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 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fillmore, CA – April 8, 2025 – The City of Fillmore is pleased to announce the appointment of Manuel Following a highly competitive recruitment process, involving three rounds of interviews and a strong field of well- “Manny’s knowledge, experience, and strong local and County-wide connections will make us an even stronger team,” said City Minjares previously served in the City’s Planning Department and as a Fillmore City Council Member, and most recently worked “It is both an honor and a privilege to return to the city where I began my professional career more than 20 years ago. I The City of Fillmore looks forward to the leadership and experience Manny Minjares will bring to the Assistant City Manager For additional information, please contact Erika Herrera-Terriquez. Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Community Contact: Name: Erika Herrera-Terriquez Title: City Manager Phone: 805-946-1712 Email: eherrera@fillmoreca.gov |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
On 04/02/2025, (S) Isaac Lopez, a 29-year-old Fillmore resident, was arrested for his involvement with a gang graffiti On 04/02/2025, at about 2:30 PM, diligent members of the community reported a graffiti vandalism occurring near the At about 2:52 PM, detectives and patrol personnel located the suspect, Isaac Lopez a couple blocks from the graffiti The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti Graffiti Removal The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending 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: 04/03/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
![]() Local realtor Cindy Diaz-Telly (left) received a Fair Housing Proclamation from City Council Member Christina Villaseñor at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Enlarge Photo CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A FAIR HOUSING PROCLAMATION 5.B SEWER ENTERPRISE PRESENTATION 5.C PRESENTATION REGARDING STREET VENDORS IN THE CITY 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. IS TO APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 8, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-APRIL 8, 2025.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A - Council provided guidance to staff to bring the item back with additional information pertaining to cost associated 9.D passed 5-0 with edits under the environmental section of the draft platform. To not attend the League of Cities April 9.B to 9.H passed 5-0- excluding 9.D 9.A DISCUSSION OF WHETHER TO ADOPT A MILLS ACT PROPERTY TAX PROGRAM WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE RECOMMENDATION Staff seeks direction from the City Council regarding whether to adopt a Mills Act Property Tax Abatement DISCUSSION OF MILLS ACT SR.PDF 9.B CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF REORGANIZING THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss this item and provide direction. If the direction of the City SR REORDERING ITEMS ON AGENDA.PDF 9.C CONSIDERATION OF MULTI-YEAR INVESTMENT IN HOUSING TRUST FUND VENTURA COUNTY (HTFVC) RECOMMENDATION Staff seeks direction from the City Council on whether to include a contribution to HTFVC in the upcoming HTFVC CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING SR.PDF 9.D CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM 2025 SR.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss the draft 2025 Legislative Platform and provide direction to 9.E APPROVAL OF A STAGING AREA LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH TORO ENTERPRISES, INC. SR STAGING AGREEMENT WITH TORO.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Toro Enterprises, Inc. 9.F BOND EXONERATION TRACT NOS. 5520-2 AND 5520-3 SR BOND EXTONERATION TRACT 5520-2 AND-3.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council accept a public improvement bond for survey monumentation for Tract Nos. 5520-2 and RECOMMENDATION That the City Council accept a public improvement bond for survey monumentation for Tract Nos. 5520-2 and 9.G FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING CEILING REPAIR PROJECT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for the Fillmore Boys and Girls Club Building Project SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CEILING PROJECT - FINAL.PDF 9.H FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING DOOR REPLACEMENT PROJECT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for the Fillmore Boys and Girls Club Building Door SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB DOOR REPLACEMENT PROJECT - FINAL.PDF 10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 11. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, CITY |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
![]() On Saturday, April 5th, Fillmore Police Department hosted their “Easter Eggs-travaganza event,” at Two Rivers Park in Fillmore. From 9am to 12pm folks were encouraged to come together for a fun Easter egg hunt, along with open conversation with our local law enforcement and the community. Kids were able to play some fun games and interact with our public safety personnel from the Mounted Unit, SWAT, Bomb Unit, K9 Unit, Fillmore Fire Department and others. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. See more photos online at www.FillmoreGazette.com. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
![]() Piru Elementary School Principal Viviana Laureano presented an update on the programs, activities, and initiatives to the FUSD board for the 2024-2025 school year. Attendance/Health Clerk Sonia Mendez was awarded Classified Employee of the Month, and Counselor Saira Fuentes was awarded Certificated Employee of the Month. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/4/3/piru-elementary-presentation-at-board-of-trustees-meeting. Enlarge Photo |
