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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish Sergeant Kevin Vaden and Senior Deputy Cesar Salas a very happy and well-deserved retirement. Kevin and Cesar are both ending their law enforcement career at the Fillmore/Santa Clara Valley station. Kevin will be exploring new trails after 35 years of dedicated service to the law enforcement profession, and Cesar will be off to new adventures after 29 years of service. Kevin and Cesar, congratulations on your retirement and thank you both for your service! Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

DON AGUILAR
Interim Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE

March 27, 2023

Student Arrested for Possession of a Handgun

Santa Paula, Calif. – A 16-year-old student was arrested on campus of Santa Paula High School on March 24, 2023, for possession of a handgun and was placed into the Juvenile Justice Center.

On Friday, March 24, 2023, a school resource officer (SRO) followed up on information discovered on social media regarding a student possibly in possession of a firearm. Although there was no information or statements of a threat, the SRO used an abundance of caution. Through investigation, the SRO was able to identify the student and worked with school administration, security staff, and additional police officers to swiftly locate the student and removed him from the classroom. After the student and backpack were removed from the classroom, the police officers conducted a search of his backpack.

A handgun, ammunition, and an ammunition magazine were located in the student’s backpack. No other weapons or ammunition were found on his person or in his locker. A message was sent to parents through the Santa Paula Unified School District shortly after the student was arrested and removed from the campus. In addition to the arrest, the student also faces an administrative review.

This serious matter is a reminder for parents and/or guardians to monitor the contents of backpacks and other items brought on campus. Please regularly monitor/evaluate student’s use of social media, cell phones, and computers/laptops. Remind students if they see something, say something to parents/guardians, teachers, school staff, or SRO’s.
If anyone has information regarding weapons on school campuses, please notify the
Santa Paula Police Department immediately by dialing 911.

Tips can be reported anonymously to WeTip by calling (800) 782- 7463 or visiting:
https://mobile.catapultems.com/santa-paula-usd/Sites

Agency Responsible: Santa Paula Police Department

Press Release Prepared by: Interim Police Chief Don Aguilar

Join us on Twitter @SP_Police, Instagram @SantaPaulaPoliceDepartment, FaceBook – Santa Paula Police Department and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety
alerts and advisories.

On March 20, 2023 Fillmore City Council Member Lynn Edmounds was given the “California Woman Making Herstory Award’’ at the State Capitol in Sacramento by Assemblyman Steve Bennett pictured above is her with the proclamation.
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On March 20, 2023, Lynn Edmonds received the prestigious “California Woman Making Herstory Award” in the State Capitol by Assemblyman Steve Bennett. Lynn Edmonds Honored in Sacramento as “Ventura County Woman of the Year” is joined in this honor by the countless extraordinary women who have shaped our state and country’s collective past. Each of the 69 California Counties was given the opportunity to recognize a woman who has made significant contributions to that county. Lynn Edmonds was cofounder of the Fillmore youth nonprofit One Step a la Vez, has been an exceptional advocate, continuously working to expand opportunities to her community’s youth and families. In her time as an educator, nonprofit leader and council member, Lynn dedicated herself to ensuring access to services to the entire Fillmore Community. Lynn served on many local organizations in the Fillmore and in the Santa Clarita Valley, including the founding board of the Fillmore Boys and Girls Club, founder of the Fillmore/Piru Big Brothers Sister Program and co-founder of the One Step a la Vez Program. She also was on the county wide committees Ventura Transportation Commission, Air Pollution Control Board, Regional Sanitation Control Board, Heritage Valley Transportation Committee and Heritage Valley Tourism Board. From 2018-2022, Lynn served on the Fillmore City Council where she was focused on prioritizing bilingual English and Spanish communication between the city and residents, increase affordable housing, protecting the environment and community economic revitalization.

Ruben Patino, 27 of Fillmore, was killed Sunday, March 26, at approximately 7:30am, on Highway 126 east of Wells Road. Patino was driving westbound in a 2002 Saturn sedan when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. His was the only car involved; CHP reported no dugs or alcohol were involved. Cause of the crash and speed of the vehicle are unknown. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the CHP’s Ventura Area Office at 805-662-2640.

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On Saturday, March 25, the Fillmore Fire Department honored several Fillmore firefighters with awards. A gathering of fire personnel, their families and friends assembled at the Fillmore Fire Station for the event. Ryan Cota (top left) was honored as the 2022 Fillmore Fire Department “Firefighter of the Year”. Also honored were firefighters Ken Harris (top right), Jarod Martinez, Engineers Evan Zellmer, Manny Perez (bottom right), Brian Carreon, Sylvester Alvarez, and Captain Chad Panke for having worked more than five years before they left the Fillmore Fire Department. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.

Ventura County Animal Services provided a detailed discussion of its functions to City Council at Tuesday's regular meeting. The organization has more than 500 volunteers and provides critically important services for all county cities.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023
All items approved 5-0
8-G RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council: Approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 23-944 entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California, consolidating the City’s Arts Commission into the Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commission.
10.A REQUEST: That the City Council approve the 2023-2024 Service Level Request for Ventura County Animal Services to provide animal services to the City’s residents. DISCUSSION: The City of Fillmore contracts with the Ventura County Animal Services (“VCAS”) for VCAS to provide animal sheltering and field services, license processing, and related services for residents of the City. The VCAS animal care budget is determined by allocating the cost of providing services amongst all of the participating cities and the County using a weighted three (3) calendar year average of the City’s pro rata animal intake percentage.

10-B REQUEST: City Staff was requested by the City Council to bring forward an item for the discussion of whether to revise the composition of the Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commission to add the appointment of a non-voting Youth Sport Board Member to the Commission. DISCUSSION: At the March 14, 2023 regular City Council meeting, City Staff presented to City Council a request to adopt Ordinance No. 23-947 to consolidate two commissions by dissolving the Arts Commission by removing Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 6.18 and amending Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 2.28 (Parks and Recreation Commission) to add the duties previously assigned to the Arts Commission and to rename the commission as the Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commission.

10-C CONSIDERATION OF 2022 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE STATUS OF THE CITY GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT
REQUEST: City staff requests the City Council receive and file the 2022 Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element and direct staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). DISCUSSION: Government Code section 65400 requires that each city and county prepare an annual progress report (APR) explaining the agency’s progress in implementing the housing element of its general plan. The APR is prepared using forms, tables, and definitions adopted by HCD.
All items approved 5-0

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On Thursday, March 23, Mountain Vista had special guests to start the day! The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department presented Coffee with Cops. Students were treated to donuts as they toured the SWAT vehicle and gave Hi-5’s to McGruff the Crime Dog. Parents were treated to coffee and conversation. Great way to start the day! https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/newblog/2023/3/23/ventura-county-sherif...

Above are Alma and Max Gabaldon and their dogs Jake, left, a Queensland Heeler mix and Keyonno, a German Shepherd, in front of the Artists’ Wall. Photo credit Carina Monica Montoya.
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Written by Carina Monica Montoya

One of Fillmore’s dynamic duo is Max and Alma Gabaldon. Originally from Clearwater, Florida, Alma’s family moved to San Diego where she went to high school and met Max, her husband-to-be. They’ve been married for 30 years and have four grown children. In 1994 they lived in Camarillo, but fell in love with Fillmore. They enjoyed riding the now defunct Fillmore & Western Railway that offered weekend scenic rides, and Murder Mystery entertainment. They would drive around town and through the neighborhoods, always seeming to circle back to an old near-dilapidated redwood barn on Bard Street west of Saratoga Street. Alma felt the barn was calling out to them.
One day they walked into a real estate office in Fillmore and saw a picture of the Bard Street barn for sale. Out of curiosity they inquired about it. The real estate agent discouraged them from considering it because it was old and needed a lot of work, especially after the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake that caused substantial damage to Fillmore and to the barn, but the more reasons the agent gave to discourage the sale, the more it piqued Alma’s interest to see it.
The 3,500-square-foot barn had been transformed into living quarters that was equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a living and dining area. Alma fell in love with the barn and its 1/3 acre of land. She envisioned the barn as becoming their nostalgic house and together with Max’s expertise as a licensed contractor and Alma’s flare for design and decorating, the barn could be restored and become a novelty and unique home. Max and Alma bought the property and began restoration using modern sustainability standards, which were extensive and are ongoingbecause the barn is over 100 years old and is designated as one of Ventura County’s historic landmarks & points of interest. They were very careful in their restoration efforts by gently uncovering walls, wood, and other parts of the barn that could easily be mistaken for dirt, rot, or something unnecessary. To their surprise, the more they uncovered, fascinating and priceless treasures were found, including a wall filled with paintings on 10-inch squares by several professional artists from around the country who came to visit the barn. Alma researched the barn’s history and learned that it was once home and an art studio to local artist Lawrence Hinckley and his wife Mildred in the 1930s, and was the only art gallery in the county at the time.

