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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
 On Friday, July 11th, at 5:30pm, multiple units were called out to a traffic collision eastbound on Highway 126 near the LA County Line, claiming two lives. The highway was closed for over an hour. Photo credit California Highway Patrol. Enlarge Photo On Friday, July 11th, at 5:30 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire, AMR Paramedics, Air Squad, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision eastbound SR126 near LA County Line. According to the California Highway Patrol in a statement “Officers have concluded that a 40-year-old Fillmore man was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on the road when the vehicle traveled into the eastbound lane and directly into the path an oncoming 2016 Subaru for unknown reasons. A 46-year-old man driving the Subaru died at the scene, emergency crews found him trapped in the driver’s seat and unresponsive his residence was not provided. The Fillmore man was transported by helicopter to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Three other men in the Tahoe were taken by ambulance to Heary Mayo Memorial Hospital for treatment for major injuries. It’s not clear what their relationship was to the driver. A third vehicle, which was a red Tesla, was struck by debris from the crash but sustained little to no damage. No arrest was made, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs is still unknown. The highway was partially closed for a little over an hour in the vicinity of crash while the helicopter was on scene and CHP officers investigated the crash. |
 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were parked at the Fillmore Sheriff’s station on Tuesday after being followed aggressively by a female driver on Highway 126, including the use of a PA system installed in her car. The woman is shown parked behind the federal agents’ car; inset, agents speaking with the female driver. Two weeks ago, a woman who identified with VC Defensa followed and harassed a private citizen, believing he was ICE. The incident was reported to the Fillmore Police Department. A witness to the incident said the woman also identified herself with VC Defensa. False “sightings” of agents have also been posted on Facebook, when Sheriff Deputies serving warrants/probation searches are observed. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
Penal Code Violation Addressed by Agents
On Tuesday, July 15, at about 11am, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents called the Fillmore Sheriff’s Communication Center and reported they were being followed around by an aggressive female driver in a silver Toyota sport utility vehicle. The ICE agents reported the female began following them while they were traveling eastbound on SR-126, just outside the Fillmore city limits. The federal agents drove to the Fillmore Police Station parking lot in an effort to de-escalate tensions and prevent dangerous traffic related issues. While at the police station deputies contacted the parties involved, kept the peace, and determined no crime had been committed. The female driver, an Oxnard resident, was warned on the use of a PA system installed on her vehicle while operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 27007. All parties left the area a short time later without any further incident. Videos of the woman talking over her PA system can be found at www.FillmoreGazette.com. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
UPDATE: On 07/08/2025, Camarillo Traffic Investigators and Fillmore Detectives arrested (S) Myryam Castillo from Fillmore for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for her involvement in a double fatal traffic collision that occurred on 07/02/2025. On 07/02/2025, at approximately 2045 hours, deputies responded to the area of 1305 Ventura Street in reference to an injury traffic collision. Upon arrival, it was determined two vehicles collided head on in the west bound lanes of Ventura Street west of “D” Street. During the investigation, Camarillo Traffic Investigators obtained evidence establishing Castillo had consumed alcohol prior to driving her vehicle. Castillo drove her car across the two-way center turn lane of Ventura Street, eventually traveling east in the west bound lanes. The front of Castillo’s vehicle struck the front of (D) Maria DonDiego’s vehicle. The collision resulted in the death of DonDiego and Castillo’s five-year old son. Two other children were also seriously injured in the collision and treated at local hospitals. On 07/08/2025, Camarillo Traffic Investigators and Fillmore Detectives arrested Castillo for two counts of Penal Code section 191.5 - Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated. Castillo was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and later released after posting $100,000 bail. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Bradley Bordon at (805)-388-5146 or bradley.bordon@ventura.org. Prepared by: Deputy Bradley Bordon News Release Date: 07/09/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
 On Friday, July 11th, at 12:05 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the 500 block of Guiberson Road, Bardsdale. Arriving firefighters located a tractor fully engulfed in flames in between the orchards. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of Fillmore City Fire Department. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
 Fillmore Unified staff welcomed new Rio Vista Elementary Principal Kayleigh Kelp to the Fillmore Unified School District. Kelp comes to Fillmore with more than a decade of educational experience, having served as both an elementary teacher and assistant principal in Ventura County and Santa Cruz before earning her Administrative Services Credential and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Cal State Channel Islands, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education from Purdue University. Kelp emphasizes a leadership style centered on integrity, relationships, efficiency, support, and empowerment, and is particularly committed to advancing restorative justice and equity for students with special needs; she looks forward to collaborating closely with students, families, and staff to continue Rio Vista’s culture of safety, respect, and community engagement. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/7/9/welcome-kayleigh. Enlarge Photo |
 Ethan Leighton and Carlos Marin, members of the Fillmore Condors Cross Country Club, have qualified for the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships in Savanah, Georgia next week, 7/21-7/27. Ethan races on 7/22, Carlos races on 7/24. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 18th, 2025
By Heritage Valley Blazers, Kenny Leighton Ethan Leighton and Carlos Marin have both qualified for the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships in Savanah Georgia next week. The T&F season has been a long one for these two athletes, starting in February here in Fillmore and culminating next week in Savannah GA. Ethan who competes in the 13–14-year-old division will run in his favorite event the 800m, he is also scheduled to run the 4X800 meter relay with members of Valley United Striders out of Valencia. Carlos, who competes in the 8U division and will be competing in the 1500m has had an equally successful year. The conference does not run the 1500m but rather the 1600m, he won 4 of the 5 meets and placed 1st in the conference championships. Once post season started Carlos moved to the 1500 where he competed against some of the west coast’s best 8u 1500 runners. Beginning his quest for a ticket to Savannah Carlos competed in Cerritos 3 times, at the West Coast Classic, the Jets invitational, and the USATF Association meet then to Las Vegas for the regional championships and ultimately getting that qualification to Savannah. With this being early in Carlos’s running journey with the Blazers his coaches are looking forward to continuing to help him grow and continue to be successful on the track. Both Ethan and Carlos are also members of the Fillmore Condors Cross Country club, and both competed in the USATF Junior Olympic National Cross Country championships in December 2024 in Indiana with Carlos being a member of the team that took Overall 3rd place in the 8u division. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
On 07/05/2025, just before midnight, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 text reporting a stabbing at Jackson Camp, which is about two miles past the Punch Bowls in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula. At approximately 1:30 AM, on July 6, the Aviation Unit flew deputies to an area near the Jackson Campground. Deputies hiked through brush and darkness to the campsite, where they quickly located and detained the suspect, identified as (S) Colin Maki, a 35-year-old resident of Los Angeles. Shortly after, the adult male victim – also from Los Angeles – was located and airlifted by the rescue helicopter to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), where he received treatment for a single stab wound to the chest. The Aviation Unit also flew detectives into the campsite to begin their investigation. Preliminary findings revealed Maki had been involved in an altercation with another camper. During the altercation, Maki stabbed the victim with a knife. Maki was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code § 245(a)(1)). He was airlifted back to the staging area, evaluated at Santa Paula Hospital for medical clearance, and subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Maki was later released after posting bail. This incident highlights the collaborative efforts of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department in responding to emergencies in challenging and remote locations. The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction. 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 *** 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). |
 On Wednesday, July 2nd, at 8:45pm, multiple units responded to a traffic collision at Ventura Street west of D Street. Upon arrival six people were treated by e4mergency crews, five were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Two people, a 28-year-old female from Oxnard and a 5-year-old male child from Fillmore, unfortunately passed away. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
On Wednesday, July 2nd, at approximately 2045 hours, deputies responded to the area of 1305 Ventura Street in reference to an injury traffic collision. Upon arrival, it was determined two vehicles collided head on in the west bound lanes of Ventura Street west of “D” Street. Paramedics and Firefighters arrived a short time later and treated a total of six people. Five parties were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. One female adult, 28 of Oxnard, was treated on scene, but succumbed to her injuries. One of the occupants, a five-year old Fillmore child, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Next of kin notification is pending by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Bradley Bordon at (805)-388-5146 or bradley.bordon@ventura.org. Prepared by: Deputy Bradley Bordon *** 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 — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On Tuesday, July 8th, at 3:27 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of River Street and A Street. Arriving firefighters discovered two vehicles in the middle of the intersection with moderate damage and a total of three patients; no ambulances transports were made. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 This past Friday was the 39th annual Sespe Creek 4th of July Car Show from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Fillmore community was able to stroll downtown and see beautiful classic cars. This year’s show brought back the chili cook-off, hosted by Red Engine Brewery. They also had a cornhole tournament hosted by the Fillmore Fire Foundation & the Santa Paula Cornhole Baggers, live music, DJ, vendors and food tents/trucks and of course raffles and an award ceremony. Photo credit Christine Nguyen. Enlarge Photo |
 On Tuesday, July 8th, Fillmore High School juniors Sarah Cedillos, Maya Young and Mira Urbano, on behalf of the VC Junior Fair Board, presented the 2025 Ventura County Fair Poster Contest winner’s artwork to Fillmore City Council, as well as announcing the 2025 concert line-up and special admissions for this year’s fair which will start July 30th – August 10th. This year’s poster winner was Kalen Kwak, a 4th grader from Camarillo. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025 All items passed 5-0 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION PRESENTING ON THE COUNTYWIDE SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JULY 8, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JULY 8, 2025.PDF 8.B MARCH 25, 2025 MEETING MINUTES 8.C MAY 13, 2025 - MEETING MINUTES 8.D MAY 27, 2025 MEETING MINUTES 8.E JUNE 10, 2025 - MEETING MINUTES 8.F ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-985 GRANTING A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON PIPELINE, LP FOR EXISTING HYDROCARBON PIPELINE 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to Willdan Engineering Contract for City Engineer Services and authorize the Acting City Manager to sign the Second Amendment to the contract. 9.B APPROVAL OF THE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DIRECTION TO STAFF TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE CERTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the updated Sewer System Management Plan (“SSMP”), a copy of which is attached, and direct the Public Works Director to complete the online certification of the plan as required by the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Water Quality Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ (“Order”). 9.C CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR VEOLIA TO PROCEED WITH REPAIRS TO THE FILLMORE WATER RECYCLING PLANT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council authorize the Acting City Manager to select the appropriate funding source and authorize Veolia to proceed with the necessary repairs to the coarse screen and the recycled water pump. 9.D CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING A RESIDENT COMMISSIONER TO THE AREA HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF VENTURA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RECCOMEDNATION Adoption of Resolution No. 25-4080 Reappointing a Resident Commissioner to the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura Board of Commissioners for a term of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027. The following alternatives are available to the City: a. Not appoint her, or b. Provide other direction to staff. 9.E CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF UPDATED CITY OF FILLMORE TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-4081 to: 1. Approve updated City of Fillmore Travel Reimbursement Policy to replace the current Travel Reimbursement Policy; and 2. Authorize the City’s City Manager to make further updates and future amendments to the City of Fillmore Travel Reimbursement Policy, subject to City Attorney approval. 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A JULY 8, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JULY 8, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On Friday, July 4th, at 9:48 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a solo speed racer bike on Goodenough Road at Third Street. Paramedics treated the motorist and transported the patient to a local hospital, condition Unknown. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On July 4th, the Fillmore Fire Department responded to a fire in a trash can at Sheills Park, near the baseball field. With a quick response, the fire was put out quickly. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On Wednesday, July 2nd, at 7:01 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and the California Highway Patrol responded to a car rollover in the 2500 block of Goodenough Road. Arriving firefighters discovered a single vehicle in a ditch, with one patient outside of the vehicle. Paramedics treated the patient on the scene before transporting the female driver to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On Saturday, July 5th, at 8:07 p.m., a Fillmore Police Unit was involved in a minor injury car accident on Blaine Avenue and the alley at rear of Arrasmith Lane. The vehicles involved were a Fillmore Patrol Unit and a Honda Accord. The police unit sustained minor push bar damage, and the second vehicle sustained front wheel rear passenger side damage. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 11th, 2025
 On Friday, July 4th, at 21:28 p.m., the Fillmore Fire Department responded to a small brush fire in the 100 block of Clearwood Street. The fire was put out before any firefighters arrived. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, July 4th, 2025
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at approximately 2:14 PM, emergency personnel from the Moorpark Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response, and Gold Coast Ambulance responded to a traffic collision that occurred on the Union Pacific Rail Line near Montair Drive in the City of Moorpark. Investigators learned a semi-tractor was towing two trailers of lemons southbound from a privately owned ranch when a collision occurred with an eastbound Metrolink Train. Initial investigation indicates that the driver of the semi-tractor, Jose Avila, of Fillmore, was ejected as a result of the collision. Life-saving measures were initiated by nearby workers and responding sheriff’s deputies; however, Mr. Avila was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was a total of 17 people on board the Metrolink Train. One passenger complained of minor injuries. Rail operations on this section of the Union Pacific Rail Line was temporarily halted for several hours for the investigation. Metrolink and Amtrak arranged transportation for their effected passengers. The collision is still under investigation by the Moorpark Police Traffic Bureau. Anyone who might have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy Manley at 805-532-2700. Prepared by: Sergeant Shawn Holzberger |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
 On Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at 9pm, the City of Fillmore will host their 4th of July fireworks show at the Fillmore Middle School athletic field for family and friends to enjoy. Gazette Stock Photo. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
 With Fourth of July approaching, firework safety is crucial to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires. On Thursday, June 26th, from 10am to noon, Fillmore Sheriff’s had a great day engaging with the community to educate them on safe practices to ensure a safer celebration for all. Thank you to Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K9, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, CHP, and local supporters Starbucks Coffee and Roan Mills Bakery. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 4th, 2025
 For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention. For additional resources, visit NICB.org. Enlarge Photo The Fillmore Police Department would like to share some vehicle theft prevention information with our community from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is observing Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July by calling attention to vehicle thefts as a nationwide issue and urging vehicle owners to take preventive steps to keep their vehicles safe. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, disrupting millions of vehicle owners’ lives — stripping them of their security and mobility. In 2024, 850,708 vehicles were stolen — representing a 17% decrease in vehicle theft totals from the previous year. Estimates show that approximately one vehicle is stolen every 37 seconds. In 2024, these states had the most vehicle thefts, as provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. 1. California Passenger cars make up most of the stolen vehicles, and summer months have the highest reported occurrences of vehicle thefts in the United States. NHTSA urges vehicle owners to take these steps to keep their vehicles — and any valuables inside them — safe all the time. LOCK IT, HIDE IT, KEEP IT! For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention. For additional resources, visit NICB.org. 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: Deputy Ramiro Rico |
