on: October 7, 2025 | Last Modified on: October 7, 2025

The City of Fillmore would like to inform residents that ongoing work along C Street is being performed by Toro Enterprises as part of the Williams Homes Creekside Project. This project includes the installation of a new sewer line and is anticipated to be completed by the week of Thanksgiving, pending any unforeseen delays.

Road closures and detours are currently in effect on C Street and work is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Staff is actively monitoring field activity and may adjust construction operations as needed to accommodate traffic conditions, school schedules, and on-site factors.
During Fillmore Unified School District’s Fall Break, work will continue under regular hours. Once school is back in session,
construction hours will be adjusted to 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. to help reduce school-related traffic congestion in the area.
For more information or questions about this project, please contact the City of Fillmore Public Works Department at (805) 586-1367 Ext.233

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Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=241.

https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=241

Posted on: October 1, 2025

The City of Fillmore invites you to an Immigration Resources Forum on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00PM to 8:30 PM at Fillmore City Hall (250 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA, 93015)

The program will be conducted entirely in Spanish, with interpretation services available for translation from Spanish to English.

Presentations include a Know Your Rights workshop by immigration attorney Vanessa Frank, plus resources from Friends of Fieldworkers, United Farm Workers, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Poder Popular, and 211 Ventura County. Light refreshments will be provided.

For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be livestreamed on the City of Fillmore’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with trusted organizations and learn about important community resources.

Questions? Contact

Agarcia@fillmoreca.gov
(805) 946-1827.

Ventura County Library is proud to participate in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October by offering free
cybersecurity education materials at the Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme.

This event is designed to empower residents of all ages with practical tools and knowledge to stay safe online. Throughout
the month, visitors will have access to:

• Tips to Avoid the Next Scam – Learn how to spot phishing emails, phone scams, and fraudulent links.

• Guidelines for Good Cyber Hygiene – Easy steps to protect your devices, passwords, and personal information.

• Activity Materials for Kids – Fun activities to teach children about online safety.

• Content in English and Spanish – Accessible resources for our diverse community.

Additionally, the Ventura County Library is pleased to host members of the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC) for a
cybersecurity presentation on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 3:00-4:00pm. They will cover popular topics such as
ransomware, crypto malware, security awareness for the public, and resources to empower your family. The JRIC is a
partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety agencies that help support organizations and
residents within Southern California.

Cybersecurity has become an essential life skill, and these programs are part of the library’s commitment to helping the
community navigate today’s digital world with confidence and safety.

For more information about Cybersecurity Education Month events at Prueter Library, visit www.library.venturacounty.gov or
contact Amanda Armitage at amanda.armitage@venturacounty.gov

Ventura County Library:

Inspiring our community to explore, discover and connect.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at library.venturacounty.gov.

FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BACK STACKS Used Book Sales

The Back Stacks are OPEN and have loads of books for sale!

BIG SATURDAY SALE OCTOBER 4TH

10AM TO 2PM

OCTOBER Sale Item

ALL Mysteries ARE 50% OFF.

We have all your favorite mystery writers – contemporary and classics.

Stop by and check out our inventory.

If you miss the Saturday sale, our weekday hours are outlined below.

Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 PM (except January 1st)

Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm

Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm

We accept cash, checks and credit cards.

We have a large inventory of Fiction and Non-fiction, as well as children’s books. Our collection features 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. 100% of book sale proceeds goes to support the Blanchard Community Library. PLEASE NOTE: We love receiving donations, and accept everything EXCEPT VHS, magazines or cassette taps. Also, we accept donations ONLY on days when the Library is open for business to ensure that your generous donation is not damaged or stolen.

Located at the Blanchard Community Library, 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula,

LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Street

President Donald Turmp also ordered for the American flag to be flown at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated on September 10th.
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Flags across the United States were flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 11, 2025 (Patriot Day), in memory of the nearly 3,000 souls lost on 9/11 in the attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania. But they remained that way until Friday, September 12th for another reason. President Donald Trump ordered for the American flag to be flown at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder and conservative activist who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on September 10th. The flag code states that the president can modify or alter “any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag” by proclamation. While the flag code is written in the U.S. Code, it is considered a guideline and contains no enforcement mechanism, according to Congress’ website.

Released September 15, 2025

VENTURA, California – With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy
Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be
providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the
California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

Between October 6-14, HICAP counselors will host presentations on “2026 Medicare Changes” at 13 different sites around the
county. People are encouraged to sign up online at VCAAA.VenturaCounty.gov/HICAP to register to attend these presentations.

From October 15 to December 5, HICAP counselors will host 36 One-Stop events at 14 different sites around the county to
provide individual counseling sessions. People interested in a one-on-one appointment are urged to sign up as soon as
possible, as they will fill up quickly. The online form can be found at VCAAA.VenturaCounty.gov/HICAP.

