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By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
 At Tuesday night’s city council meeting the city presented a proclamation for September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and encouraged community-wide participation in suicide prevent efforts. Pictured is Mayor Christina Villaseñor presenting Maya Zumaya with the proclamation. CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 5-0 vote. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH AND ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY-WIDE PARTICIPATION IN SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 9, 2025.PDF 8.B AUGUST 26, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 26, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUCNIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES BETWEEN CITY OF FILLMORE AND SANTA CLARA VALLEY DISPOSAL AND CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATES AS REQUIRED FOR A PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PROCESS AND 9.B PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-02 (ZOA 25-02) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT 9.C AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE KM INTERNATIONAL 2-TON HOT BOX THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
 Denise Berrington, New FUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Denise Berrington is a seasoned school business leader with more than 17 years of experience in California public education. She specializes in fiscal stewardship, facilities management, transportation, energy efficiency, and long-range planning, and has a strong record of leading organizational improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support student success. Most recently, Denise served as Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation for Moorpark Unified School District, where she led a team of 75 employees, oversaw multimillion-dollar construction projects, and managed district-wide safety initiatives. She secured more than $7.5 million in grants to modernize HVAC systems and $6 million to launch one of the county’s largest clean-energy school bus programs, driving major sustainability and efficiency gains. Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years with the Fillmore Unified School District in various leadership roles, where she built a strong foundation in facilities and organizational management. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style, ability to build strong teams, and strategic approach to aligning operations with district-wide goals. Denise holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University and is completing her MBA with a concentration in Finance. She completed a certificate from the USC School Business Management Program, earned her School Business Finance Certificate through CASBO, and is a CASBO Certified Chief Business Official (CBO). |
 Civic Pride Volunteers named the Aguilar Family as the September 2025 Yard of the Month winners. Pictured is the family in from of their beautiful yard (l-r); Victor, Candy, Nick, Veronica, Alexis & Michael Aguilar. Inset, a deep purple shrub with beautifully shaped leaves, described by Veronica as a red blooming Hibiscus they brought from Mexico as seeds & have successfully grown. Photo credit Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
By Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers have selected the yard at 731 Balden, belonging to Victor & Veronica Aguilar and their family which includes Candy, Brandon, Alexis, Michael & Nick, for the September “Yard of the Month.” The family moved to Fillmore from Santa Paula in 2021. Victor is the one who enjoys the yard work & designed the miniature tree Roses to surround the inside of the white picket fence. These Roses have blooms of red, shades of pink & orange. He removed a big tree in the center of the yard & planted a tree that has four different fruits grafted on; apricot, plum & two different types of peaches. All of these have produced fruit, says Victor. Other fruit trees in the front yard are Pomegranate, Strawberry Guava, & Lime. Veronica says they have trees with oranges & figs in the backyard. Victor trained a large seedless green grape vine to grow across the entry way & on across the top of the garage door opening, giving the home great “curb appeal”. Near the entry way, a very unusual, deep purple shrub with beautifully shaped leaves was described by Veronica as a red blooming Hibiscus that they brought from Mexico as seeds & have successfully grown it into a show piece. Other plants seen are white grandiflora roses, small palm trees, an Aloe & tomatoes with lettuce in a pot. The Aguilar family looks forward to exploring Otto & Sons Nursery to use their gift card award. Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for generously providing this award to keep our project going. We have seen creative improvements all around the community…making Fillmore beautiful! |
Now Hiring: Deputy City Clerk
The City of Fillmore is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized professional to join our City Clerk’s Office as Deputy City Clerk. This key role supports City Council operations, maintains official records, ensures legal compliance, and helps uphold transparency in local government. If you’re passionate about public service, governance, and supporting elected officials, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and apply at www.fillmoreca.gov.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office arrested Kevin John Reynolds (DOB 09/27/84), of Newbury Park, after executing a search warrant at his home. The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit, in coordination with the FBI and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Reynolds was identified during an undercover operation targeting people involved in downloading and distributing CSAM. During a search of his residence, investigators seized multiple computers and external hard drives. Reynolds was arrested at the scene for possession of CSAM and distribution of CSAM and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. “The sexual exploitation of our children is one of the most disturbing crimes our investigators confront,” said Chief Investigator Scott Whitney. “Our investigators work tirelessly to identify and arrest those who seek to harm the most vulnerable members of our community.” Investigators learned that Reynolds is employed as a chemistry teacher at Fillmore High School. The Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Police Department were immediately notified. *** UPDATE: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 A DUI Checkpoint held on Friday night at Central Avenue & Santa Clara, Fillmore resulted in the arrest of two drivers for DUI offenses. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo Fillmore, California. – On August 29th, 2025, a DUI checkpoint was held on Central Avenue near Santa Clara Street from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. A total of 233 drivers were contacted at the checkpoint. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Two drivers were arrested for DUI offenses. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prepared by: Sergeant Corey Stump |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Christine Schieferle, Fillmore Unified Superintendent August 28, 2025. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has informed the Fillmore Unified School District (“District”) that on August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Kevin Reynolds, a Chemistry Teacher at Fillmore High School (“FHS”), was arrested on charges of unlawful possession or control of inappropriate images as defined by Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.1. At this time, we do not have information that any current or former students are involved in these allegations. However, the seriousness of these charges are not taken lightly. As the legal process moves forward, we want to make it clear that Mr. Reynolds will not be returning to any District campus. Our top priority remains ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all of our students. The District is actively working to secure an alternate teacher to continue delivering high-quality instruction for the remainder of the school year. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Roger Adams, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services at 805-524-8029. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being and success of our students. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the City of Fillmore recognized the Fillmore Little League Championship 14U District 83 Team, pictured above. The city presented certificates of recognition to the Fillmore Little League after their championship win, defeating the opposing team, 18-7. In 2023, the Little League also won the championship, bringing home the title to Fillmore for the first time in 40 years. Certificates were also provided to the coaching staff and the team mom who contributed to the teams’ success. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Monday, September 1st, at 4:14 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire responded to a 100x100 spot fire in the Santa Clara riverbed that was spreading slowly. A copter was requested but cancelled due to a forward progress stop. About two hours later, the Fillmore City Fire Department responded to the same place as before to cool down the hotspots. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Above is the current construction site for the new Fillmore High Athletic Complex which is in full effect. The construction site is scheduled to be completed in December 2026. The brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Online at www.FillmoreGazette.com are original photos attached along with other construction photos and construction information. Inset, a rendering of what the final project will look like. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Construction has officially begun on the brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Thanks to the support of the communities of Fillmore and Piru in passing Measure G, this vision is becoming a reality. With a projected completion date of December 2026, the complex will provide modern athletic spaces to support our student-athletes for years to come. Construction crews have already made significant progress at the site. The old baseball field turf has been pulverized in place and mixed into ground. Site grading is actively underway, with heavy machinery preparing the land for development. The transformation is evident when comparing the current cleared and leveled site to the architectural renderings of what’s to come—a state-of-the-art athletic complex complete with updated facilities, expanded parking, and landscaped areas to welcome students, families, and the community. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, said, “As we move forward, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community members for their support, trust, and vision. This project is a direct result of your investment in our schools and our students’ futures. Together, we are building something extraordinary for generations of students to come. Go Flashes! Enlarge Photo |
 On August 19th, at 12:02p.m. Fillmore Police responded to a stabbing victim at the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies found an adult male suffering a stab wound and had him transported to the hospital for his injuries. Later that afternoon Police located and arrested suspect Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident for the incident. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
On 08/19/2025, at about 12:02 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a stabbing victim. 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. Personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspect as (S) Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident. Escoto has a violent criminal history and is currently on probation with search terms. Additional resources from the Fillmore Detective Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, and Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation and actively searched for Escoto in the immediate and surrounding areas. With assistance from diligent members of the community and collaborative efforts from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA, detectives were able to locate Escoto fleeing the area towards Santa Paula using the county transportation system. By the time resources arrived in Santa Paula, she had exited the bus and fled on foot. A search of the area was conducted, but law enforcement was unable to locate Escoto. At about 4:48 P.M., personnel from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA advised Sheriff’s personnel that Escoto had boarded a bus in Santa Paula and was enroute to Ventura. Coordinated efforts from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Headquarters patrol led to Escoto being safely taken into custody after she exited the bus near the Government Center. As a result of the investigation, Escoto was arrested for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder], along with her felony and misdemeanor warrants. She was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked pending court proceedings. 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 |