Pictured is Ralphy Avila, Jax’s son and a Fillmore Little League player, and Jax Avila, Fillmore Little League Board Member, riding in the 2023 Lions Club Christmas Parade. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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By Brandy Hollis, parent & former Fillmore Little League manager

One of my favorite things to do is to observe the “doers”, the ones always there, doing the work, answering questions, putting out fires, and not always the one being recognized. I am sure any organization Jax Avila is involved with knows how truly blessed they are to have her, but I just wanted to give her a little shout-out. I know if I need a question answered, or help with a project, she gives her word and follows up. I am a big applauder of people who do what they say and without a doubt she has been one of those I can count on. Whether you’re at the snack bar, registering your kids, watching a game or needing a question answered, pay attention to how often Jax is around, giving her time freely to Little League and other organizations. There are also many other volunteers who make this organization work and flourish here in Fillmore, but this is just a little shout-out to her personally. As our children continue to play youth sports here in Fillmore, these organizations are run by volunteers. That includes coaches. I cannot tell you how many times a kid has gotten excited because their parent is one of the ones helping out or coaching. Everything runs smoother when there are parent volunteers in any sport. Stand up and lend a helping hand and make your kids’ season! And if you see Jax, smile and say hi!

Pictured l-r is Pip, Carina Montoya and Scruffy. Photo credit Danny Haro.
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By Carina Montoya

Happy 2024 Fillmore! In 2022, I introduced Scruffy, my terrier-mix rescue, found abandoned, alone and wandering the streets in the San Fernando Valley at about 10 weeks old. An animal control officer found her and brought her to the shelter. She was a lucky dog, and I was fortunate to find her. She was my Christmas present in December 2017. This past Christmas 2023, I adopted another rescue who was abandoned along with eight of his siblings. The puppies were approximately nine weeks old when someone dumped them in a field in an agricultural area in Bakersfield. A farmer found the pups with no mother in sight. He called a rescue organization who came and gathered the puppies. I responded when photos of the puppies were put on social media. The rescue organization believed the dogs were Border Collie/Cattle Dog mix. I was interested in the black/white puppy with the white paintbrush tip tail because he resembled Freckles, one of the loves of my life for 14 years who was a female Border Collie. Needless to say, it was love at first sight for both of us. I named him Pip after a character in Great Expectations, one of my favorite classics by Charles Dickens. I was curious to know Pip’s breed mix, so I bought a dog DNA test kit, swabbed the inside of his cheeks and sent it off. I was surprised to learn that he has no Border Collie in his DNA. Pip is 61% German Shepherd, 31% Pit Bull, and 10% Siberian Husky. He is definitely an interesting mix, which makes him a special dog who is loved and treated as a member of the family. To Pip, he belongs to a forever pack.

Bringing a dog into your home is a responsibility. All domesticated dogs are dependent on their owner for food, shelter, safety, exercise and attention. I’m sure that all dog-lovers agree that if you don’t treat your dog as a family member, you shouldn’t have a dog. Dogs are descendants from wolves which man befriended, tamed, and cared for in exchange for them to work as guard dogs. It is said that “this reciprocal relationship remains in your dog’s genes and their loyalty is a by-product of it.”

During the COVID isolation period many shelters for the first time became virtually empty. People wanted dogs because they were isolated at home. After COVID isolation was over and people returned to work and school, many people no longer wanted their dogs. Shelters again began reaching their full capacity in unwanted dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs were also found abandoned and left to die in cages, boxes and trash cans or left to be killed by vehicles or wildlife.

There are approximately 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. filled with unwanted animals. By rescuing a dog from a shelter, you will be doing your part in saving it from an uncertain fate. In return, the dog will be grateful for getting a second chance and you will get unconditional love, loyalty and much more. Many people looking to adopt a dog prefer a puppy, but adopting young and older dogs often has positive benefits, such as they are no longer teething; they are house trained; and they have been socialized with people and other animals. My two rescues are lucky dogs because they found a forever home. Little do they know that I am the lucky one because they are gifts that keep on giving.
Happy New Year to you and your furry pets!

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is informing the public about a recent report our office received from the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators (IAFCI, December 2023) regarding QR code fraud, and the relative financial and security risks associated with this increasing growing form of fraud.

QR codes or “Quick Response codes” (see image 1) are barcodes that can be read (scanned) by an imaging device, such as a camera on a phone. When a QR code is imaged by a device, it can direct the device to perform functions such as opening websites. There are certain private and public entities that will use QR code applications to facilitate digital payments transactions for customers (scan and pay). QR codes can be placed or affixed anywhere, such as a physical location (a sticker on a store window) or non-stationary settings (advertisements on print or in digital format).

“As technology provides customers more options to quickly and easily conduct financial transactions, what sometimes follows right behind are the quick and easy methods criminals use in an attempt to steal from those very customers,” said Investigator Richard Elias, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Fraud Division.

Certain criminals (“fraudsters”) have taken advantage of the growing use of QR code technology to trick users into scanning illegitimate QR codes, which fraudsters can place or affix with relative ease anywhere. This can be as easy as placing a QR code sticker over a pre-existing QR code (see image 2). Once a victim accesses the malicious QR code, they are routed to a fraudulent website posing as the official site of what the customer intended to visit or do business with. This could ultimately lead to financial losses or the later misuse of personal identification and financial information.

To prevent this, consumers are encouraged to:

1. Consider where and how QR codes are being displayed and if those displays reasonably correspond with the transactions being considered.

2. Before “clicking” to accept a scanned QR code, check the phone camera screen to see what website (URL address) is associated with that QR code (this should pop up when the phone scans the code).

