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Ventura County Search and Rescue K9 (VCSARK9) brings “Hug A Tree and Survive” Program to Santa Paula Boys and Girls Club and Fillmore Boys and Girls Club

In January Team Members Lisa Hammond and Virginia Feyh (and her K9s Velvet and Huck) and volunteers Linda Munday and Angel Esquivel of the Ventura County Search and Rescue K9 Team (VCSARK9) came to talk to the kids (and adults) about the program “Hug A Tree and Survive”.

VCSARK9 is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, training and deployment of high performance, volunteer canine teams which will in turn effectively assist in the search and rescue or search and recovery of missing persons.

Hug-A-Tree and Survive was developed in the United States following the search for Jimmy Beveridge in 1981, and was first adapted for Canadian use by the RCMP. It was updated by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) and the SAR Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) in 2015 with new videos and activities to support program delivery. Hug-a-Tree and Survive is an AdventureSmart program that helps lost children survive in the woods. It teaches children how not to become lost in the woods, and what to do should they become lost. If a child should become lost in the woods, hugging a tree can help them stay safe, and be found. Staying near a tree offers some protection from the elements, and keeps lost children in the same place, which makes it easier for searchers to find them. The presentation included a short video presentation, discussion about the 4 rules to help keep children safe, and a demonstration with one of the dogs training to be on the VCSARK9 Team, Velvet and Huck, both Redbone [!@#$] Hounds.

The Hug-a-Tree Rules

Hug-A-Tree and Survive emphasizes four key rules to keeping children safe:
TELL AN ADULT WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

Always tell your parents, or another trusted adult where you are going, who you are going with, and when you will be back. You can do this in person, over the phone, through a text message, or by leaving a note in a place they will see it.
IF YOU ARE LOST, “HUG-A-TREE” AND STAY PUT.

A tree can help protect you from the elements while you’re outdoors, and most importantly, keep you in one place. Depending on where you are, there may not always be a tree. Perhaps your “tree” can be a large rock or bench at a park, or a sales counter at a mall. No matter what your landmark is, it is important to stay put, in order to stay safe.

KEEP WARM AND DRY

Temperatures change throughout the day, and can drop at night. Even if you are warm during the day, keep your jacket handy for night time. If you get cold, put on an extra layer, pull up your hood or put on your hat if you have one, tuck your shirt in, tuck pant legs into your socks, and zip up your jacket. You can also keep warm by building a nest to keep you off the ground, or by using an emergency shelter.

HELP SEARCHERS FIND YOU BY ANSWERING THEIR CALLS.

Whether searchers are parents, police officers, or SAR volunteers, remember they just want to get you home safely. Answer back to their calls by making noise and signaling (remember that whistle!), so you can be heard and seen. Make sure to leave lots of footprints and clues, so searchers can follow your tracks to find you.

While designed for the outdoors, these rules are easily transferable to other places including sporting events, shopping malls, public parks, urban areas, and much more! Together, these core points work to ensure kids have the knowledge and training needed to safely enjoy the outdoors, and their communities.

For more information about the “Hug A Tree and Survive” program go to https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/hug-a-tree-and-survive/. For more information about VCSARK9 go to www.vcsark9.org. This presentation was funded by a grant from the California Fire Foundation https://www.cafirefoundation.orgwhat-we-do/for-grant-seekers

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=186
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FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – February 5, 2025 – The Fillmore Police Department is urging all community members to prioritize safety on the roads by slowing down and being vigilant, with the aim of safeguarding pedestrians and drivers alike from accidents and injuries.

Fillmore Police Chief Malagon emphasizes the importance of road safety, stating, “There’s a lot happening on our roads, and everyone deserves to get to their destination safely. Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians who are out walking. Please slow down and never drive impaired.

We all have places to go, so let’s remember that safety is a shared responsibility.”

According to data from 2022, the leading primary crash factor for traffic fatalities and serious injuries in California was unsafe speed, accounting for 73.5% of these incidents. To contribute to road safety efforts, the Fillmore Police Department encourages community members to adhere to all traffic laws in the city.

Here are some key tips for drivers and pedestrians:

For Drivers:

Do not exceed speed limits and reduce speed at intersections. Be prepared to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
Obey posted speed limits, particularly in residential areas where children are present and outdoor activities are common.

For Pedestrians:

Be predictable. Utilize signalized crosswalks where drivers anticipate pedestrian traffic.

Exercise caution when crossing streets, being mindful of approaching vehicles. Remember that at 30 mph, a driver requires at least 90 feet to come to a stop. Enhance your visibility at night by wearing light-colored clothing, reflective materials, and carrying a flashlight.

Exercise extra caution when crossing streets at night or on busy roads with higher speed limits.
By following these guidelines and working together, the Fillmore community can create safer roads for all residents and visitors.

