Juliann “Jules” Smith artwork is pictured for sale at D & E Boutique in Santa Paula. Jules was the founding editor of The Fillmore Gazette. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
Juliann “Jules” Smith artwork is pictured for sale at D & E Boutique in Santa Paula. Jules was the founding editor of The Fillmore Gazette. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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Pam Klittich, advisor to the FFA, introduced the students who attended the Fillmore Rotary meeting. The students were: Anne Cabrales, Alysson Tapia, Alina Cruz, Olivia Nava, Jonathan Tapia, and Diana Espinoza. Each one explained the animal they’re raising for the Ventura County Fair and talked about their experiences and their hopes for the fair. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pam Klittich, advisor to the FFA, introduced the students who attended the Fillmore Rotary meeting. The students were: Anne Cabrales, Alysson Tapia, Alina Cruz, Olivia Nava, Jonathan Tapia, and Diana Espinoza. Each one explained the animal they’re raising for the Ventura County Fair and talked about their experiences and their hopes for the fair. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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A brand-new modular restroom building is coming the week of August 4th! To prepare, demolition of the old restrooms will begin next week. The new facility will be: ADA-accessible; Equipped with two fully accessible restrooms; Baby-friendly with changing stations; Energy-efficient with LED lighting; Built to be secure, modern, and durable. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our parks for everyone. Stay tuned, we can’t wait to unveil the finished project! Check out the rendering below!
A brand-new modular restroom building is coming the week of August 4th! To prepare, demolition of the old restrooms will begin next week. The new facility will be: ADA-accessible; Equipped with two fully accessible restrooms; Baby-friendly with changing stations; Energy-efficient with LED lighting; Built to be secure, modern, and durable. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our parks for everyone. Stay tuned, we can’t wait to unveil the finished project! Check out the rendering below!
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On Saturday, July 19th, brothers Steven & Nico, along with cousins Jake & Enzo, held a lemonade and bake sale from 12:30pm-2:30pm, for summer projects and supplies. Many stopped by for delicious lemonade, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and rice Krispy treats. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff.
On Saturday, July 19th, brothers Steven & Nico, along with cousins Jake & Enzo, held a lemonade and bake sale from 12:30pm-2:30pm, for summer projects and supplies. Many stopped by for delicious lemonade, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and rice Krispy treats. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff.
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The Fillmore Summer Music Series is back! Join us every Friday from August 15th to September 19th, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at City Hall Plaza for an evening of live music, delicious food, and great community vibes! Stay tuned to our website for the full artist lineup and event details. You won’t want to miss it! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
The Fillmore Summer Music Series is back! Join us every Friday from August 15th to September 19th, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at City Hall Plaza for an evening of live music, delicious food, and great community vibes! Stay tuned to our website for the full artist lineup and event details. You won’t want to miss it! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
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On Friday, July 11th, the City of Fillmore hosted a Fillmore Business Roundtable to hear directly from our amazing local businesses! Together, we’re building stronger partnerships and exploring new ways to support economic growth in our city. Big thanks to all who participated and to our dedicated City staff for facilitating this important conversation! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
On Friday, July 11th, the City of Fillmore hosted a Fillmore Business Roundtable to hear directly from our amazing local businesses! Together, we’re building stronger partnerships and exploring new ways to support economic growth in our city. Big thanks to all who participated and to our dedicated City staff for facilitating this important conversation! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
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Do you enjoy movies? Are you interested in some of the older, famous films? Do you enjoy seeing the changes in cinematography, content, acting, stunts, and directing? Are you interested in celebrating our theater and helping it become an integral part of our community?

If so, come to our local movie theater for their special events, including comedians, children’s movies, concerts, mariachis, and local stage presentations such as the youth and Sespe Players’ performances. Such fun!

Start this week! On July 18th, Gary Cooper stars in HIGH NOON. In the following weeks, Buster Keaton in The CAMERAMAN (July 25), DETOUR (August 1), and CITIZEN KANE (August 8). Movie time is 6:30, and no commercials are shown. Pure fun! Tickets are at the door, adults $9 and children under 12 are $5.
Celebrate the Fillmore Town Theatre as it becomes a town jewel, and you will certainly be entertained as you do!

