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Heads up VCTC 126 riders! Starting Jan. 22, 2024, there will be changes to improve weekday service. Weekend service remains unchanged. Check the schedule at goventura.org/routes. Info and photo Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/HVValleyExpress.

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from Tuesday, January 30, 2024 through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households.

You do not need to rush to apply. Waiting list placement will be based on the random lottery process and not on a first come first served basis.

Beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 8:00am through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 4:00pm applications will be accepted online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.
If you require assistance or if you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation in order to complete an application, please contact our office at (805) 480-6010 or send an email to wl.info@ahacv.org. For assistance for individuals with hearing impairment, please contact the AHA using TTY (805) 480-9119.
Due to the scarce resources available to the AHA up to 3,000 applications will be selected by random lottery drawing and placed on the waiting list from all eligible applications received. The random lottery will determine the applicant’s placement on the waitlist. Date and time the application is submitted will have no bearing on final order or placement on the waitlist.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY
• An email address is required to submit the online application. Please ensure you have an email address before beginning the application process.
• Name, date of birth, social security number of each household member
• Annual household income amount

For more information on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, its requirements, and how to submit an application, please visit https://tinyurl.com/33r4ub7a.

Programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda de la Sección 8
Lista de espera

La Autoridad de Vivienda del Área del Condado de Ventura (AHA, por sus siglas en inglés) aceptará solicitudes desde el Martes 30 de Enero de 2024 hasta el Martes 13 de Febrero de 2024 para el Programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda de la Sección 8 de hogares de muy bajos ingresos.

No es necesario apresurarse para presentar la solicitud. La ubicación en la lista de espera se basara a proceses de lotería y no en el orden de llegada.

Las solicitudes se aceptarán en línea a partir del Martes 30 de Enero de 2024 a las 8:00 de la mañana y se cerrará el Martes 13 de Febrero de 2024 a las 4:00 de la tarde. Las solicitudes se aceptaran a través de un portal en línea en onlineportal.ahacv.org.
Si necesita ayuda o si es una persona con una discapacidad y necesita una adaptación para completar una solicitud, comuníquese con nuestra oficina al (805) 480-6010 o envíe un correo electrónico a wl.info@ahacv.org. Para obtener ayuda para personas con discapacidad auditiva, comuníquese con la AHA a través del TTY (805) 480-9119.
Debido a los escasos recursos disponibles, AHA seleccionará hasta 3,000 solicitudes mediante un sorteo de lotería al azar y se colocarán en la lista de espera entre todas las solicitudes elegibles recibidas. La fecha y hora en que se presente la solicitud no tendrán relación con la selección final o la colocación en la lista de espera.
LO QUE NECESITA PARA APLICAR
• Se requiere una dirección de correo electrónico para enviar la solicitud en línea. Asegúrese de tener una dirección de correo electrónico antes de comenzar el proceso de solicitud.
• Nombre, fecha de nacimiento, número de seguro social de cada miembro del hogar
• Cantidad en monto de ingresos familiares anuales

Para obtener más información sobre el programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda de la Sección 8, sus requisitos y cómo presentar una solicitud, visite https://tinyurl.com/4uss2f9k.

Above is a photo of the temporary business tents that were set up in the park where Fillmore City Hall stands today. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Do you remember where you were on January 17, 1994 at 4:31 AM? If you do, it probably means you were living in Southern California. If you were living in Fillmore at the time, you might soon discover that your home and business had been badly damaged, if not destroyed by the Northridge Earthquake, a 6.7 “blind thrust” earthquake on a previously unknown fault approximately 8 miles below Northridge.

Two days after the quake, the Star Free Press reported that 103 mobile homes in El Dorado suffered serious damage with one having burned to the ground due to a gas fire. About 100 single family homes had been damaged and about 25 business – many on Central Avenue – suffered major damage. These numbers grew as the damage was assessed.

The town lost some landmarks such as the Masonic Building on Main and Sespe and the Fillmore Club at 343 Central.
The quake brought out the best in people. Strangers would bring hot food to the first responders. Others would stop and help remove furnishings from damaged buildings. There was almost no looting.
The City brought in large tents that were set up in the park where the City Hall now stands. These housed businesses while their buildings were being repaired or replaced.

On January 18, 2024, the Museum’s virtual “history lesson” at 7:00p.m. will be a look back at the 1994 earthquake. About a week after the quake occurred, Huell Howser visited Fillmore with his camera man, Luis. The almost 30 minute video will be shown. Afterwards, we will have a panel of people who were involved in the first response and reconstruction. There will be a Q & A period. We expect that this presentation will be longer that the usual 1 hour. There is no charge by you do have register to receive the link. You can register at, https://www.fillmorehistorical museum.org/event-details/shaken-rattled-and-recovered-fillmore-and-the-1994-earthquake.

On January 20th, 2024, there will be a special display in the Depot which will again include the Huell Howser “Visiting” episode and a video which looks back at 1994 and includes recent interviews. The video was compiled by Mudturtle Productions. The Depot will be open from 2p.m. to 4:30p.m. Again, there is no charge.
Do you have a story about the 1994 earthquake? If you do please share it with us.

VENTURA, Calif. – As January marks Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Ventura County
District Attorney’s Office reaffirms its commitment to combatting this terrible crime and standing in
solidarity with victims.

Today, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of January as Human
Trafficking Prevention Month and January 13, 2024, as Soroptimist STOP Human Trafficking
Awareness Day in Ventura County. Human trafficking remains a pressing global issue, and it
impacts millions worldwide. But it also occurs in our local communities throughout Ventura County.

With a steadfast dedication to justice and protecting the vulnerable, the Ventura County District
Attorney’s Office actively collaborates with law enforcement agencies as a member of the Ventura
County Human Trafficking Task Force, non-profit organizations like Soroptimist International, and
community stakeholders to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases related to human trafficking.

Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttittta@ventura.org
Approved: SW
Date: January 9, 2024
Release No.: 24-002

“Our office is committed to ending human trafficking in Ventura County,” District Attorney Erik
Nasarenko said. “We recognize the urgency of this cause, and we will continue to pursue justice for
survivors while holding predators accountable.”

Throughout Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will
be engaging in a series of outreach initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, educating
community members, and fostering a better understanding of the signs and impacts of human
trafficking. These efforts include educational workshops, outreach campaigns across various
platforms, and partnerships with local schools and organizations to provide resources and support.

• Wear blue! National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on
January 11. Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness, and you can join
and support the nationwide awareness campaign by wearing blue, taking photos, and
posting on social media, on January 11, and throughout the month.

• Thursday, January 11, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Join us at the Soroptimist
Simi Valley, STOP Human Trafficking Event and hear from the human trafficking awareness
panel, including District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, along with other local dignitaries and
professionals. Save your spot here: https://www.soroptimistsv.org/iwillnotbesold
• Saturday, January 13, 2023: Soroptimist’s International, 17th Annual STOP Human
Trafficking Walk & Live Panel event. District Attorney victim advocates will staff a Family
Justice Center (FJC) informational booth and other FJC partner agencies will have booths
as well. Please find additional details via the following link:

https://stoptraffickingventuracounty.org/attend/event-details-2/event-de...
• Monday, January 29, 2023: “Empowerment Beyond Exploitation: Addressing
Human Trafficking, Disability, and Accessing Resources” training. Taught by Deputy District
Attorneys Rikole Kelly and Melissa McMurdo at the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center
at 555 South A Street in Oxnard. This event welcomes practitioners, social workers, law
enforcement professionals, and the public. We aim to educate about the signs of human
trafficking in individuals with disabilities, understand the unique vulnerabilities and barriers
faced by this intersection, and explore resources available for support and assistance.
Furthermore, the Ventura County District Attorney’s encourages community members to join the
fight against human trafficking by remaining vigilant, knowing the signs, and reporting any
suspicious activities to local law enforcement.