For questions and further information regarding this, please contact Eduardo Malagon, (805) 524-2233, Eduardo.malagon@ventura.org

You can also visit 2024 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts: Speeding-Related and Other Crashes | Safe Transportation Research and Education Center for additional information on Traffic Safety.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

***
Community Contact:

Name: Erika Herrera-Terriquez
Title: City Manager
Phone: 805-946-1712
Email: eherrera@fillmoreca.gov

Robert Farr 32 Fillmore, Ca
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Name: Robert Farr

Gender: Male

Age: 32

Race: White

Height: 5' 10"

Weight: 300lbs

Hair Color: Brown

Last Seen: Ventura Street and B Street in Fillmore, around 5pm

Clothing Description: Black shirt, Grey basketball shorts, and Black shoes on a purple bicycle

Additional Information: Missing person at-risk has a mental health disorder, and is prone to seizures. He was last seen
around 5pm.

Please report any sightings to Ventura County Sheriff's Dispatch at (805) 654-9511.

Por favor reporte cualquier avistamiento al Despacho del Sheriff al (805) 654-9511.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, at approximately 12:30pm, diligent members of the community reported a physical altercation between two individuals in a local market parking lot located in the 1000 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel and detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to the area and confirmed an assault had occurred and the suspect had fled the scene. Additional resources began to canvass the area for the suspect. A diligent member of the community spotted the suspect who was hiding behind a parked vehicle and flagged down deputies. Deputies located and detained the individual hiding which matched the suspect description.

During the subsequent investigation, personnel on scene confirmed the detained person was the suspect, (S) Gabriel Casa. Deputies also learned the victim was not only assaulted by Casa but also robbed of his bicycle.

As the investigation unfolded, additional evidence was located in Casa’s possession linking him to the robbery and assault. Gabriel Casa was subsequently arrested for Penal Code § 211 – [Robbery], Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a Deadly Weapon], and Penal Code § 148.9(a) – [Providing False Information to Peace Officer], and misdemeanor drug offenses.

Report Number: 25-16243

Location: 1000 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: 02/07/2025, 12:34 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Personnel, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore 52
(S) Gabriel Casa, Fillmore 44

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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A 250-gallon water tank and Skidmore pump have been donated to the Fillmore Fire Department by GlobalFire of Canada.

According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola, when the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires broke out a number of these tanks were delivered to Los Angeles, and one was offered to Fillmore. Fillmore Fire already had a 40-gallon tank and pump that they use often, according to Gurrola.

“We used it a lot on the 4th of July to put out trash can fires.”

Gurrola said the new tank will be loaded into the back of one of the department’s pickup trucks when needed. For instance, during fire season the tank will be loaded, but removed from the truck to make room for sandbags during rainy season.

GlobalFire’s mission is to strengthen the emergency response capacity of organizations and communities around the world through the provision of equipment and training. To learn more go to GlobalFire.ca.

Erika Herrera-Terriquez, New Fillmore City Manager
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CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL
AGENDA

Meeting of 2-11-2025

All items except for 9.B which resulted in no action taken, passed 5-0.

Erika Herrera-Terriquez, City Manager

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALL-EGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMEND-ATIONS, AND COMMENTS

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOM-MENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 11, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-FEBRUARY 11, 2025.PDF

8.B JANUARY 14, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-978 TO AMEND SECTION 6.07.060 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE REGULATIONS FOR
THE TIMING OF COLLECTION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

SR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE - NO.25-978.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FILLMORE FIRE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT (PROJECT)

SR - FILLMORE FIRE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT (1049721.1)_FINAL.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve a fund transfer in the amount of $18,641.57 to be reallocated from General
Fund Reserves Fund 506 to Recreation Fund 304 for the Project; and 2. Approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign
a contract with Angeles Contractor Inc. for the Fillmore Fire House Roof Replacement Project (“Project”), in the amount of
$58,641.57 in a form approved by the City Attorney. Alternatives: 1. Postpone the Project until the next fiscal year and
budget accordingly. 2. Take no action at this time.

9.B CONSIDERATION OF FORMATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS CONSIDERATION OF FORMATION NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS SR.PDF
RECOMMENDATION Staff is requesting that the City Council receive the proposed bylaws for the establishment of Neighborhood
Councils within the City of Fillmore, deliberate on the advisability of instituting such councils to enhance resident
participation in municipal governance, and provide feedback to staff

9.C CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ERIKA HERRERA AS CITY MANAGER AND APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT CITY OF FILLMORE CM APPOINTMENT SR.PDF

10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

11. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

12. CLOSED SESSION

12.A FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

February 11, 2025

Sierra Northern Railway’s Ventura Division is pleased to announce the recent relocation of its headquarters to Fillmore, Calif. from its former Santa Paula complex. The company provides transportation, rail-served real estate, and railcar storage services. The company owns and operates several rail lines in the state. The new Fillmore facility is located at 121 Santa Clara Street.

“This new office and shop provide our employees a relevant facility to serve the railroad and the communities along the line,” said Matt Blackburn, Ventura Division Manager.

