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Above, Piru residents enjoy a special viewing of episodes 1 and 2 of the new series “Lanterns,” produced by Warner Bros. The series was filmed in Piru for four months in 2025. Photo courtesy of the Piru Neighborhood Council.
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By Ken Wiseman, President, Piru Neighborhood Council
PIRU — Residents gathered downtown Aug. 29 for a community viewing event celebrating Warner Bros.’ Lanterns, the new series that filmed in Piru for four months in 2025 and transformed much of the town’s downtown area through three major set changes.
The event, sponsored by the Piru Neighborhood Council, followed an earlier announcement at Piru Community Park, where residents were first told that the series would launch Aug. 16. After noting the economic support, the production brought to the community, the council encouraged residents to wait before watching the first two episodes so Piru could experience them together at a special downtown screening.
The Aug. 29 screening brought residents to Center Street, which was closed for the occasion, for what organizers described as a one-of-a-kind superhero celebration.
Although the temporary Rushville sets—including the two-story sheriff’s station, diner façades, storefronts, and cemetery memorial—had been removed, attendees watched Episodes 1 and 2 of Lanterns Season 1 on a 10-by-8-foot LED screen set up in the middle of Center Street. For many viewers, the experience was especially memorable because several scenes appeared to unfold near the same downtown locations where they were seated.
The evening included free popcorn, water bottles, raffle prizes and coupons for local businesses. Raffle winners received Warner Bros. Lanterns posters and two pairs of tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tours. Attendees also received $2-coupons redeemable at nearby restaurants, the local market, and a shaved ice truck.
A two-hour pre-screening party featured music from local DJ Chris & Tristen Rodriguez, who played vinyl records leading up to the 8 p.m. showing. A 15-minute intermission was held between episodes. After the screening, attendees continued the celebration at Corazon de Piru, where the event coupons could be used for food and drinks.
Organizers credited the event’s success to support from numerous volunteers. CERT team representatives Irene and Roy Ruiz, Paul Alverdi and Michael Chinery assisted throughout the evening. Betty-Lou Wiseman and Annie Ruiz helped with popcorn and ice cream, while volunteers from the San Salvadore Youth Group, Myla Puebla and Marrissa Calderon staffed the registration table.
The Piru Neighborhood Council also thanked the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department for sending four deputies, who helped provide public safety support and community policing during the event.
Technology support was coordinated by James Lantiegne, Donald Pierce, and Kat Jauch, who oversaw sound and streaming for both the outdoor Center Street viewing area and the indoor viewing at Corazon de Piru. Additional volunteers included Julie Lantiegne and Rick McDaniel. Artwork was created for our 2-different announcement flyers by Lisa Crockatt and Kevin Brock, and Juana Aguilar was a big help with marketing.
Organizers said the first two episodes were well received and announced plans to continue screening the remaining six episodes at Corazon de Piru on upcoming Saturday nights.
The council said the community remains grateful to Warner Bros. for choosing Piru as part of the Lanterns production and for supporting the downtown viewing event. Organizers said the filming experience brought pride, excitement, and economic support to the community.

Photo courtesy Rick Castaniero, President, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall

Santa Paula, California — 2026
With sadness, anger, and concern for future generations, we announce the impending death of Santa Paula Hospital, serving Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, and the Santa Clara Valley for more than six decades.
Its death will not be from natural causes.
Santa Paula Hospital will die from a political decision by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
Born in 1963, Santa Paula Hospital was one of only three California hospitals built through community donations. After bankruptcy closed it in 2003, Ventura County purchased and reopened it in 2005.
It was never simply a building. It was our emergency room, safety net, and assurance that when something went terribly wrong, hospital care was close to home.
Over time, services disappeared. The ICU and maternity units closed. Plans for a new East Area 2 hospital were abandoned. Deferred maintenance accumulated. Now residents will travel outside the Valley, including to Ventura County Medical Center, for hospital-level care.
Meanwhile, the Ventura County Health Care Agency has received approximately $98 million in grants, incentives, and advances since 2023 to sustain the County hospital and clinic system amid financial difficulties.
Yet Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru are being asked to surrender their hospital.
Santa Paula deserves an accounting of the decisions, spending, planning, and leadership that brought us here.
When the beautiful hospital on the hill takes its last breath among roses nurtured by community volunteers, history should remember who closed it, who warned them, what alternatives existed—and which community paid the price.
No services are planned. The community wishes to grieve among those who loved and cared for this hospital—without elected officials, selfies, or Blue-Ribbon Committees.
In lieu of flowers, the community requests continued advocacy for emergency hospital care in the Santa Clara Valley.
Rick Castaniero, President, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall

On Saturday, August 22, at 9:42 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported two‑vehicle accident at the intersection of Ventura Street and C Street. Arriving firefighters located a white vehicle with moderate damage and a white van with minor damage. Minor injuries were reported.
During the investigation, deputies determined that one driver was operating a vehicle under the influence. The individual was cited and released for violations of California Vehicle Code 23153(a) and 23153(b), which involve driving under the influence and causing injury.
A second individual was arrested for California Penal Code 272 — Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. The subject was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail Facility.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department.

Arron is pictured at the Busy Bee Cafe in downtown Ventura, California.

NEW YORK, New York (August 22, 2026) - Arron Renee Diaz, formerly of Fillmore, California will appear in the bright lights of Times Square on Saturday, September 12, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation. The one-hour video of 500+ photographs includes children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries. These collective images highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way – on two screens in the heart of Times Square.
The photo of Arron was selected from more than 2,700 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Her photo will be shown on two Jumbotron screens thanks to the support of Clear Channel Outdoor. The two screens are above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 8:30-9:30am ET on September 12.   
The Times Square Video Presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk®, which takes place at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. This flagship Buddy Walk® has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk® Program. Over 150 Buddy Walk events are held in communities across the country and select international locations. For more information about the New York City Buddy Walk on September 12 or the National Buddy Walk Program, please visit www.ndss.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 21, 2026
City Council contests for District 1 (Short Term), District 3, and District 4 will not appear on the November ballot; Fillmore voters may still vote in all other races and measures for which they are eligible.
FILLMORE, CA – The Fillmore City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-4127 on August 19, 2026, appointing the qualified nominated candidates to the offices of Councilmember for District 1 (Short Term), District 3, and District 4, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10229.
The November 3 General Election is still taking place
The City Council’s action does not cancel the November 3, 2026 General Election. Fillmore residents will still be able to vote and will receive ballots for the upcoming General Election. The Council’s action applies only to the City of Fillmore City Council contests for District 1 (Short Term), District 3, and District 4. Those three City Council offices will not appear as contested City Council races on the November 3 ballot. Fillmore voters will continue to have the opportunity to vote for all other federal, state, county, and other local contests and measures for which they are eligible in the November 3, 2026 General Election.
Why were the City Council candidates appointed?
Following the close of the nomination period, the number of qualified candidates for the three City Council offices did not exceed the number of offices to be filled. Only one qualified candidate was nominated for each of the three available City Council offices.
Under California Elections Code Section 10229, when no more than one person has been nominated for an office elected by a legislative district, the City Council may appoint the nominated candidate to the office rather than proceed with an election for that office. The City Council also had the option of directing that the election for those offices proceed.
After completing the process required by state law, the City Council elected to appoint the nominated candidates and cancel the November 3, 2026 municipal election contests for the three affected City Council offices.
The candidates appointed are:
• District 1 – Short Term: Mario Rodriguez
• District 3 – Full Term: Albert Mendez
• District 4 – Full Term: Carrie Broggie
Under Elections Code Section 10229, each appointed candidate will qualify, take office, and serve as though elected at a municipal election.
What This Means for Fillmore Voters
Is the November 3, 2026 General Election canceled?
No. The November 3, 2026 General Election will still take place. The City Council’s action only removes the three affected Fillmore City Council contests from the election.
Will Fillmore voters still receive a ballot?
Yes. Active registered voters will still receive a ballot for the November 3 General Election.
Will I still be able to vote on November 3?
Yes. Fillmore voters may still vote in all federal, state, county, and other local races and measures for which they are eligible.
Why will there not be an election for the three Fillmore City Council offices? Only one qualified candidate was nominated for each available City Council office. California Elections Code Section 10229 allows the City Council, under these circumstances, to appoint the nominated candidates rather than conduct an election for those offices.
Which Fillmore City Council offices are affected?
The action applies to:
• Councilmember, District 1 – Short Term
• Councilmember, District 3 – Full Term
• Councilmember, District 4 – Full Term
The City encourages all eligible residents to remain engaged and participate in the November 3, 2026 General Election.
For additional information regarding the City of Fillmore’s municipal elections, residents may visit the City’s Elections webpage at www.fillmoreca.gov/1325/Elections or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 524-3701.
For statewide voter information, registration deadlines, ballot information, and other election resources, voters may also visit the California Secretary of State’s Elections website.
Press Release Prepared by: Angel Garcia, Sr. Management Analyst
Follow the City of Fillmore on Instagram @cityoffillmore, Facebook: City of Fillmore.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 — 6:30 PM at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015
Final votes from last night’s meeting:
4. Christina Villaseñor moved that item 9D gets moved to consent calendar Carrie Broggie second - Motion carried, 5-0
8.John Garnica moved to Approve the consent calendar items 8A. through 8D and the item 9D that was moved from the new business Mario Rodriguez seconded - Motion carried, 5-0
9A. John Garnica moved to vote Christina Villaseñor as the primary, John Garnica as an alternate, and Albert Mendez as a second alternat for the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors, Councilmember Mario Rodriguez second Villaseñor -Motion carried, 5-0
9B. Christina Villaseñor moved That the City Council introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 26-1000 to update the City’s Pretreatment Requirements under Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 12.11 for compliance with State and federal law regarding the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) pretreatment program requirements: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF FILLMORE,CALIFORNIA, UPDATING PORTIONS OF THE CITY’S WASTEWATER PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS , John Garnica seconded -Motion carried, 5-0
9C. Christina Villaseñor moved that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the Well No. 10 Equipping and Pump House Construction Project at Delores Day Park, known as Project Specification No. 25-03B (“Project”) and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids., Mario Rodriguez second - Motion carried, 5-0
9E. Mario Rodriguez moved that the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 26-1010: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPALCODE TITLE 11 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS TO ADD CHAPTER 11.30, “UNLAWFUL CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY IN PUBLIC PLACES” , Christina Villaseñor Second - Motion carried, 5-0
***
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A — Proclamation Recognizing Fillmore Search and Rescue’s 80th Anniversary (1946–2026)
Presentation of a proclamation recognizing Fillmore Search and Rescue’s 80th anniversary.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Recommendation: Items 8.A through 8.E are recommended for approval by voice vote.
8.A — August 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Attachment: August 11, 2026 – Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
8.B — August 19, 2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Attachment: August 19, 2026 – Special City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
8.C — City of Fillmore Warrant Register — August 25, 2026
Attachment: City of Fillmore Warrant Register – August 25, 2026.pdf
8.D — Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-999
Consider approval of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 26-999, adding a new Chapter 16.07 to the Fillmore Municipal Code to establish cross-connection and backflow standards and regulations for water lines.
Attachment: SR – Second Reading of Ord. No. 26-999 Establishing Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Standards – Final.pdf
8.E — Proposed Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside)
Consider adoption of resolutions declaring the City’s intention to establish proposed Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) and to incur bonded indebtedness of proposed Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) of the City of Fillmore.
Attachment: SR – Intention to Establish Proposed CFD No. 7.pdf
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A — Appointment of One Council Member to the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors
Consider the appointment of one City Council Member to serve on the Board of Directors for the Clean Power Alliance.
Attachment: SR – CPA Board of Director Appointment.pdf
9.B — Ordinance No. 26-1000: Amendments to Chapter 12.11 — Wastewater Pretreatment Requirements
Consideration of Ordinance No. 26-1000 to amend Chapter 12.11 of the Fillmore Municipal Code to update the City’s wastewater pretreatment requirements.
Attachment: SR – Consideration of Ordinance No. 26-1000 Updating Chapter 12.11 – Pretreatment Requirements – Final.pdf
9.C — Well No. 10 Equipping and Pump House Construction Project
Adoption of plans, specifications, and cost estimate for Project Specification No. 25-03B, Well No. 10 Equipping and Pump House Construction Project, and authorization to advertise for construction bids.
Attachment: SR – Adoption of PS&E and Authorization to Advertise Project Specification No. 25-03B for Well No. 10 Equipping and Pumphouse Construction – Final.pdf
9.D — Acceptance of Public Improvements and License Agreement with SDI Foods Inc.
Consider acceptance of public improvements and a license agreement with SDI Foods Inc. for the Sonic Restaurant drive-in and drive-thru project located at 211 Orange Grove Avenue, at the intersection of State Route 126 (Ventura Street).
Attachment: SR – Acceptance of Public Improvements and License Agreement with SDI Foods Inc. for the Sonic Restaurant Project – Final.pdf
9.E — Introduction of Ordinance No. 26-1001: Unlawful Camping and Storage of Personal Property in Public Places
Introduction of Ordinance No. 26-1001, amending Title 11 of the Fillmore Municipal Code, Streets and Sidewalks, to add Chapter 11.30 concerning unlawful camping and storage of personal property in public places.
Attachment: SR – Encampment Ordinance.pdf
10. CITY MANAGER
City Manager Verbal Report
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Albert Mendez will adjourn the meeting to the next regularly scheduled meeting:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015

Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long

August 19, 2026
Ventura County, CA. – Dear Neighbors, I know many of you have seen the recent news regarding the future of Santa Paula Hospital and may have questions or concerns about what this means for healthcare in the Santa Clara River Valley.
I want to reassure you about one important point: Santa Paula Hospital remains open and will continue serving our community through 2030. There is no immediate closure of our hospital.
The County has been planning for the future because the existing Santa Paula Hospital building will no longer meet California’s seismic requirements for acute-care hospital licensing after 2030. This is a building and infrastructure issue, not a decision that our community does not need local healthcare.
The recent discussion by the Board of Supervisors is focused on determining the best way to continue providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to residents throughout the Santa Clara River Valley after 2030. The board unanimously voted for the County to evaluate an expanded care center model that would provide important medical services closer to home while being financially and operationally sustainable for the future.
Our community’s healthcare needs must remain at the center of this process.
As your County Supervisor, I will continue advocating for Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru and the entire Santa Clara River Valley. I understand how important it is to have healthcare close to home, particularly for seniors, families, agricultural workers and residents who may have difficulty traveling outside the Valley for care.
We also need to make sure our emergency medical system remains strong. Santa Paula Hospital currently serves an important role in our local emergency medical system, and Ventura County EMS has continued to recognize the hospital as a receiving hospital standby emergency department for appropriate patients.
The goal is not simply to replace a building. The goal is to build the right healthcare system for our Valley’s future.
As this process proceeds, I will continue asking those questions and pushing for transparency and meaningful community input as these plans move forward.
I want the residents of the Santa Clara River Valley to know that I am listening, I understand the concerns, and I will continue fighting for healthcare that is accessible, reliable and responsive to the needs of our community.
Santa Paula Hospital is here today, and our commitment to healthcare in the Santa Clara River Valley must continue well into the future.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you. Sincerely,
KELLY LONG,
3rd District Supervisor County of Ventura