On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, around 3am on Highway 23 in Moorpark, a man was identified as a traffic accident victim, Jirhet Cruz, 18, of Piru. His vehicle was found by California Highway Patrol Officers near Happy Camp Road. Reports of a car fire were called in according to CHP along Highway 23 near Grimes Canyon Road. He was reported to be the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cause of the crash is still under investigation.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026, 6:30 PM AT CITY HALL
Tuesday night’s City Council Final Vote (August 11, 2026):
4. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded by Mario Rodriguez; 5-0 pass.
8. Approval of the Consent Calendar items 8.A. though 8.G Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
9.A. Motion to Approve Receive and file the 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report titled Countywide Response to Public Complaints About Fireworks. Agree with the Civil Grand Jury Findings (F-01 through F-08) applicable to the City of Fillmore. Determine that no additional action is required by the City, as the recommendations directed to the City have already been addressed through existing City practices, or the recommendations are directed to other agencies. Moved by Christina Villaseñor, seconded by John Garnica; 5-0 pass.
9.C. Motion to Approve introducing the first reading of Ordinance 26-999 to create a Cross-Connection Control Program (“CCCP”) and Backflow Prevention (“BP”) requirements for water lines as Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 16.07 for compliance with State law pertaining to the Safe Water Drinking Act: An ordinance of the City Council of the city of Fillmore, California, adopting a new chapter 16.07 to establish cross-connection and backflow standards and regulations. Moved by John Garnica, Seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
9.D. Motion to Approve 1. Accept the services provided for the Construction of Well No. 10 Drilling and Well No. 5 Destruction Project, Project Specification No. 25-03, (“Project”), performed by Pacific Coast Well Drilling (“Contractor”);2. Authorize staff to file the attached Notice of Completion; 3. Authorize the Public Works Director to exonerate the performance and payment bonds; and 4. Authorize the final payment to the Contractor of owed retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period, provided no stop payment notices are received. Moved by Mario Rodriguez, seconded by Christina Villaseñor; 5-0 pass.
***
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A UNITED WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (UWCD) BOND PRESENTATION
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8G. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE
JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES_FILES.PDF
8.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-997 AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.020 TO UPDATE THE POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
SR - ORDINANCE NO. 26-997 CM APPLYING FOR GRANTS_2ND READING( 2167645.2)
8.C AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT SUCH PURCHASE
SR - AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES .PDF
8.D APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPACE
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPAC
8.E AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
SR - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
8.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
8.G CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A VENTURA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORTCOUNTYWIDE RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIREWORKS
SR - GRAND JURY FIREWORKS.PDF
9.B PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS
SR - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS.PDF
9.C CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES
SR - FIRST READING ORD 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES
9.D APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WELL NO. 10 DRILLING AND WELL NO. 5 DESTRUCTION PROJECT, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPEC NO. 25-03.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN 3 CASES.
CLOSED SESSION - AUGUST 11, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Above is evidence police collected during their investigation of the suspect’s vehicle. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

On 07/25/2026, (S) Clarence Williams was found to be in possession of a firearm. He was arrested for firearm related offenses.
At about 9:45 PM, a patrol deputy from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle on State Route 126 near Old Telegraph Road. (S) Clarence Williams was identified as the driver.
During the deputy’s investigation, he learned there was a handgun concealed inside the vehicle’s glovebox. A records check showed Williams had a felony conviction from another state which prohibited him from owning, possessing, or having access to firearms. Williams also had two active warrants for his arrest. One warrant was out of Texas for pimping and the other was out of Louisiana for pandering.
Ultimately, Williams was arrested for Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm] and Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of Ammunition]. Neither Texas nor Louisiana would extradite Williams for his warrants.
Williams was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings. On 07/27/2026, Williams was released on bond with scheduled court date of 08/10/2026.
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.
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
News Release Date: 07/29/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Subject Arrested for Firearm Related Offenses
Report Number: 26-96391
Location: State Route 126, unincorporated Fillmore
Date & Time: 07/25/2026 @ 9:45 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Clarence Williams, Shreveport, LA, 51
***
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).

A Simi Valley resident was arrested for Lewd Acts Upon a Child Under 14 Years of Age, and Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm.
In April 2025, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received a call for service of a sexual assault that occurred in October 2024. The juvenile victim stated that she was sexually battered by the suspect, identified as Marc Blumberg, at MT Performance Horses & Cattle Company, a ranch located in the city of Moorpark, where Blumberg provided equestrian training. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation that included interviews of multiple witnesses who came forward and reported similar interactions with Blumberg at the location.
At the conclusion of the investigation, detectives had probable cause to arrest Blumberg for violation of California Penal Code 288(a) – Lewd Act Upon a Child Under 14 Years of Age. On July 23rd, 2026, detectives from the East County Sexual Assault Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, and Moorpark Detectives, served a residential search warrant at Blumberg’s residence and arrested him for the above listed violation. During the service of the search warrant, evidence was obtained to believe that Blumberg had illegally transferred a firearm. Blumberg was also charged with Penal Code 27545 – Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm. Blumberg was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail.
Due to the nature of this investigation, detectives believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s East County Sexual Assault Unit, Detective R. Thomas at (805) 371-8309 or RobertG.Thomas@venturacounty.gov. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Prepared by: Detective Robert Thomas
News Release Date: July 23, 2026
Approved by: Captain Albert Ramirez
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Subject Arrested for Lewd Act Upon Child Under 14 Years of Age
Report Number: 25-44555 / 26-95019
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: July 23, 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s East County Major Crimes - Sexual Assault Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, and Moorpark Police Station Detectives
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Juvenile Female, N/A, Simi Valley
(S) Blumberg, Marc, N/A, 64
***
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 07/22/2026, 21-year-old Fillmore resident and gang member, (S) Victor Palazuelos, was arrested for stabbing an adult male in the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore back in February 2026.
On 02/06/2026, at about 10:37 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon.
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.
The Fillmore Detective Unit assumed the investigation. Over the course of the next several months, detectives were able to work leads and ultimately identified the suspect as (S) Victor Palazuelos. Palazuelos is currently on probation for a gang-related crime.
On 07/22/2026, during the morning hours and with the assistance of patrol personnel, deputies contacted Palazuelos during a probation search and took him into custody for the stabbing. He was later booked at Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a violation of Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] where he remains in custody pending court proceedings.
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
News Release Date: 07/22/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Gang Member Arrested for Stabbing
Report Number: 26-17115
Location: 500 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/06/2026, 10:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Adult Male. Fillmore,
(S) Victor Palazeulos, Fillmore, 21
***
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).

Inset, the scene of the August 2024 arson at the railway tracks where the same juvenile was arrested. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo

On 07/22/2026, a juvenile male was contacted and arrested for his involvement with the Fillmore High School construction fire.
On 07/04/2026, at about 11:42 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a mutual aid request with the Fillmore Fire Department at Sierra High School reference a fire to construction material.
Upon arrival, deputies located construction material for the new Fillmore High School gymnasium fully engulfed in flames. The damage caused by the fire was well over $100,000.00.
Over the next week, the Fillmore Detective Unit worked with Fillmore School Resource Deputies and patrol personnel to identify a suspect who was determined to be a juvenile male from Fillmore. During the investigation, surveillance video captured the suspect igniting what is believed to be a dangerous firework just prior to fleeing the area on foot. The firework exploded in the immediate area of the construction equipment and caught it on fire.
On 07/22/2026, during the afternoon hours, the juvenile was contacted and arrested for violations of Penal Code § 451(d) – [Willful & Malicious Burning of Property] and Health & Safety Code § 12677 – [Possession of Dangerous Fireworks]. He was cited and released to his parent/guardian.
This same juvenile was previously arrested in August 2024 along with three other juveniles for their involvement with arson at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
On 07/23/2026, the Fillmore Detective Unit executed a search warrant at the juvenile’s residence located in the 200 block of Santa Clara Avenue. During the warrant service, detectives located additional evidence linking the juvenile to the construction equipment arson, including illegal fireworks.
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
News Release Date: 07/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Juvenile Arrested for Sierra High School Arson
Report Number: 26-86208
Location: Sierra High School, 615 Shiells Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: July 4th, 2026, 11:42 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unit, Fillmore School Resource Deputies, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Fillmore Unified School District
(S) Juvenile Male, Fillmore
***
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).

Fillmore, California – Fillmore neighborhoods are invited to participate in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with deputies, firefighters, and other selected representatives.
National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that make our neighborhoods safer all year round. National Night Out is a community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. Roan Mills Bakery, 7-Eleven, and Fillmore Starbucks has been kind enough to donate snacks and drinks for this event.
“National Night Out is a great opportunity for local residents to meet and greet different team members assigned to various Sheriff’s Specialized Units for an evening of activities,” said Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. “Community policing is more critical than ever before. It’s important for our residents and students to engage with our team in a positive environment and know that we are truly here to serve them and keep them safe.”
The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnership.
The Fillmore Police Department invites the community to come out and ask questions, get crime prevention advice, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Together, we are making communities safer, more caring places to live.
This event will be held at the Fillmore Police Station on Tuesday August 4th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM. To learn more about National Night Out in the City of Fillmore, contact Sergeant Jarrod Foote at the Fillmore Police Department, 805-524-2233.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 07/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Nature of Incident: National Night Out / Touch-a-Truck Event
Location: Fillmore Police Station, 524 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore CA, 93015
Date & Time: August 4th, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Ventura County Sheriff’s Swat Team, Ventura County Search and Rescue Team, Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, Fillmore Police Volunteers/Explorers, Ventura County Probation Agency, and McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog.
***
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).

Deputy Armando Aguas

Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/
p/Da0p9AQKxaM/
Say hello and welcome to our newest patrol deputy, Armando Aguas!
Deputy Aguas has successfully completed his patrol training and is now ready to help and serve the city of Fillmore in addition to his patrol responsibilities, Armando holds a collateral assignment in our agency’s Boat Crew.
Sheriff’s Boat Crew is responsible for operations in the waters along Ventura County’s 43 miles of coastline. The Boat Crew investigates criminal activity, conducts maritime enforcement, and can participate in maritime search and rescue operations.
Please join us in congratulating him as he begins his journey as a patrol deputy. Armando, welcome to the City of Fillmore.

Over the summer many FUSD projects were underway, one being the FMS campus. Above is the FMS gym where crews are currently installing a brand-new, high-efficiency HVAC system, lift equipment set up and more.
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Above are campus buildings getting a fresh new coat of paint. Posted July 20, at 4:12pm, courtesy https://www.facebook.com/FUSDDistrict.
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Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/
FUSDDistrict
Fillmore Middle School campus buildings are getting a complete facelift! Crews have been diligently taping, masking, and prepping exterior walls for a brand-new coat of paint. The fresh exterior color scheme is giving the entire campus a clean, vibrant, and welcoming feel.
The interior quads are undergoing a massive overhaul to create comfortable, modern spaces for students to relax and study.
Prep work is already complete with rebar and wooden forms in place. The north pad is scheduled to be poured this Friday, followed by the south pad on Monday.
To keep everyone cool on sunny days, brand-new shade structures are set to be fully installed by August 3.
Bright, low-maintenance artificial turf will soon be laid down to create soft, green common areas for students to enjoy.
Inside the gymnasium, crews are currently installing a brand-new, high-efficiency HVAC system. Lift equipment is set up inside the gym to access the high ceilings, bringing much-needed air conditioning relief from hot summer temperatures during sports games, assemblies, and PE classes.
Everything is right on schedule, and we can’t wait for students, staff, and families to see the final reveal when the new school term begins!