January 20, 2026 –Fillmore, CA– Rio Vista Elementary School education specialist Mariah Perez has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Perez was nominated by the parent of a student, Marlene Galaviz, for her student dedication to students and advocacy for inclusion, including for those with special needs. She is humble, kind, consistent in her teaching, and supportive of her students, school, and parents.
Perez helps students in any way she can, whether by coaching the cheering team or selflessly providing resources for her classroom. She is completely committed to all that she does.
“Ms. Perez has personally given both of my children encouragement, building up their self-esteem and showing them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” said Galaviz. “I am impressed with her ability to create relationships with each family and really know each student so well. Ms. Perez continues to find new ways to evolve. I am forever grateful.”
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About LifeChanger of the Year
Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
- Make a positive impact on the lives of students
- Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
- Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
- Possess a proven record of professional excellence
- Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
- Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
Visit https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=... to read Perez’s nominee profile. If you’re interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Cities of Fillmore, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Ojai would like to address our youth and young adults’ growing use of E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters. These vehicles can be useful in reducing traffic and allowing young people a means of transportation other than motor vehicles to school and other activities. However, we have seen recent increases in collisions involving our youth on e-bikes, bicycles, and scooters.
The increased speed provided by E-bikes and electric scooters requires increased care in their use. Traffic rules must be followed, and helmets must be worn at all times. Each type of the above-listed vehicle has specific rules for its use and operation. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has prepared two informational flyers outlining these rules.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the above-listed contract cities are collaborating with local schools, Community Resource Units, and School Resource Deputies to provide in-person education on the rules, regulations, and safe use of E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters in our communities.
Electric off-road motorcycles made by Sur-Ron, Talaria, Segway, and many other manufacturers are prohibited on public roads, sidewalks, or parks. These are off-road-only vehicles and are subject to impoundment if they are operated on public roads, sidewalks, or parks. The rider can be subject to citation and/or arrest.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will focus on education but will also consider enforcement of violations associated with electric motorcycles and their unlawful operation.
The goal is to reduce traffic collisions, ensure safe operation, and prevent injuries, protecting the youth in our communities.

Grand Avenue/Goodenough Road Fillmore Coalition has joined together in seeking assistance for the continued erosion, sediment build-up and debris in Sespe Creek, causing land-loss to property owners. Please sign the petition that Erika Morales has (DM her) and/or come to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00a.m. at the VC Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue to speak your mind--our voice matters! See page 2 Letter to the Editor, Cindy Jackson, for more details.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
Item 4 - Approval of Agenda - Villasenor motion, Garnica second, passed 5-0
Items 8A-8G - Consent Calendar - Villasenor motion, Broggie second, passed 5-0
Item 9A - Approval of Contract with Clifton Larson Allen LLP to provide auditing and financial statement preparation services - Garnica motion, Rodriguez second, passed 5-0
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A PRESENTATION BY INTERFACE CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES: CITY-SPECIFIC DATA
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8G. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 13, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 13, 2026.PDF
8.B OCTOBER 28, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.C NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  NOVEMBER 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.D DECEMBER 09, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 09, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.E FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8 SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8. FINAL.PDF
8.F CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 26-4090 FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/ MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AND SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 25-4074
SR MGMT MID CONF COMP PT AND BENEFITS RESOLUTION.PDF
8.G CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE
SR PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE 01.01.2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, TO PROVIDE AUDITING AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION SERVICES
SR - AWARD OF AUDIT SERVICES.PDF
9.B DISCUSSION OF WHETHER TO INCREASE THE CITY COUNCIL SALARIES RECOMMENDATION
SR DISCUSSION ON CITY COUNCIL SALARY INCREASE.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A JANUARY 13, 2026 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 13, 2026 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

We’re proud to introduce the newest members of the Fillmore Police Department, who have successfully completed their 16-week patrol training program! Welcome Deputies Alisa Vargas and Anthony Bavero! These dedicated deputies have shown exceptional commitment and professionalism throughout their training and are now ready to serve and protect their Fillmore community. Please join us in congratulating them as they begin their journey as patrol deputies. Posted December 12, 2025, courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/.