Fillmore’s Fireworks Booths Now Open
Fillmore 4th of July is near. Fireworks booths are up around town, booths are open on Saturday, June 28th, 2026, noon to July 5th at noon. Local non-profit organizations will begin Safe & Sane Fireworks sales, a long-time tradition. Above is Saint Francis of Assisi’s Church booth from past years. Photo credit Gazette staff.
Fillmore 4th of July is near. Fireworks booths are up around town, booths are open on Saturday, June 28th, 2026, noon to July 5th at noon. Local non-profit organizations will begin Safe & Sane Fireworks sales, a long-time tradition. Above is Saint Francis of Assisi’s Church booth from past years. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Join us for a night of fireworks in Fillmore! The City of Fillmore will host a professional fireworks display on Friday, July 3, at 9:00 PM. The show will be launched from the grassy field at Fillmore Middle School, located at 543 A Street. Bring your family, find a great viewing spot, and enjoy the celebration! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
 


 
SC River President Discusses Habitat Restoration Project
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
Pictured is SC River Conservancy President Ron Merkord, along with board member Heather Miranda, speaking at last week’s Fillmore City Council. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Also pictured is a wildlife viewing platform near the Santa Clara River.
Pictured is SC River Conservancy President Ron Merkord, along with board member Heather Miranda, speaking at last week’s Fillmore City Council. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Also pictured is a wildlife viewing platform near the Santa Clara River.

Santa Clara River Conservancy President Ron Merkord President, along with board member Heather Miranda, spoke at last week’s Fillmore City Council meeting emphasizing awareness of habitat restoration and preserving the water supply along the Santa Clara River. The conservancy has already restored over 800 acres of riparian habitat. Their flagship project is the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve on property just behind the Fillmore Fish Hatchery, which is owned by CDFW. This reserve consists of 234 acres of once degraded habitat, some of which was once a watercress farm, and much of which was covered in Arundo donax and tamarisk. This 4-year restoration project is now almost complete, with over 60,000 native plants put in. This project also features public access trails down to the river, with wildlife viewing platforms and rest areas along the ADA accessible trails.
 


 
Coffee With the Badges Delivers Again
Coffee With the Badges was held on Friday, June 26 and there was a great turnout! The community extends our appreciation to the Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. members, and the event’s local supporters — Starbucks Coffee, 7 Eleven, and Roan Mills Bakery — for their partnership and continued commitment to community safety. With the Fourth of July approaching, firework safety remains a top priority to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires. The teams spent the day engaging with community members to share important safety information and promote a responsible and enjoyable holiday for all. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Coffee With the Badges was held on Friday, June 26 and there was a great turnout! The community extends our appreciation to the Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. members, and the event’s local supporters — Starbucks Coffee, 7 Eleven, and Roan Mills Bakery — for their partnership and continued commitment to community safety. With the Fourth of July approaching, firework safety remains a top priority to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires. The teams spent the day engaging with community members to share important safety information and promote a responsible and enjoyable holiday for all. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was established in May 1986 with one dog and a deputy handler. It has since grown to seven full-time Patrol K-9 Teams. The teams are stationed in Ventura, Fillmore, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and the remote region in northern Ventura County known as Lockwood Valley. All Patrol K-9 Teams are cross-trained in narcotics detection and are on call 24 hours a day. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was established in May 1986 with one dog and a deputy handler. It has since grown to seven full-time Patrol K-9 Teams. The teams are stationed in Ventura, Fillmore, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and the remote region in northern Ventura County known as Lockwood Valley. All Patrol K-9 Teams are cross-trained in narcotics detection and are on call 24 hours a day. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The Fillmore Police Department invited all members of the public to join them at a community-centered event and enjoy a cup of iced coffee or iced tea with local members of public safety last Wednesday, June 26. This event was geared towards meeting your local police and fire department members with an emphasis on fireworks safety, with the Fourth of July around the corner.
Special appearances were made by Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, and local supporters, Starbucks Coffee, Roan Mills Bakery, and 7-Eleven. Thank you Fillmore PD!!
We encourage you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Station will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend.
The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind the citizens of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:
• “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.
• Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1. Residents are also encouraged to call the fireworks tip line at (805) 524-1500 extension 350.
• Scan the QR code below to learn more about fireworks safety.
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. 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 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: June 22nd, 2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Nature of Incident: Coffee with the Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot
Date & Time: June 26th 10 AM – 12 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station
***
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).
 
Fillmore Police Dept. Share E-Bike Safety Information
On Tuesday, June 22, Fillmore Police Department gave a presentation to the City Council regarding E-Bike safety. They went over current trends, traffic Collison statistics, as well as what efforts they are making to help spread the word on E-Bike safety. Above are the traffic collision numbers from 2024 to 2025 throughout Ojai, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Current efforts to educate the community: Media releases related to E-Bike safety; Fillmore PD and City of Fillmore social media information; In-person presentations at Fillmore Middle School and FUSD EDUCATION; Partnerships with FUSD-dissemination of E-Bike safety information; OTS Bicycle and E-Bike presentations PARTNERSHIPS; OTS Bicyclist/Pedestrian safety operations; Bike Safety Rodeo; Patrol enforcement operations. Photo credit City of Fillmore Agenda.
On Tuesday, June 22, Fillmore Police Department gave a presentation to the City Council regarding E-Bike safety. They went over current trends, traffic Collison statistics, as well as what efforts they are making to help spread the word on E-Bike safety. Above are the traffic collision numbers from 2024 to 2025 throughout Ojai, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Current efforts to educate the community: Media releases related to E-Bike safety; Fillmore PD and City of Fillmore social media information; In-person presentations at Fillmore Middle School and FUSD EDUCATION; Partnerships with FUSD-dissemination of E-Bike safety information; OTS Bicycle and E-Bike presentations PARTNERSHIPS; OTS Bicyclist/Pedestrian safety operations; Bike Safety Rodeo; Patrol enforcement operations. Photo credit City of Fillmore Agenda.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
 
Sonic...It’s Getting There
Pictured is progressing construction on the planned Sonic Drive-In, eight years after it was first made public. Sonic Corp first announced in fall of 2018 its intention to open a Sonic Drive-In in Fillmore. Covid and other factors stalled that plan. In September 2023, it was announced thatSonic would open here in the spring of 2024. Then in December 2023 the opening was pushed back to November 2024. Construction finally began around July 2024 in the vacant lot located at 643 W. Ventura Street (SR 126). The latest announcement for completion is spring 2026. In September of 2018 Sonic Corp. was purchased by Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands) for $2.3 billion. Inspire Brands is just one of many portfolio/parent companies of Roark Capital. Among other units in Roark’s portfolio are Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel, Jimmy John’s, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. In 1958, Top Hats existed in Enid and Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, only four opened, because the name was already copyrighted to another business. Echoing the jet age, Top Hat’s slogan was “Service with the Speed of Sound,” so the new name “Sonic” was chosen. There are now 80 Sonic’s in California alone. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Pictured is progressing construction on the planned Sonic Drive-In, eight years after it was first made public. Sonic Corp first announced in fall of 2018 its intention to open a Sonic Drive-In in Fillmore. Covid and other factors stalled that plan. In September 2023, it was announced thatSonic would open here in the spring of 2024. Then in December 2023 the opening was pushed back to November 2024. Construction finally began around July 2024 in the vacant lot located at 643 W. Ventura Street (SR 126). The latest announcement for completion is spring 2026. In September of 2018 Sonic Corp. was purchased by Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands) for $2.3 billion. Inspire Brands is just one of many portfolio/parent companies of Roark Capital. Among other units in Roark’s portfolio are Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel, Jimmy John’s, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. In 1958, Top Hats existed in Enid and Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, only four opened, because the name was already copyrighted to another business. Echoing the jet age, Top Hat’s slogan was “Service with the Speed of Sound,” so the new name “Sonic” was chosen. There are now 80 Sonic’s in California alone. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
 
Fillmore Man Arrested for Santa Clara River Arson
Pictured is a Ventura County Firehawk Copter making a water drop on the arson Bridge Fire on Sunday at 1:15pm. Inset, some of the manpower it takes to handle the frequent fires in the Santa Clara Riverbed. One arrest was made. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez & Gazette staff.
Pictured is a Ventura County Firehawk Copter making a water drop on the arson Bridge Fire on Sunday at 1:15pm. Inset, some of the manpower it takes to handle the frequent fires in the Santa Clara Riverbed. One arrest was made. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez & Gazette staff.
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, June 25th, 2026
The arson fire at 400 Chambersburg Road required about 30 units, drones and copters to respond to the Santa Clara Riverbed on Sunday. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.
The arson fire at 400 Chambersburg Road required about 30 units, drones and copters to respond to the Santa Clara Riverbed on Sunday. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.
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On 06/21/2026, after an extensive investigation, Fillmore resident – Arturo Amaya, age 40, was arrested for Penal Code § 451(a) – [Arson] and Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Resist, Obstruct, or Delay a Peace Officer].
On 06/21/2026, at about 1:16 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the Santa Clara River bottom near Gasaway Drive and the A Street bridge reference a brush fire.
Upon arrival, deputies began evacuating people from the nearby encampments. Engines from Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded to the area, began fighting the fire, and coordinated water drops from the Ventura County Aviation Unit. While evacuation efforts took place, patrol resources began to gather information as to the cause of the fire and identified (S) Arturo Amaya as a prime suspect. Amaya is a local resident who frequents the river bottom.
After an extensive investigation by patrol personnel, deputies developed probable cause to arrest Amaya for arson. Ultimately, deputies located, detained, and arrested Amaya for arson and delaying deputies in the performance of their duties.
No structures were lost during the brush fire, and the fire burned about 1.5 acres.
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
/26-79398 the following QR code:
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: 06/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Arson
Report Number: 26-79398
Location: Gasaway Drive @ A Street Bridge (riverbed), Fillmore
Date & Time: 06/21/2026, 1:16 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Aviation Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence, Age
(S) Arturo Amaya, Fillmore, 40
***
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).
 