 
Fillmore Rite Aid Pharmacy is officially closed as of July 15th, after filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy back in May. Customers over the weekend picked up their prescriptions for the last time. The company is closing all stores through outright closures or sales to other companies. Meanwhile, CVS, Walgreens and Albertsons have purchased prescription files and some physical locations. Farewell, Rite Aid.
Fillmore Rite Aid Pharmacy is officially closed as of July 15th, after filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy back in May. Customers over the weekend picked up their prescriptions for the last time. The company is closing all stores through outright closures or sales to other companies. Meanwhile, CVS, Walgreens and Albertsons have purchased prescription files and some physical locations. Farewell, Rite Aid.
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California historian Phyllis Hansen. Photo credit Rancho Camulos.
California historian Phyllis Hansen. Photo credit Rancho Camulos.
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On Saturday, July 26th, at 1pm, Rancho Camulos will be hosting California historian Phyllis Hansen who will bring “The Bell Lady”, Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes, to life. Photo credit Rancho Camulos.
On Saturday, July 26th, at 1pm, Rancho Camulos will be hosting California historian Phyllis Hansen who will bring “The Bell Lady”, Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes, to life. Photo credit Rancho Camulos.
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RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM - Saturday, July 26 at 1:00 P.M.

Most will recognize the uniquely shaped bells hanging from their shepherd’s crook staffs that have dotted the highways of California since the dawn of the 20th century. The story of how they branded California, and the remarkable woman responsible not just for their design but their creation, is one that continues to resonate to this day.

California historian Phyllis Hansen will bring “The Bell Lady”, Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes to life on Saturday July 26 at 1: 00 at the Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark. Phyllis will relate Mrs. Forbes remarkable life and legacy as a true Renaissance Woman who, as an author, historian, designer, businesswoman, foundry-founder, activist and legendary photographer, was almost larger than life. She will also share a number of unique artifacts from the estate of Mrs. Forbes and her equally noteworthy husband. The suggested donation is $10

Museum Docent- led tours will also be available at 3:00

Reservations are recommended. To make reservations call 805-521-1501. Purchase tickets at door or at Ranchocamulos.org. For Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum information visit Ranchocamulos.org. The museum is on Hwy 126, 5164 E. Telegraph Rd., Piru CA.

 

July 14, 2025

SUBJECT: Friends of the Condors Present: Retired LA Zookeeper

CONTACT: Tyler Mayser, Senior City Librarian, tyler.mayser@venturacounty.gov DATE: Sunday, July 27, 2025; 2 pm to 3 pm

PLACE: Topping Room, EP Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura CA

In partnership with The Friends of the Condor, Wild and Free, the EP Foster library presents “Gifts of the Condor, Lessons learned from 35 years of breeding California Condors,” a talk by Mike Clark, retired LA Zookeeper. While the talk is geared toward adults, families are welcome.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Tyler Mayser, Senior City Librarian, at tyler.mayser@venturacounty.gov.

The EP Foster Library is located at 651 E. Main St., Ventura CA. Hours of service are 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday; 10 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 pm Sunday.

Ventura County Library:
The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at library.venturacounty.gov.
Ventura County Library has 12 locations and a Mobile Library
See our hours of service at https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/use-library/locations- hours.

 

Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, July 17, 2025, 4:00 p.m. at City of Fillmore City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Central
Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015

To participate in the Board of Directors meeting via Zoom, please access:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85480305580?pwd=ZnFBWGhtVU05dXd3REFkM255c0h6UT...

Meeting ID: 854 8030 5580 Password: FPBGSA

To hear just the audio portion of the meeting, phone into:

Toll-free number: 877 853 5247 Meeting ID: 854 8030 5580

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

Pledge of Allegiance

1B Directors Roll Call

1C Public Comments

Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Agency) will accept public comment concerning agenda items at
the time the item is considered and on any non-agenda item within the jurisdiction of the Board during the agendized Public
Comment period. No action will be taken by the Board on any non-agenda item. In accordance with Government Code §
54954.3(b)(1), public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker per issue.

1D Approval of Agenda

Motion

2. UPDATES

2A Director Announcements/Board Communications:

Oral Reports from the Board.

Fillmore Pumpers Association Stakeholder Director Update

Piru Pumpers Association Stakeholder Director Update

Environmental Stakeholder Director Update

City of Fillmore Member Director Update

United Water Conservation District Member Director Update

County of Ventura Member Director Update

2B Executive Director Update Information Item

The Executive Director will provide an informational update on Agency activities since the previous Board of Directors
meeting of June 19, 2025.

2C Legal Counsel Update Information Item

Legal Counsel will provide an informational update on Agency’s legal issues and concerns since the previous Board of
Directors meeting of June 19, 2025.

2D GSP Consultant Update Information Item

Representatives from Daniel B Stephens & Associates will provide an informational update on the Agency’s groundwater
sustainability planning activities since the previous Board of Directors meeting of June 19, 2025.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the Board and will be enacted by one motion. There
will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member pulls an item from the Calendar. Pulled items will be
discussed and acted on separately by the Board. Members of the public who want to comment on a Consent Calendar item should
do so under Public Comments. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED)

3A Approval of Minutes

The Board will consider approving the Minutes from the Board of Directors meeting of June 19, 2025.

3B Approval of Warrants

The Board will consider approving payment of outstanding vendor invoices:

United Water Conservation District $58,912.18

DBS&A $10,653.75

Aleshire & Wynder LLP $ 1,446.00

Stillwater Sciences $ 1,051.00

The Fillmore Gazette $ 324.00

3C Monthly Financial Report

The Board will receive the monthly financial report for the Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency.

3D United Water Conservation District Labor Rates

The Board will receive the United Water Conservation District labor rates for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

4. MOTION ITEMS

4A Task Orders with Stillwater Sciences for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Scope of Work

Motion

The Board will consider approving Task Order Number SWS-FY26-01, with Stillwater Sciences, for as-needed technical and
planning support services for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 period.

4B Task Orders with United Water Conservation District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Scope of Work

Motion

The Board will consider approving Task Order Numbers UWCD-FY26-01, UWCD-FY26-02, and UWCD-FY26-03 with United Water
Conservation District, for as-needed technical and planning support services for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 period.

4C Financial Reserve Policy Development

Motion

The Board will receive a presentation from staff on the development of a financial reserve policy and provide comments and
directions.

5. FUTURE ITEMS

6. ADJOURNMENT

The Board will adjourn to the next Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, or call of the Chair.

Materials, which are non-exempt public records and are provided to the Board of Directors to be used in consideration of
the above agenda items, including any documents provided subsequent to the publishing of this agenda, are available for
inspection at UWCD’s offices at 1701 N. Lombard Street in Oxnard during normal business hours.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from
participation in, or denied the benefits of, the District’s services, programs or activities because of any disability. If
you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, or if you require agenda materials in an alternative format,
please contact the UWCD Office at (805) 525-4431 or the City of Fillmore at (805) 524- 1500. Notification of at least 48
hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make appropriate arrangements.

Approved:

Board Chair Kelly Long

Posted: (date) July 11, 2025 (time) 3:15 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra

At: https://www.FPBGSA.org

Posted: (date) July 11, 2025 (time) 3:30 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra

At: https://www.facebook.com/FPBGSA

Posted: (date) July 11, 2025 (time) 3:45 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra

At: UWCD, 1701 N. Lombard Street, Oxnard

Posted: (date) July 11, 2025 (time) 4:00 p.m. (attest) Juana Garcia

At: Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA

 

Staff from Ventura County Public Health will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, to provide a training
workshop as part of their Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.

The Opioid Overdose Prevention Program provides a wide range of information regarding opioid related topics. Attendees will
achieve the following learning outcomes: identify types of opioids, identify the risks of Fentanyl in the illicit drug supply,
learn about signs of an overdose, and learn how to use Naloxone to prevent death from an Opioid overdose. Participants will be
eligible to receive a Naloxone (Narcan) kit at the completion of this session.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805)
218-9146 or ron.solorzano@ventura.org.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and
12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

CONTACT: Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, (805) 218-9146
DATE: Wednesday, July 30, 2025; 6pm

 

On July 2, 2025, detectives with the Moorpark Police Department arrested two individuals, Juan Molano and Edgar Hernandez, for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

The suspects were observed loitering at a local bank in Moorpark, where they targeted a victim who withdrew a large sum of money. The victim became aware of the suspects following her from the bank back to her place of work. The victim promptly reported the suspicious activity to law enforcement. She provided a detailed description of the suspects’ vehicle, which was relayed to dispatch.

Acting on this information, Moorpark detectives located the suspects’ vehicle at another bank in the neighboring city of Simi Valley. Moorpark patrol deputies and detectives, along with the assistance of the Simi Valley Police Department, conducted an investigation and established probable cause to arrest both Molano and Hernandez.
Upon further investigation, Moorpark detectives discovered Molano and Hernandez were linked to a series of distraction-style thefts across Southern California, where they allegedly followed victims from financial institutions to their workplaces or other locations, then broke into their vehicles to steal money.

Both suspects are currently being held on $150,000 bail and are scheduled for arraignment on July 7, 2025.
The Moorpark Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office also aim to educate the public about this type of crime, often referred to as “bank jugging.” This term is used to describe a crime where suspects target individuals who withdraw cash from a bank or ATM. These suspects often loiter near financial institutions, observe potential victims withdraw large sums of cash, and then follow them to steal the money, either by breaking into their vehicles or confronting the victims directly.

How to Protect Yourself:
• Be discreet when handling cash in public. Avoid counting money outside the bank or ATM.
• Vary your routines when visiting banks or ATMs to avoid being predictable.
• Stay alert for anyone loitering nearby or following you after a transaction.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the area and call 911.
• Secure your cash immediately after withdrawing it and avoid leaving it unattended in your vehicle.
The Moorpark Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially when carrying large amounts of cash. If you notice suspicious individuals following you or others from a bank, immediately report it to law enforcement by calling 911.

Safety Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when leaving a bank.

• Avoid large cash withdrawals.

• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a safe location, such as a police station and call 911 immediately.

• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your vehicle.

For further information, please contact the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700.

Prepared by: Detective Jon Nungester

News Release Date: 7/3/2025

Approved by: Captain Nick Odenath

Booking Photo Release: NO

***

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

 
Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers named Ray & Shelley Huerta’s home on Fernglen Circle the July 2025 Yard of the Month winner. Photo credit Erika Arana.
Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers named Ray & Shelley Huerta’s home on Fernglen Circle the July 2025 Yard of the Month winner. Photo credit Erika Arana.
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By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected Ray & Shelley Huerta’s home at 627 Fernglen Circle, for the July “Yard of the Month” award. They have lived in this home for 25 years, after purchasing it from Shelley’s grandparents. She grew up next door, so they are a Fillmore multi-generational family.
Shelley said that Ray is the one doing the yard work & he enjoys it.

Black Eyed Susans make a statement by the entrance with an unusual White Trumpet Vine on a trellis behind, a bi colored orange & white Rose (a Mother’s Day gift) in front, next to a cream & burgundy bi-colored Rose from Otto & Sons Nursery purchased in memory of Ray’s father, who passed earlier in the year. A yellow & pink Plumeria spreads its branches next to a pink Hibiscus with white Impatiens, yellow Pansies, Blue Alyssum & pink freeway Daisies for a front border. On the left of the entrance, a shaped Podocarpus shrub, anchors the space above welcome signs with more Pansies at the base.

Grevillea & Abelia shrubs lead the eye as the border moves around the corner to reveal Petunias, White Impatiens, Lily of the Nile, Alstroemeria, more Roses, yellow Coreopsis, Crepe Myrtle & Bougainvillea. The front lawn has another Crepe Myrtle tree that is not blooming.

Shelly said they always enjoy going to Otto & Sons Nursery & will have fun using their gift card. Civic Pride volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery’s generosity in providing the gift cards to support this project.

 
On Friday, June 28th, from 2pm – 4pm folks gathered for games and to share a great meal with friends--always a great idea! BBQ with the Badges did not disappoint. Thank you, One Step A La Vez, for having us out! Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Friday, June 28th, from 2pm – 4pm folks gathered for games and to share a great meal with friends--always a great idea! BBQ with the Badges did not disappoint. Thank you, One Step A La Vez, for having us out! Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting President Anna Reilley presented Rotarian Andy Klittich with a Rotarian of the Month pin for being the treasurer of the club. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting President Anna Reilley presented Rotarian Andy Klittich with a Rotarian of the Month pin for being the treasurer of the club. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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No cash or bus pass? No problem. Riders can now use contactless debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets to board VCTC’s blue buses
On June 23rd, Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) launched Tap2Ride “contactless payment” where riders tap their card or device wait for the green “Go!” and screen to confirm payment was complete. Photo credit Ventura County Transportation Commission.
On June 23rd, Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) launched Tap2Ride “contactless payment” where riders tap their card or device wait for the green “Go!” and screen to confirm payment was complete. Photo credit Ventura County Transportation Commission.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025

CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is excited to announce that Tap2Ride, a new contactless fare payment system, is now available on its Intercity service buses.
With Tap2Ride, passengers no longer need cash or a bus pass to ride VCTC Intercity buses. The Tap2Ride fare payment system accepts contactless-enabled Mastercard and Visa cards, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay mobile payment systems.

VCTC officially launched Tap2Ride on June 23.

Passengers on VCTC Intercity buses will see yellow payment readers with the “contactless payment” symbol as they board. Riders simply tap their card or device below the symbol then wait for the green “Go!” screen to confirm payment.

Currently, Tap2Ride is available only on VCTC Intercity’s blue buses. VCTC is working with Ventura County’s other transit operators to install Tap2Ride technology on every fixed-route bus in the county. That process is expected to be completed by the end of the year or early 2026.

The Tap2Ride system makes it easier for more people to ride VCTC Intercity buses. Passengers no longer need to carry exact change or put money on a bus pass card.

Tap2Ride users can also save money the more they ride VCTC Intercity. When paying through Tap2Ride, users will be eligible for pay as you go or “fare capping” discounts. The Tap2Ride system “caps” the amount a passenger pays when riding during a set period to mirror the same discount as a 31-day pass without the upfront cost of purchasing one.

VCTC Chair and Simi Valley Mayor Pro Tem Mike Judge said: “The Tap2Ride system is an important step toward making public transit easier to use and more accessible to everyone in the community. We look forward to bringing the Tap2Ride system to the rest of the county’s transit systems soon.”
VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said: “At VCTC, we are continuously focused on reducing barriers to using public transit. The Tap2Ride payment system eliminates the need to have cash on hand or purchase a bus pass in advance. Riders can simply board, tap their card or device and go!”

Passengers who choose not to use Tap2Ride can still use traditional forms of payment, including cash and the VCbuspass card. VCbuspass is accepted by all of Ventura County’s transit operators. Reduced fares that are currently available on VCTC Intercity, such as for riders age 65 and older, are not yet available using the Tap2Ride payment system but will be available soon.

Riders without access to a bank-provided contactless card or access to a bank account are encouraged to seek assistance through the Bank On national platform, which is led by the nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund). Bank On has partnered with more than 100 bank branches across Ventura County. More information about Bank On and a full list of Ventura County partner banks can be found on the Tap2Ride page on VCTC’s website at goventura.org/pay.

Funding for Tap2Ride on VCTC Intercity buses comes from a state Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) award received by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), VCTC’s partner on the Intercity Coastal Express route. The SCCP was created by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1).

For complete information about Tap2Ride, including frequently asked questions, visit goventura.org/pay.
***

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

 

Is it a scam? ERROR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If it does not make sense,
resist. Always be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

In June of 2025, a resident came to the Police Station to report a possible scam. In May of this year, the victim received
a pop-up notification on their computer. The pop-up informed the victim their computer was compromised and listed a phone
number for the victim to call. Due to the pop-up, the victim was unable to use their computer and, therefore, called the
listed phone number. The victim was advised that their computer and bank accounts had been hacked, and they needed to
protect their money by purchasing gold. The people the victim dealt with on the phone attempted to arrange a pick-up for
the gold. The victim received calls daily for six weeks, sometimes several times a day. Luckily, this resident realized
something wasn’t right and contacted law enforcement before losing any money. The one thing that stood out, the victim
said, “They sounded so convincing.”