Sites for these various events include Ventura (the VCAAA office), Camarillo (Camarillo Health Care District, Pleasant
Valley Senior Center), Fillmore (Active Adult Center), Moorpark (Active Adult Center), Ojai (HELP of Ojai), Oxnard (Colonia
Senior Center, Palm Vista Senior Center, South Oxnard Senior Center, Wilson Senior Center), Port Hueneme (Orvene S.
Carpenter Community Center), Santa Paula (Senior Center), Simi Valley (Senior Center) and Thousand Oaks (CRPD Conejo Creek
Community Building, Goebel Adult Community Center).

Please see the attached PDFs or visit VCAAA.VenturaCounty.gov/HICAP for specific dates, times and locations.

Both the presentations and the individual appointments are free. For more information, call the VCAAA at 805-477-7300.

September 5, 2025

The Ventura County Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, made up of the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the FBI, arrested six people in Ventura County during a two-week enforcement operation targeting the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The operation was made successful by the valuable assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, and Southern California High Tech Task Force.

The coordinated effort was executed between August 18, 2025, and August 29, 2025. In all, 11 search warrants approved by Superior Court Judges, including three for residential locations, were served for Investigators to obtain vital evidence in these cases.

Those arrested in Ventura County are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the possession of CSAM, possession of CSAM with intent to distribute, and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“Child exploitation thrives in secrecy, but operations like this shine a light on those who seek to harm children,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “These arrests and charges show what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement join forces to identify offenders and safeguard the most vulnerable among us.”

Defendants arrested:
Tan Hoang Phuc Le (23 years old, Simi Valley) - 2025007355 Charged with: PC 311.11(a) - Possession of child pornography

Kevin Williams (42 years old, Santa Paula) - 2025021227
Charged with: PC 311.11(a) - Possession of child pornography, PC 311.1 - Possession of child pornography with intent to distribute (6-counts)

Dameon Schubert (36 years old, Ventura) - 2025021272
Charged with: PC 311.11(a) - Possession of child pornography, PC 311.1 - Possession of child pornography with intent to distribute

Kevin Reynolds (40 years old, Newbury Park)
Charges under review: PC 311.11(a) - Possession of child pornography, PC 311.1 - Possession of child pornography with intent to distribute
Note: Reynolds is a Fillmore High School Chemistry teacher – News Release

Scott Milne (44 years old, Thousand Oaks)
Charges under review: PC 311.11(a) - Possession of child pornography, PC 311.1 - Possession of child pornography with intent to distribute, PC 311.2(c) – Distribution and possession of child pornography with intent to distribute

Samuel William Lafond (37 years old) - Federal Arrest
18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) - Attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity
18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(2)(A), (b)(1) - Distribution of child pornography 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(2)(A), (b)(1) - Receipt of child pornography
18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(5)(B), (b)(2) - Possession of child pornography

“The FBI continues to collaborate with our local partners in Ventura County to focus on the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “As part of “Operation Summer Heat” the FBI has stepped up its efforts to target violent criminals - including violent offenders who target children - for arrest and prosecution at both the state and federal level. I’m proud of the enduring relationships we enjoy with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Paula Police Departments, in having focused and continuing to focus on this important mission over the past several weeks and in the days ahead.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the FBI also partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at
1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. As always, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately.

A criminal complaint or indictment is merely an allegation. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Pictured above is Francis H. Rudkin who came to the United States in 1912. He was a member of a bird fanciers’ organization in England in 1902 and helped found the Avicultural Society of America in 1927. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is Keith Spalding, left, with Eudora Hull Spalding in the wheelchair. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Birdwatcher, birder, ornithologist, Oologists, nidologists, aviarian, whatever word you choose it’s for the birds. People who are passionate about birds might have issues about what they themselves should be called.

The 1930s seem to have been the heyday in Ventura County with several world class aviaries in the area. One belonged to Francis H. Rudkin, Sr. Mr. Rudkin came to the United States in 1912 after he had been told by doctors that his son would die if they did not move to a more temperate climate, eventually ending up in Fillmore.

Mr. Rudkin had been a member of a bird fanciers’ organization in England in 1902 and helped found the Avicultural Society of America in 1927. Over the years he served the organization in many capacities including president.

Mr. Rudkin was particularly known for birds which originated in Australia. These included blue masked love birds as well as parakeets and cockatoos. He also had a pair of lories which required a very special diet – milk and honey with boiled rice for bulk. This paid off as the pair eventually produced offspring.

Mr. Rudkin had a pair of turquoise parakeets which were thought to be near extinction but the population in the wild is recovering. He also raised Abyssinian lovebirds, also known as black winged love birds.

A 1940 Ventura County Star article said that Mr. Rudkin’s aviary was one of the few which could rival that of Mr. and Mrs. Spalding’s of Rancho Sespe. Mr. Rudkin died in 1956 but his fascination with birds continued with succeeding generations.0

Rancho Sespe was well known in the 1930s for approaching any thing grown on the ranch in a scientific manner. Meticulous records were kept of each individual tree being planted as to when it was planted, how it was fertilized, watered and pruned. The same was true of all the livestock on the ranch. It was also true of what started out probably as a hobby but turned into a business.
In October 1929 a Ventura Morning Free Press article declared, “K. Spaulding’s (sic) aviary at Fillmore one of best in state.” In the list of birds in the article are Curosaw turkeys, rare Palwan peacocks as well as “…lovebirds, parrots, and every conceivable bird is to be found among found among this marvelous collection.”

