Above, a JV Flashes player carries the ball past the Hueneme defense. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above are Fillmore Flashes Varsity players make a tackle during their game against Hueneme High School this past Friday. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
Fillmore High School Football
The Fillmore Flashes are rolling. Back-to-back lopsided wins in Tri-County League play have stretched the team’s winning streak to five games, and the Flashes now bring that momentum home for the biggest night on the fall calendar: Homecoming, this Friday, October 16, against the undefeated Royal Highlanders in a matchup shaping up as a league championship contest.
Two Statement Wins in League Play
Against the San Marcos Royals, the Fillmore defense set the tone early, highlighted by a JJ Jasso pick-six that swung momentum firmly to the Flashes on the way to a 51–15 victory.
A week later, it was the special teams unit that took the life out of the Hueneme Vikings. In the first quarter, Fillmore forced two turnovers in the kicking game, recovered by junior Jayce Burboa and senior Saul Magana, and the Flashes jumped out to a 20–0 lead before the Vikings’ offense ever touched the football. Fillmore cruised from there to a 55–6 win.
Across the two games, the Flashes outscored their league opponents 106–21, a margin that reflects a team playing complete football in all three phases.
Seniors Leading the League
Fillmore’s offense is powered by a senior class that sits atop the Tri-County League leaderboards:
- Andrew Estrada leads the team and the league with 10 touchdowns scored, including more than 300 yards and four scores over the last two weeks alone.
- Nate Perez leads the league in passing with 1,683 yards and 16 touchdown passes.
- Saul Fraga-Sandoval leads the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
- Micah Harm leads the league in rushing touchdowns.
The wins are the latest chapter for a program that, despite being one of the smallest schools in the county, has built a tradition of league championships, division raises and school records. This year’s group is adding to that legacy one Friday night at a time.
“This year’s captains and leaders recognize that they have a unique opportunity to build upon the foundations established by those who wore the bolts before them, and they have accepted that challenge to leave the program better than they found it.” — Charlie Weis, Head Coach
Homecoming Friday: A Championship Showdown
The Flashes host the undefeated Royal Highlanders (7–0) on Friday, October 16, at Fillmore High School.
JV kickoff: 4:00 p.m.
Varsity kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Friday night will be a celebration of the deep and passionate history and pride of the Fillmore community, from current students and families to the generations of alumni who built this program. It is also squaring up to be a league championship contest, with an unbeaten Royal team coming to town and a five-game Flashes win streak on the line. Come out early, fill the bleachers and bring the noise.
See you Friday night. Go Flashes!

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Derek Hansen Skinner (DOB 02/20/92), of Santa Paula, has been held to answer by a Ventura County Superior Court judge for a DUI crash that injured his passenger and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. Skinner is charged with DUI of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher and causing injury. He is also charged with special allegations of causing great bodily injury (GBI) in commission of a felony and causing injury to more than one victim.
Following a preliminary hearing earlier this month, Skinner was arraigned on the information on September 29, 2026, and pled not guilty to all charges.
On August 15, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m., Skinner was driving northbound on Grimes Canyon in an unincorporated area of Ventura County with a passenger in his vehicle. As Skinner approached a curve in the roadway, he allegedly crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a California Highway Patrol officer’s vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
The collision caused significant injuries to the CHP officer and the passenger in Skinner’s vehicle. The CHP officer suffered a head laceration and broken wrist and was transported to the hospital. The passenger had to be extricated from Skinner’s vehicle and was also transported to a hospital. Skinner sustained an abrasion to his shin.
When CHP officers contacted Skinner, they noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. He performed poorly on the field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol content of nearly twice the legal limit at the time of his arrest.
Skinner is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on November 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody after posting $50,000 bail.
***
Case: 2026022195
Defendant Information:
Derek Hansen Skinner (DOB 02/20/92) Santa Paula
Charges:
• VC 23153(a) – DUI of alcoholic beverage causing injury
• VC 23153(b) – Driving with a .08% blood alcohol causing injury
Special allegations
• PC 12022.7(a) – GBI in commission of felony
• VC 23558 – Causing bodily injury to more than one victim
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: September 30, 2026
Release No.: 26-134

At approximately 1914 hours (7:14pm), on Sunday, September 27, deputies were dispatched to the 400 block Chambersburg Rd., where a rodeo/concert was taking place, for a possible fight involving several subjects and the event security staff. Deputies arrived and subsequently arrested three subjects for Penal Code section 647(f)- Public intoxication. At approximately 2201 hours (10:01pm), deputies were dispatched to the same location for a disturbance involving an intoxicated subject. During the investigation, deputies arrested the subject involved for Penal Code section 647(f)- Public intoxication. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Info credit Fillmore PD.

