On the 4th of July, 2023, Fillmore Sheriff's Deputies issued seven citations for possession of illegal fireworks, in violation of 15.39.010 FMC. These violations all have an administrative penalty of $1,000 each. The fees associated with these citations are handled by Fillmore city staff. The citation received is an Administrative Citation. Constituents who are issued one receive a letter from Data Ticket, who is the city's third-party vendor who handles the citation notices. The letter will include information regarding the citation and the process to pay or appeal it. Info courtesy Fillmore PD & City of Fillmore.

On August 19th, 2023, the Bardsdale United Methodist Church is having a garage/courtyard sale this Saturday from 8am-12pm. Our beloved pastor, Rev. Lupita Alonso-Redondo passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. This sale is to help her handicapped husband with expenses because he supported her in everything and was not working independently.

We are asking the community for donations for the sale. You can take them to church any morning from 8:30am on. Also, if you just want to donate to this fund, please give a donation to the church and mark it for the Redondo fund.
The services for Pastor Lupita will be at the church on Saturday, August 26 at 2:00pm. If you want further information, please call the church at 805-524-2070.

Thank you for your understanding and condolences during this most difficult time.

Traffic on Ventura Street this past Friday night as Fillmore Police Department conducted a Driver’s License/Dui Checkpoint, screening 645 motorists.
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Fillmore, Calif. – The Fillmore Police Department conducted a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on Friday, August 4, 2023. The checkpoint was held in the eastbound lanes of Ventura Street, east of C Street, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
During the checkpoint 645 drivers were screened, resulting in five drivers being issued citations for driving while unlicensed and one citation was issued for another offense.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the monetary impact of a DUI conviction to be approximately $13,500. This included fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and possible jail time.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescriptions drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, can cause impairment and result in a DUI arrest. Marijuana can also cause impairment, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoints aid in lowering the risks for deaths and injuries associated with impaired driving. Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

9.A APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION

RECOMMENDATION: Pursuant to State law, the Mayor, Mark Austin, recommends the appointment of commissioners which nominations the City Council shall approve (or not). At this time, Mayor Austin recommends appointing Lani Farr to the CAR to fill a vacant position with a term through June 30, 2025.

Appointment approved.
9.B RECOMMENDATION: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF EQUESTRIAN CENTER PROPERTY (308 CHAMBERSBURG).
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Joint Escrow Instructions (“Purchase and Sale Agreement”) between the City as seller and Mario Robledo and Vanessa Garcia (jointly as buyer) with Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, as the escrow holder, for the sale of the real property located at 308 Chambersburg in the City of Fillmore (Assessor’s Parcel Number 041-0-290-335) which consists of approximately 37.94 acres of land (“Property”).

Agreement approved.
9.C DISCUSSION OF THE RESTORATION OF THE DOG PARK AT TWO RIVERS PARK.
9.D JOINT FILLMORE, SANTA PAULA, VENTURA COUNTY TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA HARVARD SHELTER.

RECOMMENDATION 1. Authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement with the County of Ventura and the City of Santa Paula to share in the cost of the operations of the Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter at 1498 East Harvard Boulevard.
Spirit operates the only year-round homeless shelter located within the Santa Clara Valley and its 49 beds are filled on a continual basis. A cost-sharing agreement between County of Ventura, the City of Fillmore, and the City of Santa Paula ("Agreement") (Attachment A) has been developed in accordance with existing agreements developed between Ventura County and other County cities with shelters in their jurisdictions.
Agreement approved.

9.E STAFF UPDATE ON THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY’S AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE FUNDS.

RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council discuss the proposed spending plan for the remainder of the City’s American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds and approve the proposed allocation of funds.
Discussion concluded.

On July 25, 2023, Fillmore’s Ralphy Avila competed in the USATF Jr. Olympics against 58 athletes, and placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75 in the shot-put competition. Photo courtesy Angel Venegas.
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Heritage Valley Blazers athlete, Ralphy Avila, traveled to Eugene, Oregon on July 25th to compete in the USATF JR. OLYMPICS. Ralphy competed against 58 athletes from around the United States. He placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75. Ralphy said “It was an honor and true blessing to compete in the JO’s. I will continue to work hard to make all my dreams become a reality.” The HVB organization is proud of Ralphy thank you for representing our organization and our small town of Fillmore.

