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Pictured is progressing construction on the planned Sonic Drive-In, seven years after it was first made public. Sonic Corp first announced in fall of 2018 its intention to open a Sonic Drive-In in Fillmore. Covid and other factors stalled that plan. In September 2023 it was announced Sonic would open here in the spring of 2024. Then in December 2023 the opening was pushed back to November 2024. Construction finally began around July 2024 in the vacant lot located at 643 W. Ventura Street (SR 126). The latest announcement for completion is spring 2026. In September of 2018 Sonic Corp. was purchased by Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands) for $2.3 billion. Inspire Brands is just one of many portfolio/parent companies of Roark Capital. Among other units in Roark’s portfolio are Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel, Jimmy John’s, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. In 1958, Top Hats existed in Enid and Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, only four opened, because the name was already copyrighted to another business. Echoing the jet age, Top Hat’s slogan was “Service with the Speed of Sound,” so the new name “Sonic” was chosen. There are now 80 Sonic’s in California alone. Photo credit Gazette staff.

On Saturday, January 3, the Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a flooding report in the 900 block of Blaine Avenue. Firefighters assisted in unloading sandbags for placement to prevent further flooding to the property. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office – Forensic Services Bureau has been awarded a competitive one-year grant of $460,480 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to help keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. The grant program runs through September 2026.
The Forensic Services Bureau will use the funds to purchase supplies and replace the instrumentation used for the analysis of forensic samples for alcohol content in driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Replacement instruments will allow the Sheriff’s Office to leverage advances in modern instrumentation to decrease maintenance costs and increase the specificity and throughput of testing.
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: Trevor Booth
News Release Date: 12/31/25
Approved by: Michael Parigian
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Nature of Incident: The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office awarded a Traffic Safety Grant.
Report Number: NA
Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: N/A
Unit(s) Responsible: Forensic Services Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
N/A

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fillmore Piru Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“Agency”) Board of Directors mee ng scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., has been CANCELLED
The next Agency Regular Board of Directors mee ng is scheduled for
Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at the City of Fillmore, City Hall, Council Chambers, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015
Posted: (date) January 7, 2026 (time) 10:00 a.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra At: https://www.FPBGSA.org
Posted: (date) January 7, 2026 (time) 10:05 a.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra At: https://www.facebook.com/FPBGSA
Posted: (date) January 7, 2026 (time) 10:10 a.m. (attest) Eva Ibarra At: UWCD, 1701 N. Lombard Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Posted: (date) January 7, 2026 (time) 10:15 p.m. (attest) Juana Garcia At: Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA, 93015

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Verizon Wireless will pay $7.7 million to resolve a statewide civil enforcement action involving environmental violations at hundreds of the company’s wireless telecommunication cell towers across Southern California.
“Verizon’s failure to comply with the law governing hazardous materials created avoidable risks,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “The investigation found consistent gaps in required reporting, employee training, and inspection access across hundreds of facilities. These requirements exist to ensure that first responders, environmental regulators, and public safety officials have accurate information about hazardous materials stored at commercial sites in the event of an emergency.”
Beginning in January 2019, violations occurred at numerous Verizon cell towers where hazardous materials and above ground petroleum storage tanks are used to power emergency generators and backup systems. Verizon stores and uses materials such as lead acid batteries and petroleum products at these sites, which require detailed reporting and proper hazardous materials management under California law. The complaint alleges that Verizon repeatedly failed to submit complete and accurate Hazardous Materials Business Plans to the California Environmental Reporting System. Verizon also failed to maintain copies of these plans onsite as required and failed to provide adequate employee training for responding to hazardous material releases.
Verizon also failed to allow inspections at multiple locations and failed to pay required permit fees that support local oversight of hazardous materials. The judgment ensures accountability while strengthening transparency for first responders at thousands of cell towers and requires that Verizon maintain compliance going forward.
Verizon was brought into compliance only after investigative agencies approached the company regarding its violations. There was no evidence of environmental harm at the facilities.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Harman, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit, prosecuted the case for Ventura County.
Under the judgment, Verizon will pay a total of $7.7 million, which includes $7,125,000 in civil penalties, $200,000 in investigative costs, and $375,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects, also known as SEPs. Within Ventura County, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will receive $813,437.50 in penalties and $9,169.50 in costs. The Oxnard Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) will receive $261,761.25 in penalties and $3,000 in costs. Ventura County Environmental Health will receive $53,613.75 in penalties.
The case was filed in Orange County Superior Court by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and brought by the District Attorneys of Ventura, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties along with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: January 5, 2026
Release No.: 26-001

Ventura County District Attorney Office

VENTURA, Calif. – A new set of public safety laws strongly supported by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko have taken effect in 2026, strengthening penalties for looting and the impersonation of emergency personnel during declared emergencies.
“Ventura County is no stranger to disaster, and our residents know firsthand how devastating these events can be,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “When families are evacuating from a dangerous fire and first responders are risking their lives, we can’t have criminals exploiting the chaos and devastation. These new laws will allow us to crack down on looters and criminal impersonators.”
Governor Gavin Newsom signed companion legislation in Assembly Bill 468 and Senate Bill 571 into law in October. AB 468, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, strengthens penalties for looting during declared emergencies and extends protections into the recovery and rebuilding phase following disasters. SB 571 reinforces penalties for individuals who impersonate firefighters, law enforcement officers, or other officials during emergencies.
“Individuals who put our firefighters at risk and prey on communities when they are at their most vulnerable must be held accountable. Looters – particularly those who impersonate emergency personnel – create chaos and confusion, endanger residents and first responders, and victimize communities that already have suffered unimaginable harm,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. “I am proud this year to have joined efforts with firefighters, police, and first responders across California who bravely risk their lives to protect our communities, to craft better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation.”
These measures were introduced in response to widespread looting and impersonation crimes following the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, where impacted communities were victimized at a time of extreme vulnerability.
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: January 7, 2026
Release No.: 26-003

Please be advised that Shiells Park will be closed for maintenance for the month of January. In addition, the Delores Day Park playground will also be closed throughout January for maintenance. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our parks. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/reel/850691537579101.

Dec. 29, 2025
Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organics waste collection schedule on Friday, Jan. 23, in Fillmore during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is observed on Monday, Jan. 19.
Remember that Santa Clara Valley Disposal residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as the company collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. This prevents food waste contamination because food waste and yard waste are processed separately. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.
Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, as well as California State University Channel Islands and the city of Carpinteria, as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and the city of Fillmore as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.
For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BACK STACKS Used Book Sales

The Back Stacks are OPEN for the New Year!

BIG SATURDAY SALE JANUARY 3RD, 2026

10AM TO 2PM

JANUARY SALE ITEM

50% OFF all Health and Fitness Books

Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get great ideas that will help you accomplish all of your New Year’s Resolutions. Whether you want to try a new exercise routine, take up a new sport, or plan out a healthier eating plan, try the Back Stacks first.

We have loads of gently used books at Low, Low Prices.

If you miss the Saturday sale, the weekday hours are outlined below.

Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 PM (except January 1st)

Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm

Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm

We accept cash, checks and credit cards.

We have a large inventory of Fiction and Non-fiction, as well as children’s books. Our collection features 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. 100% of book sale proceeds goes to support the Blanchard Community Library. PLEASE NOTE: We love receiving donations, and accept everything EXCEPT VHS, magazines or cassette taps. Also, we accept donations ONLY on days when the Library is open for business to ensure that your generous donation is not damaged or stolen.

Located at the Blanchard Community Library, 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula,

LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Stree

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
The City of Fillmore is expecting rain starting Tuesday. Please remember to drive slowly, allow extra stopping distance, and stay alert for wet or flooded roads. Visit emergency.venturacounty.gov for updates on the storm.
Sandbag Resources (Self-Serve):
Fillmore Fire Station #91 – 711 Landeros Lane, Fillmore
Ventura County Fire Station #27 – 133 C Street, Fillmore

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the many decorated Christmas trees lining Central Avenue. Schoolchildren, local clubs and groups, churches, businesses and families were all invited to choose a tree to decorate, showing all that the Christmas Spirit Fillmore has to share.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites the public to share ideas about how to improve bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand and rail service in Ventura County.
VCTC will host in-person and virtual community meetings in January and a public hearing in February as part of its annual unmet transit needs process. Each meeting is an opportunity for people to let local transit operators and government leaders know what can be done to improve transit in the county.
The meetings are intended to identify transit needs that are not currently being met and are reasonable to meet in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and adjacent areas of unincorporated Ventura County.
The community meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:
• 6 p.m. Jan. 20, Fillmore Library, 502 Second St., Fillmore;
• 6 p.m. Jan. 12, Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks;
• Noon Jan. 15, virtual. Link at goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs;
• 6 p.m. Jan. 21, 2026, Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Public hearing
• 9 a.m. Feb. 6, Camarillo City Hall, 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo
People who cannot attend the meetings can share their input through an online survey at goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/. The survey is available in English, Spanish and
Mandarin. Comments can also be emailed to transit planner Dolores Lopez at dlopez@goventura.org or shared by calling 805-642-1591, ext. 117. For more information about the Unmet Transit Needs process, visit goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/.
***
About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 22, 2025
Contact: Darrin Peschka
Program Manager, Government and Community Relations Ventura County Transportation Commission dpeschka@goventura.org
(805) 642-1591, ext. 108

State Route 118 between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road.
Ventura County - Caltrans announces overnight one-way alternating traffic control on State Route 118 (Los Angeles Avenue/SR-118) between Sand Canyon Road and Balcom Canyon Road near the unincorporated Ventura County area of Somis tonight for excavation.
One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 for roadway excavation.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. crews will remove excavated material behind k-rail on the south shoulder of the highway without lane closures.
Residents and businesses located near construction may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with demolition activities. Closures are subject to change due to weather, material, or other factors. Motorists can view current traffic conditions on the Caltrans QuickMap.
The speed limit through the construction zone is posted at 45 m.p.h. Please obey the speed limit and drive with caution. Caltrans urges motorists to use alternate routes.
The work is part of the State Route 118 Slope Repair Project, which will construct two retaining walls on the south side of the highway, among other improvements. The total project cost is $30.8 million and is anticipated to be completed in winter of 2026/2027. The contractor on this project is CA Rasmussen, Inc.
If you would like to receive weekly updates, sign up here: State Route 118 Slope Repair Project.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Dec. 22, 2025
District: District 7
Contact: Marc Bischoff
Email: marc.bischoff@dot.ca.gov

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that a review conducted by the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) and the District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit has determined that a man convicted more than 40 years ago of a 1982 rape in unincorporated Simi Valley was wrongfully convicted.
Recent DNA testing excluded the wrongfully convicted man, Richard Luna, as the individual responsible for the crime. The results identified a different individual whose DNA matched evidence collected from the victim’s sexual assault kit.
The victim’s sexual assault kit was tested as part of the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative’s ongoing review of previously untested kits. Testing overseen by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau led to the development of an offender DNA profile that was later matched in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to a different person. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations prevents the filing of charges against the newly identified suspect in this decades-old case.
“While we can’t undo the past, we can use the power of DNA technology to exonerate the wrongfully convicted,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This case underscores our responsibility as prosecutors to examine the integrity of our convictions and seek justice on behalf of those who served time for crimes they never committed.”
In 1983, a jury convicted Luna of the sexual assault. After his conviction, Luna was sentenced to six years in state prison. The recent forensic results definitively exclude him as a contributor to the biological evidence in the case. The District Attorney’s Office notified Luna, the victim, and the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office of these findings. Today, the court approved the People’s motion to vacate the conviction and found Mr. Luna factually innocent.
This is the first case in Ventura County in which the Conviction Integrity Unit, working collaboratively with VCSAKI, has identified a wrongful conviction through post-conviction DNA testing. In VCSAKI’s testing of untested sexual assault kits, nearly two dozen kits have confirmed the identity of the suspect convicted.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office established its Conviction Integrity Unit to review credible claims of factual innocence. While the appellate process safeguards the rights of the accused, the Conviction Integrity Unit provides an additional layer of review to identify and correct wrongful convictions.
VCSAKI is a countywide effort that was launched in 2022 to test every sexual assault kit for the presence of DNA and investigate unsolved cases. The initiative is funded by grants awarded by the United States Department of Justice along with funding from the County of Ventura. More information on VCSAKI can be found at saki.venturacounty.gov, including regularly updated data on the status of sexual assault kit testing. Victims of past sexual assaults can also utilize this website to access support services including free counseling in some instances, or to get assistance in determining the status of their sexual assault kit.
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: December 11, 2025
Release No.: 25-148

Civic Pride volunteers found that it was difficult to select the best decorated home this year because there were more beautifully decorated homes than ever before. Nearly every area in the community had lights an creative efforts evident, whereas in the past whole neighborhoods would be dark.
This project began in 2003 with the generous support of Otto & Sons Nursery and has grown steadily through the years.
And so…”ta da!”…this years’ winner is located at 117 Bridlewood Lane, the home of Rosa Linda Rangel, husband Oscar Pachecoand and children, Alan and Kayla. The family moved to Fillmore in 2002 and continue to add to their display. Linda, as she is called, says Oscar and she decorate together, but he does the roof and eaves, which is dangerous, but produces an amazing backdrop for all the lawn figures and blow-ups.
Linda invited me to look inside the living room, where they have a nativity above a snowy village with all the buildings lighted and music playing.
The family begins all this decorating before Thanksgiving to be ready for December. Now they can look forward to using the gift card donated by Otto & Sons Nursery on Guiberson Road.
There were so many honorable mentions that in some cases, I just listed the streets. Some are past winners, so be sure to see them: 910 Taylor Lane was a winner in 2009 with a great display of bears, 360 C Street won in 2011, 406 Robin Court won in 2012, 408 Edgewood Drive won several years before we began keeping track, and 910 Sespe Avenue won in 2020. Other great ones to see are 969 5th Street,305 B Street, 503 Mockingbird Lane, 876 River Street, and 319 River Street. Check out the newer homes in The Bridges, like 282 Azalea Street. Traditions neighborhood on Goodenough Road is well decorated too! Remember, you have another opportunity to win next year.

Courtesy City of Fillmore
Fillmore City Hall will be closed in observance of our winter closure from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. We will reopen with normal operations on Monday, January 5, 2026.
For immediate assistance during this period, please see the following contacts:
· Public Works or Facilities Emergencies (including water issues): Contact our on-call emergency line at 805-557-8230.
· Safety-Related Issues (fire, police, medical emergencies, noise disturbances): Please call 911.
· Payments: If you wish to make a water payment, you may go online to our website or call 805-524-1500 ext. 1.
· Code Enforcement: To file a complaint, please visit our website and visit Code Enforcement Information.
· Job Applications: For current openings, visit our website at www.fillmoreca.com.
Thank you, and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!’

The club’s Fillmore Rotary speaker was Nancy Anderson, a jewelry consultant for Parklane Jewelry, which was established in 1955. She got involved with the company when her niece was involved with the Miss America Pageant. Prior to the pageant there is a large convention center and people sell their wares. All the money is donated toward scholarships for the winners. Besides this fundraiser, she also does home parties. Her number is 805-377-2611.