Walls are going up at the Creekside Housing Development in north Fillmore. The 134 single-family homes market rate pricing could range from the high $600,000s to mid-$800,000s. The development is on vacant land west of Goodenough Road and north of B Street. The property was bought in 2019 and Williams Homes partnered with Fillmore city staff, Planning Commission and City Council on design and an agreeable plan. In 2024 plans and tentative maps were approved. Photo credit Gazette staff.

Your Voice. Our Community. Our Healthcare.
Community Comes Together to Discuss the Future of Healthcare in the Santa Clara Valley
Introduction
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Santa Paula Latino Town Hall hosted the Santa Paula Hospital Forum at the historic Casa Del Mexicano in Santa Paula. The forum brought together community members, healthcare professionals, business leaders, elected officials, and civic organizations to engage in an open and respectful dialogue about the future of Santa Paula Hospital and access to quality healthcare throughout the Santa Clara Valley.
The evening provided residents with a unique opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Fankhauser, Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, regarding the current status of Santa Paula Hospital, the challenges facing the Ventura County Health Care Agency, and the County’s vision for the future of healthcare services in our region.
Dr. Fankhauser was joined by a distinguished panel of community leaders who shared their perspectives and helped facilitate community discussion:
• Pshyra Jones, Executive Director, Health Equity, Gold Coast Health Plan
• Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, Limoneira Company
• Daisy Rojas, B.S., Public Health with a Concentration in Epidemiology and Member, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall
• Laura Espinosa, Chair, Gold Coast Health Plan Commission, Founding Member, and Past President, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall
• Mary Ann Krause, Chair, Santa Clara Valley Together and Member, Santa Clara Valley Hospital Blue Ribbon Committee
• Dr. Gabino Aguirre, Chair, Isabella Project and Member, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall
Throughout the evening, attendees demonstrated a deep commitment to the health and well-being of our community by asking thoughtful and substantive questions regarding emergency medical services, hospital operations, financial sustainability, seismic retrofit requirements, long-term planning, behavioral health services, healthcare access, and the future of Santa Paula Hospital.
During the forum, the Santa Paula Latino Town Hall collected the written questions submitted by participants and forwarded them to the Ventura County Health Care Agency with a request for written responses. The Agency graciously agreed to continue the dialogue by providing the responses contained in this document.
The questions and answers that follow are presented in the interest of transparency, public education, and community engagement. They are intended to ensure that everyone—including those who were unable to attend the forum—has access to the information provided by the Ventura County Health Care Agency. We encourage all residents to review these responses carefully and remain actively engaged as important decisions continue to shape the future of healthcare in the Santa Clara Valley.
The Santa Paula Latino Town Hall extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Fankhauser, the Ventura County Health Care Agency, our distinguished panelists, community partners, volunteers, and the many residents who participated in this important public forum. Together, we remain committed to advocating for equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare while working collaboratively to preserve essential healthcare services close to home for current and future generations.
Service Continuity & Access
I live in District 4 with a medically fragile child (trach/ventilator). How will Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru access emergency and outreach services? What is the plan to protect vulnerable residents?
We recognize the overwhelming worry and fear that comes with securing life-saving care for a vulnerable family member.
We want to reassure you that the County and Health Care Agency will continue to provide services in the Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru communities. Serious emergencies, like major breathing crises, trauma, or strokes, will continue to be sent directly by ambulances to specialized centers like VCMC or CMH to keep patients safe. SPH will stay open until 2030.
Why would Santa Paula Hospital close or reduce services before a new location to replace it is finalized and ready for the community? We live in Piru and already travel very far for care.
We hear you, and we know that traveling from Piru or Fillmore makes getting care harder. California’s 2030 earthquake laws require hospitals to meet updated building standards. To prepare, we are actively designing a new care system to ensure uninterrupted medical services. Our goal is to maintain a strong healthcare presence along the Highway 126 corridor, keeping emergency and family services easily accessible for residents in Piru and Fillmore.
Inpatient volume is down 23%, and key units like the ICU and OB closed in 2024. Why has use gone down? Do ambulances bypass us, or is the data biased?
The numbers are real and reflect how modern healthcare works. Most people in the valley who need to stay overnight in a hospital, about 77% already choose or are sent to larger hospitals outside the valley. Real ambulance data shows that 80% of the trips to SPH are for lower-intensity needs, and less than half of one percent are major, life-threatening cases. Ambulances take critical cases to larger centers because that is where the advanced specialists are located.
Can you give data on the ER census and transfers? Are sick patients transferred mostly because specialty services were cut?
SPH has about 17,000 ER visits a year, but only 5.5% of those patients actually need to be admitted to a hospital bed. This low number shows that the ER mostly treats less-serious issues, like minor injuries or common illnesses. When patients are transferred out, it is not because of recent budget cuts. Patients continue to be transferred to ensure that they receive the best medical care for serious conditions like major trauma or heart attack that require specialized doctors and equipment.
What specific reforms are being implemented immediately? How are you going to recruit and retain physicians?
While the new modern health hub plan is in development, we are actively streamlining our current clinic workflows to improve your experience and reduce wait. Recruiting excellent physicians to small, rural hospitals is a challenge nationwide, as many physicians prefer to work in modern spaces with the latest advanced tools rather than in older buildings. This new project may help us attract top quality doctors to serve your families.
