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By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
 Rotherie Durell Foster, 37, Camarillo, Ca VENTURA, Calif. – After a seven-day preliminary hearing, a Ventura County Superior Court Judge has ordered Rotherie Durell Foster is accused of murdering Mr. Velasquez in 2022, stealing his van and financial information, and later disposed of his Foster is also accused of committing an armed robbery at La Unica Mini Mart in Fillmore in July 2022, where employees were Senior Deputy District Attorney Amber Lee, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Foster is scheduled to be arraigned on the information on October 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura Case: 2023001092 Defendant Information: Rotherie Durell Foster (DOB 11/03/85) Camarillo Charges: • PC 187(a) – Murder (2 counts) • PC 211 – Robbery (4 counts) • PC 459 – Burglary • PC 487(a) – Grand theft (3 counts) •PC 368(d) – Theft, forgery and identity theft from an elder/dependent adult (10 counts) • PC 470 – Forgery (2 counts) • PC 530.5(a) – Identity theft (9 counts) • PC 25850(a) – Carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle • PC 30305(a)(1) – Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person • PC 29800 – Felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts) Special allegations: • PC 189(a) – 1st degree murder • PC 190.2(a)(1) – Murder for financial gain • PC 190.2(a)(17)(A) – Murder during the commission of robbery • PC 190.2(a)(17)(G) – Murder during the commission of burglary • PC 190.2(a)(3) – Multiple murders • PC 190.2(a)(19) – Murder of a witness • PC 667(c) – Serious or violent felony (strike prior) • PC 667(e)(2)(C)(iii) – Prior serious or violent felony conviction • PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing death or great bodily injury • PC 12022.53(b) – Personal use of a firearm • PC 667(a)(1) – Prior serious felony conviction • PC 667.9(a) – Crime committed against a vulnerable victim • PC 790(b) – Jurisdiction *** Contact: Joey Buttitta Title: Communications Manager/PIO Phone: (805) 767-3400 Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov Approved: PN Date: September 5, 2025 Release No.: 25-111 *** ORIGINAL REPORT: Gazette posted – online Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 On 02/08/2023, detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau arrested (S1) Rotherie Foster for the robbery at La Unica On 07/03/2022, at approximately 07:42 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a robbery that occurred During the investigation, detectives identified one of the robbery suspects as (A)-Rotherie Foster. On 02/08/2023, On 02/08/2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of second-degree robbery against Foster. Foster This is an on-going investigation. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the second suspect. If anyone has information that would be helpful in this case, please contact Detective Corey *** Nature of Incident: Robbery Arrest / Request for Public Assistance Report Number: 22-87452 Location: 500-block of Old Telegraph Road Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Police Department Investigation Unit, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age (S1) Rotherie Foster, 37, Camarillo (S2) Unknown Prepared by: Sergeant Francisco Jauregui Approved by: Captain Victor Medina |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
 At Tuesday night’s city council meeting the city presented a proclamation for September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and encouraged community-wide participation in suicide prevent efforts. Pictured is Mayor Christina Villaseñor presenting Maya Zumaya with the proclamation. CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 5-0 vote. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH AND ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY-WIDE PARTICIPATION IN SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 9, 2025.PDF 8.B AUGUST 26, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 26, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUCNIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES BETWEEN CITY OF FILLMORE AND SANTA CLARA VALLEY DISPOSAL AND CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATES AS REQUIRED FOR A PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PROCESS AND 9.B PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-02 (ZOA 25-02) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT 9.C AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE KM INTERNATIONAL 2-TON HOT BOX THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
 Denise Berrington, New FUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Denise Berrington is a seasoned school business leader with more than 17 years of experience in California public education. She specializes in fiscal stewardship, facilities management, transportation, energy efficiency, and long-range planning, and has a strong record of leading organizational improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support student success. Most recently, Denise served as Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation for Moorpark Unified School District, where she led a team of 75 employees, oversaw multimillion-dollar construction projects, and managed district-wide safety initiatives. She secured more than $7.5 million in grants to modernize HVAC systems and $6 million to launch one of the county’s largest clean-energy school bus programs, driving major sustainability and efficiency gains. Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years with the Fillmore Unified School District in various leadership roles, where she built a strong foundation in facilities and organizational management. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style, ability to build strong teams, and strategic approach to aligning operations with district-wide goals. Denise holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University and is completing her MBA with a concentration in Finance. She completed a certificate from the USC School Business Management Program, earned her School Business Finance Certificate through CASBO, and is a CASBO Certified Chief Business Official (CBO). |
 Civic Pride Volunteers named the Aguilar Family as the September 2025 Yard of the Month winners. Pictured is the family in from of their beautiful yard (l-r); Victor, Candy, Nick, Veronica, Alexis & Michael Aguilar. Inset, a deep purple shrub with beautifully shaped leaves, described by Veronica as a red blooming Hibiscus they brought from Mexico as seeds & have successfully grown. Photo credit Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, September 14th, 2025
By Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers have selected the yard at 731 Balden, belonging to Victor & Veronica Aguilar and their family which includes Candy, Brandon, Alexis, Michael & Nick, for the September “Yard of the Month.” The family moved to Fillmore from Santa Paula in 2021. Victor is the one who enjoys the yard work & designed the miniature tree Roses to surround the inside of the white picket fence. These Roses have blooms of red, shades of pink & orange. He removed a big tree in the center of the yard & planted a tree that has four different fruits grafted on; apricot, plum & two different types of peaches. All of these have produced fruit, says Victor. Other fruit trees in the front yard are Pomegranate, Strawberry Guava, & Lime. Veronica says they have trees with oranges & figs in the backyard. Victor trained a large seedless green grape vine to grow across the entry way & on across the top of the garage door opening, giving the home great “curb appeal”. Near the entry way, a very unusual, deep purple shrub with beautifully shaped leaves was described by Veronica as a red blooming Hibiscus that they brought from Mexico as seeds & have successfully grown it into a show piece. Other plants seen are white grandiflora roses, small palm trees, an Aloe & tomatoes with lettuce in a pot. The Aguilar family looks forward to exploring Otto & Sons Nursery to use their gift card award. Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for generously providing this award to keep our project going. We have seen creative improvements all around the community…making Fillmore beautiful! |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office arrested Kevin John Reynolds (DOB 09/27/84), of Newbury Park, after executing a search warrant at his home. The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit, in coordination with the FBI and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Reynolds was identified during an undercover operation targeting people involved in downloading and distributing CSAM. During a search of his residence, investigators seized multiple computers and external hard drives. Reynolds was arrested at the scene for possession of CSAM and distribution of CSAM and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. “The sexual exploitation of our children is one of the most disturbing crimes our investigators confront,” said Chief Investigator Scott Whitney. “Our investigators work tirelessly to identify and arrest those who seek to harm the most vulnerable members of our community.” Investigators learned that Reynolds is employed as a chemistry teacher at Fillmore High School. The Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Police Department were immediately notified. *** UPDATE: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 A DUI Checkpoint held on Friday night at Central Avenue & Santa Clara, Fillmore resulted in the arrest of two drivers for DUI offenses. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo Fillmore, California. – On August 29th, 2025, a DUI checkpoint was held on Central Avenue near Santa Clara Street from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. A total of 233 drivers were contacted at the checkpoint. Eight drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Two drivers were arrested for DUI offenses. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prepared by: Sergeant Corey Stump |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Christine Schieferle, Fillmore Unified Superintendent August 28, 2025. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has informed the Fillmore Unified School District (“District”) that on August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Kevin Reynolds, a Chemistry Teacher at Fillmore High School (“FHS”), was arrested on charges of unlawful possession or control of inappropriate images as defined by Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.1. At this time, we do not have information that any current or former students are involved in these allegations. However, the seriousness of these charges are not taken lightly. As the legal process moves forward, we want to make it clear that Mr. Reynolds will not be returning to any District campus. Our top priority remains ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all of our students. The District is actively working to secure an alternate teacher to continue delivering high-quality instruction for the remainder of the school year. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Roger Adams, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services at 805-524-8029. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being and success of our students. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the City of Fillmore recognized the Fillmore Little League Championship 14U District 83 Team, pictured above. The city presented certificates of recognition to the Fillmore Little League after their championship win, defeating the opposing team, 18-7. In 2023, the Little League also won the championship, bringing home the title to Fillmore for the first time in 40 years. Certificates were also provided to the coaching staff and the team mom who contributed to the teams’ success. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 On Monday, September 1st, at 4:14 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire responded to a 100x100 spot fire in the Santa Clara riverbed that was spreading slowly. A copter was requested but cancelled due to a forward progress stop. About two hours later, the Fillmore City Fire Department responded to the same place as before to cool down the hotspots. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Above is the current construction site for the new Fillmore High Athletic Complex which is in full effect. The construction site is scheduled to be completed in December 2026. The brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Online at www.FillmoreGazette.com are original photos attached along with other construction photos and construction information. Inset, a rendering of what the final project will look like. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, September 5th, 2025
 Construction has officially begun on the brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Thanks to the support of the communities of Fillmore and Piru in passing Measure G, this vision is becoming a reality. With a projected completion date of December 2026, the complex will provide modern athletic spaces to support our student-athletes for years to come. Construction crews have already made significant progress at the site. The old baseball field turf has been pulverized in place and mixed into ground. Site grading is actively underway, with heavy machinery preparing the land for development. The transformation is evident when comparing the current cleared and leveled site to the architectural renderings of what’s to come—a state-of-the-art athletic complex complete with updated facilities, expanded parking, and landscaped areas to welcome students, families, and the community. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, said, “As we move forward, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community members for their support, trust, and vision. This project is a direct result of your investment in our schools and our students’ futures. Together, we are building something extraordinary for generations of students to come. Go Flashes! Enlarge Photo |
 On August 19th, at 12:02p.m. Fillmore Police responded to a stabbing victim at the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies found an adult male suffering a stab wound and had him transported to the hospital for his injuries. Later that afternoon Police located and arrested suspect Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident for the incident. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
On 08/19/2025, at about 12:02 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 600 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a stabbing victim. 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. Personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspect as (S) Patsy Escoto, a 35-year-old Fillmore resident. Escoto has a violent criminal history and is currently on probation with search terms. Additional resources from the Fillmore Detective Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, and Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation and actively searched for Escoto in the immediate and surrounding areas. With assistance from diligent members of the community and collaborative efforts from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA, detectives were able to locate Escoto fleeing the area towards Santa Paula using the county transportation system. By the time resources arrived in Santa Paula, she had exited the bus and fled on foot. A search of the area was conducted, but law enforcement was unable to locate Escoto. At about 4:48 P.M., personnel from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and RATP Dev, USA advised Sheriff’s personnel that Escoto had boarded a bus in Santa Paula and was enroute to Ventura. Coordinated efforts from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Headquarters patrol led to Escoto being safely taken into custody after she exited the bus near the Government Center. As a result of the investigation, Escoto was arrested for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder], along with her felony and misdemeanor warrants. She was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked 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 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
After a lengthy investigation, Fillmore Detectives arrested four subjects for their involvement in a robbery.
