by Lisa Hammond

Ten recruits at Fillmore Fire Academy recently completed a 16-week, research-backed curriculum from YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), marking the first time this full program has been implemented in a fire academy in Ventura County. YFFR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with instructors worldwide.

Meeting most Sundays—and some Saturdays during their 4-month Academy—at 7 a.m., the recruits participated in 16 one-hour sessions focused on processing stress, building resilience, and enhancing performance. Each class consisted of four key components that correspond to traditional yoga practices but are tailored specifically for first responders: tactical breath work, physical drills, neurological reset, and cognitive declarations.

“This curriculum gives first responders tools they can use throughout their careers, both on and off duty, from recruitment through retirement,” said Lisa Hammond, the certified YFFR instructor who taught the course. She also oversees YFFR’s Virtual Instructor School. “And the best part—no yoga experience is required to get started.”

Grounded in neuroscience, the YFFR program is designed to meet the physical and psychological demands of high-stress careers. It has gained national and international recognition and has been adapted not only for fire service and law enforcement, but also for military personnel, medical professionals—and really, anyone facing stress in their daily lives.

For more information about Yoga For First Responders, visit www.yogaforfirstresponders.org or contact Lisa Hammond directly at lisa@yogaforfirstresponders.org.

On 05/31/25, at approximately 9:09 p.m., Sheriff’s Dispatch received multiple calls stating a female may have been murdered at a residence in the 12000 block of Sisar Road in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula. When deputies arrived, they confirmed there was a deceased female in the residence and evidence at the scene indicated she was a victim of a homicide.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau assumed responsibility for the investigation and are actively investigating the incident as a homicide. The incident appears to be isolated, and a suspect is currently outstanding. Investigators are requesting anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Detective Marco at 805-384-4739.

Nature of Incident: Homicide Investigation
Report Number: 25-67000
Location: 12000 Block of Sisar Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 05/31/25 @ 9:09 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Sheriff’s West County Special Enforcement Unit and Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

(V) Adult Female Santa Paula 26

Prepared by: Sergeant William Meixner
News Release Date: June 1, 2025
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Michael Marco (805) 384-4739
Approved by:Captain Victor Medina

Courtesy Brandy Hollis

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, returning Fillmore Women’s Service Club President Danielle Quintana presented the Fillmore Cultural Arts and Recreation Commission with a check for $600 in sponsorship for the second consecutive year. This sponsorship will help fund the city’s music series, which is set to commence after the Fair for Fun, Family-Friendly Fridays in the Park. The event promises to feature live music and food trucks, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees. For more information, please visit the city website. Fillmore Women’s Service Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the entire community of Fillmore, is actively involved in various activities. For the latest updates and details, follow them on social media. The photo above showcases the attendees, including Brandy Hollis (Vice Chair of the Fillmore Art and Recreation Commission and Vice President of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club), Danielle Quintana (President of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club), Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez (Chair of the Fillmore Cultural Art and Recreation Commission), and Greg Agostinelli (Fillmore Cultural Arts and Recreation Commissioner).

The Rotary Club of Fillmore presented scholarships to 13 students amounting to $10,600. The students were: Destiny Juarez, Ruby Guerrero, Renaldo Tapia, Aerin Garcia, Daniela Curiel, Diana Martinez, Luz Castaneda, Diana Santa Rosa, Jonathan Perez, Presley McLain, Adrian Fuentes, Justin Contreras, and Ignacio Arenas. Also, Presley McLain received the Rigo Landeros Scholarship, Diana Martinez received the Ari Larsen Scholarship and Diana Santa Rosa received the Don Gunderson Scholarship.

Patrick Maynard

Scouting America, Ventura County Council (SAVCC) — formerly Boy Scouts of America — proudly announces its Prepared for Life Gala, scheduled for May 31, 2025, at Camarillo Ranch, located at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event will honor two outstanding community members, Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose, recognizing their significant contributions to Ventura County.

Patrick Maynard, Director of Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services, will receive the Good Scout Award for Public Safety and Service. Maynard has demonstrated exceptional leadership through numerous local emergencies, including wildfires, mudslides, oil spills, the Borderline mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic. His strategic, calm and compassionate approach embodies the values of preparedness, leadership and community service central to Scouting America’s mission.

Patrick Rose will also receive the Good Scout Award, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the arts and media. Rose, whose Emmy-nominated work includes television series such as SEAL Team, Nashville, and Under the Dome, has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. His commitment to mentoring youth in drama and music at Royal High School has provided students with invaluable hands-on experience, instilling confidence, discipline and career-ready skills, aligning perfectly with Scouting America’s core principles.

“We are honored to recognize these two community heroes whose dedication has enriched Ventura County in profound ways,” said Andrea McClellan, CEO of SAVCC. “Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose exemplify the leadership and service values we aim to cultivate in our Scouts, making them ideal recipients of our inaugural awards.”

The gala’s theme, “Yellowstone,” promises an engaging evening featuring gourmet frontier-inspired dining, live entertainment, exciting auction items and rustic décor reminiscent of Montana’s beauty. Attendees will also learn more about Scouting America’s commitment to training today’s youth to become tomorrow’s skilled leaders. The event’s Trailblazer Sponsor is Premier America Credit Union.
For additional details, sponsorship information or to reserve tickets, please visit www.scoutingamericavc.org/Gala.

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About Scouting America, Ventura County Council

Established in 1921 and headquartered in Camarillo, California, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), Ventura County Council (SAVCC) serves the Ventura County region by sharing the fantastic benefits of Scouting with more than 4,500 youth and 779 volunteer adults. SAVCC prepares young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Learn more about SAVCC at https://www.vccbsa.org/.
About Scouting America

Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

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.