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

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County law enforcement is pleased to highlight a recent report on crime rates published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance. The report identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California, according to data from the California Department of Justice.

The report shows that Ventura County had the lowest rates of reported crimes amongst the 16 largest counties in California in 2022. While many large counties in the state saw a rise in crime between 2020 and 2022, metrics show Ventura County’s crime rates decreased. The 2023 State of the Region Report also shows Ventura County’s crime rate in 2022 ranked
lowest in our county’s modern history. While the overall crime rate in 1994 was 37.52 crimes per 1000 population, it dropped to 15.49 crimes per 1000 population in 2022, a 59 percent decrease. This doesn’t happen by accident,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, the current chair of the Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. “Ventura County is Contact: Joey Buttitta a special place. We’re proud of the great working relationships amongst our local law enforcement agencies and we place great value in our community partnerships.”

Property crimes include theft, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and arson. Violent crimes include criminal homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. The data is measured by the number of crimes reported per 1,000 residents. Ventura County often leads the way in public safety, but the 2022 numbers show an even larger gap between Ventura County and the other large counties.

In 2022, the Ventura County violent crime rate was just under 2 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, 30 percent below the county with the second lowest violent crime rate. Ventura County’s 2022 property crime rate was 13.51 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, 17 percent below the county with the second lowest property crime rate.

The cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks reported the lowest crime rates in Ventura County. Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said, “These statistics don’t just showcase the incredible work the women and men of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office do day in and day out, rather it also demonstrates the strong relationship we have with our community members.” Sheriff Fryhoff continued, “Our approach to reducing crime and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors, is based on the collaboration between law enforcement and the community coming together to identify and solve public safety issues.”

Crime has been consistently trending downward in Oxnard for the past three decades, and last year Ventura County’s largest city witnessed its third lowest year in reported crime during this time span. Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team, Homeless Liaison Officers, and officers and staff across the department continue to prioritize community safety and community engagement. Chief Jason Benites stated, “We will continue to put forth a determined and ongoing effort on public safety across the board, focusing on matters such as traffic safety, the devastating community impacts of fentanyl, and providing support and resources for the unhoused.”

Simi Valley continues to be one of the safest cities in the state. In fact, crime in 2022 was lower
than when the city was designated “America’s Safest City” in 1996. Chief Steve Shorts stated,
“The members of Simi Valley Police Department continue to work with our community partners to
provide a safe city to live and work within. We focus on providing superior police services that
address our residents’ and businesses’ needs and concerns while responding swiftly to crime
trends and quality of life issues.”

In 2022, the City of Ventura, saw its lowest overall crime rate in over three decades. Chief Darin
Schindler attributes this significant milestone to strong, consistent community partnerships and
collaborative problem-solving efforts.

"We've made incredible progress; however, challenges like increased visible signs of vagrancy and
related quality of life issues persist," shared Chief Schindler. "Moving forward, the Ventura Police
Department remains committed to working closely with residents, business owners, and public
safety partners to elevate the overall living, working, and recreational conditions in Ventura."
Crime in Santa Paula has been consistent with the other jurisdictions in Ventura County. The city
experienced a decrease in violent crime and property crime rates since 2020. Interim Police Chief
Don Aguilar commented, “The men and women of the Santa Paula Police Department have
focused on increases in domestic violence assaults. We are working to provide additional victim
centered training to our staff and to offer all available advocacy assistance to crime victims. We’re
also working closely with our local shelter and community-based organizations to help those who
are experiencing homelessness.”

The city of Port Hueneme saw an 8 percent decrease in violent crime and a slight increase in
property crime. Unlocked vehicles and shoplifting were the driving force behind the increase in
property crime. While reported crime in Port Hueneme continues to remain at record lows, quality
of life issues once again comprised most of the police department’s calls for service last year. The
Port Hueneme Police Department is not only committed to keeping crime rates down, but also to
continuing to seek long-term, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of the community.
Port Hueneme Police Chief Michael Federico stated, “Credit needs to be given to the dedicated
public safety professionals in this county. We’re also fortunate for the great teamwork in Ventura
County, from the Sheriff and District Attorney down to the smallest police department.”
More information about Ventura County’s crime rates can be found in the State of the Region
Report 2023, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance.

VENTURA, Calif. – The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.

According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on Christmas Eve, 57 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-related crashes in 2021. On New Years Eve, 35 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. For the entire year of 2021, MADD and NHTSA data shows every 81 seconds someone in the United States is injured and every 39 minutes someone is killed in a traffic collision involving a driver that is driving under the influence (DUI).

