By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
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 Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 03/21/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL 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 (2) MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY, BOTH AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND ADOPTING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL 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 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 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 9.D APPROVAL OF 2025-2026 SERVICE LEVEL REQUEST AND ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES SR 2025 RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve a one-year contract extension, amending the original agreement with Ventura 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 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 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
On 03/20/2025, (S) Curtis Hood was arrested for out of state parole warrant, criminal threats, attempt kidnapping, and At about 5:30 PM, patrol deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to a report of a domestic As the investigation unfolded, Sheriff’s Dispatch advised deputies Hood had an extensive criminal history, was on parole, Based on the circumstances, Sheriff’s personnel from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, West County Ultimately, Hood entered his vehicle and attempted to leave the area. An enforcement stop was conducted on Hood and he was A subsequent investigation took place following Hood’s arrest where patrol and detectives developed probable cause to arrest The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 03/21/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release:NO |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
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.” 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 Email: William.hollowell@ventura.org Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo 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!” |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
On 03/11/2025, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Station arrested a 34-year-old woman for having an At about 1:59 PM, Sheriff’s patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station contacted what they believed to be a stranded motorist 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 The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence 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 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
![]() 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. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
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 If graffiti appears on private property, we must first obtain a signed Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form from the If you notice graffiti anywhere in the city, please report it as soon as possible so we can take the necessary steps for Online: Use our Public Works Contact Form and include a detailed description, the exact location, and photos of the graffiti Graffiti Hotline: Call (805) 524-1500 x802 to leave a voicemail with the detailed location and description of the graffiti. To complete the Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form use this link: Thank you for helping us keep our city clean! |