Soon to be retired from the United States Navy, Phillip C. Diaz of Fillmore.

Pictured is U.S. Navy Senior Chief Phillip C. Diaz with his family, Cynthia, Lily (3) and Hailee (5), Thanksgiving 2025 in Fillmore.
Enlarge Photo

U.S. Navy Senior Chief (E-8) Information Branch (I-Branch) Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) Phillip C. Diaz, a 2004 Fillmore High School (FHS) Graduate will retire from the United States Navy on February 28, 2026. In addition to FHS Phillip attended Piru Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School.
Growing up in Fillmore Phillip participated in Fillmore T-Ball, Little League, Fillmore High School Baseball and Football. Phillip was a member of the Piru 4-H Club raising the 1995 Grand Champion Swine named Tomasina, his first year in 4-H! Phillip is the Son of Richard and Carolyn Diaz and Brother to Arron Diaz, Brooke (Diaz) Heinrich and Julia (Diaz) Fitzgibbons. Phillip is the father of two beautiful daughters Hailee and Lily, Uncle to eleven nieces and nephews and has many uncles, aunts and cousins living in the San Diego area.
Despite living in “Padre Country” Phillip remains a Lifelong Dodger Fan! On May 22, 2024, Phillip was selected and honored as the “Dodgers Military Hero of The Game” when the Dodgers hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks. After retirement Phillip and Cynthia, children Hailee (5) and Lily (3) will remain the San Diego area where they have made their home and have lived for the past six years.
Phillip entered the Navy on October 31, 2005, as an Information Technician (IT) and received his approximately 10-week Basic Training and “C” School on the shores of Lake Michigan at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago, Illinois. During Phillip’s just over 20-years of service to his Country he has served on the USS McFaul (DD 74), USS Mt. Whitney (LCC 20) Communications Flagship ported in Gaeta, Italy, USS Russell (DDG 59) an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Phillip has also been stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Gaeta, Italy and San Diego.
Phillip has been deployed eight times. His longest deployment was at Bagram Air Base in Parwan Province, Afghanistan where he served for 1-year. There he served as an EOD ESU 2. Bagram Air Base was a frequent target for drone and missile attacks. One of Phillip’s memorable moments at Bagram, and there were many, was when his Nephew Michael O’Neal, an Army “Forward Observer” located Phillip at Bagram Air Base for an unforgettable reunion!
Phillip also was an instructor for both “C” and “F” Schools. Phillip visited many countries during his military service. He twice visited his “Birth Country and City” Busan, South Korea. When Phillip was born in 1986 Busan was known as Pusan. Since 2000 Pusan has been referred to Busan. It wasn’t a name change but a standardization of how Korean sounds are written in English to better reflect the native pronunciation of the English ‘p’ to the Korean softer ‘b’. A mountain near the city is also named Busan.
Phillip’s Family, Coworkers and Friends will witness his ‘Retirement Ceremony’ on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. onboard the USS Midway Museum. The Midway (CV-41) is a floating Aircraft Carrier commissioned in 1945 and docked in San Diego Harbor. The Fillmore Community thanks Senior Chief Phillip C. Diaz for his service and sacrifice to his Country.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, from approximately 5:30-7:30pm, about six Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters gathered in front of Fillmore City Hall. Following is the link to Homeland Security’s website, “Arrested: Worst of the Worst”, for Ventura County: https://www.dhs.gov/wow?combine=ventura&field_country_of_origin_target_i.... The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.

Above is the Athletic Complex surrounded by vertical scaffolding, with masonry/grouting work taking place on the 16-foot walls. The FHS Athletic Complex project’s anticipated completion date is February 2026.
Enlarge Photo

Crews have competed trenching for footings and caisson layout.
Enlarge Photo

Above is a view of the main stadium and site looking towards the old gym.
Enlarge Photo

Above are crews welding the embeds at grid line 8 at the corners of the gym.
Enlarge Photo

Construction continues to make steady progress at the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex, with multiple trades actively working on structural, electrical, plumbing, and site development components. Masonry crews advanced vertical construction, completing scaffold work and grouting masonry walls up to approximately 16 feet in height. Structural embeds were welded at key grid line locations, supporting the ongoing buildout of the gym and surrounding athletic facilities.
Across the site, temporary power poles were installed to support ongoing construction activities, and overall site conditions continue to take shape as foundational work progresses. Aerial and ground-level views show the building footprint clearly defined, with structural walls rising and site utilities expanding throughout the complex. These coordinated efforts reflect continued momentum toward delivering a modern, high-quality athletic facility for Fillmore High students and the Fillmore/Piru community.

Bryan Jessie Garcia, 23, of Los Angeles

In December 2025, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit was notified of a missing juvenile from Ventura County. During the investigation, detectives located evidence indicating the juvenile was being sex trafficked in Los Angeles. Detectives from multiple investigative units within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit, worked tirelessly to locate the juvenile. The juvenile was safely reunited with their family in early January.
Based on evidence found during the investigation, detectives identified Bryan Jessie Garcia, a 23-year-old resident of Los Angeles, as the juvenile victim’s trafficker.
Garcia used a popular social media platform to groom the juvenile, gain their trust, and eventually coerce the juvenile to leave their home in Ventura County to be sex trafficked near the Figueroa Street corridor, a known high-sex-trafficking area.
Traffickers commonly use social media platforms to identify, groom, and exploit minor victims. In this case, Garcia utilized online messaging to build rapport with the juvenile through consistent communication, flattery, and emotional manipulation. Over time, he normalized criminal behavior, offered perceived support and attention, and exploited the juvenile’s vulnerabilities. These grooming tactics are designed to establish trust, create dependency, and ultimately coerce minor victims into leaving their homes and engaging in commercial sex acts while under the trafficker’s control.
On January 23, 2026, a coordinated operation was conducted by detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. During the operation, detectives located and arrested Garcia near the Figueroa Street corridor in Los Angeles. A search warrant was also executed at Garcia’s residence in Los Angeles.
As a result of the investigation, Garcia was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violating the following California Penal Code sections, with his bail set at $1,000,000:
236.1(c) - Human Trafficking of a Minor.
261.5(d) – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
288(b)(1) – Forcible Lewd Act Upon Child
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds parents and guardians of the dangers of online grooming of minors. Traffickers often use social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to build trust, manipulate vulnerable youth, and ultimately exploit them. Detectives encourage parents to stay engaged in their children’s online activity, watch for behavioral changes or secrecy, and maintain open communication, as awareness is a key factor in preventing exploitation.
Detectives encourage anyone who believes they are a victim, or who knows someone who may be a victim, to contact “211” or local law enforcement to be connected with support services.
Prepared by: Detective Nan Jiang
News Release Date: 01/26/2026
Approved by: Captain Matthew Young
Booking Photo Release: YES
***
Nature of Incident: Human Trafficking of a Minor Arrest
Reporting Number: 26-8919
Location(s): Figueroa Street corridor, Los Angeles
400 block of E 43rd Place, Los Angeles, CA
Date & Time: January 23, 2026 @ 1300
Unit(s) Responsible:
Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
Ventura County Sheriff Special Crimes Unit
Fillmore Police Department Detective Unit
Ventura County Sheriff Major Crimes
Ventura County Sheriff Crime Analysis Unit
Ventura County Sheriff Technical Surveillance Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, City of Residence, Age
(S) Bryan Jessie Garcia, Los Angeles, 23
(V) Juvenile, N/A, N/A

Fillmore High School is proudly recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of its football program, as 28 students earned 1st Team Academic All-League honors, seven students were named 1st Team Academic All-County, and two additional students received Honorable Mention distinction. These honors highlight the school’s commitment to developing true student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom through Fillmore High’s athletics program.
Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, Education Specialist Department Chair and Guiding Coalition/Instructional Leadership Member, praised the students’ accomplishments. As a Guiding Coalition/Instructional Leadership Member, Weis helps shape schoolwide academic and instructional priorities by collaborating with administrators and teacher leaders to improve teaching practices, student outcomes, and overall school culture. Weis said, “This season 28 of our varsity football players were named to the 1st team All-league Academic squad. Students needed to maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout the football season in order to be eligible for this honor. These 28 students represent over 50% of our varsity roster. That is an INCREDIBLE achievement. In addition, 7 of our athletes were named to the 1st team All-County academic team. 1st team honors require a cumulative GPA above 3.5 for the duration of their HS career and is only available for Seniors. 7 of our 21 seniors earning this honor is an incredible achievement. I want to thank Fillmore High Principal Cinda Francis and Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle for their continued support for our football program’s vision. Our emphasis on prioritizing academic achievement and true student athletes has been a resounding success.”

CITY OF FILLMORE - CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
Item 4 - Adoption of Agenda - Villasenor motion, Broggie second - passed 5-0
Consent Calendar - Items 7A through Items 7C - Garnica motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 8A - Appintment of Cultural, Arts, & Recreation Commissioner - Villasenor motion, Rodriguez second, passed 5-0
Item 8B - Appropriation and Agreement giving $500,000 loan to developer of Fillmore Terrace - Broggie motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 8C - Resolution acknowledging receipt of the SB 1205 Fire Inspection Report - Vilasenor motion, Garnica second - passed 5-0
Item 8D - City Council salaries - Garnica motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 8E - Authorize agreement with Michael K Nunley Associates to update Urban Water Management Plan - Garnica motion, Villasenor second - passed 5-0
Item 8F - Approval of fourth amendment to Venco Western landscaping service agreement - Villasenor motion, Rodriguez second - passed 5-0
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 7.A THROUGH 7.C IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
7.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 27, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 27, 2026.PDF
7.B BOND EXONERATION TRACT NO. 5520-4
SR - HEARTHSTONE BOND EXONERATION TRACT 5520-4(2081285.1) FINAL.PDF
7.C ADOPT RESOLUTION NO 26-4093 TO ACCEPT FEMA GRANT FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING
SR - 2026 HAZ MAT STAFF REPORT FEMA GRANT.PDF
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.A APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION 
SR - CAR COMMISSION APPOINTMENT VACANCY.PDF
8.B FILLMORE TERRACE 50 UNIT PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT DISCUSS AN APPROPRIATION AND AGREEMENT GIVING THE DEVELOPER A $500,000 LOAN
SR PSHH FILLMORE TERRACE CONTRIBUTION.PDF
8.C ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE FIRE INSPECTION REPORT REQUIRED BY SENATE BILL 1205
SR - SB 1205 REPORT 2025.PDF
8.D DISCUSSION OF WHETHER TO INCREASE THE CITY COUNCIL SALARIES SR - COUNCIL ON CITY SALARY DISCUSSION CONTINUED 2026.PDF
8.E AUTHORIZATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MICHAEL K. NUNLEY AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE 2020 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ASSOCIATED WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY
SR - AUTHORIZATION FOR AN AGREEMENT WITH MKN FOR 2025 UWMP - FINAL.PDF
8.F APPROVAL OF FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH VENCO WESTERN FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
SR - APPROVAL OF FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH VENCO WESTERN - FINAL.REDUCED.PDF
9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
Well 10 – Updates
ERF Grant Update
Business Roundtable meeting on February 2nd at R+Q Kitchen
Newsletter
11. CLOSED SESSION - JANUARY 27, 2026
11.A CLOSED SESSION 
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND COMPENSATION - THE CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A CLOSED SESSION WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54957 AND 54957.6(A), TO CONDUCT AN EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE CITY MANAGER AND TO DISCUSS THE SALARY, COMPENSATION AND FRINGE BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THE CITY MANAGER.
JANUARY 27, 2026 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

On 12/15/2025, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 200 block of Casner Way in Fillmore reference a theft which had just occurred. Arriving deputies spoke with the victim and determined a grand theft of landscape equipment had occurred. In summary, two suspects arrived together in a vehicle, quickly loaded thousands of dollars of landscape equipment into their vehicle, and fled the area. A check of the surrounding area was conducted the suspects were not located. The case was then assumed by the Fillmore Detective Unit for further investigation. Over the next month, detectives worked diligently and identified one of the suspects involved in the theft as (S) Kevin Melgar, a 41-year-old Pasadena resident.
On 01/14/2025, at about 11:35 AM, a deputy from the Fillmore Station was dispatched to the area of Carriage Place at River Street in Fillmore reference a theft that had just occurred. The reporting party advised a white van had pulled up and stolen their gardening equipment.
Shortly thereafter, an officer with the California Highway Patrol requested assistance with a traffic stop of a white van near Main Street at Telegraph Road in the unincorporated community east of Fillmore known as Piru. Deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to assist.
When deputies arrived, they learned there was a total of three occupants detained from two different vehicles. The three occupants were (S) Kevin Melgar, (S) Jesus Rodriguez, and (S) Rogelio Bribriesca. All three occupants were from Los Angeles County. Melgar had an active felony warrant for his arrest for firearm possession and unlawful taking of a vehicle. Rodriguez was on active parole from Los Angeles County for a shooting, while Bribriesca was on active post release offender supervision (PROS) from Los Angeles County for burglary.
During a search of their vehicles, deputies located the lawnmower which was stolen minutes prior in Fillmore along with burglary tools and a controlled substance.
The Fillmore Detective Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned all three suspects have extensive criminal histories and have served time in state prison for a variety of crimes to include grand thefts and burglaries. It was also determined that the three suspects had likely acted in concert and conspired with each other to commit the landscape equipment theft.
The three suspects were arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station for further investigation. At the station, detectives collaborated with patrol personnel, state parole, and the Los Angeles County Probation Agency to determine the three suspects are affiliated to Southern California criminal street gangs.
At the station, detectives obtained additional evidence linking both Melgar and Rodriguez to the grand theft from December in Fillmore.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Melgar was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy] (2 counts), Penal Code § 487(a) – [Grand Theft] (2 counts), Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [Street Terrorism], Penal Code § 466 – [Burglary Tools], Health & Safety Code § 11395(b)(1) – [Possession of Hard Drug], and an out of county felony warrant. Rodriguez was arrested for Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy] (2 counts), Penal Code § 487(a) – [Grand Theft] (2 counts), Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [Street Terrorism], Penal Code § 466 – [Burglary Tools], and a parole hold. Bribriesca was arrested for Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy], Penal Code § 487(a) – [Grand Theft], Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [Street Terrorism], Penal Code § 466 – [Burglary Tools], and Health & Safety Code § 11377(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance]. They were all transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court.
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: 01/15/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Gang-Related Burglary-Theft Crew Arrested
Report Number: 25-160120 & 26-5687
Location: Fillmore, California
Date & Time: 01/14/2026 @ 11:35 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: California Highway Patrol, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, Los Angeles Probation Agency, Sheriff’s Dispatch
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent , City of Residence, Age
(S) Kevin Melgar, Pasadena, 41
(S) Jesus Rodriguez, Compton, 31
(S) Rogelio Bribriesca, Tujunga, 27
***
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).