VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko advises Ventura County real estate professionals of a rise in fraud by perpetrators who access a property owner’s personal identifying information (PIN), such as name, birthday, address, and social security number. After obtaining this information perpetrators list the property for sale, then steal the proceeds.

This fraud is accomplished in multiple steps, usually by individuals operating outside the United States. Perpetrators first utilize public records to identify real property, usually vacant land with no outstanding liens. Next, using the PIN of the true property owner, the perpetrator contacts a local real estate agent to list the property for sale. Early in the fraud to avoid revealing their identity, the perpetrator insists on communicating with the agent and escrow solely by email or text message. Typically, the perpetrator directs the agent to list the property for sale below fair market value and find an ‘all-cash’ buyer. After the agent secures an offer, documents required to close escrow are executed remotely at the request of the perpetrator while impersonating the victim. During the transaction, multiple signatures of the true property owner and notary are forged by the perpetrator, so documents needed to close escrow appear authentic. Unaware of this complex fraud, the escrow company closes the transaction and wires the proceeds to an account controlled by the perpetrator. The funds are then quickly dispersed to accounts outside the United States and are often unrecoverable.

Local real estate professionals should take the following steps to detect this fraud before it occurs:

Verify the identity of the seller before accepting a listing by conducting an in-person or, at a minimum, virtual meeting with the seller.
Request to see an official government issued form of identification from the seller.
Title companies should be wary of sellers who insist on communicating solely by electronic means and claim to be unavailable or out of state throughout escrow.
A signature that is notarized outside the state of California when the seller and property are in Ventura County, should be strongly scrutinized.
The Ventura County Clerk Recorder’s Office offers multiple services to county residents to monitor the status of their property. These services include a title search database Self-Service (ventura.org) and also a Fraud Notify Alert service Self-Service: Fraud Guard (ventura.org). County residents can also monitor their property by using known websites like Zillow and Redfin.

Should you discover your real property was listed for sale or sold without your knowledge or permission, contact the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit at (805) 662-1750.

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Tuesday, July 4. As a result, the company will collect residential customers’ trash, recycling and yard/organic waste one day later than usual that week – on Saturday, July 8, in Fillmore. The regular 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 now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed bags and the bags should be tossed or placed in the yard/organic waste cart.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley, the Channel Islands beach communities and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park as Newbury Disposal.

For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

Fillmore Civic Pride Committee recognizes Otto and Sons Nursery (above) and Fillmore High Alumni building (inset) for their beautiful outdoor gardens. Photos courtesy Jan Lee.
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Courtesy Jan Lee

We had a month of “May Gray”, now we are into the “June Gloom”. But don’t let it get you down. Maybe it is time to stop and smell the roses, and other flowers too. Fillmore has many gardeners who make the town look beautiful. Here are two examples:
first, Otto and Sons Nursery—Garden Shop. They have a beautiful place, where you can smell the roses and admire many other lovely blossoms. It is a pretty place to hang out and just enjoy nature’s allure. While you are there, you might want to buy a fruit or vegetable plant for your yard. They are located at 1835 E. Guiberson Road, Fillmore.

Second, is the garden next to the Fillmore High Alumni building. Mark Ortega has created an impressive area filled with many types of flowers. There are benches and umbrellas where you can just take a little rest. Even on a gloomy day, it will lift your spirits. Remember to look, don’t pick the flowers. Leave it as clean as you found it. This garden is on Sespe Avenue.
Thank you, Mark Ortega and Otto and Sons, for making Fillmore beautiful. The Fillmore Civic Pride Committee gives a Yard of the Month Award to outdoor gardens in Fillmore. There are many yards where people have taken the time to plant and grow stunning gardens. Drive or walk around Fillmore and you will see them. Fillmore is a nice place to live. Instead of fretting over the June Gloom, go outside and notice the rainbow of colors growing all around you.

For a couple of years, the Vacation Bible School program at Bardsdale UMC and other local churches in our communities has been a tradition for the summer; in fact, for many years local families looked forward to seeing this program in full blast by this time of the year.

Unfortunately, the pandemic which began in 2020, put a halt on this program and other amazing events that were happening in our communities every year.

This year fortunately, many of us are resuming the tradition and opening our churches once again to K-6th graders in our communities.

Even though it is a faith-based program that touches on Bible stories and Bible verses, it is not an effort to convert, nor to recruit families for our own churches.

VBS is a wonderful program that brings children together from different denominations and communities of faith, through which participants learn important values such as ‘teamwork’, ‘sharing’; ‘friendship’, and ‘respect’, among other important concepts related to faith.

Themes are different every year, and during VBS participants rotate in groups through music, dance, drama, science, storytelling, and outdoor games, enjoying a whole week of fellowship and learning in a safe and structured environment.

My hope and my prayer this year is that you will encourage your children to participate in every single VBS provided by the different churches in our communities; and that you will volunteer to help.
Bring your children to VBS!

Together we can touch the lives of many children and impact their families towards a better life and wellbeing.
Pastora Lupita
Senior Pastor at BUMC

Bardsdale UMC will be holding VBS week from June 26th - June 30th
at 1498 Bardsdale Ave., Fillmore CA 93015
9:00 am – 12:00 noon with a healthy meal included.
Youth are encouraged to come and volunteer as guides and assistants.
REGISTRATION is currently open. For more information call 805-524-2070

Investigators with the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VCFOCUS) concluded an investigation of Jessica Valadez of Oxnard for selling counterfeit prescription pills containing Fentanyl to Ventura County residents.

During the month of May 2023, investigators assigned to the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VCFOCUS), received information that Jessica Valadez was selling counterfeit prescription pills that contained the deadly drug Fentanyl. The pills appeared to be legitimate Oxycodone pills, light blue in color and stamped with “M 30” but were actually fraudulent pills containing Fentanyl.

During the investigation, investigators obtained a search warrant for Valadez’ residence and vehicle. On May 26, 2023, at approximately 8:10 PM, VCFOCUS investigators located Valadez driving into the parking lot located in the 2000 block of North Rose Avenue. Valadez was detained and the search warrant was served. As a result, investigators seized 309 fraudulent Oxycodone pills. The street level price for one of these pills is approximately ten to fifteen dollars per pill. The approximately value of the pills possessed by Valadez is $3,090.00

Jessica Valadez was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for violating California Health and Safety Code section 11351(a) / possession of a controlled substance for sale, and 11352(a) / transportation of a controlled substance.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, fraudulent prescription Oxycodone pills, such as the ones seized from Valadez, typically contain .02 to 5.1 milligrams of fentanyl per tablet and a potentially lethal dose of Fentanyl is 2 milligrams.

The Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VCFOCUS) is a task force made up of Ventura County regional law enforcement agencies. The primary mission of this partnership is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify new trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community at large on the lethal danger of this epidemic.

VCFOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org.

The public may contact investigators from the VCFOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics.

Nature of Incident: Oxnard Woman Arrested for Possession and Transportaion of Fraudulent Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl
Report Number: 23-59566
Location: 2000 Block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard
1400 Block of Flora Laner, Oxnard

Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VCFOCUS)
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Jessica Vazquez Valadez Oxnard 32

Prepared by: Sergeant Robert Davidson
Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski

Vintage Pleasures opened its doors for business on July 3rd, 2003. The building was built in 1907 and was fully retrofitted after the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.

Owner Norma Amaro’s son, Marine Cpl. Marcos Amaro, was the first customer. He purchased a ‘Homie’ figure for $1.00, then signed and dated the dollar; it is posted on the Patriotic Wall, which is much appreciated by all, especially Veterans. Visit the shop at 326 Central Avenue and see for yourself!

Vintage Pleasures started with seven vendors, and now has 24 unique vendors including a New Old Stock Disney space that is continually restocked, a local artist ‘Iron Arts’ space that offers personalized metal arts, and they offer indoor and outdoor furniture pieces, and so much more.

They also sell and raffle handcrafted fire pits by an artist whose cancer is in remission. On average, one winner is selected every month.

To celebrate their 20th year, they are having raffles each week in June for different arts and gifts certificates. Norma can offer more information on the raffles, drop by for a friendly chat!
Vintage Pleasures has been part of many Hollywood films and commercials; a Christmas Duracell Battery commercial, NCSI with Mark Harmon and a Superbowl Dodge commercial, just to name a few. Marcus Castro, Norma’s brother, is the store’s security during the filmings.

Maureen McCormick of the original Brady Bunch has been, and still is, a regular visitor.
The next time you’re taking a stroll down Central Avenue, stop in and wish Norma a Happy Anniversary!

GARAGE SALE - 1411 Goodenough Rd. Sleeper sofa, oak dinette, air conditioner, dishes, tools, tile saw, yard furniture, camping equipment, Christmas decorations, misc. tile, lots of nails, old automotive lights Sat. 3 9am-5pm. (6/1)

Fillmore Civic Pride Volunteers named Imelda Magana as the June 2023 Yard of the Month winner, pictured by her lovely flowers. She also received a $50 gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo courtesy Linda Nunes.
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Courtesy Linda Nunes
The June “Yard of the Month” award was presented by Civic Pride Volunteers, to Rafael & Imelda Magana of 40 Coronado St. in El Dorado Mobile Estates.
Imelda said she grew up in Rancho Sespe where she was one of 11 children; Rafael was one of 16! They moved to this home in 2016.
Rafael & Imelda share the gardening duties of planting, weeding & watering. Imelda told us every eight days she is out watering & working in the yard. Even though her husband thinks they have too many plants, she said the flowers & yard keep her healthy & happy. I agreed wholeheartedly!
They have been able to grow an amazing variety of flowers, herbs & fruit trees in their little front, side & back yard. We told Imelda that she definitely has a “Green Thumb” as she & daughter Kelli showed us several pomegranate trees planted from one arial (seed), apple & peach trees, strawberry guava trees, cilantro, citroen or lemon verbena used to make a tea for digestion. Also planted were lemon grass, feverfew plants, zucchini, red chili peppers, calla lilies, stunning hollyhocks that reached the roof, amaryllis, impatiens & geraniums surrounding beautiful roses in red, coral & yellow.
You would be inspired to see this yard. They were so pleased to receive the $50 gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery! Civic Pride volunteers appreciate their support for this project over all the years.

GARAGE SALE - 1411 Goodenough Rd, Fillmore. Sleigh beds, refrigerator, sleeper sofa, oak dinette, hutch, chest of drawers, tile saw, tools, dishes, yard furniture, camping equipment, Christmas stuff, miscellaneous. Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm. (5/25)

Taurie and her stallion Rowan. Photo Courtesy of Taurie Banks.
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Written by Carina Monica Montoya

“A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse of course, that is, of course, unless” it’s Taurie Banks. Taurie is a longtime resident of Fillmore and a graduate of Fillmore High School. She was a member of the 4-H Pony Club, Future Farmers of America, and is a longtime equestrian. Taurie has been involved with horses since 1976. She is the owner and operator of Kings Corner Training Stables in Moorpark.

As a rider and trainer, she trained two horses that were selected out of six hundred horses for the 1984 Olympic Modern Pentathlon, which is an Olympic sport that includes equestrian show jumping. Her many accomplishments also include being a two-time World Champion at dressage and western dressage; three-time Reserve World Champion dressage, western dressage, and jumpers; and was accepted by Southern California Equestrian Sports for the development of international riders, to name only a few of her accomplishments as a rider and trainer. As an instructor, Taurie trained a junior rider who won the CCC California State Champion for Jumpers; trained winning riders for the USPC, ISHA and IEL (dressage, eventing, jumpers, and hunters); and trained multiple riders for the USPC National Championships and Championships West (dressage, eventing, show jumping and tetrathalon).

Horses in America have been an important way of life since the nation’s founding in 1776. When Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas on his second voyage in 1493, he brought Spanish horses to the Virgin Islands. In 1519, Hernán Cortés introduced the horses to the continental mainland. The horses became integral to rural and urban life up to the 20th century when they were replaced with mechanization in industrial, economic, and transportation. Although horses are still used for special tasks, they are now primarily used for recreation and entertainment. An interesting fact stated in an article in Psychology Today (December 6, 2020), “In both the USA and Great Britain, over 90% of horse owners are women. Three out of four students enrolled in riding schools in Europe are women. The first woman to be a horse veterinarian was in 1957 and now, four out of five equine veterinary graduates are women.”

Although Taurie is immersed in all things relating to horses, she finds the time to give back to the community. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Susan Banks, who was one of the founding members and president of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Taurie has served as president and vice president of the club. The club raises funds that are distributed back to the community to families in need, graduating seniors, women returning to education, school activities, museums, libraries, and many other community groups. Taurie organizes and assists in fundraising activities; speaks at Fillmore High School and Sierra High School on scholarships; and developed the Junior Women’s Service Club to provide mentors to young women.

If you see Taurie around town and want to talk horses, just remember, “A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse of course, that is, of course, unless” it’s Taurie Banks.