On Saturday, August 15, at 7:38 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 200 block of Rose Street. Arriving firefighters located a single vehicle that had come to rest on the sidewalk after crashing through a resident’s fence. Minor injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026, 7:30 PM AT CITY HALL
Final vote to be shared in next week's Gazette.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Public Comments
Special Meeting Public Comment: Pursuant to California Government Code § 54954.3(a), members of the public shall be provided an opportunity to address the legislative body concerning any item described in the notice for this special meeting before or during the legislative body’s consideration of that item. Public comment at this special meeting is therefore limited to matters concerning items described in the special-meeting notice.
6. New Business
6.A CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPOINTING NOMINEES TO THE OFFICES OF COUNCILMEMBER FOR DISTRICT 1 (SHORT TERM), DISTRICT 3, AND DISTRICT 4 AND CANCELING THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10229 DUE TO NOT HAVING MORE CANDIDATES THAN OFFICES TO BE ELECTED.
SR - CANCELLING THE 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AS AUTHORIZED IN CALIFORNIA ELECTION CODE SECTION 10229(2179196.1)
7. City Council Reports, Recommendations and Comments
8. City Manager
9. Adjournment

Los Vets of Fillmore y Piru proudly presented Sean McCauley, owner of the Fillmore Theater, with a sponsorship donation for the upcoming Annual Youth Theater production of the award-winning musical Annie. Performances are scheduled for November 7, 8, 14, and 15. The theater relies on community support and sponsorships to offer various productions throughout the year. Los Vets continue to support the community by providing service as needed. Posted August 15, 2026, at 4:56 p.m. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122096755059444206&set=a.12209675976....

On 08/05/2026, (S) Marvin Moises Colindres-Perez was arrested for multiple counts of conspiracy, grand theft, and cutting a utility line.
During the months of March 2026 through July 2026, several unincorporated areas of Ventura County have suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage and theft in communication lines. The theft of copper wire from communication infrastructure has a significant impact on the community by disrupting telephone, internet, and emergency communication systems that residents and first responders rely upon every day. Damage to these critical systems can delay the reporting of emergencies, hinder communication between dispatchers and responding personnel, and ultimately increase response times during incidents in which every second matters.
Over the course of several months, detectives with the Sheriff’s Fillmore and Moorpark Stations worked diligently to investigate multiple copper wire thefts that affected critical communication infrastructure within the community. Through extensive follow-up investigation, the review of surveillance footage, the analysis of evidence, and the identification of vehicles associated with the crimes, detectives were ultimately able to identify several of the suspects responsible for the thefts and hold them accountable.
In June 2026, four suspects of this crew were arrested by Moorpark deputies during the commission of one of these communication line thefts. They have all since been released pending court proceedings.
On 08/05/2026, detectives from Fillmore, Moorpark, and Ojai executed a search warrant in the 8000 block of Columbus Avenue in North Hills. As a result of the warrant service, (S) Marvin Moises Colindres-Perez was contacted and arrested for his involvement in multiple grand thefts in Ventura County. Additionally, evidence linking Colindres-Perez to the copper wire thefts was also located and seized.
Ultimately, Colindres-Perez was transported back to Ventura County where he was booked on multiple counts of Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime] and Penal Code § 487j – [Grand Theft of Copper], and Penal Code § 591 – Cutting a Utility Line]. He remains in custody with bail set at $170,000.00.
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: 08/06/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Serial Copper Thief Arrested
Report Number: 26-99980
Location: Unincorporated areas of Ventura County
Date & Time: March 2026 through July 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unit, Moorpark Detective Unit, Ojai Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Marvin Moises Colindres-Perez, North Hills, CA, 43
***
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).

Before the summer season winds down, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to kick off their Labor Day festivities with safety at the forefront. Make the decision that saves lives. Choose safety every time you get behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To help keep our community safe, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and it’s five contract cities will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 19 through Labor Day (Sept. 7) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
In addition to patrols, the Camarillo and Thousand Oaks Police Departments will hold DUI Checkpoints between August 19th and Labor Day at undisclosed location within the city.
“Enjoying the last days of summer should be all about fun and that starts with making safe choices before making plans,” Sergeant Sahlman with the Thousand Oaks Police Department said. “Everyone deserves to get home safely, and it starts with your everyday actions.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2024 — that’s one person every 44 minutes.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips to Go Safely:
• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated sober driver, call a ride-sharing service, taxi or use public transportation.
• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and look out for people biking and walking.
• Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann
News Release Date: August 10th, 2026
Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren
***
Nature of Incident: NHTSA Summer DUI Mobilization
Location: Ventura County, CA
Date & Time: August 10th, 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office- Traffic Bureaus of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Fillmore, Ojai and Camarillo

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.
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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.