On 10/15/2026, (S) Richard Apodaca, 55, and Eric Steinberg, 54, were arrested for grand theft, vandalism, and conspiracies to commit those crimes following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Detective Unit.
During late July 2026, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the Mupu Elementary School located in the 4400 block of N. Ojai Road in unincorporated area north of Santa Paula regarding a reported vandalism and grand theft investigation. During the initial investigation, staff identified former custodians (S) Richard Apodaca and (S) Eric Steinberg as the suspected individuals involved. The investigation revealed the theft of school property and vandalism that resulted in damages estimated to be in thousands of dollars.
The Fillmore Detective Unit subsequently assumed the investigation and conducted additional investigative follow-up. As a result of their efforts, detectives obtained a search warrant for Apodaca, Steinberg, and their residence located in the 200 block of Los Cabos Lane, unincorporated Ventura.
On 10/15/2026, at about 4:00 PM, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit and West County Special Enforcement Unit served the search warrant at Apodaca’s and Steinberg’s residence which resulted in the seizure of evidence related to the crimes under investigation.
Following the investigation and search warrant service, Apodaca and Steinberg were arrested for violations of Penal Code § 487(a) – [Grand Theft], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism], and Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime]. They were both transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where they were booked pending court proceedings.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.
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: 10/16/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Vandals Arrested
Report Number: 26-95155
Location: Mupu Elementary School
4400 block of N. Ojai Road, unincorporated Santa Paula

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Posted October 14, 2026, courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org
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The Fillmore Unified School District is immensely proud to announce that our very own Marcus Lechuga (Class of ’26) has been officially named the Los Angeles Rams male nominee for the fourth annual NFL Latino Youth Honors. Marcus was recently celebrated on the field during a Monday Night Football game between the Rams and the Bills, where he received a personalized game ball and jersey in recognition of his hard work and dedication.
Chosen from thousands of candidates across the country, Marcus is one of only 32 male nominees nationwide representing NFL club markets. The rigorous selection process evaluates student-athletes not just on their athleticism and sportsmanship, but on academic achievement (maintaining a strong GPA), leadership, community service, and deep pride in their family’s Latino heritage and culture. Marcus’s exemplary character both in the classroom and on the football field truly embodies the core values of our district and highlights the inspiring leaders growing right here in Fillmore.
Looking ahead, Marcus’s journey with the NFL Latino Youth Honors continues as he vies for a chance to be selected as one of eight division finalists. These finalists will receive college grant awards of up to $25,000 and gain access to exclusive mentorship programs and special events leading up to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles. The Fillmore Unified School District congratulates Marcus on this extraordinary milestone and looks forward to supporting him as he continues to shine on the national stage.

Posted September 10, 2026, at 6:48pm. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid= 1486069600220274&set= pcb.1486069620220272
Get ready for a spooktacular night in Fillmore! The City of Fillmore Trunk or Treat is coming October 28th to Central Ave. & Downtown! Bring the whole family for a night of decorated cars, costumes, and FREE TREATS! Sensory Friendly Hour: 5–6 PM, Open to All: 6–8 PM. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy some Halloween fun with the community! Register today by scanning the QR code or at the link in our bio! For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at 805-524-3701 ext. 713.

On Friday, October 16, at 8:24 a.m., Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in the 300 block of Blaine Avenue. Arriving firefighters located a trash can fire at the side of the residence and were able to contain it. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

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PAGE9
Pictured is a Fillmore firefighter setting up a fire/smoke alarm while delivering pizza to a local resident.

On Wednesday, October 7, Fillmore Fire Department and Fillmore Dominos’ and National Fire Protection Association in recognition of Fire Prevention month on 9 deliveries where the crews checked for Fire Prevention Month, Fillmore firefighters partnered with Fillmore Domino’s and the National Fire Protection Association on 9 pizza deliveries. Crews checked smoke alarms, installed working alarms in one home, and corrected an improperly installed alarm in another.
Working smoke alarms provide early warning so your family can get outside quickly. Keep yours ready:
- Test monthly using the test button.
- Replace the entire alarm 10 years after its manufacture date.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for batteries and maintenance.
- Have alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level.
Check your alarms today—working smoke alarms save lives!

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On October 11, 2026, at approximately 10:35 a.m., a patrol deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a motorcyclist near Santa Clara Street and McCampbell Street in Fillmore. The deputy contacted the 36-year-old male driver, a Fillmore resident, and advised him of the traffic violation. During the contact, the suspect fled on foot. Deputies conducted an extensive search but were unable to locate him. The motorcycle was subsequently towed from the scene as deputies continued their investigation. At approximately 12:47 p.m., a patrol deputy spotted the suspect walking near Santa Clara Street and B Street. When deputies attempted to contact him, the suspect again fled on foot. Deputies established a perimeter and utilized a police helicopter and drone to assist in the search. Despite an extensive search of the area, the suspect was not located. On October 12, 2026, the suspect voluntarily arrived at the Fillmore Police Station, where he was arrested for violating California Penal Code section 148(a)(1), resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m. City Hall
Final votes from last night’s meeting:
4. Approval of the Agenda - Garnica motioned, Villaseñor seconded: 5-0 pass
8. Approval of the Consent Calendar - Villaseñor Motion, Seconded by Garnica: 5-0 pass
9.A. Villaseñor motioned to approve and adopt Resolution 26-4133 appointing Ashely B. Conolly as the City’s representative to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) Advisory Committee, following review and recommendation by the City Council Ad Hoc Committee. Garnica Seconded: 5-0 Pass
9.B. Receive and file this informational report regarding the principal approval pathways that may apply to housing development projects under California law and provide direction to staff, if desired, regarding additional public education or future policy discussion.
9.C. Villaseñor Motioned to Conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 26-1003 / Zoning Ordinance Amendment (“ZOA”) 26-03; Receive and consider all public testimony and evidence presented regarding the proposed; Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1003, approving ZOA 26-03, amending Section 6.04.9610 (Definitions) of the Fillmore Municipal Code to update the definition of a kitchen and the definition of a wet bar and finding of exemption from CEQA. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 6.04.9610 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6.04.9610 FOR THE DEFINITIONS OF KITCHEN AND WET BAR AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA, Rodriguez Seconded: 5-0 Pass
9.D. Garnica motioned to conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 26-1004 / Zoning Ordinance Amendment (“ZOA”) 26-04; Receive and consider all public testimony and evidence presented regarding the proposed amendment; and Approve first reading to introduce Ordinance 26-1004 approving ZOA 26-04, amending the Fillmore Municipal Code to clarify that computer data centers are not an allowed use within the City of Fillmore, including within the Business Park and Industrial zoning districts and finding of exemption from CEQA. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 6.04.0810 AND ADDING CHAPTER 6.04.43 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA. Rodriguez Seconded: 5-0 Pass
9.E. Adopt the following resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 26-4136, entitled “A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Fillmore Determining The Validity Of Prior Proceedings, Establishing Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) Of The City Of Fillmore, Authorizing The Levy Of A Special Tax Within Said District, Establishing An Appropriations Limit, Approving An Acquisition And Funding Agreement And Taking Certain Other Actions Relating To Said District.”
2. Resolution No. 26-4137, entitled “A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Fillmore Acting In Its Capacity As The Legislative Body Of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) Of The City Of Fillmore, Determining The Necessity To Incur Bonded Indebtedness In An Amount Not To Exceed $10,000,000 Within Said District; And Calling A Special Election Within Said District.”
Garnica motioned to approve Resolutions 26-4136 and 26-4137. Rodriguez Second: 5-0 Pass
3. Resolution No. 26-4138, entitled, “A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Fillmore, Acting In Its Capacity As The Legislative Body Of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) Of The City Of Fillmore, Declaring The Results Of A Special Election Relating To The Levy Of A Special Tax Therein, The Issuance Of Bonded Indebtedness And The Establishment Of An Appropriations Limit.”
Staff recommends that Ordinance No. 26-1005 entitled, “An Ordinance Of The City Council Of Fillmore, Acting In Its Capacity As The Legislative Body Of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) Of The City Of Fillmore, Authorizing The Levy Of A Special Tax Within Said District” be introduced and have its first reading.
Rodriguez motioned to approve resolution 26-4138 and Ordinance 26-1005. Garnica Seconded: 5-0 pass
9.F. Garnica motioned to approve and adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the renovation of restrooms at the Police Station located at 524 Sespe Avenue, known as Project Specification No. 25-11 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids. Broggie Seconded: 5-0 pass.
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AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. Economic Development Collaborative
5.B. Fillmore Town Theater – 110th Anniversary
5.C. Proclamation Declaring October 2026 as National Bullying Prevention Month
5.D. Proclamation Declaring October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
5.E. Proclamation Declaring October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month
5.F. Proclamation Declaring October 2026 as California Firefighter Appreciation Month
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, AND COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Recommendation: Approve Items 8.A. through 8.F. by voice vote.
8.A. September 8, 2026 – Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
8.B. City of Fillmore Warrant Register – October 13, 2026
8.C. Approval of the Notice of Completion for the Installation of Phase 1 of the Catch Basin Retrofit Project, Project Specification No. 25-12
8.D. Adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 26-02, Ordinance No. 26-998, Amending Section 6.04.5805 of the Fillmore Municipal Code Governing the Operation of Pop-Up Businesses, and Finding of Exemption from CEQA
8.E. Santa Clara River Valley Health Care Advocacy Resolution
8.F. Adoption of Plans, Specifications, and Cost Estimate for the A Street Slope Failure Repair Project and Authorization to Advertise for Construction Bids
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A. Advisory Committee Member Nomination of Ashley B. Conolly to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) Advisory Committee
9.B. 2026 Housing Project Approval Pathways Under California Housing Law
9.C. Public Hearing: Consideration of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 26-03, Ordinance No. 26-1003, Amending Fillmore Municipal Code Section 6.04.9610 (Definitions), and Finding of Exemption from CEQA
9.D. Public Hearing: Consideration of Zoning Text Amendment No. 26-04, Ordinance No. 26-1004, Amending the Fillmore Municipal Code to Clarify That Computer Data Centers Are Not an Allowed Use in the City, Including in the City’s Business Park and Industrial Zones, and Finding of Exemption from CEQA
9.E. Formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside)
9.F. Adoption of Plans, Specifications, and Cost Estimate for Project Specification No. 25-11, Police Station Restrooms Renovation Project, and Authorization to Advertise for Construction Bids
10. CITY MANAGER
City Manager’s Verbal Report
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to consider negotiations and provide direction to its negotiators regarding the following real property: 575 1st Street, Fillmore, CA 93015, APN: 053-0-010-050. The City’s real property negotiators, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Attorney, will seek direction from the City Council regarding the price and terms for this property.
11.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) due to significant exposure to litigation in two cases.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Albert Mendez will adjourn the meeting to the next regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.