Police bring awareness to Agricultural Theft Trends in the community. Thieves staged large quantities of illegally picked avocados in bags, crates, and other containers within the orchard in an apparent attempt to steal the avocados at a later time. Photos courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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Narrative:
The Fillmore Investigations Bureau, in partnership with the agricultural community, has noticed trends regarding thefts of avocados and other agricultural equipment in the areas of Fillmore and Santa Paula, California.

In several recent cases, agricultural thieves have staged large quantities of illegally picked avocados in bags, crates, and other containers within the orchard in an apparent attempt to steal the avocados at a later time. Thankfully, vigilant ranch owners, and their employees, have promptly reported these incidents to law enforcement and prevented the suspect(s) from completing the thefts. In other recent cases, thieves have been observed driving their vehicles onto the victims’ property, stealing large quantities of crops, and quickly fleeing the area upon being discovered by employees.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to being present and available for the communities we serve. In addition to vigilantly patrolling our agricultural areas, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to provide the community with the following crime prevention tips:

Note any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice on or around your property and send the information to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Call Sheriff’s Dispatch immediately if the subjects are still present or nearby. Emergency: 911 or Non-Emergency: (805) 654-9511.
Install a surveillance camera system to monitor structures, sheds, container boxes, and entrances and exits. Preferably a system that can be live streamed and monitored remotely for the greatest coordination between law enforcement.
Consider installing a fence, or other barrier, around your property to limit and control avenues of ingress and egress. These physical barriers not only serve as a deterrent, but also significantly reduce a suspect(s) ability to enter and exit the property, on foot or in a vehicle, without being noticed by employees or captured on an accompanying surveillance camera system.

The Fillmore Patrol Station encourages the agricultural community to utilize “Farm Watch,” a partnership between the farming community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Farm Watch is a county-wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to more than several hundred farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. This program provides information to ranchers on agriculture crime trends and on how to react and treat the crime scene so that potential evidence is preserved for immediate processing by deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

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 Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Detective John Grunhold
News Release Date: April 24th, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Fillmore Police Chief

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).

Pictured are Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez and Lions Club President Stephen McQuian. Article/Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Fillmore Lions Club got an extra special treat from our Fillmore Autism Spectrum advocate, Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez, on Monday night. She brought in a short film about her son Noah, and the unique qualities that make him special.
Noah himself brought up such a good point in the film; even if he isn’t responding the way people might expect, that doesn’t mean he isn’t always listening--Noah’s always listening.

Noah is blessed to have his mom be a warrior in our little town for positive change. She is part of the City of Fillmore’s Cultural Arts & Recreation Commission. Along with serving the city by evoking change with sensory friendly time added to our activities, she also is a big children’s sports advocate. Already involved in AYSO, Nancy brought Fillmore AYSO’s EPIC program which stands for EVERYONE PLAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY. This program is designed to meet special accommodations for children who need it.

Along with EPIC, Nancy partnered with our City Manager David Rowlands, to roll out an adaptive basketball league, Fillmore Legends. After a successful test run, expect to also see this on the city menu of more inclusive activities, where all included, not excluded.

Fillmore is so thankful to have such an advocate of positive change in our community and people like Nancy, who have a heart of gold, need our community’s continued support. I know I will personally continue to support her endeavors in putting kids first.

Thank you to fellow Lion Club member Inger Overton for inviting Nancy to talk about the changes she has made and growth of these new programs. Go, Nancy!

Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a probation search at the residence of a convicted felon and found him to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

When a defendant is convicted of a crime, the judge may grant probation if the defendant agrees to certain conditions, which often include submission to warrantless searches. Proactive probation and parole searches by law enforcement are conducted in an effort to reduce high rates of recidivism and to hold probationers and parolees accountable to their court appointed probation conditions. The theory of proactive probation and parole searches by law enforcement helps to minimize the risk to public safety because the probationer or parolee will be less inclined to possess the fruits and instrumentalities of crime, such as weapons.

Carlos Vargas, a Fillmore resident, has two previous felony convictions involving the illegal possession of firearms and controlled substances. In 2023, Carlos Vargas was convicted in Ventura County for being in violation of Health & Safety Code § 11378 – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale. Carlos Vargas was placed on Ventura County Probation and accepted probation terms requiring him to submit to search of his person, residence, vehicle, or any property under his control by a probation officer or law enforcement officer, with or without a search warrant, for items prohibited by his probation conditions.

On April 9th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a probation search at Carlos Vargas’ residence in the 100 Block of Clearwood Street, Fillmore. During a search of the residence, deputies located a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Possession of firearms and ammunition is in direct violation of Carlos Vargas’ probation conditions outlined by the court. Due to his status as a convicted felon, Carlos Vargas is also prohibited under California Law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. Carlos Vargas was arrested for being in violation of Penal Code § 29800 (a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Penal Code § 30305 – Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Carlos Vargas was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: April 10th, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Division I – Single Cut Rose (Melody Parfumee), Rita Rudkin: Div. II – Cut Iris (Yellow Patterned), Rita Rudkin: Div. III – Other Cut Flower (Orchid), Jean Westling: Div IV – Bouquet (Melody Parfumee), Rita Rudkin: Div. V – Arrangements (Oriental Style), Amelia Aparicio: Div. VI – Miniature Arrangements & Bouquets, Susan Hopkins: Div. VII – Potted Plants (African Violet), Debbie Curnett: Div. VIII – Dish Gardens (Succulents), Susan Hopkins: Div. IX - Youth Arrangement, Olivia Michelle Herrera: Div. X – Youth Team Arrangement, The Muskelkers: Div. XI – Youth Composition & Poetry, Nessie Klittich.
Congratulations to all the winners & participants!!

By FHS Boys & Girls Wrestling Coach Michael Torres
The Fillmore High School Boys & Girls Wrestling Teams held an Awards Banquet in the FHS Cafeteria on Thursday, April 11th. Gonzalo Landeros (grade 10) was a Citrus Coast League Champion for the boys at 152 lbs. and named 1st Team All-League as well as the Upper Weight MVP for the Flashes. Emma Torres (grade 11) is a 3-time CCL Champion at 112 lbs. and is undefeated in her 3 years of CCL competition; she was also named 1st Team All-League and recognized with the Flashes Coach’s Award. The Boys & Girls Teams ended with records of 2-2 in CCL competition and placed 3rd in the CCL.
2nd Team All-League Awardees include James Alcantar (grade 9), Natalia Hererra (grade 11), Olivia Juarez (grade11), Tony Lemus (grade 10), and Alexa Martinez (grade 11). All League Honorable Mentions include Emiliano Castanon (grade 10), Delilah Cervantez (grade 10), Pedro Diaz (grade 12), and Karina Vergara (grade 11).
Students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher that are Academic All-League Awardees include: James Alcantar, Aiden Asfour (grade 10), Delilah Cervantez, Olivia Juarez, Micah Harm (grade 9), Natalia Herrera, Marcus Lechuga (grade 10), Tony Lemus, Ava Manzano (grade 11), Alexa Martinez, Christine Panopio (grade 11), and Christopher Tobias (grade 10).
Other FHS Varsity Awardees include Emiliano Castanon: Most Improved Wrestler, Natalia Hererra: Outstanding Wrestler, Olivia Juarez: Rookie of the Year, Tony Lemus: Lower Weight Team MVP, and Alexa Martinez: Girls MVP. FHS Junior Varsity awardees are Christopher Tobias: JV MVP, and James Alcantar: JV Rookie of the Year.
The FHS Wrestling Team holds Spring Practices Monday through Thursday and will host Summer League Competition in the FHS Gym on July 13th, 20th, and 27th. If any FHS Student is interested in joining the team they should see Coach Torres in Room 34.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent and Rotarian Christine Schieferle announced that Fillmore High School has been named a 2024 California Distinguished School. Keith Derrick, FHS Principal, talked about what they have done to improve scores, classes and advancing validation for staff.
FHS has also partnered with CSU Channel Islands with a program that guarantees any student interested in attending will automatically be accepted.
Kristyn Bennett, a Special Projects Coordinator, is working on a Young Writers Workshop contest for grades 1st-12th. This is another opportunity to encourage students who are interested in writing stories, poems and art.
Congratulations Fillmore High School!

8. NEW BUSINESS

All items passed 5-0

8.A AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve: 1. An appropriation in the amounts described below; 2. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a contract with Omnia Partners BNR $68,766.62 ($63,880.15 for furniture and installation $4,886.47 for removal of furniture) through Tri County Office Furniture, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, for the purchase and installation of furniture and modular walls for the Administration and Finance departments; and 3. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a purchase orders in the amounts of $2,000 for electrical costs and $3,000 for IT related costs associated with the office reconfiguration.

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL FURNITURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS’ OFFICE RECONFIGURATION
8.B PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (NO. ZOA 24-01) AND RESOLUTION NO. 24-3991 ADOPTING A BUSINESS PARK MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT (NO. SPA 24-01) PROHIBITING SELFSTORAGE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve: 1. An appropriation in the amounts described below; 2. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a contract with Omnia Partners BNR $68,766.62 ($63,880.15 for furniture and installation $4,886.47 for removal of furniture) through Tri County Office Furniture, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, for the purchase and installation of furniture and modular walls for the Administration and Finance departments; and 3. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute a purchase orders in the amounts of $2,000 for electrical costs and $3,000 for IT related costs associated with the office reconfiguration.

On the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded to multiple groups of stranded hikers on the Sespe River Trail, in the Los Padres National Forest. This area is north of the Fillmore area. In total, 11 hikers and 3 dogs were airlifted to safety.

The recent storm over the weekend caused major impacts to the Sespe Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Rain caused water levels in the Sespe River to rise quickly leaving hikers stranded in harsh conditions. Ground units from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to safely access the areas to lead the groups to safety. Two separate rescue helicopters were dispatched to the area.

Copter 9 is a Bell 412-EPX helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, available seating for 10 passengers including the crew of 4, a paramedic, crew chiefs, and pilot. Copter 4 is a Fire Hawk firefighting/ rescue helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, and available seating for 14 passengers including 2 crew chiefs and a pilot.

This year, Ventura County and most of Southern California has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. These storms have the ability to change normal water conditions into dangerous water currents and flash flooding. This has in turn increased the amount of rescues in the region. While both the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office have highly trained teams to respond to these types of emergencies, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions and recommendations given by public safety agencies. Rescue operations are intrinsically dangerous to both the rescuers and the victims.

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.

Media Follow-Up Contact: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook (805) 388-4212/ jeffrey.seabrook@ventura.org

Prepared by: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook – Ventura County Aviation Unit

Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski