On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, around 3am on Highway 23 in Moorpark, a man was identified as a traffic accident victim, Jirhet Cruz, 18, of Piru. His vehicle was found by California Highway Patrol Officers near Happy Camp Road. Reports of a car fire were called in according to CHP along Highway 23 near Grimes Canyon Road. He was reported to be the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cause of the crash is still under investigation.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026, 6:30 PM AT CITY HALL
Tuesday night’s City Council Final Vote (August 11, 2026):
4. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded by Mario Rodriguez; 5-0 pass.
8. Approval of the Consent Calendar items 8.A. though 8.G Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
9.A. Motion to Approve Receive and file the 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report titled Countywide Response to Public Complaints About Fireworks. Agree with the Civil Grand Jury Findings (F-01 through F-08) applicable to the City of Fillmore. Determine that no additional action is required by the City, as the recommendations directed to the City have already been addressed through existing City practices, or the recommendations are directed to other agencies. Moved by Christina Villaseñor, seconded by John Garnica; 5-0 pass.
9.C. Motion to Approve introducing the first reading of Ordinance 26-999 to create a Cross-Connection Control Program (“CCCP”) and Backflow Prevention (“BP”) requirements for water lines as Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 16.07 for compliance with State law pertaining to the Safe Water Drinking Act: An ordinance of the City Council of the city of Fillmore, California, adopting a new chapter 16.07 to establish cross-connection and backflow standards and regulations. Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
9.D. Motion to Approve 1. Accept the services provided for the Construction of Well No. 10 Drilling and Well No. 5 Destruction Project, Project Specification No. 25-03, (“Project”), performed by Pacific Coast Well Drilling (“Contractor”);2. Authorize staff to file the attached Notice of Completion; 3. Authorize the Public Works Director to exonerate the performance and payment bonds; and 4. Authorize the final payment to the Contractor of owed retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period, provided no stop payment notices are received. Moved by Mario Rodriguez, seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
***
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A UNITED WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (UWCD) BOND PRESENTATION
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8G. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE
JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES_FILES.PDF
8.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-997 AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.020 TO UPDATE THE POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
SR - ORDINANCE NO. 26-997 CM APPLYING FOR GRANTS_2ND READING( 2167645.2)
8.C AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT SUCH PURCHASE
SR - AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES .PDF
8.D APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPACE
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPAC
8.E AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
SR - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
8.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
8.G CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A VENTURA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORTCOUNTYWIDE RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIREWORKS
SR - GRAND JURY FIREWORKS.PDF
9.B PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS
SR - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS.PDF
9.C CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES
SR - FIRST READING ORD 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES
9.D APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WELL NO. 10 DRILLING AND WELL NO. 5 DESTRUCTION PROJECT, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPEC NO. 25-03.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN 3 CASES.
CLOSED SESSION - AUGUST 11, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Above is evidence police collected during their investigation of the suspect’s vehicle. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

On 07/25/2026, (S) Clarence Williams was found to be in possession of a firearm. He was arrested for firearm related offenses.
At about 9:45 PM, a patrol deputy from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle on State Route 126 near Old Telegraph Road. (S) Clarence Williams was identified as the driver.
During the deputy’s investigation, he learned there was a handgun concealed inside the vehicle’s glovebox. A records check showed Williams had a felony conviction from another state which prohibited him from owning, possessing, or having access to firearms. Williams also had two active warrants for his arrest. One warrant was out of Texas for pimping and the other was out of Louisiana for pandering.
Ultimately, Williams was arrested for Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm] and Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of Ammunition]. Neither Texas nor Louisiana would extradite Williams for his warrants.
Williams was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings. On 07/27/2026, Williams was released on bond with scheduled court date of 08/10/2026.
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: 07/29/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Subject Arrested for Firearm Related Offenses
Report Number: 26-96391
Location: State Route 126, unincorporated Fillmore
Date & Time: 07/25/2026 @ 9:45 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Clarence Williams, Shreveport, LA, 51
***
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).

A Simi Valley resident was arrested for Lewd Acts Upon a Child Under 14 Years of Age, and Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm.
In April 2025, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received a call for service of a sexual assault that occurred in October 2024. The juvenile victim stated that she was sexually battered by the suspect, identified as Marc Blumberg, at MT Performance Horses & Cattle Company, a ranch located in the city of Moorpark, where Blumberg provided equestrian training. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation that included interviews of multiple witnesses who came forward and reported similar interactions with Blumberg at the location.
At the conclusion of the investigation, detectives had probable cause to arrest Blumberg for violation of California Penal Code 288(a) – Lewd Act Upon a Child Under 14 Years of Age. On July 23rd, 2026, detectives from the East County Sexual Assault Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, and Moorpark Detectives, served a residential search warrant at Blumberg’s residence and arrested him for the above listed violation. During the service of the search warrant, evidence was obtained to believe that Blumberg had illegally transferred a firearm. Blumberg was also charged with Penal Code 27545 – Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm. Blumberg was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail.
Due to the nature of this investigation, detectives believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s East County Sexual Assault Unit, Detective R. Thomas at (805) 371-8309 or RobertG.Thomas@venturacounty.gov. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Prepared by: Detective Robert Thomas
News Release Date: July 23, 2026
Approved by: Captain Albert Ramirez
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Subject Arrested for Lewd Act Upon Child Under 14 Years of Age
Report Number: 25-44555 / 26-95019
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: July 23, 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s East County Major Crimes - Sexual Assault Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, and Moorpark Police Station Detectives
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Juvenile Female, N/A, Simi Valley
(S) Blumberg, Marc, N/A, 64
***
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 07/22/2026, 21-year-old Fillmore resident and gang member, (S) Victor Palazuelos, was arrested for stabbing an adult male in the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore back in February 2026.
On 02/06/2026, at about 10:37 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon.
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.
The Fillmore Detective Unit assumed the investigation. Over the course of the next several months, detectives were able to work leads and ultimately identified the suspect as (S) Victor Palazuelos. Palazuelos is currently on probation for a gang-related crime.
On 07/22/2026, during the morning hours and with the assistance of patrol personnel, deputies contacted Palazuelos during a probation search and took him into custody for the stabbing. He was later booked at Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a violation of Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] where he remains in 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: 07/22/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Gang Member Arrested for Stabbing
Report Number: 26-17115
Location: 500 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/06/2026, 10:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Adult Male. Fillmore,
(S) Victor Palazeulos, Fillmore, 21
***
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).

Inset, the scene of the August 2024 arson at the railway tracks where the same juvenile was arrested. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo

On 07/22/2026, a juvenile male was contacted and arrested for his involvement with the Fillmore High School construction fire.
On 07/04/2026, at about 11:42 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a mutual aid request with the Fillmore Fire Department at Sierra High School reference a fire to construction material.
Upon arrival, deputies located construction material for the new Fillmore High School gymnasium fully engulfed in flames. The damage caused by the fire was well over $100,000.00.
Over the next week, the Fillmore Detective Unit worked with Fillmore School Resource Deputies and patrol personnel to identify a suspect who was determined to be a juvenile male from Fillmore. During the investigation, surveillance video captured the suspect igniting what is believed to be a dangerous firework just prior to fleeing the area on foot. The firework exploded in the immediate area of the construction equipment and caught it on fire.
On 07/22/2026, during the afternoon hours, the juvenile was contacted and arrested for violations of Penal Code § 451(d) – [Willful & Malicious Burning of Property] and Health & Safety Code § 12677 – [Possession of Dangerous Fireworks]. He was cited and released to his parent/guardian.
This same juvenile was previously arrested in August 2024 along with three other juveniles for their involvement with arson at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
On 07/23/2026, the Fillmore Detective Unit executed a search warrant at the juvenile’s residence located in the 200 block of Santa Clara Avenue. During the warrant service, detectives located additional evidence linking the juvenile to the construction equipment arson, including illegal fireworks.
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: 07/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Juvenile Arrested for Sierra High School Arson
Report Number: 26-86208
Location: Sierra High School, 615 Shiells Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: July 4th, 2026, 11:42 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unit, Fillmore School Resource Deputies, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Fillmore Unified School District
(S) Juvenile Male, Fillmore
***
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).