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On Monday, February 16, at approximately 9:02 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR paramedics, the Ventura County Air Unit, and the California Highway Patrol responded to a two‑vehicle collision on westbound SR‑126 near Pyle Road. When firefighters arrived, they found a Ford work truck and a Tesla involved in the crash.
The Tesla’s driver, a 60‑year‑old man, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center. A 61‑year‑old woman from Modesto, who was also in the Tesla, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford work truck, a 38‑year‑old man from Simi Valley, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
According to a CHP press release, the pair from Modesto had been traveling eastbound on Highway 126 when, for unknown reasons, their vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes. CHP stated that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the crash. It was raining at the time, and the roadway was wet.

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On 02/06/2026, at about 10:37 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care.
Detectives are actively investigating this stabbing and are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the incident. Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact Detective Axel Morales or Detective Dustin Heersche at (805) 524-2233. Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous.
Any person with information regarding the incident 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/26-1... 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: 02/12/2026
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).
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Nature of Incident: Fillmore Stabbing Investigation
Report Number: 26-17115
Location: 500 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/06/2026, 10:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unita
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence; Age
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore
(S) Unknown, Unknown, Unknown

2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver-level recognition
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Fillmore High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver-level recognition for its Advanced Placement program’s strong results and broad student participation.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening participation for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflects commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
“This recognition is a tremendous point of pride for our entire district,” said Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle. “I want to thank our Board of Education for their clear direction and unwavering support, and I am deeply grateful to the teachers and administrative staff at Fillmore High School for their dedication to student success and for always putting students first. Most importantly, I congratulate the students of Fillmore High School—this achievement belongs to you and reflects your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.”
The recognition reflects Fillmore High School’s sustained commitment to academic rigor, student support, and inclusive practices that prepare graduates for postsecondary success. Through intentional counseling, dedicated instruction, and encouragement of broad participation, the school has created an environment where students are challenged academically and supported in reaching their goals. The achievement also highlights the collaborative efforts of the school and the Fillmore Unified School District in prioritizing college readiness and opportunity for all students.
Fillmore High School had 51% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 32% of seniors scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 13% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams. The school currently offers 18 AP courses across 23 sections, taught by 16 dedicated teachers.
College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admissions officers that students have sought the most challenging curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

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On Saturday, February 14, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a Fillmore patrol deputy advised dispatch that the unit was attempting to stop a black Nissan Altima. The vehicle failed to yield, and the deputy initiated a pursuit on First Street at A Street. The Altima continued northbound on A Street before coming to a stop at Third Street and Fernglen Circle. The driver was taken into custody and arrested for Stolen Vehicle-PC 496(a), VC 10851(a), and VC 2800.2(a). The driver was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

On Friday, February 13, at approximately 4:12 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR paramedics, and the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported two‑vehicle crash at Chambersburg Road and Riverside Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters located two vehicles, one fully engulfed in flames. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

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CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026, 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
Final Votes:
Item 4: Approval of Agenda - Villasenor motion, Broggie second - passed 5-0
Items 8A-8C: Consent Calendar - Garnica motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 9A: Approval of FY 2026-27 Budget Development Guidelines and Schedule - Garnica motion, Broggie second - passed 5-0
Item 9B: Approval of contract extension with Ventura County Animal Services - Broggie motion, Villasenor - passed 5-0
Item 9C: Authorization of agreement with Arroyo Irrigation to modernize irrigation controllers - Villasenor motion, Broggie second - passed 5-0
Item 9D: Adoption of Ordinance 26-991 to increase City Council salaries - Villasenor motion, Garnica second - passed 5-0
Item 9E: Approval of first amendment to City Manager employment agreement - Garnica motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
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1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE 116TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING AND CUB SCOUT PACK 3406
5.B PROCLAMATION HONORING THE 116TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING AND SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 406
5.C PROCLAMATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH
5.D PRESENTATION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS
5.E UPDATE ON COMMUNICATIONS ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SR COMMUNICATION EFFORTS REPORT.PDF
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8.A THROUGH 8.C IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A JANUARY 13, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.B JANUARY 27, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.C CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 10, 2026
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 10, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A FY 2026-27 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE SR -FY 2026-27 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE FINAL.PDF
9.B APPROVAL OF 2026-2027 SERVICE LEVEL REQUEST AND ONE YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES SR 2026 VCAS.PDF
9.C AUTHORIZATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ARROYO IRRIGATION TO ASSIST IN THE MODERNIZATION OF IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS CITYWIDE. 
SR - APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH ARROYO IRRIGATION FOR THE IRRIGATION MODERNIZATION PROJECT. FINAL.PDF
9.D ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-991: INCREASING CITY COUNCIL SALARIES
SR - SB 329 SALARY INCREASE 1ST READING(2085829.3).PDF
9.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 2025 CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF FILLMORE & ERIKA HERRERA FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 2025 CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
- WELL 10 UPDATE
- C STREET CLOSURE AND SEWER INFRAESTRUCTURE WORK
- STATUS UPDATE ON ERF GRANT IMPLEMENTATION AND UNHOUSED ASSISTANCE EFFORTS
- TIMELINE FOR CITYWIDE WEED ABATEMENT ACTIVIES
- BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE: HELD MONTLY ON THE FIRST MONDAY
- STREET MAINTENANCE UPDATE
- CITY HALL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH AND MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH.
11. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation - The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: City of Fillmore vs. Jacob Cooper, et al; Case Number 56-2023-00575230-CU-OR-VTA; Ventura County Superior Court.
11.A CLOSED SESSION- FEBRUARY 10, 2026, CLOSED SESSION - FEBRUARY 10, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 ,2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Solution Tree recognized Mountain Vista Elementary as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community for its success in raising student achievement. The district’s commitment to implementing the Professional Learning Community process has been a major contributing factor in making a visible, positive impact on student learning.
Responding to news of the recognition, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle expressed gratitude to all staff at Mountain Vista for their commitment to raising student achievement and creating a positive school culture. Mountain Vista School is working as a collaborative team and focusing on student learning. We look forward to continued growth and student success.
Professional Learning Communities are schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a Professional Learning Community call upon educators to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results orientation.
Promising Practices schools are recognized for building a strong foundation based on the Professional Learning Community concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least one to two years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture, and submit its application for consideration by the Professional Learning Community Review Committee.