Does that sound familiar? What about text messages from unknown phone numbers stating they may have a job opening for you,
your bank account has been compromised, you owe a fee for a “Toll Road,” or any easy money opportunities? Have you received
a phone call stating you have a warrant for your arrest, a family member has been arrested and/or held hostage? Any emails
saying, “Payment declined.” Your Netflix account will be removed; Your iCloud Account has been blocked! Your photos and
videos will be deleted? Or perhaps you’ve noticed social media posts advertising houses for rent at an incredible price or
items for sale on Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or other online community sale sites. These are all common
tactics used by scammers to lure in their victims.

When dealing with any interaction utilizing technology, always be mindful of what information you are receiving and more
importantly, what information you are giving.

• Nationally known and legitimate businesses will not demand payment by cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or
overnight mailed cash, or courier services to collect any payments.

• Legitimate customer, security, or tech support companies will not initiate unsolicited contact with individuals, nor
demand immediate payment or require payment via prepaid cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, mailed cash and/or use
courier services.

• Legitimate lotteries and beneficiaries do not need to pay upfront taxes and fees to claim a prize or inheritance. Playing
foreign lotteries in any form is a violation of federal law.

• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you do not know and be wary of email
attachments forwarded to you.

• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus
software and firewalls. Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked
screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid
accidentally clicking on a pop-up.

• Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to
better understand and target you.

• Request to see an item in person. Ask for additional photographs and/or videos when attempting to purchase something
prior to any downpayment.

If you are unsure whether you are dealing with a scam, STOP! THERE IS NO RUSH! For assistance, you can contact the
Camarillo Police Station at 805-388-5100, the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.ic3.go and/or the Federal Trade
Commission at www.ftc.gov.

Prepared by: Detective Luke Riordan
News Release Date: June 18, 2025
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

 
Pictured above are Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley and Rotarian Cindy Blatt. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pictured above are Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley and Rotarian Cindy Blatt. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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Fillmore Rotarian Cindy Blatt gave a Kraft Talk for our program. Since she was one of the chairpersons for the Rotary 5/10K Run she gave a summary of the event. There were 342 runners this year. She thanked many people who made the Run a success. Kim Tafoya-the second chairman, City of Fillmore, Fillmore Citizen Patrol, Search & Rescue, Bank of the Sierra supplied goody bags for the runners, several people donated items for the bags, many students from FHS track, Interact Club, swim team and more. Rotary Club members gathered sponsors, worked booths, set up and took down afterwards. Many more were involved and thanked. It was a successful event!

Cindy also talked about her family. She grew up in Simi Valley with one brother and two sisters. Her father was an athlete, a runner, and her parents were passionate about every child learning to swim. They gathered neighbors and friends and built a swimming pool then followed a swim team. Cindy became an excellent swimmer and swam in the US Nationals in 1970 and won the 100-meter freestyle and was 2nd place in 200-meter freestyle. She ranked second in the world in 100: 6th in the world in 200. On the US National Team, they traveled to the Philippines and Japan. In Osaka she was a member of the 400 Medley Relay that broke the world record. She was also inducted into the LA Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. In the last 24 years she has been the Swim Coach at Fillmore High School and encouraged many students to succeed.

 

“In looking at violent crime statistics for 2023, you can see a significant jump in comparison to the previous year. We did see a noticeable decrease in violent crime during and following the global pandemic. However, the trend we are seeing now is that incidents involving violent crime have returned to pre-pandemic numbers. In a county our size, with as little crime as we do have in comparison to other jurisdictions across the nation, a few cases in a calendar year can result in a sizeable spike in crime statistics, evidence of which can be showcased by simply comparing the figures from 2022 to 2023,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. He continued, “Overall, crime across the board is down, as we had nearly 100 fewer criminal offenses in 2023 than the previous year. My office will never take our foot off the gas when it comes to reducing crime. We will continue to focus our efforts on outreach, community engagement, education, and working closely with partners inside and outside of the criminal justice system, which is crucial for effective violence reduction.”

Note: Each geographical area in Ventura County is unique, and crime trends vary from city to city. For questions regarding each city’s reported crimes, the following people can be reached directly:

Captain Eduardo Malagon – Fillmore (805) 477-7108
Commander Eric Tennessen – Camarillo (805) 797-7102
Commander Jeremy Paris -Thousand Oaks (805) 797-7105
Captain Darin Hendren – Moorpark (805) 797-7137
Captain Trina Newman – Ojai (805) 477-7039