Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo

A large bear was spotted in the 800 block on Blaine Street in North Fillmore on Monday and Tuesday, March 30-31. It migrated to the 800 block of Fourth Street on Wednesday, April 1st, and was roaming between Fourth and Edison Lane. A large crowd gathered, taking videos until the police dispersed them. Fish & Game arrived about 10am and were actively trying to get the bear out from under an RV. It appeared to have an injured jaw. At press time (2:30pm) the bear had been tranquilized and captured. The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department released the following on Instagram and Facebook pages: The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department would like to notify residents of a bear sighting in the 800 block of 4th Street.
As a precaution, we ask community members to avoid the area while officers monitor the situation and coordinate with wildlife authorities. Nearby residents are advised to stay alert and keep children and pets indoors until further notice.
If you meet a bear:
• Don’t come closer or run
• Keep a safe distance
• Make yourself look bigger and step back slowly
• Report the sighting immediately to the Fillmore Police Department
Minimize leaving food or other smelly products outside, as they can lure the bear.
Our officers are actively scouting the area to ensure the safety of the community. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation and helping keep the Fillmore community safe.

On 02/26/2026, a 20-year-old Thousand Oaks residence, (S) Anthony Andrade was arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm and illegal possession of nitrous oxide.
At about 11:27 PM, a deputy working patrol in the City of Fillmore conducted a traffic stop on a sedan near the intersection of A Street at First Street in Fillmore. Andrade was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. As a result of the traffic stop investigation, deputies located a loaded unregistered/serialized handgun, often referred to as a “ghost gun.” The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers or markings. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years.
In addition to the loaded firearm, deputies located a nitrous oxide tank. Nitrous oxide is a legal, widely used substance in California for medical, dental and culinary applications. However, possessing or using nitrous oxide for purposes of intoxication is illegal and considered a misdemeanor. The illegal ingestion of nitrous oxide can lead to serious health risks.
Ultimately, Andrade was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm on Person], Penal Code § 25400(a)(1) – [Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Vehicle], and Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Penal Code § 381b – [Possession of Nitrous Oxide]. Andrade was transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and later posted bail for the offenses.
On 03/26/2026, detectives from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Andrade’s residence, located in the 2000 block of Los Feliz Drive in Thousand Oaks. During the warrant service, detectives located additional evidence linking Andrade to the crimes.
Andrade remains out of custody on bail for the offenses.
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: 03/27/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 26-26062
Location: A Street at First Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/26/2026, 11:27 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(S) Anthony Andrade, Thousand Oaks, 20
***
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).

Courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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The Fillmore Police Department invites you to an “Easter Eggstravanganza event,” a special event designed to bring the community members together for a fun event and open conversations with our local law enforcement and the community. Bring your family and kid(s) to play some fun games and interact with our first responders (The Mounted Unit, S.W.A.T, Bomb Squad, Probation, K9’s, Motor Unit, and Fillmore Fire Department). Check out our equipment, Sheriff Command Post, Can-am and lots more.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Two Rivers Park
1110 River Street, Fillmore
We look forward to seeing you!
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 3/20/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Nature of Incident: Easter Eggstravanganza Event
Report Number: N/A
Location: Two River Park 1110 River St, Fillmore CA, 93015
Date & Time: 04/04/2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Civic Pride volunteers have selected the yard at 1000 Arrasmith Lane belonging to Dan & Amy Stroba for the April ‘’Yard of the Month”.
The Stroba’s moved to Fillmore in 2003 from Oxnard, after Dan retired from military service. The yard had the basics - a small front porch with grass & a few plants. They extended the front porch & added a walkway, planted several Rose bushes, Gingersnap from Otto & Sons Nursery being one, a miniature red Rose by the walkway which is flourishing, several pink Heather plants, Kalanchoe in orange & pink with purple Lobelia & white Alyssum, as a ground cover. They have succulents in pots & in the ground.
Both Dan & Amy enjoy working to maintain their yard. Now they have a very pleasant place to sit in a porch swing with a view of their yard & the mountains in the distance.
Amy & Dan were very pleased to receive the gift card & look forward to going out to the nursery to make their selections. They were told about Rose Days coming up the same weekend as the Fillmore Flower Show, April 25th & 26th.
Civic Pride appreciates Otto & Sons Nursery for generously supporting this “Yard of the Month” project.

News Flash: Fillmore High School Sprinter Kimberly Magana set a new school record in the 100-meter on Saturday, March 21, at the Maurice Green Invitational with a time of 12.16. The former school record was held by Juliette Martinez in 2004 with a time of 12.29. Photo credit Anthony Chavez.