The Avila Family would like to thank Coach Paul Riedmiller, Coach CJ and Beva Felix for all the time they put into working with Ralphy. They would also like to thank Heritage Valley Blazers, Central Station, Heritage Valley AC, Escalera Pest Control, Electric Remedy, Sublife, EXL Designing, Rancho Los Guerrero’s for their monetary donations and all the individuals who supported his raffle and bake sale fundraiser. This trip would not have been possible without all the support from our community.

Dear Fillmore Unified School District community,

I am excited to welcome you to the new 2023-2024 school year. I hope your family has had the opportunity this summer to spend quality time with loved ones and that you and your children are ready for the school year ahead. It’s going to be a great year!

The beginning of each school year is always a time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools.

The staff has been working all summer to prepare for this school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as:

• New bilingual college and career counselor at Fillmore High School
• New Wellness Centers at Mountain Vista and Piru Elementary Schools
• Adult Education Counselor
• Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all schools
• Free online academic tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reading intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle School
• New video production teacher at Fillmore High School
• Block schedules at Fillmore Middle School and High School with a built-in academic support period to provide extra help for students
• Field trips to universities and colleges to promote a university culture.
• Bridges after school program until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Expanded learning opportunities during winter, October and spring breaks

We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all schools. Each year, all staff receive training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school holds regular emergency drills, and we will continue to have school resource officers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School to build relationships and respond in the event of a school emergency.

Please also consider supporting our School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Clubs, and other school/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and your child’s teachers, principals, counselors, and support staff is critical to your child’s success in school. I look forward to seeing our students back on our school grounds on Wednesday, August 16. I am confident that by working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students.

Proud to be a part of the Fillmore Unified School District.
Chrissy Schieferle,
Superintendent

On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in Fillmore in early May 2023 near the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive. DA’s office filed a Felony Assault with a Firearm charge on July 25, 2023. Since then, Police have increased patrol and served multiple search warrants, and conducted probation/parole searches, which has led to multiple arrests. Above are photos of evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Department during their investigations.
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On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.
On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, Fillmore Patrol and other Sheriff’s Office investigative units, responded to the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive for a “shots fired” call. Investigators determined an adult male had been shot during a gang-related confrontation.

West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism.
During a traffic stop on July 12, 2023, at approximately 2:50 PM, WC-SEU detectives arrested a juvenile for the May shooting. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed a felony charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.

The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.
The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes and illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.

Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested
Report Number: 2354794, 23-55655, 23-56574, 23-63566
Location: 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 2, 2023 @ 7:20 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit, Major Crimes Unit Patrol, and Fillmore Investigations Unit.

(S)suspects,(V)ctims,(P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Multiple Juveniles
(S) Multiple Adults Ventura County
(V) Adult Male Ventura County 31

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt

Two Oxnard residents who are convicted felons were arrested for identity theft involving numerous victims throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

During the month of July 2023, a victim residing in the city of Fillmore reported being the victim of an identity theft. A deputy assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and an investigation began. The victim was alerted by her financial institution that numerous credit cards were obtained, purchases were made, and suspicious activity occurred with the use of the victim’s personal identifying information. These charges and activity were deemed to be fraudulent.

Fillmore station detectives conducted follow-up investigation and evidence was collected identifying Oxnard resident Jose Puga as a person of interest. In addition to the fraudulent activity, it was discovered that the suspect(s) also ordered approximately $1,400.00 worth of various merchandise which was delivered to a residence located at the 1900 block of Socorro Way in the city of Oxnard.

Fillmore detectives collected more evidence implicating Puga as the suspect. Puga has an extensive criminal record and he is currently on probation for crimes involving identity theft. During this initial investigation, Puga was subsequently arrested for a probation violation related to this case involving illegal possession of identity theft related documents. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Detectives identified several victims of identity theft committed by Puga. On July 31, 2023, detectives conducted a probation search at Puga’s residence in the 1900 block of Socorro Way in Oxnard. During the search, detectives located and recovered numerous items that had been fraudulently purchased and delivered to Puga’s residence using a victim’s personal identifying information.

