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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
 On Monday, May 19th, at 11:25 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of Ventura Street/SR 126 and Central Avenue. Arriving firefighters discovered a black Toyota 4Runner and a Toyota Tundra that had collided. A total of three patients were reported injured but refused medical attention. During the investigation, deputies discovered alcohol containers inside one of the vehicles involved. One of the drivers was observed performing a field sobriety test and was arrested on DUI-related charges. On SR126, all west-bound big rigs were detoured north on Fillmore Street for an hour. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Bardsdale Cemetery will be holding the annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26th, at 11am. The public is encouraged to attend to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. This year’s featured speaker is local resident Chris Gurrola, son of local residents Tim and Amy Gurrola. Also speaking will be The Rt. Rev. Bishop Ordinary Robert Hammond. Music will be provided by local resident Greg Agostinelli and Robin Shelnut. The local VFW Post 9637 and Boy Scouts will also assist with the program which will start with a fly-over by David Vanoni, David Swett, Kurt Young and Eric Johnson. Taps will be performed at the end of the program by board member Bill Morris. Water and cookies will be provided after the service. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
 On Tuesday, May 20th, at 12:13 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a traffic collision on Bardsdale Avenue at Sespe Street. Arriving firefighters discovered a jeep with front end damage and a blue Chevrolet truck on its side. The patient in the blue truck was reportedly trapped and required extrication. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient, who refused medical treatment. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
 The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara hosted its annual UC Success Night at Fillmore High School on Friday, May 9th. The event celebrated with 39 high school seniors who have been accepted to UC schools. Families joined their seniors for a special evening that included a catered dinner and recognition ceremony. Each student was honored with certificates and letters of recognition from the offices of Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, and Congresswoman Julia Brownley. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/5/13/uc-success-night. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
 On Saturday, May 17th, the City of Fillmore and Fillmore Unified School District hosted the 5K/10K Run/Walk presented by Rotary Club of Fillmore and the Fillmore Naughty Country Team. From 8am to 11am runners took to the streets for the 5/10K run/walk. And directly after enjoyed the Health and Wellness Fair in front of FUSD District office lawn. Participants were able to enjoy the day full of raffles, health and wellness resources, health and physical conditioning activities, fire safety trailer, Play Play, live music, and food trucks. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Inset, the Wellness Peers from Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School Wellness Centers promoting mental health by sharing mindfulness activities. Wellness Peers support with on-campus mental health activities and peer mentoring. Photo credit Wellness Center Coordinator Nancy Luna. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
 On Monday, May 12th, the Fillmore Historical Museum was awarded "Excellence in organizations Supporting History or Historic Preservation" by the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board for works to preserve public and private historic, cultural, and natural resources. Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
The City of Fillmore announces the temporary closure of park playfields as part of an exciting new phase of park improvements aimed at enhancing safety and play quality for residents of all ages. Our parks are currently undergoing essential repairs and turf renovations. These upgrades are part of a long-term investment in our community, ensuring the fields are safer, more durable, and enjoyable for years to come. What’s Still Open: While the playfields are closed, the following park features remain open to the public: • Walking Path We appreciate your patience and support as we work to keep Fillmore parks beautiful, functional, and welcoming for all. Your understanding during this time helps us continue creating quality spaces for our community to gather, play, and thrive. Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Community Contact: *** Qué Está Sucediendo: Nuestros parques están recibiendo reparaciones esenciales y renovación del césped. Estas mejoras forman parte de una inversión a largo plazo en nuestra comunidad, para garantizar que los campos sean más seguros, duraderos y agradables por muchos años. ¿Qué Sigue Abierto? Mientras los campos de juego están cerrados, las siguientes áreas del parque permanecerán abiertas al público: • Sendero para Caminar Reapertura Total del Parque Programada para el 1 de Agosto de 2025 Agradecemos su paciencia y apoyo mientras trabajamos para mantener los parques de Fillmore hermosos, funcionales y acogedores para todos. Su comprensión durante este tiempo nos ayuda a seguir creando espacios de calidad donde nuestra comunidad pueda reunirse, jugar y prosperar. Visite www.fillmoreca.gov y sÃganos en Facebook, Instagram, Twitter y LinkedIn. Contacto Comunitario: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 15th, 2025
On 05/09/2025, a 23-year-old Fillmore resident and gang member, (S) Kristian Morfin, was arrested for drug and firearm-related offenses. During the months of March through May 2025, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation were looking into Kristian Morfin for unlawful firearm activities. During the second week of May 2025, detectives obtained a search warrant for Morfin, his vehicle, and his residence located in the 700 block of Fine Street in Fillmore. On 05/09/2025, detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Moorpark Special Enforcement Detail, and Headquarters Station assisted with a warrant service on Morfin, his vehicle, and his residence. At about 8:00 AM, detectives contacted Morfin at his place of employment located in the 1900 block of Eastman Avenue in Ventura and executed a search warrant on his person and vehicle. Additional detectives executed a warrant at Morfin’s residence. As a result of the warrant service, Morfin was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, graffiti tools, and a loaded, stolen semi-automatic handgun. Morfin was arrested for felonious violations of Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm], Penal Code § 487(d)(2) – [Grand Theft Firearm], Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Vehicle], Penal Code § - [Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Vehicle], and Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer]. Morfin was transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing 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 against 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: 05/09/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** 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). |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 15th, 2025
 On Tuesday, May 13th, at 9:57 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were on-scene investigating a truck that crashed into the orchards on westbound SR126, just east of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery. While firefighters were in route, one patient was reported to be trapped. Arriving firefighters discovered a single truck with a trailer attached crashed into an orange tree. Two ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and two patients were transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 15th, 2025
 At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Finance Director Debra Cavaletto spoke to the council regarding the 2025-26 Annual Budget for the City of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025 AGENDA All items passed 5-0. With the exception of Item 8.E 4-0 with Broggie abstaining and 8.F 4-0 with Broggie abstaining. Item 8.E – landscape and Lighting District. Mayor Christina Villasenor abstained from LLD#2-Riverwalk, Tract 5099 Council Member Carrie Broggie abstained from voting. Item 8.F – Storm Drains Mayor Christina Villasenor abstained from District 4-Riverwalk. Council Member Carrie Broggie abstained from voting. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEG-IANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PUBLIC COMM-ENTS 6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMIT-TEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 7. CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 7.A THROUGH 7.F IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. 7.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MAY 13, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MAY 13, 2025.PDF 7.B ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-982 UPDATING THE CITY’S FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP SR FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY MAP.PDF 7.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-983 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE REGIONAL AGREEMENTS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE CITY 7.D AGREEMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SENATE BILL (SB) 1383 COMPLIANT ORGANIC MATERIALS (COMPOST/MULCH) WITH AGROMIN 7.E 870-880 CENTRAL AVENUE APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 04-03 (DP04-03) SR PARECEL MAP 04-03 (870 CENTRAL).PDF 7.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-02, SIDEWALKS AND PLAZA CONCRETE 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.A PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO AB 2561 FOR VACANCY ; BUILDING INSPECTOR /CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION SR CA AB 2561 HR 8.B ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-4071 APPROVING THE FY 2025-26 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE SR FY 2025-26 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION The Fiscal Year 2025-26 Preliminary Budget was published on May 9, 2025. Staff is requesting that the City FY 2025-26 Annual Budget. 8.C FIRST AMENDM-ENT TO SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PLANETBIDS, INC. PLANETBIDS FIRST AMENDMENT SR (2003431.1) - FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Support Services Agreement between the City of Fillmore and PlanetBids, Inc., extending the agreement term through July 13, 2027. 8.D APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF A TASK ORDER TO UPDATE THE CITYS SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SEWER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN (PLANS) SR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO UPDATE SSMP AND SMP. FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Support Services Agreement between the 8.E PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE EN-GINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR FISCAL PUBLIC HEARINGS LL DISTRICT SR.PDF RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: Actions to open and close the Public 8.F PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 25- 4070 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE STORM DRAIN SR FY 2025-26 STORM DRAIN DISTRICT ASSESSMENT 5-13-2025 FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25-4070 Confirming 9. CITY MANAGER City Manager Verbal Report: Parks Maintenance, Homeless Outreach, Rule 20A Project, National Bicycle Safety Month, and 10. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025, CITY |