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!

Eric Landis of Ameci’s Pizza in Fillmore. Photo credit Brandy Hollis.

Courtesy Brandy Hollis

Not all heroes wear capes, some of them are carrying pizza boxes. Eric Landis, in my opinion, is a hero with a pizzeria. If you go into Ameci’s Pizza, you will notice helmets from FHS Flashes and Fillmore Raiders on the counter, jerseys hung from all the sports teams, thank you plaques and hand-drawn pictures of thanks, with an especially cute one from Sonshine Preschool. If you go down to a sports field you may see a banner of sponsorship, gift cards at an AYSO raffle or pizza served at a snack bar. Your kids may be doing a fundraiser where a percentage of the profits go to their programs or may be being served pizza as part of a number of kids programs in town. Football players get fed the night before a big game, so they are stored up on fuel to burn. Personally, I have held team parties at the restaurant because he is always ready to be helpful to any organization, especially ones for the kid’s programs. Eric is usually behind the counter with a smile and thanks. He knows his business and makes the dough himself. He has a lovely family growing up in Fillmore and loves the community he works and lives in. Is it hot outside? That’s ok, Eric has the pizza ovens going at Ameci’s. Too hot for pizza? That’s ok, they have yummy sandwiches and salads too! If you need a good place to have a team party, they have indoor and outdoor dining. Catering menu too! Give Eric a shout-out online or tag him on social media to let him know... cheese and pepperoni go a long way. If this little epic contribution is cheesy, know that every single time I have asked Eric Landis to help in any area of this community, he has always said Yes. Thank you, Eric, for loving your community, and letting me be a lil cheesy.

Investigation leads to arrest of suspect in connection with the death of Paul Kessler.

On November 16, 2023, detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau contacted Loay Alnaji in the City of Moorpark and arrested him for the death of Paul Kessler. Alnaji will be booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for California Penal Code section 192(b) – involuntary manslaughter and his bail will be set at $1,000,000.

Though an arrest has been made, we continue to encourage community members who may have information about this criminal investigation and have yet to come forward to please contact Detective Stump at (805) 384-4745.

Any persons who were driving a vehicle equipped with video recording equipment, such as Teslas, in the area of Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard between 3:00 p.m. and 4 p.m. on November 5th, are encouraged to reach out to detectives or utilize the link provided below to download and submit video footage.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Those who wish to share video or pictures of the incident can do so and can remain anonymous by using the following link:

https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/23-1...

FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA – October 26, 2023– The Fillmore City Council unanimously approved the Hometown Heroes Military Banner program at its meeting on October 24. The City is proud to recognize Fillmore’s military heroes for their service through the City's Military Banner Program. Family members and loved ones may nominate duty service members from any branch of the United States Military to be honored with a street banner with the service member's name. The City will officially take over the program as of Monday, November 6.

Prior to commencement of this program, the creation of military banners was a joint effort between the City and the Fillmore Unified School District. For a coordinated and consistent program, the District and City determined that the City should administer the banner program on its own.

To qualify, honorees must meet the following requirements:

o Live within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries at the time of enlistment; and
o Be active-duty military personnel in any branch of the United States Military (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, or Marine Corps), including active Reserves and active National Guard; or,
o Be inactive duty or retired military personnel that served in any branch of the United States Military; or,
o Be a fallen service member in any United States conflict.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and banners will be installed and removed quarterly, on the last Thursday of the last month of each quarter (January, April, July, October), weather, City Holidays and staffing permitting.

Applicants must pay the vendor directly for each banner, which costs $138. The City will pay for the banner brackets, installation, and removal.

The banner applications and program guidelines can be obtained from the City of Fillmore’s website at https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1318/Hometown-Heroes or you may contact the Public Works Department to have them emailed to you by contacting Shannon Godfrey at (805) 201-9623 or sgodfrey@fillmoreca.gov. Applications will also be available at City Hall, in the lobby and second floor offices, located at 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA.

The City is also soliciting volunteers to be Ambassadors for the Fillmore Hometown Heroes Military Banner program. Ambassadors will provide assistance with administering the program. Participation in the program by Ambassador volunteers is strictly voluntary and uncompensated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Erika Herrera, Assistant City Manager at eherera@fillmoreca.gov / (805) 946-1712 or Jacky Magdaleno, Senior Management Analyst, at jherrera@fillmoreca.gov/ (805) 946-1295

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

VENTURA, Calif. – Today, November 17, 2023, Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, pled not guilty at arraignment to one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and one felony count of battery causing serious bodily injury. Alnaji also denied the special allegations that he personally inflicted great bodily injury.

Alnaji is accused of engaging in a physical confrontation with the victim, Paul Kessler, on November 5, 2023, while both were protesting on the corner of Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Westlake Blvd., in Thousand Oaks. Mr. Kessler subsequently died from injuries sustained during the incident.

Earlier today, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff held a news conference discussing the arrest of Alnaji and the felony complaint filed today in Ventura County Superior Court.

“In filing these charges, we relied upon new physical and forensic evidence as well as findings regarding the injuries to the left side of Paul Kessler’s face,” District Attorney Nasarenko said during the news conference.

A complete recording of the news conference is available here: https://vimeo.com/884988975.

Alnaji is scheduled to make his next court appearance on November 29, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 22 of the Ventura County Superior Court. A preliminary hearing date has been set for December 4, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. also in courtroom 22. Alnaji is currently in custody with bail now set at $50,000.