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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 9, 2023, every law enforcement agency in Ventura County along with the District Attorney and Probation Agency have combined resources, personnel, and the desire to end senseless deaths caused by overdose and addiction. This has led to the creation of the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units - VC FOCUS. We are working in unison to stop the supply chain of drugs into our communities and bring justice to the proprietors of death through criminal prosecution. The fentanyl crisis has affected all corners of the United States to include public figures such as professional athletes, musicians, actors, and tens of thousands of regular citizens in all walks of life. Despite collaborative countermeasures, we have also seen a continuous increase in both fatal and non-fatal fentanyl overdoses in Ventura County. Our county has experienced an increase in fentanyl related overdose deaths from 87 in 2020, to 181 in 2022. VC FOCUS is a new task force made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney Office of Investigation, Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Thousand Oaks Police Department along with involvement from the Oxnard Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Ventura County Probation Agency, California State University Channel Islands Police Department, Ventura County Community College Police Department, and a full time prosecutor from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Numerous other State and Federal law enforcement agencies will soon be embedded with VC FOCUS. The executive leadership of each agency recognizes the impact fentanyl has on our local communities, realizes the future impact on Ventura County, and is committed to this task force. The primary mission of VC FOCUS is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify current trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community on the lethal danger of this epidemic. The task force is divided into two distinct teams investigating cases in the east and west sides of the county. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately one hundred times more potent than morphine and fifty times more potent than heroin. Unfortunately, it is highly addictive and extremely deadly when used in its illicit forms. Chemicals involved in producing illicit fentanyl are being mass produced overseas and imported into the United States through organized crime syndicates and cartels. Ventura County law enforcement is regularly seizing fentanyl in bulk and in pill form in the county. While stopping drugs from entering Ventura County is a major component in our strategic plan, this crisis will not be solved through arrest and prosecution alone. The solution includes education, treatment, and recommitting to healthy drug-free communities. VC FOCUS detectives along with law enforcement executives are regularly meeting with stakeholders throughout Ventura County to collaborate and share information. VC FOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org. The public may contact investigators from VC FOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about fentanyl, or any other information related to narcotics. Nature of Incident: National Fentanyl Awareness Day- May 9, 2023 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Sheriff’s Investigators are now investigating the assault incident as a homicide. On May 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 P.M., deputies from the Camarillo Police Station responded to the 400 block of Fulton Street in Camarillo, in reference to a call of a disturbance, followed by reports of gunshots. Deputies later discovered evidence of a shooting at the scene and learned that a male victim, identified as Garrett Sutton, was at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. Mr. Sutton was later transported via ambulance to another hospital for more advanced care. The shooting appears to be an isolated event with no further known threat to the public. On the morning of May 6th, 2023, Mr. Sutton died as a result of his injuries. This incident is now being investigated as a homicide. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Albert Ramirez at (805) 384-4761. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/23-5... Nature of Incident: Assault Results in Death Prepared by: Sergeant Albert Ramirez (805) 384-4761 Approved by: Captain Victor Medina |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Sheriff’s Investigators are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Camarillo. On May 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 P.M., deputies from the Camarillo Police Station responded to the 400 block of Fulton Street in Camarillo, in reference to a call of a disturbance, followed by reports of gunshots. Deputies later discovered evidence of a shooting at the scene and learned that a male victim was at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. The male victim was later transported via ambulance to another hospital for more advanced care. The shooting appears to be an isolated event with no further known threat to the public. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Albert Ramirez at (805) 384-4761. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/requ... Nature of Incident: Assault with a Firearm Prepared by: Sergeant Albert Ramirez Approved by: Captain Victor Medina |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
On April 25, 2023, the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) concluded a lengthy investigation into a narcotics delivery service based out of the San Fernando Valley that was responsible for two local fatal overdoses. On September 16, 2022, Thousand Oaks Patrol deputies responded to the 300 block of Via Las Brisas reference a subject who had suffered a fentanyl overdose at the location. Despite lifesaving efforts by the first deputies on scene and fire medical services, the victim was transported from the scene but later died. On October 29, 2022, Thousand Oaks Patrol deputies responded to the 1600 block of Feather Court reference a subject who was also suffering from a fentanyl overdose. Fire and medical personnel could not revive the victim and they were pronounced deceased at the scene. An investigation was conducted by VC FOCUS, and detectives determined that the drugs supplied in both overdoses had been sold to the victims by a narcotics delivery service. These services are directly managed by drug cartel members stationed in Mexico who facilitate the mass delivery of narcotics to subjects all throughout southern California using “delivery drivers” living within the state. These services are well organized and extremely difficult to investigate, and the profits from the narcotics sold by these delivery services are then funneled back to the drug cartels operating in Mexico. Over the course of the investigation, VC FOCUS detectives utilized various law enforcement methods and surveillance to identify multiple drivers who lived in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. These drivers often made several trips a day to Ventura County and conducted numerous drug transactions on each trip. VC FOCUS made a determined effort to arrest these drivers and seize their narcotics and profits. Numerous operations were conducted over the following months in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley which resulted in the arrests of the following subjects for 11351 HS- Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance: Jose Perez Gomez, Javier Bernal Cruz, Edgar Cruz Martinez, and Elver Gonzalez Garcia. All of the subjects were booked into the Ventura County Jail at the time of their arrests and are currently out of custody pending additional investigation and charges. These operations also produced the seizure of 7.5 ounces of heroin, ½ ounces of powdered fentanyl, 2 ounces of methamphetamine, 638 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and 3 grams of cocaine. In addition, $1851 in US currency derived from these sales was also seized. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest Related to Fatal Overdoes Prepared by: Sergeant John Hajducko |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) have cited two clerks for selling tobacco products to minors on April 28, 2023. The actions were the result of a Minor Decoy operation in which minors under the direct supervision of department deputies attempted to purchase tobacco products from eight licensed businesses in Thousand Oaks. Two businesses, Wendy Gas and Chevron Extra Mile Newbury Park sold tobacco products to a minor decoy. The clerks were contacted by deputies and issued citations. Clerks who sold to a minor face a minimum fine of $200. In addition, the California Department of Public Health may take administrative action against the license of the business where tobacco was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license. A Minor Decoy operation involves a person under the age of 20 years old who enters establishments and attempts to purchase tobacco. The minor decoy appears young, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. The decoy is supervised by peace officers during the entire process. Anyone who knows of establishments who sell tobacco products to minors can call the sheriff’s office at (805) 654-9511. People who call can remain anonymous. Nature of Incident: Minor Decoy Operation Prepared by: Sergeant Jonathan James |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers named Nellie Carrillo’s yard on Santa Clara Street as the May 2023 “Yard of the Month”. Pictured is Lupe Solis, Nellie’s caregiver, in the front yard as Nellie is 97 & wasn’t able to go out for the photo. Nellie also received a $50 gift card for Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo courtesy Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers awarded Nellie Carrillo at 318 Santa Clara St., the May 2023 “Yard of the Month” award. After her brothers married and moved away, Nellie moved into the home. The yard has purple wisteria, draped over the front porch. Red geraniums bloom brightly in the corners with coral drops, calla lilies and begonias bordering the yard. A plumeria plant, a white rose bush and a gorgeous red/orange tree rose are at the front of the walled yard with a bird fountain in the middle. Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this project since it began! |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Sean McCulley and his wife Connie in front of the historic Fillmore Towne Theatre on Central Avenue. Photo Credit Carina M. Montoya. Enlarge Photo Written by Carina M. Montoya It was when he lived in Santa Clarita and drove Highway 126 through Fillmore once a week to work the concerts at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, that the small town caught his eye. Sean explored Fillmore and liked the small-town feel, open space, landscape, and its trains. He soon purchased a house in town that became home to him and his wife, Connie. Sean purchased the old theatre in November 2021. It took many months of labor and costly repairs to restore the building enough to obtain a certificate of occupancy, which he attained in October 2022. Its grand opening in October 2022, just days after he secured the certificate of occupancy, featured the multi-award-winning film “And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him.” The theatre also has featured musical bands under actor Danny Trejo’s label “Trejo’s Music,” “House Arrest,” a local musical group that always packs a full house, and comedy shows. There is much more to come in the months ahead. The goal is to return the Town Theatre to a hub of Fillmore entertainment and activity as it was 100 years ago. Sean’s vision of the theatre is “connecting artistic expression to the human experience.” Although Sean’s profession often takes him out of town and out of the country on projects, he still finds the time to give back to the community and the world by devoting time and service as a member of Fillmore’s Rotary Club. He also finds time to spend on activities he enjoys, including an annual Halloween display, model trains, anything Star Trek and occasionally skiing (although he does not claim to be a proficient skier), and old cars. More importantly, he devotes time to his wife Connie and their dog Winnie, a West Highland Terrier. Next time you are in downtown Fillmore, stop by the theatre to see what’s posted. If you see Sean on a ladder changing the letters on the marquee or doing outdoor repairs, stop by and say “hello,” or visit www.mudturtletheatrical.org to keep up with all the exciting things to come. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Martha Richardson introduced two of the four RYLA students who attended the Fillmore Rotary meeting, Gracie Herrera and Jaquelin Verdin. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp was held April 20-23, in Ojai. Both of the students expressed their thanks for the opportunity and talked about their favorite experiences. Each of these girls sang on Talent Show night and Jaquelin sang again at the closing ceremony. The other two students who enjoyed the experiences, but were unable to attend the meeting, were Laura Orozco and Joaquin Holladay. Pictured (l-r) are RYLA students Joaquin Holladay, Laura Orozco, Jaquelin Verdin, and Gracie Herrera. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
Saturday, May 6 2023 10am-3pm |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 On Saturday, April 22, at noon, the Fillmore Fire Station was donated a SuperVac Blower Fan used during structure firefighting operations. The City of Fillmore Fire Department would like to thank Conejo Valley Construction and its owner Forrest Gregge for their generous donation of the SuperVac Blower Fan. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 On Friday, April 21, 2023, at 8:10pm, Fillmore City Fire Department, Fillmore Police, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported overdose in the Santa Clara riverbed, under the A Street Bridge. According to radio traffic, an overdose was confirmed and Narcan was given to the patient who was transported to a local hospital. The Fillmore Police and Fire Department were also on-scene earlier for a second overdose in the same area, resulting in no ambulance transport. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
All properties located within the city limits of Fillmore are due for abatement of hazardous dry grass/brush/weeds that could carry and sustain a fire capable of threatening residents and their homes or other property. The large amount of rainfall received this past winter combined with several weeks of hot dry weather has created a dryer and earlier than normal potential fire season. Historically our residents have been noticed to have their dry weeds cleared by June 1 of each year. Property owners are again noticed to have the weeds cleared before June 1st, but the Fillmore Fire Department is asking that all property owners try to clear all weeds as soon as possible. In addition to the annual weed clearance, the Fire Department is asking all property owners to pay special attention to any palm trees that they may have on their property. Dry palm fronds on the tree or on the ground are very hazardous when caught on fire. Every attempt should be made to keep palm trees free from dry fronds. If you have a palm tree with a large accumulation of dry palm fronds, advice should be sought on the best method of removal. To help facilitate weed and brush disposal, a free Community Yard Waste Disposal event will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Rd. Only vegetation will be accepted, no trash, metal or other debris. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! The last load of debris from the lake's surface is shown here in the photo. That means……..they will re-open to boating at 630 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th. Personal watercraft (jet skis) will be limited to no more than 20 skis on the lake at any given time and no watercraft of any type will be permitted past the 5-mph buoy line near the dam. The area inside the buoy line at the dam will be closed until further notice. Please note some minor debris still exists and boaters are advised to use caution. Come and join for some summer fun! #lakepiru #unitedwaterconservationdistrict #lakes #bassfishing #boating #waterskiing #personalwatercraft #jetski #jetskilife #jetskiing #wakeboarding #fulllake #summerfun #outdoors #venturacounty #lacounty #losangeles #lalife #california #socal #camping #getoutside #lakelife #lakedays. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/UWCDLakePiru. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 Pictured is Fillmore Rotary speaker Johanne Rose, an Acupuncturist and Herbalist, with Rotary President Dave Andersen. Johanne graduated from California Acupuncture College and studied in Beijing China for three months doing advanced herbal training. She opened her first clinic in 1986 in Agoura then moved to a larger clinic in Westlake Village. She sold her practice but continued to work there for 10 years. After retiring she decided she missed it and is now back practicing in Ventura at Permen Naturopathic, and also in Fillmore several days a week at ReGen. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 Pictured (l-r) are Jared and Suzanne Lee, called by their church to leave home in Orange County and serve full-time mission in the Russia Moscow Mission. On Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., they will share their experience. Enlarge Photo Former missionaries to Russia, Jared and Suzanne Lee, will share their experiences among the Russian people in a meeting open to the public at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1017 First Street, Fillmore, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Their son Jared was the Bishop of the Santa Paula ward (congregation) and is now 2nd Councilor in the Ventura California Stake Presidency. Their presentation includes a slideshow, descriptions of Russian perspectives of religion, and the Russian government’s restrictions on their efforts to share the message of Jesus Christ in that controlled society. At the end of their presentation the Lees will open the meeting for questions and answers. The presentation is free to the general public. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
