By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 25th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 25th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 25th, 2025
![]() 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! Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 25th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 25th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
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. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo 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. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
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: |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, July 17, 2025, 4:00 p.m. at City of Fillmore City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Central 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 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 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 2D GSP Consultant Update Information Item Representatives from Daniel B Stephens & Associates will provide an informational update on the Agency’s groundwater 3. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the Board and will be enacted by one motion. There 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 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 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 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 Americans with Disabilities Act provides that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from Approved: Board Chair Kelly Long Posted: (date) July 11, 2025 (time) 3:15 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra 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 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
Staff from Ventura County Public Health will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, to provide a training The Opioid Overdose Prevention Program provides a wide range of information regarding opioid related topics. Attendees will This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and CONTACT: Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, (805) 218-9146 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, July 11th, 2025
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. Both suspects are currently being held on $150,000 bail and are scheduled for arraignment on July 7, 2025. How to Protect Yourself: 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). |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo 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. 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. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
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. Enlarge Photo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 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. 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.” 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 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, July 4th, 2025
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, In June of 2025, a resident came to the Police Station to report a possible scam. In May of this year, the victim received Does that sound familiar? What about text messages from unknown phone numbers stating they may have a job opening for you, When dealing with any interaction utilizing technology, always be mindful of what information you are receiving and more • Nationally known and legitimate businesses will not demand payment by cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or • Legitimate customer, security, or tech support companies will not initiate unsolicited contact with individuals, nor • Legitimate lotteries and beneficiaries do not need to pay upfront taxes and fees to claim a prize or inheritance. Playing • Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you do not know and be wary of email • Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus • Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to • Request to see an item in person. Ask for additional photographs and/or videos when attempting to purchase something If you are unsure whether you are dealing with a scam, STOP! THERE IS NO RUSH! For assistance, you can contact the Prepared by: Detective Luke Riordan |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, June 27th, 2025
![]() Pictured above are Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley and Rotarian Cindy Blatt. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo 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. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, June 27th, 2025
“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 |