Narrative:
On March 16, 2023, the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crime Units (VC FOCUS) concluded an investigation into a 15-year-old male juvenile suspect who was operating an online marketplace for alprazolam (Xanax), psilocybin mushrooms and various forms of marijuana.
On February 10, 2023, VCFOCUS investigators were conducting an investigation of a deceased female which was possibly the result of a drug overdose. During the investigation, investigators identified a juvenile male suspect who was running an online marketplace on a popular social media application called Telegram. This juvenile was selling alprazolam, psilocybin mushrooms and various marijuana products to numerous residents of Ventura County.
On March 16, 2023, VCFOCUS investigators conducted an undercover operation and the juvenile agreed to sell an undercover detective alprazolam. A search warrant was executed at the juvenile’s residence in the city of Oxnard. During the search warrant, detectives seized the amount of Farmapram which was going to be sold to the detective. Farmapram is medication manufactured in Mexico containing Alprazolam.
Due to the juvenile’s age, he was arrested and released to his guardian. The case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. The misuse or abuse of Alprazolam can cause addiction, overdose or death. Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing and fatal side effects can occur if you combine Alprazolam with alcohol or opioid medications.

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
Report Number: 23-34017
Location: 1200 Blk. West Fir Avenue, Oxnard
Date & Time: 03/16/2023 @ 5:15 PM
Suspect: (S) Male juvenile Oxnard 15
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Jeff Miller
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

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
Report Number: 23-48825
Location: Sawtelle Avenue @ Island View Avenue, Siler Strand
Date & Time: 04/18/2023 @ 1426 Hours
(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Jadon Franco Oxnard 20
(V) Male Oxnard 24
(V) Female Oxnard 24

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Juan Cordova
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

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
News Release Date: April 12, 2023
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Thomas Miller 805-388-5135
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10AM-1PM don’t miss the Spring Celebration!
Keep up with event in real time here: shorturl.at/bfEF0
Come enjoy the events as we help promote healthy/Earth-friendly habits & support Earth-conscious organizations & businesses. Enjoy participating in the chalk art festival put on by Fillmore’s Art Commission, chalk will be available for attendees to partake in creating artwork on the sidewalk surrounding City Hall.
Live performance by the Bakery Boys!
A Community Yard Sale & plenty more!!!
During the same time frame that day, there will be “What’s Up in Fillmore” happening on the next block showcasing local nonprofits & groups in Fillmore looking to gain members for their organizations while advertising ways the public can get involved & make a difference in their community.
Saturday April 22nd 2023, ~ 10AM-1PM
Fillmore City Hall
250 Central Avenue Fillmore CA 93015
We have Tacos El Caporal Mexican Food Truck confirmed as a food vendor & Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck for dessert! Don’t be shy, be sure to grab lunch & a treat!

Pictured (l-r) is owner Preston Andreini and General Manager Daniel Flores from Red Engine Brewing Company with Fillmore Rotary President Elect Scott Beylik. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson.
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Preston Andreini and Daniel Flores, from Red Engine Brewing Company, were the speakers at Rotary. Preston has been a firefighter and paramedic for 17 years and is the owner of the brewing company. Daniel Flores was a Marine for four years and an EMT; he is the general manager. The Red Engine Brewing Company is on HWY 126. The beer will be brewed there on one side of the building and a restaurant on the other side. Initially they will have pizza and charcuterie boards with the goal of having a chef serving simple food from local produce. It will be a family environment with things for the kids. They will have non-alcoholic options also. They are hoping to open in a couple months.

Pictured above are Examples of Deceptive Mailers. Courtesy Ventura County District Attorneys’ Office.
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VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public about deceptive letters recently sent to residents. The letters threaten property owners with potential asset levies and/or property seizure. The letters attempt to create a sense of urgency and they include an (800) number to call. Examples of these deceptive correspondence letters are attached to this news release.

Ventura County property owners are reminded that if they have a question on the status of their property taxes, they should contact the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Legitimate letters from the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector will have a local address and a local telephone number. Residents may call the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector at (805) 654-3744 or send an email to helpinghand@ventura.org.

If taxpayers have a question on the status of their state or federal tax liability, they should contact the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or their tax professional. “Unsolicited materials received in the mail are often marketing materials deceptively designed to cause the property owner to become concerned and call the number listed on the mailer,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum.

In addition to deceptive mail solicitors, county residents are urged to be aware of scammers that seek victims through text messages, emails, and phone calls. These scammers use similar tactics:
• They often pretend to be government officials or legitimate businesses.
• They create a sense of urgency to get victims to respond quickly.
• They often demand immediate payment.
• They demand payment with pre-paid cards.
• They ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• They threaten arrest if immediate payment isn’t made.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has several specialized units that investigate fraud.

When appropriate, the Consumer Protection Unit will investigate consumer complaints. Any inquiries or referrals about potential violations of consumer laws can be made by calling (805) 662-1750.

Rancho Camulos Museum will host Michelle McKinley on Sunday, April 16 to talk about Piru history at the Rancho Camulos Museum, including the Mountain View Hotel. Photo Courtesy Rancho Camulos Museum.
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On Sunday, April 16 at 4p.m., Michele McKinley will present "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Piru History."

Join the local historian and Piru native as she shares the fascinating and diverse heritage of the Piru area. She will also share her collection of engaging historic photographs. Bring YOUR own family stories to share!

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Rancho Camulos Museum’s historic buildings and gardens. Engage in a docent-led tour. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in the ambiance as you step back in time “Where the History, Myth, and Romance of Old California still Linger…”

Guests can bring their favorite beverage and food for a picnic in the gardens.

Docent-led tours are at 1:00p.m., 2:00p.m., and 3:00p.m.The presentation is at 4:00p.m.

The suggested donation is $10. For more information about the Rancho Camulos Museum, visit Ranchocamulos.org.

Pictured (l-r) is District Governor Scott Phillips and Rotary Club President Dave Andersen. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson.
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Margarita Eidson, our District Group Rep introduced Scott Phillips, the District Governor. He is a member of the Goleta Noontime Club and joined in 2013. The Rotary theme this year is Imagine Rotary. The overall goals of Rotary are to eradicate polio, give clean water to everyone, to free the world of disease and teach every child to read. There are 69 Clubs in our District and this year 93 new members joined. He reminded the Club

By David Goldstein

The official theme of this year’s Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet,” according to Earthday.org, the largest organizer and coordinator of Earth Day events. In keeping with the theme, many of the organizations staffing booths at this year’s events will promote incentives for electric cars, solar panels, water-efficient appliances, and other investments. Local events will also provide education, information, and fun.
Since this year’s Earth Day, April 22, is on a Saturday, most local events will be held on the official day of commemoration. However, as usual, events all this month will celebrate Earth Day.

April 22, 10 AM to 1 PM, at Fillmore City Hall Plaza, 250 Central Avenue, the City of Fillmore will sponsor an Earth Day event with vendors, food, and two other elements putting environmental values into practice. First, a “chalk fest” sponsored by the Fillmore Arts Commission, will create a type of public art that requires no paint, canvas, or stone, and generates no waste. Second, the event will serve as the venue for a community yard sale, supporting the environmental value of reuse.

A “What’s Up in Fillmore” gathering nearby will showcase local nonprofits and groups in Fillmore looking to gain members for their organizations while advertising ways the public can get involved and help their community. Check out the city’s Facebook page for the event, at https://www.facebook.com/events/739145777717026/

Ventura County Public Works Agency Environmental Resource Analyst David Goldstein may be reached at (805) 658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org.

