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VCFD along with firefighters from Ventura City Fire, Oxnard Fire, LAFD, and Fillmore Fire conducted a controlled burn in Fillmore on Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

The controlled burn operation was part of the S219 Firing Operations class led by instructors from VCFD. This training provides firefighters with hands-on experience using strategic burn operations as part of their firefighting tactics. The burn also provided hands-on training for newly hired VCFD hand crew members in an active but controlled fire environment.

Controlled burns like this also allow firefighters to remove fuels when conditions are favorable, and are an important part of wildfire preparedness.

Pictured left is Lori McLain with her daughter Presley McLain. Presley was awarded the P.E.O. 2025-2026 STAR Scholarship for $2,500. Also, pictured right is Destiny Juarez with her mother Monica Loewen. Destiny was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the P. E.O. Sisterhood. Photo credit Jan Lee and Lori McLain.
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By Jan Lee

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at the Fillmore High Senior Awards Night, the P.E.O. Sisterhood is one of the largest community-based women’s organizations in North America with almost 250,00 members. Our organization provides loans, grants and scholarships to women through its six philanthropies. We are committed to helping women achieve their educational goals.

Each year, chapter GY, Fillmore, holds fund raisers to procure money to give to women seeking further education. There are many deserving graduating seniors in the Fillmore Unified School District. This year we are giving a $1,000 scholarship to Destiny Juarez. She will be studying psychology at the university level with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. We wish her much success.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship recognizes the accomplishments of graduating high school young women planning to pursue post-secondary education. This candidate is nominated by the local chapter then selected by the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees of International Chapter who read the applications from outstanding young women from all over the United States and Canada. The STAR Board chose to honor Presley McLain with one of the 2025-2026 $2,500 scholarships. She will study business and marketing. Presley was selected because she has demonstrated excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for success.

We extend to both of these outstanding students our congratulations on their character and accomplishments. To all the Class of 2025 we say, make us proud! Your family, teachers and staff (from TK to seniors) have invested years to get you where you are. You are our future!

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=226.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=226
Posted on: June 12, 2025 | Last Modified on: June 12, 2025

Safe & Sane Fireworks sales officially begin in Fillmore on June 28th! Celebrate responsibly while supporting a great cause — every firework purchased at an officially permitted booth helps fund local nonprofit organizations, with all proceeds going directly back into our community. Let’s work together to make this 4th of July safe, fun, and meaningful for everyone in Fillmore!

Click here: https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1059/Fireworks-Edu-Info--...
Fireworks - Safety - Sales - Regulations for more for Fireworks Sales Info, Safety Tips, & Regulations.

Keep it Legal

• Safe and Sane fireworks are legal within the city limits of Fillmore beginning June 28th,12:00 P.M.- July_5th, 12:00 P.M. Discharging safe and safe fireworks in Fillmore outside the permitted dates and times specified is illegal.

• Fireworks not displaying the State Fire Marshall’s safe & sane logo are illegal year round in all California cities.

• A citation will be issued to those found engaged in the sales/ discharge/possession of non-approved fireworks. The fine for this is $1,100 and may result in jail time.

• To report illegal activity please call the, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at 805-524- 2233.

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Do not ignite fireworks if you are consuming alcohol.

• Nearly half of all fireworks related injuries are from sparklers.

• 51% of fireworks related injuries involve individuals 18 years of age or younger

• Do not discharge fireworks near dry weeds, brush or other fire prone areas. Negligent discharge of fireworks can result in
fines or jail time.

• Fireworks purchased in the City of Fillmore are only legal here. Fireworks are illegal in all other Ventura County Cities.

• Visitors to the City of Fillmore are encouraged to visit a public park to discharge their fireworks.

Christian Hillairet, 24, of Santa Paula

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, 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 Fillmore 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 quickly identified Christian Hillairet as a person of interest.
During the morning hours of June 1, 2025, investigators learned that Hillairet crossed into Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing. Working with multiple federal agencies, Hillairet was located and arrested on June 2, 2025, in Rosarito, Baja California. United States and Mexican authorities coordinated to repatriate Hillairet back to the United States where he could be taken into custody by local authorities.

On June 4, 2025, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau sent a contingent of investigators and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent to the San Ysidro border crossing. Mexican authorities released custody of Hillairet into the control of the U.S. Marshals Service who in turn released Hillairet to Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Investigators.
Hillairet was transported back to Ventura County where he was booked on June 5, 2025, for the murder of Carolyn NinoDeRivera, a violation of California Penal Code Section 187(a).

