FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BACK STACKS Used Book Sales

The Back Stacks are OPEN for the New Year!

BIG SATURDAY SALE JANUARY 3RD, 2026

10AM TO 2PM

JANUARY SALE ITEM

50% OFF all Health and Fitness Books

Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get great ideas that will help you accomplish all of your New Year’s Resolutions. Whether you want to try a new exercise routine, take up a new sport, or plan out a healthier eating plan, try the Back Stacks first.

We have loads of gently used books at Low, Low Prices.

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

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

Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm

Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm

We accept cash, checks and credit cards.

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

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

LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Stree

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
The City of Fillmore is expecting rain starting Tuesday. Please remember to drive slowly, allow extra stopping distance, and stay alert for wet or flooded roads. Visit emergency.venturacounty.gov for updates on the storm.
Sandbag Resources (Self-Serve):
Fillmore Fire Station #91 – 711 Landeros Lane, Fillmore
Ventura County Fire Station #27 – 133 C Street, Fillmore

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the many decorated Christmas trees lining Central Avenue. Schoolchildren, local clubs and groups, churches, businesses and families were all invited to choose a tree to decorate, showing all that the Christmas Spirit Fillmore has to share.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites the public to share ideas about how to improve bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand and rail service in Ventura County.
VCTC will host in-person and virtual community meetings in January and a public hearing in February as part of its annual unmet transit needs process. Each meeting is an opportunity for people to let local transit operators and government leaders know what can be done to improve transit in the county.
The meetings are intended to identify transit needs that are not currently being met and are reasonable to meet in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and adjacent areas of unincorporated Ventura County.
The community meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:
• 6 p.m. Jan. 20, Fillmore Library, 502 Second St., Fillmore;
• 6 p.m. Jan. 12, Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks;
• Noon Jan. 15, virtual. Link at goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs;
• 6 p.m. Jan. 21, 2026, Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Public hearing
• 9 a.m. Feb. 6, Camarillo City Hall, 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo
People who cannot attend the meetings can share their input through an online survey at goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/. The survey is available in English, Spanish and
Mandarin. Comments can also be emailed to transit planner Dolores Lopez at dlopez@goventura.org or shared by calling 805-642-1591, ext. 117. For more information about the Unmet Transit Needs process, visit goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/.
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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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 22, 2025
Contact: Darrin Peschka
Program Manager, Government and Community Relations Ventura County Transportation Commission dpeschka@goventura.org
(805) 642-1591, ext. 108

State Route 118 between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road.
Ventura County - Caltrans announces overnight one-way alternating traffic control on State Route 118 (Los Angeles Avenue/SR-118) between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road near the unincorporated Ventura County area of Somis tonight for excavation.
One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 for roadway excavation.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. crews will remove excavated material behind k-rail on the south shoulder of the highway without lane closures.
Residents and businesses located near construction may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with demolition activities. Closures are subject to change due to weather, material, or other factors. Motorists can view current traffic conditions on the Caltrans QuickMap.
The speed limit through the construction zone is posted at 45 m.p.h. Please obey the speed limit and drive with caution. Caltrans urges motorists to use alternate routes.
The work is part of the State Route 118 Slope Repair Project, which will construct two retaining walls on the south side of the highway, among other improvements. The total project cost is $30.8 million and is anticipated to be completed in winter of 2026/2027. The contractor on this project is CA Rasmussen, Inc.
If you would like to receive weekly updates, sign up here: State Route 118 Slope Repair Project.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Dec. 22, 2025
District: District 7
Contact: Marc Bischoff
Email: marc.bischoff@dot.ca.gov

