Fillmore City Council Member Luis Rodriguez

Council Member Luis Rodriguez has announced his resignation from Fillmore City Council, effective October 13, 2025. State code states the Council must fill the position either by calling a special election or appointment within 60 days of a vacancy. With this vacancy occurring in the first half of Rodriguez’ term the appointment will only last through the first half. The second half of the term will be decided by voters at the city’s regular general election in November 2026. Council members have until December 13th to decide how to fill the vacancy.

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Courtesy Luis Alberto Rodriguez

“My name is Luis Alberto Rodriguez; I am 37 years old, and I have lived in Fillmore my whole life. I graduated from Fillmore High School in 2006 and majored in Fine Arts at Ventura College. I am a local artist and work as an E-Commerce Specialist. I have produced art professionally for Fillmore residents since I was 17 years old. I have also done murals in Fillmore and Piru; notably all the exterior walls at Francisco’s Fruit Stand and an outdoor mural at San Salvador Mission in Piru.

I ran for Fillmore City Council to serve my city. I have lived in North Fillmore (District 1) for most of my life and I wanted to bring attention to that community. While being a resident of North Fillmore, I’d like to think that I represented the rest of Fillmore faithfully and was pragmatic in my decision making.

I learned a lot during my short tenure as a council member. There are a lot of moving parts in an organization like the City of Fillmore. All of the executive staff are diligent, accommodating and transparent in presenting their findings and giving recommendations to the Council. I saw first-hand how the community members are always heard, and their suggestions are always taken into consideration.

I believe that the United States of America is a beautiful country filled with opportunities. I am moving to Idaho in a few weeks to continue my career as an E-Commerce Specialist with UncleStraps.com, a watch bracelet and accessory brand that serves watch enthusiasts internationally. Although I am moving to another state, Fillmore is a city that I will always be connected to and will always return to visit.

Now that school has resumed, we notice more children enjoying the outdoors by riding their bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The Fillmore Police Department carried out a bicycle safety operation aimed at reaching out to young riders to share safety tips and teach better riding practices.

During the operation, 15 juveniles were contacted riding bicycles without helmets. Per California Vehicle Code 21212(a), persons under 18 years old are required to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. Nine of the juveniles contacted did not own properly fitted bicycle helmets. The deputies provided the juveniles with helmets that were generously donated to the station.

The Fillmore Police Department remains committed to protecting our community’s youth and urges all parents, guardians, and young cyclists to prioritize helmet use when cycling. By following this law, we can work together to prevent injuries and create a safer environment for everyone.

Additionally, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office/Fillmore Police Department would like to offer the following tips to help reduce the risk of collisions and improve safety in our community:
Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks when available.

• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

• Do not walk or run into a vehicle’s path. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material, and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk, or at night.

• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.
Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

• Never drive impaired.
Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

• Stay clear of the door zone: avoid riding too close to parked cars.

• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Funding for this operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National
Highway Safety Administration.

Prepared by: Sergeant Corey Stump

News Release Date: September 26, 2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

After 27 years of exemplary service with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and dedicated service to residents of Ventura County, Sergeant Will Hollowell worked his last shift Wednesday, September 24th, 2025.

Sergeant Hollowell worked a short stint as a Sheriff’s Service Technician, before graduating from the Sheriff’s Academy in 1998. Over the course of his law enforcement career, Sergeant Hollowell worked a variety of assignments in both custody and patrol. Sergeant Hollowell was a resident deputy in Lockwood Valley, and worked assignments in the Civil Unit, Ojai Detectives, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Administration, and Fillmore patrol supervisor.

Sergeant Hollowell was a dedicated member of the Sheriff’s Office and spent the last four years serving the Fillmore community. Yesterday, the Fillmore station held a going away luncheon to send Sergeant Hollowell off into retirement.

Sergeant Hollowell, thank you for your dedicated service to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enjoy your retirement!

Fillmore Resident Laura McDowell
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Fillmore resident Laura McDowell began her career back in 1991 at the Fillmore Office Post as a part time rural carrier, and
the next thing you know she had learned every operation, including management. From that point on she would be sent out on
detailed assignments as a supervisor to various offices such as Northridge, North Hills, and Simi Valley. This experience
allowed Laura to develop and fine tune her style.

Eventually, she became Postmaster of the Santa Paula Post Office where she was often sent out to become Officer-in-Charge of
surrounding cities. She oversaw Ventura, Simi Valley, and Oxnard Post Offices.

After a 10-year stint in Santa Paula, she made the decision back in 2023, to return to the Fillmore office, a full circle
from where it all began. She took on the position of Postmaster of Fillmore as she knew that she would soon be retiring. It
was her mission to clean-up and organize the office before she retired, and she feels as though she has done just that.

Laura grew up in Fillmore and was very involved in her school. And as her children grew, she and her husband Kirk always
participated with youth sports in the community.

Laura is known by many in Fillmore for her passion, teaching all ages to swim. She has spent the last 38 years providing
lessons, affecting multiply generations. The post office can be very demanding, and Laura will tell you that there is no
better remedy to offset a tough workload than to watch someone conquer their water fears.

With retirement will come with great ambitions of home improvements, travel, rest, relaxation, and, of course, she will
continue offering her swim lessons.

The post office has been very good to Laura. She has seen many changes and wants to let everyone know that the job is not
easy and the employees here in Fillmore give it all they’ve got. She will miss the crew and wishes them the best in their
postal careers.

On November 1st the Fillmore Lions Club will host their Annual Enchilada Dinner (drive-thru) Fundraiser. Last year’s fundraiser allowed the club to give $5,000 to graduating FHS seniors. Read article for details on ticket sales.
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Fillmore Lions are getting ready for their Annual Enchilada Dinner on Saturday, November 1st. This will be a drive-thru only
event to raise money for scholarships to be given out later this year. Cars can enter the bus loop on First Street between 5-
7pm.

Last year Lions gave out $5,000 to graduating FHS seniors.

Lions are grateful for these community sponsors: El Pescador, La Estrella Market, the Salvation Army, and Beylik Farms.

For tickets, contact a Lion member including Steve McKeown at 805-904-5424 or stop by member Brandy Lengning’s business, Home
Grown Realty at 388B Central Ave. Tickets are $15 for adult and $13 for 12 and under. We accept cash or electronic payment
through the Cash App.

You can also visit our website: fillmorelions.org.

Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=238.
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https://fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=238

Posted on: September 17, 2025

Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program helps keep communities safe by proactively and temporarily shutting off power to reduce the risk of a fire caused by utility equipment.

To help you stay informed and prepared for PSPS, join SCE, Supervisor Kelly Long and the City of Fillmore for an in-person
talk about outage preparedness:

Available programs and services · Getting support during an outage · Identifying cost-saving strategies · Enhancing emergency preparedness · Opportunities for questions and feedback

Register here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/eb9d5013d60b7ffbf7195439738eb591?r=use1.

Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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In late July 2025, detectives assigned to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit (SCU) concluded an 18-
month investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics by members of several local Ventura County gangs and
associates, in furtherance of the Sureño prison gang. The Special Crimes Unit consists of detectives from the Ventura County
Sheriff’s Office and Oxnard Police Department who work jointly to investigate organized crime organizations affecting the
livelihood of citizens of Ventura County.

In early 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives initiated an investigation into an Oxnard based, Ventura County criminal
street gang suspected of illegally being in possession of firearms and distributing narcotics for the benefit of the
criminal street gang. As a result of that investigation, detectives arrested two criminal street gang members and recovered
three firearms and indicia identifying the subjects as active criminal street gang members.

In June of 2024, Special Crimes Unit Detectives concluded an additional investigation into another local gang member
suspected of illegally possessing firearms, illegal transfer of firearms, and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for
sales. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the gang member’s residence and recovered four handguns, a
sawed-off rifle, ammunition, 834.7 gross grams of cocaine, 248 gross grams of methamphetamine, indicia used for narcotics
sales, and $21,000.00 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of the narcotics sales.

In the third quarter of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang suspected
of illegally being in possession of firearms and distributing narcotics for the benefit of the criminal street gang and the
Sureño prison gang. As a result of that investigation, detectives seized 85.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.9 pounds of
ecstasy pills, $10,000 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of the narcotics sales, ammunition and three handguns from a
narcotics source of supply in Los Angeles County.

In November of 2024, SCU detectives initiated an investigation into a Ventura County criminal street gang member working as
a Sureño prison gang member on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. During the investigation, detectives identified one of the gang
members’ narcotics couriers responsible for trafficking narcotics. As a result of that investigation, detectives seized 9.36
pounds of methamphetamine destined for Oxnard, California.

Special Crimes Unit Detectives continued the investigation through the Spring of 2025. Investigators served several search
warrants in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. As a result of that investigation, detectives arrested an additional thirteen
gang members. Detectives seized twelve handguns, five rifles, two shotguns, 56 gross grams of cocaine, 439.3 gross grams of
heroin, 293.3 gross grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, $107, 205.46 of U.S Currency suspected to be proceeds of narcotics
sales, and one vehicle.

During one of the investigations, detectives discovered that a gang member from a Ventura County criminal street gang had
engaged in a five-year, unlawful sexual relationship with a minor and was arrested. Furthermore, investigators uncovered
that an additional gang member from a Ventura County criminal street gang had engaged in an online, sexual relationship with
a minor with the intent to send, distribute or exhibit harmful or obscene material to the minor with the intent to engage in
sexual intercourse.

The following individuals have been arrested as a result of this investigation;

• Armando Lomeli – Age: 31 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 186.22 PC

• Juan Mex Velasquez – Age: 47 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC

• Juan Mex Velasquez – Age:47 - 205 PC, 261.5(d) PC, 288(c)(1) PC, 311.4(c) PC

• Darlene Vargas – Age: 42 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 33410 PC, 186.22 PC

• Maribel Cortes - Age: 24 – 11378 H&S, 11379 H&S, 186.22 PC

• Omar “Baby” Ruiz – Age: 38 – 182 PC,11378 H&S, 186.22 PC. On 08/18/2025, Ruiz entered a guilty plea. On 09/17/2025, Ruiz
was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison, to be served consecutive to his prior sentence of 156 years to life.

• Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 - 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 30305 (a)(1) PC, 11359(b) H&S

• Erick Hernandez – Age: 29 – 288.2(a) PC, 288.3 PC

• David Stratmann – Age: 34 – 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 27545 PC, 11370.1 H&S, 11377 H&S

• Victor Lara – Age: 20 – 25850(c)(6) PC, 29815(a) PC

• Izaac Galvan Martinez – Age: 26 – 29805 PC, 27545 PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 25850(c)(6) PC, 186.22 PC

• David Gasca – Age: 30 – 11351 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 11378 H&S, 27545 PC, 29805 PC, 186.22 PC. On 08/13/2025, Gasca entered a
guilty plea for 11351 H&S, 12022(c) PC, 29805 PC, and 186.22 PC and will be sentenced to 5 years prison.

• Ernesto Flores – Age: 36 – US18 922(g)(1). Flores entered a guilty plea and on 08/21/2025, Flores was sentenced to 4 years
in prison.

• Efren Salomon – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11352 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC

• Christian Vega – Age: 39 – 11351 H&S, 11378 H&S, 23900 PC, 27545 PC, 29800(a)(1) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC

The following evidence has been seized as a result of this investigation;

• Twenty-two handguns

• Six rifles

• Two shotguns

• 912.7 gross grams of cocaine

• 439.3 gross grams of heroin

• 43,618 gross grams of methamphetamine

• 861 gross grams of ecstasy

• $138,298.46 U.S. currency

• One vehicle

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.

Prepared by: Sergeant Brian Whittaker, Special Crimes Unit

News Release Date: September 17, 2025

Approved by: Captain Matthew Young, Special Services Division

Booking Photo Release: YES 1

By FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle

Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is strengthening campus safety with a comprehensive security camera project. The
initiative brings advanced technology to schools and district facilities, safeguard students and staff, and support school
safety.

New cameras are being installed at:

- Fillmore High School, including the football and baseball fields and the Farm

- Sierra High School

- Fillmore Middle School and its baseball field

- Mountain Vista, Piru, San Cayetano, and Rio Vista Elementary Schools

- Sespe Elementary and the Fillmore Adult School

- Maintenance and Facilities, Transportation Department, and the District Office

The locations for the cameras were selected with input from district safety committees, administration, technical experts,
and law enforcement to identify areas where monitoring will have the greatest impact on school safety.

The system includes high-resolution cameras with night vision, motion detection, and secure storage, monitoring entrances,
exits, hallways, parking areas, courtyards, and other public spaces. Cameras will not be installed in classrooms, and strict
privacy protocols ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

The project’s total cost is about $793,000, covering equipment, installation, integration with existing networks, licensing,
and staff training. Funding comes from the support of the Fillmore and Piru communities’ passage of Measure G bonds.

The new system replaces outdated equipment and is designed to improve incident response, reduce vandalism, and enhance
overall safety.

Superintendent Schieferle emphasized the importance of the project: “This investment reflects our commitment to student and
staff safety and to fostering a safe and secure learning environment.”

CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, 6:30 PM CITY HALL

All items passed 4-0 with Councilmember Garnica being absent.

Item 8F: Council voted 3–1 (with Councilmember Garnica absent) to support Alternative 2 — declare City Council’s support for
the VCCF Neighbor’s Support Fund, make no financial contribution, and promote the fund through social media outreach.

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS

6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

7.A SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 25-987 AND ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-02 (ZOA 25-02) TO IMPLEMENT 2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT

SR ORD25-987_ 2ND READING HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE.PDF

7.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.PDF

7.C SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.A CONSIDERATION OF A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21-
02 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21- 02) SR-461 CENTRAL_REMEDIATION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 5.PDF

8.B DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND TWO ALTERNATES FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO

DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATS & ALTS - LEAGUE OF CA CITIES SR 2025.PDF

8.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH TND STUDIO & ASSOCIATES FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WELL NO.
10 STRUCTURE

SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN CONTRACT WITH TND STUDIO. FINAL.PDF

8.D RECOMMENDATION TO KEEP THE RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN OPEN YEAR-ROUND WITH CLOSURES MANAGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT DURING STORM EVENTS

SR - MANAGEMENT OF RIO VISTA PARK DETENTION BASIN CLOSURE. FINAL.PDF

8.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS PROJECT

SR -FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH WYATT TRAPP INC. FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOM. FINAL.PDF

8.F REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND

SR VCCF NEIGHBORS SUPPORT FUND.PDF

8.G DISCUSSION OF THE 1/3 RETAIL REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWTOWN
REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP

SR ONE THIRD RETAIL.PDF

9. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

10. CLOSED SESSION

10.A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

11. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

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On September 11th, 2025, detectives arrested (S) Ivan Duenas for arson and hate crime-related offenses.

On August 20th, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 700 block of Fourth Street in
Fillmore in reference to a car fire and arson investigation. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle that had been
intentionally set on fire, causing significant damage. Over the course of the investigation, detectives learned the
victim(s) had been a target for vandalism in the past, and these crimes were likely motivated by their race.

Over the following weeks, personnel from the Fillmore Sheriff’s Station, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit, and
the Sheriff’s Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC), working with assistance from a community member, identified 41-
year-old Fillmore resident Ivan Duenas as the suspect.

On September 11th, 2025, Fillmore detectives contacted, detained, and ultimately arrested Duenas outside his residence
located in the 200 block of E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore.

Following Duenas’ arrest, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau – Arson Unit secured a search warrant for Duenas’ residence and
vehicle, which was executed the same day. As a result, additional evidence linking Duenas to the arson was located.

Duenas was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he was booked for Penal Code § 451(d) – [Arson
of Another’s Property] and Penal Code § 422.6(b) – [Violation of Civil Rights by Damaging Property]. Duenas remains in
custody pending court proceedings.

Any person with information regarding the arson is encouraged to contact detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided
below to download and submit any video footage of the incident.

https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-1... or by scanning the following QR code:

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing 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: 09/12/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release: NO

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The Fillmore Fire Department joined communities across the nation in honoring the lost lives during the September 11, 2001,
attacks by hosting a remembrance ceremony at the Fillmore fire station on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Community members, dignitaries, and local officials were invited to attend the ceremonies, which began promptly at 6:45 a.m.
with the staging of fire and law enforcement apparatus on the station ramps. At 6:55 a.m., firefighters and Sheriff deputies
assembled at attention to raise the American flag to half-staff, followed by a moment of silence at 6:59 a.m. to honor the
2,977 lives lost that day.

After the moment of silence, a tribute statement was read by on-duty fire personnel. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony
they also included the symbolic ringing of bells, four sets of five chimes, signifying a firefighter’s last alarm.

September 11 reminds us of the bravery of first responders who ran toward danger, and the resilience of a nation that came
together in its darkest hour. Standing together as a community ensures that their sacrifice and courage are forever honored.

Following the ceremonies, attendees were invited to join first responders for light breakfast snacks.

All flags at City facilities were flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk in accordance with Presidential proclamation.