Evidence collected by Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Evidence collected by Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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On 03/21/2025, (S) Adrian Aguilar and (S) Jose Mercado were both arrested for firearm-related offenses.

At about 1:00 AM, diligent members of the community called to report “shots heard” in the quiet unincorporated agricultural community south of Fillmore known as Bardsdale. Patrol personnel from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the area and quickly located an occupied vehicle in the area the shots were coming from.

The vehicle’s occupants, Adrian Aguilar and Jose Mercado, were detained pursuant to the shooting investigation. As a result of the investigation, deputies determined Aguilar and Mercado were involved in the shooting and arrested both.

During their investigation, deputies located a loaded unserialized handgun, often referred to as a “ghost gun.” The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers or markings. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years.

Ultimately, Aguilar was arrested for DUI and a Penal Code § 246.3(a) – [Negligent Discharge of a Firearm]. Mercado was arrested for Penal Code § 246.3, Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying Concealed Firearm on Person], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], Penal Code § 32310 – [Possession of Large Capacity Magazine]. Both were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote

News Release Date: 03/21/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release: NO

***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
###

 


 
At Fillmore’s Tuesday night city council meeting Sergeant James Douglas and Partner Camron Knox from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Departments homeless liaison group spoke to council about all they are doing with the homeless situation in Fillmore.
At Fillmore’s Tuesday night city council meeting Sergeant James Douglas and Partner Camron Knox from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Departments homeless liaison group spoke to council about all they are doing with the homeless situation in Fillmore.
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CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL
AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A VENTURA COUNTY SHERRIFF’S OFFICE - HOMELESS LIAISON UNIT PRESENTATION

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 25, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 25, 2025.PDF

8.B MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING VENTURA COUNTY REGIONAL EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY COLLABORATION (WASTE FREE VENTURA COUNTY)

SR EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY MOU AGREEMENT.PDF

8.C ADOPTION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (ZOA) NO. 24-02 AND ORDINANCE NO. 25-976 ALLOWING (1) BUT LIMITING NONSTOREFRONT
MEDICINAL CANNABIS RETAILERS TO THE BUSINESS PARK (BP) ZONE AND

(2) MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY, BOTH AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND ADOPTING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT

SR ORD 25-976 - DB1186 MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY ORDINANCE.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

Item

8.C was passed 4 in favor and 1 opposed

All other items passed 5-0

9.A CONSIDERATION OF HIRING HDL COMPANIES FOR SALES TAX MONITORING AND AUDITING SERVICES

RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that the Council: 1) Approve the updated Records Retention Schedule prepared in
accordance with Government Code Section 34090 by Gladwell Governmental Services Inc.,, the City’s Record Management
consultant specializing in California local government records 2) Authorize the City Manager to approve future annual
updates administratively without requiring City Council approval RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1.
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with HdL Companies for sales tax monitoring and auditing services; and 2.
Adopt Resolution 25-4053 designating HdL Companies as the City’s authorized representative to examine sales and use tax
records.

SR HDL COMPANIES CONTRACT AND RESOLUTTION.PDF

9.B APPROVAL OF UPDATED RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE AND FUTURE

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES

SR - UPDATING RETENTION SCHEDULE AND IMPLEMENTING NEW ADMIN POLICIES.PDF

9.C LAND TRANSFER, EASEMENT AGREEMENT AND MOU FOR SEWER AND RECYLCED WATER RELOCATION WITH FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT

FUSD LAND TRANSFER & EASEMENT AGREEMENT INTRO AND EASEMENT AGR INTRO STAFF REPORT.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1) Consider approval of Resolution No. 25-4052 for the transfer of the strip of land
along the north and west portions of the Fillmore Tennis and Aquatic Center land parcel to the Fillmore Unified School
District (FUSD); 2) Consider approval of an Easement Agreement over the land transferred to FUSD providing rights of use to
the City; 3) Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to permitting and approvals for relocation of
existing public sewer line and reclaimed water line by FUSD; and 4) Authorize the City Manager to complete the vacation of
existing sewer easement and acceptance of new easements over relocated utilities

9.D APPROVAL OF 2025-2026 SERVICE LEVEL REQUEST AND ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES SR 2025
VCAS SR SLA.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve a one-year contract extension, amending the original agreement with Ventura
County Animal Services, including the 2025-2026 Service Level Request for Ventura County Animal Services to continue
providing animal services to the City’s residents.

