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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 On Sunday, August 10th, at 3:13 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a single vehicle accident near the intersection of Ventura and C Streets. Arriving deputies found a silver Kia with moderate damage. The driver took down several Palm trees and traffic signs causing the vehicle to have moderate damage. The driver refused any medical treatment. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
 On Thursday, August 7th, 2025, at 7:30am, multiple fire crews responded to a fire near Holser Canyon Road, north of Piru. Later named the Canyon Fire, residents were able to see plumes of smoke fill the air as they watched crews head towards the fire. Above is a photo taken from the Arco Gas Station off Highway 126 in Piru. Photo credit Marcus Camp. Inset, a helicopter making a water drop. They can drop 1,000 gallons (about 3,785 liters) of water at once, some much more, and can be the best way to attack fires that are difficult for ground crews to reach. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Posted as of 8/13/2025 courtesy https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/8/7/canyon-fire 97% Contained Agency Having Jurisdiction: Unified Command: Ventura County Fire Department & Los Angeles County Fire Department Incident Management Team: No team assigned Situation Summary The northeast section continues to have the highest concentration of remaining heat. Infrared mapping taking place today will further help crews locate and extinguish hot spot areas, prevent flare-ups and protect the fire perimeter. Dozer lines on the eastern edge of the fire will be strengthened to minimize the chance of spread. Across the incident, firefighters remain prepared to respond quickly to any flare-ups while suppression repair and backhaul will continue to address impacts from firefighting operations. Federal Assistance |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 Firefighters work the Canyon Fire hotspots near Lake Piru. The Canyon Fire, which has burned more than 5,000 acres on the Los Angeles-Ventura County line and destroyed two homes, was 97% contained Wednesday as crews worked to completely encircle the non-injury blaze. By Wednesday the majority of personnel on the incident will be released because of the progress that’s been made on this fire, Los Angeles County Fire Department Public Information Officer Fred Fielding told City News Service. Fire officials used 960 personnel, 92 engines, 28 crews and 12 dozers to battle the blaze at its height. The resources assigned allowed fire officials to effectively stop the blaze at 5,370 acres. Crews have been making steady progress encircling the fire in an area east of Lake Piru since it broke out on Thursday, 08/07/25. The northeast section of the fire remains the hottest area. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent August 11, 2025 Dear FUSD Community, Welcome back to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with quality time with loved ones and that you are ready for a great school year. All staff have been working diligently to prepare for the year ahead, and we are eager to partner with you to make this school year one of growth, achievement, and opportunity for all students. This school year, we will remain committed to student academic success and creating safe and respectful schools where every student can thrive. We acknowledge that some of our families and students are experiencing anxiety and fear due to recent immigration activities. Please be assured that we are prepared to support our students and their families, providing them with the available resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out; we are here for you. We also recognize the critical role of mental health and are dedicated to offering expanded resources to support emotional well-being and long-term resilience. Additionally, we will continue to invest in facility improvements across our school district. Below are some highlights: - Student Academic Success - Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all school sites - Free online academic tutoring available 24/7 - Reading Intervention teachers at all elementary schools - Restorative Practices Teacher at Fillmore Middle School - Block schedules with built-in academic support at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High schools - Differentiated academic support within the school day at all elementary schools - Expanded Independent Study Program with customized schedules and curriculum - No-cost after-school program until 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday - No-cost enrichment programs during school breaks - No-cost after-school sports program at Fillmore Middle School - Preschool programs for children ages 2.9 months to 4 years - College/university field trips to promote a college-bound culture - Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways at FHS - STEM Electives, including robotics, medical detectives, and video production at FMS - Community College Dual-Enrollment classes during the school day and after school at FHS - UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program at FHS and FMS - CSUCI Guaranteed Admission at FHS Mental Health Support - Wellness Centers at FMS, FHS, SHS, Piru, San Cayetano, and Mountain Vista Schools - Counselors at all sites; full-time social workers at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High Schools - New Telehealth options for students 2024-2025 Facilities Improvements -Rio Vista School: New 200-meter all-weather track - Fillmore High School (FHS): New varsity baseball field, new restroom building, and flex space at the School Farm - Piru School: New HVAC in the cafeteria, new shade structures, and restroom building, new school sign - San Cayetano School: New HVAC in cafeteria, new furniture in every classroom, office redesign and upgrade, and new shade - Mountain Vista: new shade structure and upgrades to landscaping 2025-2026 Facility Improvements - Fillmore High School: career center relocation and renovation, two new shade structures, library patio renovation - Fillmore Middle School: New student and teacher furniture in every classroom, new office furniture and drywall, new - Mountain Vista School: new outside patio tables and umbrellas - All Schools and Facilities: upgrade and expand security cameras for school safety Future Projects - Fillmore Middle School (FMS): New paint and HVAC in the gym, new outdoor shade structures. - Fillmore High School (FHS): New athletic complex (projected completion date December 2026), locker room remodel to - Transportation Department: Charging stations for new electric buses Great things are happening in our school district! It is important that we continue to work together, build relationships with each other, and maintain our collective focus to do what is best for our students. They are counting on us! Please join and support our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and school staff is vital to your child’s success. I look forward to seeing our students back to school on Wednesday, August 13, and am confident we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for everyone. Sincerely, Christine Schieferle, Superintendent |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 On Wednesday, July 30th the Ventura County Fair gates opened with a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, food booths, exhibits, agricultural shows, live entertainment and so much more. This year’s theme was “Waves of Fun”. The fair ended on August 10th. The concert series lineup included performances by Tone Loc, Ying Yang Twins, Fat Joe, Pepa, Diplo, Dirty Heads, Lee Brice, Flo Rida, and Scotty McCreery. There will also be a professional rodeo and other events throughout the fair. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo  From July 30th – August 10th was the annual Ventura County Fair. Pictured are some of the Fillmore FFA winners from this year’s Livestock Show. All photos and info courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmore.ffa/. Pictured right is Another BACK-to-BACK! Way to go Annalise Barragan! FFA Advanced Steer Showman 2025! Enlarge Photo  She does it again! Olivia Nava is the FFA Advanced Swine Showman Champion! Way to go Olivia, your time and hard work has paid off! Enlarge Photo  Congratulations to Olivia Nava and Preston Spiker for winning Supreme and Reserve Market Champions. Enlarge Photo  Congratulations Annalise! Annalise Barragan, pictured right, won FFA Market Steer Champion, and a well-deserved buckle. As an FHS alumni this is her last year showing. Enlarge Photo  Small Livestock Sweep! Congratulations to Alejandra Robles our Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pen, FFA Market Rabbit Champion and Novice Showman Champion. And to Lexie Gonzalez our FFA Reserve Champion Market Rabbit Pen. Aldo, Anne Cabrales our Senior and Overall Champion Rabbit Showman! Enlarge Photo  Way to go Kristina! Kristina Budia won Reserve FFA Market Goat! We are so proud of all our lamb and goat showman they did great in the market classes! Enlarge Photo  Congratulations Elena!! Elena Magana won BIG with her pygmy goat at the Fair, taking both Grand Champion Pygmy Goat and Champion Showman. She rounded off her big wins with a fiesta! in the costume contest! Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
All Items Passed 5 – 0. Item 9e- council approved proposed staff recommendations with an addition to add medical and health resources and make specific requirements to the workshop. CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM IN CITY HALL AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A UPDATE FROM UNITED WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT 5.B CITY OF FILLMORE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 12, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 12, 2025.PDF 8.B JANUARY 28, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.C FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.D FEBRUARY 25, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.E MARCH 11, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 11, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.F APRIL 22, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 8.G JULY 8, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 2025 MEETING MINUTES.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A CONTRACT WITH 4 LEAF INC., TO CONDUCT CODE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SR 2025 4LEAF CONTRACT.PDF 9.B CONTRACT WITH BUREAU VERITAS FOR THE PREPARATION AND ADOPTION OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE SR BUREAU VERITAS BUILDING CODE CONTRACT AGREEMENT.PDF 9.C CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.28 TO CLARIFY THE NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE CULTURAL, SR UPDATE FMC CH.28 RE THE CAR COMMISSION.PDF 9.D SEWER EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT WITH THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR RAILROAD CROSSING SR TRACT 6053 VCTC SEWER EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR RAILROAD SEWER CROSSING.PDF 9.E PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON HOSTING AN IMMIGRATION RESOURCES WORKSHOP SR IMMIGRATION RESOURCES WORKSHOP.PDF 10. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A AUGUST 12, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 12, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025, CITY |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 Congratulations Fillmore FFA! Ten banners, 14 buckles, and a load of fun at the Ventura County Fair. Congratulations to Annalise Barragan-FFA Advanced Streer Showman 2025; Olivia Nava-FFA Advanced Swine Showman Champion; Holly Parrish-Novice FFA Swine Showman Champion; Olivia Nava and Preston Spiker-Supreme and Reserve Market Champions; Kristina Budia-Reserve FFA Market Goat; Olivia Nava for receiving the VC CWA Youth Exhibitor Scholarship; Alejandra Robles-Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pen, FFA Market Rabbit Champion and Novice Showman Champion; Lexie Gonzalez-FFA Reserve Champion Market Rabbit Pen; Anne Cabrales; Senior and Overall Champion Rabbit Showman; Elena Magana-Grand Champion Pygmy Goat and Champion Showman; Zitlaly Diaz, Brooke Nunez, Yosie Cruz, & Annalise Barragan-Swine Projects; Anel Castillo-Goat Project; Andy Torres- Senior Lamb Showmanship & Champion Market Lamb; Master Showman: Independence Classic Winners for Swine, Steer, and Goats- Sr. Olivia, Novice Alysson, Jonny, Sr. Annalise, & Novice Randy Lynn Davis. See Photos and additional information on Instagram @Fillmore.FFA. Additional Fair Photo may be viewed at https://whitneywhitaker.smugmug.com/Livestock-Images/2025/Ventura-County-Fair. Enlarge Photo |
 Crackers, taking one of his many cruises around town. “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” Thom Jones. For more about Crackers go to http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/faces-fillmore-crackers-car-surfer. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Courtesy David Andersen It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of this Fillmore town favorite, Crackers He made countless friends. Always had an eye out for a strange dog or cat that he could curse at in “Dog Speak”. Loved driving by schools during breaks, kids would cheer and he’d give them the Captain Morgan pose, head up and chest out. His job title was Director of Security. Nothing ever came up missing out of my car when he was on duty. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 16th, 2025
 Progress Update: Restroom installations are underway at Dolores Day Park! Thank you for your patience as we continue improving our community spaces. Posted august 7th, courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore. The new facility will be: ADA-accessible; Equipped with two fully accessible restrooms; Baby-friendly with changing stations; Energy-efficient with LED lighting; Built to be secure, modern, and durable. Enlarge Photo |
 On Sunday, August 3rd, at 7:47p.m. authorities responded to a head-on collision on State Route 126 east of Fillmore, resulting in the fatality of a 71-year-old male and sending the other driver to the hospital. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 8th, 2025
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at approximately 7:47 P.M., the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center received a call of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 126, east of Fillmore. Upon arrival, CHP units and emergency personnel found an unresponsive 71-year-old male trapped within the driver seat of a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. There was also a 53-year-old male with major injuries trapped within the driver seat of a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The initial investigation determined the 53-year-old male from Ventura was driving the Honda westbound on State Route 126, east of Fillmore, at approximately 60 MPH. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Honda to travel into eastbound lanes directly into the path of the oncoming Volkswagen, where they crashed head-on. The driver of the Volkswagen received fatal injuries as a result of this crash. The driver of the Honda was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital by ambulance with major injuries. No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown. This incident resulted in the closure of the eastbound lanes of State Route 126 for approximately 45 minutes while CHP officers conducted the on-scene investigation. At approximately 8:30 P.M., the eastbound lanes were diverted through the center median. The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and CalTrans responded to the scene to assist with the extrication, medical care and scene safety. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene. For additional information regarding the deceased, please contact the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office at (805) 641-4400. The crash is being investigated by the CHP’s Moorpark area office. Any potential witnesses who have not already given their statements to an investigating officer or have potential dash camera footage of this crash are encouraged to contact the CHP’s Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800. |