On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Sheriff’s detectives conducted compliance checks at the residences of thirty-four (34) registered sex offenders throughout the City of Fillmore and the surrounding unincorporated areas. The compliance checks were funded through the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE / ELEAS) program.

Thirty-two (32) of the sex registrants were confirmed to be in compliance with their registration requirements. Two (2) were not contacted because they were either not home or had moved. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the two registrants not contacted are out of compliance.

The Sheriff’s Office aggressively pursues prosecution of those sex registrants who fail to comply
with their registration requirements. Detectives will be conducting similar sweeps on an ongoing
basis to verify the registered sex offenders in our community are living at their reported residences and remain in compliance with any probation or parole terms. Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Nature of Incident: Sex Registrant Compliance Sweep
Report Number: N/A
Location: City of Fillmore and Surrounding Unincorporated Areas
Date & Time: February 3, 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau

Prepared by: Investigative Assistant Jennifer Walsh
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

8.A INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.50 ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, MASSAGE PRACTIONERS, AND MASSAGE THERAPISTS.

REQUEST: That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-964 to add Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 7.50 to allow staff to implement and enforce rules and regulations for massage establishments, massage practitioners, and massage therapists. PASSED 5-0

8.B CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT 5496 FROM HEARTHSTONE.
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council accept the completed public landscape improvements installed for Tract 5496 and authorize the exoneration of the Tract 5496 Levee/Common Area landscaping performance bond (Bond # PB10163700408) and accept a maintenance bond in an amount equal to 15% of the original improvement bonds providing for a 1-year warranty period.

PASSED 4-0. Conflict with Mayor Pro Tem Gurrola.
8.C AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-05, DOG PARK ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT TWO RIVERS PARK PROJECT.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Council approve the award of a contract to FS Contractors, Inc. for the construction of Project Specification No. 23-05 - Two Rivers Park Dog Park Improvements Project (“Project”). PASSED 5-0
8.D FY 2024-25 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE.
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding preparation of the FY 2024-25 Annual Budget for the City of Fillmore; and 2. Approve the attached Budget Development and Review Schedule relative to preparation and approval of the FY 2024-25 Annual Budget.
PASSED 5-0

8.E CALWARN MUTUAL AID & ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Approve the City’s participation in the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) Mutual Aid & Assistance Program; 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements and documentation required for participation in CalWARN; AND 3. Direct staff to work collaboratively with CalWARN and other member utilities to ensure a seamless integration into the program. PASSED 5-0
8.F REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE 2024 THIRD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW TO BE PROVIDED BY PYRO.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the appropriation of $27,000.00 for the 2024 July Third Community Fireworks Show; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc.
PASSED 5-0

8.G AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHADE STRUCTURES AT TWO RIVERS PARK AND DOLORES DAY PARK.

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract in the amount not to exceed $220,441.10, which includes a $20,040.10 contingency (10%), for the construction of Shade Structures at Two Rivers Park and Dolores Day Park with SoCal Shade Sails. PASSED 5-0

8.H INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 7.12, VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS, TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council introduce by title only, and waiving further reading of, proposed Ordinance No. 24-963 amending Chapter 7.12 of the Fillmore Municipal Code entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 7.12, “VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS,” TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 WHOSE OPERATIONS CONSTITUTE AN IMMEDIATE THREAT, HAZARD, OR DANGER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA”. PASSED 5-0

8.I CITY COUNCIL AFFIRMATION OF CITY OF FILLMORE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION RESULTING FROM SEVERE WINTER STORMS IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2024

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution 24-3986 to affirm the City Manager’s proclamation of a local emergency as a result of the damage incurred by the severe winter storms to the concrete bike path and pole fencing on the February 5, 2024. PASSED 5-0

On January 31, 2024, Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested Martin Torres and Ignacio Ixta Jr. in the City of Oxnard for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations. On February 2, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against Torres and Ixta in the Ventura County Superior Court.

During the months of December 2023 and January 2024, WC-SEU detectives conducted a firearm and narcotics investigation involving Martin Torres, who resides in the 2700 block of Windcrest Place in Oxnard. Torres is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

On January 30, 2024, detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Torres, his residence, and any vehicles associated to him.

On January 31, 2024, at approximately 11:58 AM, detectives conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 2000 block of North H Street in Oxnard. The vehicle was driven by Ignacio Ixta Jr. and Torres was a passenger. Detectives detained both subjects pursuant to the warrant and conducted a search. Detectives located a concealed and loaded semi-automatic handgun and narcotics inside the vehicle.

Detectives then served the search warrant at Torres’ residence. Detectives located 3 additional firearms, various types of narcotics, and a large amount of U.S. currency consistent with narcotics sales.

None of the recovered firearms were legally registered to Ixta, Torres, or any of the residents at Torres’ residence. Torres was arrested for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics sales violations. Ixta was arrested for a violation of possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.

The cases against Torres and Ixta were presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. On February 2, 2024, multiple felony firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations were filed against both suspects in the Ventura County Superior Court. Both remain in-custody with an upcoming court date and $500,000 bail amount.

The investigation is on-going. If you have any information about this case, please contact West County Special Enforcement Unit Detective Austin Whittaker at 805-654-3509.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting West County Patrol Stations with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes

Nature of Incident: Firearms and Narcotics Arrests
Report Number: 23-161499 & 24-12957
Location: 2700 block of Windcrest Place, Oxnard
Date & Time: January 31, 2024 @ 11:58 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Torres, Martin Oxnard 43
(S) Ixta, Ignacio Jr. Fillmore 35

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to promoting firearm safety and helping reduce firearm accidents, thefts, and misuse. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Project ChildSafe, which is a comprehensive firearm safety and education program launched in 1999.

Project ChildSafe offers free educational resources to demonstrate the importance of firearm safety and to encourage the promotion and practice of responsible firearm ownership. Project ChildSafe works with law enforcement agencies across the country to provide free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock. Project ChildSafe also provides educational material on firearms and suicide prevention, firearms responsibility in the home, and discussing gun safety with kids.
As a strong supporter of gun safety in our communities, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has obtained gun locks and education pamphlets from Project ChildSafe. Gun locks and educational materials are available for free at all police departments within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, which include the cities of Ojai, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and our Headquarters station in Ventura. Community members in other jurisdictions can contact their local police department and inquire about gun lock availability. Remember, gun safety is everyone’s responsibility. To learn more about Project ChildSafe and the firearm educational materials they provide, please visit their website: https://projectchildsafe.org/about/

Prepared by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Approved by: Assistant Sheriff Jose Rivera

On Saturday, February 3rd, five Fillmore Flashes got a chance to play in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West Game at Camarillo as mentioned on page 1. Left is one of our Flashes making the tackle as the player tries to break away. Right is a Flashes receiving a handoff during Saturday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Courtesy FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.

The Ventura County Football Coaches Association put on the 50th anniversary all-star game on Saturday at Camarillo High School. Seniors from all local high schools were eligible to be nominated for the game and compete in one final showcase of their talents. Five Fillmore Flashes athletes were selected to compete: linebacker and running back David Jimenez (#17), defensive end Anthony Porter (#51), linebacker and running back Joseph Perez (#13), offensive and defensive lineman Antonio Munoz (#77), and defensive back James Chaveste (#29). These five Flashes anchored an East All-Star team on its way to a 23 to 20 victory. A game winning 46-yard field goal by Oak Park’s Will Stryuk was the deciding factor in a close contest.

Kristen Dunst of San Cayetano Elementary School. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Courtesy Brandy Hollis

One of the greatest things about small town living is personally getting to know our teachers. It makes us so unique from other towns.

Ms. Kristen Dunst teaches 1st grade at San Cayetano and I am habitual about requesting her for my own kids. She jokes around that on breaks and weekends she’s just Kristy from the block. She’s been with the district now 20 years and subbed a year before being hired on. That’s another nice thing, we have good teachers that not only live in Fillmore but they are here to stay.

I love that my little kids get the opportunity to have Ms. Dunst in first grade. My children have gone from kindergarten to her class with ease and comfort, to start being prepared for their educational careers with such fluidity that maybe my older children didn’t grasp before coming to Fillmore.

She is very creative and all about the Aloha and Hawaiian themes with school career readiness. I love that her class performs a ukulele Hawaiian themed song at the winter performances but also the kids take home a seashell decorated frame for their parents as a rite of passage in her class. I know I have mine put up every Christmas, adding my last seashell frame this year.

I’m nostalgic as I write this as I’m getting ready to see my youngest get an award, and reflecting this will be my last year having Ms. Dunst as a first-grade teacher. Thankfully, Kristy from the block is here to stay, and not only is she a great teacher, but also a quiet and kind community member who is willing to help when she can.
Congratulations, Ms. Dunst, on your 20 years with FUSD and hopefully more to come. You are appreciated and valued. Thank you for serving this community! Aloha!