9.E CONSIDERATION OF 2024 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE CITY GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT

REQUEST City staff requests the City Council receive and file the 2024 Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element and
direct staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

SR ANNUAL HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT.PDF

10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

11. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

FINANCE DIRECTOR: UPDATE ON REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT WITH THE FILLMORE-PIRU MEMORIAL DISTRICT

12. CLOSED SESSION

12.A CLOSED SESSION - MARCH 25, 2025 MARCH 25, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL, 8 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

 


 

On 03/20/2025, (S) Curtis Hood was arrested for out of state parole warrant, criminal threats, attempt kidnapping, and
domestic violence related offenses.

At about 5:30 PM, patrol deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to a report of a domestic
dispute at the Lake Piru Recreational Area located in the quiet, unincorporated community known as Piru. Arriving deputies
spoke with a reporting party who witnessed a physical altercation between Hood and an adult female.

As the investigation unfolded, Sheriff’s Dispatch advised deputies Hood had an extensive criminal history, was on parole,
and had an active out of state parole warrant for his arrest.

Based on the circumstances, Sheriff’s personnel from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, West County
Special Enforcement Unit, and Sheriff’s Air Unit responded to assist.

Ultimately, Hood entered his vehicle and attempted to leave the area. An enforcement stop was conducted on Hood and he was
taken into custody without incident.

A subsequent investigation took place following Hood’s arrest where patrol and detectives developed probable cause to arrest
Hood for additional charges, including violations of Penal Code § 273.5(a) – [Corporal Injury to Spouse], Penal Code §
664/207(a) – [Attempt Kidnapping], Penal Code § 236 – [False Imprisonment], and Penal Code § 422 – [Criminal Threats].

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our
agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence
in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community
partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and

@FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and
advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote

News Release Date: 03/21/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release:NO
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

 
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Probation Agency held “Coffee with the Badges” at Fillmore’s Starbucks. This event allowed community members an opportunity to address questions and concerns to local public safety personnel and learn more about resources and services available in the community. The crowd enjoyed a cup of coffee, engaged in meaningful discussions, and helped strengthen the bond between first responders and the community. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Probation Agency held “Coffee with the Badges” at Fillmore’s Starbucks. This event allowed community members an opportunity to address questions and concerns to local public safety personnel and learn more about resources and services available in the community. The crowd enjoyed a cup of coffee, engaged in meaningful discussions, and helped strengthen the bond between first responders and the community. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office / Fillmore Police Station’s Volunteer Unit is a community-based crime prevention program exercising pro-active law enforcement principles. This program is composed of highly motivated volunteers in our community who desire to interact, serve and protect their community.

Our volunteers conduct a variety of assignments including but not limited to visibility patrols, assist with community-based activities such as parades, perform vacation house checks, conduct traffic control at collisions, help during local incidents and events, and other exciting duties. The contributions made by these trained volunteers have been an integral part of the support system needed to achieve our department’s law enforcement mission of providing public safety. Volunteers in Policing (VIP) members perform routine police related functions, allowing deputies to concentrate more on the duties that only sworn personnel can perform.

The Fillmore Police Volunteer Unit is a self-governing non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with a structure and the oversight of the Fillmore Police Administration Bureau. The Sheriff's Volunteer Unit was established in 1989 and has accomplished a wide variety of assignments since then. In the early days, the unit was assigned to the Crime Prevention Office. In 1991, the volunteer unit became uniformed, making them more visible to the public and today this unit has evolved with an abundance of community responsibilities and caretaking.

Our volunteers have designated VIP patrol vehicles. The volunteer force also performs various administration responsibilities to assist the public, along with a variety of other duties and special assignments. As articulated by the Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon, “The job for partnering is not just for the head of the law enforcement agency, it is for everyone in the organization and for those in the community who choose to participate. By partnering more with the public, officers, and community members alike will feel they are supported because of the relationships they form.”
Citizens who volunteer for this program will undergo a background investigation and be carefully screened as to judgment, maturity, and ability to work within a team concept. VIP members are not required to attend a citizen academy; however it is encouraged. Training includes report writing, first aid and C.P.R., traffic control, police radio usage, observations and reporting procedures, basic driving skills, and certain administrative duties.

The Fillmore Police Station Volunteer Unit welcomes serious-minded retired or semi-retired individuals to apply for duty as Sheriff Volunteers. Training is provided and everyone is welcome!

VIP Requirements

Selected applicants must contribute 4 hours per month and attend regular training meetings and patrol briefings. The uniform will be provided at no cost. If you are interested in joining a positive environment and making a difference in your community as a VIP, please contact the below listed recruiters at the below listed number.