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that a review conducted by the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) and the District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit has determined that a man convicted more than 40 years ago of a 1982 rape in unincorporated Simi Valley was wrongfully convicted.
Recent DNA testing excluded the wrongfully convicted man, Richard Luna, as the individual responsible for the crime. The results identified a different individual whose DNA matched evidence collected from the victim’s sexual assault kit.
The victim’s sexual assault kit was tested as part of the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative’s ongoing review of previously untested kits. Testing overseen by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau led to the development of an offender DNA profile that was later matched in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to a different person. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations prevents the filing of charges against the newly identified suspect in this decades-old case.
“While we can’t undo the past, we can use the power of DNA technology to exonerate the wrongfully convicted,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This case underscores our responsibility as prosecutors to examine the integrity of our convictions and seek justice on behalf of those who served time for crimes they never committed.”
In 1983, a jury convicted Luna of the sexual assault. After his conviction, Luna was sentenced to six years in state prison. The recent forensic results definitively exclude him as a contributor to the biological evidence in the case. The District Attorney’s Office notified Luna, the victim, and the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office of these findings. Today, the court approved the People’s motion to vacate the conviction and found Mr. Luna factually innocent.
This is the first case in Ventura County in which the Conviction Integrity Unit, working collaboratively with VCSAKI, has identified a wrongful conviction through post-conviction DNA testing. In VCSAKI’s testing of untested sexual assault kits, nearly two dozen kits have confirmed the identity of the suspect convicted.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office established its Conviction Integrity Unit to review credible claims of factual innocence. While the appellate process safeguards the rights of the accused, the Conviction Integrity Unit provides an additional layer of review to identify and correct wrongful convictions.
VCSAKI is a countywide effort that was launched in 2022 to test every sexual assault kit for the presence of DNA and investigate unsolved cases. The initiative is funded by grants awarded by the United States Department of Justice along with funding from the County of Ventura. More information on VCSAKI can be found at saki.venturacounty.gov, including regularly updated data on the status of sexual assault kit testing. Victims of past sexual assaults can also utilize this website to access support services including free counseling in some instances, or to get assistance in determining the status of their sexual assault kit.
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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: December 11, 2025
Release No.: 25-148

Civic Pride volunteers found that it was difficult to select the best decorated home this year because there were more beautifully decorated homes than ever before. Nearly every area in the community had lights an creative efforts evident, whereas in the past whole neighborhoods would be dark.
This project began in 2003 with the generous support of Otto & Sons Nursery and has grown steadily through the years.
And so…”ta da!”…this years’ winner is located at 117 Bridlewood Lane, the home of Rosa Linda Rangel, husband Oscar Pachecoand and children, Alan and Kayla. The family moved to Fillmore in 2002 and continue to add to their display. Linda, as she is called, says Oscar and she decorate together, but he does the roof and eaves, which is dangerous, but produces an amazing backdrop for all the lawn figures and blow-ups.
Linda invited me to look inside the living room, where they have a nativity above a snowy village with all the buildings lighted and music playing.
The family begins all this decorating before Thanksgiving to be ready for December. Now they can look forward to using the gift card donated by Otto & Sons Nursery on Guiberson Road.
There were so many honorable mentions that in some cases, I just listed the streets. Some are past winners, so be sure to see them: 910 Taylor Lane was a winner in 2009 with a great display of bears, 360 C Street won in 2011, 406 Robin Court won in 2012, 408 Edgewood Drive won several years before we began keeping track, and 910 Sespe Avenue won in 2020. Other great ones to see are 969 5th Street,305 B Street, 503 Mockingbird Lane, 876 River Street, and 319 River Street. Check out the newer homes in The Bridges, like 282 Azalea Street. Traditions neighborhood on Goodenough Road is well decorated too! Remember, you have another opportunity to win next year.

Courtesy City of Fillmore
Fillmore City Hall will be closed in observance of our winter closure from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. We will reopen with normal operations on Monday, January 5, 2026.
For immediate assistance during this period, please see the following contacts:
· Public Works or Facilities Emergencies (including water issues): Contact our on-call emergency line at 805-557-8230.
· Safety-Related Issues (fire, police, medical emergencies, noise disturbances): Please call 911.
· Payments: If you wish to make a water payment, you may go online to our website or call 805-524-1500 ext. 1.
· Code Enforcement: To file a complaint, please visit our website and visit Code Enforcement Information.
· Job Applications: For current openings, visit our website at www.fillmoreca.com.
Thank you, and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!’

