Above is Fillmore teen Daniel Ibarra who will represent the United States and his Mexican heritage as well as Fillmore at the Heritage Cup Lacrosse Tournament. Photo credit Love Photography.
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Story shared by the Ibarra family, Coaches, and Photo credit Love Photography
FILLMORE, CA — At just 15 years old, Daniel Ibarra is already making his mark both on and off the field.
The Fillmore native has been selected to participate in this year’s Heritage Cup Lacrosse, a distinguished international tournament that brings together talented young athletes from across the country to celebrate culture, identity, and the sport of lacrosse.
Daniel will proudly represent both the United States and his Mexican heritage, an honor that reflects not only his athletic ability, but also his dedication, discipline, and deep faith .
Known in the community for his strong work ethic and passion for the game, Daniel has spent countless hours training, balancing school, family, and athletics. His selection to the Heritage Cup is a testament to his perseverance and the support of his family, coaches, and teammates who have helped guide him along the way.
The Heritage Cup is more than just a competition it is a celebration of diversity and unity through sport. Athletes are given the opportunity to honor their cultural backgrounds while competing at a high level, building friendships and lifelong memories in the process.
For Daniel, this moment represents something greater than the game itself. It is a chance to carry his roots with pride and inspire other young athletes in Fillmore to dream big and stay committed to their goals.
As he prepares to take the field, the Fillmore community stands behind him, cheering him on every step of the way. Daniel Ibarra is not only representing his heritage he is representing the heart, resilience, and spirit of Fillmore.

Pictured is best of show winner Bene Ambrosio. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
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Above are some Class B entries, Floribunda & Polyantha Rose arrangements. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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This past week was the 2026 Fillmore Flower Show. This year’s event had 265 entries compared to last year’s 216. It was held at the Fillmore Active Adult Center and folks of all ages participated. Above are some of the arrangements that were showcased. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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The Fillmore Flower Show, which started so long ago, in 1919, has ended its’ run this April 25th, 26th with only fragrant memories & visions of pure floral beauty! The theme was, “A Blooming Good Time!”, and those who took the time to prepare their flowers/compositions for entry can be very proud.
Our judges, Jennifer Waite & Libbie Stull, who are certified through the National Garden Club, judge the Ventura County Fair, & drove from Fresno & Bakersfield to judge our show, were very pleased with our show & said they felt privileged to be apart of it!
Winners in each Division were: Div. 1 – Single Cut Rose, Julie Luna, Div.2 -Cut Iris, Michelle Smith, Div.3-Other Cut Flower, Jack Stetham, Div.4- Bouquets, Christine Krizer, Div. 5 – Arrangements, Bene Ambrosio, Div.6-Miniature Arrangements, Carmen Zermeno, Div. 7-Potted Plants, Jeanne Westling, Div. 8- Dish Gardens, Denice Olmede, Div. 9- Youth Arrangement, Kathryn Zermeno, Div. 10-Youth Composition & Poetry/Prose, Jacob Randall.
In all, we had 256 entries this year. Last year, we had 216, so we are slowly growing!
The flower show involves many people, working over the previous months with Ana Reilley designing our brochure cover, Susan Hopkins coming up with our theme, Linda Nunes writing & putting out news/publicity articles, Steve McKeown putting up banners/signs & loading all the equipment on his truck for the show, Otto & Sons Nursery printing all the brochures & posters & providing all the roses, perennials & arbors, benches, to decorate the show & sell-giving back half of the proceeds, many, many volunteers working to set up the show, run the show, bake cookies for the show, and take down, clean up after the show!!
Please remember to support & visit/utilize, our generous donors: Alumni Association, Baskins-Robbins, Beyliks Family Farms, Diamond Realty, Fillmore Auto Electric & Tune Up, Fillmore Town Theatre, Fruit Gower’s Supply, GreenThumb Nursery, Home Goods, Tracks, La Michoacana Bakery, Melody Micarelli’s shop in Vintage Pleasures, Nikki’s Casamia Restaurant in Piru, Otto & Son’s Nursery, Roan Mills, R & Q Kitchen, The Treasure Station, Vallarta, Vintage Pleasures, & Vons Grocery Store. Individuals donating were Nancy Cope, Regina Stehly Nunez, & Bene Ambrosio.
Get involved for next year, meet wonderful people, take over leading, & keep this multi-generational show going!

Pictured left is Marcus Lechuga who won two medals at the Ventura County Track and Field Championships. He placed 3rd in the shot put and 2nd in the discus in the seeded division. Pictured right is Lucy Murillo who earned 3rd place in the shot put, seeded division.
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Above is Fillmore Flashes 4 x 100 team which earned 6th place at the Ventura County Championships, Invitational Division. Standing (l-r) are Nathan Hernandez and Josh Felix; sitting (l-r) are Jasiah Patterson and Saul Fraga Sandoval.
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On Friday, April 17, a group of Fillmore track athletes travelled to Moorpark High School to compete in the annual Ventura County Track and Field Championship meet. Athletes have to qualify for this meet based on seasonal marks. Fillmore sent 14 athletes to compete at this Championship Meet.
The first result for Fillmore was in the Boys Invitational shot put where Isaac Rivera placed 8th with a put of 42’ 4.5”. In the Seeded Division, Marcus Lechuga was 3rd with a personal best throw of 41’ 1.5”. Isaiah Meza placed 2nd in the Rated Division with a put of 39’ 01”. Isaiah and Marcus were medal winners in their division. In the Girls Invitational shot put, Hermelinda Ocegueda was 3rd with a put of 33’ 3.5”. Adrianna Deleon was 12th with a toss of 29’ 1.5”. In the Girls Seeded shot put, Lucy Murrillo placed 4th with a toss of 29’ 01”. Hermelinda and Lucy were medal winners in their division.
In the Invitational Boys discus, Isaac Rivera finished 5th tossing a personal best distance of 133’ 11”. Isaiah Meza was 7th in 127’ 04”, and Marcus Lechuga was 11th in the Boys Seeded division with a personal best mark of 120’ 02”. Isaac and Marcus were medal winners in their division. In the Girls Invitational discus, Adrianna Deleon placed 3rd in a personal best toss of 108’ 08”. Adrianna was a medal winner in this event. Teammate, Hermelinda Ocegueda placed 8th in 96’ 00”, and in the Girls Seeded discus, Emily Soltero was 22nd in 74’ 05”.
In the Boys Invitational long jump, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 2nd with a leap of 20’ 09”. Saul was a medal winner in this event. In the Boys Rated long jump, Jasiah Patterson placed 4th, jumping 18’ 09”, and Joshua Felix was 5th in 18’ 8.75”. In the Girls Seeded Long Jump, Janessa Corona placed 3rd with a jump of 15’ 10”.
In the Boys Invitational triple jump, Jasiah Patterson place 9th with a jump of 38’ 03”.
In the Invitational Boys 4 X 100-meter relay, the Fillmore team, composed of Jasiah Patterson, Saul Fraga-Sandoval, Joshua Felix, and Nathan Hernandez finished 6th in 43.58. These runners were medal winners.
In the Invitational Girls 100-meter sprint, Kimberly Magana placed 9th in 12.29, and In the Rated Girls race, Janessa Corona was 4th in 12.82. In the Invitational, Boy 100-meter sprint, Saul Fraga-Sandoval was 8th in 10.96.
In the Girls Rated 200 meters, Kimberly Magana placed 3rd in a personal best time of 26.51. Kimberly was a medal winner in this event.
In the Boys Rated 400, Nathan Hernandez placed 23rd in 53.16.
In the Girls Invitational 1600-meter race, Camila Rodriguez finished 5th in a personal best time of 5:03.15. Camila was a medal winner in this event.
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Fillmore vs. Carpinteria High School Track
On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Fillmore Track Teams traveled to and competed against the Carpinteria Warriors.
The JV Girls 4x100 meter relay was the first running event of the afternoon. Alejandra Robles, Emma Ortiz, Jessica Aparicio, and Giselle Villareal captured 2nd place in 59.62. The F/S Boys 4x100 meter relay followed. The four athletes—Domenic Corona, Harley Halcon, Jack Ignacio, and Elijah Sandoval posted a winning time of 50.32. The Varsity girls 4 X 100-meter relay team placed 2nd in 51.37. Team members were Janessa Corona, Kimberly Magana, Jaiden Peacock, and Mia Munoz. The Varsity Boys won their race in an excellent 43.73. Team members were Jasiah Patterson, Saul Fraga-Sandoval, Joshua Felix, and Nathan Hernandez.