 On April 20, 2023, Ventura County Sheriff's Office detectives conducted a probation search and arrest warrant service in Ventura, which resulted in the recovery of multiple illegal "Ghost Gun" firearms. On April 20, 2023, at approximately 6:20 PM, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU), Narcotics Street Team (NST), and Headquarters Station Investigations Unit detectives conducted a probation search and arrest warrant service of Ricky Merrill at a residence in the 300 block of Barry Drive in Ventura. Merrill was on Ventura County probation with search terms for a theft offense and had multiple outstanding local misdemeanor warrants. Detectives arrested Merrill for his warrants without incident. Detectives also arrested Juan Aguilera for misdemeanor narcotics violations. Detectives subsequently conducted a probation search of Merrill's residence. Detectives located several illegal weapons, including an AR-15 ghost gun, a 9mm semi-automatic ghost gun, an unregistered .22 rifle, and a collapsible baton. Detectives also located firearm ammunition and firearm manufacturing evidence. Merrill was arrested for felony firearms and weapons violations. Merrill and Aguilera were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Merrill remains in custody on $55,000 bail and is scheduled for court on 4/24/2023. Aguilera was released from custody with a future court date. The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities by actively investigating illegal firearm activities. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “Ghost Guns”. A “Ghost Gun” is a common term used to describe any firearm manufactured without a serial number engraved or otherwise adorned on its frame/receiver, which is unregistered with the California Department of Justice. If you have any information about illegal weapons in the West County areas in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891. 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 in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Nature of Incident: Ghost Guns Recovered During Probation Search Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Beau Rodriguez |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
 Narrative: The Ventura County Fentanyl Crimes and Overdose Units (VC FOCUS) is a task force made up of all Ventura County local law enforcement departments along with state and Federal law enforcement agencies. The primary mission of this task force is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify new trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community at large on the lethal danger of this epidemic. VC FOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org. The public may contact investigators from VC FOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics. Nature of Incident: Pharmaceutical Medication Arrest |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
 On April 18th, 2023, a brandishing of a firearm occurred in the area of Silverstrand Beach placing two beach goers in fear for their safety. On April 18, 2023, at about 2:26 pm, two adult victims were visiting the area of Silverstrand Beach in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. While attempting to park their vehicle, the victims encountered several subjects drinking near another nearby vehicle. One of the subjects, later identified as 20-year-old Jadon Franco, brandished a “Glock” style handgun that was in his waistband. Fearing for their safety, the victims left the area and called 9-1-1. Deputies responded to the area and located a group of subjects matching the description provided by the victims. Franco was identified as the subject who brandished the firearm at the victims, however, was unarmed at the time he was contacted by deputies. Deputies and the Sheriff’s K9 later located a black Glock style “Ghost Gun” loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, which was hidden in the area Franco had first been observed. Franco was later arrested, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Franco and his residence, which was served with the assistance of Detectives from the Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, and West County Special Enforcement Unit. Nature of Incident: Brandishing of a Weapon / Firearm Arrest Prepared by: Senior Deputy Juan Cordova |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
On 4/22/2023, the Camarillo Police Department is proud to participate in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Take Back Initiative event. The event will be at the Camarillo Police Station located at 3701 East Las Posas Road from 10:00am until 2:00pm. The goal of the program is to allow Camarillo residents to deliver all unused, unwanted, or expired medications for destruction. Law enforcement officials dispose of these substances in a secure and non-hazardous manner, potentially saving lives and protecting the ecosystem. This program is anonymous and the public may discard medications in their original containers or by removing the medication from the container and putting it directly into the receptacles provided at the station. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers will be accepted during this event. Liquid products such as cough syrup, should remain in their original container with the cap tightly sealed. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood borne pathogens. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of this initiative and should not be brought for destruction during this event. However, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office can always collect these illicit substances by filing a report. There will be a uniformed deputy at the station to assist or answer questions. If you can’t make this National Take Back Initiative event, the Camarillo Police Station has an approved prescription drug receptacle in the public lobby available to access year-round during weekday business hours. For further information, please contact Sergeant Thomas Miller at 805-388-5135. Prepared by: Sergeant Thomas Miller |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 20th, 2023
 Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore |