Mario Rodriguez

FILLMORE, Calif. – Following the resignation of District 1 Councilmember Luis Rodriguez, the Fillmore City Council has appointed Mario Rodriguez to fill the District 1 vacancy. The appointment took place during the November 12, 2025, City Council meeting. Rodriguez will be officially sworn in at the December 9 City Council meeting and will serve for the remainder of the term through November 2026, when the seat will be open for election.
“I want to make a difference in my community. I want to represent everyone equally and give a voice to those who don’t think they have one,” said Rodriguez during his appointment interview.
Rodriguez currently serves as the Program Manager for First 5 Ventura County, where he leads community outreach and engagement programs to ensure underserved communities have access to vital resources. He is also a board member of One Step a la Vez and an active member of the Fillmore Lions Club.
Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and his Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from National University.
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Known as the “Last Best Small Town,” the City of Fillmore is located in the heart of Ventura County’s Santa Clara River Valley. The City is committed to supporting community engagement, economic growth, and local leadership that reflects the values and spirit of its residents.

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Approval of the Agenda: Mendez motion, Garnica second, passed 4-0
Consent Calendar Items 8A - 8C: Mendez motion, Garnica second, passed 4-0
Item 9A City Council appointment: Roll call nomination
-Broggie: Tinker and Rodriguez
-Mendez: Tinker and Rodriguez
-Villasenor: Rodriguez and Gonzalez
-Garnica: Rodriguez and Gonzalez
4 votes for Rodriguez, 2 for Tinker, 2 for Gonzalez; Rodriguez advances to second round
Roll call nomination, 2nd vote
-Broggie: Tinker
-Mendez: Gonzalez
-Villasenor: Gonzalez
-Garnica: Tinker
Vote tied 2-2
Broggie motioned to appoint Zachary Tinker, motion failed due to lack of a second.
Garnica motioned to appoint Mario Rodriguez, Mendez second. Motion passed 3-1 with Broggie voting against.
Item 9B Adoption of 2025 Building Code: Mendez motion, Garnica second, pass 4-0
Item 9C Adoption of 2025 Fire Code: Garnica motion, Broggie second, pass 4-0
Item 9D Acceptance of Offsite Development Improvements and Bond Exoneration for Mountain View Apartments project: Mendez motion, Broggie second, pass 4-0
Item 9E Approval of Task order to Design Annual Pavement Improvements: Mendez motion, Garnica second, pass 4-0
Item 9F Approval of Appropriation and First Amendment to Construction contract with General Pump Co. For urgent repairs to Well #8: Garnica motion, Broggie second, pass 4-0
Item 9G Intro report on DIF income and expenses per Gov Code sections 66001 and 66006: Garnica motion, Mendez second, pass 4-0
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CITY OF FILLMORE, CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A RECOGNITION OF THE 2025 TRUNK OR TREAT AWARD WINNER
5.B HONORING VICTOR CASAS FOR HIS RETIREMENT AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-NOVEMBER 12, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-NOVEMBER 12, 2025.PDF
8.B AUGUST 12, 2025 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AMENDED MEETING MINUTES AUG 12, 2025, REG CITY COUNCIL AMENDED MTG MINUTES.PDF
8.C CONTRACT WITH TURNING POINT FOUNDATION FOR ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION FUND GRANT CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
SR 2025 TURNING POINT FOUNDATION CONTRACT.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A CITY COUNCIL INTERVIEW AND SELECTION OF A NEW COUNCIL MEMBER TO BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE DISTRICT ONE VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL
FINAL SR APPOINTMENT INTERVIEW DISTRICT ONE VACANY.PDF
9.B ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-989 TO ADOPT THE 2025 UNIFORM
BUILDING CODES WITH AMENDMENTS AND SETTING FORTH FINDINGS FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
SR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-989 2025 BUILDING CODES UPDATE.PDF
9.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-990 TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODES WITH AMENDMENTS AND SETTING FORTH FINDINGS FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
SR ADOPTING 2025 FIRE CODE.PDF
9.D ACCEPTANCE OF OFFSITE DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS AND BOND EXONERATION FOR MOUNTAIN VIEW APARTMENTS PROJECT
SR - BOND EXONERATION DP18-03 MANY MANSIONS. FINAL.PDF
9.E APPROVAL OF TASK ORDER TO DESIGN THE ANNUAL PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-03
SR- APPROVAL OF DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR ANNUAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS. FINAL.PDF
9.F APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATION AND CONSIDERATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH GENERAL PUMP COMPANY FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO WELL NO. 8
SR - APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO GENERAL PUMP COMPANY CONTRACT FOR URGENT REPAIRS AT WELL NO. 8. FINAL.PDF
9.G INTRODUCTORY REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCOME AND EXPENSES PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 66001 AND 66006
SR FY 2024-25 DIF REPORT INTRO FINAL.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION NOVEMEBR 12, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMEBR 9, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

County of Ventura, California. – The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $455,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The grant will support our ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026 and is distributed among our five contract cities: Ojai, Fillmore, Camarillo, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Bradley Bordon said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:
DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann
News Release Date: November 17, 2025
Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren
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Community: Media Release: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase
Nature of Incident: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase Safety on Roads
Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: November 17, 2025
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

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 convicted by a jury of four felony counts of sexual abuse against two minor victims. Zavala was found guilty 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 when the abuse started and the other was ten. The abuse took place regularly over several years. In 2023, both victims disclosed the abuses 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 two young victims in this case showed exceptional courage by testifying in open court and confronting the person who harmed them,” Mr. Kern said. “Their strength made this verdict possible and reinforces that Ventura County will not tolerate crimes of this nature.”
Zavala is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 26 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He faces a maximum of 100 years to life in state prison.
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Case: 2024001044
Defendant Information: Jose Antonio Zavala Aldaco (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
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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: November 10, 2025
Release No.: 25-136