Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Mauricio Chavez, 21 of Fillmore, was sentenced Thursday in connection with what the authorities say were gang related shootings in west Ventura last July that left a man in his mid-30’s injured, and a nine year old girl with a gunshot would to her leg.

Chavez was sentenced to 18-years in state prison after pleading guilty to two counts of assault with a firearm, one count of street terrorism, two special allegations of committing a crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang, two special allegations of use of a firearm and two special allegations of causing gross bodily injury.

The shootings happened on the late afternoon of June 23, 2015 in the 400 block of W. Ramona Avenue.

The man and nine-year-old girl were left with non-life threatening injuries.

Ventura police investigated the incident and arrested Chavez on unrelated charges a week later.

He was charged a month later with the shootings while still in jail in the unrelated case.

Fillmore high will be celebrating the boys CIF soccer championship with a parade and celebration in downtown Fillmore. Community organizations will be in the parade along with school clubs and the CIF championship team. Parade starts at 6:30pm at the corner of Second Street and Central Avenue, ending at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. Downtown Fillmore Celebration will feature speeches from coaches and players and the CIF trophy will be on display. Food vendor trucks will be parked on Central Avenue between Sespe Street and Main Street from 6:30pm to 9pm for all to celebrate with the team. [Editor's Note: Mark your calendars. Go Flashes!]

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 02/29/2016, at approximately 1:50 PM, a patrol deputy working in the city of Fillmore located a two year-old child strapped in a stroller, a few feet into the road, on the 1100 block of Los Serenos Drive.

Initially, the deputy saw a couple of adults nearby and suspected they were the child’s parents/guardians; however, after swerving to avoid hitting the stroller and parking his patrol unit, the deputy found out the child was abandoned.

The child appeared to have been crying due to having mucus running down his nose and was only wearing a shirt and diaper. The deputy also noted the temperature, which was between 85 and 90 degrees.

One of the adults told the deputy he saw two females arguing and leaving in separate directions, leaving the child in the stroller. Neither of them returned for the child. As the adult was about to call for police assistance, the patrol deputy arrived. It was estimated the child was alone for approximately five to ten minutes.

Unable to locate any responsible person(s) for the child, the deputy had the child transported to the Fillmore Police Station and contacted the county’s Children’s Protective Services (CPS). A social worker responded to the station to assist.

Several deputies assisted with the investigation and, with the assistance of local residents, the child’s mother, Marisela Aguilar, and aunt, Elida Aguilar, were located. They were questioned about the incident.

After the investigation was complete, both Marisela and Elida were arrested for child endangerment. Marisela also had outstanding warrants. CPS was able to place the child with a responsible family relative.

The case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. The District Attorney’s Office elected to file one count each of felony child endangerment against Marisela and Elida.

Nature of Incident: Found Child / Two arrested for Child Endangerment
Report Number: Report Number 16-31260
Location: 1100 Block Los Serenos Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: February 29, 2016 at 1:50 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Fillmore / Santa Clara Valley Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
(S) Marisela Aguilar, Fillmore
(S) Elida Aguilar, Fillmore
Prepared by: Detective Javier Chavez
Media Release Date: March 4, 2016
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Javier Chavez, Fillmore Sheriff’s Station
805-524-2233
Approved by:
Captain Dave Wareham
Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93009
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511

Greg Ryan President of Pasteurization Technology Group gave a presentation on the new technology his company developed to save energy and more.

Tuesday’s City Council meeting began with a Ventura County Transportation Commission Presentation and was followed by addressing some changes to the City's Aquatic Manual during the times that FUSD uses the pool, along with amending Fillmore's Municipal Code relating to curfews for minors during school hours.

Other items discussed were the Do Not Sit On Wall signs placed on the planter in the center of Central Avenue and a report on the Humane Living Standards Residential Property Inspection Program.

FUSD Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos addressed the Council and Trusties regarding the Long Range Facilities Master Plan. It’s a 10-year plan to upgrade and maintain the district's infrastructure. Palazuelos stated the importance of knowing "where to invest" and "what is actually possible," adding, "we want to do everything" but we must prioritize and identify what needs to be addressed first then define facility standards and question what should be fixed/repaired or replaced.

"We need to make Sespe School up and running again" and that the current facilities need to be brought up to a high standard. He reminded everyone that the next Steering Committee Meeting will be held March 22, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in the FUSD Board Room.

Each Councilmember responded CONTINUED »

American Red Cross of Ventura County

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross invites individuals to become everyday heroes by giving blood.

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities, helping to prepare for and bringing help and hope after emergencies.

For more than 30 years, blood donor Sherri Kay has been helping the Red Cross fulfill its lifesaving mission. “Knowing that I help to save lives and make a difference through the Red Cross is one of the most significant things that I do,” she said.

Heroes of all blood types are needed to ensure a sufficient blood supply this spring. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Oxnard
3/23/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oxnard High School, 3400 W Gonzales Rd

Simi Valley
3/19/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
3/22/2016: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Simi Valley Hospital Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
3/24/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Apollo High School, 3150 School Street

Thousand Oaks
3/16/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/23/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/28/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/30/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
3/17/2016: 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina
3/29/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

Westlake Village
3/30/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Guitar Center Corporate Center, 5795 Lindero Canyon Rd.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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On Saturday March 5th, Flashes Soccer defeated Saddleback Valley Christian 5-1 to become CIF Champions. Measuring one of the largest crowds attending the all-day finals tournament, approximately 1,000 Fillmore Soccer fans made the trip to Warren High School in Downey California for the 9:30am match start and witnessed their Flashes become CIF Southern Section Division 7 Champions and improve their season record to 20-3-3.

Upon returning home to Fillmore after the match, the team was met by the Fillmore Fire Department, loaded on top of one of the department’s largest vehicles, and given a parade through Fillmore.

This Tuesday March 8th, 4pm at the Fillmore High Football Field, Flashes soccer takes on Sun Valley High in the first round of the 2016 Southern California Regional Division 5 Championships. The Fillmore High Alumni Association will hold a fundraiser at the game by accepting donations in exchange for Flashes gear including hats, t-shirts, hoodies, scarfs, beanies and coffee mugs. More information about the Alumni Association available at www.fillmorehighalumni.com

Officials are expecting a capacity crowd at Flashes Field. Tickets available game day only at Flashes Field (Fillmore High Football Field) Box Office. Ticket booth and gate open at 4pm. General Admission $9.00, Children (5 years and up)/Students (ASB card)/Seniors $5.00. For more information contact Fillmore High School at (805) 524-6100. [Editorial note: Go Flashes!]

Video courtesy Greg DeJarnette

Safe Kids Ventura County in collaboration with Fillmore Rotary, Fillmore Fire Department and First 5 SCV NfL are offering every 4th Thursday of every month appointments to come in and have your car seats checked and education on how to properly install your car seat. To get more information please email Irma Magana: Notaryirma@hotmail.com or you may call Safe Kids Appointment Line directly at (805) 973-7501.

The Fillmore Police Department and the Fillmore Unified School District are proud to announce the creation of the “Public Service Club” on the Fillmore Middle School Campus. Students in 7th and 8th grade may join the club that meets every Wednesday during their lunch hour.

The club was created through a cooperative effort with the Fillmore Police Department, the Sheriff’s Explorer program, and the Fillmore Unified School District to mentor younger students and develop leadership, personal and community accountability, discipline, organization, time management, and written and verbal communication skills.

Guess speakers and mentors will attend the lunch time meetings and provide topics of interest that the club members would then put into practice. This program was developed to mentor and support students and their education in the same manner as the Fillmore Explorer Post. The Post has an age range of 14 to 21. This program will allow younger students to begin to experience the pride and responsibility that is developed through these community outreach programs.

7th and 8th grade students who have a 2.5 GPA or higher and are students in good academic standing on the Fillmore Middle school campus may participate by filling out a form that is available in the school office and submitting it to Counselor Nadia Lucero or Office Clerk, Ms. Isela Larin.

Prepared by: Captain Dave Wareham

Presley McLain, 9 years old, holds a check in the amount of $3,038 which she raised for the ACS.

Presley McLain was invited to speak at the Ventura County Community Leadership Council on Wednesday, February 10 at Community Memorial Hospital. The council consists of individuals who help initiate programs and provide services for cancer patients.

For Presley's 9th birthday she decided that instead of birthday presents she would like people to donate to the American Cancer Society. Her Grandpa Hank died from cancer and her Grandma Lou and Aunt Jana are cancer survivors, so the cause has a special place in her heart.

She spoke on why she chose to forgo birthday presents and collect donations instead. She said she has learned how much the American Cancer Society helps people and she just really wanted to help people.

Presley collected and presented a check to the American Cancer Society for $3038.

She is the daughter of Bobby and Lori McLain and is a 3rd grader at San Cayetano Elementary School.

Calvery Chapel of Oxnard
On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels was awarded the 2015 Explorer of the Year for the City of Fillmore. Nicholas has been an Explorer for four years and due to his hard work and dedication, he has risen to the rank of Sergeant with Explorer Post #2958. In 2014, he attended a three-week long Explorer Academy, where Nicholas was an active group leader and ultimately earned the Academy Leadership Award. Over the years, Nicholas has contributed over 500 hours of his time to the post and to the citizens of Fillmore through many community service events. He has also been a big contributor to the post’s tactical teams, often serving as team leader for tactical scenarios at the Chandler, LASO, and Arcadia Explorer competitions. Nicholas has also been a liaison between the Fillmore and Western Railroad and the Explorers, setting up training events on the train and coordinating details for the train. While not working with the Explorers, he is an active member of the community by participating in Mock Trial, swim team, Fillmore High School drum major, Interact Club member, Piru School science fair judge, Youth Rotary member, to name a few. Due to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills, Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels is a well-deserving recipient of the 2015 Explorer of the Year.
Prepared by:
Isela Larin
Citizen Patrol/Associate Advisor

Paul Benavidez, representing the Lions Club, presented samples of proposed fruit label murals to be painted on building walls around town.
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Caltrans District 7 Deputy District Director Ali F. Zaghari gave a presentation on the proposed changes to Highway 126 at Tuesday's Fillmore City Council meeting. The SR-126 Safety Improvement Project also brought many Fillmore residents to the council chamber to speak during Public Comments.

The proposed project will begins at Hallock Drive in Santa Paula east to E Street in Fillmore. Zaghari informed the Council that Caltrans initiated an in-depth safety investigation and study in 2009 after a series of cross-median collisions between 2007-2009. In 2010 an interim project was proposed and completed in 2012 that included the installation of rumble strips and speed feedback signs. Data collected and completed in 2015 showed a reduction in general accident rate but Zaghari explained "rumble strips are the answer." the main problem is the speed of traffic. In 2009 the speed limit was reduced to 55 mph, but the majority of traffic is between 65-70 mph.

What Caltrans is proposing are a number of changes that include a concrete median barrier or a raised median island with visual markers. The change proposal that received the greatest push back was a set of four roundabouts spaced 1.5 miles apart. Their proposed placement going west starting at Fillmore would be Old Telegraph Road, then west of Spalding Drive, the third would be Toland Road and the last location would be east of Hobson Road.

Another change option to the highway includes two undercrossings which would be located near Old Village Road and near Hall/Sycamore Road, and a third change proposed would be left turn lanes at Orcuit Road, Willard Road, Hall/Sycamore Road and Atmore Road.

Zaghari showed the Council a video of a turnabout on State Highway 138 in Palmdale and said the goal is to slow the traffic down saying the "intention is traffic calming." Council Member Douglas Tucker asked if it would slow traffic through town to a standstill and how many accidents had taken place during a 12 month period at the video location.

Mayor Diane McCall asked CONTINUED »