Posted on February 04, 2026,
Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/262
The City is currently upgrading the sewer main along C Street to help ensure the continued reliability and safety of the community’s wastewater system.
Maintaining and improving the City’s sewer infrastructure is essential to protecting public health, preventing system failures, and ensuring wastewater is safely collected and treated. Well-maintained sewer systems help reduce the risk of backups, overflows, main breaks, and contamination, while supporting homes, businesses, and essential services that rely on underground utilities.
This project is a long-term investment that will strengthen the City’s sewer system and help ensure it can meet both current and future community needs.
To complete this work safely and efficiently, Goodenough Road between Old Telegraph Road and Harthorn Lane (3rd Street) will be closed in both directions for approximately two months. In addition, C Street between Old Telegraph Road and Falcon Way will experience occasional closures during construction.
The City of Fillmore appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as this critical infrastructure improvement moves forward to protect public health and maintain essential services for Fillmore residents.

By Head Girls Coach Michael Torres
Oxnard - The Fillmore High School Flashes boys wrestling team, coached by Manuel Ponce, competed at the Citrus Coast League (CCL) Finals on Saturday, February 7, as the Flashes collected two individual CCL Championships. Other schools competing in the event included Channel Islands, Nordhoff, Santa Paula and hosting team Hueneme.
In a tightly contested back and forth finals match that went down to the final seconds, junior captain James Alcantar claimed the CCL title at 132 pounds, by gaining valuable near-fall points in the final period to secure the victory over his Hueneme High School opponent.
At 165 pounds, senior co-captain Gonzalo Landeros not only captured the CCL championship but was also honored by the league with the Upper Weight CCL Most Valuable Player award and finished the season undefeated in the CCL. Landeros is also a three-time CCL Champion having captured titles in his sophomore and junior seasons.
Senior co-captain Tony Lemus (126 lbs.) had the title in hand with an 8-3 lead in the finals but was disqualified due to his Hueneme High School opponent being injured and unable to continue with what was deemed an illegal slam. He along with senior Emiliano Castanon (150 lbs.), and juniors Brendan Morales (175 lbs.) and Valentin Garcia (285 lbs.) each reached their respective finals, finishing as runners-up in hard-fought championship bouts. Senior Eddie Padilla rounded out the varsity scoring with a fourth-place finish at 215 pounds but did not qualify for post-season competition; he will be listed as an alternate.
With the top three finishers in each varsity weight class earning advancement, Fillmore will send six wrestlers to the Northern Division CIF Individual Championships, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 13–14, at Moorpark High School.
In the Junior Varsity competition, freshman Kobe Avila claimed the 215-pound title. Fellow freshman Abraham Castorena also competed in the JV bracket at 144 pounds and placed 3rd.

Residents of Fillmore are invited to come together for a morning of conversation, connection, and community spirit at the upcoming Coffee with Badges event, hosted at Fillmore Starbucks.
This event will take place on Tuesday, February 10th, from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, at Fillmore Starbucks, located at 650 Ventura Street, and will feature first responders from the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Ventura County Probation Agency. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee, and engage in friendly discussions with the first responders who serve their community every day.
Coffee with Badges is all about building relationships. First responders want people to feel comfortable approaching them, asking questions, and getting to know them beyond the badge.
The informal event offers a welcoming space for residents to share ideas, express concerns, or simply chat with first responders in a casual and friendly setting. No speeches or agendas – just good coffee and good conversation.
Join us in the fight against crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, 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: Tech Specialist Jesus Gaytan
News Release Date: February 5th, 2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
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Nature of Incident: Coffee with Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Starbucks, 650 Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: February 10th, 8 am – 9:30 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/p/DUJvKE1EsyC/?img_index=2.
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Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.
On 01/24/2026, during the early morning hours, suspects committed multiple graffiti vandalisms throughout east Fillmore which included damage to the city of Fillmore, the Fillmore Historical Museum, and private properties. Patrol personnel from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the scenes of the crime spree and estimated the damage to be in the thousands of dollars.
Over the course of the investigation, patrol deputies located evidence which led them to identify three vandalism suspects. The suspects were identified as Jason Lizarraga, Axel Martinez and Joel Alonzo. All three suspects are affiliated with a criminal street gang in Fillmore.
Fillmore patrol personnel collaborated with the Fillmore Detective Unit and obtained a search warrant for the suspects and their residences. On 01/29/2026, Fillmore detectives, West County Special Enforcement Unit detectives, and Fillmore patrol personnel executed search warrants at two locations in Fillmore and one location in Piru. As a result, additional evidence linking the suspects to the gang-graffiti vandalisms was located. Additionally, both Jason Lizarraga, a 18-year old Fillmore resident and Axel Martinez, a 18-year old Fillmore resident were arrested for a felonious violations of Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy] along with multiple counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Graffiti Vandalism] and Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [For the Benefit of the Gang]. They were both booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.
On 01/30/2026, during the morning hours, the Fillmore Detective Unit located the third suspect, Joel Alonzo and arrested him for his participation in the vandalisms. Alonzo is affiliated with a criminal street gang and recently discharged parole. He was arrested for a felonious violation of Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy] along with multiple counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Graffiti Vandalism] and Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [For the Benefit of the Gang]. He was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.
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 “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: 01/30/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Gang Members Arrested
Report Number: 26-10467
Location: Multiple Locations in East Fillmore
Date & Time: 01/24/2026, early morning hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent ; City of Residence; Age:
(V) Fillmore Citizens & Businesses, Fillmore, N/A
(S) Jason Lizarraga, Fillmore, 18
(S) Axel Martinez, Fillmore, 18
(S) Joel Alonzo, Fillmore, 25
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Christine Schieferle, Superintendent of Fillmore Unified School District

Posted February 2, 2026, courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...
Dear FUSD Staff and Families,
We recently became aware of a student-led effort to have middle and high school students walk-out of school, tomorrow, February 3, 2026, to make their voices heard about immigration policies. Planned events such as these are student-led events and not school-sponsored activities.
We respect our students’ First Amendment rights and recognize that advocating for issues they are passionate about can be a valuable learning experience. At the same time, we acknowledge that some students may prefer to remain in class. Our priority is to ensure that all students feel safe and respected, regardless of their choice.
If students choose to participate in a walkout during school hours, the district will respond as follows:
Schools and classes will continue as scheduled.
Whenever possible, school administrators, particularly in middle and high schools, will work with student leaders to provide a safe and supervised on-campus space for those who choose to participate.
We encourage students to remain on campus. Once students leave campus, we cannot assume responsibility for their safety.
All students are expected to follow all school rules and expectations while on campus to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
If a walkout moves off campus, we will coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to support public safety.
Because these walkouts are not school-sponsored activities, we will follow district policies regarding excused and unexcused absences. We encourage you to have conversations with your child about this event, as you see appropriate.
As always, we remain committed to maintaining safe and welcoming schools for all students and families.
Thank you,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent
Fillmore Unified School District

Soon to be retired from the United States Navy, Phillip C. Diaz of Fillmore.

Pictured is U.S. Navy Senior Chief Phillip C. Diaz with his family, Cynthia, Lily (3) and Hailee (5), Thanksgiving 2025 in Fillmore.
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U.S. Navy Senior Chief (E-8) Information Branch (I-Branch) Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) Phillip C. Diaz, a 2004 Fillmore High School (FHS) Graduate will retire from the United States Navy on February 28, 2026. In addition to FHS Phillip attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School.
Growing up in Fillmore Phillip participated in Fillmore T-Ball, Little League, Fillmore High School Baseball and Football. Phillip was a member of the Piru 4-H Club raising the 1995 Grand Champion Swine named Tomasina, his first year in 4-H! Phillip is the Son of Richard and Carolyn Diaz and Brother to Arron Diaz, Brooke (Diaz) Heinrich and Julia (Diaz) Fitzgibbons. Phillip is the father of two beautiful daughters Hailee and Lily, Uncle to eleven nieces and nephews and has many uncles, aunts and cousins living in the San Diego area.
Despite living in “Padre Country” Phillip remains a Lifelong Dodger Fan! On May 22, 2024, Phillip was selected and honored as the “Dodgers Military Hero of The Game” when the Dodgers hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks. After retirement Phillip and Cynthia, children Hailee (5) and Lily (3) will remain the San Diego area where they have made their home and have lived for the past six years.
Phillip entered the Navy on October 31, 2005, as an Information Technician (IT) and received his approximately 10-week Basic Training and “C” School on the shores of Lake Michigan at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago, Illinois. During Phillip’s just over 20-years of service to his Country he has served on the USS McFaul (DD 74), USS Mt. Whitney (LCC 20) Communications Flagship ported in Gaeta, Italy, USS Russell (DDG 59) an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Phillip has also been stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Gaeta, Italy and San Diego.
Phillip has been deployed eight times. His longest deployment was at Bagram Air Base in Parwan Province, Afghanistan where he served for 1-year. There he served as an EOD ESU 2. Bagram Air Base was a frequent target for drone and missile attacks. One of Phillip’s memorable moments at Bagram, and there were many, was when his Nephew Michael O’Neal, an Army “Forward Observer” located Phillip at Bagram Air Base for an unforgettable reunion!
Phillip also was an instructor for both “C” and “F” Schools. Phillip visited many countries during his military service. He twice visited his “Birth Country and City” Busan, South Korea. When Phillip was born in 1986 Busan was known as Pusan. Since 2000 Pusan has been referred to Busan. It wasn’t a name change but a standardization of how Korean sounds are written in English to better reflect the native pronunciation of the English ‘p’ to the Korean softer ‘b’. A mountain near the city is also named Busan.
Phillip’s Family, Coworkers and Friends will witness his ‘Retirement Ceremony’ on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. onboard the USS Midway Museum. The Midway (CV-41) is a floating Aircraft Carrier commissioned in 1945 and docked in San Diego Harbor. The Fillmore Community thanks Senior Chief Phillip C. Diaz for his service and sacrifice to his Country.