While at the location, detectives contacted resident Alonzo Rodriguez who is also on probation with a lengthy criminal record for identity theft related crimes.

Detectives located identity theft related documents implicating Rodriguez as an additional suspect in this case including additional victims and more stolen California driver licenses, stolen checks, cashier checks, and stolen gift cards. These victims resided throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Rodriguez was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for felony identity theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a no bail probation violation where he remains in custody. Puga was supplementally charged with an additional count of identity theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property. Puga remains in custody with a no bail probation violation.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

On Saturday, July 29th at 10:30am, Fillmore City Hall was filled with folks to celebrate the Fillmore Police Department Plaque Dedication Ceremony and BBQ, in honor of members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Above, Duke Bradbury, Former Fillmore peace officer and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, introducing speakers before the plaque unveiling. See more photos on page 10.
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On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a Dedication ceremony was held at Fillmore City Hall for the unveiling of the plaque to hang in the lobby of City Hall to honor Fillmore Police Department members who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Pictured above are VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen, President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County Duke Bradbury, Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon, and Commander Garo Kuredjian, who were in attendance for the ceremony.
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After the ceremony a BBQ dinner followed for folks to enjoy, cooked by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul. Above are some folks enjoying their meal BBQ; below is Steve and his team who helped prepare the food.
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A large crowd gathered at City Hall Saturday for a ceremony honoring members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987.

Former Fillmore peace officer, and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, Duke Bradbury opened the ceremony with a brief history of the group. Membership in the Thin Blue Line includes retired Fillmore, Santa Paula, LAPD, CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies. A member and good friend from the Sheriff’s Department, Elmo Sheeran, came up with the group’s name. Elmo also later suggested memorializing their service with the plaque. Approximately $2,300 in donations was raised to purchase it.

Bradbury commented on the closeness with which the police forces worked together. “I want to thank our law enforcement friends and partners from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department! During the years we relied on each other for assistance in protecting our communities, and our calls for mutual aid were always answered.”
A BBQ was served on the city hall park area, with the cooking done by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul.

The group was formerly called Fillmore Police Brotherhood. Its first President was former Fillmore Police Sergeant Max Piña. Max passed away two years ago, but he is remembered with the roadway designated Max Piña Way in Fillmore. The city and VC Sheriff’s Department were very helpful in honoring Max’s service to our community.

The first speaker was former Fillmore Police Chief Dick Diaz. Also attending were former Santa Paula Chief of Police Walt Adair, former Senior Deputy Elmo Sheeran, and former Fillmore Police Chief and now VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen. Fillmore City Council Member Carrie Broggie assisted with the plaque ceremonies and addressed the audience. The final speaker was Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon.

Fillmore All-Star team won the 63 District Championship, first time in 40 years. Pictured back row (l-r) Coaches Ricky Gonzalez, Andy Lopez, Damian Magana; Middle row (l-r) Ralphy Avila, Athen Escobedo, Rocky Balboa, Victor Alvino, Drew Lopez, Ethan Zavala, Gabriel Magana; Bottom row (l-r) Isaac Ramirez, Joseph Minister, Malcom Dunbar, Adan Herrera, Aiden Arias, and reclining is Ted Chewning. Inset, the team celebrating at homeplate after teammate Drew Lopez’s homerun during the big game. Photo credit Aaron Escobedo.
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On June 22nd – 29th the Fillmore All-Stars team earned the first District 63 Majors Win in over 40 years, going 4 – 0 having beaten defending champs Dos Pueblos twice for the championship. And it was all due to every player doing their part.

Fillmore’s heat of the lineup displayed a tremendous power hitting with 8 homeruns in 7 games. Ted Chewning, the 3rd and 4th Athen “Turtle” Escobedo, had two, both being his 1st and 2nd homeruns. Isaac Ramirez hit his 1st homerun to start the scoring when they were down. Andrew “Drew” Lopez hit a two-run off Dos Pueblos, putting the first of two games away, defeating them 12 – 6, putting them in a great spot to win the District title and finally bringing the banner home to the City of Fillmore. The first of three games, the boys were down by 4 runs and each of those games they fought and came back to win by 5 runs or more, showing tremendous heart and desire to win for each other. Most of the boys have been together since the age of 8, and Coaches Andy Lopez and Damian Magana have coached the majority of the team since; they have built a good relationship with all of them and know their strengths, etc.

Pitching was stellar to say the least. Gabriel Magana had 2 wins and Drew Lopez had 1 win to close out the Championship game to District against Dos Pueblos. Catcher Joseph Minister pitched in both Championship games and was a force to be reckoned with at age 11. Overall, this was a team effort and good coaching got the job done; but they will be back next year as they have some unfinished business. A special thank you to our All our Coaches for all their hard work, time and effort.

On Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:38pm, Fillmore Police responded to reports from a concerned resident seeing numerous subjects at Delores Day Park. Reports stated multiple subjects with vehicles chasing each other near the area. Also, a male subject was seen with what appeared to be a firearm. After a short pursuit police arrested all five suspects, three juveniles and two adults. Inset photo courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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On July 21, 2023, at approximately 10:38 PM, a concerned resident called the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report suspicious activity at Delores Day Park located at 880 Goodenough Road in the city of Fillmore. The concerned resident reported seeing numerous subjects associated with three different vehicles chasing each other near the park. The concerned resident also reported seeing a male subject holding what appeared to be a firearm during the altercation.

Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station responded to the area. Upon arrival, a deputy identified one of the vehicles involved in the incident and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver, Emma Soderstedt, failed to stop and accelerated her speed for several blocks before stopping. Once stopped, Alberto Sanchez, a known gang member, exited the vehicle and ran while holding a firearm. Sanchez was apprehended and arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Deputies recovered the loaded and unregistered firearm in the driveway of a nearby residence.

Deputies detained three additional male juveniles who were also occupants in the vehicle. All three juveniles were identified as known gang members. All three were subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang. All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Soderstedt was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and evading arrest. She has since been released from custody on her promise to appear at a future court date.

Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for participation in a criminal street gang, disturbing the peace, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, where he remains in custody in lieu of his bail set at $100,000.

Report Number: RB # 23-93665
Location: Delores Day Park 880 Goodenough Road Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: July 21, 2023, @ 10:38 PM
Units(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)suspects,(V)victims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(A-1) Male Juvenile Fillmore 14
(A-2) Male Juvenile Fillmore 16
(A-3) Male Juvenile Fillmore 16
(A-4) Alberto Sanchez Fillmore 18
(A-5) Emma Soderstedt Fillmore 19

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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A 60-year-old Ojai man was arrested on suspicion of a drug-related DUI after a head-on crash on Highway 126 west of Fillmore Monday that caused serious injuries to two Lancaster residents.

The collision was reported shortly before 2 p.m. east of Pyle Road, between Fillmore and Santa Paula, California Highway Patrol officials said. The Ojai man had been driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck eastbound when he traveled into oncoming traffic, according to the CHP. The Ojai driver’s truck hit a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling westbound. The 43-year-old Lancaster man had been driving with a Lancaster woman, 49, in the passenger seat. The woman was trapped after the head-on collision and Ventura County firefighters had to extricate her from the truck. Both of the Lancaster residents were taken to Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries.

On Tuesday, the two were said to be in stable condition, said CHP Officer Jorge Alfaro. The Ojai driver suffered minor injuries, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI, with CHP officials saying drug-related impairment was believed to be a factor in the crash. A third vehicle, a Dodge ProMaster cargo van, had been traveling westbound and was hit by debris from the initial crash. The driver wasn’t injured and his passenger suffered minor injuries. Both are from Ventura. The incident fully closed the highway in both directions for about 30 minutes, Alfaro said. At least one lane in each direction was later opened, with traffic alternating at times, as the CHP’s on-scene investigation continued for a couple hours.

The accident remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to call the Ventura-area CHP office at 805-662-2640.