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
News Release Date: 08/20/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

On 06/08/2025, just after midnight, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the Chevron Gas Station located in the 700 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a theft. Upon arrival, deputies located a clerk who stated several suspects attempted to steal items from the gas station. When the clerk confronted them, the suspects used force and threatened the clerk with violence. Ultimately, the suspects fled the area in a white-colored sedan.

During the morning hours, personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspects as (S) Daniel Cortez, (S) Angel Flores, (S) David Merino, and (S) Janae Lopez. All four suspects reside outside of Fillmore and are affiliated with a criminal street gang.

Over the next two months, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit collaborated with Headquarters Patrol resources and Ventura County Probation Agency in locating and arresting all four robbery suspects.

On 08/07/2025, David Merino was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/11/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy, along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. Merino remains in custody pending court proceedings.

On 08/14/2025, Angel Flores was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/15/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file a conspiracy charge along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. On 08/16/2025, Flores posted bail and was released from custody pending court proceedings.

On 08/18/2025, both Daniel Cortez and Janae Lopez were contacted and arrested for Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. Cortez was booked for the offenses, however, due to medical reasons, Lopez was cited and released with a court date. On 08/20/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy along with special allegations against Cortez. On 08/20/2025, Cortez posted bail and was released from custody 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
News Release Date: 08/26/2025
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).

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL

All items passed 4-0 vote with Councilmember Carrie Broggie, absent.

Online: Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@cityoffillmore1401

AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A RECOGNITION OF FILLMORE LITTLE LEAGUE JUNIORS 14U DISTRICT 63 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

5.B PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIREE MANUEL MERAZ

5.C RECOGNITION OF RECENT FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSIONS AND BOARD REPORTS.

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025.PDF

8.B AUGUST 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 12, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COULCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-986 TO REVISE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER
2.28 TO CLARIFY THE NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SR SECOND READING - UPDATING FMC CH 2.28 RE THE CAR COMMISSION.PDF

8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION AT THE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER, SPEC NO. 21-02
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER GENERATOR INSTALLATION PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-4082 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM FOR FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) FUNDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (LTF), ARTICLE 8 CLAIM
SR- FY 25-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT.PDF

9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03A, WELL NO. 10 EXPLORATORY DRILLING AND WELL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS
SR - WELL NO. 10 EXPLORATORY DRILLING AND WELL DEVELOPMENT. FINAL.PDF

9.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW CIRCULATION PUMP FOR THE FILLMORE COMMUNITY POOL
SR - APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL FOR REPLACEMENT OF CIRCULATION PUMP. FINAL.PDF

9.D APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION OF A CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CONTROL SYSTEMS WEST FOR SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES
SR - CONTRACT WITH CONTROL SYSTEMS WEST FOR SCADA SUPPORT. FINAL.PDF

9.E CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT TO CERCO ENGINEERING INC.
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR ACCESS DRIVEWAYS TO CERCO ENGINEERING. FINAL.PDF

10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

11. CLOSED SESSION

11.A AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

12. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).