On 06/08/2025, just after midnight, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the Chevron Gas Station located in the 700 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore reference a theft. Upon arrival, deputies located a clerk who stated several suspects attempted to steal items from the gas station. When the clerk confronted them, the suspects used force and threatened the clerk with violence. Ultimately, the suspects fled the area in a white-colored sedan. During the morning hours, personnel from the Fillmore Patrol Station worked diligently and quickly identified the suspects as (S) Daniel Cortez, (S) Angel Flores, (S) David Merino, and (S) Janae Lopez. All four suspects reside outside of Fillmore and are affiliated with a criminal street gang. Over the next two months, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit collaborated with Headquarters Patrol resources and Ventura County Probation Agency in locating and arresting all four robbery suspects. On 08/07/2025, David Merino was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/11/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy, along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. Merino remains in custody pending court proceedings. On 08/14/2025, Angel Flores was contacted, arrested, and booked for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. On 08/15/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file a conspiracy charge along with special allegations for his involvement with the robbery. On 08/16/2025, Flores posted bail and was released from custody pending court proceedings. On 08/18/2025, both Daniel Cortez and Janae Lopez were contacted and arrested for Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], and Penal Code § 186.22(a) – [Street Terrorism]. Cortez was booked for the offenses, however, due to medical reasons, Lopez was cited and released with a court date. On 08/20/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file charges of robbery and conspiracy along with special allegations against Cortez. On 08/20/2025, Cortez posted bail and was released from 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 *** |
 On Tuesday, August 26th, Fillmore City Council Recognized presented a proclamation to retiree Fire Chief Manuel “Manny” Meraz for his service as Fire Engineer from July 1999 to July 2025. Manny was not present for a photo. The City also recognized Fillmore Fire Department’s recent promotions of Fire Captain Ryan Cota, Fire Engineer Vincent Ceja, Firefighter Paramedic Austin Bennett and Firefighter Megan Ortega, pictured above. Not all were present for the photo, as they were called into action during the meeting. The City also recognized Fillmore Little League Juniors 14U District 63 Champs; photo and more information in next week’s Gazette. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 4-0 vote with Councilmember Carrie Broggie, absent. Online: Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@cityoffillmore1401 AGENDA 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A RECOGNITION OF FILLMORE LITTLE LEAGUE JUNIORS 14U DISTRICT 63 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 5.B PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIREE MANUEL MERAZ 5.C RECOGNITION OF RECENT FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSIONS AND BOARD REPORTS. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025.PDF 8.B AUGUST 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-986 TO REVISE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION AT THE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER, SPEC NO. 21-02 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-4082 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM FOR FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) FUNDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (LTF), ARTICLE 8 CLAIM 9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03A, WELL NO. 10 EXPLORATORY DRILLING AND WELL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS 9.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW CIRCULATION PUMP FOR THE FILLMORE COMMUNITY POOL 9.D APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION OF A CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CONTROL SYSTEMS WEST FOR SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES 9.E CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT TO CERCO ENGINEERING INC. 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 “Dedicated to honor the memory and to pay tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and fought to defend this country and preserve our way of life.” Erected on May 25, 1998, Fillmore Post 9637, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 26th, at 2:09 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported traffic collision at Orchard Street and Kensington Street. Arriving firefighters found a vehicle into a parked truck. AMR Paramedics treated the driver and a child on-scene, and no ambulance was dispatched. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Friday, August 22nd, Flashes Football kicked off the 2025 season taking on Simi Valley Royal Highlanders, defeating them 49-3. Above is Flashes Varsity offense carrying the ball up the field during Friday night’s game. This Friday, August 29th, Fillmore will host their home opener and Education Appreciation Night against Chaffey High School; JV at 4p.m.; Varsity at 7p.m. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  On Friday, August 22nd, the Flashes JV and Varsity football teams kicked off the 2025 season against the Simi Valley Highlanders. Above is Varsity’s #19 running into the end zone scoring a touchdown for the Flashes. Inset, the JV game, with #4 making his way past a Highlander player. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  Pictured is Flashes Varsity #’s 51 & 23 putting a stop to a Simi Valley player. Final score Flashes 49 – Highlanders 3. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  Above are a few Flashes players taking down a Highlander in this past Friday’s game. Final score Flashes 6 – Highlanders 14. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed. The Fillmore Flashes opened the 2025 football season in dominant fashion last Friday night, defeating Royal High School 49-3 on the road. The win marked the Flashes’ first victory over the Highlanders since 1968, a historic milestone made even more memorable as Fillmore took the field in their Columbia blue throwback jerseys. Defensively, Fillmore was relentless, forcing four turnovers and nearly pitching a shutout. Carlos Cabral, Angel Rodriguez, Gabriel Magana, and Miguel Martinez each came up with a fumble recovery, setting the tone for a suffocating effort that left Royal frustrated all night. Special teams also shined, with key contributions from Edgar Castellon, Juan Rondon, and Isaac Rivera to round out a complete team performance. From the opening whistle, Fillmore left no doubt. The Flashes scored touchdowns on each of their first three offensive plays, storming to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. The offense looked unstoppable, with senior running back Jasiah Patterson carrying the ball eight times for 90 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Alamillo added both a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Saul Fraga led the receiving corps with a strong performance reminiscent of his standout 2024 sophomore season. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Thursday, August 21st, Flashes Girls Flag Football hosted San Marcos High School. Both JV and Varsity teams played well but fell short to San Marcos. Above is FHS Varsity #4 reaching for a flag to stop the San Marcos player. Final score San Marcos 46 - Flashes 0. Inset, from the Flashes JV game. Final Score San Marcos 13 – Flashes 12. Fillmore will play the Highland Bulldogs Thursday, August 28th, 7:30p.m. at Home. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 Welcome back to school, Fillmore students! Fillmore High School, Sierra High School, Heritage Valley Independent Studies, Fillmore Middle School, Mountain Vista Elementary School, Piru Elementary School, San Cayetano Elementary School, and Rio Vista Elementary School—welcome back! Photo credit Gazette staff. See more photos on page 10. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
On 08/12/2025, a male juvenile along with Axel Martinez and Pedro Lara Jr. were arrested for firearm offenses and their involvement with gang-related graffiti which occurred in the unincorporated area north of Fillmore known as Lookout Point. Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. 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. On 08/12/2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, a diligent member of the community reported graffiti vandalism that was actively occurring at a turnout along Goodenough Road north of Fillmore. The community member was able to provide a vehicle description associated with the suspects. Upon their arrival, deputies were able to confirm a gang-related graffiti vandalism had just occurred. Deputies canvased the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by the reporting party parked on B Street near Fifth Street. The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, who were later identified as Axel Martinez, Pedro Lara Jr. and a 17-year-old juvenile. All three male subjects are associated to a tagging crew/criminal street gang and were detained pursuant to the investigation. During the detention, deputies located a loaded, semi-automatic handgun concealed in the juvenile’s waistband. Additionally, deputies located spray paint cans and other evidence linking the three suspects to the vandalism. As a result of the on-scene investigation, Axel Martinez was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. Pedro Lara Jr was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. The male juvenile was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 626.9(b) - [Possession of a Firearm in A School Zone], Penal Code § 25400(a)(2) – [Carry Concealed Firearm Upon Person], and Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carry Loaded Firearm]. Both Lara Jr and Martinez were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings, while the juvenile male was lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center. On 08/14/2025, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three individuals’ residences located in Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe apartments. At about 2:45 PM, detectives along with Fillmore Patrol personnel executed the search warrant at all three residences. As a result of the search warrants, additional evidence was located linking Martinez, Lara and the juvenile male to the vandalism. 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: Detective Angel Guerrero |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 19th, at 12:01 p.m., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a stabbing at the Vons Shopping Center. Arriving deputies discovered a victim with a stab wound who was transported by AMR to a local hospital, condition unknown. The suspect, who was suspected of using a knife, had fled the scene. Deputies at the scene requested the Sheriff’s Air Unit conduct a search. According to authorities, the original crime scene was found in the Santa Clara Riverbed, known to be a homeless encampment. As of 2 p.m., the suspect remained outstanding, and an investigation was underway. There was no additional information provided at the time of the incident. If you have witnessed or any information, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (805)654-9511. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
