On 03/11/2026, at about 5:56 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the area of A Street near Old Telegraph Road reference a battery victim. Upon arrival, deputies located a 17-year-old juvenile victim with injuries consistent with being assaulted. The juvenile victim was transported to the hospital where he was admitted and treated for his injuries.
Fillmore patrol deputies conducted an initial investigation and identified (S) Ivan Hernandez as the likely attacker. Hernandez is documented criminal street gang member who recently discharged parole. Additionally, in January 2026, Hernandez was arrested for an assault with a deadly weapon and is currently out on bail for this offense.
Over the course of the next week, the Fillmore Detective Unit worked with Fillmore Patrol resources and followed up on the investigation. As a result, detectives obtained additional evidence linking Hernandez to the felonious assault on the juvenile victim and an additional battery on an 18-year-old victim.
On 03/14/2026, deputies located Hernandez in the Santa Clara River bottom and arrested him for both assaults. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.
On 03/17/2026, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office elected to file felony charges of Penal Code § 243(d) – [Assault with Serious Bodily Injury] and Penal Code § 273a(a) – [Child Endangerment], and a misdemeanor charge of Penal Code § 242 – [Battery].
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: 03/17/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Felony Assault
Report Number: 26-32016
Location: Santa Clara River Bottom near Chambersburg Bridge, Fillmore
Date & Time: 03/11/2026, 5:50 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent , City of Residence, Age:
(V) Juvenile Male, Fillmore, 17
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore, 18
(S) Ivan Hernandez, Fillmore, 34
***
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).

Pictured left #22 Hermelinda Ocegueda who was chosen for the Citrus Coast League (CCL) 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All County for small schools, made The Stars All-County Girls Basketball 2nd team and was named Player of the Week by VCsports/Ventura Ortho earlier this year. Pictured right is Fillmore’s #10 Lucy Murillo made CCL 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All County for small schools and was by VCsports as one of the top 40 girls basketball players to watch.
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Pictured left is Fillmore’s #12 Yaneli Landin who was chosen for Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. Picture right is Flashes #24 Andrea Ramirez was chosen for Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League.
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Above Flashes #2 Karissa Espitia was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Pictured is Flashes #33 Angelica Ruiz was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Pictured is Flashes #15 Myah Virto was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Flashes Girls Basketball had a great 2026 season. The team finished the season 15-11 overall and went 7-3 in the Citrus Coast League. The team took 2nd place in the Citrus Coast League this season with multiple players earning 1st and 2nd Team All-League titles and honorable mentions as well. Names are as follows:
#22 Hermelinda Ocegueda was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All County for small schools, and was put on The Stars All-County Girls Basketball 2nd team. During the season she was selected as Female Player of the Week by VCsports/Ventura Ortho in January of this year. Final league stats: 10.8 points per game, 16.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 3.3 steals, 2.2 blocks.
#10 Lucy Murillo was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. At the beginning of the season, she was chosen by VCsports as one of the top 40 girls basketball players to watch. Final league stats: 11.1 points per game, 12.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.6 blocks.
#12 Yaneli Landin was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. Final league stats: 10.2 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.2 steals, 0.9 blocks.
#24 Andrea Ramirez was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League. Final league stats: 4.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1. 5 blocks.
#2 Karissa Espitia was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
#33 Angelica Ruiz was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
#15 Myah Virto was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.

On 03/13/2026, three (3) juvenile males were arrested for their involvement with multiple gang graffiti vandalisms which occurred in the Heritage Grove neighborhood on 02/19/2026.
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 02/19/2026, at about 6:07 PM, diligent members of the community reported several juveniles using spray paint to vandalize property in the Heritage Grove neighborhood in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to the area and confirmed vandalisms had occurred, and the vandalisms were likely gang related. Over the next coming weeks, the Fillmore Detective Unit collaborated with Fillmore School Resource Deputies on the investigation and identified three juvenile males as the suspects.
In March 2026, the Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three suspects’ residences who all reside in Fillmore.
On 03/13/2026, personnel from Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore School Resource Deputies, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit executed search warrants at the three residences in Fillmore and seized additional evidence linking them to the crimes and participation in a criminal street gang.
At the time of the search warrants, all three juveniles were contacted, arrested, cited, and released to their parent(s)/guardian(s) for violations of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Graffiti Vandalism], Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Street Terrorism], and Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy].
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: 03/13/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

Released Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Ventura County Library Foundation has received a major donation of over $2.6 million from the Susan A. Knight Trust to benefit the Fillmore Library.
According to her Estate Attorney, Laura V. Bartels, Esq., with the firm Taylor, Scoles & Bartels, Ms. Knight believed that libraries saved her life, and she wanted a safe place for children to go and learn. She specifically wanted to give back to the Fillmore Library because it was a place where she found refuge and respite as a child.
Mary Rees, Chair, Ventura County Library Foundation says, “A transformative gift from a private individual is more than a donation—it’s an investment in shared knowledge, equal access, and the lifelong curiosity of our community. This generous support empowers the public library to expand opportunities, strengthen programs, and ensure that learning remains free and accessible to all.”
The Library Foundation will be working with the Ventura County Library System and the Fillmore community to honor the donor’s wishes.
***
Ventura County Library Foundation: Growing Minds Countywide
www.vclibraryfoundation.org.

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The Fillmore Unified School District is proud to announce Sierra High School has been named a 2026 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized 59 schools across California for their outstanding work in providing at-risk youth with exemplary instruction, flexible scheduling, and strong guidance and counseling services that support students on the path to earning their diplomas.
This prestigious recognition highlights Sierra High School’s commitment to creating a student-centered environment where every learner feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Model Continuation High Schools are celebrated for meeting students’ diverse academic, social, and emotional needs while helping prepare them for college, career, and life beyond high school.
In announcing the honor to staff, Superintendent Christine Schieferle praised Sierra High School’s dedication, writing, “Your work and dedication to creating a safe and supportive school culture where students feel valued, seen, and appreciated is truly commendable.” She added that the recognition reflects the staff’s daily commitment to “meeting students where they are and supporting their growth and success.”
The designation is awarded through a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association Plus. Schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain the honor for three years and serve as examples of best practices for continuation education programs statewide.

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On Saturday, March 14, at 3:09 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Ventura Street and C Street. Minor damage and injuries were reported. Cause of the crash is still under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

On Saturday morning, March 14th, the Flashes Track Teams travelled to Rio Mesa and competed at the Spartan Relays.
The Fillmore Frosh/Spho girls 4 X 800 started the day with a winning effort in 12:02.54. Team members were Camila Soto, Mariana Elvira, Gabriela Lopez, and Christina Setty. In the Jr./Sr. girls 4 X 800 relay, Fillmore placed 3rd in 11:33.48. Team members were Melanie Flores, Andrea Gamez, Michelle Setty, and Valeria Munoz Mendez. The Jr./Sr. boys team finished 10th in 9:54.66. Team member was Jordan Hernandez, Gabriel Lagunas, Ricardo Quilo, and Orlando Vigil Tello.
In Girls Frosh/Spho 4 X 100, Fillmore was 7th in 57.53. Team members included Alejandra Robles, Barbara Soltero, Giselle Villareal, and Emma Ortiz. In the Boys Frosh/Spho 4 X 100, the Fillmore team of Orlando Vigil Tello, Draco Centurion, Nathan Lepe, and Joseph Magana Jr. placed 5th in 47.36. In the Girls Jr./Sr. 4 X 100, the girls finished 4th in 51.32. Team members were Janessa Corona, Kimberly Magana, Jaiden Peacock, and Mia Munoz. In the Boys Jr./Sr. 4 X 100-meter race the Fillmore team captured 2nd place in 43.93 and established a new Fillmore High School Track and Field record. This broke the record they set earlier this season. Team members included Jasiah Patterson, Saul Fraga-Sandoval, Joshua Felix, and Nathan Hernandez. In the Girls Jr./Sr. 100-meter hurdles, Yaneli Landin was 14th in 19.21.
In the Girls Frosh/Spho 400-meter run, Alejandra Robles was 24th in 1:19.59. In the Boys Frosh/Spho 400-meter run, Elijah Sandoval finished 23rd in 62.81, and Harley Halcon was 25th in 63.88. In the Girls Jr./Sr. 400-meters Delilah Lupercio placed 13th in 1:06.89, Sarah Cedillos 24th in 1:12.41, and Jessica Aparicio 30th in 1:16.19. In the Boys Varsity 400-meter run, Nathan Hernandez was 12th in 51.95. Alejandra, Elijah, Harley, and Delilah ran personal best times.
In the Boys Frosh/Spho 100, Draco Centurion was 19th in 11.99, Nathan Lepe 43rd in 12.48, Domenic Corona 54th in 12.91, and Francisco Ruiz Jr. 70th in 13.87. In Boys Jr./Sr. 100m, Saul Fraga-Sandoval won the event in 11.03, Jasiah Patterson was 21st in 11.66, and Joshua Felix 35th on 11.87. Saul set a new Fillmore High School record in the 100 meters, erasing a long-standing record of 11.05, formerly held by Ken Stout, Joe Cook, and Mike Burt. The former records were set in 1959, 1961, and in 1980. In the Girls Frosh/Spho 100 meters, Barbara Soltero was 27th in 14.21, Emma Ortiz 41st in 14.76, and Giselle Villareal 47th in 15.15.