In Ventura County specifically, the District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit reviewed 261 DUI cases submitted by law enforcement in December of 2022. In all of 2022, the DUI prosecution team filed 1,156 DUI cases, including 105 DUI drug cases and 12 DUI combined alcohol and drug cases.

“All of these crimes are 100 percent preventable,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Don’t get behind the wheel impaired because your choice can end up changing someone else’s life forever. We want everyone in the Tri-County area to get home safely this holiday season.”

Along with the PSA release, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office windows will be lit in red tonight, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, joining other offices, businesses, and iconic landmarks across the state to honor and remember victims of drunk and drugged driving. Families and community partners are invited to join us in this cause by illuminating a special place at home or place of business in red. MADD welcomes everyone to share photos or videos of your special illuminated areas on social media by tagging @MADDCalifornia on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #OneMADDCalifornia #RedforMADDCA #NoMoreVictims.

Watch the PSA here:

English: https://youtu.be/1f2hhnXvs2o
Spanish: https://youtu.be/YEzMKjNXfqo

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 15, 2023, Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) of Woodland Hills, pled guilty to two felony stalking charges. The crime of stalking occurs when any person willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. Toole also admitted to the special allegation that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.

In 2020 and 2021, Toole stalked not one, but two different women that he once dated. The first victim received a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Toole in 2019. After receiving the TRO, Toole continued to contact the victim by calling, texting, and showing up at her home unannounced. He would show up at her new address uninvited, damaged her home door locks so they would not work, vandalized her vehicle, and placed a tracking device in her vehicle. The conduct was reported and documented by the Simi Valley Police Department.

While that case was being reviewed, Toole began dating his second victim. The relationship ended after a few months and the victim began receiving messages from Toole insinuating that he knew her location. After a few days, this victim searched her car and found a location device in the glove compartment. Another GPS tracker was found on the undercarriage of the car. Toole also showed up uninvited to her home, pasted large posters of their text communication on her garage, shot a BB gun into her front yard in the middle of the night, and overwhelmed the victim with text messages. He was also seen on a doorbell camera entering the property while the victim was away and driving by her home at all hours of the day and night.

Toole was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on July 19, 2021.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The victims in this case were traumatized by the defendant’s repetitive and relentless stalking behavior,” McCarty said. “It is my hope that this conviction provides them the closure they deserve.”

Toole is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 24 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He’s facing a maximum of three years and eight months prison.

Case: 2020029103
Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) Woodland Hills

Charges pled guilty to:(2 counts) PC 646.9(a) – Stalking

Special Allegations: CRC 4.421(a)(8) – The manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism

On December 11, 2023, Fillmore Civic Pride Volunteers announced the 2023 Holiday “Yard of the Month” award given to Chris & Karen McDermott’s home on Meadowlark, pictured above. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
Enlarge Photo

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected Chris & Karen McDermott’s home at 1028 Meadowlark to receive the Holiday “Yard of the Month” award. They received a $50 gift card for Otto & Sons Nursery, provided by the nursery in support of this program.
The McDermott family have lived in their home for 22 years, but both Karen & Chris are Fillmore “natives”, having previously lived in the west end of town. They both do the decorating, with Karen specializing in the fully decorated interior.
When asked for any further comments, Karen replied that they enjoy their “fun” neighborhood!

It was exciting to drive around the community and see so many more decorated homes and apartments than in previous years! Be sure to check out these past award winners: 738 Mountain View, 910 Taylor Lane, 360 C St., 406 Robin Court, 408 Edgewood, 910 Sespe Ave., 969 5th St, and 1171 Shady Lane. Honorable mentions: 420 Casner, 635 Central, 925 & 933 Sespe, 635 Central, 970 Meadowlark, and 1026 Arrowsmith. Now you are ready for a tour!

Pictured above is Luv 2 Dance owner Sandra Cummings (center) along with her family. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy Brandy Hollis

Fillmore’s only dance studio, Luv 2 Dance, was started by and is owned by Sandra Cummings. Sandra is a neighborhood staple. Her turnouts at the town parades are spectacular, always including a dance for the judges and spectators. The classes at the studio range from ballet, hip hop, and folklorico to name a few! Even before she had a studio, out of the goodness of her beautiful heart, she taught a group of girls from garage, for them to perform in the Piru Christmas Parade. My daughter happened to be one of those girls and started at her studio many years ago; she loved to salsa with her friends. Now Sandra’s studio continues to grow year by year, and even has performance teams. Fillmore is lucky to have this wonderful family. Mr. Cummings is a teacher and his wife Sandra sings like an angel, as well as her dance moves. Their family is rounded off by two talented girls. Sandra has a tree decorated on the corner of Central and Sespe, covered in pink and purple to represent the studio in the holiday season. I have not met a single person who has anything but the kindest things to say about her. Her hard work and perseverance to serve our kids is inspiring. Thank you. Sandra. for giving the Luv of dance to Fillmore!

Tis the season to be joyful! Join us in ringing in the season and try your best to play a bell! We will assist you in ringing and singing carols and you will feel the Christmas spirit the entire time! The Bardsdale United Methodist Church Bell ringers, the Orange Pealers, are having their annual exciting Christmas program on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at five pm, in the sanctuary. The festive agenda includes holiday music and yummy munchies.

The interactive Christmas program features an opportunity for the audience (children and adults) to ring and sing carols, as well as listen to a concert given by the Orange Pealers. If you wish to support the bell choir, there will be a free will donation basket at the back of the sanctuary.

You may call either the church office (805 524-2070) or Marcia Heerema, director, (805 524-3674) for more information. So, round up the family and neighbors and join us for a fun, Christmas event!

VENTURA, Calif. – The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.

According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on Christmas Eve, 57 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-related crashes in 2021. On New Years Eve, 35 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. For the entire year of 2021, MADD and NHTSA data shows every 81 seconds someone in the United States is injured and every 39 minutes someone is killed in a traffic collision involving a driver that is driving under the influence (DUI).

In Ventura County specifically, the District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit reviewed 261 DUI cases submitted by law enforcement in December of 2022. In all of 2022, the DUI prosecution team filed 1,156 DUI cases, including 105 DUI drug cases and 12 DUI combined alcohol and drug cases.

“All of these crimes are 100 percent preventable,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Don’t get behind the wheel impaired because your choice can end up changing someone else’s life forever. We want everyone in the Tri-County area to get home safely this holiday season.”

Along with the PSA release, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office windows will be lit in red tonight, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, joining other offices, businesses, and iconic landmarks across the state to honor and remember victims of drunk and drugged driving. Families and community partners are invited to join us in this cause by illuminating a special place at home or place of business in red. MADD welcomes everyone to share photos or videos of your special illuminated areas on social media by tagging @MADDCalifornia on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #OneMADDCalifornia #RedforMADDCA #NoMoreVictims.

Watch the PSA here:
English: https://youtu.be/1f2hhnXvs2o
Spanish: https://youtu.be/YEzMKjNXfqo

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=52

FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – December 4, 2023– The City Council of Fillmore is pleased to announce the successful outcome of its fourth public hearing in the districting election process held on November 28th. Following careful consideration, the City Council voted 4-1 in favor of adopting Districting Map 102.

In addition to the selection of Districting Map 102, the City Council introduced Ordinance 23-958, which paves the way for the implementation of a district-based election system. The ordinance also includes a finding of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ensuring a streamlined process that adheres to environmental standards.

Residents and stakeholders can view Districting Map 102 by clicking on this link: /DocumentCenter/View/598
The final and fifth public hearing, as well as the adoption of Map 102 and the second reading of Ordinance 23-958, is scheduled to take place on December 12, 2023, during the regular City Council meeting. The meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Residents, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend this crucial meeting to witness the culmination of the districting election process. The City Council values the input and engagement of the community throughout this important decision-making process.

For questions and further information regarding this, please contact Erika Herrera-Terriquez, Assistant City Manager, at 805-946-1712 or eherrera@fillmoreca.gov.

Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=53
Attention residents of Fillmore,
We would like to bring to your attention the availability of old or weathered military banners. These banners, brimming with history and significance, are now ready for collection at Fillmore City Hall, situated at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Please refer to the Military Banner List using this link https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/595/Military-Banner-List?.... We extend our gratitude for proudly displaying these symbols of honor and recognition.
Please be advised that these banners are distinct from the current ones on display, which will remain in their designated locations. We encourage you to promptly retrieve these found banners within the next 45 days from today.
For any queries or assistance regarding the retrieval process, please reach out to Ms. Shannon Prentice via email at sprentice@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at 805-201-9623.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in acknowledging the sacrifices of our military personnel.