VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County law enforcement is pleased to highlight a recent report on crime rates published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance. The report identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California, according to data from the California Department of Justice.

The report shows that Ventura County had the lowest rates of reported crimes amongst the 16 largest counties in California in 2022. While many large counties in the state saw a rise in crime between 2020 and 2022, metrics show Ventura County’s crime rates decreased. The 2023 State of the Region Report also shows Ventura County’s crime rate in 2022 ranked
lowest in our county’s modern history. While the overall crime rate in 1994 was 37.52 crimes per 1000 population, it dropped to 15.49 crimes per 1000 population in 2022, a 59 percent decrease. This doesn’t happen by accident,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, the current chair of the Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. “Ventura County is Contact: Joey Buttitta a special place. We’re proud of the great working relationships amongst our local law enforcement agencies and we place great value in our community partnerships.”

Property crimes include theft, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and arson. Violent crimes include criminal homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. The data is measured by the number of crimes reported per 1,000 residents. Ventura County often leads the way in public safety, but the 2022 numbers show an even larger gap between Ventura County and the other large counties.

In 2022, the Ventura County violent crime rate was just under 2 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, 30 percent below the county with the second lowest violent crime rate. Ventura County’s 2022 property crime rate was 13.51 reported crimes per 1,000 residents, 17 percent below the county with the second lowest property crime rate.

The cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks reported the lowest crime rates in Ventura County. Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said, “These statistics don’t just showcase the incredible work the women and men of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office do day in and day out, rather it also demonstrates the strong relationship we have with our community members.” Sheriff Fryhoff continued, “Our approach to reducing crime and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors, is based on the collaboration between law enforcement and the community coming together to identify and solve public safety issues.”

Crime has been consistently trending downward in Oxnard for the past three decades, and last year Ventura County’s largest city witnessed its third lowest year in reported crime during this time span. Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team, Homeless Liaison Officers, and officers and staff across the department continue to prioritize community safety and community engagement. Chief Jason Benites stated, “We will continue to put forth a determined and ongoing effort on public safety across the board, focusing on matters such as traffic safety, the devastating community impacts of fentanyl, and providing support and resources for the unhoused.”

Simi Valley continues to be one of the safest cities in the state. In fact, crime in 2022 was lower
than when the city was designated “America’s Safest City” in 1996. Chief Steve Shorts stated,
“The members of Simi Valley Police Department continue to work with our community partners to
provide a safe city to live and work within. We focus on providing superior police services that
address our residents’ and businesses’ needs and concerns while responding swiftly to crime
trends and quality of life issues.”

In 2022, the City of Ventura, saw its lowest overall crime rate in over three decades. Chief Darin
Schindler attributes this significant milestone to strong, consistent community partnerships and
collaborative problem-solving efforts.

"We've made incredible progress; however, challenges like increased visible signs of vagrancy and
related quality of life issues persist," shared Chief Schindler. "Moving forward, the Ventura Police
Department remains committed to working closely with residents, business owners, and public
safety partners to elevate the overall living, working, and recreational conditions in Ventura."
Crime in Santa Paula has been consistent with the other jurisdictions in Ventura County. The city
experienced a decrease in violent crime and property crime rates since 2020. Interim Police Chief
Don Aguilar commented, “The men and women of the Santa Paula Police Department have
focused on increases in domestic violence assaults. We are working to provide additional victim
centered training to our staff and to offer all available advocacy assistance to crime victims. We’re
also working closely with our local shelter and community-based organizations to help those who
are experiencing homelessness.”

The city of Port Hueneme saw an 8 percent decrease in violent crime and a slight increase in
property crime. Unlocked vehicles and shoplifting were the driving force behind the increase in
property crime. While reported crime in Port Hueneme continues to remain at record lows, quality
of life issues once again comprised most of the police department’s calls for service last year. The
Port Hueneme Police Department is not only committed to keeping crime rates down, but also to
continuing to seek long-term, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of the community.
Port Hueneme Police Chief Michael Federico stated, “Credit needs to be given to the dedicated
public safety professionals in this county. We’re also fortunate for the great teamwork in Ventura
County, from the Sheriff and District Attorney down to the smallest police department.”
More information about Ventura County’s crime rates can be found in the State of the Region
Report 2023, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance.

VENTURA, Calif. – The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.

According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on Christmas Eve, 57 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-related crashes in 2021. On New Years Eve, 35 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. For the entire year of 2021, MADD and NHTSA data shows every 81 seconds someone in the United States is injured and every 39 minutes someone is killed in a traffic collision involving a driver that is driving under the influence (DUI).

In Ventura County specifically, the District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit reviewed 261 DUI cases submitted by law enforcement in December of 2022. In all of 2022, the DUI prosecution team filed 1,156 DUI cases, including 105 DUI drug cases and 12 DUI combined alcohol and drug cases.

“All of these crimes are 100 percent preventable,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Don’t get behind the wheel impaired because your choice can end up changing someone else’s life forever. We want everyone in the Tri-County area to get home safely this holiday season.”

Along with the PSA release, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office windows will be lit in red tonight, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, joining other offices, businesses, and iconic landmarks across the state to honor and remember victims of drunk and drugged driving. Families and community partners are invited to join us in this cause by illuminating a special place at home or place of business in red. MADD welcomes everyone to share photos or videos of your special illuminated areas on social media by tagging @MADDCalifornia on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #OneMADDCalifornia #RedforMADDCA #NoMoreVictims.

Watch the PSA here:

English: https://youtu.be/1f2hhnXvs2o
Spanish: https://youtu.be/YEzMKjNXfqo

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 15, 2023, Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) of Woodland Hills, pled guilty to two felony stalking charges. The crime of stalking occurs when any person willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. Toole also admitted to the special allegation that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.

In 2020 and 2021, Toole stalked not one, but two different women that he once dated. The first victim received a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Toole in 2019. After receiving the TRO, Toole continued to contact the victim by calling, texting, and showing up at her home unannounced. He would show up at her new address uninvited, damaged her home door locks so they would not work, vandalized her vehicle, and placed a tracking device in her vehicle. The conduct was reported and documented by the Simi Valley Police Department.

While that case was being reviewed, Toole began dating his second victim. The relationship ended after a few months and the victim began receiving messages from Toole insinuating that he knew her location. After a few days, this victim searched her car and found a location device in the glove compartment. Another GPS tracker was found on the undercarriage of the car. Toole also showed up uninvited to her home, pasted large posters of their text communication on her garage, shot a BB gun into her front yard in the middle of the night, and overwhelmed the victim with text messages. He was also seen on a doorbell camera entering the property while the victim was away and driving by her home at all hours of the day and night.

Toole was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on July 19, 2021.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The victims in this case were traumatized by the defendant’s repetitive and relentless stalking behavior,” McCarty said. “It is my hope that this conviction provides them the closure they deserve.”

Toole is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 24 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He’s facing a maximum of three years and eight months prison.

Case: 2020029103
Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) Woodland Hills

Charges pled guilty to:(2 counts) PC 646.9(a) – Stalking

Special Allegations: CRC 4.421(a)(8) – The manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism

On December 11, 2023, Fillmore Civic Pride Volunteers announced the 2023 Holiday “Yard of the Month” award given to Chris & Karen McDermott’s home on Meadowlark, pictured above. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
Enlarge Photo

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected Chris & Karen McDermott’s home at 1028 Meadowlark to receive the Holiday “Yard of the Month” award. They received a $50 gift card for Otto & Sons Nursery, provided by the nursery in support of this program.
The McDermott family have lived in their home for 22 years, but both Karen & Chris are Fillmore “natives”, having previously lived in the west end of town. They both do the decorating, with Karen specializing in the fully decorated interior.
When asked for any further comments, Karen replied that they enjoy their “fun” neighborhood!