DUI Suspect Arrested in Front of Sheriff’s Station
Sheriff deputies made a DUI arrest in front of the Fillmore Police Station, using a baton to break the suspect’s car window and remove him safely when he refused to leave the locked vehicle.
Sheriff deputies made a DUI arrest in front of the Fillmore Police Station, using a baton to break the suspect’s car window and remove him safely when he refused to leave the locked vehicle.
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By Fillmore Police Department — Thursday, June 25th, 2026

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 1626 hours, a patrol deputy observed a white Toyota truck parked in front of the police station. The driver, a 32-year-old Fillmore resident, was incoherent and appeared to be under the influence. While attempting to communicate with the driver, the deputy observed the driver begin to operate the truck in an unsafe and reckless manner. To ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles in the area, deputies deployed a pursuit prevention device, which punctured and deflated the truck’s front tires.
Once the truck was immobilized, the driver was removed from the vehicle and evaluated by paramedics. The driver appeared to be extremely under the influence and admitted to ingesting narcotics.
Based on the investigation, the driver was arrested for multiple violations, including Vehicle Code section 14601.2(a), driving on a suspended license following a prior DUI conviction; Vehicle Code section 23103(a), reckless driving; Vehicle Code section 23152(c), driving while addicted to a drug; and Vehicle Code section 23152(f), driving under the influence of a drug. The driver was medically cleared at a local hospital and subsequently booked into the Pre-Trial Detention.
 
Youth Transported to Hospital After E-Bike Crash
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 25th, 2026
Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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On Tuesday, June 23, at approximately 1:24 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported E-bike incident at the intersection of Heritage Valley Parkway and Clearwood Street.
Upon arrival, deputies located a juvenile who had sustained injuries as a result of the incident. AMR paramedics provided medical treatment at the scene before transporting the patient to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Safety Reminder: Riders are encouraged to always wear a properly fitted helmet, obey traffic laws, follow posted road signs, and remain alert while operating bicycles and E-bikes. Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of serious injury and keep everyone safer on the road.
 
Traffic Collision Sends 2 to Hospital
On Thursday, June 18, at approximately 10:48 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of A Street and River Street. Deputies arrived and located two vehicles involved, with a total of four patients reporting injuries. Fire personnel requested three ambulances to respond to the scene. Two patients were transported to a local hospital; the conditions of the patients were not immediately available. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
On Thursday, June 18, at approximately 10:48 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of A Street and River Street. Deputies arrived and located two vehicles involved, with a total of four patients reporting injuries. Fire personnel requested three ambulances to respond to the scene. Two patients were transported to a local hospital; the conditions of the patients were not immediately available. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 25th, 2026
 
Agenda Received at Council, No Votes Taken
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 25th, 2026

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, & FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL JOINT MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026, AT 6:00 PM, FILLMORE CITY HALL AT 250 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015
No action was taken by either board, and no votes were cast. The purpose of the meeting was solely to receive and file the items presented on the agenda.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of the Agenda
5. Presentations
5.A THE SANTA CLARA RIVER CONSERVANCY
SCRC FILLMORE PRESENTATION
6. Public Comments
7. New Business
7.A STRATEGIC FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS
LET’S TALK ABOUT FUSD
7.B CITY OF FILLMORE DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
SR - DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
7.C PRESENTATION ON AVAILABLE SOFTWARE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOOLS
AVAILABLE SOFTWARE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
7.D E-BIKE EFFORTS
E-BIKE EFFORTS
8. City Council and Board of Trustees Reports, Recommendations, and Comments
8.A FUTURE COLLABORATION INITIATIVES
8.B FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS AND MEETING DATES
9. Adjournment
Mayor Albert Mendez adjourns to the next City Council regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2026, at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.
 
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