![]() This past weekend Fillmore AYSO Region 242 attended the 2025 AYSO Sections 1/10/11 EXPO in San Diego at the event Fillmore’s AYSO’s Arnold Muñoz was honored as the AYSO Area 10W Volunteer of the Year. Above is the group of Fillmore’s AYSO members Picture above is Megan Hadley (Fillmore Region 242 Coach Admin), Marie Sasson (Fillmore Region 242 Treasurer), Crystal Cardenas (Fillmore Region 242 CVPA), Alyssa Ceballos (Fillmore Region 242 Secretary), Cindy Elliott (Fillmore Region 242 Ref Admin) and Arnold Muñoz (Fillmore Region 242 Regional Commissioner) who attended the event. Inset, is Fillmore’s Arnold Muñoz (Fillmore AYSO regional commissioner) being presented his award by Dave Howells (AYSO Area 10W Director). Photo credit Arnold Muñoz. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 10th, 2025
By Gabriela Santa Rosa of Fillmore AYSO Region 242 This past weekend, board members from Fillmore AYSO Region 242 attended the 2025 AYSO Sections 1/10/11 EXPO in San Diego, One of the highlights of the weekend was the recognition of Fillmore’s very own Arnold Muñoz, who was honored as the AYSO In true Arnold fashion, he didn’t just accept the award—he also completed additional training and certifications, further In addition to receiving this prestigious award, Arnold was also recently re-elected as Regional Commissioner for Fillmore Arnold’s passion for youth sports and his commitment to the Fillmore community have left a lasting impact. Under his Congratulations, Arnold, on your well-deserved recognition and continued leadership. We look forward to a fantastic 2025 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
![]() On Saturday, March 29th, at 2:26 P.M., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle accident near Highway 126 and Fillmore Street. Minor injuries were reported; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
![]() Angel Esquivel is Fillmore Fire Department’s new photographer! In December 2020, Angel began photographing auto accidents in Fillmore, while he was enrolled in the Fillmore Unified School District’s homeschool program, graduating in 2022, and continuing to VC College. He also was a member of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Explorer Program. Angel’s homeschool teacher suggested he submit his work to The Fillmore Gazette and ask if they were interested in publishing his photographs. Four years later, he is still contributing to the Gazette as an independent photographer. Besides traffic collisions, Angel has branched out to community affairs, including parades and festivals, and fire and police events. Angel also runs a Facebook group where anyone can join and report any traffic incidents between Piru and Santa Paula. The group is called “SR126 Fillmore-Traffic/Updates/Accident/Information”. He also shares his photos on his Facebook page, “Fillmore Public Safety News,” and Instagram @angggel.esquivel. Angel has always maintained an interest in becoming a photographer for the Fillmore Fire Department. “As an independent photographer, I thought it fascinating to witness how our first responders work during an emergency,” he stated. And now it’s official! He’s received a black helmet with a unique “Photographer” shield from the department, and will continue to serve the fire department, and the community with his photos in the Gazette. Congratulations, Angel! Enlarge Photo |
![]() On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, Fillmore High School Girls 4x100 Relay Team took first place as well as shattered a 30-year record set back in 1995. Above is the Flashes Girls 4x100 relay team; (l-r) Mia Munoz, Kimberly Magana, Janessa Corona, and Karinna Magana. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/3/30/girls-4x100-team-break-school-record. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2... |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, April 4th, 2025
The Fillmore Police Department invites you to an “Easter Eggs-travaganza event,” a special event designed to bring the community members together for a fun event and open conversations with our local law enforcement and the community. Bring your family and kids to play some fun games and interact with our public safety personnel from the Mounted Unit, SWAT, Bomb Unit, K9 Unit, Fillmore Fire Department and others. Come check out the various specialized vehicles and equipment used by first responders to help keep our communities safe. Our staff will be coordinating games and setting up an Easter egg hunt for the children in attendance. Event Details: Date: Saturday, April 05, 2025 Prepared by: Technical Specialist Jesus Gaytan |
![]() Fillmore’s Nova Storage has announced the grand opening of its expanded self-storage facility. Stop by Nova Storage – Fillmore, 455 A Street. Visit us at NovaStorage.com. Photo credit Kelly Hanna. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By the Nova Storage team Two years in the making, opposite Fillmore Middle School, Nova Storage is pleased to announce the grand opening of its expanded self-storage facility located in Fillmore. This significant enhancement includes the addition of 14 drive-up units and 177 indoor units, contributing 16,500 new rentable square feet to the existing facility. This expansion represents our steadfast dedication to providing exceptional storage solutions while adapting to the changing needs of our cherished community. Located at 455 A Street, we invite you to visit us and see for yourself how we can help you declutter your life—all while providing a warm smile and friendly service! *** About Nova Storage: Based in Mission Hills, California, Nova Storage has been providing safe, clean, well-lit, and secure self-storage solutions to over 8,500 satisfied tenants since 1982. As a locally owned and operated company, we proudly serve the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties with 10 convenient locations. For more information about our Nova Storage - Fillmore facility, please visit NovaStorage.com, call our friendly manager Guillermo at (805) 524-3177, or email us at Fillmore@novastorage.com. Our office hours are 10:00am-6:00pm Monday -Friday and 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday – Sunday |
![]() On Saturday, March 22, Fillmore’s California United (Boys 2008) team clinched the State Cup Final in San Bernardino. Pictured above is Fillmore’s CU 08’ Boys team. Top row (l-r): Head Coach Juan Hernandez, Julio Ballesteros, Christian Ramirez, Giovany Huerta, Hector Hernandez, Goalkeeper Julian Medina, Cesar Hernandez, Goalkeeper Jose Zaragosa, Juan Manuel Medina, Jacobo Madrigal, and Alexander Nunez. Bottom row (l-r): Jesús Canchola, Julián Huerta, Nathaniel Negrete, Abraham Vargas, Abe de la Cruz, Sergio Robles, Luis Vigil, and Alonso Arellano. Photo credit Erika Arana, CUFC Public Relations. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By Erika Arana (CUFC Public Relations) Saturday, March 22, was a historic day for California United (Boys 2008) as they triumphed in the State Cup final in San The championship-winning goal came from Julio Ballesteros, whose decisive strike sealed the match in favor of California This victory was the result of a collective effort, with each player stepping up in crucial moments. Co-captain Julian In the midfield, Julio Ballesteros, Christian Ramírez, Jesús Canchola, and Alonso Arellano controlled the pace of the game, The team’s depth was also a key factor in their success, with Sergio Robles, Luis Vigil, Abraham Vargas, Alexander Nunez, Beyond their talent and teamwork, these young athletes displayed incredible mental and physical toughness. They endured With this victory, California United (Boys 2008) has once again put Fillmore on the soccer map. Their hard work and Congratulations to California United on this incredible achievement—your community is proud of you! Full tournament Stats: CU (7) vs Leon (1): Goals: Jesús Canchola 3, Jair Garcia 1, Abe de la Cruz 1, Alonso Arellano 1, Christian Ramirez 1 Assist: Abe de la Cruz 2, Christian Ramirez 1, Julio Ballesteros 1, Alonso Arellano 2, Cesar Hernandez 1. Overall record: 1-0-0 *** CU (6) vs Power Evolution (1): Goals: Abe de la Cruz 4, Sergio Robles 1, Jesus Canchola 1 Assist: Hector Hernández 3, Julián Medina 1, Jair Garcia 1, Jesus Canchola 1 Overall record: 2-0-0 *** CU (0) vs Ojai United (0): Shut Out: Sergio Robles Overall record: 2-0-1 *** CU (4) vs Lompoc Academy (1): Goals: Jair Garcia 1, Julio Ballesteros 1, Abe de la Cruz 1, Christian Ramirez 1 Assist: Abe de la Cruz 1, Luis Vigil 1, Christian Ramírez 2 Overall record: 3-0-1 *** CU (4) vs Necaxa (0): Goals: Julio Ballesteros 2, Abe de la Cruz 1, Nathaniel Negrete 1 Assist: Hector Hernandez 2, Jair Garcia 1 Overall record: 4-0-1 *** CU (1) vs Antelope Valley (0): Goals: Julio Ballesteros 1 Assist: Jesus Canchola Overall record: 5-0-1 |
![]() Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers have selected the April 2025 Yard of the Month at 439 Mallard as the winning yard. Owners Ayna (Anna) & Peter Scamardo received an award from Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo credit Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers have chosen the yard of Ayna (Anna) & Peter Scamardo at 439 Mallard for the April “Yard of the Month” The Scamardo’s moved from Camarillo in 2010 & with both working out of Fillmore, they decided to use a landscape company to Since they are at the end of a cul de sac, their yard continues halfway around the end of the street with three Liquid Amber French Lavenders edge the textured walkway to the front door. Peter said he had the walkway installed, being a car/truck Near the front windows of the home are a Gardenia bush trained into a tree, Mock Orange shrubs & Mystic Spires Salvia. Peter & Ayna are familiar with Otto & Sons Nursery & were pleased to receive the award…”more roses?”, expressed Ayna. Take a drive around these neighborhoods that come off Sespe Street & be surprised. Civic Pride volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for making this project possible. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
On 03/21/2025, (S) Adrian Aguilar and (S) Jose Mercado were both arrested for firearm-related offenses. At about 1:00 AM, diligent members of the community called to report “shots heard” in the quiet unincorporated agricultural community south of Fillmore known as Bardsdale. Patrol personnel from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the area and quickly located an occupied vehicle in the area the shots were coming from. The vehicle’s occupants, Adrian Aguilar and Jose Mercado, were detained pursuant to the shooting investigation. As a result of the investigation, deputies determined Aguilar and Mercado were involved in the shooting and arrested both. During their investigation, deputies located a loaded unserialized handgun, often referred to as a “ghost gun.” The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers or markings. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years. Ultimately, Aguilar was arrested for DUI and a Penal Code § 246.3(a) – [Negligent Discharge of a Firearm]. Mercado was arrested for Penal Code § 246.3, Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying Concealed Firearm on Person], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], Penal Code § 32310 – [Possession of Large Capacity Magazine]. Both were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 03/21/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** |