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Work continues on the streets of Fillmore after a major sewer line collapse on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The line failure originated in west Fillmore, near El Paseo Street (above) and Village Square at C Street. Ventura County Environmental Health Division was notified, and a major repair undertaking began. Manholes are inspected every three years, but recent heavy rains may have contributed to the issue. On Tuesday, March 21, the City of Fillmore held a special meeting to address a declaration of local emergency resulting from the sewer line collapse. City Manager David Rowlands introduced the item, and Municipal Services Director/Utilities Engineer Troy Spayd provided a presentation and update to the City Council at that time stating repairs could take weeks or months. An emergency declaration allows the city to avoid bid procedures that could take months, according to Spayd. It could also make possible state and federal funding. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

The Civic Pride volunteers announce Ray and Lupe Hoover’s residence as the April “Yard of the Month.” Pictured is Ray with his dog Chloe enjoying a beautiful day in the yard, receiving the $50 gift certificate for Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo credit Linda Nunes
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By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected Ray & Lupe Hoover’s yard at 818 Fine St. as the April “Yard of the Month.” The Hoovers moved into their home in 1989 with only some ground cover plants present. Lupe loves Birch trees, so they planted 3 as focal points in the main yard & one more to the right of the driveway. Ray said Lupe told him where to plant them & he dug the holes! In the open spaces, they placed a few Sespe Brownstone boulders with red Salvias- “Hot Lips” variety as the next level of interest. On the ground are colorful Gazanias, & other daisylike bloomers. Tufts of ornamental grasses wave gently in the breeze & have spread to other areas. Pots of blooming flowers line the entryway. Lupe was busy running her business of 43 yearsHairatage Salon on Sespe St., so Ray graciously posed with their little dog, Chloe. When asked what they would like to say about their yard, they both commented that they wanted a low maintenance & low water use yard with drip irrigation, but also, one that was colorful, that would attract hummingbirds & butterflies. While I was there, a Monarch butterfly drifted through. Ray & Lupe work together to maintain the beautiful display & were very excited to receive the $50 gift certificate to Otto & Sons Nursery. Ray said they go there often! We thank Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this award through all the years.

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Fillmore Police Station coordinated with the K-9 and Mounted Unit of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office to host an Easter Egg-stravaganza for the community members of Fillmore. It was a beautiful day that resulted in lots of fun and laughs for all who attended. A community Easter egg-hunt and a variety of games were planned for everyone who wished to participate; patrol deputies and cadets joined in all the fun as well! A big thank you to each and every one of the community members who attended and showed support. VCSD is looking forward to hosting more events that focus on bringing members of law enforcement and members of the community together. Have a happy and safe Easter! Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16, the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show will take place at the Fillmore active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara St., Fillmore. Above are winners from a previous flower show. Photo credit Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee

Are you ready to share your “Garden Treasures” with your friends and neighbors? The most popular divisions at the flower show are Divisions I, II and III Single Stem Cut Flowers. Do you have Roses? Iris? Any other flower? Bring them to the flower show. That means cut a single stem from the plant with at least one leaf attached, bring it to the Active Adult Center Saturday morning between 7:30a.m. and 10a.m. We will supply the vase. You might win! Every year the variety of flowers is amazing. Be sure to come by between 1 and 4 o’clock either Saturday or Sunday to view the entries and see what you won. Even if you are not entering a bloom or plant this year, come anyway. Admission is FREE. And there will be live music, a plant boutique, a café and a table for the kids to make something. The Fillmore Flower Show is a really fun event! For a little more detail, roses have several competitive categories: Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, Miniature Rose, Any other Unlisted Rose, and Novelty Rose, most fragrant and largest bloom. There are also several categories of Other Single Stem Cut Flowers: Orchids, Lilies, Delphinium, Geranium and Any Other Unlisted Flower. Bottom line: If you have grown a flower, bring it to the Fillmore Flower Show. If you enter once, you’ll be back year after year. See you there. For complete information go to: fillmoreflowershow.org.

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On Wednesday, March 29, at 1:10pm, road authorities were on-scene directing traffic on W. Guiberson Road / SR23 when a dump truck lost its load of dirt in the eastbound lane-Guiberson. The road was cleared and open to traffic. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

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The most recent Fillmore Rotary speaker was Jim Wisdom, from the Westlake Village Rotary. The program title was “How to Successfully Exit Your Business.” Exit planning is a good business strategy starting early on in the business. Plan ahead about how long you want to be in business and what you want to do when you retire. Is your business transferable or will you sell the business? Various things will change over the years, but if you have a plan, you’ll be prepared to handle them. Pictured (l-r) is Rotary President Dave Andersen with guest speaker Jim Wisdom. Courtesy Rotarian Martha Richardson.