Fiscal Accountability & Use of Funds
The County bought SPH for $2.7M, which included land sold for $10M. The money made on that sale HAS to go back into 24-hour care in Santa Paula. How will you ensure citizens are not robbed?
The County purchased the hospital building and 13.5 acres for $2.75 million. The remaining 15.5 acres of the surrounding campus were sold by a court-appointed bankruptcy committee. This sale was used strictly to clear the past debts of the old hospital before the County stepped in and secured the facility as a public health-care safety net for the community. The County did not keep that $10 million. In fact, the County spent an extra $4.5 million of its own money just to fix and reopen the hospital in 2006.
We see losses at Santa Paula Hospital, but what are the losses at VCMC and how have total system losses changed?
SPH has been losing $7.5 million to $15 million annually due to low patient demand combined with high fixed operating costs. While the broader VCMC health system has historically absorbed these losses, the new federal law (HR1) will cut our healthcare funding by $400 million by 2031. Facing these massive system-wide cuts, we can no longer afford to spend millions to keep a nearly empty building open. Instead, every dollar saved will be redirected to where it matters most: direct, frontline, patient care.
Who is being held accountable for financial performance? What projects or programs may be delayed or canceled because of this?
The leadership of the Health Care Agency is fully accountable to the County CEO and the County Board of Supervisors and the public. To protect our healthcare safety net from massive federal funding cuts, we are evaluating every program. No decisions have been made to cancel specific local programs. The County is committed to ensure that health care services that are aligned with the needs for the residents of Santa Clara River Valley, are currently and will continue to be available.
Strategic Alternatives & Innovation
What about turning the building into a women’s wellness center instead of closing the OB unit? Can we build an “all-in-one” center like Kaiser or CMH?
This is an excellent suggestion, and it matches our vision. While we cannot keep the current building open as a full hospital due to earthquake laws, our plan is to ensure we have a mix of services that are congruent with the community needs. We have several years even a decade in the area. We have countless health statistics and utilization of the population in the Santa Clara River Valley. We will use these historical trends to predict outcomes and usage of services to align care to meet residents’ needs. However, this location also presents challenges for residents in the Valley. Our goal is to find a location down the hill perhaps close to HWY 126 to make healthcare more accessible to residents throughout the valley.
Has HCA considered partnering with Kaiser, Dignity, or UCLA to provide hospital services? Can another agency take over if the County cannot?
We have looked closely at corporate and public-private partnerships. Large private systems like Kaiser or UCLA have strict requirements about where they build, and they look for high patient volumes that a small community like ours does not have. No other healthcare groups have expressed interest in taking over the current building because of the massive in excess of $25 million cost for earthquake safety upgrades.
Why not place the hospital in the middle of Santa Paula and Fillmore? Does Limoneira have land there, and would it qualify for rural hospital funding?
We did study a 25-acre parcel of land owned by the Limoneira Company for a replacement hospital. However, updated studies showed that building a brand-new hospital there would exceed the County’s appetite for investment and would perpetuate and already continuous financial losses. Also, highway access rules and land constraints mean a hospital could not be finished there before the 2030 legal deadline.
Why not organize local fundraisers (marathons, GoFundMe, dances) with Limoneira and local museums to raise money instead of waiting for state funds?
We love the passion and spirit of this community, and we want to be highly visible and collaborative with you. While local fundraisers show how much the community cares, the costs we are facing are simply too large for grass-roots fundraising. A new hospital requires up at minimum tens-of-millions to build and millions more each year to run. We must rely on major state funds, federal grants, and strategic property planning to secure that level of funding.
Re: Pg 9 Pie Chart (on the Santa Paula Hospital Presentation), what would you estimate the percentage would need to be to consider the new facility off the Hwy 126?
To build a facility right off Highway 126, the location must be highly accessible for residents traveling from Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. We do not use a strict percentage rule. Instead, we look at traffic patterns, transit times, and safety on the highway. Any final site selection will focus on making sure the location is easy to reach for the maximum number of valley residents. Our goal is to be accessible to as many patients as possible. While we prioritize convenient locations, our final decision must balance these goals with what is practically available and can be sustainably maintained to provide you with high-quality, uninterrupted care.
Legislative & Political Pressure
What specifically are you doing to pressure our state legislative delegation and members of Congress for extra resources? What role can representatives play?
We are actively working with our state and federal lawmakers. Our representatives play a huge role by carrying our community’s voice to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We are showing them real data about our rural valley population to fight for special grants and emergency funding. We are directly asking them to help fund our new clinical space and protect our local health network from federal budget cuts.
What are your suggestions on how to pressure the Board of Supervisors to take our community seriously? It feels like the community versus the Board.
The Board of Supervisors takes this community very seriously, which is why they ordered an in-depth study of the valley’s health needs rather than making quick decisions. You can make your voice heard by continuing to attend town halls, joining county public meetings, and sharing your personal healthcare stories. Our Agency is actively using your feedback to design new healthcare options that will be presented to the Board in August 2026. We want to work directly with, the community, to ensure leadership can make a fully informed final decision about the continuation of care in the valley.
How will the agency compete with private systems? How are all agencies collaborating to get a good return on investment (ROI)?
We compete by continuing to provide modern, high-quality healthcare right in our local neighborhoods by shifting resources out of underused, expensive buildings and investing them directly into the community. Through close partnerships with local businesses, schools, and government, we are creating a more connected network of support to improve public health. This approach allows us to focus heavily on preventive care, diabetes management, and proactive wellness programs that keep everyone healthy, thriving, and out of the hospital.
