By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, October 4th, 2025
On November 1st the Fillmore Lions Club will host their Annual Enchilada Dinner (drive-thru) Fundraiser. Last year’s fundraiser allowed the club to give $5,000 to graduating FHS seniors. Read article for details on ticket sales. Enlarge Photo Fillmore Lions are getting ready for their Annual Enchilada Dinner on Saturday, November 1st. This will be a drive-thru only Last year Lions gave out $5,000 to graduating FHS seniors. Lions are grateful for these community sponsors: El Pescador, La Estrella Market, the Salvation Army, and Beylik Farms. For tickets, contact a Lion member including Steve McKeown at 805-904-5424 or stop by member Brandy Lengning’s business, Home You can also visit our website: fillmorelions.org. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, October 4th, 2025
https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=238 Posted on: September 17, 2025 Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program helps keep communities safe by proactively and temporarily shutting off power to reduce the risk of a fire caused by utility equipment. To help you stay informed and prepared for PSPS, join SCE, Supervisor Kelly Long and the City of Fillmore for an in-person Available programs and services · Getting support during an outage · Identifying cost-saving strategies · Enhancing emergency preparedness · Opportunities for questions and feedback Register here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/eb9d5013d60b7ffbf7195439738eb591?r=use1. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
In late July 2025, detectives assigned to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit (SCU) concluded an 18- In early 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives initiated an investigation into an Oxnard based, Ventura County criminal In June of 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives concluded an additional investigation into another local gang member In the third quarter of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang suspected In November of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang member working as Special Crimes Unit Detectives continued the investigation through the Spring of 2025. Investigators served several search During one of the investigations, detectives discovered that a gang member from a Ventura County criminal street gang had The following individuals have been arrested as a result of this investigation; • Armando Lomeli – Age: 31 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 186.22 PC • Juan Mex Velasquez – Age: 47 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC • Juan Mex Velasquez – Age:47 - 205 PC, 261.5(d) PC, 288(c)(1) PC, 311.4(c) PC • Darlene Vargas – Age: 42 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC • Maribel Cortes - Age: 24 – 11378 H&S, 11379 H&S, 186.22 PC • Omar “Baby” Ruiz – Age: 38 – 182 PC,11378 H&S, 186.22 PC. On 08/18/2025, Ruiz entered a guilty plea. On 09/17/2025, Ruiz • Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 30305 (a)(1) PC, 11359(b) H&S • Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 – 288.2(a) PC, 288.3 PC • David Stratmann – Age: 34 – 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 27545 PC, 11370.1 H&S, 11377 H&S • Victor Lara – Age: 20 – 25850(c)(6) PC, 29815(a) PC • Izaac Galvan Martinez – Age: 26 – 29805 PC, 27545 PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 25850(c)(6) PC, 186.22 PC • David Gasca – Age: 30 – 11351 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 11378 H&S, 27545 PC, 29805 PC, 186.22 PC. On 08/13/2025, Gasca entered a • Ernesto Flores – Age: 36 – US18 922(g)(1). Flores entered a guilty plea and on 08/21/2025, Flores was sentenced to 4 years • Efren Salomon – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11352 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC • Christian Vega – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 23900 PC, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC The following evidence has been seized as a result of this investigation; • Twenty-two handguns • Six rifles • Two shotguns • 912.7 gross grams of cocaine • 439.3 gross grams of heroin • 43,618 gross grams of methamphetamine • 861 gross grams of ecstasy • $138,298.46 U.S. currency • One vehicle The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by Prepared by: Sergeant Brian Whittaker, Special Crimes Unit News Release Date: September 17, 2025 Approved by: Captain Matthew Young, Special Services Division Booking Photo Release: YES 1 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
![]() On Friday, September 19th, at 3:17 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported traffic collision on eastbound Ventura Street near Clay Street. Arriving deputies reported two vehicles with moderate damage and two patients trapped in each vehicle. Firefighters arrived, extricated the patients from both vehicles, and they were treated by AMR Paramedics. An additional ambulance was requested, and three patients were transported to Ventura County Medical Center. Deputies closed both eastbound lanes of Ventura Street until the vehicles were towed. Traffic was backed up for several hours on River Street, Santa Clara Street, A Street, Main Street, Central Avenue, Mt. View, etc. with cars looking for an alternate route to Highway 126. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
![]() Fillmore Unified is working to strengthen campus safety by installing security cameras throughout Fillmore school campuses. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
By FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is strengthening campus safety with a comprehensive security camera project. The New cameras are being installed at: - Fillmore High School, including the football and baseball fields and the Farm - Sierra High School - Fillmore Middle School and its baseball field - Mountain Vista, Piru, San Cayetano, and Rio Vista Elementary Schools - Sespe Elementary and the Fillmore Adult School - Maintenance and Facilities, Transportation Department, and the District Office The locations for the cameras were selected with input from district safety committees, administration, technical experts, The system includes high-resolution cameras with night vision, motion detection, and secure storage, monitoring entrances, The project’s total cost is about $793,000, covering equipment, installation, integration with existing networks, licensing, The new system replaces outdated equipment and is designed to improve incident response, reduce vandalism, and enhance Superintendent Schieferle emphasized the importance of the project: “This investment reflects our commitment to student and |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
![]() On Friday, September 19th, at 4:18 p.m., Fillmore City and Ventura County Fire Departments responded to a fire in Sespe Creek at SR126 and Old Telegraph Road. Arriving firefighters reported the incident in a homeless encampment. Crews were able to knock down the flames; cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
See Item 8.G—Full information available at Fillmoreca.gov
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 4-0 with Councilmember Garnica being absent. Item 8F: Council voted 3–1 (with Councilmember Garnica absent) to support Alternative 2 — declare City Council’s support for 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 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. 7.A SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 25-987 AND ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-02 (ZOA 25-02) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-2029 SR ORD25-987_ 2ND READING HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE.PDF 7.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.PDF 7.C SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.A CONSIDERATION OF A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21- 8.B DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND TWO ALTERNATES FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATS & ALTS - LEAGUE OF CA CITIES SR 2025.PDF 8.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH TND STUDIO & ASSOCIATES FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WELL NO. SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN CONTRACT WITH TND STUDIO. FINAL.PDF 8.D RECOMMENDATION TO KEEP THE RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN OPEN YEAR-ROUND WITH CLOSURES MANAGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SR - MANAGEMENT OF RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN CLOSURE. FINAL.PDF 8.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS PROJECT SR -FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOM. FINAL.PDF 8.F REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND SR VCCF NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND.PDF 8.G DISCUSSION OF THE 1/3 RETAIL REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWTOWN SR ONE THIRD RETAIL.PDF 9. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 10. CLOSED SESSION 10.A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 11. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025, CITY |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, September 27th, 2025
![]() Mountain Vista Elementary Principal Christine McDaniels said, “Thank you to our Fillmore Law Enforcement and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for our annual Coffee with Cops! Our students enjoyed juice and donuts while parents started the day with a hot cup of coffee.” Coffee with Cops at our elementary schools are informal community policing events where families and community members meet with our local police officers in a casual setting to build relationships and trust. The program removes barriers by allowing people to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about each other without formal agendas. The event aims to foster positive connections between the police and the school community, helping to create a safer neighborhood and a more open relationship with law enforcement. Enlarge Photo |
![]() On Thursday, September 11th, Fillmore detectives arrested Ivan Duenas, 41 of Fillmore, for car arson and hate crime-related offenses which took place on Wednesday, August 20th. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 19th, 2025
On September 11th, 2025, detectives arrested (S) Ivan Duenas for arson and hate crime-related offenses. On August 20th, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 700 block of Fourth Street in Over the following weeks, personnel from the Fillmore Sheriff’s Station, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit, and On September 11th, 2025, Fillmore detectives contacted, detained, and ultimately arrested Duenas outside his residence Following Duenas’ arrest, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit secured a search warrant for Duenas’ residence and Duenas was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he was booked for Penal Code § 451(d) – [Arson Any person with information regarding the arson is encouraged to contact detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-1... or by scanning the following QR code: The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and due diligence in Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 09/12/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 19th, 2025
![]() On Friday, September 12th, at 10:05 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a car collision in front of Taco Llama Restaurant, 323 A Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found two vehicles involved with moderate damage. Firefighters and AMR paramedics treated five patients, and at least two ambulance transports were made. According to the sheriff’s office, one of the drivers was driving under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested for VC 23152(a) for causing injury and was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail. Photo credit Gazette staff, above. Photo credit Angel Esquivel, below. Enlarge Photo |