In collaboration with Farm Watch, the Fillmore Investigations Bureau communicated crime trends identified from recent agricultural thefts occurring in the Santa Clara Valley. Empowering the agricultural community as our eyes and ears has contributed to the identification and apprehension of a repeat offender of agricultural thefts.

On April 15th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to a call-for-service at a local farm reference an attempted theft of avocados. Patrol deputies were informed that a large quantity of avocados pre-staged in bags and crates was located on the farm. The farm owner stated this was suspicious and inconsistent with the normal operation of the farm. The farm owner’s diligence and education of previous crime trends, as well as quick notification to law enforcement, prevented thieves from completing the theft of the pre-staged avocados. The patrol deputy was able to collect evidence relating to the crime and authored a crime report.

On April 24th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station contacted Jose Antonio Rosales Hernandez in the 100 block of A Street, Fillmore. Based on previous law enforcement contacts, patrol deputies knew Hernandez had previously been convicted of Penal Code § 487(b)(1)(A) – Grand Theft of Vegetables and Fruit. Hernandez was placed on Ventura County Probation and accepted probation terms requiring him to submit to search of his person, residence, vehicle, or any property under his control by a probation officer of law enforcement officer, with or without a search warrant, for items prohibited by his probation conditions.

During the contact, patrol deputies conducted a search of Hernandez’ person, vehicle, and residence in compliance with Hernandez’ court appointed probation conditions. During the search, patrol deputies found methamphetamine, collected additional evidence, and developed probable cause to connect him to the attempted theft from the local farm on April 15th, 2024. As a result of the contact, Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for being in violation of Health & Safety Code § 11377 (a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance and Penal Code § 664/487(b)(1)(A) – Attempted Grand Theft of Vegetables and Fruit.

The Fillmore Patrol Station encourages the agricultural community to utilize “Farm Watch,” a partnership between the farming community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Farm Watch is a county-wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to more than several hundred farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. This program provides information to ranchers on agriculture crime trends and on how to react and treat the crime scene so that potential evidence is preserved for immediate processing by deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident:Farm Watch Collaboration Results in Arrest of Repeat Offender
Report Number: 24-49822
Location: 100 block of A Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: April 24th, 2024, at 8:00 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Investigations Bureau
Suspects City of Residence Age
Jose Antonio Rosales Hernandez Fillmore, California 32

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: April 24th, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes hosted and defeated longtime rival Santa Paula in the Citrus Coast League Championship game. Final score, Fillmore-11, Santa Paula-1.

Highlights: Emma Estrella- 9 strikeouts, 2 hits over 6 innings. Great defensive game by the Lady Flashes. Flashes Hitting: Alexa Escamilla- 2 Run Homerun RBI, walk off single; Erika Sanchez- 2 singles, 1 RBI; Sofia Aviles- 2 singles, 2 RBI; Aryanne Munoz- 1 Triple, 2 RBI; Makayla Balboa- Double; Viviana Posadas- Single.

Flashes Record: Citrus Coast League: 9-1; Overall: 13-5-2.

On Thursday, April 25, at the Booty Sanchez event, the ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son, Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.
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On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes baseball team hosted a ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory and marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. Pictured above are folks who came out to participate in the ceremony.

A ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory, was held on April 25th, 2024. The ceremony marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. A rededication ceremony will take place when the new Booty Sanchez field is completed.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Sanchez family, The Friends of Booty, and the Fillmore Unified School District. DJ Danny Ibarra played all of Booty’s favorite songs. The ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.
Fillmore High Principal Keith Derrick was the Master of Ceremonies. Booty’s wife Debbie, and Sanchez family members in attendance were all introduced by Pokey. Jack Morales provided a moving memorial of Booty, and talked about how The Friends of Booty was formed, and the history of how and why the field was dedicated to Booty’s memory.

Former long-time Flashes head baseball coach Tom Ecklund was unable to attend the event. Current long-time Flashes head baseball coach Matt Suttle spoke about his memories of playing baseball on the field as a player and as a coach. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle spoke about her personal memories of Booty and shared the school district’s plans for the design and rededication of the new Booty Sanchez Field.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Chief Keith Gurrola (left) and the City of Fillmore recognized Sal Ibarra for the 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award.
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April 23, 2024

All items passed 5-0. Item 9D moved to May 14. Item 9G – report received and filed by CC.
Firefighter of the Year 2023, Sal Ibarra, was presented at council meeting Tuesday evening by Fire Chief Keith Gurrola (see photo).

9.A ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR
PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 19-01, MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET SIDEWALK
EXTENSION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR
CONTRUCTION BIDS

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the extension of the sidewalk on the west side of Mountain View Street between Ventura Street and Santa Clara Street, known as Project Specification No. 19-01 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids.
9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO.22-03, CITY HALL PLAZA RESTORATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for restoration of certain items in disrepair within the City Hall Plaza, known as Project Specification No. 22-03 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids.

9.C ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-03, PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the preservation of pavement on various street segment that includes sidewalk repairs, curb and gutter repairs, and replacement of certain curb ramps for ADA compliance, known as Project Specification No. 23-03 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for constructionbids.

9.D INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.28 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW OIL WELL DRILLING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FROM RESIDENCES AND SCHOOLS AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

9.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES.
RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the First Amendment to Willdan Engineering Contract for City Engineer Services and authorize the City Manager to sign the First Amendment to the contract.

9.F CONSIDERATION OF TWO CONTRACTS, ONE FOR GIS SOFTWARE AND ONE FOR SUPPORT FOR THE SOFTWARE.

9.G UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF THE 2024 AQUATIC SEASON.

RECOMMENDATION Discuss and provide guidance on staffing the Aquatic Center this season and/or exploring alternative solutions.

9.H APPROVE THE 2024-2025 AGREEMENT WITH FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FUND TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve an agreement with Fillmore Unified School District for the continuation of two (s) deputy sheriff positions in the City’s existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) for fiscal year 2024-25.

9.I INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESMETNS FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.02 AND HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1. 9.J REVIEW OF THE ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS AND THE INTENT TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING OF A PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-3998 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.

9.J REVIEW OF THE ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS AND THE INTENT TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING OF A PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-3998 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.