On May 19, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives were conducting directed enforcement of known subjects who are on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) with search terms.

During this operation, Special Enforcement Unit detectives contacted Doria Ferrer, 31, of Oxnard and Eric Martinez, 31, of Fillmore, in the 1000 block of North H Street in Oxnard. During this contact, Ferrer delayed and obstructed detectives in contacting Martinez, who was found to be in the process of destroying narcotics related evidence.

Detectives conducted a search of Martinez and his property pursuant to his PRCS search terms. During the search, detectives found a loaded 9mm caliber “ghost gun”, ammunition, and a half ounce of methamphetamine. The loaded firearm was found unsecured in an area accessible to small children who lived at the residence. Martinez is a convicted felon and is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

Detectives arrested Martinez for being in possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a manufactured firearm not properly registered, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a loaded firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, destruction of evidence and conspiracy to commit a crime.

As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Ferrer for resisting and delaying peace officers, child endangerment and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Martinez and Ferrer were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for their charges. On May 23, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony and misdemeanor charges against Martinez and Ferrer for the case. Martinez remains in custody on $110,000 bail. Ferrer remains in custody on $20,000 bail.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to the investigation of illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. 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.

Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested with Loaded Firearm and Narcotics
Report Number: 23-63566
Location: 1000 block of North H Street, Oxnard
Date & Time: 5/19/2023 @ 4:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Special Enforcement Unit - West

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Martinez, Eric Fillmore 31
(S) Ferrer, Doria Oxnard 31

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Matt Smith
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

All items approved 5-0

PRESENTATIONS

5.A VCTC - TRANSIT INTEGRATION AND EFFICIENCY STUDY (TIES) -
CLAIRE GRASTY - DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC TRANSIT presented a detailed power point explanation of the TIES program.

Crime and other dangers and challenges due to an increasing homeless population were expressed by several citizens.
9.A New Business:

REQUEST
The City Council received the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Preliminary Budget on May 8, 2023. The City Council is now being requested to review and modify, as appropriate, the Preliminary Budget, and adopt a resolution approving the FY 2023-24 Annual Budget with the exception of the budget for the Landscape & Lighting Assessment Districts and the Storm Drain Assessment Districts. Approval of the The Preliminary Budget is available for public review on the City Website and at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Adopt the attached Resolution No. 23-3940 approving the City of Fillmore FY 2023-24 Annual Budget, excluding the Landscape & Lighting Districts budgets and the Storm Drain.
Fiscal Year 2003-24 Annual Budget.

Assessment District budget; and 2. Adopt the attached Resolution Nos. 23-3941 approving new City Manager Department Senior Management Analyst and New Accountant classifications; reclassifying the Human Resources Assistant to Deputy City Clerk/ Office Manager; and adopting job descriptions for these positions. The following alternatives to the staff recommendation are available to the City Council: 1. Adopt the attached resolutions approving the City of Fillmore FY 2023-24 Annual Budget, establishing three new positions, and reclassification of one position with changes; 2. Do not adopt one or more of the attached resolutions; 3. Provide other direction to staff.

9.B PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 02 AND HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1, RESPECTIVELY
REQUEST: Staff is requesting that the City Council hold a Public Hearing and adopt the attached resolutions approving the Engineer’s Annual Report for FY 2023-24 (“Engineer’s Report”) and ordering the levy and collection of annual assessments for the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting District No.02 (“LLD 02”) and Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1 (“LLD 2007-1”), respectively.

9.C PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 23-3934 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FY 2023 - 2.
REQUEST Staff requests that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 23-3934 confirming the Annual Budget and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment Districts for FY 2023-24.

9.D REQUEST: That the City Council: 1. Approve a contract in the amount not to exceed $1,870,000, including $630,000 for FY 2023-2024, to be effective July 1, 2023, with Willdan Engineering Services, Inc. (Willdan) for contract city engineering services.

AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES

REQUEST: That the City Council: 1. Approve a contract in the amount not to exceed $1,870,000, including $630,000 for FY 2023-2024, to be effective July 1, 2023, with Willdan Engineering Services, Inc. (Willdan) for contract city engineering services.

9.E EXTENSION OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION RESULTING FROM A SEWER LINE COLLAPSE, ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-01E, RATIFICATION OF A CONTRACT AWARDED TO TORO ENTERPRISES FOR SEWER REPAIR WORK AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3943 to extend the declaration of a local emergency based on the March 15, 2023 collapse of a sewer manhole which rendered the downstream pipeline unusable; 2. Adopt the plans and specifications for Project Specification No. 23-01E, “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project; 3. Appropriate $1,100,000 from the Sewer Operating Fund, $1,500,000 from the Sewer Replacement Fund, and $1,350,000 from the Sewer DIF fund for the “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project; and 4. Ratify the award of a public works construction contract to Toro Enterprises for the construction of Project Specification No. 23-01E in an amount not to exceed $3,575,033.50 and authorize an amendment of the agreement to approve a contingency amount of $350,000 for unexpected changes, if needed due to field conditions.

All items approved 5-0

On Tuesday, May 16, the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments held “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Council Member Christina Villasenor, Sergeant Will Hollowell, Assistant Sheriff Jose Rivera, Captain Eduardo Malagon, Sergeant Meixner, and Maya Zumaya. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News
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The Fillmore Police and Fire Departments proudly announce “Coffee with the Badges” event in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As First Responders, we will come together to promote awareness about the mental health issues affecting millions of people in the United States.

On Tuesday, May 16th, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, Fillmore deputies and firefighters will be at Starbucks Coffee, located at 650 Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore, sharing a cup of coffee with our neighbors. Communication and community trust are key elements to the success of the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments. By sitting down and having a simple conversation with members of the community we serve, we can develop and build meaningful relationships.

The “Badges” invite the community to come out and ask questions, voice concerns, obtain crime and fire prevention advice, and get to know the “Badges” in your neighborhood. This is a relaxed, informal event and is not about speeches or agendas but simply about casual conversations. The goal of “Coffee with the Badges” is to engage our community, discuss concerns, and raise awareness for mental health."

Nature of Incident: Nature of Incident: Fillmore Police and Fillmore Fire Department Host ~ “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative

Location: Starbucks Coffee Balden Towne Plaza 650 Ventura Street, Fillmore,. CA 93015
Date & Time: May 16th, 2023, from 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department / Fillmore Fire Department.

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

On Tuesday, May 16 at 3:15pm the Flashes Baseball Team hosted and played in the CIF Semi-final game Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary. Fillmore fans filled the stands and enjoyed the game as they watch the Flashes defeat Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary and secure their spot for the Championship game to take place Friday, May 19 against Ganesha High time and location TBA. For updates visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmoreflashes/baseball/schedule/
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On Friday, May 12, Fillmore Flashes Baseball team defeated Artesia High School in the Division 7 CIF Quarter-Finals, score 7 – 1. This advanced the Flashes to the Semi-Final game at home against Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary on Tuesday, May 16, and defeated them 4 – 1. Above are the Flashes after a big win, they have now advanced to the championship game set for Friday, May 19, against Ganesha High School time and location TBA. For updates visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/ baseball/schedule/
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Courtesy FHS Head Baseball Coach Arye Kinberg
May 9, 2023 CIF Playoffs Round 2 - at Fillmore – Flashes vs. Animo Leadership
Fillmore 10 - Animo Leadership 0
Highlights: Ivan Becerra got the win pitching 6 innings with 6 K’s, 2 walks, 2 HBP, and 3 hits. He also went 1 for 2 with 2 RBI’s. Santi Avila went 1 for 4 with a double, a stolen base, and 3 runs scored. Matt Magana went 1 for 2 with a walk, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Jarod Uridel went 1 for 1 with a walk, a sacrifice fly, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI’s. Jathan Magana went 1 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI’s.
***
Friday, May 12, 2023 CIF Quarterfinals at Artesia – Flashes vs. Artesia
Fillmore 7 - Artesia 1
Highlights: Jathan Magana got the win pitching a complete game with 5 K’s, 2 BB’s, 6 hits, and 1 run. He also went 2 for 3 with a single, a double, and a run scored. Matt Magana went 2-4 with an RBI. Santi Avila went 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Andrew Portugal went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Ray Alcantar went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
***
May16, 2023 CIF Division 7 Semi-Finals at Fillmore – Flashes vs. Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Fillmore 4 - Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary 1
Highlights: Jathan Magana got the win pitching 7 innings with 11 Ks and 0 walks, giving up only 3 hits and 1 run. Anthony Chessani went 2-4 with 2 RBI’s. Ray Alcantar went 3 for 3. Matt Magana went 1-3 with a single, a walk, an RBI and 2 runs scored. Ivan Becerra went 1-1 with a double, 3 walks, and an RBI.
This will advance the Flashes to the Championship Game which will take place this Friday, May 19th against Ganesha High School time & location TBA. Info courtesy https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/baseball/schedule/.

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On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive in the city of Fillmore. Our Sheriff’s Communication Center received several calls from callers reporting hearing gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, deputies contacted some of the parties involved and located evidence that a shooting occurred.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the detective below or Crime Stoppers, also at the below listed number. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link:

https://venturasheriff ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/requestforpublicassistance

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. 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.

Nature Incident: Shooting Investigations/Request for Public Assistance
Report Number: 23-55655
Location: 1100 Block of Meadowlark Drive / Fillmore Ca.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services, Major Crimes, Fillmore Detective Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit

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

Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News

Fillmore Explorer Post #2958 received a $5,000 anonymous donation to help provide youth participants with uniforms, equipment, entry fees to events, and on-going training.
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The Fillmore Explorer Post #2958 received a generous donation from a community member who wished to remain anonymous. The donor gave the Fillmore Explorer Post a check in the amount of $5,000! The donor is a long-time supporter of the Explorer program and the opportunities it provides our youth. Generous donations like this help provide the youth participants with uniforms, equipment, entry fees to events, and on-going training. Thank you for your generous donation!

The Explorer program is a youth program for young men and women, ages 14 -21 years old, interested in a career in law enforcement. The program offers young adults personal knowledge of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism. Our Explorers receive weekly training, ride-along with deputies, volunteer in the community, learn about the criminal justice system, and attend a three weeklong Explorer Police Academy. Anyone interested in joining the program can contact the Fillmore Police Department, or your local police agency.

Ventura County Librarian Nancy Schram gave an extensive power-point presentation to City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Ms. Schram spoke of the new features and schedules now available in the expanded library space (2,000 sq. feet) including a new community classroom.
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9.A REQUEST That the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 23-949 to Prohibit Camping and Related Activities In, On, or Within Publicly Owned Property in a Red Line Channel or Related Critical Public Infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Introduce an ordinance of the City of Fillmore adding Chapter 15.05 to the Fillmore Municipal Code to prohibit camping and related activities in, on, or within publicly owned property in a red line channel or related critical public infrastructure within the City of Fillmore. (9-A was tabled 5-0)***

9.B REQUEST That the City Council approve an agreement with Fillmore Unified School District for the continuation of two (s) deputy sheriff positions in the City’s existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) for fiscal year 2023-24. (9-B approved 5-0)

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council authorize the extension of one deputy sheriff position to the existing police services contract with the Sheriff’s Office to add a second SRO for fiscal year 2023-2024 to be paid for by FUSD.
9.C REQUEST Staff requests that the City Council authorize the purchase of one pick-up truck for the Public Works and Facilities Department.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: • Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and purchase a Public Works and Facilities Truck for not to exceed $49,800. (9-C approved 5-0)

*** PROTECT OUR WATERSHED-FILLMORE: Our Local Watershed aka The River Bottom - Watersheds are protected areas that people are not supposed to be in. Nature.com - Watersheds sustain life, in more ways than one. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than $450 billion in foods, fiber, manufactured goods and tourism depend on clean, healthy watersheds. That is why proper watershed protection is necessary to you and your community. Google: Ventura County Watersheds, Homeless. Part of public works. They have specific plans laid out.

On May 2, 2023, deputies arrested Frankie Cantero from Fillmore for his involvement in numerous graffiti vandalism crimes. Over the past several months, deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Police Station have seen various graffiti tagging spray painted along Old Telegraph Road. The graffiti consisted of large spray paint tagging on roadway signs, train cars, fences, and road barriers. These vandalisms were reported by many concerned citizens who live in the area.
Deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station, along with station detectives began an investigation into these crimes. On April 29, at approximately 11:30 PM, a diligent patrol deputy located a suspicious unoccupied vehicle parked at of Old Telegraph Road and Grand Avenue in the unincorporated area of Ventura County/Fillmore. The deputy also located freshly painted graffiti in the area.

The vehicle was subsequently towed because the registration tags were expired over six months, a violation of Vehicle Code section 22651(O). Deputies conducted an inventory of the contents of the vehicle and located spray paint cans and writings that were consistent with the fresh graffiti in the area. Additionally, deputies located personal items belonging to Frankie Cantero.

On May 2, 2023, Detectives located and arrested Cantero for felony vandalism. Detectives served a search warrant at Cantero’s residence and seized additional evidence linking him to the vandalisms.
Cantero was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody with his bail set at $ 10,000.00.

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. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. After police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crime is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
For graffiti removal in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, call Ventura County Public Works at (805) 654-2018 M-F 8 AM-5 PM.

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 our dispatch center. 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.

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

“On Sunday, April 30, at about 1:2am, a Fillmore patrol sergeant was patrolling the Balden Plaza area and observed a vehicle parked near Moonlight Donuts. The sergeant noticed the male sitting in the driver’s seat was leaning back and appeared to be unresponsive. Additional deputies and paramedics arrived on scene and entered the vehicle to check on the male subject. The male, a 42-year-old Fillmore resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies located narcotics paraphernalia which indicated the death was likely a Fentanyl overdose. The Medical Examiner responded to the investigation.” Information courtesy Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. This is the second Fentanyl death at the Vons Center; on March 26, 2023, a male subject was discovered deceased in the Vons restroom.