It was exciting to drive around the community and see so many more decorated homes and apartments than in previous years! Be sure to check out these past award winners: 738 Mountain View, 910 Taylor Lane, 360 C St., 406 Robin Court, 408 Edgewood, 910 Sespe Ave., 969 5th St, and 1171 Shady Lane. Honorable mentions: 420 Casner, 635 Central, 925 & 933 Sespe, 635 Central, 970 Meadowlark, and 1026 Arrowsmith. Now you are ready for a tour!

Pictured above is Luv 2 Dance owner Sandra Cummings (center) along with her family. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy Brandy Hollis

Fillmore’s only dance studio, Luv 2 Dance, was started by and is owned by Sandra Cummings. Sandra is a neighborhood staple. Her turnouts at the town parades are spectacular, always including a dance for the judges and spectators. The classes at the studio range from ballet, hip hop, and folklorico to name a few! Even before she had a studio, out of the goodness of her beautiful heart, she taught a group of girls from garage, for them to perform in the Piru Christmas Parade. My daughter happened to be one of those girls and started at her studio many years ago; she loved to salsa with her friends. Now Sandra’s studio continues to grow year by year, and even has performance teams. Fillmore is lucky to have this wonderful family. Mr. Cummings is a teacher and his wife Sandra sings like an angel, as well as her dance moves. Their family is rounded off by two talented girls. Sandra has a tree decorated on the corner of Central and Sespe, covered in pink and purple to represent the studio in the holiday season. I have not met a single person who has anything but the kindest things to say about her. Her hard work and perseverance to serve our kids is inspiring. Thank you. Sandra. for giving the Luv of dance to Fillmore!

Tis the season to be joyful! Join us in ringing in the season and try your best to play a bell! We will assist you in ringing and singing carols and you will feel the Christmas spirit the entire time! The Bardsdale United Methodist Church Bell ringers, the Orange Pealers, are having their annual exciting Christmas program on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at five pm, in the sanctuary. The festive agenda includes holiday music and yummy munchies.

The interactive Christmas program features an opportunity for the audience (children and adults) to ring and sing carols, as well as listen to a concert given by the Orange Pealers. If you wish to support the bell choir, there will be a free will donation basket at the back of the sanctuary.

You may call either the church office (805 524-2070) or Marcia Heerema, director, (805 524-3674) for more information. So, round up the family and neighbors and join us for a fun, Christmas event!

VENTURA, Calif. – The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.

According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on Christmas Eve, 57 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-related crashes in 2021. On New Years Eve, 35 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. For the entire year of 2021, MADD and NHTSA data shows every 81 seconds someone in the United States is injured and every 39 minutes someone is killed in a traffic collision involving a driver that is driving under the influence (DUI).

In Ventura County specifically, the District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit reviewed 261 DUI cases submitted by law enforcement in December of 2022. In all of 2022, the DUI prosecution team filed 1,156 DUI cases, including 105 DUI drug cases and 12 DUI combined alcohol and drug cases.

“All of these crimes are 100 percent preventable,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Don’t get behind the wheel impaired because your choice can end up changing someone else’s life forever. We want everyone in the Tri-County area to get home safely this holiday season.”

Along with the PSA release, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office windows will be lit in red tonight, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, joining other offices, businesses, and iconic landmarks across the state to honor and remember victims of drunk and drugged driving. Families and community partners are invited to join us in this cause by illuminating a special place at home or place of business in red. MADD welcomes everyone to share photos or videos of your special illuminated areas on social media by tagging @MADDCalifornia on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #OneMADDCalifornia #RedforMADDCA #NoMoreVictims.

Watch the PSA here:
English: https://youtu.be/1f2hhnXvs2o
Spanish: https://youtu.be/YEzMKjNXfqo

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=52

FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – December 4, 2023– The City Council of Fillmore is pleased to announce the successful outcome of its fourth public hearing in the districting election process held on November 28th. Following careful consideration, the City Council voted 4-1 in favor of adopting Districting Map 102.

In addition to the selection of Districting Map 102, the City Council introduced Ordinance 23-958, which paves the way for the implementation of a district-based election system. The ordinance also includes a finding of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ensuring a streamlined process that adheres to environmental standards.

Residents and stakeholders can view Districting Map 102 by clicking on this link: /DocumentCenter/View/598
The final and fifth public hearing, as well as the adoption of Map 102 and the second reading of Ordinance 23-958, is scheduled to take place on December 12, 2023, during the regular City Council meeting. The meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Residents, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend this crucial meeting to witness the culmination of the districting election process. The City Council values the input and engagement of the community throughout this important decision-making process.

For questions and further information regarding this, please contact Erika Herrera-Terriquez, Assistant City Manager, at 805-946-1712 or eherrera@fillmoreca.gov.

Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=53
Attention residents of Fillmore,
We would like to bring to your attention the availability of old or weathered military banners. These banners, brimming with history and significance, are now ready for collection at Fillmore City Hall, situated at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Please refer to the Military Banner List using this link https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/595/Military-Banner-List?.... We extend our gratitude for proudly displaying these symbols of honor and recognition.
Please be advised that these banners are distinct from the current ones on display, which will remain in their designated locations. We encourage you to promptly retrieve these found banners within the next 45 days from today.
For any queries or assistance regarding the retrieval process, please reach out to Ms. Shannon Prentice via email at sprentice@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at 805-201-9623.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in acknowledging the sacrifices of our military personnel.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office issues a warning to the public regarding a telephone scam that is making its way through the county.

According to reports, the scammer is identifying themself as Captain Greg Gibson from the Sheriff's Office and is demanding a large sum of money to pay an outstanding warrant. However, it is important to note that the caller is NOT affiliated with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, and the phone number used is NOT associated with law enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies have frequently issued warnings about phone scams, emphasizing that law enforcement officials do not call citizens asking for money. Scammers often pretend to be law enforcement, or federal agencies, threatening individuals with arrest, fines, or deportation if they don’t pay taxes or some other debt immediately. They’ve also been known to tell the victim, falsely, that a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, did not show up for jury duty, have an overdue fine, or something similar, and they will be arrested unless they pay right away. These scammers also disguise their Caller ID information by spoofing the phone number to appear as though it is from a legitimate law enforcement agency.

The scammers will likely threaten immediate arrest if you do not cooperate and provide payment over the phone. They may demand that fines or fees be paid with credit cards, gift cards, payment apps, or even cryptocurrency. Just to be clear, no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever call an individual demanding money or threatening arrest.

Don’t let your guard down and don’t be intimated into providing personal details, or financial information. The best protection against these scams is to simply hang up. Do not call the phone number left on a voicemail requesting a callback. Always do your research before providing any personal information or sending money over the phone. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

If you have been scammed and suffered a financial loss, contact Sheriff's Dispatch at (805) 654-9511 to file a report. You can also file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.ic3.gov.

Nature of Incident: Phone Scam Targets Ventura County Residents
Location: Ventura, CA
Date & Time: 11/28/23

Prepared by: Senerey De Los Santos / Sheriff's PIO
Approved by: Captain Dean Worthy

VENTURA, Calif. – Today in a unanimous vote during the regular meeting, the Ventura County
Board of Supervisors approved a new position within the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office,
Bureau of Investigation. This position, a Crime Analyst II, will be funded by a California AB 178
Firearms Relinquishment Grant.

In 2022, the District Attorney’s Office partnered with the Ventura County Superior Court and the
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to seek competitive grant funding from the California Judicial
Council to remove firearms from prohibited persons. Prohibited persons include people convicted
of a felony; persons subject to a domestic violence restraining order, a gun violence restraining
order, or a civil protective order; and persons subject to a mental health prohibition. Ventura County
was one of seven grant awardees and received over $1.4 million dollars through fiscal year 2024-
2025.

The firearm relinquishment program in Ventura County is a unique partnership between the
Ventura County Superior Court, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and the Ventura County
District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation. The program ensures the safe removal of
firearms from individuals who become prohibited from possessing firearms pursuant to a court
order.

“All too often, our local police officers respond to calls for service involving dangerous individuals
that should not be in possession of firearms.,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This new
position will allow us to better enforce firearm restrictions against prohibited persons that are at risk
of hurting themselves or others.”

Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttittta@ventura.org
Approved: SW
Date: December 5, 2023
Release No.: 23-142

The Bureau of Investigation is a subrecipient of the grant administered by the Ventura County
Superior Court. Acceptance of the grant funding was authorized by the Board of Supervisors as
part of the adopted annual budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

The Firearms Relinquishment Grant also funds an investigator position within the Bureau of
Investigation. The crime analyst will provide investigative analytical support to the grant funded
investigator. This will include logging incoming cases and obtaining all relevant police reports and
court orders. The analyst will gather raw data from a variety of law enforcement sources and
convert that data into common information and trends among the different agencies. Having a
dedicated position completing these critical and time-consuming tasks will free up the investigator
to conduct relinquishment activities.

“California law enforcement is still playing catch up with all the red flag gun laws," said Chief
Investigator Scott Whitney. “We’re working with our criminal justice partners in Ventura County to
bring about more understanding of these laws, and to close compliance and enforcement gaps.”
The crime analyst position will be grant funded from December 5, 2023, to June 30, 2025.

A better public understanding of the firearm relinquishment laws improves public safety. Any
individuals or groups that are interested in more information regarding domestic violence
restraining orders, gun violence restraining orders, mental health prohibitions, and other gun
prohibitions may contact the District Attorney’s Office Communication Manager, Joey Buttitta, by
calling (805) 767-3400.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023, 6:30 PM SPECIAL MEETING 250 CENTRAL AVENUE AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3(a) public comment at this special meeting is limited to addressing only the subject matter of the public hearing being held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.A FOURTH PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF A DISTRICT-BASED ELECTION SYSTEM 1-SR - (CVRA) 4th PUBLIC HEARING.pdf 7. CITY MANAGER 8. ADJOURNMENT - MAYOR MARK AUSTIN ADJOURNS TO THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

11-28-2023
Last night City Council voted 4-1 to adopt Map 102 with minor modifications. The election sequence selected is: 2024 Election: District 1-Vacant. District 2-Mayor Austin. District 5- Mayor Pro-Tem Villasenor. 2026 Election: District 3-Mendez. District 4-Broggie.

Teresa Ontriveros of Fit N Fine Fitness in Fillmore

Courtesy Brandy Hollis
Most weekdays myself and many women at Fit N Fine Fitness in Fillmore start their mornings sweating hard to only hear they are just warming up. If you have it in you, you laugh. Teresa Ontriveros grew up in Fillmore going to Sespe School, FMS and graduating from Fillmore High School. She has a bachelors in Liberal Arts with a focus on Education. She formally worked for Head Start’s Migrant and Seasonal Preschool and now is coaching the fine women of Fillmore at Fit N Fine Fitness at the east edge of Santa Paula. She is a wife and mother of two children who are growing up in Fillmore to follow in her footsteps. She projects quiet strength and her example is amazing. What she helped me do in six weeks is more than most people accomplish physically in a year on their own (I actually did what she said and showed up). The truly exceptional thing is the gym is large and equipment provided. They have multiple morning classes, and, on the weekdays, afternoon and evening classes; weekend mornings too, and Sunday you might even find a hot Pilates class. I find myself carpooling with a group of four of us now only to be met with all the women around town there. It’s a women’s only gym and well lit. Teresa is dedicated. She’s a Fillmore powerhouse empowering women to live healthy and strong lives; she should be applauded. If you are interested in booking a class at Fit N Fine, you can do so on the Mind Body app. No membership required. Thanks Teresa and I look forward to what’s happening tomorrow… it’s always something different.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club’s November meeting was full of fun and business as we took care of needed tasks and enjoyed a fun cookie exchange! So many yummy treats to taste and take home. Fillmore Women’s Service Club will meet again on December 13th, a wonderful holiday event. Please contact 805-890-7113 for information. Consider joining a fun club that helps our community!