Planning & Regulatory Deadlines
Why weren’t County resources used for a one-time earthquake retrofit? Why not maintain a state-of-the-art emergency/urgent care hospital and close only other units?
Upgrading our older facility to meet strict seismic safety standards and address deferred maintenance is a highly complex and costly challenge. Bringing the current building up to basic earthquake legal requirements would require an investment exceeding $25 million. Additionally, state licensing laws mandate that a hospital maintain expensive, 24/7 departments, regardless of how few patients utilize them. Meeting these staffing and operational requirements would result in an ongoing loss of over $7.5 million every year, which would unfortunately divert vital funding away from our local community clinics and outpatient services.
For 10 years we have heard about plans for a new hospital in East Santa Paula. Why are those plans on hold? What is the actual HCA plan?
Early plans for a new hospital on the Limoneira land were thoroughly studied. However, an internal analysis completed in 2024 and updated in 2025 revealed that a new hospital has a large span of cost from tens to hundreds of millions to build and would lose more than $7.5 million a year. It would require constant public subsidies to survive. HCA’s goal is to present a realistic, high-quality, and financially secure plan to the Board in August 2026 that can be successfully built and sustained to serve our patients long-term.
Why hasn’t a third-party provider option been pursued sooner when the 2030 deadline has been known since 2008?
The County has been actively exploring long-term strategic solutions for years, beginning with independent expert assessments in 2019. We are currently working alongside healthcare consultants at Health Management Associates (HMA) to analyze and build practical, sustainable care models that are completely under County control. Finding a third-party partner is incredibly difficult because every hospital system in California is facing the exact same expensive 2030 earthquake deadlines. Our priority is making sure your medical care is continuous and uninterrupted. By focusing on realistic and County-controlled models, we are working to prevent any disruptions to your health services.
Myth vs Fact Myth vs Fact
How and why would you not invest any further in your adopted hospital when it would further burden other hospitals and impact our community?
We hear you, and we are not stopping our investments in the valley’s health. We are deeply committed to your health, but sinking millions into a 60-year-old building that will not legally qualify as a hospital in less than four years is not a good use of public funds. By avoiding temporary fixes on the old site, we protect vital funding for our neighborhood clinics and doctors. Instead, we are investing in a brand-new, modern facility designed to provide exceptional care for decades to come.
For More Information
The Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) has established a dedicated webpage to keep the community informed about the future of Santa Paula Hospital and healthcare services in the Santa Clara River Valley.
Community members are encouraged to visit the following webpage:
https://hca.venturacounty.gov/hospitals/santa-paula-hospital-updates/
On the webpage, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section contains responses to the questions submitted following the Santa Paula Hospital Forum. To improve readability and avoid duplication, the HCA team reviewed all submitted questions, organized them into common themes, and combined similar questions that required the same response.
The webpage will continue to be updated as additional information becomes available regarding Santa Paula Hospital and future healthcare planning efforts.
Within the Outreach and Community Input section of the webpage, community members may also submit additional questions directly to Health Management Associates (HMA). HMA has been retained by the Ventura County Health Care Agency to conduct an independent assessment and develop recommendations regarding options for continuing healthcare services in the Santa Clara River Valley.
The Santa Paula Latino Town Hall and the Ventura County Health Care Agency remain committed to maintaining an open dialogue with the community. Information regarding future public meetings, community engagement opportunities, and project updates will be shared as it becomes available.
We encourage all residents, healthcare stakeholders, and community partners to stay informed, participate in future discussions, and continue working together to help ensure that accessible, high-quality healthcare remains available close to home for the residents of the Santa Clara Valley.

Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Rotary speaker Laura Garnica and Program Chair Cindy Blatt. Photo credit Martha Richardson.

The speaker for the Rotary Club of Fillmore last week was Laura Garnica. She graduated from CSUCI with a master’s degree in education. She was in Rotaract when younger and also went to RYLA camp. Laura is now a teacher and assistant cross-country coach at FMS. Her 8th grade PE teacher encouraged her about running and because of that she has been a life-long runner. She is dedicated to encouraging running, healthy habits and setting goals for individual achievement. The team consists of about 15 young people. Because the school does not supply them with money the Fillmore Rotary Club presented them with a donation of $500. The donation is on behalf of Santa Clarita Runners, the winners of the Rotary 5/10k Run, Team Challenge.

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The Fillmore Police Department invites all members of the public to join us in a community centered event and enjoy a cup of iced coffee or iced tea with local members of public safety: Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot, Date & Time: June 26th 10 AM – 12 PM. This event is geared towards meeting your local police and fire department members with an emphasis on fireworks safety, with the Fourth of July around the corner.
Special appearances by Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Probation, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, and local supporters Starbucks Coffee, Roan Mills Bakery, and 7-Eleven. Join us, enjoy a treat, and get your public safety questions answered.
We encourage you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Station will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend.
The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind the citizens of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:
• “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.
• Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1. Residents are also encouraged to call the fireworks tip line at (805) 524-1500 extension 350.
• Scan the QR code below to learn more about fireworks safety.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: June 22nd, 2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
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Nature of Incident: Coffee with the Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot
Date & Time: June 26th 10 AM – 12 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Fillmore, CA — The City of Fillmore, in partnership with the Fillmore Fire Department, is reminding residents and visitors to celebrate safely and responsibly during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
City of Fillmore Fireworks Show Information:
The City of Fillmore will host a professional fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3, at 9:00 PM. The fireworks display will be launched from the grassy field at Fillmore Middle School, located at 543 A Street, Fillmore, CA. Community members are encouraged to enjoy the show.
