Posted on January 12, 2026, Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/257
Park Updates:
Shiells Park will be closed during the month of January:
Crews will be working to complete important maintenance and improvements including:
- Replacing playground wood chips
- Painting and repairing restrooms, including metal repairs and new vinyl molding
- Repairs and field work on all three baseball fields
- Rebuilding the horseshoe pits
Delores Day Park is Partially Opened:
- The playground is temporarily closed for the month of January for removal and replacement of playground chips.
- Restrooms and park shelters remain open and accessible.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve park facilities for the community.

The speakers for Fillmore Rotary were Mike Lazarus and Brandy Lengning. They both teach firearms classes at “California Tactical Academy” outdoor gun range in Piru. It is the largest outdoor range in the Los Angeles area.
Mike served in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq. Later he was a police officer and was part of the SWAT team. He eventually got his law degree. He was also a professor at Cal State Northridge and currently teaches criminal Justice at Ventura College. He has a passion for the US Constitution and the obligations of its citizens. Brandy is a local real estate agent with an office on Central Avenue. She is also involved with the Fillmore Towne Theatre. Her husband, Daniel Lengning, is a Captain with the California Department of Fish and Game.

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Routine sewer system maintenance is scheduled to take place in the North Fillmore area. This work is part of the City’s regular efforts to maintain sewer infrastructure. Activities will occur at various locations in the North Fillmore area and may require temporary traffic adjustments around work equipment, though no significant impacts are anticipated. Please use caution when traveling near work areas. For questions, contact the Public Works Department 805-524-1500 ext. 233. Posted January 8, 2026 at 6:30p.m. courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.

(* UPDATE IN *)
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 this week and next week for excavation and clearing.
(*One-way traffic control scheduled from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Jan. 16 is canceled.*)
Day work may occur behind k-rail on the south shoulder of the highway from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 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 https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
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 visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZAobYkAXzEONiEVA00h1....
***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Date: Jan. 13, 2026
District: District 7
Contact: Marc Bischoff
Email: marc.bischoff@dot.ca.gov

Martin Herrejon Vieyra, of Santa Paula

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Martin Herrejon Vieyra (DOB 11/06/67), of Santa Paula, has been convicted of rape and child molestation in a case involving multiple victims over several decades. The jury found Vieyra guilty of eight felony charges: rape by force, foreign object penetration, and six counts of lewd acts upon a child.
Several special allegations and aggravating factors were also found true, including that there were multiple victims and the victims were particularly vulnerable.
Vieyra molested two victims over the course of many years. The abuse of the first victim occurred between 1996 and 2005. The other victim suffered abuse from 2012 to 2020, before disclosing the conduct in 2022. Both were minors under the age of 14 at the time of the abuse. Vieyra had access to these young victims through a familial relationship. After learning of the abuse against the two victims, a third victim came forward in February of 2025. Vieyra raped her in 1991 when he was living in the same household with her family.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Stuart Gardner, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The passage of time does not erase the harm caused by sexual violence, nor does it diminish the responsibility of those who commit it,” Mr. Gardner said. “After a full jury trial, the verdict affirms that justice can still be achieved and that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and protected—no matter how many years have passed.”
In October 2024, investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office began investigating a child molestation case in which Vieyra was the suspect. The Santa Paula Police Department was the originating agency in the investigation. Additional investigative work was completed by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, which led to the arrest of Vieyra.
Vieyra is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 25 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Vieyra remains in custody and bail was revoked following the verdict. He faces 110 years to life, plus 16 years in state prison.
Case: 2025003806
Defendant Information:
Martin Herrejon Vieyra (DOB 11/06/67) Santa Paula
Charges convicted of:
• PC 261(2) – Rape by force
• PC 289(a) – Foreign object penetration
• (6 counts) PC 288(a) – Lewd act upon a child
• Special allegations found true:
• PC 803(f) – Statute of limitations – sex crimes
• PC 667.61 (e)(5) – Multiple victims
• PC 1203.066(a)(7) – Multiple victims 288, 288.5
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable
• CRC 4.421(a)(11) – Defendant took advantage of a position of trust
• PC 667.61(j)(2) – Victim under age 14
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: January 12, 2026
Release No.: 25-006

Ventura County District Attorney’s Office

VENTURA, Calif. – The Los Angeles Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation formally recognized 14 members of the Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their outstanding investigative work protecting children and holding offenders accountable. The ceremony was held at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on January 6, 2026. The honorees included investigators, detectives, and computer forensic examiners from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
The task force was created in December 2022 through agreements with the FBI and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The collaboration was established in response to the significant increase in children being exposed to online predators and sexual exploitation.
The task force provides a proactive, coordinated response to crimes involving the sexual victimization of children. Since its formation, the task force has achieved early and significant successes, including multiple felony arrests involving the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and the attempted procurement of children for sexual exploitation. These cases resulted in substantial jail and prison sentences, including a 35-years-to-life sentence imposed in 2025 for a defendant who sexually assaulted a minor and sold images of the abuse online.
The FBI recognition highlighted the work of investigators, detectives, and computer forensic examiners involved in Operation Enduring Justice, a two-week nationwide FBI operation conducted in August. The operation was the culmination of months of investigative work and led to the arrest of six individuals for felony possession and attempted distribution of child sexual abuse material. Five of the defendants resided in Ventura County, and one was from Santa Barbara County. Five cases are being prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, while one was charged federally.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko expressed appreciation to the FBI for formally recognizing the dedication and professionalism of the investigators and forensic examiners involved, noting that while there is much more work to be done, their efforts continue to make a meaningful difference for the community’s most vulnerable victims.
“The value of this task force cannot be overstated,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This team of dedicated professionals increased our ability to identify, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children and reach beyond Ventura County to apprehend online predators.”
The certificates were presented by Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Kent of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office and Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Edwin Nam of the FBI Ventura Office.
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: January 7, 2026
Release No.: 26-002

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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
***
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