Prepared by: Detective Michael Marco
News Release Date: June 5, 2025
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina
Booking Photo Release: YES

***

Ojai Handyman Charged with Two Ventura County Murders

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christian Alexandre Hillairet (DOB 09/02/99), of Ojai, has been charged with two counts of murder for the May 2025 killing of Carolyn Nino De Rivera and the 2023 death of William Thompson, a City of Ventura resident. Prosecutors have filed several special allegations against Hillairet, including commission of more than one murder, use of a deadly weapon, and a strike prior.

On May 31, 2025, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula following multiple reports of a possible homicide. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased woman inside the home and determined she was the victim of a homicide.

Sheriff’s Office detectives quickly identified Christian Hillairet as a person of interest in the case. On June 1, 2025, they learned he had crossed into Mexico through the San Ysidro border. With help from federal agencies, he was found and arrested the next day in Rosarito, Baja California. On June 4, 2025, Ventura County detectives and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent met Mexican authorities at the San Ysidro border, where Hillairet was transferred to the custody of the
U.S. Marshals Service and then to Ventura County authorities.

During the investigation, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura Police Department obtained information that linked Hillairet to a second alleged murder involving the death of William Thompson, in the City of Ventura on November 3, 2023. Thompson was allegedly bludgeoned to death with a weapon.

“The defendant’s alleged actions reflect a chilling pattern of violence and cruelty,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “Our office is committed to securing justice for these victims and prosecuting Hillairet to the fullest extent of the law.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Unit, is prosecuting the case.

Hillairet is scheduled to make his first appearance in on Friday June 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without the possibility for bail.

Case: 2025013878
Defendant Information:
Christian Alexandre Hillairet (DOB 09/02/99) Ojai
Charges:
• (2 counts) PC 187(a) – Murder
Special Allegations:
• PC 190.2(a)(3) – Commission of more than one murder
• PC 12022(b)(2) – Use of deadly weapon
• PC 667S2 – Prior strike 2
• PC 1170(h)(3) – Prior serious or violent felony, prison eligibility
• PC 667(a)(1) – Serious felony prior

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. Additionally, a second victim suffering from a stab wound arrived at the Fillmore Police Station seeking emergency medical assistance. That person was also transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care.
Over the next month and a half, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation continued to actively work on the case, seeking public assistance and help from other units within the Sheriff’s Office. Several search warrants were executed during this period, and additional evidence was uncovered.

On 05/29/2025, detectives and patrol personnel contacted and arrested 18-year-old (S) Brayan Alvarez for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder] and Penal Code § 186.22(b)(1) – [For the Benefit of the Gang] for his involvement with the stabbing. He was transported to the Main Jail, where he was booked pending court proceedings. The District Attorney’s Office opted to charge Alvarez with Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a deadly weapon]. Alvarez remains in custody
On 06/05/2025, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for (S) Julio Hernandez, an 18-year-old resident of Fillmore. The warrant was for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder]. At about 1300 hours, detectives located Hernandez in the 500 block of Mountain View Street in Fillmore and arrested him for the warrant.

Shortly after Hernandez’s arrest, detectives located (S) Manuel Rodriguez nearby and arrested him for Penal Code § 32 – [Accessory After the Fact] for his involvement with the stabbing.

Both Hernandez and Rodriguez were transported to the Main Jail, where they were booked pending court proceedings.

Any person with information regarding the stabbing 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.

https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-4... 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 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: 06/06/2025
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).

CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
6:30 PM CITY HALL

AGENDA:

All items passed with 5-0 vote.
1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A FILLMORE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL TEAM CIF CHAMPIONSHIP RECOGNITION

5.B FILLMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE GIRLS SOCCER TEAM LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP RECOGNITION

5.C PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING JUNE 2025 AS LGBTQ+PRIDE MONTH

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITEE, COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8G. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JUNE 10, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JUNE 10, 2025.PDF

8.B CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR KB HOME CITRUS GROVE DEVELOPMENT
SR KB - CITRUS GROVE ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.PDF

8.C SECOND READING TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 24-
02 (ZOA 24-02) AND ZONING CHANGE 24-01 (ZC 24-01) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-
2029 HOUSING ELEMENT ACTIONS 3-1 (CREATE RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM HIGH ZONE) AND 3-2 (CREATE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE) AND MULTI- FAMILY DWELLING
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
SR HOUSING ELEMENT ACTIONS ORD 25-981 SECOND READING.PDF