The club’s Fillmore Rotary speaker was Nancy Anderson, a jewelry consultant for Parklane Jewelry, which was established in 1955. She got involved with the company when her niece was involved with the Miss America Pageant. Prior to the pageant there is a large convention center and people sell their wares. All the money is donated toward scholarships for the winners. Besides this fundraiser, she also does home parties. Her number is 805-377-2611.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
Posted December 12, 2025, at 3:00pm courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
Overnight one-way alternating traffic on SR-118 (Los Angeles Ave.) between Sand Canyon Rd. and Balcom Canyon Rd. Dec Monday 15 through Friday December 19, 7 PM–6 AM for excavation and vegetation clearing.
Daytime work may occur behind barriers with no lane closures.
Nearby residents may notice noise, vibration, and dust.
Schedule may change due to weather or other factors.
Speed limit is 45 mph—please drive with caution and consider alternate routes.

CAMARILLO, Calif. – VCTC Intercity bus riders who qualify for reduced fares can now use the new Tap2Ride contactless payment system and receive the fare discount.
VCTC Intercity offers a discount on fixed-route fares to people 65 and older and Medicare card holders. Reduced fares are 80 cents one way for routes within Ventura County and $2 one way for routes outside Ventura County.
Tap2Ride allows riders to pay fares using contactless Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards. Seniors and Medicare cardholders can receive reduced fares on VCTC Intercity buses when paying with a registered debit or credit card. VCTC has partnered with the California Integrated Transit Project (Cal-ITP) to provide the Tap2Ride system and to register credit and debit cards.
Eligible riders have two options to register their contactless debit and credit card:
• Online: Visit goventura.org/pay. Click the link for reduced fares to begin the registration process.
• In-person: Beginning in January 2026.
Riders can also call VCTC’s Regional Transit Information Center at 800-438-1112 for assistance.
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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 available at goventura.org.

December 3, 2025
(Ventura County) –County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the final certification of Ventura County’s results for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election. The Secretary of State will announce the certification of statewide results on December 12, 2025.
The November 4 Special Election was called on August 21, 2025. It was one of only five statewide Special Elections held in California since 2000. Two of those were called to consider a gubernatorial recall (in 2003 and 2021), while this November 2025 election was one of three statewide Special Elections that placed ballot measures before voters (along with elections in 2005 and 2009).
The 2025 Statewide Special Election consisted of a single ballot question asking voters whether to approve mid-decade redistricting of California’s Congressional District maps. There are three Congressional Districts that include portions of Ventura County, Districts 24, 26, and 32, which have new boundaries due to the passage of Proposition 50.
Voting began October 6th with the mailing of vote by mail ballots to all active registered voters and the opening of early voting at the Ventura County Government Center. Countywide in-person voting began October 25th with the opening of the first vote centers, and additional locations opened November 1. A total of 290,920 ballots were cast in Ventura County, with 266,852 voters voting by mail and 24,068 voting in person.
Ventura County’s turnout of 55.30% places it in the middle of turnouts for past statewide Special Elections. By comparison, Ventura County turnout was 63.07% in 2021, 31.46% in 2009, 54.18% in 2005, and 65.98% in 2003.
Under California election law, counties must wait 28 days to certify local results, to allow voters ample time to cure signatures on mail ballots, and provide election officials the time to verify registrations for provisional voters. Final Ventura County election results were posted and certified on December 3.
Prior to certification, the legally required One Percent Manual Tally was completed to confirm the accuracy of the automated results. The manual audit involved a precinct-level comparison from randomly selected ballot batches according to the California Elections Code. The audit verified the election results, providing statistical confirmation and serving as the post-election counterpart to the pre-election logic and accuracy testing that work in tandem to ensure accurate performance of the ballot counting equipment.
“As we close out this Special Election, I want to thank our voters and our dedicated election workers,” said Registrar Michelle Ascencion. “Even with a compressed timeline, the community showed its commitment to participating in and supporting the election process. I’m grateful for everyone who took the time to vote, and of course for our election workers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every legal ballot was validated and counted with care.”
The certified final results are posted on the County Elections website at Vote.venturacounty.gov. The previous and new congressional maps are posted on the California Legislative Analyst’s Office’s website, https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Proposition?number=50&year=2025
New Congressional District map for Ventura County
The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to “Preserving history and protecting democracy for the people of Ventura County, past, present, and future.” More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at clerkrecorder.venturacounty.gov.

Fillmore Lions invites you to another “Community Speaker” engagement series. Anyone interested is invited to attend on Monday, Dec 15th at 7pm to hear Maya Lazos, a local independent consultant who will speak on suicide prevention. It will be held at the Lions Club House, 128 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore. You’re also encouraged to bring a dish to share, as this will be a potluck. The suicide prevention presentation will highlight the warning signs of suicide, ways to offer hope to those who are struggling, and how to connect individuals with resources. Please come and bring a friend! For questions, send your email to fillmorecalionsclub@gmail.com. Credit Jaclyn Ibarra, President, Fillmore Lions Club.

State Route 118 between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road. Photo credit Caltrans District 7.

Ventura County - Caltrans announces overnight one-way alternating traffic control on State Route 118 (Los Angeles Avenue/SR-118) between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road near the unincorporated Ventura County area of Somis is postponed until next week.
One-way traffic control will be in effect Monday, Dec. 8 through Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for roadway excavation and to clear vegetation. Day work may occur behind k-rail on the south shoulder of the highway from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., without lane closures.
Residents and businesses located near construction may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with demolition activities. Closures are subject to change due to weather, material, or other factors. Motorists can view current traffic conditions on the Caltrans QuickMap.
The speed limit through the construction zone is posted at 45 m.p.h. Please obey the speed limit and drive with caution. Caltrans urges motorists to use alternate routes.
The work is part of the State Route 118 Slope Repair Project, which will construct two retaining walls on the south side of the highway, among other improvements. The total project cost is $30.8 million and is anticipated to be completed in winter of 2026/2027. The contractor on this project is CA Rasmussen, Inc.
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Date: Dec. 10, 2025
District: District 7
Contact: Marc Bischoff
Email: marc.bischoff@dot.ca.gov
Ventura County Again Ranked Safest Large County in California

Christmas is coming! So here is a friendly reminder to get your Christmas/Holiday decorating done EARLY. With upcoming travels, Civic Pride Volunteers must select the winning decorated home on December 13, 2025, in order to post the article in the “Fillmore Gazette” & on “What’s Happening…” for everyone to see & be able to tour the Honorable Mention homes. The winner of the 2024 Christmas/Holiday Yard of the Month was Amber Clendening, 700 block of A Street. Photo credit Linda Nunes.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fillmore Piru Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“Agency”) Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 4:00 pm., has been CANCELLED
The next Agency Regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm., at the City of Fillmore, City Hall, Council Chambers 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015
Posted: (date) November 25, 2025 (time) 2:00 p.m. At: https://www.FPBGSA.org (attest) Eva Ibarra
Posted: (date) November 25, 2025 (time) 2:05 p.m. At: https://www.facebook.com/FPBGSA (attest) Eva Ibarra
Posted: (date) November 25, 2025 (time) 2: 10 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra UWCD, 1701 N. Lombard Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Posted: (date) November 25, 2025 (time) 2: 15 p.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra At: Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA, 93015