Nature of Incident: Fillmore Police Department Volunteer Recruitment

Location: Fillmore Police Department

524 Sespe Avenue Fillmore, CA

Date & Time: March 24, 2025

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station ~ Volunteers in Policing (VIP)

Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell

News Release Date: March 24, 2025

Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Will Hollowell or
VIP Coordinator Lisa Hammond
(805) 524-2234

Email: William.hollowell@ventura.org
Lisa.hammond@ventura.org

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

 
On Monday, March 24th, at 4:47 a.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a single vehicle accident in the 100 block of East Telegraph Road, near El Dorado Drive. Arriving firefighters discovered a single truck in a fire hydrant barrier. The driver sustained minor injuries; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Monday, March 24th, at 4:47 a.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a single vehicle accident in the 100 block of East Telegraph Road, near El Dorado Drive. Arriving firefighters discovered a single truck in a fire hydrant barrier. The driver sustained minor injuries; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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On Friday, March 21st, Fillmore Unified School District gathered with students and faculty for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rio Vista Elementary Schools all-weather Track and Field. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/3/21/rio-vista-elementary-track-amp-field-grand-opening-ceremony.
On Friday, March 21st, Fillmore Unified School District gathered with students and faculty for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rio Vista Elementary Schools all-weather Track and Field. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/3/21/rio-vista-elementary-track-amp-field-grand-opening-ceremony.
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On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 8:15 a.m., Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) celebrated the grand opening of the new track and field at Rio Vista Elementary School.

The event was attended by FUSD governing board trustees Olivia Palacio and Scott Beylik, City of Fillmore Council Member, John Garnica, AYSO President, Arnold Munoz, Heritage Valley Blazers President, Jared Perez, Superintendent Schieferle and members of FUSD’s administration team.

Rio Vista Principal Beverly Garnica had the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new track and field. The new track is a 200 meter (approximately 656 foot) all-weather track with a soccer field in the middle. The track will also be used by students for activities during recess and Physical Education classes.

FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “The new track and field project was funded by our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and is part of our ongoing commitment to upgrade facilities across our entire school district. I would like to thank our board of trustees, FUSD staff, and all partners involved for bringing this high-quality, state-of-the-art track and field to our students and our Fillmore-Piru community.”

Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica said, “Today we officially opened our new Rio Vista Track and Field by holding a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Our students LOVE the new field and we are looking forward to many years of enjoyment. Great things are happening at FUSD!”

 
Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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On 03/11/2025, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Station arrested a 34-year-old woman for having an
illegal firearm concealed on her person in a public place.

At about 1:59 PM, Sheriff’s patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station contacted what they believed to be a stranded motorist
in the 3000 block of Torrey Road. The motorist was identified as (S) Amber Marie Sisson, a Fresno resident. A records check
determined Sisson had an active out-of-county warrant for her arrest. A search of Sisson’s person led to the discovery of a
loaded “ghost gun” concealed on her person. Sisson is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from owning or possessing
firearms or ammunition. Sisson was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 25400(c)(2) – [Carrying Concealed Firearm on
Person], Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm], Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of
Ammunition], and Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer].

Sisson was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked pending court proceedings.

The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally
transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement
and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence
in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community
partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and
@FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and
advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote

News Release Date: 03/12/2025

Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Booking Photo Release: NO

***

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint
against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime
Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

 
On Thursday, March 13th, at 2:36 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics investigated a semi-truck vs vehicle near the intersection of Ventura Street and B Street. Two ambulance transports were made; condition of the patients is unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Thursday, March 13th, at 2:36 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics investigated a semi-truck vs vehicle near the intersection of Ventura Street and B Street. Two ambulance transports were made; condition of the patients is unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=194
Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=194
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=194

Posted on: February 24, 2025

Graffiti Removal

The City is committed to keeping our community clean and graffiti-free. Our team removes graffiti using either a power
washer or paint, depending on the surface and location. When painting over graffiti, we make every effort to match the
existing paint color as closely as possible using the paint we have available. However, exact matches may not always be
possible due to variations in paint colors and weathering.

If graffiti appears on private property, we must first obtain a signed Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form from the
property owner before proceeding with removal.

If you notice graffiti anywhere in the city, please report it as soon as possible so we can take the necessary steps for
removal. Residents can report graffiti in the following ways:

Online: Use our Public Works Contact Form and include a detailed description, the exact location, and photos of the graffiti
to help our team respond efficiently.

Graffiti Hotline: Call (805) 524-1500 x802 to leave a voicemail with the detailed location and description of the graffiti.
Providing as much detail as possible will help us address the issue more quickly.

To complete the Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form use this link:
https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/970/City-of-Fillmore---Co... to
complete the Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form.

Thank you for helping us keep our city clean!