8.D APPROVAL OF CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR 2025-26
ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH DAVID BURKHART
SR - APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH DAVID BURKHART 2025-26. FINAL.PDF

8.E FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FILLMORE FIRE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT WITH SESPE ROOFING COMPANY

SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR FILLMORE FIRE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT. FINAL.PDF

8.F AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE A NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLE
SR - PURCHASE OF NEW VEHICLE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FY24-
25. FINAL.PDF

8.G CONSIDERATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA HARVARD SHELTER
SR SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA OPERATIONS CONTRACT AMENDMENT.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A REINTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-985 GRANTING A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON PIPELINE, LP FOR EXISTING HYDROCARBON PIPELINE
SR UPDATED CRIMSON PIPELINE ORDINANCE 25-985.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve first reading of the revised ordinance granting Crimson Pipeline, LP, a California Limited Partnership (“Crimson”), a non-exclusive pipeline franchise entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P. TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, MAINTAIN, OPERATE, REPAIR, RENEW, CHANGE THE SIZE OF, AND REMOVE CERTAIN PIPELINE FOR THE TRANSMISSION, COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF OIL, GAS, AND WATER, OR OTHER HYDROCARBONS

9.B ADOPTION OF CITY RESOLUTION 25-4078 ESTABLISIHING THE GANN APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FY 2025-26
SR GANN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FY 2025-26.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the City Council adopt Resolution Number 25-4078 setting the GANN Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

9.C RESOLUTION NO. 25-4077 APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED BY THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
SR - 2025 SB1 RMRA RESOLUTION 25-4077.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve a budget adjustment of $737,677 to Fund 467, Streets Improvement Fund, as described below; and 2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-4077 approving the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1 or SB1) projects list.

9.D APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION OF A CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SOCAL WATER PRO FOR CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLES MANAGEMENT
SR - CONTRACT WITH SOCAL WATER PRO FOR CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM AND BPA MANAGEMENT. FINAL.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending that the City Council: 1. Appropriate $98,500 from Water Reserve Fund 504; and 2. Approve and authorize the Acting City Manager to sign a contract with SoCal Water Pro for Cross-Connection Control (“CCC”) Program and Backflow Prevention Assemblies (“BPA”) Management Services in an amount Not-to-Exceed $98,500 in Fiscal Year 2025 26 in a form approved by the City Attorney.

9.E APPROVAL OF PROPOSED YEAR-END BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR END 2024-25
SR YEAR-END BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FY 2024-25.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff is requesting that City Council: 1. Approve the proposed Year End Budget Adjustments for Fiscal Year End 2024-25 described below, including authorizing the Acting City Manager to adjust the funding in Fund 101 as described below, if needed.

9.F AUTHORIZE THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH TWO SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOOD SERVICES VENDORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
SR - 2025 SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM CONTRACT 25-26.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve to authorize the Acting City Manager to enter into contracts with two food services vendors to support the City’s Senior Nutrition Program for a total amount not-to-exceed of $135,000 in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office.

10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

11. CLOSED SESSION

11.A JUNE 10, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JUNE 10, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with 7-Eleven, Inc. in the 30th consecutive year of “Operation Chill®.” The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and 7-Eleven want to reward local kids through the company’s community outreach program.

This summer, as our deputies patrol neighborhoods, they will keep an eye out for youth doing great things. Some acts include; kids wearing safety helmets while riding a bike or skateboard, kids observing safety rules while crossing the street, kids participating in positive activities, kids holding the door open for someone, kids picking up trash, or kids helping someone in need. If observed, our deputies and professional staff, at any of our stations in the county, will make a positive contact with the youth and issue an Operation Chill coupon. The coupons can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee drink at any participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, or Stripes® store.

This year, 7-Eleven will issue nearly 640,000 coupons to more than 1,300 participating law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. “Operation Chill is more than just a free Slurpee drink coupon – it reinforces the power of small gestures to build big relationships,” said Marissa Jarratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at 7-Eleven, Inc

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to recognizing the good deeds being done by the youth in our communities daily. We have a lot of great kids in our communities and we have a lot of Slurpee coupons to hand out to keep encouraging them to become great citizens. This program allows us to continue to build trust and relationships with the communities we serve. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Prepared by: Sergeant Thomas Miller
News Release Date: 6/5/2025
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

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