In addition to proactive measures, the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to providing
comprehensive support and resources to survivors of human trafficking. Our victim advocates
collaborate with service providers to ensure survivors receive the necessary assistance, protection,
and care they need to rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know might be a victim of trafficking, call 9-1-1. If you think you might be a
victim and want more information, call 1-800-636-6738 (adults) or 1-805-261-1212 (minors). For
more information on the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office’s initiatives or to report
suspected human trafficking activities, please visit the Human Trafficking page on our website

Pictured is Ralphy Avila, Jax’s son and a Fillmore Little League player, and Jax Avila, Fillmore Little League Board Member, riding in the 2023 Lions Club Christmas Parade. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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By Brandy Hollis, parent & former Fillmore Little League manager

One of my favorite things to do is to observe the “doers”, the ones always there, doing the work, answering questions, putting out fires, and not always the one being recognized. I am sure any organization Jax Avila is involved with knows how truly blessed they are to have her, but I just wanted to give her a little shout-out. I know if I need a question answered, or help with a project, she gives her word and follows up. I am a big applauder of people who do what they say and without a doubt she has been one of those I can count on. Whether you’re at the snack bar, registering your kids, watching a game or needing a question answered, pay attention to how often Jax is around, giving her time freely to Little League and other organizations. There are also many other volunteers who make this organization work and flourish here in Fillmore, but this is just a little shout-out to her personally. As our children continue to play youth sports here in Fillmore, these organizations are run by volunteers. That includes coaches. I cannot tell you how many times a kid has gotten excited because their parent is one of the ones helping out or coaching. Everything runs smoother when there are parent volunteers in any sport. Stand up and lend a helping hand and make your kids’ season! And if you see Jax, smile and say hi!

Pictured l-r is Pip, Carina Montoya and Scruffy. Photo credit Danny Haro.
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By Carina Montoya

Happy 2024 Fillmore! In 2022, I introduced Scruffy, my terrier-mix rescue, found abandoned, alone and wandering the streets in the San Fernando Valley at about 10 weeks old. An animal control officer found her and brought her to the shelter. She was a lucky dog, and I was fortunate to find her. She was my Christmas present in December 2017. This past Christmas 2023, I adopted another rescue who was abandoned along with eight of his siblings. The puppies were approximately nine weeks old when someone dumped them in a field in an agricultural area in Bakersfield. A farmer found the pups with no mother in sight. He called a rescue organization who came and gathered the puppies. I responded when photos of the puppies were put on social media. The rescue organization believed the dogs were Border Collie/Cattle Dog mix. I was interested in the black/white puppy with the white paintbrush tip tail because he resembled Freckles, one of the loves of my life for 14 years who was a female Border Collie. Needless to say, it was love at first sight for both of us. I named him Pip after a character in Great Expectations, one of my favorite classics by Charles Dickens. I was curious to know Pip’s breed mix, so I bought a dog DNA test kit, swabbed the inside of his cheeks and sent it off. I was surprised to learn that he has no Border Collie in his DNA. Pip is 61% German Shepherd, 31% Pit Bull, and 10% Siberian Husky. He is definitely an interesting mix, which makes him a special dog who is loved and treated as a member of the family. To Pip, he belongs to a forever pack.

Bringing a dog into your home is a responsibility. All domesticated dogs are dependent on their owner for food, shelter, safety, exercise and attention. I’m sure that all dog-lovers agree that if you don’t treat your dog as a family member, you shouldn’t have a dog. Dogs are descendants from wolves which man befriended, tamed, and cared for in exchange for them to work as guard dogs. It is said that “this reciprocal relationship remains in your dog’s genes and their loyalty is a by-product of it.”

During the COVID isolation period many shelters for the first time became virtually empty. People wanted dogs because they were isolated at home. After COVID isolation was over and people returned to work and school, many people no longer wanted their dogs. Shelters again began reaching their full capacity in unwanted dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs were also found abandoned and left to die in cages, boxes and trash cans or left to be killed by vehicles or wildlife.