The writer lauded Mr. Spalding for raising 500 pheasants and 1000 turkeys for breeding stock.

In1928 several hundred were released around the county to augment the numbers for hunting. 200 more pheasants were released in August, 1929.

Mr. Spalding also had several acres of riverbed planted in grain to attract migrating ducks and geese. It’s clear the Spaldings enjoyed hunting.

The article concludes by mentioning Mr. Spalding had spent thousands of dollars on the aviary and the author hoped it someday would be open to the public.

It is difficult to tell which of the Spaldings the aviary “belonged” to. The 1929 article referred to it as Mr. Spalding’s and Mrs. Spalding was never mentioned. A later article referred to it as Mrs. Eudora Hull Spalding’s “expensive hobby.”

By 1940 the collection of birds grew in number and variety, and the physical aviary had expanded to more than 100 pens. A January 1940 Ventura County Star article starts out telling of the penguins and their care and feeding, but then goes into the diversity of the collection.

Peacocks were probably the dominant variety. Bill Hunsinger, who was in charge of the aviary, developed a new strain, the Spalding peacock. If you do a search for Spalding peacocks you will see amazing emerald green and blue birds who are said to have the longest tail of any peacock. Hunsinger and his staff at the time of the article were breeding up to 50 peacocks a year. These would be sold to zoos and to private collections.

Besides peacocks and penguins, the ranch also had cassowaries and tinnamou, both members of the ostrich family, although the tinnamous, unlike their cousins did have wings and could fly.
Besides birds, the “zoo” had other animals such as the barking deer from China which looks exactly like a miniature deer.

Mrs. Spalding died in 1942. We don’t know how long the aviary kept going after her death and the upheaval of World War II. If anyone has any information, please share it with us.

By Jaclyn Ibarra

Every third Saturday in September is California Coastal Cleanup Day from 9a.m.-12p.m. noon. There are various sites up and down the coast including Shiells Park in Fillmore. The non-profit environmental group Friends of the Santa Clara River will be hosting the volunteer check-in booth at the top of the levee. Buckets, gloves, water, snacks, and grabbers will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle and show our Santa Clara River some love. See you there!

FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY
BACK STACKS Used Book Sales
IMPORTANT Updates for September 2025
The Blanchard Community Library has completed its HVAC construction, the Library has reopened and the Friends “Back Stacks” bookstore will reopen Wednesday September 3rd at Noon. We will also have our Big Saturday reopening SALE on Saturday September 6th from 10am to 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Blanchard Community Library.
September Sale Item
ALL FICTION and VINTAGE BOOKS ARE 50% OFF.
We have all kinds of fiction – romances, mysteries, classics, fantasy, women’s literature, suspense, plus some amazing old/vintage books. Stop by and check out our inventory.
If you miss the Saturday sale, our weekday hours are outlined below.
Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 PM (except January 1st)
Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm
Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm
We have Loads of Fiction and Non-fiction, as well as children’s books. Our collection features 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. 100% of book sale proceeds goes to support the Blanchard Community Library. PLEASE NOTE: We love receiving donations, and accept everything EXCEPT VHS, magazines or cassette taps. Also, we accept donations ONLY on days when the Library is open for business to ensure that your generous donation is not damaged or stolen.
Located at 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula,
LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Street

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

The Fillmore Historical Museum has finalized its “3rd Thursday History Classes” for the fall. All classes are virtual on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of the month. There is no charge for the class, but it is necessary to register for the class to receive the link to the Zoom event.
We’ve already announced the September 18th presentation of “The History of the Fillmore Town Theatre” presented by Sean McCulley, the owner of the theatre who has been working the last few years to restore the theatre. Registration is open at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/event-details/history-of-the-fi...

On October 16th, members of the Fillmore Search and Rescue Team will tell the story of this all volunteer group which has been doing crucial work since the late 1940s. Registration will open for this class September 19th at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/event-details/the-history-of-th...

On November 20th we will wrap up with “Early Grammar Schools of Fillmore” presented by Martha Gentry. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries every small community had its own grammar school, from Torrey to Bardsdale to Cienega and points in between. Registration will open on October 17th at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/event-details/early-grammar-sch...

We are now thinking about 2026 classes. If you have any suggestions, please let us know at fillmore.museum@gmail.com.

Aug. 11, 2025

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, Sept. 1. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash, recycling and yard/organics waste collected on Saturday, Sept. 6, one day later than usual. The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. This prevents food waste contamination because food waste and yard waste are processed separately. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, as well as California State University Channel Islands and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and the city of Fillmore as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.