In the JV Girls 1600-meter run, Gabriela Lopez placed (1st in 6:22.84). Melanie Martinez followed (4th in 6:38.95), Mariana Elvira (6th in 6:47.23), and Christina Setty (8th in 6:55.68). Nikolias Cerda captured 2nd place in the F/S Boys 1600 meters in a time of 5:29.85. He was followed by Prince Kamradt 4th in 5:38.74. In the Varsity Girls 1600 meters Melanie Flores placed (4th in 6:12.77), and Megan Robles (5th in 8:01.17). In the Varsity Boys 1600-meter run, Damian Santa Rosa was Fillmore’s top finisher, (2nd in 4:54.31). He was followed by Jordan Hernandez (5th in 5:23.03), Gabriel Lagunas (6th in 5:55.39), Ricardo Quilo (7th in 5:56.74), and Alfredo Bacilio (8th in 5:57.68). Ricardo Quilo ran a personal best time.
Giselle Villareal was 4th in the JV Girls 400 meter run in 72.06. This was a personal best time for Giselle. She was followed by Jessica Aparicio (5th in 1:20.02). Jack Ignacio placed 2nd in the F/S Boys 400 meter run in 62.41. Andrea Gamez was 4th in the Varsity Girls 400-meter run, posting a time of 74.13. In the Varsity Boys 400 meters, Orlando Vigil Tello placed (4th in 57.98).
In the JV Girls 100-meter dash, Emma Ortiz took (1st in 14.45). She was followed by Alejandra Robles (4th in 14.64). Elijah Sandoval finished 2nd in the F/S Boys 100-meter sprint in 12.51. He was followed by Domenic Corona (3rd in 12.78), Francisco Ruiz Jr. (4th in 13.47), Nathaniel Tafoya (5th in 13.59), and Joseph Aguilar 6th in 14.44). Kimberly Magana won the Varsity Girls 100 meters in 12.40. She was followed by Janessa Corona (3rd in 12.88) and Sarah Cedillos (8th in 14.41). Saul Fraga-Sandoval won the Varsity Boys 100 meters in 10.95. He was followed by Abel Villela (2nd in 11.20), Nathan Hernandez (3rd in 11.49), Jasiah Patterson (6th in 11.70). James Magana Jr. (8th in 12.12), and Nathan Lepe (9th in 12.60). Marcus Lechuga (13th in 14.06), and Emanuel Velazquez ( 14th in 14.42). Elijah Sandoval, Domenic Corona, Nathaniel Tafoya, Francisco Ruiz Jr., Joseph Aguilar, Abel Villela, Alejandra Robles, Janessa Corona, Abel Villela, Nathan Hernandez, James Magana Jr., ran personal best times.
The JV Girls 800-meter run, Gabriela Lopez placed (1st in 2:53.96). Melanie Martinez followed (4th in 3:03.64), Mariana Elvira was 6th (5th in 3:07.8), and Christina Setty (6th in 3:10.67). Nikolias Cerda finished 1st in the F/S Boys 800 meters in 2:31.96. Prince Kamradt finished 2nd in 2:32.48. Andrea Gamez was the top Varsity Girl for Fillmore in the 800 meters, finishing (3rd in 2:52.08). She was followed by Melanie Flores (4th in 2:54.15), Michelle Setty (5th in 2:54.82), and Megan Robles (6th in 3:44.62). In the Varsity Boys 800-meter, Damian Santa Rosa was top finisher in 2:08.53.
He was followed by Jordan Hernandez (5th in 2:22.25), Gabriel Lagunas (6th in 2:31.66), and Ricardo Quilo (8th in 2:41.61). Christina Setty, Gabriela Lopez, Melanie Martinez, Jordan Hernandez, and Nicholias Cerda, ran personal best times.
In the JV Girls 200 meters, Alejandra Robles was 5th in 32.56. In the F/S Boys, Elijah Sandoval placed (3rd in 26.41). In the Boys Frosh/Soph 200-meter dash, Elijah Sandoval placed (3rd in 26.41), and Harley Halcon (4th in 26.97). In the Varsity Girls 200-meter dash Mia Munoz was 4th in 28.39. In the Varsity Boys 200-meter race, Orlando Vigil Tello was (2nd in 25.16). Elijah Sandoval, Harley Halcon, and Alejandra Robles ran personal best times.
In the JV Girls 4x400 meter relay, the team of Emma A. Ortiz, Jessica Aparicio, Giselle Villareal, and Gabriela Lopez placed 2nd in 5:00.86. This was a team personal best time. The F/S Boys team of Domenic Corona, Harley Halcon, Francisco Ruiz Jr., and Elijah Sandoval placed 1st in 4:21.05. The Varsity Boys team of Damian Santa Rosa, Nathan Lepe, Orlando Vigil Tello, and James Magana Jr. placed 2nd in 3:58.21.
The JV Girls discus, Teresa Rangel, posted a throw of 77’ 06” to finish second in this event. Teammate Desiree Marrufo was (3rd in 74’ 10”), Sophia Rivera (4th in 68’ 03”), Nancy Anguiano (6th in 58’ 10”), Jozelyn Ruiz (7th In 54’ 06”), Karla Bueno was (8th in 53’ 2”), and Liliana Patterson (9th in 51’ 06”). In the F/S Boys discus, Nathaniel Tafoya led all competitors with a throw of 103’ 2”. He was followed by Joseph Aguilar (2nd in 76’ 05”), Joshua Morales (3rd in 69’ 11”), and Elijah Prado (4th in 64’ 06”). In the Varsity Girls discus competition, Hermelinda Ocegueda was 2nd with a throw of 100’ 10”. She was followed by Adrianna Deleon (3rd in 95’ 00”), Emily Soltero (4th in 86’ 10”), Lucy Murrillo (6th in 77’ 05”, and Valerie Rodriguez (7th in 70’ 07”). In the Varsity Boys discus competition, Isaac Rivera beat all competitors with a throw of 127’ 11”. Isaiah Meza finished (2nd in 123’ 00”), Marcus Lechuga (4th in 114’ 11”), Valentin Garcia (8th in 97’ 00”), and Emanuel Velazquez (10th in 91’ 07”). Teresa Rangel and Joseph Aguilar had personal best throws.
Desiree Marrufo won the JV Girls shot put with a toss of 24’ 10”. She was followed by Sophia Rivera (4th in 22’ 08.75”), Nancy Anguiano (5th in 22’ 02.25”). Teresa Rangel (6th in 21’ 08.75”), Lily Patterson (8th in 19’ 04”), Karla Bueno (9th in 19’ 1.25”), and Jozelyn Ruiz (10th in 17’ 11.5”). Nathaniel Tafoya won the F/S Boys shot put with a heave of 33’ 11.5”. He was followed by Joshua Morales (2nd in 33’ 05”), and Elijah Prado (3rd in 32’ 04.5”). Hermelinda Ocegueda won the Varsity Girls shot put in 33’ 10.75”. She was followed by Adrianna Deleon. (3rd in 30’ 09.75”), Lucy Murrillo (4th in 29’ 06”), Emily Soltero (5th in 28’ 01.”), and Valerie Rodriguez (7th in 24’ 3.75”). Isaac Rivera placed 1st in the Varsity Boys shot put with a heave of 43’ 02.75”. He was followed by Marcus Lechuga (3rd in 39’ 0.5”), Isaiah Meza (6th in 34’ 1.5”), Valentin Garcia (7th in 33’ 10.25”), and Emanuel Velazquez (8th in 33’ 08”). Isaac Rivera, Hermelinda Ocegueda, and Lucy Murrillo had personal best puts.
Michelle Setty was the winner in the Varsity Girls high jump with a leap of 4’ 2”. Isaiah Meza was 2nd in the Varsity Boys high jump, posting a mark of 5’ 4”. Nathan Lepe was 3rd with a jump of 4’ 10”.
Janessa Corona won the Varsity Girls long jump in 15’ 05.4”. Jasiah Patterson won the Varsity Boys long jump, posting a mark of 18’ 7.25”. He was followed by Nathan Hernandez (2nd in 17’ 2.25”), and Joshua Felix (3rd in 17’ 1.25”).
Sarah Cedillos placed 4th in the Varsity Girls triple jump in 27’ 08.75”. In the Varsity Boys triple jump, Jasiah Patterson was 1st with a leap of 37’ 10.75”. James Magana Jr., followed to claim 2nd in 34’ 09”.
In the team competition, Fillmore won the F/S Boys on Thursday, April 30, Fillmore Citrus Coast League qualifiers will return to Carpinteria to compete in the Citrus Coast League Finals. This meet is set to start at 3:30 p.m.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026, 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
City Council Final Vote:
Item 4 - Approval of the Agenda as amended. Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Christina Villaseñor - 5-0 pass
Item 8A though 8C Consent Calendar Approved - Moved by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded by Carrie Broggie - 5-0 pass
Item 9A - Motion to Approve Introducing Ordinance No. 26-994 for first reading: an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California, granting a non-exclusive franchise to Crimson California Pipeline, L.P. to construct, erect, maintain, operate, repair, renew, change the size of, and remove certain pipelines for the transmission, collection, transportation, and distribution of oil, gas, water, and other hydrocarbons. - Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Mario Rodriguez - 5-0 pass
Item 9B - Motion to Approve an extension to the license agreement with Giessinger Winery for private use of the public right-of-way. - Moved by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded by John Garnica 5-0 pass
Item 9C - Motion to Approve the adoption of plans, specifications, and cost estimates for Project Specification Nos. 24-03A and 24-03B, FY 2025–26 Pavement Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects, and to authorize the advertisement for construction bids. Moved by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Mario Rodriguez - 5-0 pass
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AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A VENTURA REGIONAL SANITATION DISTRICT
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A APRIL 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
8.B APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR THE JULY 2026 FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION GRANT, GARY SINISE FOUNDATION FIRST RESPONDER OUTREACH GRANT, AND NUTELLA STACKS FOR GIVING BACK GRANT
SR - FH SUBS, GARY SINISE, NUTELLA GRANTS.PDF
8.C CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 28, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 28, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 26-994 GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P. TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, MAINTAIN, OPERATE, REPAIR, RENEW, CHANGE THE SIZE OF, ABANDON-IN-PLACE, AND REMOVE CERTAIN PIPELINE FOR THE TRANSMISSION, COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF OIL, PETROLEUM, GAS, GASOLINE, AND WATER, OR OTHER HYDROCARBONS
SR-CRIMSON PIPELINE CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 26-994.PDF
9.B APPROVAL TO EXTEND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH GIESSINGER WINERY FOR PRIVATE USE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
SR - APPROVAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH GIESSIGNER WINERY FOR THE PRIVATE USE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
9.C ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NOS. 24-03A AND 24-03B, FY 2025-26 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION AND PRESERVATION PROJECTS, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS
SR - ADOPT AND ADVERTISE PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-03 A & B FOR PAVEMENT REHABILITATION AND PRESERVATION
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN ONE CASE.
CLOSED SESSION - APRIL 28, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
Join the City of Fillmore for a fun-filled day of sustainability, community, and hands-on activities for all ages! On April 25, 2026, at Central Park, 250 Central Ave from 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. Come out and enjoy activities like coloring station, build a bird feeder, planting activity, photo booth and more. Bring your friends and family and help us celebrate our planet while learning simple ways to make a difference.

Luke & Girl Return in Print, Help Kickstart the Series!
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Courtesy Spring Kraft
Back in 2013 my little boy Luke and I visited the Fillmore Gazette office to see Martin, the owner/publisher. Luke had his little Serama chicken named Girl in hand. Girl and Luke were best of friends and Martin did a feature story on their friendship. A dream of mine was to have a quality children’s book series. Fast forward 13 years and this dream is finally starting to come to fruition. I have written a book with Luke and Girl as the main characters (along with Grandpa Pop). In the first book Luke is determined to make the most of each day, but he must first learn how. Who better to teach him but his beloved Pop and new best pal, Girl. “A Boy and His Girl” is a story about being mindful to do the most important thing and make the most of each day. You can help be a part and make a donation to support getting these books printed! They are all set to print but we need to have the funds to do so. Please consider getting on our Kickstarter page on Monday, April 27th to donate. Click on the QR code which will take you to my webpage and there is a link there to the Kickstarter page: https://www.springkraft.com/a-boy-and-his-girl/. Spread the word and help us FUND this!