There are approximately 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. filled with unwanted animals. By rescuing a dog from a shelter, you will be doing your part in saving it from an uncertain fate. In return, the dog will be grateful for getting a second chance and you will get unconditional love, loyalty and much more. Many people looking to adopt a dog prefer a puppy, but adopting young and older dogs often has positive benefits, such as they are no longer teething; they are house trained; and they have been socialized with people and other animals. My two rescues are lucky dogs because they found a forever home. Little do they know that I am the lucky one because they are gifts that keep on giving.
Happy New Year to you and your furry pets!

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is informing the public about a recent report our office received from the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators (IAFCI, December 2023) regarding QR code fraud, and the relative financial and security risks associated with this increasing growing form of fraud.

QR codes or “Quick Response codes” (see image 1) are barcodes that can be read (scanned) by an imaging device, such as a camera on a phone. When a QR code is imaged by a device, it can direct the device to perform functions such as opening websites. There are certain private and public entities that will use QR code applications to facilitate digital payments transactions for customers (scan and pay). QR codes can be placed or affixed anywhere, such as a physical location (a sticker on a store window) or non-stationary settings (advertisements on print or in digital format).

“As technology provides customers more options to quickly and easily conduct financial transactions, what sometimes follows right behind are the quick and easy methods criminals use in an attempt to steal from those very customers,” said Investigator Richard Elias, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Fraud Division.

Certain criminals (“fraudsters”) have taken advantage of the growing use of QR code technology to trick users into scanning illegitimate QR codes, which fraudsters can place or affix with relative ease anywhere. This can be as easy as placing a QR code sticker over a pre-existing QR code (see image 2). Once a victim accesses the malicious QR code, they are routed to a fraudulent website posing as the official site of what the customer intended to visit or do business with. This could ultimately lead to financial losses or the later misuse of personal identification and financial information.

To prevent this, consumers are encouraged to:

1. Consider where and how QR codes are being displayed and if those displays reasonably correspond with the transactions being considered.

2. Before “clicking” to accept a scanned QR code, check the phone camera screen to see what website (URL address) is associated with that QR code (this should pop up when the phone scans the code).

3. After accepting a scanned QR code, check the website (URL address and site features) to make sure the website is associated with the legitimate company/entity it claims to represent. Discontinue or check with the entity directly if there are any doubts of authenticity.

If you have been a victim of QR code fraud, or suspect QR code fraud is taking place, please report the matter to your local law enforcement agency and immediately report any suspected financial fraud to your bank or credit card company.

Ventura County, California – The Ventura County Grand Jury will be holding information
sessions for members of the public interested in becoming Grand Jurors. This is an
opportunity to tour the Grand Jury Chambers, meet current Grand Jurors and get
deeper insight into what it means to serve.

Two information sessions will take place on:

Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm

at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura.
Please RSVP for one of the above dates to Claudia D. Gomez at:
GrandJuryRSVP@ventura.org

If you are interested in applying for the Grand Jury or want more information, please
visit the Grand Jury website at: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury

https://www.fillmore ca.gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=54
Posted on: December 21, 2023

Join us for a fantastic Walking Event in Fillmore!
Hey there Fillmore folks! We have something exciting coming your way. The City of Fillmore has partnered with Ventura County Area Agency.

The City of Fillmore along with VCAA is thrilled to invite all you amazing senior adults to join us for a fun filled walking event that is all about boosting your health and well-being. Get ready to put on those comfy shoes and let’s hit the road together! For more information visit: Vcaaa.org/falls. Or feel free to reach out to Julian Zendejas via email at julianz@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at (805) 254-3030.
Get ready to step into a healthier you and have a blast with your fellow Fillmore Seniors! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Please also note that our Active Adult Center will be closed to the public December 25th - January 2nd. For more details use this link: https://s38652.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WalkWithEase_Flyer_202...