On Saturday, March 21st, several members of the Fillmore High School track team qualified to compete in the Maurice Green Invitational at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake.
The Varsity Boys 4 X 100-meter relay team, once again, this season, set a new Fillmore School Record of 43.84. Their time was recorded in the 2nd heat of 4, where the team captured 3rd place. Team members were Jasiah Patterson, Joshua Felix, Saul Fraga-Sandoval and Nathan Hernandez.
In the Frosh/Soph Girls Malachi Mile, Melanie Martinez was Fillmore’s top finisher, placing 5th in heat 1, in 6:41.94. She was followed by Gabriela Lopez 7th in 6:50.09, Valeria Munoz Mendez 8th in 6:51.37, Christina Setty 9th in 6:56.45, and Mariana Elvira 13th in 7:03.69. In heat 2, Camila had Fillmore’s fastest Frosh/Soph girls time, finishing 13th in 6:40.37. All the girls ran personal best times.
In the Frosh/Soph boys division of the Malachi Mile, Prince Kamradt was Fillmore’s lone qualifier and finished 14th in heat 1, establishing a personal best time of 5:35.99.
In the Malachi Varsity girl’s mile heat 2, Melanie Flores posted Fillmore’s best time placing 8th and running a 6:11.21. In heat 1, Michelle Setty placed 6th in 6:22.52. She was followed by Andrea Gamez 7th in 6:31.94. Michelle and Andrea posted personal best times. Andrea and Michelle also ran personal best times.
In the Boys Frosh/Soph 400-meter run, Orlando Vigil Tello placed 6th in heat 4, recording a time of 57.0. In the Girls Varsity 400-meter run, Delilah Lupercio ran in heat 1, and placed 3rd in 1:06.87. This was a personal best time for Delilah. In the Boys Varsity 400-meter run, Nathan Hernandez placed 4th in Heat number 6 in a personal best time of 51.85.
In the Girls Frosh/Soph 100-meters, heat 2, Barbara Soltero placed 7th in 14.25. In the Boys Frosh/Soph 100-meters, heat 4, Draco Centurion placed 9th in 12.02. In the Girls Varsity 100-meters, heat 7, Kimberly Magana placed second in 12.16, an all-conditions best time for a Fillmore athlete, since the wind was above a 2.0. In heat 4, Mia Munoz placed 5th in 13:12. In the Boys Varsity 100 meters, heat 6, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed second in 10.79. This was also an all-conditions best time, and it was also Saul’s first time running in the 10’s.
In heat 1 of the Girls Frosh/Soph 800-meter race, Camila Soto finished 5th in 3:01.94. Teammate Mariana Elvira was 8th in 3:07.03. In heat 1 of the Varsity Girls 800-meter run, Andrea Gamez placed 5th 2:50.03, and Michelle Setty was 8th in 3:05.77. In heat 2 of the Varsity Girls 800-meter run, Melanie Flores was 4th in 2:49.39. Camila, Mariana, and Andrea ran personal best times.
In heat 3 of the Varsity Girls 300-meter hurdles, Yaneli Landin placed 6th in 53.16.
In the Girls Frosh/Soph 200-Meters, Heat 4, Barbara Soltero placed 7th in a personal best of 29.55. In the Boys Frosh/Soph 200-meter, heat 5, Draco Centurion placed 3rd in 24.42. In heat 2 of the Girls Varsity 200-meter, Mia Munoz placed 7th in 28.52. In heat 3 of the Girls Varsity 200 meter, Kimberly Magana placed 1st in 26.72. In heat 6 of the Boys Varsity 200 meter, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 5th in 22.68.
In the Boys Frosh/Soph high jump, Nathan Lepe placed 12th clearing 4’ 9”. In the Varsity Girls high jump, Yaneli Landin placed 16th jumping 4’ 05”.
In the Boys Varsity long jump, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 8th, jumping 20’ 10”.
In the Varsity Girls triple jump, Delilah Lupercio placed 15th jumping 27’ 6.25”. In the Varsity Boys triple jump, Jasiah Patterson placed 19th, jumping 36’ 1.25”.
***
FHS Alumni Angel Garcia Competes at Moorpark College
By Epi Torres
On Friday, March 20th, Angel Garcia a student/athlete at Moorpark College, and formerly a track athlete at Fillmore High School competed in two events at the 2026 WSC South Meet #1. In the 1500-Meter run, Angel placed 5th in 4:19.96. In the 800 Meter run, Angel was 8th in 2:04.59. The 800-meter time was a personal best mark for Angel in this event.
Teammate Makhi Hooker, also a former Flash, placed 1st as a member of the 4 X 100-meter relay team. Team members were Desmond Winbush, Makhi Hooker, Kandinsky Umejiego, and Powell Williams. The team winning time was 42.33. Makhi also finished 3rd in the 100-meters, in 10.99, and 3rd in the 200-meters in 22.15. The 200-meter run was a personal best time for Makhi in this event.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL
City Council’s Final Vote:
Item 4 - Approval of Agenda - Garnica motion, Villaseñor second, 5-0 pass
Items 8A through 8D - Consent Calendar - Garnica motion, Villaseñor second, 5-0 pass
Item 9A - Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with signature signs in a form approved by the City Attorney - Villaseñor motion to execute an agreement with Signature Signs for a total $8,000 for the wayfinding Sign program and not move forward with yet with the manufacture and instillation of the sign that they looked at. Rodriguez second, 5-0 pass
Item 9B - Crimson California Pipeline has requested changes to the ordinance that staff needs to evaluate. The recommendation was to make a motion to continue the public hearing to April 14.- Villaseñor motion, Broggie second, 5-0 pass
Item 9C - Appropriate $38,000 from the General Fund Reserve to the Information Technology budget under account 101-4212 – City Administration – Information Technology (0021206); and Approve the Scope of Work and Order Form with GovWell Technologies Inc. for the implementation of a digital permitting and planning platform for the Building & Safety and Planning Departments; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any necessary implementation documents in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office. - Villaseñor motion, Rodriguez second, 5-0 pass
Item 9D - To apply for the following grants (1) California Fire Foundation’s (CFF) 2026 Southern, Central, & Coastal California Fire Prevention & Preparedness Grant, (2) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant, and (3) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Rodriguez motioned, Garnica seconded, 5-0 pass.
Item 9E - City Council receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element and direct staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). - Villaseñor motion, Rodriguez seconded, 5-0 pass
***
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A SANTA PAULA BRANCH LINE TRAIL MASTER PLAN UPDATE
5.B THE WILDLAND CONSERVANCY PRESENTATION
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEMS 8A. THROUGH 8D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A MARCH 10, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 10, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 25-03,
ORDINANCE 26-992 REMOVING THE ONE-THIRD RETAIL REQUIREMENT FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
SR - SECOND READING TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 25-03, ORDINANCE 26-992 REMOVING THE ONE-THIRD RETAIL REQUIREMENT FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
8.C BOND EXONERATION TRACT NO. 5520-7
SR - HEARTHSTONE BOND EXONERATION TRACT 5520-7.PDF
8.D CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 24, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 24, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SIGNATURE SIGNS IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY SR - SIGNATURE SIGNS WAYFINDING SIGN PROJECT
9.B 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 ORDINANCE NO. 26-994.PDF
9.C APPROVAL OF A SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) WITH GOVWELL TECHNOLOGIES INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A DIGITAL PERMITTING AND PLANNING PLATFORM
SR-IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVWELL SOFTWARE.PDF
9.D REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR A CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION SPRING 2026 GRANT AND TWO FEMA GRANTS SR -CFF & FEMA GRANTS FOR THE FFD.PDF
9.E CONSIDERATION OF 2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE CITY GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT
SR -2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT.PDF
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 TWO CASES.
CLOSED SESSION - MARCH 24, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

During the month of February, Detectives assigned to the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit and Moorpark Investigations Unit began an investigation regarding a felon, Teodulo Duran, possibly in possession of a firearm.
On 03/18/26 at approximately 0700 hours, a residential search warrant was served at Duran’s residence. During the service of the search warrant, Duran was found to be in possession of several rounds of ammunition, a 9mm handgun magazine, as well as additional evidence of Duran being in possession of a firearm. Detectives located approximately 15.62 grams of methamphetamine in Duran’s residence, and evidence of Duran being involved in the sales of narcotics.
Duran was arrested for PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, HS 11378 – Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sales, HS 11550(a) – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and HS 11364(a) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Duran remains in custody with a bail of $250,000.
The Moorpark Police Department would like to thank the citizens and businesses throughout Moorpark for their assistance. With the collaboration and trust from the public, crimes continue to be solved, allowing the judicial system to hold those responsible accountable for the crimes.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, 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: Detective Jacob Anderson
News Release Date: 03/24/2026
Approved by: Captain Nick Odenath
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Community: Moorpark Police Department Arrests Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
Nature of Incident: Moorpark Police Department Arrests Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
Report Number: 26-24731, 26-35935
Location: Citrus Drive, City of Moorpark
Date & Time: 03/18/2026 @ 07:00 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit; Moorpark Investigations Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT Team; Fillmore Investigations Unit; Ojai Investigations Unit; Simi Police Department K9 Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s Tactical Negotiations Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Teodulo Duran Moorpark, CA, 47
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).