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.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, from approximately 5:30-7:30pm, about six Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters gathered in front of Fillmore City Hall. Following is the link to Homeland Security’s website, “Arrested: Worst of the Worst”, for Ventura County: https://www.dhs.gov/wow?combine=ventura&field_country_of_origin_target_i.... The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.

Above is the Athletic Complex surrounded by vertical scaffolding, with masonry/grouting work taking place on the 16-foot walls. The FHS Athletic Complex project’s anticipated completion date is February 2026.
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Crews have competed trenching for footings and caisson layout.
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Above is a view of the main stadium and site looking towards the old gym.
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Above are crews welding the embeds at grid line 8 at the corners of the gym.
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Construction continues to make steady progress at the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex, with multiple trades actively working on structural, electrical, plumbing, and site development components. Masonry crews advanced vertical construction, completing scaffold work and grouting masonry walls up to approximately 16 feet in height. Structural embeds were welded at key grid line locations, supporting the ongoing buildout of the gym and surrounding athletic facilities.
Across the site, temporary power poles were installed to support ongoing construction activities, and overall site conditions continue to take shape as foundational work progresses. Aerial and ground-level views show the building footprint clearly defined, with structural walls rising and site utilities expanding throughout the complex. These coordinated efforts reflect continued momentum toward delivering a modern, high-quality athletic facility for Fillmore High students and the Fillmore/Piru community.

Bryan Jessie Garcia, 23, of Los Angeles

In December 2025, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit was notified of a missing juvenile from Ventura County. During the investigation, detectives located evidence indicating the juvenile was being sex trafficked in Los Angeles. Detectives from multiple investigative units within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit, worked tirelessly to locate the juvenile. The juvenile was safely reunited with their family in early January.
Based on evidence found during the investigation, detectives identified Bryan Jessie Garcia, a 23-year-old resident of Los Angeles, as the juvenile victim’s trafficker.
Garcia used a popular social media platform to groom the juvenile, gain their trust, and eventually coerce the juvenile to leave their home in Ventura County to be sex trafficked near the Figueroa Street corridor, a known high-sex-trafficking area.
Traffickers commonly use social media platforms to identify, groom, and exploit minor victims. In this case, Garcia utilized online messaging to build rapport with the juvenile through consistent communication, flattery, and emotional manipulation. Over time, he normalized criminal behavior, offered perceived support and attention, and exploited the juvenile’s vulnerabilities. These grooming tactics are designed to establish trust, create dependency, and ultimately coerce minor victims into leaving their homes and engaging in commercial sex acts while under the trafficker’s control.
On January 23, 2026, a coordinated operation was conducted by detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. During the operation, detectives located and arrested Garcia near the Figueroa Street corridor in Los Angeles. A search warrant was also executed at Garcia’s residence in Los Angeles.
As a result of the investigation, Garcia was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violating the following California Penal Code sections, with his bail set at $1,000,000:
236.1(c) - Human Trafficking of a Minor.
261.5(d) – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
288(b)(1) – Forcible Lewd Act Upon Child
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds parents and guardians of the dangers of online grooming of minors. Traffickers often use social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to build trust, manipulate vulnerable youth, and ultimately exploit them. Detectives encourage parents to stay engaged in their children’s online activity, watch for behavioral changes or secrecy, and maintain open communication, as awareness is a key factor in preventing exploitation.
Detectives encourage anyone who believes they are a victim, or who knows someone who may be a victim, to contact “211” or local law enforcement to be connected with support services.
Prepared by: Detective Nan Jiang
News Release Date: 01/26/2026
Approved by: Captain Matthew Young
Booking Photo Release: YES
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Nature of Incident: Human Trafficking of a Minor Arrest
Reporting Number: 26-8919
Location(s): Figueroa Street corridor, Los Angeles
400 block of E 43rd Place, Los Angeles, CA
Date & Time: January 23, 2026 @ 1300
Unit(s) Responsible:
Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
Ventura County Sheriff Special Crimes Unit
Fillmore Police Department Detective Unit
Ventura County Sheriff Major Crimes
Ventura County Sheriff Crime Analysis Unit
Ventura County Sheriff Technical Surveillance Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, City of Residence, Age
(S) Bryan Jessie Garcia, Los Angeles, 23
(V) Juvenile, N/A, N/A