Posted on 5/27/2026 3:34:00 PM, courtesy https://www.vcoe.org/news/ArticleID/10242/
Teen-Journeys-Solo-to-the-US-to-Pursue-His-American-Dream
Juan Garcia will soon walk across the stage at Fillmore High School to receive his diploma. For many of his peers, graduation is an expected milestone. For Juan, it is the hard-won realization of a dream that began thousands of miles away, fueled by sheer determination and an unwavering belief in himself.
He was born in Camarillo, but his family returned to Mexico when he was just eight months old. He grew up on a remote ranch perched on a mountain peak in the Mexican state of Michoacán, surrounded by sheep, horses, and chickens. While his family provided for his basic needs, there was no money to fund his dream of higher education.
At just 14 years old, Juan made a life-altering, courageous decision: he would return to the United States alone.
As a U.S. citizen, he was able to board a plane, but arriving in California without his family was a daunting reality. “It was very scary because nobody was there to help me,” Juan recalls. “But I was not afraid to work to sustain myself.”
That work ethic quickly became his defining trait. Settling first in Camarillo and later moving to Fillmore to find more affordable rent, he became a student at Fillmore High School and did whatever it took to survive. Last year, he balanced a grueling 37-hour work week at a local restaurant with his full-time high school classes. “My eyes were black because of how little sleep I got,” he said, remembering fighting exhaustion while juggling the demands of work and school.
During the years he spent at his family’s remote Mexican ranch, with few nearby resources, Juan developed a talent for finding solutions to his problems out of necessity. That skill turned into a passion for auto repair. “When I lived on the peak of the mountains, I didn’t have mechanics to help me,” Juan said. “That’s why I wanted to learn how to fix cars.”
Back in the U.S., he was determined to hone his craft, so he walked into a local auto shop and asked for a job. Today, he works 20 hours a week at the shop while also running his own mobile mechanic business. It is not uncommon for him to finish a job at two in the morning before heading to school the next day.
Juan credits his English Language Development teachers for helping him find his footing and master his most important asset. “To the immigrants who come here, I tell them to learn English. It is the most powerful tool,” Juan advises. He also expresses deep gratitude to Norma Pérez-Sandford, a counselor with the Fillmore Unified School District, who he describes as “the most wonderful woman in the district.”
When asked about the increasing negativity toward immigrants, Juan responds with empathy rather than anger. “They grew up with a house, with food, not having trouble. They don’t understand how immigrants grow up. In the United States, it is easier to get food and go to school.”
Juan has already registered at Ventura College to earn a degree in automotive technology, with the ultimate goal of opening his own shop in Ventura or Los Angeles. Though his parents can’t attend his graduation, they will be celebrating from Michoacán, knowing they raised a son who took their lessons in self-reliance to heart.
“My principal dream when I came to the United States was to finish high school,” Juan said. “And I’m going to do it.”

The Fillmore Lions Club would like to announce the students from Fillmore High School that were awarded scholarships for 2026. The scholarship award process is rigorous and requires students to submit an essay, community service log and high school transcript. A scholarship review committee is formed to review these requirements, and though all the students were highly qualified, only eight students were selected.
Three types of scholarships are awarded. The first one is the Hank Carrillo Memorial Scholarship. This was awarded to Brayden Ibarra and Casey Spore. The second scholarship is for students seeking an associate’s degree or vocational school and this scholarship was awarded to Diego Tapia and Aideth Gonzalez. And the third scholarship is awarded to those seeking a bachelor’s degree and this scholarship was awarded to Ruby Bronsten, Lizbeth Mendez, Christine Nguyen, and Anndee Bacerra.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 1:21pm, officers from the California High Patrol were in pursuit of a white Subaru in the area of Briggs Road and SR 126. The pursuit was headed toward the City of Fillmore and CHP requested our assistance, as the vehicle was registered to an address in the 500 block of Finch Court in Fillmore. The pursuit ended as the male driver arrived at his residence on Finch Court and was detained by deputies and CHP officers. No arrest was made. CHP handled the investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

Above is evidence uncovered during the investigation. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

On 05/21/2026, Daniel Robles was found to be in possession of a firearm and controlled substances. He was arrested for several felony weapons and drug related offenses.
