By Girls Head Wrestling Coach Michael Torres
LA HABRA, CA — Naomi Bonilla’s remarkable junior year campaign came to a close Saturday, February 21st, at Sonora High School, as the Fillmore Flashes Girls Wrestling captain was eliminated from the CIF Masters Meet, going 0-2 in her two bouts and falling short of qualifying for the state championships as a top-four finalist in the 105 lb. weight class.
Bonilla, an 11th grader competing in one of the most competitive brackets of the day, entered the 16-girl state qualifier bracket after a strong showing at the CIF Individual Championships, where she earned a fourth-place finish — a performance that earned her the right to compete at the Masters level.
However, the competition at Sonora High School proved unforgiving. In her opening match, Bonilla dropped a 2-6 decision, keeping the bout within striking distance entering the third period with the score 2-3, before her opponent pulled away with a decisive three-point takedown in the final seconds. Facing the pressure of the consolation bracket with her season on the line, Bonilla was unable to find her footing in her second match, falling 1-10 and being eliminated from the tournament.
Despite the tough result, Bonilla’s journey to the Masters Meet is a testament to her growth and determination as a competitor. For the Fillmore Flashes wrestling program, her run this season is a sign of the talent developing within the program — and a promising preview of what may be yet to come.
The Fillmore Flashes wrestling program would like to extend its gratitude to the Fillmore High School administration and staff, athletic department, boosters club, maintenance and operations, parents, and students for their unwavering support throughout the 2025-26 season.

During the week of February 9, 2026, 122 school spelling bee champions from across Ventura County completed a preliminary test. Based on their scores, 21 spellers have qualified to advance to the Final Oral Rounds of the Sage Ventura County Spelling Bee scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo.
Sage remains deeply committed to our mission of building bridges to knowledge. In our 9th year as a regional partner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, we are thrilled to uphold this 73-year Ventura County tradition by providing students with the opportunity to compete in the nation’s longest-running educational competition. We are confident that they have strengthened their spelling skills, expanded their vocabularies, learned new concepts, and developed correct English usage that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The following 21 spellers will advance to the final rounds of the Sage Ventura County Spelling Bee. These spellers will vie for first, second, and third place. The winner will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee scheduled for the week of May 25, 2026, in Washington D.C.
If you are interested in more information about our program or the Scripps National Spelling Bee, you can visit www.corwin.com/spellingbee and www.spellingbee.com.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL
The final votes are as follows:
Consent Calendar Items 7A-7D - Villasenor motion, Broggie, passed 5-0
Item 8A - Appointment of primary and alternate delegates to California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) - Broggie motioned to retain the current delegates, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 8B - Approval of Contract for 3rd of July fireworks show - Rodriguez motion, Broggie second, passed 5-0
Item 8C - First reading of Ordinance 26-993, updating city regulations for cost recovery and code enforcement - Garnica motion, Rodriguez second, passed 5-0
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AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 7.A THROUGH 7.D IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
7.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 24, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 24, 2026.PDF
7.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-991: INCREASING CITY COUNCIL SALARIES
SR - SB 329 SALARY INCREASE 2ND READING.PDF
7.C MOU BETWEEN VENTURA COUNCIL OF (VCOG) AND THE CITY OF FILLMORE FOR THE COMPLETION OF A SMALL LOT ASSEMBLY PROGRAM
SR VCOG REAP 2.0 LOT ASSEMBLY PROGRAM GRANT.PDF
7.D ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-4095 DECLARING THE CITY’S INTENTION TO GRANT A FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINES, LP  SR - RESOLUTION NO. 26-4095 DECLARING THE CITY’S INTENTION TO GRANT A FRANCHISE.PDF
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.A APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SR CJPIA DELEGATE -2026.PDF
8.B APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE THIRD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW TO BE PROVIDED BY PYROSPECTACULARS, INC. SR - JULY 3RD FIREWORKS SHOW.PDF
8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-993: UPDATING THE CITY’S
REGULATIONS TO STRENGTHEN COST RECOVERY AND CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
SR - AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE - ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES - 1ST READING.PDF
9. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
ERF GRANT UPDATE WELL 10 UPDATE
BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE MEETING STREET MAINTENANCE REPORT
10. CLOSED SESSION
10.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: EXISTING LITIGATION - THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1), TO CONFER WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING LITIGATION TO WHICH THE CITY IS A PARTY. THE TITLE OF SUCH LITIGATION IS AS FOLLOWS: CITY OF FILLMORE VS. OFFICE OF TAX APPEALS, ET AL; CASE NUMBER CPF-25-519161; COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO SUPERIOR COURT.
CLOSED SESSION - FEBRUARY 24, 2026.PDF
11. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

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On Monday, February 16, at approximately 9:02 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR paramedics, the Ventura County Air Unit, and the California Highway Patrol responded to a two‑vehicle collision on westbound SR‑126 near Pyle Road. When firefighters arrived, they found a Ford work truck and a Tesla involved in the crash.
The Tesla’s driver, a 60‑year‑old man, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center. A 61‑year‑old woman from Modesto, who was also in the Tesla, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford work truck, a 38‑year‑old man from Simi Valley, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
According to a CHP press release, the pair from Modesto had been traveling eastbound on Highway 126 when, for unknown reasons, their vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes. CHP stated that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the crash. It was raining at the time, and the roadway was wet.

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On 02/06/2026, at about 10:37 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon.
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.
Detectives are actively investigating this stabbing and are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the incident. Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact Detective Axel Morales or Detective Dustin Heersche at (805) 524-2233. Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous.
Any person with information regarding the incident is encouraged to reach out to detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided below to download and submit any video footage of the incident.
https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/26-1... or by scanning the following QR code.
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: 02/12/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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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).
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Nature of Incident: Fillmore Stabbing Investigation
Report Number: 26-17115
Location: 500 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/06/2026, 10:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unita
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence; Age
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore
(S) Unknown, Unknown, Unknown

2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver-level recognition
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Fillmore High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver-level recognition for its Advanced Placement program’s strong results and broad student participation.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening participation for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflects commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
“This recognition is a tremendous point of pride for our entire district,” said Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle. “I want to thank our Board of Education for their clear direction and unwavering support, and I am deeply grateful to the teachers and administrative staff at Fillmore High School for their dedication to student success and for always putting students first. Most importantly, I congratulate the students of Fillmore High School—this achievement belongs to you and reflects your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.”
The recognition reflects Fillmore High School’s sustained commitment to academic rigor, student support, and inclusive practices that prepare graduates for postsecondary success. Through intentional counseling, dedicated instruction, and encouragement of broad participation, the school has created an environment where students are challenged academically and supported in reaching their goals. The achievement also highlights the collaborative efforts of the school and the Fillmore Unified School District in prioritizing college readiness and opportunity for all students.
Fillmore High School had 51% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 32% of seniors scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 13% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams. The school currently offers 18 AP courses across 23 sections, taught by 16 dedicated teachers.
College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admissions officers that students have sought the most challenging curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

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On Saturday, February 14, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a Fillmore patrol deputy advised dispatch that the unit was attempting to stop a black Nissan Altima. The vehicle failed to yield, and the deputy initiated a pursuit on First Street at A Street. The Altima continued northbound on A Street before coming to a stop at Third Street and Fernglen Circle. The driver was taken into custody and arrested for Stolen Vehicle-PC 496(a), VC 10851(a), and VC 2800.2(a). The driver was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

On Friday, February 13, at approximately 4:12 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR paramedics, and the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported two‑vehicle crash at Chambersburg Road and Riverside Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters located two vehicles, one fully engulfed in flames. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.