Pictured top left is House/Case Manager Brandi Brown, introducing visitors to the Tender Life program. The evening hosted an open house of the newly remodeled home and property. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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Above are visitors to the Meet & Greet enjoying refreshments in the backyard of the Tender Life home. Included in the crowd were Fillmore Mayor Carrie Broggie, newly-elected Councilman Gary Cushing, and Tender Life Board of Director members Tim and Amy Gurrola. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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On Friday, November 15th, Tender Life held a Maternity Meet & Greet at its new home in the 200 block of Fillmore Street. The open house drew over a hundred supporters and is a welcomed addition to the Fillmore community. The event was well attended by many from in and out of the community. Tender Life Mission Statement: “Tender Life is a Christ-Centered ministry ensuring life for unborn children by providing opportunities for housing, help and hope for women during their pregnancies and beyond. Since 1985, Tender Life has offered a safe place to transform lives in a judgment-free home where you can pause, regroup, and redirect your life. We’ll meet you where you are, equip you to overcome your unique challenges, and help you choose the best path going forward for you and your baby.” www.tenderlifematernity.org.

Deputies from the Fillmore and Camarillo Sheriff’s Stations worked together to locate and rescue a fourteen-year-old victim from a motel in Camarillo.

On November 12, 2024, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a fourteen-year-old girl who was absent from her school in Fillmore. School Resource Officer’s responded to the call for service and discovered, through a cellular phone tracking application, that the victim was at a motel in the city of Camarillo. This information was quickly relayed to the deputies in Camarillo who responded to the local motel.

Once at the motel, deputies began to review surveillance footage and observed the victim at the location with an unknown male. As deputies were ascertaining what room the victim and unknown male were in, they observed the two in a vehicle in the parking lot. The victim and unknown male, later identified as Salvador Heredia Sanchez, were detained in the parking lot. Sanchez who is twenty-nine years old, was taken into custody and transported to the Camarillo Police Station. The victim was evaluated by medical professionals and reunited with her family.

The investigation revealed the victim met Sanchez through a social media application. They had been communicating through social media for about two weeks prior to planning to meet in person. The victim willingly went with Sanchez. Sanchez used typical grooming techniques when communicating with the victim. The Major Crimes Bureau Sexual Assault Unit, in conjunction with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit, are working on notifying surrounding agencies about this investigation as Sanchez has no ties to Ventura County.

The Major Crimes Bureau Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Unit is committed to the safety of our community’s youth. The overwhelming access afforded to young people online can be overwhelming and is opportunistic to sexual predators. Information about online safety is available from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org. Age-appropriate education presentations are available as well as multiple other educational topics related to the safety of our youth. Talk to your kids about safety on-line.

Sanchez was booked into the Ventura County Jail for violations of California Penal Code (PC) 261.5(c), Unlawful Sex with a Minor, PC 272(a)(1), Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, PC 288(c)(1), Lewd Act Upon a Child, PC 288.3(a), Luring. Sanchez’ bail is set at $250,000.00. His next court appearance is November 14, 2024.

Report Number: 24-143299
Location: City of Fillmore and City of Camarillo
Date: November 12, 2024
Unit(S) Responsible: Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau, Camarillo Patrol Serivces, Crime Analysis Unit

(S)uspect(s),Victim(s):

(S) Salvador Heredia Sanchez Lompoc, CA 29
(V) Female juvenile Fillmore, CA 14

Prepared by: Detective Chris Dyer
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

(VENTURA, Calif. — Nov. 14, 2024) The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is offering $1.5 million in grants for organizations to install and operate electric vehicle chargers along the Highway 126 corridor.

The 126 Corridor EV Chargers Incentive Program is designed to improve air quality in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru and support the transition to EVs by providing much-needed chargers along the heavily trafficked route.

On-road vehicles are a major source of Ventura County air pollution, especially near major roadways. The harmful pollutants they emit include nitrogen oxides, which react with sunlight to form ozone, and fine particulate matter. The county exceeds state and federal standards for ozone, or smog.

An average of up to 106,000 passenger cars and 67,000 heavy-duty trucks traveled along Highway 126 daily in 2022, according to Caltrans. This impacts the residents of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru, areas that are designated as low-income and disproportionately affected by air pollutants by the California Climate Investments program.

The grants are available to public and private entities located in Ventura County including government agencies, school districts, colleges, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Projects that provide public access to chargers will receive priority consideration.

Public entities and any plans that provide public access are eligible for grants covering up to 100% of costs. Private projects that do not provide public access can receive grants for up to 85% of costs. Requests for less than maximum grant amounts will receive priority, though.

The chargers must be available at cost to the public or the organization’s employees for at least the term of the grant, which can range from three to eight years. Longer grant terms will receive priority. The chargers must be level 2 or higher.

Eligible expenditures include charging equipment and the costs of building, installation, design, engineering, consulting and fees. Grants also can cover software, card readers, specialized tools and three years of operational costs not including regular maintenance. Projects that expand or enhance existing chargers to improve efficiency or safety also are eligible.

The district is funding the program with a portion of the $6-per-vehicle registration fee surcharges it receives from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since 1991, the district has used this money for cost-effective projects that reduce vehicle emissions as part of its mission to protect public health and agriculture in Ventura County from air pollution.

For additional details and applications, visit vcapcd.org/126-Corridor-EV.htm. For more information, contact Holly Galbreath at holly@vcapcd.org or 805-303-3666.

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Karin Grennan
Public Information Officer
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District

Ventura Sheriff’s Office partners with Ventura County Fire Department in Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Ventura County Fire Department in their holiday toy drive. Collection boxes will be located at all sheriff stations. This community campaign is to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Ventura County. In addition, this campaign is also to support Food Share, to help fight hunger in Ventura County. All non-perishable food and toys can be dropped off any time prior to December 16th.

In 2023, through generous donations from our communities, more than 33,000 local children and teens benefited from the kindness of our community members, businesses, and supporting sponsors. Food Share will also provide food for families served by the toy drive.

Nature of Incident: Sheriff’s Office Participates in Holiday Toy Drive
Report Number: N/A
Location: All Sheriff Stations
Date & Time: N/A
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Public Information

Prepared by: Captain Rob Yoos
News Release Date: 11/19/2024

Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 8th, 2024, the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation concluded an investigation with the arrests of (S) Alexander Rocha (DOB: 02/13/2001) and (S) Montavious Harriel (DOB: 07/31/2000) who were involved with fraud and forgery crimes which victimized residents of Ventura County for thousands of dollars. The individuals were taken into custody following an extensive investigation by the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation.

Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities involving financial document forgery. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation became aware of such activities when a victim reported a crime earlier this year. After a lengthy investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant which was executed in October 2024, in the 4200 block of Nimitz Drive in Oxnard. During the warrant service, detectives located and seized additional evidence related to fraud and forgery.

Additionally, several illegal firearms were located and seized, including assault weapons. Alexander Rocha was subsequently arrested for violations of Penal Code § 470 – [Forgery], Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle], and Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon]. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.

On 11/08/2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and the West County Special Enforcement Unit executed a secondary search warrant in the 200 block of N 2nd Street in Port Hueneme. During the warrant, additional evidence of fraud and forgery was found in Montavious Harriel’s possession. Harriel was arrested for Penal Code § 470(a) – [Forgery] and transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for the offense. Harriel was later released on his own recognizance pending court proceedings.

The arrests of both Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel reflect the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from financial crimes. The Fillmore Bureau of Investigation encourage community members to remain vigilant against fraud and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

Report Number: 24-4892
Location: 4200 block of Nimitz Drive, Oxnard
200 block of N 2nd Street, Port Hueneme
Date & Time: November 8th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, West County Special Enforcement Unit

Suspect:
(S) Alexander Rocha Oxnard 23
(S) Montavious Harriel Port Hueneme 24

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024
6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
All items passed 5-0. Items 10D & 10F were received & filed.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A AWARDING THE WINNER OF THE 2024 TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT
5.B CITY OF FILLMORE PROCLAMATION HONORING DAVID ROWLANDS FOR HIS DEDICATION SERVICE AS CITY MANAGER
6. MEETING IN RECESS (BREAK)
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECO-MMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
9. CONSENT CAL-ENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
9.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER - NOVEMBER 12, 2024 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-NOVEMBER 12, 2024.PDF
9.B CONSIDERATION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF FILLMORE AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 501 COVERING THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
SR LOCAL 501 MOU 2024 - 2027.PDF
9.C SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT
SR - UPCCAA UPDATE ADOPTION HEARING.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS
10.A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) AMONG COUNTY OF VENTURA, VENTURA COUNTY WATERSHED PROTECTION DISTRICT, AND THE CITIES OF FILLMORE, OXNARD, SANTA PAULA, AND SAN BUENAVENTURA TO SHARE THE COSTS OF FUNDING A SANTA CLARA RIVER TMDL MONITORING PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the County of Ventura (County), Ventura County Watershed and the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and San Buenaventura to share the costs of funding a Santa Clara River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Monitoring Program.––
SR - SANTA CLARA RIVER TMDL MOA.PDF
10.B CONSIDERATION OF AN APPROPRIATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MACKONE DEVELOPMENT INC. FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR REAR WINDOWS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING (565 FIRST STREET)
SR 2024 _BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WINDOW REPLACEMENT_565 FIRST ST.PDF
REQUEST: Staff is requesting that the City Council: 1. Approve the appropriation of an additional $5,233 from other ARPA administrative funds to cover the full costs of drawings and hazardous material testing and abatement, in case lead and/or asbestos are found, when the contractor undertakes the replacement of windows at 565 Fist Street, the Boys and Girls Club; 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Mackone Development Inc. for the above described hazardous material abatement and window replacement work in a form approved by the City Attorney
10.C AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR PHASE ONE SPORTS FIELD LIGHTING AND TURF REPAIRS AT TWO RIVERS PARK, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-08 SR - TWO RIVER PARK LIGHTING AND TURF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT_FINAL.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve an appropriation in the amount of $500,000 from unallocated funds in the Parkland Development Impact Fee (“DIF”) Fund 404 to Park Improvement Fund 464; and 2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, with Techline Sports Lighting for an amount not-to-exceed $430,000 for the purchase, delivery, and installation of sport field lighting of soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park and installation of a controller at Shiells Park; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign a contract amendment, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, with Venco Western Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 for the installation of an overhead irrigation system and leveling of the soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park.
10.D LAND TRANSFER AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FUSD LAND TRANSFER AND EASEMENT SR .PDF
10.E CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN CITY OF FILLMORE AND FILLMORE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IAFF, LOCAL 5382 COVERING THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024.
APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FILLMORE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 5382 SR.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive information from staff and provide guidance regarding the following proposed items: 1) Transfer of the strip of land along the north and west portions of the Fillmore Tennis and Aquatic Center land parcel to the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD); 2) Easement Agreement over the land transferred to FUSD providing rights of use to the City; and 3) Relocation of existing public sewer line and reclaimed water line by FUSD, vacation of existing sewer easement and acceptance of new easements over relocated utilities
10.F INTRODUCTORY REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCOME AND EXPENSES PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 66001 AND 66006
SR FY 2023-24 DIF REPORT INTRO.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive a verbal introduction as a preliminary review of Development Impact Fee (DIF) income and expense report information for Fiscal Year 2023-24. Staff will continue this report at the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting by providing additional information and requesting that the City Council make the findings required by state law to allow the City to retain unexpended DIF funds that were collected five (5) or more years ago.
10.G CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF OFFSITE DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS WITH SDI FOODS, INC. FOR THE SONIC RESTAURANT DRIVE-IN AND DRIVE THRU PROJECT
SR -2024-SONIC SECOND AMENDMENTTO THE OFFSITE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve an amendment to provide a second 12-month extension to the Offsite Improvement Agreement (OIA) with SDI Foods, Inc. (Developer) for assurance of completion of public improvements for the Sonic Drive-In project, Development Permit No. 18-01 Modification #1, to be constructed at 655 Ventura Street and authorize the mayor to sign the amendment.
11. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
12. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
13. CLOSED SESSION
13.A CLOSED SESSION - NOVEMBER 12, 2024 NOVEMBER 12, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
14. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.