Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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On 10/09/2025, around 9:15 AM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station carried out a probation search at a residence on the 100 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as part of proactive patrol efforts.

During the search, deputies contacted two residents, identified as Kyle Miller and Talysa Ray, who were suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance. After an investigation, both Miller and Ray were arrested for misdemeanor drug-related charges.

While searching the residence, deputies also located several handguns and two rifles. One of the rifles met the legal criteria, classifying it as an illegal assault weapon. As a result, Kyle Miller was additionally arrested for felony weapons violations to include, Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 32310 – [Possession of Large Capacity Magazine], Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Addict in Possession of Firearm], and Penal Code 30305(a)(1) § – [Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition].

Both suspects were transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail pending court proceedings. The case remains under investigation by the Fillmore Station’s patrol and investigative units.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing 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 against 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: 10/10/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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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).

Maria Belmontes Blancas
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On January 27, 1981, the body of a young woman was found in a citrus orchard near Piru. The victim had been shot multiple times, and her death was ruled a homicide.

At the time, investigators believed the victim was between 20 and 25 years old, of Hispanic descent, about 195 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. The victim was found wearing a plaid shirt, turquoise tank top, a skirt, and flip-flop style sandals.

Despite the work of detectives, the case went cold, but in 2023, the Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation using advanced DNA analysis. The DNA results suggested the victim’s family likely originated from Michoacán, Mexico.
Working with Redgrave Research Forensic Services, investigators identified potential family members. This past Summer, investigators obtained critical new information and were able to confirm the identity of the victim for the first time.
The victim has been identified as Maria Belmontes Blancas, who came to California from Mexico in 1980. After decades of uncertainty, Maria’s family - living in both the United States and Mexico finally received the answers they had long hoped for.

Maria was the victim of a violent crime, and her killer has never been identified. This case remains open.
If you have any information about Maria’s life in California, or about her murder, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Cold Case Unit at 805-383-8739.

Together, we can bring justice for Maria Belmontes Blancas.

Prepared by: Investigator Araseli Ruiz-Acevedo

News Release Date: 10/08/2025

Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

All items passed last night 4-0, except for item 9G, which passed 3-1.
For item 9A, the Council directed staff to recruit for the district 1 council vacancy instead of holding a special election.

CITY OF FILLMORE
CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025 AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD PRESENTATION - MARILENY MANZO ZEMBRANO, SENORITA FIESTAS PATRIAS 2025

5.B PRESENTATION BY THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ON SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8G. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 14, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 14, 2025.PDF

8.C APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-03, PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT SR NOC PROJECT SPEC NO.23-03 PAVEMENT.PDF

8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING REAR WINDOWS REPLACEMENT PROJECT
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

8.E FILING OF NOTICES OF COMPLETION FOR THE DELORES DAY PARK MODULAR RESTROOMS PROJECT, PROJECT
SPECIFICATION NO. 24-05, WITH PUBLIC RESTROOM COMPANY AND WYATT
TRAPP INC.
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR DELORES DAY PARK MODULAR RESTROOM PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

8.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CONCRETE ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-09, WITH CERCO ENGINEERING INC.
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

8.G APPROVAL OF A BUDGET ALLOCATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LARRY WALKER ASSOCIATES FOR SUPPORT FOR RENEWAL OF THE WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PERMIT FOR THE FILLMORE WATER RECYCLING PLANT SR - THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH LARRY WALKER ASSOCIATES. FINAL.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF THE VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL SR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 VACANCY.PDF

9.B APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN WATERLINE AND PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN SANTA CLARA STREET, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-08
SR- DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR SANTA CLARA STREET PAVEMENT AND WATERLINE. FINAL.PDF

9.C CONSIDERATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SOCAL WATER PROS FOR CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES MANAGEMENT
SR - FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH SOCAL WATER PRO FOR CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM AND BPA MANAGEMENT. FINAL.PDF

9.D ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-10 AND CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO C&W CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES INC.
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR A-STREET GUARDRAIL REPAIR PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

9.E APPROVAL OF REALLOCATION AND CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO GENERAL PUMP COMPANY FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR URGENT REPAIRS AT WELL NO. 8. FINAL.PDF

9.F PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
25-01, ORDINANCE 25-984, UPDATING THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAWS REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
SR_ORD. 25-984_ADU ORDINANCE UPDATE.PDF

9.G INVITATION FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THE CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE JOINT POWER AUTHORITY
SR MEMBERSHIP WITH THE CPA AND JPA.PDF

9.H JOINT, ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN FILLMORE, SANTA PAULA, VENTURA COUNTY FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA PUALA HARVARD SHELTER
SR SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA SHELTER AGREEMENT FY25-26.PDF

10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

11. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025, AT CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Article by Jaclyn Ibarra

Fillmore Lions Club will be assembling 1500 enchiladas on Sat., November 1st. This is a huge fundraiser they’ve done every year since 1948! They are counting on the community’s help to buy tickets. Each one costs $15. That is very reasonable for 3 hearty enchiladas, rice, beans, and a salad. And most importantly, all proceeds go to graduating high school seniors who apply for the Fillmore Lions Scholarship. If chosen, they receive money towards their education (university or vocational). Here are ways to buy tickets: call or text Steven McKeown at (805) 904-5424 or stop by Home Grown Realty during business hours (338B Central Ave). We also have plenty of Lions Club members selling to family, friends, and you!

Visit their website for more information: www.fillmorelionsclub.com.

Fillmore City Council Member Luis Rodriguez

Council Member Luis Rodriguez has announced his resignation from Fillmore City Council, effective October 13, 2025. State code states the Council must fill the position either by calling a special election or appointment within 60 days of a vacancy. With this vacancy occurring in the first half of Rodriguez’ term the appointment will only last through the first half. The second half of the term will be decided by voters at the city’s regular general election in November 2026. Council members have until December 13th to decide how to fill the vacancy.

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Courtesy Luis Alberto Rodriguez

“My name is Luis Alberto Rodriguez; I am 37 years old, and I have lived in Fillmore my whole life. I graduated from Fillmore High School in 2006 and majored in Fine Arts at Ventura College. I am a local artist and work as an E-Commerce Specialist. I have produced art professionally for Fillmore residents since I was 17 years old. I have also done murals in Fillmore and Piru; notably all the exterior walls at Francisco’s Fruit Stand and an outdoor mural at San Salvador Mission in Piru.

I ran for Fillmore City Council to serve my city. I have lived in North Fillmore (District 1) for most of my life and I wanted to bring attention to that community. While being a resident of North Fillmore, I’d like to think that I represented the rest of Fillmore faithfully and was pragmatic in my decision making.

I learned a lot during my short tenure as a council member. There are a lot of moving parts in an organization like the City of Fillmore. All of the executive staff are diligent, accommodating and transparent in presenting their findings and giving recommendations to the Council. I saw first-hand how the community members are always heard, and their suggestions are always taken into consideration.

I believe that the United States of America is a beautiful country filled with opportunities. I am moving to Idaho in a few weeks to continue my career as an E-Commerce Specialist with UncleStraps.com, a watch bracelet and accessory brand that serves watch enthusiasts internationally. Although I am moving to another state, Fillmore is a city that I will always be connected to and will always return to visit.