Community: Three suspects caught and arrested for an in-progress graffiti vandalism.
Nature of Incident: Three suspects caught and arrested for an in-progress graffiti vandalism.
Report Number: 23-33959
Location: 300 Block of Central Avenue (Rear Alley), Fillmore
Date & Time: March 16, 2023 @ 3:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / Fillmore School Resource Officer Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S-1) Male juvenile Fillmore 14
(S-2) Male juvenile Fillmore 14
(S-3) Female juvenile Fillmore 13
Narrative:
On March 16, 2023, three local juveniles were arrested for graffiti vandalism and conspiracy to commit a crime after they were caught spray painting the wall of an apartment building on private property.
At approximately 3:00 PM, a diligent resident called the police to report several juveniles loitering in the alley of the 300 block of Central Avenue in the city of Fillmore. The juveniles were seen spray painting graffiti on several walls at the location. Fillmore patrol deputies along with a Fillmore School Resource Officer responded and began an investigation.
This crime was witnessed by a diligent citizen who relayed valuable information to the deputies and the deputies were able to identify and detain three suspects who were still in the area. The investigation, which included a search of one of the suspect’s residences, revealed evidence related to the fresh graffiti sprayed on the surrounding walls.
All three juvenile suspects were arrested for violation of vandalism along with conspiracy to commit a crime. All three juveniles were released to their guardians pending a future court date.
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. Gang graffiti and tagging may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious conflicts between rival gangs. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911 or the Fillmore Police Station @ (805) 524-2233. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
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.
After a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed.
Graffiti Removal
The city removes all graffiti by either painting over it or by using the power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. If graffiti is on private property, the city secures a signed agreement from the property owner giving them permission to do the work. To request removal, call the city at (805) 524-1500 (option #4 then #3) for the Graffiti Hotline. If you see graffiti within the city, they will take steps to remove it.
Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
News Release Date: 03/18/2023
Media Follow-Up Contact: School Resource Officer Deputy Jon Schnereger
(805) 524-2233 / email jonathan.schnereger@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
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).

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On Friday, March 17, at 1:30pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision at Ventura St. / Central Avenue, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found two vehicles, with one occupant still inside, needing extrication. Firefighters were able to extricate the occupant using the Jaws of Life tool, inset. The patient was treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital along with a second ambulance for additional patients. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

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On Saturday, March 18, at 4:30pm,Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire were dispatched to a structure fire in the 100 block of Main Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported a house with light smoke showing, upgrading the call to a working fire. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within minutes. While crews were knocking down the fire, they found at least six cats inside and firefighters rendered aid to the animals, inset. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation. SoCal Edison along with a chaplain were also requested to respond to the scene. Condition of the rescued cats is unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

On Sunday, March 19,at 6:20pm, Fillmore Police, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics answered a call on Central Avenue / Main Street to treat a male patient who had overdosed. The man was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

Special Meeting, March 21, 2023 7:30 A.M.
REVISED AGENDA REFLECTING THE FOLLOWING CHANGES: CORRECTED TIME OF THE MEETING FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 7:30 A.M.; AND CORRECTED MONTH FROM JANUARY TO MARCH.

NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE OF THE FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL - Tuesday, March 21, 2023 FOR 7:30 a.m. AT Fillmore City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND THOSE REQUESTING NOTICE OF SUCH MATTERS:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956, Mayor Mark Austin has called a Special Meeting of the City Council to be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. from the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California, consistent with the meeting and public participation procedures described in the attached agenda. Said Special Meeting is for the purpose and to consider only business on the attached agenda.

This notice and agenda shall be personally delivered or by any other means to all City Council Members, and also to all newspapers or other media requesting such notice, so that all such parties shall receive this notice at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A copy of this notice shall be posted by the Deputy City Clerk in a location freely accessible to the public at least 24 hours prior to the time of this meeting.

I, Erika Herrera, Deputy City Clerk, declare that the above Call and Notice of a Special Meeting of the Fillmore City Council was delivered to or emailed to all Council Members, and e-mailed to the media entities requesting such notice, on March 17, 2023, and also that said notice will be posted in the window of City Hall on March 20, 2023, at 7:30 a.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Austin called the meeting to order.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Albert Mendez led the pledge

3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Councilmember Albert Mendez, Councilmember Carrie Broggie, Councilmember Chris Gurrola, Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villaseñor and Mayor Mark Austin. ABSENT: None

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by Councilmember Albert Mendez to approve 4) Approval of Agenda. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Members Present: Councilmember Albert Mendez, Councilmember Carrie Broggie, Councilmember Chris Gurrola, Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villaseñor and Mayor Mark Austin.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3(a) public comment at this special meeting is limited to addressing only the subject matter of the special meeting being held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

None.

6. NEW BUSINESS

6.A CITY COUNCIL AFFIRMATION OF CITY OF FILLMORE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION RESULTING FROM SEWER LINE COLLAPSE
(Fillmore) SR Affirming the Declaration of Local Emergency - Sewer.pdf

David W. Rowlands, City Manager introduced this item.

Troy Spayd, Municipal Services Director/Utilities Engineer, provided a presentation and update to City Council.

City Council members had questions; staff addressed them.

7. ADJOURNMENT - MAYOR MARK AUSTIN ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023, AT CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Meeting was adjourned by Mayor Mark Austin at 7:51 a.m.

Prepared by:
__________________________________________
Erika Herrera, Assistant City Manager

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On Thursday, March 16, at approximately at 6:45 pm, a sewage main failure in west Fillmore took place near El Paseo St. / Village Square at C Street. Fillmore Police and Fillmore City Fire were called in a restrict traffic at Ventura and C Street while city crews rerouted the flow of wastewater through other sewer mains and began the process of cleaning of cleaning near manholes and sewer grates in the area. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division was also informed. Inset, sewage spilling out of a manhole covering the area of Los Serenos Dr. and El Paso Street. Crews were originally scheduled to work on the roads from 9am to 3pm, then resume at 9am to 5am, however road closures and restricted lanes on Highway 126 continue as of Wednesday, March 22 (pictured closures between Ventura St and River St, Fillmore). For questions and further information regarding this incident, please contact Troy Spayed, Municipal Services Director/Utilities Engineer at 805-524-3701 ext. 232 or via email at tspyad@fillmoreca.gov. Community Contact; Assistant City Manager Erika Herrera-Terriquez, 805-946-1712, eherrera@fillmoreca.gov. Inset photo credit Angel Esquivel-AEn News.

The Pole Creek Emergency Debris & Detention Basin is normally a dry, weed-filled wasteland located between Heritage Valley Parkway and El Dorado Mobile Homes, adjacent to Highway 126. But it’s proved its worth during the recent rains, diverting spillovers out of the Pole Creek channel, north of the basin. The basin has a level capacity of 440,440 cubic years at the spillway invert. The emergency spillway is a soil cement end sill with a crest elevation of 441.7 feet; the spillway length is 337.9 feet. It was completed in 2009. According to the Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection District, a Five Year Planned Capital Projects report states Pole Creek Channel Improvements will have an estimated cost of $650,000 for the fiscal years 2020/2021 to 2023/2024. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

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Three subjects were rescued from an island in the Santa Clara River on Wednesday, March 22, from 11:15 am to noon. About 25 units stationed in the 700 block of Burlington Street, while VC Swift Water Rescue helicopter, staging at River & E Street, flew in and transported the subjects and a dog out. All three refused medical attention. More photos and information in next week's Gazette. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Rescue caught on video: https://www.facebook.com/AENews805/videos/935689417776000

Gonzalo Garcia Jr.

For the first time in the history of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, a club member Gonzalo Garcia Jr., 16 who attends Fillmore High School from the Fillmore Clubhouse won the title of Coastal California Youth of the Year 2022-2023. Gonzalo competed against 8 other Boys & Girls Organizations on Tuesday, March 8th in Solvang, California, and went through a very rigorous process that consisted of an application, essay, interviews, a speech, and letters of recommendation. Gonzalo will be traveling with the BGC staff to Sacramento later this month where he will compete for the state title of Youth of the Year. Gonzalo has been a club member for 11 years and even his younger brother has started attending the Fillmore site. " The club has helped me succeed by opening doors for me that I never knew existed." (quote from Gonzalo) A quote from CEO Jan Marholin, "We were beyond excited to see Gonzalo represent our organization and win. We thank Cesar Villanueva, Site Director, and his dedicated staff. Sacramento here we come!"

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On March 7th, 2023, Fillmore Patrol Services responded to a domestic violence incident located at the 300 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. On March 8th, 2023, Fillmore Detectives followed up with the call for service and located the suspect, Ricardo Sanchez, in the city of Camarillo where he was arrested for domestic violence charges.

Following Sanchez’ arrest, West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives obtained information that Sanchez was coordinating the removal of firearms from his residence to avoid law enforcement detection. West County Special Enforcement Unit detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Sanchez’ residence located in the 500 block of Fourth Street in Fillmore.

Detectives executed the search warrant and located two handguns and one AK-47 assault rifle. West County Special Enforcement Unit detectives supplementally booked Sanchez for possession of firearms while in violation of an emergency protective order, unlawful transfer of a firearm and possession of an assault weapon. Sanchez remains in custody with a $65,000 total bail amount for the cases. Sanchez’ next court date is scheduled for March 10, 2023.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities by actively investigating illegal firearm activities. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891.

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 Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Report Number: 23-30032
Location: 500 block of Fourth Street, Fillmore
300 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 3/8/2023 @ 12:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Special Enforcement Unit – West County, Fillmore Detectives
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Sanchez, Ricardo, Fillmore, 38
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Matt Smith
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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).