Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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In late July 2025, detectives assigned to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit (SCU) concluded an 18-
month investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics by members of several local Ventura County gangs and
associates, in furtherance of the Sureño prison gang. The Special Crimes Unit consists of detectives from the Ventura County
Sheriff’s Office and Oxnard Police Department who work jointly to investigate organized crime organizations affecting the
livelihood of citizens of Ventura County.

In early 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives initiated an investigation into an Oxnard based, Ventura County criminal
street gang suspected of illegally being in possession of firearms and distributing narcotics for the benefit of the
criminal street gang. As a result of that investigation, detectives arrested two criminal street gang members and recovered
three firearms and indicia identifying the subjects as active criminal street gang members.

In June of 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives concluded an additional investigation into another local gang member
suspected of illegally possessing firearms, illegal transfer of firearms, and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for
sales. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the gang member’s residence and recovered four handguns, a
sawed-off rifle, ammunition, 834.7 gross grams of cocaine, 248 gross grams of methamphetamine, indicia used for narcotics
sales, and $21,000.00 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of the narcotics sales.

In the third quarter of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang suspected
of illegally being in possession of firearms and distributing narcotics for the benefit of the criminal street gang and the
Sureño prison gang. As a result of that investigation, detectives seized 85.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.9 pounds of
ecstasy pills, $10,000 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of the narcotics sales, ammunition and three handguns from a
narcotics source of supply in Los Angeles County.

In November of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang member working as
a Sureño prison gang member on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. During the investigation, detectives identified one of the gang
members’ narcotics couriers responsible for trafficking narcotics. As a result of that investigation, detectives seized 9.36
pounds of methamphetamine destined for Oxnard, California.

Special Crimes Unit Detectives continued the investigation through the Spring of 2025. Investigators served several search
warrants in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. As a result of that investigation, detectives arrested an additional thirteen
gang members. Detectives seized twelve handguns, five rifles, two shotguns, 56 gross grams of cocaine, 439.3 gross grams of
heroin, 293.3 gross grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, $107, 205.46 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of narcotics
sales, and one vehicle.

During one of the investigations, detectives discovered that a gang member from a Ventura County criminal street gang had
engaged in a five-year, unlawful sexual relationship with a minor and was arrested. Furthermore, investigators uncovered
that an additional gang member from a Ventura County criminal street gang had engaged in an online, sexual relationship with
a minor with the intent to send, distribute or exhibit harmful or obscene material to the minor with the intent to engage in
sexual intercourse.

The following individuals have been arrested as a result of this investigation;

• Armando Lomeli – Age: 31 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 186.22 PC

• Juan Mex Velasquez – Age: 47 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC

• Juan Mex Velasquez – Age:47 - 205 PC, 261.5(d) PC, 288(c)(1) PC, 311.4(c) PC

• Darlene Vargas – Age: 42 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC

• Maribel Cortes - Age: 24 – 11378 H&S, 11379 H&S, 186.22 PC

• Omar “Baby” Ruiz – Age: 38 – 182 PC,11378 H&S, 186.22 PC. On 08/18/2025, Ruiz entered a guilty plea. On 09/17/2025, Ruiz
was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison, to be served consecutive to his prior sentence of 156 years to life.

• Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 30305 (a)(1) PC, 11359(b) H&S

• Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 – 288.2(a) PC, 288.3 PC

• David Stratmann – Age: 34 – 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 27545 PC, 11370.1 H&S, 11377 H&S

• Victor Lara – Age: 20 – 25850(c)(6) PC, 29815(a) PC

• Izaac Galvan Martinez – Age: 26 – 29805 PC, 27545 PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 25850(c)(6) PC, 186.22 PC

• David Gasca – Age: 30 – 11351 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 11378 H&S, 27545 PC, 29805 PC, 186.22 PC. On 08/13/2025, Gasca entered a
guilty plea for 11351 H&S, 12022(c) PC, 29805 PC, and 186.22 PC and will be sentenced to 5 years prison.

• Ernesto Flores – Age: 36 – US18 922(g)(1). Flores entered a guilty plea and on 08/21/2025, Flores was sentenced to 4 years
in prison.

• Efren Salomon – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11352 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC

• Christian Vega – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 23900 PC, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC

The following evidence has been seized as a result of this investigation;

• Twenty-two handguns

• Six rifles

• Two shotguns

• 912.7 gross grams of cocaine

• 439.3 gross grams of heroin

• 43,618 gross grams of methamphetamine

• 861 gross grams of ecstasy

• $138,298.46 U.S. currency

• One vehicle

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence
in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community
partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by
texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Brian Whittaker, Special Crimes Unit

News Release Date: September 17, 2025

Approved by: Captain Matthew Young, Special Services Division

Booking Photo Release: YES 1

By FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle

Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is strengthening campus safety with a comprehensive security camera project. The
initiative brings advanced technology to schools and district facilities, safeguard students and staff, and support school
safety.

New cameras are being installed at:

- Fillmore High School, including the football and baseball fields and the Farm

- Sierra High School

- Fillmore Middle School and its baseball field

- Mountain Vista, Piru, San Cayetano, and Rio Vista Elementary Schools

- Sespe Elementary and the Fillmore Adult School

- Maintenance and Facilities, Transportation Department, and the District Office

The locations for the cameras were selected with input from district safety committees, administration, technical experts,
and law enforcement to identify areas where monitoring will have the greatest impact on school safety.

The system includes high-resolution cameras with night vision, motion detection, and secure storage, monitoring entrances,
exits, hallways, parking areas, courtyards, and other public spaces. Cameras will not be installed in classrooms, and strict
privacy protocols ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

The project’s total cost is about $793,000, covering equipment, installation, integration with existing networks, licensing,
and staff training. Funding comes from the support of the Fillmore and Piru communities’ passage of Measure G bonds.

The new system replaces outdated equipment and is designed to improve incident response, reduce vandalism, and enhance
overall safety.

Superintendent Schieferle emphasized the importance of the project: “This investment reflects our commitment to student and
staff safety and to fostering a safe and secure learning environment.”

CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL

All items passed 4-0 with Councilmember Garnica being absent.

Item 8F: Council voted 3–1 (with Councilmember Garnica absent) to support Alternative 2 — declare City Council’s support for
the VCCF Neighbor’s Support Fund, make no financial contribution, and promote the fund through social media outreach.

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS

6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

7.A SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 25-987 AND ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-02 (ZOA 25-02) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT

SR ORD25-987_ 2ND READING HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE.PDF

7.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.PDF

7.C SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.A CONSIDERATION OF A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21-
02 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21- 02) SR-461 CENTRAL_REMEDIATION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 5.PDF

8.B DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND TWO ALTERNATES FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO

DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATS & ALTS - LEAGUE OF CA CITIES SR 2025.PDF

8.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH TND STUDIO & ASSOCIATES FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WELL NO.
10 STRUCTURE

SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN CONTRACT WITH TND STUDIO. FINAL.PDF

8.D RECOMMENDATION TO KEEP THE RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN OPEN YEAR-ROUND WITH CLOSURES MANAGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT DURING STORM EVENTS

SR - MANAGEMENT OF RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN CLOSURE. FINAL.PDF

8.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS PROJECT

SR -FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOM. FINAL.PDF

8.F REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND

SR VCCF NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND.PDF

8.G DISCUSSION OF THE 1/3 RETAIL REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWTOWN
REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP

SR ONE THIRD RETAIL.PDF

9. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

10. CLOSED SESSION

10.A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

11. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

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On September 11th, 2025, detectives arrested (S) Ivan Duenas for arson and hate crime-related offenses.

On August 20th, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 700 block of Fourth Street in
Fillmore in reference to a car fire and arson investigation. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle that had been
intentionally set on fire, causing significant damage. Over the course of the investigation, detectives learned the
victim(s) had been a target for vandalism in the past, and these crimes were likely motivated by their race.

Over the following weeks, personnel from the Fillmore Sheriff’s Station, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit, and
the Sheriff’s Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC), working with assistance from a community member, identified 41-
year-old Fillmore resident Ivan Duenas as the suspect.

On September 11th, 2025, Fillmore detectives contacted, detained, and ultimately arrested Duenas outside his residence
located in the 200 block of E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore.

Following Duenas’ arrest, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit secured a search warrant for Duenas’ residence and
vehicle, which was executed the same day. As a result, additional evidence linking Duenas to the arson was located.

Duenas was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he was booked for Penal Code § 451(d) – [Arson
of Another’s Property] and Penal Code § 422.6(b) – [Violation of Civil Rights by Damaging Property]. Duenas remains in
custody pending court proceedings.

Any person with information regarding the arson is encouraged to contact detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided
below to download and submit any video footage of the incident.

https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-1... or by scanning the following QR code:

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and due diligence in
providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community
partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and
@FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and
advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote

News Release Date: 09/12/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release: NO

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The Fillmore Fire Department joined communities across the nation in honoring the lost lives during the September 11, 2001,
attacks by hosting a remembrance ceremony at the Fillmore fire station on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Community members, dignitaries, and local officials were invited to attend the ceremonies, which began promptly at 6:45 a.m.
with the staging of fire and law enforcement apparatus on the station ramps. At 6:55 a.m., firefighters and Sheriff deputies
assembled at attention to raise the American flag to half-staff, followed by a moment of silence at 6:59 a.m. to honor the
2,977 lives lost that day.

After the moment of silence, a tribute statement was read by on-duty fire personnel. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony
they also included the symbolic ringing of bells, four sets of five chimes, signifying a firefighter’s last alarm.

September 11 reminds us of the bravery of first responders who ran toward danger, and the resilience of a nation that came
together in its darkest hour. Standing together as a community ensures that their sacrifice and courage are forever honored.

Following the ceremonies, attendees were invited to join first responders for light breakfast snacks.

All flags at City facilities were flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk in accordance with Presidential proclamation.