Released via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCpublicworks/posts/pfbid02Q3F1bqX74BA4iDbXX6i9...
From VCPWA:
“Balcom Canyon Road is officially reopened to the public after being closed since Spring 2024. The Ventura County Public Works Agency (PWA) has completed all necessary repairs and safety improvements, restoring full access for residents, ranching operations, and emergency services. The closure followed significant roadway damage caused by a landslide, requiring extensive assessment, design, and construction to ensure long-term stability. Crews worked through challenging site conditions to rebuild the damaged section, improve drainage, and reinforce the surrounding embankments.
Supervisor Kelly Long’s office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency appreciate the community’s patience throughout the closure and extend their thanks to the construction crews and engineers, whose coordinated efforts made the reopening possible. With repairs now complete, Balcom Canyon Road is once again safe for travel and ready to serve the community for years to come. “The reopening of Balcom Canyon Road restores a critical connection between the Santa Clara Valley, Camarillo, and surrounding communities. This corridor plays an important role in keeping residents, businesses, and emergency services connected. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ventura County Public Works Agency for their hard work and commitment in repairing this road after significant storm damage and safely reopening it for the community,” said Supervisor Long.”

Pictured top left to right is Michelle Pinedo, Skyla Sandoval, Delilah Cervantez, Sophia Rivera, middle: Tania Vazquez, Sofia Montelongo, Alani Alvarado, Aubree Herrera, kneeling: Naomi Bonilla. Not pictured: Sophia Valdovinos and Annabelle Olaguez. Photo credit Lurdes Bonilla.
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By FHS Girls Head Coach Michael Torres
OXNARD — The Fillmore Flashes girls wrestling team competed at the Citrus Coast League Wrestling Finals on Saturday, February 7, crowning three league champions and placing wrestlers across multiple weight classes at Hueneme High School.
Leading the charge was junior Naomi Bonilla, who captured her second consecutive league championship while earning recognition as the CCL Lower Weight Most Valuable Player. Bonilla, a team captain in her second year of wrestling, has established herself as one of the premier lightweights in the league.
Senior co-captains Skyla Sandoval and Michelle Pinedo joined Bonilla atop the podium. Sandoval successfully defended her title at 135 pounds, becoming a two-time league champion, while Pinedo broke through for her first league championship at 130 pounds. All three captains are second-year wrestlers who have quickly made their mark on the program.
The Flashes’ young talent was on full display throughout the tournament, with seven additional wrestlers earning medals. Freshman Alani Alvarado secured second place at 110 pounds, while classmate Aubree Herrera took third at 115 pounds. Senior Delilah Cervantez added a second-place finish at 120 pounds, and freshman Sophia Valdovinos claimed third at 125 pounds.
The freshman class continued to shine in the upper weights, with Sofia Montelongo placing second at 140 pounds, Sophia Rivera earning third at 155 pounds, and Annabelle Olaguez taking third at 190 pounds. Freshman Tania Vazquez also captured the JV championship at 130 pounds.
All varsity medal winners have qualified to compete in the CIF Individual Championships, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 13-14, at Adelanto High School.
The strong showing by Fillmore’s wrestlers, particularly the impressive freshman contingent, signals a bright future for the program as it continues to build momentum in the Citrus Coast League. “We’ve got something special building here,” said Fillmore head coach Michael Torres, “if our girls all stick with it, I see them fighting for a league team championship in the next couple of seasons.”