3. After accepting a scanned QR code, check the website (URL address and site features) to make sure the website is associated with the legitimate company/entity it claims to represent. Discontinue or check with the entity directly if there are any doubts of authenticity.

If you have been a victim of QR code fraud, or suspect QR code fraud is taking place, please report the matter to your local law enforcement agency and immediately report any suspected financial fraud to your bank or credit card company.

Ventura County, California – The Ventura County Grand Jury will be holding information
sessions for members of the public interested in becoming Grand Jurors. This is an
opportunity to tour the Grand Jury Chambers, meet current Grand Jurors and get
deeper insight into what it means to serve.

Two information sessions will take place on:

Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm

at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura.
Please RSVP for one of the above dates to Claudia D. Gomez at:
GrandJuryRSVP@ventura.org

If you are interested in applying for the Grand Jury or want more information, please
visit the Grand Jury website at: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury

https://www.fillmore ca.gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=54
Posted on: December 21, 2023

Join us for a fantastic Walking Event in Fillmore!
Hey there Fillmore folks! We have something exciting coming your way. The City of Fillmore has partnered with Ventura County Area Agency.

The City of Fillmore along with VCAA is thrilled to invite all you amazing senior adults to join us for a fun filled walking event that is all about boosting your health and well-being. Get ready to put on those comfy shoes and let’s hit the road together! For more information visit: Vcaaa.org/falls. Or feel free to reach out to Julian Zendejas via email at julianz@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at (805) 254-3030.
Get ready to step into a healthier you and have a blast with your fellow Fillmore Seniors! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Please also note that our Active Adult Center will be closed to the public December 25th - January 2nd. For more details use this link: https://s38652.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WalkWithEase_Flyer_202...

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

We’re again providing Christmas tree recycling for our residential customers this year, and we encourage you to participate in this important effort.

During the two weeks after Christmas – from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6 – simply remove ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails, stands and other items you put on the tree. Then cut the tree into 4-foot sections and put them in your organics/yard waste cart on your regular pickup day. Or, place the whole Christmas tree at the curb on collection day. (Flocked trees are accepted.)

The trees will be processed into mulch by our part-ner Agromin. These products benefit our farmlands, orchards, nurseries, landscape projects and home gardens, so recycling your tree truly is a holiday gift to Mother Earth. We appreciate your help, and thanks also to Agromin and our local municipalities for participating in this program.

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Recicle Su Árbol de Navidad
Este año otra vez proveeremos a nuestros clientes en áreas residenciales reciclaje de su árbol navideño, los animamos a participar en este importante esfuerzo.

Las siguientes dos semanas después de la Navidad del 26 de diciembre hasta el 6 de enero, simplemente quite los adornos, ganchos, luces, oropel, listones y clavos y la base del árbol y otros artículos que puso en el árbol. Corte el árbol en 4 pedazos y en el día de la recolección póngalo en el bote para desperdicios del jardín/orgánicos o ponga el árbol en la orilla de la banqueta el día de la recolección. (Se aceptan los árboles con nieve artificial).

Nuestro socio Agromin procesará los árboles como abono, ese producto beneficiará nuestras tierras de cultivo, huertos, viveros, proyectos paisajísticos, y jardines. Al reciclar su árbol en realidad le está dando un regalo festivo a la Madre Tierra. Les agradecemos su ayuda y también a Agromin, y a nuestras municipalidades por participar en este programa. See

Courtesy Ventura County Transportation Commission https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/?mc_cid=f6d3865132& mc_eid=c5734b16a7

We want to know if bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand, or rail services are meeting your needs. Your local transit operators are looking for comments and suggestions that will help to plan and improve transit services in Ventura County. Share your comments by attending an in-person or virtual meeting.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
6 p.m. at Fillmore Library Innovative Lab
502 2nd Street
Fillmore, CA
***

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024
12 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
bit.ly/3RpBGZV
***

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024
6 p.m. at Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo, CA 93010
***

Friday, Feb. 2, 2024
9 a.m.
Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo, CA 93010

Can’t make the meetings?
- Fill out our survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P555B5R (offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese)
- Email comments
- Call 800.438.1112
- Mail comments directly to: Dolores Lopez at 751 E. Daily Dr., STE. 420, Camarillo, CA 93010
Use the link below to learn more about what an Unmet Transit Need is, the process, and to view improvements that have been made in recent years.
https://www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs/?mc_cid=f6d38651 32&mc_eid=c5734b16a7
We invite you to also provide comments during the community listening sessions about transit improvements and preferences to help us develop the Short Range Transit Plan for Ventura County.

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gerardo Israel Escalante
(DOB 05/25/89), of Santa Paula, has been charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI)
causing injury, felony driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol causing injury, and one misdemeanor
count for unlawful vehicle operation. Escalante has also been charged with several special
allegations, including causing great bodily injury in the commission of a felony and for having prior
DUI convictions.

On December 16, 2023, at approximately 8:36 p.m. the California Highway Patrol received a
911 call of a white Mercedes swerving into oncoming traffic at high speeds. It was then reported
that the Mercedes crashed head-on with a Ventura County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle on Pacific
Coast Highway, north of Deer Creek Road. The patrol vehicle traveled off the roadway and down
the embankment onto the rocks near the ocean’s edge, with the deputy and his K9 inside.
The deputy was transported to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) to be treated for his
injuries. His K9 partner sustained a cut to his face.

Escalante, who is currently on probation for DUI, was also transported to VCMC and later arrested.
Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Einhorn, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
DUI Unit, is the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Escalante’s arraignment was continued this morning to December 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in
courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He’s currently in custody with bail set at
$500,000

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.
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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!