Another component of the railroad, the Sunburst Train railbike operation, will remain headquartered in Santa Paula at the former Southern Pacific train station.

***

The Sierra Northern Railway (reporting mark SERA) is a common carrier railroad company operating in California. The company owns and operates several rail lines originating from those of the former Sacramento Northern Railroad, Northern Electric Railway, Sierra Railway Company of California, Western Pacific Railroad, and Yolo Shortline Railroad. It handles all freight operations and track maintenance for its parent company, the Sierra Railroad Company. The tracks that are maintained by Sierra Northern are also used by the Sierra Railroad Company’s tourist trains

For additional information, contact Matt Blackburn at MBlackburn@Sierrarailroad.com.

Above is evidence police found during their service of a search warrant for the subject’s home. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) concluded a narcotics sales investigation with the arrest of Mario Galvez who was actively selling fentanyl and methamphetamine to Ventura County residents.

The investigation began in December 2024 when VC FOCUS received information about Galvez selling narcotics from his residence in Fillmore. Detectives conducted covert surveillance of Galvez and observed multiple drug transactions occurring between him and customers outside of his house.

On January 21, 2025, detectives served a search warrant at Galvez’ residence and detained him while he was selling methamphetamine to a customer in a vehicle in front of his house. During the service of the search warrant detectives seized nearly 1 lb of methamphetamine, 20 grams of fentanyl and US Currency derived from drug sales.

Detectives arrested Galvez for Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance and Possession for Sales of a Dangerous Drug. He was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility and posted $50,000 bail. He is currently out of custody and awaiting arraignment on February 4, 2025.

VC FOCUS is a task force made up of Ventura County regional law enforcement agencies, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and federal law enforcement partners. The primary mission of this partnership is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify new trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community at large on the lethal danger of this epidemic.

VC FOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Overdose Awareness & Solutions Team (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.ThinkAgainVC.com

The public may contact investigators from the VC FOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics.

Prepared by: Sergeant John Hajducko
News Release Date: January 31, 2025
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

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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).

During the Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest on Monday, February 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30pm, a victim reported being assaulted by one of the adult protesters on the corner of Ventura Street and A Street.

The victim was riding his motorcycle near the crowd when a male subject threw a water bottle at him. This caused a verbal exchange of some sort between the victim and the protestors.

The victim drove to the police station to report the incident. Additionally, the victim provided video from his GO PRO camera that captured the incident. Deputies viewed the video, confirmed the crime, and identified the suspect as a 42-year-old Fillmore resident.

Deputies returned to Ventura Street and A Street and arrested the subject for violation of Penal Code section 242- Battery and Vehicle Code section 23110(a)- Throwing substances at motorists.

The subject was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and released a short time later after he posted $2500 bail. Information credit Fillmore Sheriff’s Office.

Above is the generator located behind Super A Foods, which was damaged in the fire set on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:30am. Police have made an arson suspect arrest, Jose Gilberto Vasquez, 32 of Fillmore. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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On February 3, 2025, Fillmore patrol deputies arrested Jose Vasquez for an arson that occurred in the City of Fillmore.

On February 3, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Fillmore patrol deputies along with Fillmore Fire Department responded to a fire at the rear building of Super A Foods. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not spread to any other locations. As a result, the fire burned a generator causing approximately $100,000.00 in damage. Upon further investigation, the cause and origin of the fire appeared to be suspicious, and the fire was determined to be arson.

Fillmore patrol deputies collected and viewed evidence, and they were able to positively identify the arson suspect as Jose Vasquez. Fillmore arson investigators processed the crime scene and additional evidence was collected.

On February 03, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Fillmore patrol deputies located Vasquez in the 400 Block of Blaine Street where he was arrested for arson. Additional evidence was located further linking Vasquez to the arson.

Vasquez was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one count of felony arson with his bail set at $50,000.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to report suspicious behavior by calling Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511 or 911 for any emergencies. When reporting suspicious behavior, please be a great witness and provide as much detail as possible.

Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
News Release Date: February 3, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

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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 01/31/2025, a male juvenile was arrested for his involvement with gang graffiti which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum on 10/29/2024.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left
unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. 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.

On 10/29/2024, diligent members of the community reported graffiti vandalism at the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to the area and confirmed a vandalism had occurred, and confirmed it was gang related. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation collaborated with patrol personnel on the investigation and quickly identified a suspect, a previous resident of Fillmore.

In January 2025, detectives obtained a search warrant for the male juvenile suspect, who is a criminal street gang member, and his residence located in the 9000 block of Trenton Lane in Ventura.

On 01/31/2025, Fillmore detectives and members of the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit executed the search warrant at the juvenile’s residence and seized additional evidence linking the juvenile to the graffiti vandalism and participation in a criminal street gang. The juvenile was subsequently arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – [Vandalism] and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang].

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

Report Number: 24-138062
Location: 300 Block of Main Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 01/31/2025, 7:10 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Fillmore Historical Museum Fillmore
(S) Male Juvenile Ventura 16

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon