Ronald Joseph Cole, 19, of Fillmore. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 25, 1983, Ronald Joseph Cole was reported as a missing person to the Fillmore Police Department. During the reporting, law enforcement was advised that Ronald Cole had been missing since May of 1965 and his last known location was a family residence in the 400 block of Foothill Drive in the city of Fillmore. Family members of Ronald Cole believed he was missing under suspicious circumstances and suspected Ronald Cole’s half-brother, David La Fever, was responsible for Ronald Cole’s disappearance. Due to the suspicious circumstance surrounding Ronald Cole’s disappearance, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office assumed the missing person investigation in August of 1984.
At the time, investigators were unable to find any physical evidence of a crime, a crime scene, or locate Ronald Cole. David La Fever was named a prime suspect in Ronald Cole’s disappearance, but no criminal charges could be substantiated at that time. Ronald Cole’s missing person investigation remained open throughout the years. During the investigation, investigators learned David La Fever passed away on August 12, 2007, in Anchorage, Alaska.
In 2024, Henry County Sheriff’s Office began reviewing a cold case involving unidentified human skeletal remains that were located on October 27, 1966. The remains were located near a creek southeast of Geneseo, Illinois. Included in the remains discovered was a human skull with an obvious bullet hole, classifying the investigation as homicide.
Investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the non-profit organization, DNA Doe Project, in identifying the remains. At DNA Doe Project’s request, a sample of the remains recovered in 1966 were sent to Astrea Forensics for analysis. Astrea Forensics is a laboratory that specializes in extracting genetic profiles from highly degraded forensic samples.
Investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office worked with DNA Doe Project and were able to identify potential family members. In May of 2025, members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit began working with investigators from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Case notes from the Ronald Cole missing person case were shared and information was compared.
On January 10,2026, Henry County Sheriff’s Office investigators received notification from the DNA Doe Project that the unidentified human remains located in 1966 were confirmed to be that of Ronald Cole. Henry County Sheriff’s Office investigators hold jurisdiction of the homicide investigation regarding Ronald Cole.
The Ronald Joseph Cole missing person investigation is one of many cold cases constantly being reviewed by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit continually investigates numerous cold cases through cooperation with outside agencies, working with various forensic laboratories, and utilizing assistance from volunteer organizations to solve and make progress of these types of cases.
Prepared by: Detective Erik Hernandez
News Release Date: 01/14/2026
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina
Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Missing Person / Cold Case Update
Report Number: 84- 52993
Location: 400 Block of Foothill Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: October 25, 1983
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, DNA Doe Project, Astrea Forensics
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Ronald Joseph Cole, Fillmore, 19
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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).

By Epi Torres
PASADENA, CA – It was a successful weekend for local distance runners as athletes from Fillmore and Piru traveled to Pasadena to compete in both track and road racing events on January 17th and 18th.
Track Standouts at Distance Night
The weekend kicked off on Saturday at Pasadena High School for the January Distance Night meet. Two local freshmen made their mark on the track, both coming away with new personal records.
Ethan Leighton, a freshman at Saint Bonaventure, put on an impressive display of endurance and recovery. Leighton established personal bests in two different events during the meet. He first posted an excellent time of 2:07.39 in the 800-meter race. Just minutes later, he returned to the starting line for the Mile, where he clocked his second personal best of the night with a time of 5:15.61.
Representing Fillmore High School, freshman Damien Santa Rosa took on the grueling two-mile race. Competing in the event for the first time, Santa Rosa crossed the finish line with a strong personal best time of 10:43.02.
Success at the Rose Bowl
On Sunday, the focus shifted to the iconic Rose Bowl for the 2026 Rose Bowl Half Marathon.
In the main 13.1-mile event, Martin Arredondo of Fillmore and Fabian Ochoa of Piru represented the local community. Arredondo finished the half marathon with a time of 1:31:55, while Ochoa completed the course in 1:42:14.
The next generation of runners was also in action as Angel Fabian Ochoa Arredondo, a student at Piru Elementary, participated in the Rose Bowl Rush. The young athlete completed the half-kilometer (one-third of a mile) course. While no official times were kept for the youth event, it capped off a weekend of high-level participation for the Fillmore and Piru running community.

January 20, 2026 –Fillmore, CA– Rio Vista Elementary School education specialist Mariah Perez has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Perez was nominated by the parent of a student, Marlene Galaviz, for her student dedication to students and advocacy for inclusion, including for those with special needs. She is humble, kind, consistent in her teaching, and supportive of her students, school, and parents.
Perez helps students in any way she can, whether by coaching the cheering team or selflessly providing resources for her classroom. She is completely committed to all that she does.
“Ms. Perez has personally given both of my children encouragement, building up their self-esteem and showing them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” said Galaviz. “I am impressed with her ability to create relationships with each family and really know each student so well. Ms. Perez continues to find new ways to evolve. I am forever grateful.”
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About LifeChanger of the Year
Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
- Make a positive impact on the lives of students
- Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
- Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
- Possess a proven record of professional excellence
- Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
- Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
Visit https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=... to read Perez’s nominee profile. If you’re interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Cities of Fillmore, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Ojai would like to address our youth and young adults’ growing use of E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters. These vehicles can be useful in reducing traffic and allowing young people a means of transportation other than motor vehicles to school and other activities. However, we have seen recent increases in collisions involving our youth on e-bikes, bicycles, and scooters.
The increased speed provided by E-bikes and electric scooters requires increased care in their use. Traffic rules must be followed, and helmets must be worn at all times. Each type of the above-listed vehicle has specific rules for its use and operation. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has prepared two informational flyers outlining these rules.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the above-listed contract cities are collaborating with local schools, Community Resource Units, and School Resource Deputies to provide in-person education on the rules, regulations, and safe use of E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters in our communities.
Electric off-road motorcycles made by Sur-Ron, Talaria, Segway, and many other manufacturers are prohibited on public roads, sidewalks, or parks. These are off-road-only vehicles and are subject to impoundment if they are operated on public roads, sidewalks, or parks. The rider can be subject to citation and/or arrest.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will focus on education but will also consider enforcement of violations associated with electric motorcycles and their unlawful operation.
The goal is to reduce traffic collisions, ensure safe operation, and prevent injuries, protecting the youth in our communities.

Grand Avenue/Goodenough Road Fillmore Coalition has joined together in seeking assistance for the continued erosion, sediment build-up and debris in Sespe Creek, causing land-loss to property owners. Please sign the petition that Erika Morales has (DM her) and/or come to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00a.m. at the VC Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue to speak your mind--our voice matters! See page 2 Letter to the Editor, Cindy Jackson, for more details.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
Item 4 - Approval of Agenda - Villasenor motion, Garnica second, passed 5-0
Items 8A-8G - Consent Calendar - Villasenor motion, Broggie second, passed 5-0
Item 9A - Approval of Contract with Clifton Larson Allen LLP to provide auditing and financial statement preparation services - Garnica motion, Rodriguez second, passed 5-0
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A PRESENTATION BY INTERFACE CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES: CITY-SPECIFIC DATA
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 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 13, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 13, 2026.PDF
8.B OCTOBER 28, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.C NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  NOVEMBER 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.D DECEMBER 09, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 09, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.E FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8 SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8. FINAL.PDF
8.F CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 26-4090 FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/ MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AND SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 25-4074
SR MGMT MID CONF COMP PT AND BENEFITS RESOLUTION.PDF
8.G CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE
SR PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE 01.01.2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, TO PROVIDE AUDITING AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION SERVICES
SR - AWARD OF AUDIT SERVICES.PDF
9.B DISCUSSION OF WHETHER TO INCREASE THE CITY COUNCIL SALARIES RECOMMENDATION
SR DISCUSSION ON CITY COUNCIL SALARY INCREASE.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A JANUARY 13, 2026 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 13, 2026 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

We’re proud to introduce the newest members of the Fillmore Police Department, who have successfully completed their 16-week patrol training program! Welcome Deputies Alisa Vargas and Anthony Bavero! These dedicated deputies have shown exceptional commitment and professionalism throughout their training and are now ready to serve and protect their Fillmore community. Please join us in congratulating them as they begin their journey as patrol deputies. Posted December 12, 2025, courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/.

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Two recent winter rainstorms brought heavy rains throughout Ventura County causing damage to the Fillmore area. Residents on Grand Avenue have felt the wrath of the mighty Sespe River flowing strong but also eroding property lines. Cindy Jackson, pictured above, is a lifelong resident of Fillmore and a proud graduate of Fillmore High School. For more than 40 years, she has faithfully volunteered in the community, including over 30 years with the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, as well as the May Festival and many other local events and organizations. Cindy has always been someone who gives her time, energy, and heart to others. Now she is in need of help herself. She is a single mom, self-employed, and runs a farm, which makes her time and financial resources limited. A GoFundMe has been started by a fellow neighbor to help Cindy. For more info visit: https://gofund.me/be1ba6b72. Photo credit Marcus Camp. See page 2 ‘Letters to the Editor’ for Cindy’s submission.

A tree fell at Old Telegraph Road/Landeros Lane last week due to high winds, with no damage to the seasonal/migrant worker housing. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura
Did the recent winter storms cause damage to your home, business, or other property? You may qualify for temporary property tax relief through the Ventura County Assessor’s Office.
What is it?
If your property has been damaged or destroyed by a disaster or misfortune such as severe storms, flooding, fire, or an earthquake, you may be eligible for property tax relief under California law (R&TC Section 170). To qualify, the damage must total at least $10,000 of the property’s current market value.
Taxable property includes:
▪️Land and structures
▪️Orchards
▪️Business equipment and fixtures
▪️Aircraft and boats
▪️Manufactured homes subject to local property taxation
How to File:
Complete an Application for Reassessment of Property Damaged by Misfortune or Calamity (AO-V 365).
What you need to do:
▪️Fill out all required sections
▪️Submit your application to the Ventura County Assessor’s Office
More info:
http://assessor.venturacounty.gov/.../disaster-relief/
Need help? Contact the Ventura County Assessor’s Office at 805-654-2181 or by email at assessor.info@venturacounty.gov or visit assessor.venturacounty.gov

Pictured is a drainage culvert on the east side of the Sespe River, at Old Telegraph Road, used to handle normal drainage. It was closed last week in anticipation of possible overflow from the Sespe River. The flap gate was installed on January 9th, 2023, by Ventura County Public Works. Aluminum slats were lowered into rails on the side of the culvert to create a barrier. The Sespe River has a riprap levee, a permanent layer of large, angular stone or boulders, mixed with cement, typically used to stabilize and protect the soil surface against erosion and scour in areas of concentrated flow. Stop logs are used for level control in open channels of the river. Logs are beams inserted in grooves cast in a channel wall; typically, nominal height of a stop log is in 6” increments, i.e., the log can be 6, 12, 18” in height, etc. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

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Above are LUV to Dance Folklorico Dancers performing at the 47th Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival held on December 13, 2025, as mentioned on page 1. A fun filled day of festivities and music for all to enjoy.
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The 47th Annual Piru Christmas Parade & Festival was held on a beautiful sunny Saturday, December 13, 2025!
The parade had 25 entries and this year’s parade Grand Marshals were Salvador and Rosie Hurtado with Ramon “Mon” Medina as our parade MC and Luis Abrego providing the sound for the parade. Float winners were San Salvador Mission, the Piru Elementary School, and KiKi’s Adventures. Supervisor Kelly Long and our local representative Michael Durazo also participated in the parade. Festival included Fillmore High School Mariachi Los Rayos, LUV to Dance Folklorico Dancers, DJ Danny Ibarra, and the Torres Band. There was face painting for the kids, along with gifts distributed to all children from the Carnales Motorcycle Club. The Ventura County Mobile Library also offered crafts for families and kids as well as library services. Santa was available for picture taking during the festival. Multiple craft vendors were present.
Sponsors included:
• California American Water
• Income from various film shoots in Piru
• San Salvador Mission
• Piru Pizza
• Las Delicias de Puebla Restaurant
• Corazon de Piru
• Mountain View Inn & Restaurant
• Kona Ice
• Taco Zacapu Food Truck
• Carnales Motorcycle Club
• United Water/Lake Piru
• Piru Youth Services (PYS)
• Bob’s Barbershop
• Bella Estetica Salon
• Morelia’s Meat Market
• Super A Grocery – Poinsettia Flowers
• La Flor Bonita – Grand Marshal Flowers
• Nikki’s Restaurant
• Ventura County Parks
• Sheriff Department Explorers & Message Board
• CHP – Toys distributed at Piru Elementary School
These events can only occur with the support of sponsors and the countless hours of our devoted group of community volunteers. To them, we say a HUGE thank you!!!
• Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC)
• Piru CERT Team
• Martin Segoviano – Festival Set-Up
• Paul Perez Jr. - Parade Check-Ins
• Zoyla Alvarez, Maria G. Hurtado, Lupe Hurtado, and Araceli Ortiz – Parade Judges

As Fillmore Air Conditioning & Heating celebrates 30 years in business this year, I would like to take the time to thank all of you for supporting are family business. I wish you all a Happy New Year and a Great 2026!!!