On 09/23/2026, (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, an 18-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and a controlled substance. He was arrested for several firearm related offenses.
At about 12:21 AM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station contacted several teenagers and an adult drinking in the 700 block of Aguacate Loop. This is a remote area located in the unincorporated area west of Santa Paula. All the subjects had ties to a Santa Paula criminal street gang. During their initial investigation, patrol deputies located alcohol, a controlled substance, and a loaded handgun inside the vehicle associated with the teenagers.
Further investigation resulted in (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr. being arrested for Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Handgun Inside a Vehicle], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm].
The other three teenagers were arrested for alcohol-related offenses.
Bracamontes was later transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked and later released after posting bail.
The Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for Bracamontes’ residence which was served on 10/02/2026, with assistance from the West County Special Enforcement Unit.
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: 10/02/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Firearm Offenses
Report Number: 26-124964
Location: 700 block of Aguacate Loop, unincorporated Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/23/2026, 12:21 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, Santa Paula, 18
***
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 09/29/2026, (S) Matthew Villareal, a 30-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was arrested for burglary and vandalism offenses.
At about 4:37 PM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the 15000 block of South Mountain Road in unincorporated Santa Paula reference a vandalism in progress. As deputies arrived, they contacted (S) Matthew Villareal. As the patrol investigation unfolded, deputies learned Villareal did not have permission to be in the detached garage of the property and caused thousands of dollars of damage to the property. At their conclusion, deputies determined there was probable cause and arrested Villareal for Penal Code § 459 – [Burglary] and Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism].
Villareal was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for the above offenses 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: 09/30/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Vandal Arrested
Report Number: 26-128124
Location: 15000 block of South Mountain Rd, unincorporated Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/29/2026 @ 4:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Matthew Villareal, Santa Paula, 30
***
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).

Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1500437002116867&set=a.225313742962539.
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September 24, 2026
Fillmore, CA — The City of Fillmore will receive $1 million in state funding to support Two Rivers Park following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 113 on September 18, 2026. The funding marks a significant investment in Fillmore’s flagship park and the residents, families, and local sports leagues who use it.
The City extends its sincere gratitude to Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón for championing this investment through the state budget process. Her advocacy has helped bring state support to an important recreational resource for the Fillmore community.
Two Rivers Park brings families and neighbors together while giving young athletes a place to play, learn, and grow. The funding will support improvements to the park and help strengthen recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
For Fillmore’s youth, quality places to play sports offer opportunities to build confidence, practice teamwork, and stay active. This investment will benefit the leagues, coaches, volunteers, and families who make local sports programs possible, while helping the park serve future generations.
For updates on City of Fillmore news, follow the City on Facebook and Instagram or visit fillmoreca.gov.
Press Release Prepared by: Angel Garcia, Sr. Mana
Follow the City of Fillmore on Instagram @cityoffillmore, Facebook: City of Fillmore

Man booked into Ventura County Jail on illegal firearm and child endangerment charges.

On September 21, 2026, Jose Soto, a 20-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm concealed within a vehicle.
At approximately 8:06 p.m., a deputy assigned to patrol the Santa Clara Valley was traveling westbound on Harvard Blvd in the City of Santa Paula when he observed another vehicle driving without headlights on, a violation of the California Vehicle Code. Due to the safety concerns of operating a motor vehicle at night without adequate lighting, the patrol deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle. During the contact, the vehicle was found to be occupied by two adults and one juvenile. The driver of the vehicle was found to be unlicensed, and the juvenile passenger in possession of marijuana.
Based on the driver being unlicensed, and no other occupants having a valid driver’s license, the patrol deputy conducted an inventory of the vehicle in preparation for the vehicle to be towed. During the inventory search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine was found to be concealed in the passenger compartment. Jose Soto admitted to ownership of the illegally possessed firearm. Jose Soto was subsequently arrested for violations of Penal Code § 27545 – Unlawful Firearm Transfer, Penal Code § 25850 (a)(1) – Carry a Concealed Firearm within a Vehicle, Penal Code § 25850 (a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm on One’s Person, Penal Code § 32310 (a) – Possession of Large Capacity Magazine, Penal Code § 273a(b) – Child Endangerment, and Vehicle Code § 14604 (a) – Permitting Unlicensed Driver to Drive Vehicle. Soto was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.
Detectives assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station obtained a search warrant from a Judge of the Superior Court, Ventura Judicial District, ordering the search of Soto, any vehicles associated to Soto, and Soto’s residence. On September 22, 2026, members of the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit executed a search warrant at Soto’s residence, located in the City of Santa Paula. During the search warrant, detectives located evidence implicating Soto’s membership in a local criminal street gang.
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: Detective Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: 09/24/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Traffic Stop Results in Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 26-124399
Location: 200 Block of West Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/21/2026, 8:06 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Detectives
Suspect, City of Residence, Age
Jose Soto, Santa Paula, 20
***
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).