In the Girls Jr./Sr. 100, Kimberly Magana was 2nd in 12.50, Janessa Corona 8th in 13.25, and Mia Munoz 12th in 13.38. Draco, Nathan, Domenic, Barbara, Giselle, Saul, and Jasiah ran personal best times.
In the Girls Jr./Sr. 300-meter hurdles, Yaneli Landin was 9th in 53.59.
In Boys Frosh/Spho 4 X 200, Fillmore placed 5th in 1:41.95. Team members were Dominic Corona, Draco Centurion, Nathan Lepe, and Orlando Vigil Tello. Team #2 finished 12th in 1:50.14. Team members were Jack Ignacio, Harley Halcon, Elijah Sandoval, and Francisco Ruiz Jr.
In the Girls Jr./Sr. long jump, Janessa Corona placed 4th with a personal best leap of 16’ 04”. In the Boys Jr./Sr. Long jump, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 3rd with a jump of 20’ 10”, Jasiah Patterson was 14th in 18’ 08”, and Joshua Felix 29th in 17’ 04”.
In the Girls Jr./Sr. Triple jump, Sarah Cedillos was 8th in 30’ 08.25”, and Delilah Lupercio was 13th in 29’ 04”. This was a personal best jump for Delilah. In the Jr./Sr. Triple Jump, Jasiah Patterson lept 43’ 00”, and set a new Fillmore High School Record. The former record of 42’ 4.5” was set in 1987 by Chris Wright.
In the Boys Frosh/Spho high jump, Nathan Lepe placed 15th in a leap of 5’ 00’ and teammate Jack Ignacio lept 4’ 10”. Both Nathan and Jack had personal best jumps. In the Girls Jr./Sr. high jump, Yaneli Landin was 7th, jumping 4’ 08”. In the Boys Jr./Sr. High jump, Isaiah Meza was 13th in 5’ 04”.
In the Girls Frosh/Spho shot put, Lucy Murrillo was 3rd in 27’ 4.75”, Desiree Marrufo 11th in 24’ 01”, Teresa Rangel 14th in 22’ 02.5”, Sophia Rivera 15th in 22’ 02”, and Karla Bueno 28th in 18’ 9.5”. This was a personal best throw for Teresa. In the Boys Frosh/Spho shot put, Elijah Prado was 22nd in 33’ 00”, Nathaniel Tafoya 24th in 32’ 10.5”, Joshua Morales 25th in 32’ 10”, and Joseph Aguilar 26th in 32’ 5.25”. In the Girls Jr./Sr. shot put, Hermelinda Ocegueda won the event heaving the shot 33’ 00”. She was followed by Adrianna Deleon 3rd in 31’ 09.5”, Emily Soltero 14th in 26’ 07”, Valerie Rodriguez 25th in 23’ 6.5”, and Nancy Anguiano 27th in 22’ 11.25”. This was a personal best toss for Nancy. In the Boys Jr./Sr. shot put, Marcus Lechuga was 12th in 39’ 3.75”, Isaac Rivera 17th in 38’ 7.5”, Isaiah Meza 19th in 38’ 6.25”, Emanuel Velazquez 22nd in 36’ 5.5”, and Valentin Garcia 33rd in 33’ 10.25”.
Lucy Murrillo won the Girls F/S discus with a toss of 80’ 06”. She was followed by Desiree Marrufo 3rd in 66’ 05”, Teresa Rangel 5th in 62’ 08”, Sophia Rivera 15th in 57’ 11”, and Karla Bueno 21st in 53’ 00”. This was a personal best throw for Sophia. In the Boys Frosh/Spho discus, Nathaniel Tafoya was 15th in 85’ 10”. He was followed by Joseph Aguilar 27th in 72’ 08”, Elijah Prado 31st in 71’ 06”, and Joshua Morales 40th in 61’ 04”. Elijah had a personal best throw. In the Girls Jr./Sr. discus Adrianna Deleon placed 5th in 96’ 08”. She was followed by Hermelinda Ocegueda 12th in 82’ 10”, Emily Soltero 18th in 73’ 08”, Valerie Rodriguez 30th in 63’ 05”, and Nancy Anguiano 40th in 49’ 01”. In the Boys Jr./Sr, discus, Isaiah Meza was Fillmore’s top finisher in 3rd place, tossing the discus 120’ 07”. He was followed by Isaac Rivera 4th in 120’ 01”, Marcus Lechuga 5th in 119’ 00”, Valentin Garcia 26th in 95’ 07”, and Emanuel Velazquez 30th in 92’ 07”. Marcus Lechuga had a personal best throw.

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On 03/08/2026, just before noon, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 400 block of Fillmore Street reference a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle matching the description leaving the area and attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop. The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued resulting in the suspect driving through Central Park and onto the pedestrian walkway near Fillmore City Hall, damaging permanent stanchions.
Based on several safety factors, patrol deputies cancelled the pursuit.
Within a few minutes of cancelling the pursuit, at about 12:46 PM, Sheriff’s Dispatch received numerous 911 calls of a hit and run traffic collision at La Plaza Market located at 1055 Ventura Street in Fillmore. Reporting parties described three occupants as fleeing the vehicle which matched the description of the vehicle involved in the pursuit.
Patrol units swarmed to the scene and requested emergency medical services respond for an adult male who was injured from the traffic collision. Additional units responded to the area where diligent members of the community had reported the suspects fled. With the community’s assistance, deputies were able to locate two suspects, including the driver, a 22-year-old Fillmore resident – (S) Brian Valencia. Valencia is currently on felony probation for robbery. A passenger, (S) Gavin Aguilar, was also arrested.
Valencia was arrested for violations of Vehicle Code § 23153(b) – [Driving While Under the Influence Causing Injury], Vehicle Code § 2800.2(a) – [Evading], Vehicle Code § 14601.(a) – [Driving on Suspended License], Vehicle Code § 20001(a) – [Leaving Scene of Accident], Penal Code 381(b) – [Possession of Nitrous Oxide], and Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism]. Aguilar was arrested for Vehicle Code § 20001(a) – [Leaving Scene of Accident]. Both suspects were transported to the Main Jail where they were booked for the offenses pending court proceedings.
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: 03/10/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Community: Fillmore Pursuit Result in Arrests
Nature of Incident: Fillmore Pursuit Result in Arrests
Report Number: 26-30428
Location: La Plaza Market (1055 Ventura Street), Fillmore
Date & Time: 03/08/2026, 11:40 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore, N/A
(S) Brian Valencia, Fillmore, 22
(S) Gavin Aguilar, Camarillo, 22
***
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).

On Saturday, March 7, at approximately 4:10 p.m., a Fillmore Police Deputy was involved in a collision with an E-Bike on Max Pina Way, behind the Fillmore Police Department. The Fillmore Fire Department and AMR Paramedics responded to evaluate the juvenile driver. No ambulance transport was made. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.