On Friday, August 22nd, Flashes Football kicked off the 2025 season taking on Simi Valley Royal Highlanders, defeating them 49-3. Above is Flashes Varsity offense carrying the ball up the field during Friday night’s game. This Friday, August 29th, Fillmore will host their home opener and Education Appreciation Night against Chaffey High School; JV at 4p.m.; Varsity at 7p.m. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

On Friday, August 22nd, the Flashes JV and Varsity football teams kicked off the 2025 season against the Simi Valley Highlanders. Above is Varsity’s #19 running into the end zone scoring a touchdown for the Flashes. Inset, the JV game, with #4 making his way past a Highlander player. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Pictured is Flashes Varsity #’s 51 & 23 putting a stop to a Simi Valley player. Final score Flashes 49 – Highlanders 3. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

Above are a few Flashes players taking down a Highlander in this past Friday’s game. Final score Flashes 6 – Highlanders 14. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed.

The Fillmore Flashes opened the 2025 football season in dominant fashion last Friday night, defeating Royal High School 49-3 on the road. The win marked the Flashes’ first victory over the Highlanders since 1968, a historic milestone made even more memorable as Fillmore took the field in their Columbia blue throwback jerseys.

Defensively, Fillmore was relentless, forcing four turnovers and nearly pitching a shutout. Carlos Cabral, Angel Rodriguez, Gabriel Magana, and Miguel Martinez each came up with a fumble recovery, setting the tone for a suffocating effort that left Royal frustrated all night. Special teams also shined, with key contributions from Edgar Castellon, Juan Rondon, and Isaac Rivera to round out a complete team performance.

From the opening whistle, Fillmore left no doubt. The Flashes scored touchdowns on each of their first three offensive plays, storming to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. The offense looked unstoppable, with senior running back Jasiah Patterson carrying the ball eight times for 90 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Alamillo added both a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Saul Fraga led the receiving corps with a strong performance reminiscent of his standout 2024 sophomore season.

Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Enlarge Photo

On 08/12/2025, a male juvenile along with Axel Martinez and Pedro Lara Jr. were arrested for firearm offenses and their involvement with gang-related graffiti which occurred in the unincorporated area north of Fillmore known as Lookout Point.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. 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.

On 08/12/2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, a diligent member of the community reported graffiti vandalism that was actively occurring at a turnout along Goodenough Road north of Fillmore. The community member was able to provide a vehicle description associated with the suspects.

Upon their arrival, deputies were able to confirm a gang-related graffiti vandalism had just occurred. Deputies canvased the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by the reporting party parked on B Street near Fifth Street.

The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, who were later identified as Axel Martinez, Pedro Lara Jr. and a 17-year-old juvenile. All three male subjects are associated to a tagging crew/criminal street gang and were detained pursuant to the investigation.

During the detention, deputies located a loaded, semi-automatic handgun concealed in the juvenile’s waistband. Additionally, deputies located spray paint cans and other evidence linking the three suspects to the vandalism.

As a result of the on-scene investigation, Axel Martinez was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor].

Pedro Lara Jr was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor].

The male juvenile was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 626.9(b) - [Possession of a Firearm in A School Zone], Penal Code § 25400(a)(2) – [Carry Concealed Firearm Upon Person], and Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carry Loaded Firearm].

Both Lara Jr and Martinez were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings, while the juvenile male was lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center.

On 08/14/2025, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three individuals’ residences located in Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe apartments. At about 2:45 PM, detectives along with Fillmore Patrol personnel executed the search warrant at all three residences. As a result of the search warrants, additional evidence was located linking Martinez, Lara and the juvenile male to the vandalism.

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: Detective Angel Guerrero
News Release Date: 08/15/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
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).

The Fillmore Police Department will be conducting a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on August 29th, 2025, at an undisclosed location(s) within the city limits.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription medications, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2023, more than 4,000 people were killed in alcohol and drug-involved crashes on California roads and many more injured. Locally, over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 15 lives of our family and friends.

The Fillmore Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a safe and fun night that doesn’t involve a DUI if you plan on drinking or taking medications that can affect your ability to operate a vehicle:

• Always use a designated sober driver, ride-share, cab or other public transportation to get home.
• If you see someone who is clearly impaired attempt to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a safe way home.
• Report drunk drivers by calling “911.”
• If you or someone you know is hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks, and monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fillmore Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Prepared by: Deputy Chennault
News Release Date: August 19, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Chief of Police

By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed.

The Fillmore Flashes are back under the Friday night lights.

After an impressive run that’s turned heads across the county, the Flashes enter the 2025 season with confidence, experience, and a hunger for more. With playoff berths in four of the last five seasons—setting a school record for consecutive postseason appearances—and two league titles in the past three years, this isn’t just a good run. It’s a golden era for Fillmore football.

Leading the charge this season is a battle-tested group of returning starters who’ve grown into the heartbeat of the team. Middle linebacker and running back Carlos Cabral brings punishing physicality on both sides of the ball and a steady hand as a team captain. In the trenches, Marcus Lechuga anchors the defensive line with grit and leadership that sets the tone for the Flashes’ hard-nosed identity.

On the outside, Mauricio Ocegueda returns as a versatile threat at wide receiver and linebacker—equally dangerous catching the deep ball and stuffing a run. A stalwart offensive line is lead by 3-year returning starter at center, Genaro Villela who provides experience, reliability, and the kind of toughness you want leading the offensive line.

Then there’s Thomas Alamillo, the human spark plug. The returning offensive MVP is a dynamic two-way playmaker who can flip a game in a single play. Whether he’s slicing through defenses or making critical stops, Alamillo is must-watch football every time he steps on the field.

Adding some additional electricity to the team are returning underclassmen Saul Fraga, Brandon Lane, and Mathew Zavala. Fraga led the team in receiving as a sophomore in 2024 and looks poised for a stellar season at wide receiver and defensive back. Brandon Lane returns for his second season starting on the offensive line making the transition from right to left tackle. Mathew Zavala proved to be a physical weapon in his sophomore season at defensive end and tight end. He returns for the 2025 season to boost the Bolt’s presence in the trenches.

But the Flashes won’t ease into the season. They open this Friday, August 22nd, on the road against a formidable Royal Highlanders squad—an early test that will show just how battle-ready this team is. The Highlanders boast size and power, but Fillmore’s experience and leadership could be the difference under pressure.

And then... the home opener. Mark your calendars for August 29th, when the Flashes finally return to Fillmore for what promises to be a night to remember. With the stands full and the town behind them, expect fireworks—both literal and on the field.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/venturacountyfire
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/venturacountyfire, Posted August 19, 2025

A Red Flag Warning has been issued in the Ventura County and Los Angeles County area. Temperatures will be in the 95-110 degree range with critically low humidity and the possibility of thunderstorms throughout weekend which creates a high possibly for a fast moving rapidly growing fire.

VCFD will be staffing additional resources to prepare for any potential wildfire incident including:

4 hand crews
3 water tenders
2 patrols
2 dozers
2 helicopter and HT-40
2 additional dispatchers

Make sure you are prepared for a wildfire emergency. Visit vcfd.org/ready-set-go/ for important preparation tips. Make sure you are registered for emergency alerts and evacuation notifications at VCAlert.org. If a fire does break out, follow VCEmergency.com for the latest fire and evacuation updates.