Fillmore Fireworks Sales Information:
Fillmore is the only city in Ventura County where the sale and discharge of California State Fire Marshal-approved “Safe & Sane Fireworks” is legal. The sale and discharge of Safe & Sane Fireworks is permitted beginning June 28 at 12:00 PM through July 5 at 12:00 PM. All fireworks purchased must be discharged within the city limits of the City of Fillmore.
Safe & Sane Fireworks may be purchased at fireworks booths located along State Route126. All fireworks booths are operated by local 501(c)(3) registered charitable organizations, helping support community programs and services. The City and Fillmore Fire Department remind the public that illegal fireworks are strictly prohibited. Fireworks commonly known as mortars, aerial shells, firecrackers, M-80s/M-100s, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, and Roman candles are not California State Fire Marshal-approved Safe & Sane Fireworks. These fireworks are illegal to sell, purchase, transport, or discharge in the State of California, including within the City of Fillmore.
City of Fillmore 4th of July Sespe Creek Car Show Information:
On Thursday, July 4, the Sespe Creek Car Club will host the 40th Annual Sespe Creek Fourth of July Car Show from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Downtown Fillmore. The event will feature a car show, chili cook-off, cornhole and horseshoe tournament, live music, and more. To learn more, follow Sespe Creek at @SespeCreekCarShow on Facebook and Instagram.
Firework Safety Information *IMPORTANT*
To help keep the community safe, residents are encouraged to follow these safety tips:
• Only use California State Fire Marshal-approved Safe & Sane Fireworks.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Do not hold lighted fireworks in your hand.
• Never light fireworks indoors.
• Only use fireworks away from homes, vehicles, people, and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Do not ignite fireworks in containers.
• Do not try to re-light or handle or handle malfunctioning fireworks, place in water after 15 minutes.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to soak spent fireworks for disposal or in case of fire.
• Do not put hot fireworks into garbage receptacles.
• All receptacles containing used and spent fireworks should not be located inside garages or touching exterior walls.
• Report any unsafe acts or illegal fireworks activity at 805-524-1500 ext 350
Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the City of Fillmore on social media for additional updates regarding Fourth of July activities, public safety information, and community reminders.
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Released: June 12, 2026
Press Release Prepared by: Angel Garcia, Sr. Management Analyst
Follow the City of Fillmore on Instagram @cityoffillmore, Facebook: City of Fillmore.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organics waste collection schedule in the city of Fillmore during the week of Independence Day, June 28 to July 4. The holiday falls on Saturday, July 4.
Remember that residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Santa Clara Valley Disposal 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 Sale
119 N. 8th Street, Santa Paula, CA
NO First Saturday sale in July!
Due to the Library closure for the Fourth of July, the Friends will have an End of the Month sale on June 27th instead! ALL SPORTS AND TRAVEL BOOKS 50% OFF until the end of June.
The Friends are joining in on the Library’s special “Hands-On History” event happening on Saturday, June 27th! Bring the whole family and enjoy games, crafts, stories about our nations’ founding and then head to the Back Stacks and buy a few gently used Books.
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

On Sunday afternoon, June 28th at 2:00 p.m. Bardsdale United Methodist Church located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue Fillmore will be hosting an afternoon of beautiful music presented by Joy Asenas and her daughter Laura Asenas.
Joy, who was born in Ventura and raised in Fillmore, began her career in music at the age of 5. Piano lessons taught by Peter Yazbeck and Earle Voorhies influenced her love of playing the piano. As she grew up piano was an important part of her life. Joy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts in Piano Performance.
In addition to becoming one of Fillmore’s most sought after piano teacher, she has performed many times in master classes and programs, accompanied her students or other students in programs and choirs. Joy has been church pianists for churches in Santa Paula and Fillmore. She is currently the pianist at Bardsdale United Methodist.
Laura, who was also born in Ventura, and grew up in Fillmore, has developed her musical talents. She is an accomplished, talented violinist. Laura attended California Lutheran University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. She then continued her education at California State University, Northridge earning her Master’s Degree in Conducting.
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music!

Community BBQ aims to strengthen neighborhood relationships through food, games, and positive engagement
WHAT: One Step A La Vez and the Youth Advisory Council invite community members to attend BBQ with Badges, a family-friendly community gathering designed to foster positive relationships between local youth, families, law enforcement, and first responders. Attendees will enjoy free food, games, and opportunities to connect with representatives from local police and fire departments in a welcoming environment.
WHO: One Step A La Vez Youth Advisory Council; Local Police Department personnel; Local Fire Department personnel; Youth and families; Community leaders and partners
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Central Park, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015
WHY: BBQ with Badges creates meaningful opportunities for youth and community members to engage directly with first responders outside of emergency situations. Through shared experiences, conversation, and community-building activities, the event aims to strengthen trust, improve communication, and foster a safer, more connected community.
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About One Step A La Vez
One Step A La Vez is dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through leadership development, mentoring, education, and family engagement programs that create pathways to success and positive community impact. For more information please visit: MyOneStep.org

Herman’s WWI draft registration. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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By Roy Harthorn
[Roy Harthorn is the grandson of Leo Harthorn who was Fillmore City Manager and great-grandson of C. W. Harthorn, from sea captain, store owner, and justice of the peace.]
This is a photo (below) of Herman Shapiro or “Sweetie Pie,” a WW1 era Jewish immigrant to the U.S. and refugee from Lithuania, and before that probably Eastern Germany. I had the privilege of meeting Herman in Fillmore as small child; I was only about 3 years old, but the memory is vivid. The attached photo has been on the wall of my office and in my wallet the past 26 years after I found it in the Fillmore Historical Museum. The caption on the back reads “Sweetie Pie was a hobo who served as the overseer of the Fillmore City Dump on Chambersburg Road south of the Bardsdale Bridge in the 1940’s and 1950’s.”
Herman was born on April 15, 1877 and died on April 3, 1958. He is buried in the Bardsdale Cemetery across the river from Fillmore, California. He played a significant role in the lives of many in the Fillmore area as he kept the Fillmore dump a tidier place than it was otherwise. His kindness and generosity effected many other lives including my own.
My grandmother Nellie often took her home cooked meals out to the dump for Herman, who she called Sweetie Pie. She was born in Maine and like my grandfather Leon, was from a long line of New England ancestors and knew her roots back to her family’s old-world homeland in England. Bath, Maine was her birthplace, home to seafarers and world travelers and immigrants like her grandparents.
My grandfather Leon Harthorn, son of the last of his family’s many clipper-ship captains, was a first-generation Californian. He was one of the first foresters employed under Theodore Roosevelt’s then new Forest Reserves. As such he was well suited to become Fillmore’s Public Works Director and later their City Manager.
Leon met Herman camped in the Santa Clara Riverbed and allowed him to camp up above at the city dump in exchange for the work he performed. Herman (as the dump’s de-facto caretaker) was encouraged to salvage useful items that had been thrown away and sell them back to others using the dump. These small sums helped him support his modest lifestyle.
My mother’s parents Harold and Winnie McFadden lived and ranched on the South side of the river just downstream of the dump. They embraced immigrants as well. As citrus farmers, their laborers made their way of life possible and there was mutual respect for and from their workers.
One summer as a 7-year-old, I spent some weeks with both sets of grandparents ahead of the rest of my family’s summer vacation. While there, I recall Grandpa Leon, as City Manager, was asked to address the parents and students (he was bilingual), at Fillmore’s sole elementary school’s graduation ceremony. I was humbled with his ability to fluently address both the English and Spanish speaking audience. He acknowledged he and they were all immigrants. It clearly (to me) made no difference to Leon and Nellie of one’s origin as long as they were willing to study, work, or otherwise contribute to society.
During that time, not all in the community were treated with such dignity, such as Herman who from some, suffered from racist indignities stemming from either their heritage, being refugees, or homeless. Visitors to the dump were not always so appreciative or understanding of Herman.
Fillmore Dump Keeper Says Robbed of $300 Herman Shapiro, Fillmore dump keeper, was robbed of approximately $300 yesterday morning.
Shapiro said 2 men entered the dump about 6 a.m. and said they were looking for some lumber.
Shapiro told sheriff’s deputies one of the men grabbed him and held his arms while the other went through his pockets. The stolen money was in well-worn $5 and 10 bills. After robbing Shapiro, the 2 men left in a light-colored late model car. The car had a white out of state license he said. The robbery, was not reported until 10:35 a.m.
Oxnard Courier July 1957
Herman’s history today is little known except these few facts my genealogical sleuthing has found. To his credit, he registered for the US Army draft during World War I, while his occupation on his draft card is listed as “unemployed,” evidence exists he worked on a railroad chain gang in San Francisco. As a laborer for the railroads, Herman would have traveled on crew cars or hopping freights, and this is how he most likely arrived in Fillmore in the late 40s.
At the dump near its entrance, he built a modest but sturdy shack. From a visit with my father, I recall Herman’s friendliness and my admiration of his simple cabin. He doubtlessly inspired my own childhood interest in building forts, tree houses, and as a teen, a cabin of my own in a nearby barranca, much like Herman’s. These experiences doubtless influenced my interest in the building trades and the codes by which they are governed. Ancient but lasting moral codes of Hammurabi
Over the years the size of Herman’s modest savings grew. Upon his death from cancer in 1958 he bequeathed his $6,000 estate to start college funds for the education of my grandfather’s 12 grandchildren, of which I am one. This amounted to $500 to each of us. His generosity was due in large part to that of my grandparents and the Fillmore Community’s welcoming attitudes.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026, AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL
City Council Final Vote:
3. John Garnica moved to approve adding an urgency item to the agenda as a new item before Item 9.A, New Business. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
4. Mario Rodriguez moved to approve the agenda as amended. Christina Villaseñor seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
8. Carrie Broggie moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 8.A through 8.D. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.A. Christina Villaseñor moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4122 authorizing the application for a Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to advance the City of Fillmore’s economic goals and vitality. John Garnica seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.B. John Garnica moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4117 setting the Gann Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Christina Villaseñor seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.C. Christina Villaseñor moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4097 adopting the City of Fillmore Virtual Participation and Public Comment Policy pursuant to Senate Bill 707. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.D. Christina Villaseñor moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4116 confirming the Annual Budget and ordering the annual levy and collection of assessments for the Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment Districts Nos. 01, 01A, 03, 04, 05, 06, and 07 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Council Member Villaseñor abstained from voting on Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District No. 4 (Riverwalk), Council Member Rodriguez abstained from voting on Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District No. 3, and Council Member Broggie abstained from voting on Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District No. 7, Zone C. John Garnica seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.E. Christina Villaseñor moved to approve an increase to the City’s Youth Basketball registration fees by replacing the current flat fee of $100 with the following fee schedule: $110 for early registration, $120 for regular registration, and $130 for late registration; and to direct that future fee adjustments be made consistent with the recommendations of the forthcoming Fillmore Fee Study, which will index City fees to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Carrie Broggie seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.F. Mario Rodriguez moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4119 fixing the compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for non-represented management/mid-management, confidential, and part-time employees of the City of Fillmore, effective July 1, 2026, and superseding Resolution No. 26-4090.
John Garnica seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.G. Carrie Broggie moved to receive and file the staff report pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 regarding the status of vacancies and the City’s recruitment and retention efforts. Christina Villaseñor seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.H. John Garnica moved to: (1) hold a public hearing to receive public comment for incorporation into the final 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (collectively, the “2025 Plans”); and (2) adopt Resolution No. 26-4121 approving the 2025 Plans. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.I. Mario Rodriguez moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-4118 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1 or SB 1) Project List. John Garnica seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.J. Christina Villaseñor moved to: (1) appropriate the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in ARPA Fund 209, in the amount of $35,000, for the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with PSD Citywide; and (2) approve the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with PSD Citywide for the development of a permit and cost-tracking module. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.K. Christina Villaseñor moved to approve an updated Grant of Easement with Ronald Wayne Stewart for public use of the breezeway at 342 Central Avenue that connects a public parking lot to downtown Central Avenue businesses, and to direct staff to obtain the required signatures and record the easement if the Director of Community Development, following a public hearing, approves a Minor Modification to amend Condition of Approval No. 66 for the property. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.L. Christina Villaseñor moved to: (1) receive and file the following traffic studies prepared by Willdan Engineering: (a) All-Way Stop Warrant Analysis for Mountain View Street and 3rd Street; (b) Traffic Calming Report for Santa Clara Street between A Street and Mountain View Street; and (c) Speed Study for River Street and Heritage Valley Parkway; and (2) direct staff to proceed with the recommended improvements, including maintaining the existing traffic control configuration, conducting an Engineering and Traffic Survey for Santa Clara Street, installing speed limit signage and pedestrian crossing enhancements, installing radar speed feedback signs if warranted, and continuing implementation of recommended speed limit and enforcement measures. John Garnica seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.M. Mario Rodriguez moved to approve the proposed year-end budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025-26, including authorization for the City Manager to adjust funding in Fund 101 as described. Carrie Broggie seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
9.N. Carrie Broggie moved to: (1) approve the use of General Fund monies for the purchase of three cardiac monitors over a three-year period in an amount not to exceed $210,000; (2) appropriate $70,000 from General Fund Reserves (Fund 101) for Fiscal Year 2026-27, with future funding to be included in subsequent budgets; (3) authorize the necessary accounting and budgetary transactions in accordance with GASB requirements; and (4) authorize the City Manager to execute purchase documents in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office. Mario Rodriguez seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
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AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A FIRST 5 VENTURA COUNTY
5.B SESPE CREEK EVENTS BOARD MEMBERS APPRECIATION
5.C PROCLAIMING JUNE 2026 AS LGBTQ+PRIDE MONTH - JUNE 2026
5.D PROCLAIMING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH - JUNE 2026
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A MAY 26, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 26, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
8.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 26-01, ORDINANCE 26-995, UPDATING THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAWS REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
SR -ORD. 26-995 ADU ORDINANCE UPDATE 2ND READING(2151556.1).PDF
8.C APPROVAL OF FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH VENCO WESTERN INC, A STRATTA COMPANY, FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
SR - APPROVAL OF 5TH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH VENCO WESTERN.PDF
8.D CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JUNE 9, 2026
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JUNE 9, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A ADOPTION OF CITY RESOLUTION 26-4117 ESTABLISHING THE GANN APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FY 2026-27
SR - GANN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FY 2026-27
9.B ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-4097 ESTABLISHING A VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 707
SR - ESTABLISHING SB 707 POLICY (2150006.1).PDF
9.C PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-
4116 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FY 2026-27
SR - FY 2026-27 STORM DRAIN DISTRICT ASSESSMENT.PDF
9.D INCREASE TO YOUTH BASKETBALL REGISTRATION FEES SR - YOUTH BASKETBALL FEE INCREASE.PDF
9.E CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-4119 FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026, AND SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 26-4090
SR - MGMT MID CONF COMP PT AND BENEFITS RESOLUTION (2150357.1).PDF
9.F PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO AB 2561 - STATUS OF JOB VACANCY SR - PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO AB 2561 - STATUS OF JOB VACANCY.PDF
9.G PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
SR - ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER.PDF
9.H RESOLUTION NO. 26-4118 - APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED BY THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
SR - RESO NO. 26-4118 - FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED.PDF
9.I CONSIDERATION OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH PSD CITYWIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PERMIT AND COST TRACKING MODULE
SR - CONSIDERATION OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH PSD CITYWIDE.PDF
9.J APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR THE PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 342 CENTRAL AVENUE
SR - APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT GRANT OF EASEMENT.PDF
9.K TRAFFIC STUDIES UPDATES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SR - TRAFFIC STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS. FINAL.PDF
9.L APPROVAL OF PROPOSED YEAR-END BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR END 2025-26
SR - YEAR-END BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FY 2025-26.PDF
9.M APPROVE FUNDING FOR MEDICAL CARDIAC HEART MONITORS SR - 2026 FUNDING FOR CARDIAC HEART MONITORS.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JULY 14 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Civic Pride volunteers have selected the home at 533 Kensington, belonging to Brett Battles, as the June “Yard of the Month”. Brett moved into the home in September of 2019.
The home needed sprucing up & the yard was sparse with a few old rose bushes, some hedges & grass.
Before I focus on the yard, I want to say that if you volunteer to help select & present the ‘Yard of the Month’, you can be assured to meet very interesting people! Brett could be called “The Stephen King” of Fillmore! He is a well-published author, having been chosen as a New York Times Best Seller multiple times for his Sci-Fi novels & articles. He was even asked to follow deceased author, Stuart Woods, in writing with his style, for some unfinished work (He gave me a book of his work, which I look forward to reading.)
As we talked, who should arrive, but Mark Ortega! I had no idea that Mark is a renter here & moved in only a month after Brett. He asked Brett, if he could do some yard work & was given “free reign.”
Most people in Fillmore know Mark is an amazing gardener, having made the Alumni Garden a show place! He told me his parents started him at five years old working in the garden in Piru & his grandfather, Albert Savala, told him to grow Roses, Dahlias & Zinnias for the hot climate in Piru & Fillmore. He said he wanted an English Cottage style appearance & added garden art from local nurseries to accent the beds with Queen Anne’s Lace in the background & Dahlias, Delphinium, Larkspur, Coleus, Petunias, three colors of Geraniums, “old fashioned Roses” like Chrysler Imperial, First Prize, & Mr. Lincoln, & Zinnias.
Mark said they put in new grass which he keeps perfectly green to showcase the flower beds.
Be sure you take a drive down Kensington, one of the oldest streets in Fillmore with the ancient, large Sycamore that was a meeting place for the local Indian tribes. It is protected by the Historical Society & homeowners must use special care not to injure or disturb it!
Brett was very pleased to receive the Otto & Sons gift card but immediately passed it over to Mark.
Civic Pride volunteers appreciate the long -standing support of Otto & Sons Nursery for this project that continues to improve the beauty of our community.

Last week, the Fillmore Rotary Club was happy to present a Paul Harris Award to Joe Ricards, pictured above left with President Scott Beylik, who always steps up to do whatever is needed. He has built a BBQ for our Casino Night in the past and is working on another one for the future. Pictured above right also with President Beylik is Clark Johnson, a longtime member and someone who steps up and helps whenever needed. He also was awarded a Paul Harris Award. Photo credit Martha Richardson.

Construction of the Highway 126 RV storage facility across Fillmore’s El Dorado Mobile Estates is making progress. The facility will offer recreational vehicle sales, service, and storage facility at 245 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore. Like the chicken or the egg, which will be completed first—the storage facility or Sonic? Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with 7-Eleven, Inc. in the 31st consecutive year of “Operation Chill®.” The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and 7-Eleven® want to reward local kids through the company’s community outreach program. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to recognizing the good deeds being done by the youth in our communities.
This summer, as our deputies’ patrol neighborhoods, they will once again be keeping an eye out for youth doing great things. Some acts include; kids wearing safety helmets while riding a bike or skateboard, kids observing safety rules while crossing the street, kids participating in positive activities, kids holding the door open for someone, kids picking up trash, or kids helping someone in need. If observed, our deputies and professional staff, at any of our stations in the county, will make a positive contact with the youth and issue an Operation Chill coupon. The coupons can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee drink at any participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, or Stripes® store.
7-Eleven® will issue nearly 640,000 coupons to more than 1,300 participating law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. “Operation Chill is more than just a free Slurpee drink coupon – it reinforces the power of small gestures to build big relationships,” said Marissa Jarratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at 7-Eleven, Inc.
We have a lot of great kids in our communities, and we have a lot of Slurpee coupons to hand out to keep encouraging them to become great citizens. This program allows us to continue to build trust and relationships with the communities we serve. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Prepared by: Sergeant Thomas Miller
News Release Date: 6/1/2026
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren
***
Nature of Incident: Operation Chill
Report Number: None
Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: Summer of 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Headquarters Station, Camarillo Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department, Moorpark Police Department, Ojai Police Department, Fillmore Police Department, 7-Eleven
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Join us for a day of wild discovery at the Condor Country Nature Festival in Fillmore, California! The event is free to the public, and will include many fun activities for children of all ages.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Shiell’s Park, 649 C Street, Fillmore, CA
We will have lots of activities for children such as:
● Nature themed scavenger hunt
● FREE face painting
● Photo booth with a ten foot image of a condor
● Condor plushie operation activity where kids can “save” a condor
● Archery area with certified instructors
● Other arts and crafts
There will be special visits from Smokey Bear, FWS Blue Goose, and SB Zoo California condor puppeteer extraordinaire, Eleanora.
Many local conservation organizations will be present: Boy Scouts Ventura County, CALM,
Conejo Valley Audubon, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Fillmore Fire Dept,
Friends of California Condors Wild & Free, Friends of Island Fox, FWS/Hopper NWR Complex,
Latino Outdoors, Los Angeles Bat Rescue, Los Padres Forest Association, Luzonica, Birds of the World,
Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project, Merito Foundation, Quail Forever habitat conservation, Reel Guppy Outdoors, San Fernando Valley Audubon, Santa Monica NPS, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, SB Zoo, Southern Steelhead Coalition, Sparkle Flower Face and Body Art, The C.R.E.W. (Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers), The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, TreePeople, Turtle Conservancy, and US Forest Service-Ojai Ranger District.
There will also be food trucks where you can buy food or you can bring your own and use the picnic tables on-site!
Friends of California Condors Wild and Free is a nonprofit 501c3 all-volunteer organization that has the mission to enhance public awareness of the endangered California Condor and to ensure that they are protected, healthy, and free.
Come learn about the endangered California Condor, North America’s largest land bird. Learn about the conservation groups in our area and what they are doing to help our environment. Become a volunteer! Be informed!
Thanks for your cooperation in advertising this event. Please, contact me if you have any questions.
Regards,
Debbie Jasek Parisi, 805-816-5316 cell
publicity@friendsofcondors.org
www.friendsofcondors.org
www.Instagram.com/FriendsOfCondors/
www.Facebook.com/FriendsOfCondors/
www.YouTube.com/@FriendsOfCondors/

May 20, 2026 - After years of coordinated investigative and forensic work, the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) has now tested more than 2,000 sexual assault kits from agencies throughout Ventura County.
To date, 2,038 sexual assault kits have been tested from an inventory of 2,846 kits countywide dating back to the 1970s. While many of these kits were tested using technologies available at the time, they are now being tested using advanced DNA testing. Through the dedicated efforts of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau, the initiative has uploaded 923 DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which has generated 329 CODIS hits connected to potential suspects or linked cases. VCSAKI investigators and prosecutors have investigated and closed 125 cases and notified 21 victims that their case was solved due to advancements in DNA testing.
“This milestone represents years of dedicated work focused on victims, accountability, and the pursuit of truth,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “The purpose of VCSAKI has never been simply to prosecute cases. Our mission is to conduct thorough investigations, follow the evidence wherever it leads, and provide victims with answers and, whenever possible, a sense of closure. Even when prosecution is no longer an option due to the statute of limitations or other legal constraints, victims deserve to know that their case mattered and that every available effort was made to uncover the truth.”
Since 2021, VCSAKI has been funded by federal grants awarded by the United States Department of Justice, along with funding from the County of Ventura, to address previously untested sexual assault kits dating back to the 1970s. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Forensic Services Bureau.
“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to victims and to the integrity of the justice system,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “Every kit represents a person who deserved to be heard, and through the dedication of our Forensic Service Bureau and our partners, we are ensuring those voices are not forgotten. Advancements in DNA technology are giving us the ability to revisit these cases with renewed purpose. Bringing answers, strengthening accountability, and reinforcing our promise to pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed.”
Not only has VCSAKI testing assisted in solving Ventura County cases, but it has also helped solve cases elsewhere. In Arizona, the testing of a 1994 Ventura County sexual assault kit revealed the identity of a previously unknown serial rapist who is currently pending trial for four cold case sexual assaults. Testing also led to the identification of serial rapist Sean Patrick McNulty, who was linked to six rapes across Ventura County, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio dating back to 1982.
VCSAKI has also led to renewed investigations in unsolved sexual assault cases outside of the 2,846 inventoried kits. To date, investigators and prosecutors on the VCSAKI team have made seven arrests and obtained five convictions.
Of the original inventory, 808 kits remain to be tested. The VCSAKI team continues to prioritize testing remaining kits using advanced DNA technology to generate new leads, solve cold cases, and bring closure to victims.
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: DA’s Office Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: BN
Release No.: 26-064

Now that summer is almost here, we see more children enjoying the outdoors by riding their E-bikes, bicycles, and scooters. The Fillmore Police Department hosting host a “Bicycle Safety Rodeo Community Event.” Our goal is to inform members of our community about the rules, regulations and safe use of E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters.
In many cases, these events are the only opportunities to educate parents and children about the safety aspects of riding E-bikes, bicycles, and electric scooters on streets. Our goal is to empower young children on bikes with a minimal set of skills for street and road riding. In addition, they will be taught a small subset of the rules of the road to keep them safe. A Bicycle Safety Rodeo is a safety clinic where young riders can learn about proper safety and the rules of the road. There will be a bicycle safety course chalked out for basic riding skills. Guests will also have the opportunity to obtain free helmet adjustments and bicycle tune-ups thanks to the Santa Paula Bike Shop.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee provided by our very own El Abuelo Coffee and Bakery and other sweet treats! Come out and engage in friendly discussions with the first responders who serve their community every day and discuss the importance of bicycle safety. Raffle prizes will be handed out, so don’t miss out!
The event will feature first responders from the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, Off-Road team, Fillmore Search and Rescue, and Fillmore Fire Department. Community members can even expect a special fly-by appearance by the Ventura County Air Unit. In addition, guests with a sweet tooth can expect a special appearance from Mr. Softee and Kona Ice.
Please come and join us for this free community event.
Prepared by: Sergeant J. Scott Horswill
News Release Date: May 26, 2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Fillmore Chief of Police
***
Nature of Incident: Bicycle Rodeo Community Event
Location: Rio Vista School, 250 Edgewood Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026 (9:00 AM-12:00 PM)
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station and Fillmore Explorers Post # 2958