November 25, 2025
VENTURA, Calif.– Ventura County law enforcement agencies are proud to highlight new findings from the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance, which once again identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California.
According to the report, Ventura County recorded 16.67 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, the lowest overall crime rate among California’s 16 largest counties. Although crime increased slightly from the record low of 2022, Ventura County continues to outperform every other large county in the state, an achievement the Civic Alliance notes is consistent with long-standing trends.
“Once again, these numbers reflect the positive outcomes of community partnered policing,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “We are all lucky to live in a county where public safety is a priority and low crime rates can be counted on by the communities served by our brave men and women in law enforcement.”
The report observes that while many regions nationwide saw crime rise sharply during the early 2020s, Ventura County did not experience that pattern. Crime reached its lowest level in recent history in 2022, and although several cities experienced a slight increase in violent crime in 2023 and 2024, the county remains extraordinarily safe by comparison.
Long-term data included in the report shows:
• Ventura County’s overall crime rate in 2024 was the lowest among large counties, slightly better than San Diego County.
• The county had the third lowest violent crime rate and the second lowest property crime rate statewide among large counties.
• Overall crime in Ventura County today is less than half of what it was 30 years ago.
• Crime remains far below levels seen a decade ago.
• Moorpark and Thousand Oaks remain among the safest cities of their size in California. “These data points reflect years of strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies and a shared commitment to proactive, community-focused policing,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The long-term trend is clear, Ventura County remains one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family.”
The State of the Region Report 2025 uses crime statistics from the California Department of Justice, analyzing violent and property crimes reported per 1,000 residents across the state’s largest counties and within Ventura County’s individual jurisdictions.
David Dickey – Ventura Police Chief
“With crime rates down in Ventura, an 8% decline in vagrancy-related complaints, and officers engaging with thousands of residents through more than 150 community events last year, Ventura PD’s efforts continue to strengthen public safety. Our long-term crime trends reflect years of strong partnership between our officers and the community. Even as we continue to address theft, reckless e-bike behavior, and quality-of-life issues in public spaces, our crime rates remain far below where they were a decade ago. That progress comes from evidence-based policing and officers who respond with professionalism. We’ll keep working with our regional partners to maintain the safety Ventura is known for.”
Jason Benites – Oxnard Police Chief
“It is good to pause and celebrate that Ventura County had the lowest rates of reported crimes amongst California’s largest counties. We are proud, and we are thankful. A lot of work goes into this, and we must commit to continue with this work to ensure that this trend continues.”
Steve Shorts – Simi Valley Police Chief
“I am pleased to report that crime has continued to trend downward in Simi Valley over the past few years. The low crime rates within our community reflect the strong partnership between the members of the Simi Valley Police Department and our residents, which helps make Simi Valley a great place to live and work. To maintain these low crime levels, we encourage residents to continue practicing crime-prevention strategies and to promptly notify the police department of any suspicious activity. Our goals remain to provide superior police services, strengthen community partnerships, promote active community engagement and outreach, and collaborate with our regional law-enforcement partners on crime-suppression efforts.”
Don Aguilar – Santa Paula Police Chief
“The City of Santa Paula continues its collaborations with our law enforcement partners throughout Ventura County, continuing to make our communities safer.”
More information about Ventura County’s crime rates can be found in the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance.

This year’s annual Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway will be held Saturday, December 12th, from 9 AM – 12 PM at the City of Fillmore Fire Station, 711 Landeros Lane. If a child has a disability, they may register to participate on Friday evening, pre-registration is required for Friday evening. The Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway is the annual event where holiday commodities are given to the children who reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries. Commodities given will be age-appropriate toys, new jackets/coats, reading books and socks. As is customary, a holiday bag of groceries will also be available for each family while supply last. Santa Claus will be available for a picture with each child. As a reminder, this event is only for children who reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries, you must provide proof of residency within the School District such as a utility bill, report card or driver’s license.
This year’s sponsors of the event include our local Fillmore Police and Fire Departments, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, One Step A La Vez, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, Rotary International of Fillmore, Fillmore Lions Club, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol, Fillmore Friends of the Library, Super A Grocery, Estrella Market, Salvation Army, the Fillmore Fire Foundation and numerous other generous individual and business donors. Our sponsor list will be updated week to week.
If you would like to help donate to the Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway, you may give new toys, socks, coats, reading books or canned food; drop boxes are located at the Fillmore Police Station, Fillmore City Fire Station, Bank of the Sierra and Diamond Realty. Monetary donations are preferred; checks may be made out to “The Fillmore Fire Foundation” with a notation of “Holiday Giveaway”. Donations may be mailed to Fillmore Fire Foundation, PO Box 331, Fillmore, CA 93016 or for drop off, stop by the Fillmore City Fire Station, 711 Landeros Lane. To arrange a pick-up of new donated items/checks or to answer questions, contact 805-815-0328