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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Monday, December 29, Santa Ana winds barreled through Fillmore with gusts ranging from 35-55 miles per hour throughout the day. Highway 126 had some Palm Fronds in the road early Tuesday morning. Photo credit Gazette staff.

Courtesy https://emergency.venturacounty.gov/
Last Updated: December 30, 2025 @ 8:13 AM
WEATHER SUMMARY
Moderate to strong Santa Ana Winds are expected to impact Ventura County Monday through Tuesday. Some isolated wind-related power outages have been reported due to damaged equipment or fallen trees. For additional information on power outages, please visit the Southern California Edison Outage Map: https://www.sce.com/outages-safety/outage-center/check-outage-status.
By Wednesday evening, the current wind event will give way to another round of rain storms. The first storm system is expected to deliver between 1.50 and 3.00 inches to coasts and valleys, while foothills and mountains may see 2.00 to 5.oo inches total. Average intensities for this first storm will range from 0.20 to 0.60 inches per hour, with peak rates anticipated overnight New Year’s Eve through noon New Year’s Day.
The second, lighter storm will bring cold and rain Thursday night into Friday, with total rainfall rates in the 0.50 to 1.00 inch range. The extended forecast is showing a break in the rain after this weekend into the middle of next week.
To follow the weather forecast, visit the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/lox/.
For observed local rainfall rates, please visit the Ventura County Public Works Agency Flood Warning System: https://vcwatershed.net/fws/rain-map/.

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During the late weeks of November 2025, detectives assigned to the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served a signed search warrant in the 200 block of South Glenn Drive in the City of Camarillo reference a felonious assault that had occurred in the City of Camarillo on 11/10/2025. During the warrant service, detectives located approximately 623 gross grams of cocaine, narcotics packaging material, and over $7,000 dollars of United States Currency which is believed to be direct proceeds of illegal drug sales. In addition, detectives located an unregistered loaded 9mm Ruger pistol.
Based on the evidence located, detectives were able to develop probable cause to arrest Leonardo Amador for California Health and Safety Code Section 11351 – [ Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales], California Health and Safety Code Section 11370.1(a) – [ Possession of a Controlled Substance with a loaded firearm] and California Penal Code Section 27545– [ Unlawful Transfer of a firearm].
On 12/13/2025, Leonardo was contacted in the City of Santa Paula by Fillmore Patrol deputies with his girlfriend who was later identified as Mariah Quintana. During the arrest, Fillmore patrol deputies located additional cocaine in Leonardo’s vehicle. As a result, Leonardo was arrested for the aforementioned criminal charges and additional narcotic related charges. In addition, Mariah was arrested for California Health and Safety Code Section 11550(a) – [ Under the influence of a controlled substance]. Both Leonardo and Mariah were later transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where they were booked on numerous criminal charges. During the booking process, Mariah admitted to possessing additional cocaine concealed on her person.
On 12/16/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office (VCDA), elected to file one count of H&S 11351 and one count of H&S 11370.1(a), in addition the VCDA’s Office filed additional enhancements for the large quantity of illicit controlled substances seized.
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: Senior Deputy Frank W. Corona
News Release Date: 12/17/2025
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
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).
***
Nature of Incident: Large Narcotic, Cash and Gun seizure
Report Number: 25-149233
Location: 200 Block Glenn Drive, Camarillo South 10th Street, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 11/20/2025 – 1100 Hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), West County Special Enforcement Unit (WCSEU), Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT), Fillmore Investigations, Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Leonardo Amador, Camarillo, 25
(S) Mariah Quintana, Camarillo, 23

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Fillmore Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Denise Berrington said, “Last week at the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex, crews poured the concrete for the gym floor and completed backfilling of the stormwater capture system. Temporary work platforms are being installed to allow crews to safely continue building the concrete block walls and prepare for the next concrete pour. This work helps support the structure as construction moves upward.
With deep underground utility work nearing completion, foundation and concrete slab work for the Lobby, Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Wrestling Rooms, Athletic Training Rooms, and Coaches’ Offices is scheduled to begin next week.
The anticipated construction completion date for the project is February 2027. We look forward to sharing continued progress as this exciting project takes shape!”

A winter storm is expected to Ventura County Tuesday through Friday this week. The forecast is predicting approximately 2-4.5 inches of rain. For all alerts and updates visit https://emergency.venturacounty.gov/. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.
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Courtesy https://emergency.ventura
county.gov/
Last Updated: December 23, 2025 @ 8:26 AM
An atmospheric river impacting Central and Northern California is expected to move into Ventura County from Tuesday through Friday, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, including Christmas Eve. Light rain is expected to begin Tuesday, intensifying overnight as a low pressure system develops offshore, bringing strong southerly winds that will enhance rainfall along south facing mountain slopes.
Rainfall totals from Tuesday through Wednesday are forecast at approximately 2 to 4.5 inches in coastal and valley areas and 4 to 8 inches in foothill and mountain areas. Localized higher totals of 8 to 12 inches are possible in the mountains above Ojai and the Upper Sespe, depending on storm track and timing. Peak rainfall rates are expected to reach 0.2 to 0.6 inches per hour in coastal and valley areas and 0.9 to 1.5 inches per hour in south facing mountain slopes.
Additional storm systems are expected from Christmas Day through Friday, bringing another 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain to coastal and valley areas and 1.5 to 5 inches in foothill and mountain regions.
As a result of the forecasted weather, several EVACUATION ORDERS and EVACUATION WARNINGS have been issued for select Ventura County areas. This information may be viewed below or on the Incident Dashboard: https://vcoes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e15ca0d2737d43cea6514043e6....
For additional information on the weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service online https://www.weather.gov/lox/localareaforecast.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
Evacuation Orders
- Ventura Beach RV Resort – City of Ventura
A warning is presently in effect for this area and will be upgraded to an EVACUATION ORDER Effective 12/23/25 at 6:00PM – 12/24/25 at 6:00PM
A map of the affected areas can be found on the Realtime Incident Information Dashboard: https://vcoes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e15ca0d2737d43cea6514043e6....
Evacuation Warnings
Mountain Fire Burn Scar – (Unincorporated Camarillo)
- Effective 12/23/25 at 6:00PM – 12/24/25 at 6:00PM
Matilija Canyon/North Fork/Camino Cielo – (Unincorporated Ojai)
- Effective 12/23/25 at 6:00PM – 12/24/25 at 6:00PM
Community of Camp Chaffee / Foster Park – (Unincorporated Ventura)
- Effective 12/23/25 at 6:00PM – 12/24/25 at 6:00PM
A map of the affected areas can be found on the Realtime Incident Information Dashboard
Advisories: https://vcoes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e15ca0d2737d43cea6514043e6....
A HAZARDOUS WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect from Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm through Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 6:00 pm for:
- La Conchita Community (Unincorporated Ventura)
- Creek Road from Hwy 33 East to Encino Drive (Unincorporated Ojai)
A weather system moving through the area is expected to produce periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, including short bursts of high-intensity rain. These rainfall rates may exceed the capacity of storm drains, creeks, and roadways, creating a heightened risk of flash flooding. Flooding may occur rapidly with little warning, particularly in low-lying areas, urban locations with poor drainage, burn scar areas, and along small streams and washes.
During periods of intense rainfall, roads may become impassable due to standing water, mud, or debris, and localized damage to property and infrastructure is possible. Residents and motorists should remain alert to changing conditions, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and be prepared to take immediate action if flooding develops. Conditions can change quickly, and impacts may occur even outside of forecasted rainfall totals due to brief but intense downpours.
Areas included within the HAZARDOUS WEATHER ADVISORY area will be notified by VC Alert on Tuesday afternoon. For more information on the affected areas, visit the incident MAP.
SANDBAG INFORMATION
Ventura County Fire Stations
Self-service sandbag supplies are available at many Ventura County Fire stations. For a list of locations, visit https://fire.venturacounty.gov/sandbag-stations/.
Station 27 Fillmore, 133 C St., Fillmore, 93015, (805) 524-6610
Station 28 Piru, 513 N. Church St., P.O. Box 317, Piru, 93040, (805) 524-6620

After a tough year, Rosa and I are excited to share that the lights are back on in Fillmore! This show is truly a labor of love, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement we’ve received. Location: Corner of Edgewood St & Wildwood Ln – Fillmore, CA. Show Times: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Thank you to everyone who has cheered us on and supported us through a challenging year. We can’t wait to welcome you back and share some Christmas magic. Please be respectful of our neighbors and avoid blocking driveways. Thank you for helping us keep this tradition going! From Ron & Rosa. Posted December 12, 2025, Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ron%20howard%20fillmore.

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85), of Fillmore, was sentenced to the maximum of 100 years to life in state prison for the sexual abuse of two minor victims. Zavala was previously convicted by a jury on November 10, 2025, of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were also found true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence and that the victims were particularly vulnerable.
Between 2019 and 2022, Zavala molested two victims. One was as young as six years old when the abuse started and the other was ten years old. The abuse took place regularly over several years. In 2023, both victims disclosed the abuse to mandated reporters who contacted law enforcement. Zavala gained access to the victims through a familial relationship.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The imposition of the maximum sentence is warranted by the extreme and horrifying nature of these crimes,” Mr. Kern said. “It further sends an unmistakable message that abuse of this kind will not be tolerated in our community.”
Case: 2024001044
Defendant Information:
Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85) Fillmore
Charges convicted of:
• (3 counts) PC 288(a) – Lewd act upon a child
• PC 288.5(a) – Continuous sexual abuse
Special allegations found true:
• PC 667.61(e)(4) – Multiple victim allegation
• PC 667.61(j)(2) – Victim under age 14
• PC 1203.066(a)(8) – Substantial sexual conduct with victim under 14 years of age
• CRC 4.421(a)(11) – The defendant took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was particularly vulnerable
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: December 16, 2025
Release No.: 25-150

Ventura County Sheriff's Office

During the past several months, the city of Ojai has been experiencing an increase of mail theft from United States Postal Service collection boxes specifically targeting monetary checks. Once the checks were stolen, they were fraudulently cashed resulting in several hundred thousand dollars being stolen. Detectives from the Ojai Police Station began an investigation and determined an organized crime ring was operating in the Ojai Valley and throughout Ventura County.
During the following several months, Ojai Detectives, with the assistance of the West County Special Enforcement Unit, identified two suspects, Jose Luis Uribe and Joel Cortez Jr. as being responsible for committing and organizing thefts from mailboxes themselves and coordinating the thefts with other members of the crime ring. Detectives also identified mailboxes stretching from Los Angeles County to Ventura County that Uribe and Cortez Jr. were targeting. Many of these mailboxes were in affluent communities throughout both counties. Detectives learned that after the checks were stolen, they were cashed with either stolen or fictitious identification cards through an online banking service or in person at various banks throughout Southern California.
As the investigation continued, detectives determined that Uribe and Cortez Jr. were also using fraudulent means to either make unlawful purchases or illegally acquire luxury and high-end performance vehicles. These vehicles were also used as get-away vehicles during the mail thefts that were occurring in Ventura County.
Due to the large amount of stolen mail, identity theft, and fraudulently obtained vehicles used by the suspects, detectives partnered with the United States Postal Inspection Service along with the California Department of Motor Vehicle Investigations Unit. Detectives authored a residential search warrant for the residence of Uribe and Cortez Jr. in the city of Montebello.
On 12/11/2025, detectives served the residential search warrant and located approximately $35,000 dollars in cash, hundreds of checks believed to be stolen, illegal firearms, several pieces of expensive jewelry, and several expensive gaming computers. Detectives also seized the following vehicles that were determined by DMV investigators to either be fraudulently registered or had their VIN numbers illegally altered:
2016 Lamborghini Huracan – Estimated Value $237,000.
2017 Audi RS7 Estimated Value - $129,500
2023 Cadillac Escalade Estimated Value - $90,000
2021 Cadillac Escalade Estimated Value - $80,000
2019 Mini Cooper Countryman Estimated Value - $27,000
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Conversion Estimated Value - $20,000
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Estimated Value - $91,000
Unknown year ATV off road vehicle – Unknown value
At the conclusion of the investigation, Uribe and Cortez were arrested and transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked for the following charges in lieu of $1,000,000 bail: 530.5(e) PC – Mail Theft, 530.5(a) PC – Identity Theft, and 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy to commit a crime. Detectives anticipate arresting Uribe and Cortez for vehicle registration fraud in the coming weeks after DMV investigators complete their investigation. Detectives also partnered with the United States Post Office to ensure any mailboxes that were targeted were secured to prevent any other mail thefts from occurring.
Detectives are actively investigating this large-scale mail theft operation along with the fraudulent activity associated with the seized vehicles and are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding these crimes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Steve Bibian at (805) 677-8733 or Detective Evert Ponce at (805) 677-8772.
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 “X” @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @VCSOHQSTATION, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous.
Prepared by: Sergeant Gabriel Gonzales #4368
News Release Date: 12/12/2025
Approved by: Captain Rob Davidson #3573
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Mail theft suspects arrested
Report Number: 24-146468
Location: Various mailboxes throughout Ventura County
Date & Time: 12/11/2024 @ 07:00 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Patrol Station, Ojai Investigations, Fillmore Patrol Station, Fillmore Investigations, Headquarters Patrol Station, Headquarters Investigations, West County Special Enforcement Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, California Department of Motor Vehicle Investigations, Main Jail Classification Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Jose Luis Uribe, Montebello, 20
(S) Joel Cortez Jr., Montebello, 27