On Sunday, August 3rd, at 7:47p.m. authorities responded to a head-on collision on State Route 126 east of Fillmore, resulting in the fatality of a 71-year-old male and sending the other driver to the hospital.
On Sunday, August 3rd, at 7:47p.m. authorities responded to a head-on collision on State Route 126 east of Fillmore, resulting in the fatality of a 71-year-old male and sending the other driver to the hospital.
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On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at approximately 7:47 P.M., the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center
received a call of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 126, east of Fillmore.

Upon arrival, CHP units and emergency personnel found an unresponsive 71-year-old male trapped within the driver seat of a
2010 Volkswagen Passat. There was also a 53-year-old male with major injuries trapped within the driver seat of a 2019
Honda Odyssey.

The initial investigation determined the 53-year-old male from Ventura was driving the Honda westbound on State Route 126,
east of Fillmore, at approximately 60 MPH.

For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Honda to travel into eastbound lanes directly into the path of the oncoming
Volkswagen, where they crashed head-on. The driver of the Volkswagen received fatal injuries as a result of this crash. The
driver of the Honda was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital by ambulance with major injuries.

No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown.

This incident resulted in the closure of the eastbound lanes of State Route 126 for approximately 45 minutes while CHP
officers conducted the on-scene investigation. At approximately 8:30 P.M., the eastbound lanes were diverted through the
center median. The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and
CalTrans responded to the scene to assist with the extrication, medical care and scene safety. The Ventura County Medical
Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.

For additional information regarding the deceased, please contact the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office at (805)
641-4400.

The crash is being investigated by the CHP’s Moorpark area office. Any potential witnesses who have not already given their
statements to an investigating officer or have potential dash camera footage of this crash are encouraged to contact the
CHP’s Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.

 


 
The City Manager’s Office conducted a site visit of local encampments this week in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Homeless Liaison Unit and case managers from Turning Point Foundation. The visit was part of the City’s ongoing efforts to assess areas impacted by homelessness as a part of the outreach efforts through the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF). Hygiene kits and informational resources were also distributed during the outreach. Posted July 31, 2025, Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
The City Manager’s Office conducted a site visit of local encampments this week in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Homeless Liaison Unit and case managers from Turning Point Foundation. The visit was part of the City’s ongoing efforts to assess areas impacted by homelessness as a part of the outreach efforts through the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF). Hygiene kits and informational resources were also distributed during the outreach. Posted July 31, 2025, Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
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City of Fillmore Awarded $1.49 Million Encampment Resolution Funding Grant to Combat Homelessness

Posted on: March 19, 2025, https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=202

FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – March 19, 2025– The City of Fillmore is pleased to announce that we have been awarded an Encampment
Resolution Funding (ERF-4-L) grant in the amount of $1,496,069.40 from the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD). This funding, received under ERF Round 3 Rolling, Window 3, will support our efforts in addressing
homelessness and providing long-term housing solutions in our community.

This vital funding will bolster a comprehensive effort to provide both immediate and long-term housing solutions for
individuals experiencing homelessness in Fillmore and Ventura County. The City of Fillmore is working in collaboration with
SPIRIT of Santa Paula, Ventura County Continuum of Care, Peoples Self Help Housing, Many Mansions, and CalTrans to ensure
the success of this initiative.

Housing Solutions:

SPIRIT of Santa Paula: Shelter and interim housing

Permanent Housing Partnerships: Peoples Self Help Housing and Many Mansions.

These partnerships will help to address the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable population by offering secure
and stable housing opportunities. The blend of emergency shelter and permanent housing units is designed to transition
individuals from temporary to permanent housing, ensuring a sustainable resolution to homelessness.

“We are excited to have been granted this opportunity,” said Erika Herrera-Terriquez, City Manager of Fillmore. “This
funding will allow us to make meaningful strides in addressing homelessness in our community by providing safe, stable, and
long-term housing solutions. Our partnerships with local organizations and this critical state funding will significantly
improve the quality of life for those in need and help create a stronger, healthier Fillmore.”

The Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a valuable resource, enabling communities to develop effective strategies to
resolve encampments and create pathways to permanent housing. With this funding, we aim to improve the quality of life for
individuals experiencing homelessness and contribute to the broader efforts to end homelessness in California.

For more information about the program and our initiatives, please contact the City of Fillmore at 805-946-1712 or
eherrera@fillmoreca.gov.

Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Community Contact:

Name: Erika Herrera-Terriquez

Title: City Manager

Phone: 805-946-1712

Email: eherrera@fillmoreca.gov

 


 
On Tuesday, August 5th, from 5p.m. to 7p.m., at the Fillmore Police Station the community was invited to come out for Fillmore’s National Night Out. The event is an annual crime prevention and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that makes our neighborhoods safer all year round. Thank you to Ventura Crumble Cookie and Fillmore Starbucks who donated snacks and refreshments for this event. The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continuing community partnerships. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.
On Tuesday, August 5th, from 5p.m. to 7p.m., at the Fillmore Police Station the community was invited to come out for Fillmore’s National Night Out. The event is an annual crime prevention and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that makes our neighborhoods safer all year round. Thank you to Ventura Crumble Cookie and Fillmore Starbucks who donated snacks and refreshments for this event. The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continuing community partnerships. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.
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On Tuesday, August 5th, at 7:43 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle collision in front of Fillmore Bunnin Chevrolet. No ambulance transfers were made. Deputies at the scene conducted a field sobriety test to a driver who was later determined not to be under the influence and was released.  Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Tuesday, August 5th, at 7:43 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle collision in front of Fillmore Bunnin Chevrolet. No ambulance transfers were made. Deputies at the scene conducted a field sobriety test to a driver who was later determined not to be under the influence and was released. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s office
Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s office
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On 07/25/2025, patrol deputies arrested Juan Manuel Medina-Aguilar for a felony out of state warrant, being under the
influence of a controlled substance, and firearm related charges.

At about 2:30 PM, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station conducted foot patrol in the Santa Clara river bottom near the
Chambersburg Bridge. This area is in the unincorporated river bottom south of Fillmore.

During their foot patrol, deputies contacted Medina-Aguilar who displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a
controlled substance. Medina-Aguilar was arrested for violation of Health & Safety Code § 11550(a) – [Under the Influence
of a Controlled Substance]. During the contact, deputies located an encampment nearby, believed to be associated with
Medina-Aguilar. Based on the investigation, patrol deputies worked with detectives, who obtained a search warrant for the
encampment in question. As a result of the warrant service, deputies located a loaded .22 caliber revolver, suspected
methamphetamine, and evidence linking Medina-Aguilar to the encampment.

Medina-Aguilar was subsequently arrested for violations of Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled
Substance While Armed with a Firearm], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Penal Code 23900 – [Possession
of Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number]. Additionally, a records check showed Medina-Aguilar had a felony warrant
from Franklin County, Ohio. Medina-Aguilar was also arrested for the warrant and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention
Facility.

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: 07/29/2025

Approved by:Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release: NO 1

 
On Wednesday, May 28th, at the Fillmore High School Award Assembly, FUSD Board Member Sandra Perello (far right) presented FHS scholarship winners (l-r) Luz Canstañeda and Diana Santa Rosa with the Dr. Alan J. Peterson Scholarship. Photo credit SCVWF Board of Directors.
On Wednesday, May 28th, at the Fillmore High School Award Assembly, FUSD Board Member Sandra Perello (far right) presented FHS scholarship winners (l-r) Luz Canstañeda and Diana Santa Rosa with the Dr. Alan J. Peterson Scholarship. Photo credit SCVWF Board of Directors.
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By SCVWF Board of Directors

On Wednesday, 28 and Thursday, 29 of May 2025, the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation honored several graduating students
from Fillmore and Santa Paula High School with the Dr. Alan J. Peterson Scholarship. During the Fillmore High School Award
Assembly on May 28th, Board Member Sandra Perello had the privilege of presenting this scholarship to Luz Canstañeda and Diana
Santa Rosa. The following day, at Santa Paula High School’s Senior Scholarship Night, Board Member Carmen Hernandez awarded
the scholarship to Josefina Tellez, Audry Garza, Nicole Magaña, and Audri Rose Riggatire. This renewable $1,000 scholarship is
designed to support these remarkable students in their pursuit of healthcare undergraduate studies for four years.
Congratulations to these exceptional individuals for their remarkable academic accomplishments and commitment!

***

The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF) provides renewable Scholarships to numerous high school students from Santa
Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. We can do this thanks to ongoing community support and contributions.

 
Earlier this month, Fillmore Council Member John Garnica and Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola jumped into action at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley STEM Day event, grilling and serving up hotdogs and hamburgers for local kids and families! Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for giving Team Fillmore an opportunity to volunteer and serve members of the community! Posted July 21, 2025, courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
Earlier this month, Fillmore Council Member John Garnica and Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola jumped into action at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley STEM Day event, grilling and serving up hotdogs and hamburgers for local kids and families! Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for giving Team Fillmore an opportunity to volunteer and serve members of the community! Posted July 21, 2025, courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
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At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting President Scott Beylik presented Rotarian Kyle Wilson with his third Paul Harris Award. This comes from the Rotary Foundation for the continuing donations he has given to the Foundation. Money from the Foundation is given to Clubs for special projects. Kyle also informed the Club that it’s time for our Football Pool. Each member chooses a favorite team and will pay a certain amount for wins or losses. This money also goes to the Foundation. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting President Scott Beylik presented Rotarian Kyle Wilson with his third Paul Harris Award. This comes from the Rotary Foundation for the continuing donations he has given to the Foundation. Money from the Foundation is given to Clubs for special projects. Kyle also informed the Club that it’s time for our Football Pool. Each member chooses a favorite team and will pay a certain amount for wins or losses. This money also goes to the Foundation. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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On Monday, July 28, 2025, Moorpark Police Dept. responded to an alleged battery in the 10000 block of Broadway Road, Moorpark. Upon arrival the officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect, Jesus Torres, 34 of Fillmore, exited his vehicle, confronting the officer. His aggressive stance led to the officer deploying his taser. The suspect returned to his car, where the officer used his pepper spray. The suspect fled in his vehicle, north through Grimes Canyon into Fillmore, stopping in front of the Fillmore Police station where he was arrested. Fillmore Engine 91 was called in to treat him for the pepper spray. According to police, he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Torres will be charged with felony battering of a police officer and evading the law with pursuit involved. Further charges pending. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Information credit Moorpark Capt. Nick Odenath. 
On Monday, July 28, 2025, Moorpark Police Dept. responded to an alleged battery in the 10000 block of Broadway Road, Moorpark. Upon arrival the officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect, Jesus Torres, 34 of Fillmore, exited his vehicle, confronting the officer. His aggressive stance led to the officer deploying his taser. The suspect returned to his car, where the officer used his pepper spray. The suspect fled in his vehicle, north through Grimes Canyon into Fillmore, stopping in front of the Fillmore Police station where he was arrested. Fillmore Engine 91 was called in to treat him for the pepper spray. According to police, he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Torres will be charged with felony battering of a police officer and evading the law with pursuit involved. Further charges pending. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Information credit Moorpark Capt. Nick Odenath. 
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On 07/28/2025, (S) Jose Ignacio Suarez was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, unlawful firearm transfer, and delaying peace officers in the performance of their duties. Additionally, Erasmo Hurtado was arrested for a local misdemeanor warrant, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and delaying peace officers in the performance of their duties.

On 07/27/2025, at about 11:51 PM, diligent members of the community reported two males fighting in the parking lot at the Rancho Sespe Apartments resulting in a shooting. These apartments are in the 2900 block of E. Telegraph Road east of Fillmore. Patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded and determined Jose Ignacio Suarez negligently discharged two rounds from a rifle in an unknown direction. Deputies attempted to contact Suarez and directed him and any other occupant of the residence to exit residence. Suarez refused and additional Sheriff’s resources were summoned to the scene.

On 07/28/2025, at about 2:44 AM, after numerous announcements, Suarez finally exited the apartment and was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Obstruct, Resist, or Delay a Peace Officer].

As detectives and deputies were securing the apartment pending a search warrant, another subject, later identified as (S) Erasmo Hurtado was located hiding inside the apartment. Hurtado had an active misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and was subsequently arrested for his warrant, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and Penal Code § 148(a)(1).

At approximately 8:15 AM, Fillmore detectives obtained a search warrant for Suarez’ apartment and executed the warrant with assistance from patrol deputies and West County Special Enforcement Unit detectives. As a result, additional evidence linking Suarez to the shooting was recovered, which included a .22 caliber rifle.

Ultimately, Suarez was arrested for Penal Code § 246.3(a) – [Negligent Discharge of a Firearm], Health & Safety Code § 11550(e) – [Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm], and Penal Code § 148(a)(1).

Both Suarez and Hurtado were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detectives, West County Special Enforcement Unit
Date & Time: 07/27/2025 @ 11:51 PM
Location: Rancho Sespe Apartments 2900 Block of E. Telegraph Road

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Jose Ignacio Suarez Unincorporated Fillmore 31
(S) Erasmo Hurtado Fillmore 36

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon