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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office arrested Kevin John Reynolds (DOB 09/27/84), of Newbury Park, after executing a search warrant at his home. The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit, in coordination with the FBI and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Reynolds was identified during an undercover operation targeting people involved in downloading and distributing CSAM. During a search of his residence, investigators seized multiple computers and external hard drives. Reynolds was arrested at the scene for possession of CSAM and distribution of CSAM and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. “The sexual exploitation of our children is one of the most disturbing crimes our investigators confront,” said Chief Investigator Scott Whitney. “Our investigators work tirelessly to identify and arrest those who seek to harm the most vulnerable members of our community.” Investigators learned that Reynolds is employed as a chemistry teacher at Fillmore High School. The Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Police Department were immediately notified. *** UPDATE: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 A DUI Checkpoint held on Friday night at Central Avenue & Santa Clara, Fillmore resulted in the arrest of two drivers for DUI offenses. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo Fillmore, California. – On August 29th, 2025, a DUI checkpoint was held on Central Avenue near Santa Clara Street from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. A total of 233 drivers were contacted at the checkpoint. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Two drivers were arrested for DUI offenses. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prepared by: Sergeant Corey Stump |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Christine Schieferle, Fillmore Unified Superintendent August 28, 2025. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has informed the Fillmore Unified School District (“District”) that on August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Kevin Reynolds, a Chemistry Teacher at Fillmore High School (“FHS”), was arrested on charges of unlawful possession or control of inappropriate images as defined by Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.1. At this time, we do not have information that any current or former students are involved in these allegations. However, the seriousness of these charges are not taken lightly. As the legal process moves forward, we want to make it clear that Mr. Reynolds will not be returning to any District campus. Our top priority remains ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all of our students. The District is actively working to secure an alternate teacher to continue delivering high-quality instruction for the remainder of the school year. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Roger Adams, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services at 805-524-8029. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being and success of our students. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the City of Fillmore recognized the Fillmore Little League Championship 14U District 83 Team, pictured above. The city presented certificates of recognition to the Fillmore Little League after their championship win, defeating the opposing team, 18-7. In 2023, the Little League also won the championship, bringing home the title to Fillmore for the first time in 40 years. Certificates were also provided to the coaching staff and the team mom who contributed to the teams’ success. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Monday, September 1st, at 4:14 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire responded to a 100x100 spot fire in the Santa Clara riverbed that was spreading slowly. A copter was requested but cancelled due to a forward progress stop. About two hours later, the Fillmore City Fire Department responded to the same place as before to cool down the hotspots. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Above is the current construction site for the new Fillmore High Athletic Complex which is in full effect. The construction site is scheduled to be completed in December 2026. The brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Online at www.FillmoreGazette.com are original photos attached along with other construction photos and construction information. Inset, a rendering of what the final project will look like. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Construction has officially begun on the brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Thanks to the support of the communities of Fillmore and Piru in passing Measure G, this vision is becoming a reality. With a projected completion date of December 2026, the complex will provide modern athletic spaces to support our student-athletes for years to come. Construction crews have already made significant progress at the site. The old baseball field turf has been pulverized in place and mixed into ground. Site grading is actively underway, with heavy machinery preparing the land for development. The transformation is evident when comparing the current cleared and leveled site to the architectural renderings of what’s to come—a state-of-the-art athletic complex complete with updated facilities, expanded parking, and landscaped areas to welcome students, families, and the community. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, said, “As we move forward, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community members for their support, trust, and vision. This project is a direct result of your investment in our schools and our students’ futures. Together, we are building something extraordinary for generations of students to come. Go Flashes! Enlarge Photo |
 On August 19th, at 12:02p.m. Fillmore Police responded to a stabbing victim at the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies found an adult male suffering a stab wound and had him transported to the hospital for his injuries. Later that afternoon Police located and arrested suspect Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident for the incident. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
On 08/19/2025, at about 12:02 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care. Personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspect as (S) Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident. Escoto has a violent criminal history and is currently on probation with search terms. Additional resources from the Fillmore Detective Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, and Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation and actively searched for Escoto in the immediate and surrounding areas. With assistance from diligent members of the community and collaborative efforts from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA, detectives were able to locate Escoto fleeing the area towards Santa Paula using the county transportation system. By the time resources arrived in Santa Paula, she had exited the bus and fled on foot. A search of the area was conducted, but law enforcement was unable to locate Escoto. At about 4:48 P.M., personnel from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA advised Sheriff’s personnel that Escoto had boarded a bus in Santa Paula and was enroute to Ventura. Coordinated efforts from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Headquarters patrol led to Escoto being safely taken into custody after she exited the bus near the Government Center. As a result of the investigation, Escoto was arrested for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder], along with her felony and misdemeanor warrants. She was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked 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 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
After a lengthy investigation, Fillmore Detectives arrested four subjects for their involvement in a robbery.
On 06/08/2025, just after midnight, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the Chevron Gas Station located in the 700 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a theft. Upon arrival, deputies located a clerk who stated several suspects attempted to steal items from the gas station. When the clerk confronted them, the suspects used force and threatened the clerk with violence. Ultimately, the suspects fled the area in a white-colored sedan. During the morning hours, personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspects as (S) Daniel Cortez, (S) Angel Flores, (S) David Merino, and (S) Janae Lopez. All four suspects reside outside of Fillmore and are affiliated with a criminal street gang. Over the next two months, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit collaborated with Headquarters Patrol resources and Ventura County Probation Agency in locating and arresting all four robbery suspects. On 08/07/2025, David Merino was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/11/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy, along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. Merino remains in custody pending court proceedings. On 08/14/2025, Angel Flores was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/15/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file a conspiracy charge along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. On 08/16/2025, Flores posted bail and was released from custody pending court proceedings. On 08/18/2025, both Daniel Cortez and Janae Lopez were contacted and arrested for Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. Cortez was booked for the offenses, however, due to medical reasons, Lopez was cited and released with a court date. On 08/20/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy along with special allegations against Cortez. On 08/20/2025, Cortez posted bail and was released from custody 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 *** |
 On Tuesday, August 26th, Fillmore City Council Recognized presented a proclamation to retiree Fire Chief Manuel “Manny” Meraz for his service as Fire Engineer from July 1999 to July 2025. Manny was not present for a photo. The City also recognized Fillmore Fire Department’s recent promotions of Fire Captain Ryan Cota, Fire Engineer Vincent Ceja, Firefighter Paramedic Austin Bennett and Firefighter Megan Ortega, pictured above. Not all were present for the photo, as they were called into action during the meeting. The City also recognized Fillmore Little League Juniors 14U District 63 Champs; photo and more information in next week’s Gazette. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 4-0 vote with Councilmember Carrie Broggie, absent. Online: Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@cityoffillmore1401 AGENDA 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A RECOGNITION OF FILLMORE LITTLE LEAGUE JUNIORS 14U DISTRICT 63 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 5.B PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIREE MANUEL MERAZ 5.C RECOGNITION OF RECENT FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSIONS AND BOARD REPORTS. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025.PDF 8.B AUGUST 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-986 TO REVISE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION AT THE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER, SPEC NO. 21-02 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-4082 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM FOR FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) FUNDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (LTF), ARTICLE 8 CLAIM 9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03A, WELL NO. 10 EXPLORATORY DRILLING AND WELL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS 9.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW CIRCULATION PUMP FOR THE FILLMORE COMMUNITY POOL 9.D APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION OF A CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CONTROL SYSTEMS WEST FOR SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES 9.E CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT TO CERCO ENGINEERING INC. 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 “Dedicated to honor the memory and to pay tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and fought to defend this country and preserve our way of life.” Erected on May 25, 1998, Fillmore Post 9637, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
