On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at approximately 2:14 PM, emergency personnel from the Moorpark Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response, and Gold Coast Ambulance responded to a traffic collision that occurred on the Union Pacific Rail Line near Montair Drive in the City of Moorpark. Investigators learned a semi-tractor was towing two trailers of lemons southbound from a privately owned ranch when a collision occurred with an eastbound Metrolink Train.

Initial investigation indicates that the driver of the semi-tractor, Jose Avila, of Fillmore, was ejected as a result of the collision. Life-saving measures were initiated by nearby workers and responding sheriff’s deputies; however, Mr. Avila was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was a total of 17 people on board the Metrolink Train. One passenger complained of minor injuries.

Rail operations on this section of the Union Pacific Rail Line was temporarily halted for several hours for the investigation. Metrolink and Amtrak arranged transportation for their effected passengers.

The collision is still under investigation by the Moorpark Police Traffic Bureau. Anyone who might have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy Manley at 805-532-2700.

Prepared by: Sergeant Shawn Holzberger
News Release Date: June 27, 2025
Approved by: Captain Nick Odenath, Moorpark Chief of Police

For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention. For additional resources, visit NICB.org.
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The Fillmore Police Department would like to share some vehicle theft prevention information with our community from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is observing Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July by calling attention to vehicle thefts as a nationwide issue and urging vehicle owners to take preventive steps to keep their vehicles safe.

Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, disrupting millions of vehicle owners’ lives — stripping them of their security and mobility. In 2024, 850,708 vehicles were stolen — representing a 17% decrease in vehicle theft totals from the previous year. Estimates show that approximately one vehicle is stolen every 37 seconds.

In 2024, these states had the most vehicle thefts, as provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. Illinois
5. Washington
6. New York
7. Colorado
8. North Carolina
9. Ohio
10. Missouri

Passenger cars make up most of the stolen vehicles, and summer months have the highest reported occurrences of vehicle thefts in the United States. NHTSA urges vehicle owners to take these steps to keep their vehicles — and any valuables inside them — safe all the time. LOCK IT, HIDE IT, KEEP IT!
· Park in well-lit areas.
· Close and lock all windows and doors when parked.
· Hide valuables.
· Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
· Do not leave the area while vehicle is running.
· Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for a vehicle if the vehicle’s manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store.

For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention. For additional resources, visit NICB.org.

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: Deputy Ramiro Rico
News Release Date: July 1st, 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).

Fillmore Unified has announced new principals for multiple schools throughout the district. See full bios below:
Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

Dina Ticas Selected Principal, San Cayetano Elementary School
Degrees and Certifications/Credentials:
Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, Biola University
Master’s degree: Master of Education, STEAM Education, University of San Diego
California Credentials: Clear Administrative Services Credential; Clear California Multiple Subject Credential; Supplementary Authorization in English, grades 9 and below; English Learner Authorization

Hello, my name is Dina Ticas. I am the only daughter of an immigrant mother, living out my quintessential American Dream. I began my career in education 25 years ago as a fourth-grade teacher, just before the frenzy of Y2K, but my love for learning and education began in Kindergarten. My mother’s rallying phrase, “You can lose everything, but you can’t lose your education” still rings in my mind. My husband of 28 years, Sam, and I have since added a few more phrases that we’ve passed on to our adult children: Katie, Mason, and Lazaro. Among them: “Live what you believe.” I believe deeply that family is everything and serving families in the public education setting is one of the best ways to invest my time and energy. My career has spanned from teaching grades K-6th, Math, and even Spanish. Most recently, I have served as an Assistant Principal at a school site of more than 800 students and 70 staff. I have a passion for the integration of content areas and for that reason I pursued a Masters of Education in S.T.E.A.M. Education after receiving my Bachelor’s of Education in Liberal Studies. The direct impact that teachers and administrators had on my life inspires me to collaborate, problem solve and support the vital work happening within classrooms. The moments in education that shifted the trajectory of my life as a student, educator, and administrator allowed me to experience the thriving in life that we all want for our students, our community, and ourselves as professionals. I am eager to work alongside the San Cayetano team and the Fillmore Unified School District.

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Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...
Kayleigh Kelp Selected Principal, Rio Vista Elementary School

Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Special Education; Purdue University; Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; Purdue University
Master’s Degree: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, California State University Channel Islands
California Credentials: Administrative Service Credential; Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; English Language Learner Authorization

I am honored and excited to join the Fillmore Unified School District as the new Principal of Rio Vista Elementary School. Go Roadrunners!

I bring with me over a decade of experience in education. My journey began as an elementary teacher, working across a range of grade levels and student needs, which helped shape my understanding of effective instruction and student development. I then spent six years as a teacher and middle school Assistant Principal in Ventura County, followed by two years as an Elementary Assistant Principal in the Santa Cruz area. I’m thrilled to return to this area and serve the incredible students, families, and staff of Fillmore.