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore

We’re again providing Christmas tree recycling for our residential customers this year, and we encourage you to participate in this important effort.

During the two weeks after Christmas – from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6 – simply remove ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails, stands and other items you put on the tree. Then cut the tree into 4-foot sections and put them in your organics/yard waste cart on your regular pickup day. Or, place the whole Christmas tree at the curb on collection day. (Flocked trees are accepted.)

The trees will be processed into mulch by our part-ner Agromin. These products benefit our farmlands, orchards, nurseries, landscape projects and home gardens, so recycling your tree truly is a holiday gift to Mother Earth. We appreciate your help, and thanks also to Agromin and our local municipalities for participating in this program.

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Recicle Su Árbol de Navidad
Este año otra vez proveeremos a nuestros clientes en áreas residenciales reciclaje de su árbol navideño, los animamos a participar en este importante esfuerzo.

Las siguientes dos semanas después de la Navidad del 26 de diciembre hasta el 6 de enero, simplemente quite los adornos, ganchos, luces, oropel, listones y clavos y la base del árbol y otros artículos que puso en el árbol. Corte el árbol en 4 pedazos y en el día de la recolección póngalo en el bote para desperdicios del jardín/orgánicos o ponga el árbol en la orilla de la banqueta el día de la recolección. (Se aceptan los árboles con nieve artificial).

Nuestro socio Agromin procesará los árboles como abono, ese producto beneficiará nuestras tierras de cultivo, huertos, viveros, proyectos paisajísticos, y jardines. Al reciclar su árbol en realidad le está dando un regalo festivo a la Madre Tierra. Les agradecemos su ayuda y también a Agromin, y a nuestras municipalidades por participar en este programa. See

Courtesy Ventura County Transportation Commission https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/?mc_cid=f6d3865132& mc_eid=c5734b16a7

We want to know if bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand, or rail services are meeting your needs. Your local transit operators are looking for comments and suggestions that will help to plan and improve transit services in Ventura County. Share your comments by attending an in-person or virtual meeting.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
6 p.m. at Fillmore Library Innovative Lab
502 2nd Street
Fillmore, CA
***

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024
12 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
bit.ly/3RpBGZV
***

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024
6 p.m. at Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo, CA 93010
***

Friday, Feb. 2, 2024
9 a.m.
Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo, CA 93010

Can’t make the meetings?
- Fill out our survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P555B5R (offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese)
- Email comments
- Call 800.438.1112
- Mail comments directly to: Dolores Lopez at 751 E. Daily Dr., STE. 420, Camarillo, CA 93010
Use the link below to learn more about what an Unmet Transit Need is, the process, and to view improvements that have been made in recent years.
https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/?mc_cid=f6d38651 32&mc_eid=c5734b16a7
We invite you to also provide comments during the community listening sessions about transit improvements and preferences to help us develop the Short Range Transit Plan for Ventura County.

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gerardo Israel Escalante
(DOB 05/25/89), of Santa Paula, has been charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI)
causing injury, felony driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol causing injury, and one misdemeanor
count for unlawful vehicle operation. Escalante has also been charged with several special
allegations, including causing great bodily injury in the commission of a felony and for having prior
DUI convictions.

On December 16, 2023, at approximately 8:36 p.m. the California Highway Patrol received a
911 call of a white Mercedes swerving into oncoming traffic at high speeds. It was then reported
that the Mercedes crashed head-on with a Ventura County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle on Pacific
Coast Highway, north of Deer Creek Road. The patrol vehicle traveled off the roadway and down
the embankment onto the rocks near the ocean’s edge, with the deputy and his K9 inside.
The deputy was transported to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) to be treated for his
injuries. His K9 partner sustained a cut to his face.

Escalante, who is currently on probation for DUI, was also transported to VCMC and later arrested.
Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Einhorn, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
DUI Unit, is the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Escalante’s arraignment was continued this morning to December 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in
courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He’s currently in custody with bail set at
$500,000