 Cheryl Heitmann, VCREA Vice-Chair and City of Ventura Mayor presents the Emerging Energy Leader Award to Douglas Tucker, Mayor of Fillmore, at the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) 2nd Annual Energy Leadership Reception on January 29th. (l-r) Cheryl Heitmann, Douglas Tucker, and Sue Hughes, Deputy Executive Officer, VCREA. Photo by Gia Allen. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
Presented at 2nd Annual VCREA Leadership Reception
On Thursday, January 29th, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) honored its partners for strides in energy savings at the 2nd Annual VCREA Leadership Reception. The event brought together partners and stakeholders to meet, acknowledge the program’s 2014 community impact, and assess goals for the upcoming year. Three new awards were introduced and presented at the event. Douglas Tucker, the Mayor of Fillmore, accepted The Emerging Energy Leader Award on behalf of the City of Fillmore. The Emerging Energy Leader Award recognizes leadership of significant energy savings in a VCREA partner’s own facilities, programs and community outreach. Since 2006, the City of Fillmore has achieved more than 10 percent energy savings through the implementation of energy efficiency programs. In 2014 alone, the City also completed an Energy Action Plan to help identify objectives and strategies to help the city realize its long-term energy efficiency goals and achieved “Gold Tier” denomination in Southern California Edison’s Energy Leader Partnership Program, moving from “Valued Partner” and skipping over “Silver Tier” status. “It is encouraging to see the efforts of all our partners making such a noticeable impact on energy usage throughout the County,” said Sue Hughes, Deputy Executive Officer, VCREA. “Together we are carrying out the mission of being energy stewards for our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in the years to come.” Ventura County was honored with the Energy Saving Impact Award for having the largest total number of Kilowatt hour savings from projects completed in 2014, with over 1.5 million kWH, and the City of Thousand Oaks was honored with Green Community Leadership Award for the city’s extraordinary community outreach and efforts engaging with the residential and business community. VCREA is a Joint Powers Agency composed of different public agencies working to develop and implement energy initiatives that support sensible growth, a healthy environment, and the economy. Last year, 13 organizations were involved with the agency, including Members: the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura; the County of Ventura; Ventura County Community College District; Ventura Regional Sanitation District and Ventura Unified School District; plus other participating cities: the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, and Port Hueneme. Utility partners are Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison. VCREA strives to increase energy efficiency awareness and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable local resources. Since 2006, VCREA has attained over $3 million dollars in incentives and 22.5 million Kilowatt hours in savings for its partners. About VCREA |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
01/14/15 to 01/20/15
 City of Fillmore 01/14/15 |
 On Wednesday, February 4th, at 1:50pm an arrest was made near Waterford and D Streets. The suspect, Donaldo Renee Torres, 28 of Fillmore, was arrested for Petty Crime 1, Stolen Vehicle, and Resisting Arrest. It all began on January 26th when Torres allegedly stole a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. On February 4th Torres was at the Shell Gasoline Station on C Street and Highway 126 filling the tank of the stolen car. Torres was spotted filling gassing up by the cousin of the stolen vehicle’s owner. When the cousin confronted Torres he fled and the cousin was able to return the vehicle to its owner. The police were able to pull field slips and locate photos from a gas station in Santa Paula of the suspect with the stolen vehicle. This gave police probable cause of stealing and possessing a stolen vehicle, which led to the suspect’s arrest. Torres resisted arrest and had to be tasered. Arrest information provided by Police Chief Dave Wareham. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 2/4/2015, Ventura County Sheriff’s patrol deputies working the Oak Park area stopped a vehicle for a minor violation. They contacted the driver, James Alvarez and his passengers Elroy Orduno and Albert Penuelas. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered Alvarez was on active probation in Ventura County and the vehicle he was driving belonged to Orduno. They invoked Alvarez’s probation search terms and searched Alvarez and the vehicle. Deputies located two pounds of high grade marijuana inside the vehicle. Deputies arrested all three subjects for conspiracy and possession for sales of marijuana. Deputies later determined Penuelas provided them false identifying information. The deputies were able to determine his true name and discovered he had two outstanding felony warrants. Narcotic Detectives assisted with the investigation and served a search warrant at Orduno’s residence located on the 300 block of Alder Springs Drive in Oak Park. Officers with the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Team (DET) assisted Narcotic Detectives with the service of the search warrant. They contacted and detained Orduno’s girlfriend, Penny Vitela and their two minor children, ages 4 and 6, inside the residence. During the search of the residence, detectives located about two thousand Xanax pills, over 22 grams of methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, small amount of marijuana and a loaded shotgun. The condition of the house was unkempt and some of the drugs were found in locations that were within arm’s reach for the minor children. Based on the circumstances, detectives began a Drug Endangered Children (DEC) investigation. Child Protective Services was contacted and notified of the situation. They immediately responded to assist with the investigation. At the conclusion, Child Protective Services took custody of the children and removed them from the home. The children’s mother, Penny Vitela was arrested for child endangerment and she was later booked into the Main Jail in Ventura. Her bail is set at $50,000 Elroy Orduno was arrested for violations of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and child endangerment. His bail is set at $70,000 James Alvarez was arrested for Transportation of Marijuana and his bail is set at $50,000 Albert Penuelas was arrested for giving false information to a peace officer and conspiracy to transport marijuana and two felony warrants. All four subjects are set to appear in court on February 6th, at 1:30 PM. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrests |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
City anticipates Fillmore Senior Center, Inc. lawsuit
 On behalf of the City of Fillmore Mayor Douglas Tucker received a Gold plaque presented by Representative Sue Hughes. The City earned the Emerging Energy Leader Award for its energy conservation. The February 10, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting was filled to capacity. It began with a proclamation, a reward and an announcement. The Council then went into Closed Session for over two hours discussing the rental agreement with the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) before returning to the Council Chambers. The proclamation was presented to the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders for their 2nd National Title. The 2014-15 Raiders Cheerleader Squad are JAZ International Champions. The squad won First Place in Las Vegas on January 25, 2015. The squad members are: Ryleigh Westrup, Angelina Delgadillo, Daniella Lucas, Alyssa Brooks, Tatyana Villella, Hennassy Marquez, Maddie Davis, Aiesa Rodriquez, Jada Plummer, Natalie Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Jazmine Chavez, Sasha Segovia, Alexis VanWhy, Jayni Rolfe, Jordyn Rolfe, Mersaydez Cardona, Lilliana Contreras and Daisy Andrade. The coaches are Caitlin McCall, Taylor Wright, Sadie Ortiz, Tanya Barrera, Tami Rolfe, Ellyse Lucas, Rebecca Ibarra, Tina Hurtado and Lori Nunez. Mayor Doug Tucker spoke of their superior sportsmanship and civic pride adding that many of participants are Honor Role students. The item that kept the Council in closed session for over two hours of discussion was whether to renew the rental By Jean McLeod The February 10, 2015 Fillmore City Council Meeting was filled to capacity. It began with a proclamation, a reward and an announcement. The Council then went into Closed Session for over two hours discussing the rental agreement with the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) before returning to the Council Chambers. The proclamation was presented to the Fillmore Raiders Cheerleaders for their 2nd National Title. The 2014-15 Raiders Cheerleader Squad are JAZ International Champions. The squad won First Place in Las Vegas on January 25, 2015. The squad members are: Ryleigh Westrup, Angelina Delgadillo, Daniella Lucas, Alyssa Brooks, Tatyana Villella, Hennassy Marquez, Maddie Davis, Aiesa Rodriquez, Jada Plummer, Natalie Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Jazmine Chavez, Sasha Segovia, Alexis VanWhy, Jayni Rolfe, Jordyn Rolfe, Mersaydez Cardona, Lilliana Contreras and Daisy Andrade. The coaches are Caitlin McCall, Taylor Wright, Sadie Ortiz, Tanya Barrera, Tami Rolfe, Ellyse Lucas, Rebecca Ibarra, Tina Hurtado and Lori Nunez. Mayor Doug Tucker spoke of their superior sportsmanship and civic pride adding that many of participants are Honor Role students. The item that CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
 Christopher Hammond A Burglary took place at 8:13am, 100 block E. Telegraph Road, on Sunday, February 8, 2015. The address contains several businesses on the property. Two of the businesses were burglarized sometime during the night. Deputies determined an employee from a third unrelated business, Christopher Hammond, 30, was the suspect. Hammond was on probation for possession of stolen property. Deputies made contact with Hammond and found him in possession of stolen property from both victims. Hammond was arrested for 459 PC. Fillmore detectives and Burglary Investigators notified and responded. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
 Daniel Freitas On Sunday, February 8, 2015, at approximately 5pm, an alert patrol deputy arrested Daniel Freitas for commercial burglary at the scene of a construction site storage trailer. The deputy was on patrol Sunday near a construction site in the 200 block of Edgewood Drive when he observed Freitas involved in suspicious behavior. Freitas was wearing a hard hat and a yellow vest and appeared to be covering property with a tarp just outside a storage building. Upon making contact with Freitas to investigate the circumstances, the deputy discovered the storage building had been forced open and thousands of dollars in tools removed. Freitas was attempting to conceal the tools then return later and collect them. Freitas was arrested for commercial burglary and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. His bail was set at $70,000. Prepared by: Detective John Fox |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
 On Monday February 9th Seneca Resources donated a $3,500.00 check to the Fillmore Firefighters Foundation. This money will go for training, equipment, tools and Fire Station upgrade. The Fillmore Fire Department and Fillmore Firefighters Foundation appreciates the continued support. Pictured is as follows Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, Assistant fire Chief Bill Herrera, Captain Billy Gabriel, Firefighter/Paramedic Pete Anderson. Seneca Resources employees Chris McDermott, Luke Faith, Louie Morgan, Felix (Joey) Salazar and Eric Morales. Enlarge Photo |
 Officer Thomas Brown, center back, is shown with members of the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
Thomas Brown was born in Santa Paula, California. His father, Thomas Brown Sr., was a hardworking businessman who owned a gas station and later Tom’s Tire, an automotive tire business in Santa Paula. His mother was a harder working housewife, who raised three children, and later became the Dietary Supervisor at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. He stated, “My parents taught me that if you are honest and work hard, you will be successful in life.” Tom grew up in Santa Paula with his younger brother and sister and lived there the majority of his life. During his grade school years, he enjoyed karate and playing soccer. During his High School years, he played basketball and football. He graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1985, the same year he met his wife, Paulette. Paulette moved to Santa Paula that year and he thought, he’d better make his move before somebody warns her about his past behavior. They began dating their senior year in high school and were married four years later. After high school, Tom got a job working in the oil fields. He did it for a couple of years and then transitioned into working construction. After a bad winter in the construction business, which means no income, he decided he needed something more consistent to support his family. He had been around cars all his life and worked at his father’s automotive tire store business throughout high school, so he began working for the family business. He worked at the tire store for about ten years and became a successful suspension and alignment mechanic. He eventually became a partner in the business. During this time, his wife and he had two children, Matthew and Tyler, and in 1999 they purchased their first home in Santa Paula. At the age of 35, he decided he wanted to do something different. And, we are pleased he did. He had an uncle and a cousin who were Deputy Sheriffs, and his brother was an Oxnard Police Officer. After talking to them at length about what their careers were like, he decided to make a change. He was hired and later graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy in 2001, where he received the Academic Achievement Award and Marksmanship Award. In 2002, the Brown’s sold their Santa Paula home and moved to Fillmore. And we are pleased he did. His first assignment for the Sheriff’s Office was working at Todd Road Jail, where he spent six short years. While there, he was a Jail Training Officer and cross-trained to work almost every assignment. He was transferred to patrol in Fillmore in 2007 and has worked here ever since. And we are pleased he did. He was lucky to have had two great Field Training Officer’s, Hector Macias and Brian Hackworth, who were both Fillmore residents at the time. Hector and Brian ingrained in him the importance of keeping OUR city safe for our families. During his time working in Fillmore, he has been a Field Training Officer and also worked the Special Enforcement Detail / Fillmore Gang Unit as collateral assignments. He is a member of the Sheriff’s Officer Tactical Response Team and one of go to people when he need a problem solved. Deputy Tom Brown is great example of Law Enforcement Officer that balances the needs of his family, with the needs of his community, and the needs of his profession. He rarely displays a frustration with his duties and has a great ability to communicate with people in their greatest time of need at all ages. His level of maturity and life experiences has given him a rare insight into the ability to communicate to people, not only those that call for law enforcement services, but his law enforcement peers. He possesses or has the contacts to obtain a lot of intelligence on our community. I can think of numerous times I heard Tom would be in the community off-duty, but would spot a crime or wanted suspect and would take law enforcement action to apprehend the suspect. He frequently does his own research and finds solutions to problems and presents the answer in a manner so all may learn. |
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By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Monday, February 9th, 2015
 Joshua Graham Packer VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Joshua Graham Packer (DOB 9-21-89), of Ventura, was sentenced today for the brutal triple murders he committed on May 20, 2009, in the Faria Beach community. Davina Husted was 24 weeks pregnant with Grant Husted when they and her husband, Brock Husted, were murdered. Packer pled guilty on December 18, 2014, to three counts of murder, two counts of robbery, one count of burglary, one count of forced oral copulation, eight special circumstances and seven special allegations relative to his use of a gun in the robberies and burglary, and use of a knife in the murders. Each special circumstance conviction made Packer eligible to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Packer gave up all rights to appeal when he pled guilty. Superior Court Judge Patricia Murphy sentenced Packer to 30 years 4 months for his robberies, burglary, forced oral copulation of Davina Husted, the use of a gun in the robberies and burglary, and the use of a knife in the murders. Following service of the 30-year 4-month sentence, Packer will begin serving the first of his three life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders. Packer invaded the home of the Husteds at approximately 10:00 p.m. on May 20, 2009. He used a gun to rob them of cash and jewelry. The Husted’s then nine-year-old son observed the robberies. Packer then killed Brock Husted and used a knife to force Davina Husted into an act of oral copulation before killing her and her unborn son. Packer’s identity as the murderer remained unknown for the next 10 months, until DNA that he had left at the scene of the murders was matched to a DNA sample taken from him by law enforcement when he was arrested for a robbery in Santa Barbara County. Packer was subsequently arrested for the murders on April 11, 2010. He was indicted on July 23, 2010, for the murders, robbery and burglary. On May 4, 2012, Packer was indicted on the additional charge of forced oral copulation with the use of a knife. |