At about 10:55 AM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the 1300 block of Goodenough Road in unincorporated Fillmore reference a suspicious vehicle. As deputies arrived, they contacted (S) Daniel Robles as he was exiting his vehicle. As the patrol investigation unfolded, deputies developed probable cause to search Robles and his vehicle. As a result, deputies located a loaded, unregistered firearm, and controlled substances.
Ultimately, Robles was arrested for felony violations of Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], Penal Code § 29805 – [Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm], Health & Safety Code § 11550(e) – [Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance While in Possession of a Firearm], Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – [Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition], Penal Code § 25400(a) – [Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Vehicle], Health & Safety Code § 11370(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance], and Health & Safety Code § 11350(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance].
Robles was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was 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: 05/22/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Subject Arrested for Firearm & Drug Related Offenses
Report Number: 26-64754
Location: 1300 block of Goodenough Rd, unincorporated Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/21/2026 @ 10:55 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Daniel Robles, Fillmore, 37
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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).

On Friday, May 15, Fillmore Police Department held a Driver’s License & DUI Checkpoint on Central Avenue, north of Ventura Street from 6pm to 1am. A total of 293 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 248 drivers were contacted. Above and below are some photos of the officers conducting sobriety tests on drivers. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The Fillmore Police Department conducted a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on May 15th, 2026, on Central Ave between Ventura Street and Santa Clara Street from 6:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M., in the city of Fillmore. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office personnel were assisted by the Oxnard Police Department Motor Traffic Unit. A total of 293 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, with 248 drivers being contacted.
Two drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (23152(a) CVC) and Driving with a Blood Alcohol Level of 0.08% or More (23152(b) CVC). One driver was arrested for Delaying or Obstructing a Peace Officer (148(a)(1) PC). One driver was arrested for Concealing One’s Identity while in the Commission of a Crime (185 PC). One driver was arrested for Illegal Concealment of a Firearm (25400 PC). Additionally, 20 drivers were cited for various vehicle code violations including Failure to Obey Signs (21460(a) CVC) and Driving while Unlicensed (12500(a) CVC).
DUI Checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving- related crashes. The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the roadway.
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: 05/20/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Chief of Police
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Nature of Incident: Five People Arrested during Driver’s License / DUI Checkpoint
Location: Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: May 15th, 2026 (6:00 PM to 1:00 AM)
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Camarillo Police Department – Traffic Bureau, Oxnard Police Department – Traffic Bureau

Pictured is Danny Golson reading the names of those who died in service of their country. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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Pictured is the Rt. Rev. Robert Hammond who gave the inspirational speech, including Psalms 23 and 65, and Isaiah 25:6-9. He ended with John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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Above are Fillmore’s Boy Scout Troop 406 holding flags representing the five branches of the military. The troop, as well as Cub Scout Troop 3400, helped with the Pledge of Allegiance during the Memorial Day ceremony. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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Monday, May 25, 2026, Bardsdale Cemetery held its annual Memorial Day Service. At 11am the public was invited to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. This year’s speaker was Jamie Arundell Latshaw. Also, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Ordinary Robert Hammond gave the inspirational message. Music was provided by local resident Greg Agostinelli. The local VFW Post 9637 and Boy Scout Troop 406 assisted with the program. Danny Golson read the names who died in service of their country. Taps was performed by board member Bill Morris. Water and cookies were provided after the service.
Below is Jamie Arundell-Latshaw’s speech in full:
Memorial Day Speech
Jamie Arundell – Latshaw
May 25, 2026
It is an honor to be here in Fillmore, the town where I grew up, on Memorial Day, in a place set apart for remembrance. There are some places where words feel too small, and a cemetery on Memorial Day is one of them. We gather here with gratitude, with humility, and with the understanding that this day is not about speeches or pageantry. It is about memory. It is about sacrifice. And it is about the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.
Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day. Veterans Day honors all who have served. Memorial Day asks us to pause and remember those who never got to come home, those who did not get the chance to grow old, raise families, build careers, or tell their own stories. It is a day to remember the fallen, to honor their families, and to reflect on the cost of the freedoms we enjoy.
I grew up in a family where service was part of the story. As many of you know, my mom and dad were elementary school teachers out at Piru. As the daughter of two teachers, I witnessed my parents serving every day. Serving their students, their school, their community. But before my dad, Jim Arundell, served as an educator, he served in the United States Marine Corps. My uncle, John Arundell, served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. My husband, Leroy, retired after 21 years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot. My sister Julie served in Afghanistan, as an Army nurse, and my brother-in-law Ian served there as an Infantry officer. So when I stand here today, I do not stand here as one veteran talking about her own service. I stand here as part of a family shaped by service across generations.
And I also stand here as someone deeply rooted in this town.
In many ways, my family’s story is woven into the story of Fillmore. Thomas Arundell, a beekeeper, homesteaded in Pole Creek in 1879. My great-uncle Art Arundell, whom many of you may remember as Fillmore’s beloved librarian, also served during World War II. My Aunt Judy, who was born here as a fellow Arundell, is still in Fillmore, and while our family remains part of this community, I am the last person in Fillmore who was born with the Arundell name. That makes standing here, in this town and in this place, especially meaningful to me. It feels personal, and it feels like home.
Fillmore taught me a great deal about service before I ever understood what military service really meant. It taught me that you show up for your neighbors. That you work hard. That people know your name, know your family, and expect you to be part of something bigger than yourself. In a small town, service is not just a concept. It is how people live.
After graduating from Fillmore High School, Class of ’93, I went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. West Point challenged me in every possible way. I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going. After screwing up and failing over and over again, West Point taught me that leadership isn’t about rank or recognition. It is about responsibility. It is about taking care of the people to the right and left of you. It’s about doing your job well when it is hard, when nobody is watching, and when the stakes are real.
After West Point, I was commissioned as a transportation officer in the U.S. Army. My assignments took me to Germany, Macedonia, Kosovo, Greece, Poland, to Fort Irwin in the Mojave Desert, and later to recruiting command in Northern California. My job was not the kind that often becomes the subject of movies or headlines. I wasn’t kicking down doors, I was moving people, equipment, and supplies where they needed to be. But I learned quickly that in the military, every job matters. Convoys matter. Ports matter. Logistics matter. Training matters. Leadership matters. The jobs that sound ordinary are often the very jobs that keep others alive.
One of the most meaningful experiences of my life happened during a 1999 deployment to Macedonia in support of Operation Joint Guardian. That is where I met my husband, Leroy. He was a helicopter pilot. I was a logistics officer. At the time, we were just two young officers doing our jobs, serving our country, and we had no way of knowing that deployment would shape the rest of our lives.
That deployment also gave me one of those unforgettable “it’s a small world” moments that I have carried with me ever since.
During one convoy, as our unit was passing through the Macedonia-Kosovo border, we were stopped for a security check. I was sitting in the back of a HMMWV, tired and dusty after a mission, when an American woman in a Red Cross uniform walked up to our vehicle. She was talking to soldiers and handing out care packages. She came up to me and asked where I was from.
“I’m from California, ma’am.”
She said, “Oh really, whereabouts?”
I said, “Southern California.”
She said, “What city?”
And I said, “A small town in Ventura County called Fillmore.”
Now, I usually did not say Fillmore, because most people had never heard of it. But when I said it, she stopped in her tracks: “Fillmore?! I used to live in Fillmore… on Island View Street.”
I looked at her and said, “Are you serious? When I was a baby, WE lived on Island View Street.”
She looked down at my uniform nametag and said, “Arundell? Jim and Diane Arundell? They lived across the street from me. I remember your grandfather and your great-uncle, Ginnie and Art Arundell. I remember when you were born. I was standing outside in my driveway when they brought you home from the hospital.”
That woman’s name was Margaret Williams. Who would have thought that in the middle of a dusty road, halfway around the world, on a military deployment, I would meet my neighbor from Fillmore for the first time?
That story has always reminded me that no matter how far we travel, how far we serve, or how far life takes us, we’re never too far away from home.
Later on in my career, I served as a company commander at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, where I saw firsthand how important realistic training was for the men and women deploying into dangerous places. That experience stayed with me and ultimately helped shape the work Leroy and I would later do together. After leaving active duty, we co-founded Lexicon, a company focused on cultural training and military support services. We essentially train our service members on how to shoot, move, and communicate on the battlefield. In many ways, that work grew out of the same belief we had in uniform: that if we can better prepare service members before they go into harm’s way, then we should. And we’re still training soldiers 21 years later.
But on Memorial Day, the most important part of the story is not mine.
The real story is the men and women we remember today.
For me, Memorial Day also carries the weight of remembering classmates and fellow servicemembers. When you attend a place like West Point, service and sacrifice become very real. In fact, seven members of my class, the Class of 1998, were killed in the Global War on Terror. Seven. That is not just a number to me. It is a reminder that service is personal. It has faces. It has names. It leaves empty seats at reunions, in families, and in communities.
That is what Memorial Day asks of us. It brings sacrifice back down to the human level. It reminds us that history is made up of individual lives — one son, one daughter, one husband, one wife, one best friend, one hometown kid who raised a hand and served.
And that is why remembrance matters. It is not just feeling patriotic for a few minutes and then moving on with the rest of the day. It is choosing not to let sacrifice become invisible. It is teaching our children that freedom is not free. It is showing up to ceremonies like this one. It is visiting the graves. It is speaking the names. It is remembering that behind every flag placed at a headstone is a life that was given in service to others.
I think one of the reasons Memorial Day matters so much in a town like Fillmore is because this kind of place remembers people well. Look around this cemetery. Look at the Fillmore Museum. Walk down the streets of Central and Sespe. Visit the Veterans Memorial Building. This is a town of roots and stories and families. We do not just honor the fallen as distant symbols. We honor them as neighbors, classmates, relatives, hometown kids, and members of families we know. Memorial Day is national, but it is also deeply local. We honor those who died for this country, and we do it right here in the communities that raised them and loved them.
So today I want to say thank you.
Thank you to the fallen, whose sacrifice we can never fully repay.
Thank you to the families who carry the burden of service and loss.
Thank you to the veterans here today, who understand in a very personal way what Memorial Day means.
Thank you to the volunteers who make this ceremony happen year after year.
And thank you to this community, for continuing to gather, remember, and honor.
Before I close, I want to leave you with this thought: the best way we can honor the fallen is not only by remembering them, but by living in a way worthy of their sacrifice. We can serve where we are. We can strengthen our communities. We can care for one another. We can love this country not only in words, but in action.
So on this Memorial Day, may we remember well.
And, as one of the last remaining Arundells still in Fillmore, in this beautiful community on this beautiful day, it means more than I can say to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM, MAY 25, 2026
Fly Over - David Vanoni, David Swett, Kurt Young & Eric Johnson
Opening Remarks - Lynda Edmonds
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Presentation of Colors - Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fillmore Post 9637, Tom Ivey & Ismael Alonzo
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400
Music-USA Medley - Greg Agostinelli
Memorial Day Message - Jamie Arundell Latshaw
Placing of Wreath - Ruben Jaramillo & Reynaldo Rivera
Music - Amazing Grace - Greg Agostinelli
Inspirational Message - Rev. Robert Hammond
Reading of the Names of Those Who Died in the Service of our Country - Danny Golson
Volly - Veterans of Foreign Wars Fillmore Post 9637
Taps - Bill Morris
We would like to thank the Boy Scouts and the Bardsdale & Sespe 4H for placing and removing flags and PEO for the refreshments
Board of Trustees: Greg Taylor, Lisa Hammond, Bill Morris, Aileen Wokal and Lynda Edmonds
Staff - James Brink, Manager, Samantha Alcantar, Office Coordinator
Email - bardsdalecemeteryoffice@gmail.com, Website: bardsdalecemetery.com