By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
On 04/24/2025, a 30-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, Rickie Ann Hudson, was arrested for burglary and other crimes. On 04/24/2025, at about 1:53 AM, a suspect, later identified as (S) Rickie Ann Hudson, used a hammer to smash the front Patrol deputies responded, confirmed the crimes, and obtained video surveillance footage of Hudson. Detectives established a perimeter and conducted an extensive search of the area. At about 3:34 A.M., Hudson was located Ultimately, Hudson was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 459 – [Burglary], Penal Code § 594(a) – [Vandalism], and The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 04/24/2025 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 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
![]() On Saturday, April 26th, at 9:00 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Ventura Street and B Street. When firefighters arrived, they found two pickup trucks with moderate damage; one patient was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition. One of the drivers was arrested for drinking and driving and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Photo credit PHOTO91. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
On 04/25/2025, a 26-year-old Santa Paula resident, (S) Geovanny Molina Portillo was arrested for robbery, assault with a At about 9:48 PM, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon that Over the course of the investigation, patrol personnel identified the suspect as Molina Portillo and learned he was on Molina Portillo fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival and a manhunt ensued. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and the West County Special Enforcement Unit responded to assist with On 04/25/2025, at about 1940 hours, detectives located Molina Portillo inside a vehicle being driven by an uninvolved party Molina Portillo was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], four counts of Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 04/28/2025 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 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
On 03/07/2025, just after 5:00 PM, deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the 800 block of Edison Lane Upon arrival, deputies learned the suspects were affiliated with a Fillmore criminal street gang and had fled the area Later that evening, detectives, patrol deputies, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, and detectives with the West County Special Enforcement On 04/23/2025, detectives from various investigative units with the Sheriff’s Office assisted the Fillmore Station with criminal street gang. Additionally, one juvenile male was arrested for his involvement in the assault, street terrorism, and possession of an Detectives are actively investigating this assault and are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the incident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Axel Morales at (805) 477-7011 or Any person with information regarding the incident is encouraged to reach out to detectives and utilize the link or QR code https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-2... or by scanning the following QR code: 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 Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 04/24/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
![]() On Friday, April 25, 2025, Fillmore Flashes Anthony Tafoya set a new personal record and broke his existing school record at the Ventura County Track and Field Championships. He placed 2nd overall in the county in the Discus competition (166 feet, 3 inches) and 6th overall in the Shot Put competition (45 feet, 10.25 inches). Way to throw Anthony! Photo credit Coach Tony Tafoya. Enlarge Photo |
![]() Back in December 2024, the City of Fillmore closed Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park due to turf and other renovations. Now some of the parks are slowly reopening; pictured above is Two Rivers Park with their new lights being installed where the soccer fields will be. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Two Rivers Park underwent significant improvements along with other city parks which have been slowly reopening, aimed at For more information or updates about park closures and renovations, please contact Public Works Director Joe Bellomo at (805) |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
![]() On Saturday, April 19th, at 8:31 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle that rolled over eastbound Telegraph Road at Haines Road in Fillmore. The driver was transported by ambulance to Henry Mayo Hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
On 04/15/2025, at about 2:22 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 400 block of Mountain View Street in Fillmore reference several individuals fighting. 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. Detectives are actively investigating this stabbing and are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the incident. Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact Detective Axel Morales at (805) 477-7011 or Detective Dustin Heersche at (805) 477-7012. Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous. Any person with information regarding the incident is encouraged to reach out to detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided below to download and submit any video footage of the incident. 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: 04/16/2025 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). |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
![]() Pictured right is City Manager Erika Herrera, Fillmore Rotary President Anna Reilley, and newly appointed Assistant City Manager Manuel Minjares. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo At last week’s Rotary club meeting Fillmore City Manager Erika Herrera and newly appointed Assistant Manager Manuel “Manny” Minjares were the speakers at Fillmore Rotary. They presented several goals for 2025-2026: Revitalize downtown with new flowers, support businesses, make improvements and expand the parks and recreation, upgrade streets, paving and water infrastructure, and improve public communication and resident participation with coffee chats, digital tools, newsletters, events, and much more. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
On 04/16/2025, (S) Christopher Garcia, a 22-year-old Fillmore resident, was arrested for his involvement with gang graffiti vandalism. Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left In mid-March 2025, deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station located new gang-related graffiti in the waterway near Pole Creek and Sespe Avenue. Patrol personnel collaborated with detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and quickly identified the suspect. On 04/16/2025, at about 6:45 PM, Fillmore patrol personnel located the suspect, Christopher Garcia, in the 300 block of Mountain View Street, which is a couple of blocks from where the vandalism occurred. Deputies arrested Garcia for Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – [Graffiti Vandalism] and 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang]. During the arrest, deputies located additional evidence linking Garcia to the crime. He was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to report suspicious people and vehicles immediately and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Graffiti Removal The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending on the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties. 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: 04/17/2025 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). |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
![]() On Tuesday, April 22nd, at 8:14 a.m., Fillmore Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and Fillmore Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Ventura Street and Central Avenue. Minor injuries were reported. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
![]() Senior Director Karen Schmidt, Rates and Strategy from Clean Power Alliance (CPA), gave a 45-minute presentation to Fillmore City Council in consideration of joining the Clean Power Alliance Feasibility Study at last night’s meeting. Enlarge Photo CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COU-NCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 6:30 PM AT CITY HALL 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS 6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMME-NDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 7. CONSENT CALE-NDAR 7.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 22, 2025, CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 22, 2025.PDF 7.B APRIL 8TH, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNICL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 8, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF 7.C CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE; FILLMORE FIRE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO A NEW CONTRACTOR 8. NEW BUSINESS All items passed with a 5-0 vote, except for item 8-A. For that item, the City Council directed staff to return with additional information, invite SCE to participate, and request that CPA provide a comparison of rates since their inception and in comparison, with SCE. The item will be continued to a future meeting. 8.A CONSIDERATION OF PARTICIPATION IN CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE FEASIBILITY STUDY RECOMMENDATION Staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding participation in a feasibility study to explore joining the Clean Power Alliance (CPA). No formal staff recommendation is provided at this time. Alternatives: 1. Approve participation in the CPA feasibility study and authorize a $10,000 General Fund reserve transfer. 2. Direct staff not to participate at this time. 3. Request additional information from CPA or other agencies prior to making a decision. 8.B APPOINTMENT OF NEW INDIVIDUAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL RECENT VACANCY RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council confirm the Mayor’s and approve the appointment of Alex Flores to the Planning Commission to fill a recent vacancy. 8.C ORDINANCE 25-983 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE REGIONAL AGREEMENTS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE CITY FUNDING RECOMMENDATION That the City Council introduce the first reading of the proposed ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute regional agreements that do not require a financial commitment from the City, even if the agreement requires participation of City staff, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office. 8.D IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AQUAHAWK ALERTING SYSTEM FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE WATER CUSTOMERS RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this update regarding the implementation of the AquaHawk Alerting system for City of Fillmore’s water customers. 8.E INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE OF 25-982 UPDATING THE CITY’S FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce the proposed ordinance adopting the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 8.F APPROVE THE 2025-2026 AGREEMENT WITH THE FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FUND TWO SCHOOL RESO-URCE OFFICERS SRO 2025 SR.PDF RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that the Council: Approve an agreement with Fillmore Unified School District for the continuation of two (2) deputy sheriff positions in the City’s existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) for fiscal year 2025 26. DISCUSSION 8.G ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN FILLMORE SR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORK PLAN.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on the proposed next steps for implementing the Downtown Economic Development Plan, developed by the City Manager’s Office in collaboration with the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee. 8.H AGREEMENT WITH HEARTHSTONE FOR RECURRING REIMBURSEMENT FOR POLE CREEK DEBRIS BASIN CLEANOUTS FROM STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 07 RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve the attached Facility Maintenance Agreement with Hearthstone; 2. Authorize the City Manager to issue task orders to Hearthstone for performing as needed clean outs of the Pole Creek Debris Basin; and 3. Authorize staff to arrange reimbursement to Hearthstone for incurred costs for such work through Storm Drain Maintenance District No. 07 in amounts authorized by the Public Works Director and Finance Director. 8.I RESOLUTION NO. 25-4063 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO GRANT A FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINES, LP RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-4063 declaring its intent to grant a franchise. 8.J ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY TO LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESS-MENT DISTRICT NO. 2, ZONE 3 RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve by resolution the initiation of proceedings for the annexation of DP 01-02 (Nova Storage) (“Annexation Territory”) into the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 2, Zone 3, order the Engineer’s Report, and preliminarily approve the Engineer’s Report as received or with amendments. 8.K INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 02 AND HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 SR- FILLMORE LLD - INTENT TO LEVY ASSESMENTS.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff is requesting the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California (“City Council”) to initiate annual proceedings and review the Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025-2026 proposed assessments for the City of Fillmore’s Landscape and Lighting (“L&L”) Assessment Districts. In order for the City of Fillmore (“City”) to proceed, the City Council must also approve the Preliminary Annual Engineer’s Reports for FY 2025-2026, adopt the attached resolutions, and set a public hearing date for Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 8.L REVIEW OF THE ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS AND THE INTENT TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING OF A PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-4062 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and set a Public Hearing for May 13, 2025, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments. 9. CITY MANAGER 10. ADJOURNMENT |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Posted on: April 16, 2025 Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=215 Missed the April 8th City Council Meeting? Key topics covered include: This information supports the City’s goal to ensure the fiscal health of our utility systems, community engagement and improve transparency. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
![]() On Tuesday, April 15th, at approximately 2:23 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department responded to a fight in progress at First Street and Mountain View Street. 911 callers reported that several male and female subjects were involved in a physical altercation, with at least two being stabbed. One victim was found on Mountain View Street with a stab wound, where Ventura County Fire treated the patient; a second victim arrived at the Fillmore Police Station, where the patient was treated by Fillmore City Fire and AMR Paramedics. Both stabbed patients were transported to a local hospital. According to the sheriff’s dispatch, four subjects fled in an older gray Nissan or Honda. It was last seen heading towards Highway 126. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, April 18th, 2025
On 04/10/2025, a 67-year-old Ventura resident, (S) Robert Gibson, was arrested for a felonious violation of Penal Code § At about 7:30 A.M., patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to a report of a burglary in the 400 The suspect, Gibson, had been detained by a diligent member of the community. A subsequent investigation took place and On 04/10/2025, Gibson was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one count of Penal Code § The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 04/11/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
![]() Congratulations to Captain Eduardo Malagon on 25 years of dedicated service! Fillmore is incredibly fortunate to have your leadership at the helm of our police department. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to our community! #FillmoreCA #CaptainMalagon #25YearsOfService #CommunityFirst #thankyouforyourservice. Posted April 11, 2025, https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
![]() On Sunday, April 13th, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Fillmore City Firefighters responded to a fire involving a mobility scooter in the 200 block of A Street. The fire was extinguished by firefighters and no injuries were reported. Photo credit PHOTO91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
![]() Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=208 FILLMORE, CA — Posted on: March 27, 2025–Fire Chief Keith Gurrola is informing the Fillmore community that updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, mandated by CAL FIRE and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, are now available for public review. The new maps reflect updated data and scientific modeling to assess wildfire risks in both State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). These updated maps will help better prepare our community and inform future development and emergency planning. “These maps are an important tool in helping us understand the evolving risks we face from wildfires,” said Fire Chief Keith Gurrola. “We encourage residents to review the maps and attend our upcoming community meetings to ask questions and learn more about what these changes may mean for your property and our city.” Public Hearings for Map Adoption: April 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – Introduction of ordinance May 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – Final adoption and public comment (Both hearings will take place at Fillmore City Hall, Council Chambers) In accordance with state law, the City of Fillmore is required to adopt the LRA maps within 120 days of their release. The City does not intend to propose any changes or increases to the hazard zones recommended by CAL FIRE. The maps are available online through the CAL FIRE FHSZ Map Viewer, and additional resources including fact sheets and FAQs are accessible on the City’s website: www.fillmoreca.gov/FHSZ Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Fillmore Fire Department at (805) 815-0328 Community Contact: Name: Chief Gurrola Title: Fire Chief Phone: (805) 815-0328 Email: keithg@fillmoreca.gov Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
By Epi Torres On Friday and Saturday, March 28th and 29th a select group of track athletes traveled over the hill to compete in the Simi In the Rated high jump, Yaneli Landin claimed third place with a jump of 4’ 04”. In the Rated long jump Janessa Corona also In the Rated girls shot put, Adrianna Deleon was 2nd in 29’ 10”. Teammate Hermelinda Ocegueda was 4th in 28’ 00”, and Lucy In the Rated girls 100 meter hurdles, Emelie Magana ran a 19.41. Yaneli Landin ran a 52.27 in the Rated girls 300 meter One of the most exciting results of this meet was the Fillmore Girls 4 X 100 meter relay team taking down the 30 year old |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 18th, 2025
![]() Chef Keegan Wigger, a Brigaid Program Chef, is working with the Fillmore Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Services team on developing meal options for students. Chef Wigger uses a process known as Scratch Cooking. Scratch Cooking refers to preparing food from basic raw ingredients, rather than using prepackaged, processed, or semi-prepared items. It involves starting with fresh vegetables, meats, grains, and other whole foods to create meals, focusing on natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Chef Wigger came to FUSD from the Brigaid program. Brigaid has assembled a team of professional chefs who apply their culinary expertise to help school food service programs achieve their goals. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/4/10/chef-develops-meals-for-fillmore-unified. Enlarge Photo |