My leadership is grounded in five core values: integrity, relationships, efficiency, support, and empowerment. These principles guide my everyday work and help cultivate an environment where students and staff feel safe, respected, and valued. I’m especially passionate about restorative justice practices and promoting equity in education for students with special needs. I believe that strong partnerships with families, staff, and the broader community are essential to student success.
I hold dual Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Purdue University, and I earned my Master’s degree and Administrative Services Credential in Educational Leadership from California State University Channel Islands.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, creating art, and watching movies with my husband and our energetic puppy, Reggie.

I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, families, and staff. I’m truly proud to be part of the Fillmore Unified family and can’t wait for the great work we’ll do together.

Pictured are Fillmore’s Ethan Genest, Theo Zendejas and Arsen Arushanyan after getting their medals at the American Grappling Federation (AGF) Tournament held at Moorpark High School. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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By Michael Torres
On Saturday, June 7th- Moorpark, CA – Fillmore jiu-jitsu athletes delivered a dominant performance at the American Grappling Federation (AGF) Tournament, held this past weekend at Moorpark High School, earning 1st Place in the Kids Gi Division, 1st Place in the Kids No-Gi Division, and securing the title of Overall 1st Place Team.

The team trains out of Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio in Fillmore, CA, under the leadership of Professor Michael Torres, a Gracie Humaitá black belt under Professor Mario Aiello. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground control, leverage, and submissions to neutralize opponents.

Fillmore’s young competitors set the tone early with standout performances in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. Many students competed in both brackets and showed excellent versatility, discipline, and composure.

Ethan Brock Genest –Boys 8-9 yrs. Gray Belt- 1st Place (Gi), 1st Place (No-Gi)
Mateo Dela Cruz – Boys 12 -13 yrs. Yellow Belt, 2nd Place (Gi)
Danny Izquerdo – Boys 10-11 yrs. Gray Belt, 1st Place (Gi), 1st Place (No-Gi)
Maya Ramirez – Girls 8-9 yrs. Gray Belt, 2nd Place (Gi), 2nd Place (No-Gi)
Theo Zendejas – Boys 8-9 yrs. Gray Belt, 2nd Place (Gi)
Xjavier Zendejas – Boys 10- 11 yrs. Gray Belt, 2nd Place (No-Gi), 3rd Place (Gi)
Zeke Zendejas – Boys 6-7 yrs. Gray Belt, 2nd Place (Gi), 3rd Place (No-Gi)
Leo Zendejas Jr. – Boys 11-12 yrs. Gray Belt, 1st Place (No-Gi), 3rd Place (Gi)
Fillmore’s youth team showed exceptional heart and technical ability. Danny Izquerdo and Ethan Brock Genest stood out with double gold medal finishes, while the Zendejas family displayed excellence with multiple podium placements.

The adult athletes continued the club’s success with strong podium finishes across divisions:
Luis Ixta – Adult White Belt Middleweight, 3rd Place (Gi)
Raul Santa Rosa – Adult Blue Belt Cruiserweight, 1st Place (Gi), 1st Place (No-Gi)
Vincent Vergara – Adult White Belt Welterweight, 3rd Place (No-Gi)
Leo Zendejas – Adult Blue Belt Welterweight, 2nd Place (Gi), 3rd Place (No-Gi)
19 year old, Raul Santa Rosa, who has been training for 4 years, and is undefeated in his last two tournaments led the adult group with a powerful double gold performance, while Leo Zendejas contributed medals in both categories.

“The team came in prepared to give their best, and the students delivered with focus, heart, and integrity,” said Professor Michael Torres. “It’s not just about winning—it’s about growth, discipline, and supporting each other on and off the mat. I’m extremely proud of every member of this team.”
Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio offers classes for kids and adults and is committed to developing martial artists of all ages through structured training, discipline, loyalty, and respect. For more information email: fillmorebjj@gmail.com or text: 805-443-8501.

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On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at about 8:16 A.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 600 block of Mountain View Street in Fillmore reference a house fire.

Upon arrival, deputies located a house fully engulfed in flames and an adult female, identified as 45-year-old Fillmore resident (S) Brandy Hollis, in the back yard of the property. With the assistance of diligent members of the community, Hollis was escorted off the property by deputies to a safe area where she was evaluated by paramedics.

The house fire not only resulted in major damage to the primary residence but also damage to neighboring residences. Thanks to the quick response and firefighting efforts by fire personnel, the neighboring residences were saved from more extensive fire damage.

Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation arrived shortly thereafter and worked collaboratively with investigators with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Fire Department, and the Ventura County Fire Department.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained evidence linking Hollis to the fire and the fire appeared to be intentional. Hollis was arrested for a violation of Penal Code § 451(b) – [Arson of Inhabited Structure]. She was medically cleared and transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked pending court proceedings.

Any person with information regarding the arson 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/25-7... 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: 06/24/2025
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).