By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 31st, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, at 12:30 p.m. the school received an anonymous call from a female who claimed that a bomb was in her locker and would go off in 25 minutes, said Capt. Nick Odenath of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The agency is contracted to provide police services in Fillmore. A school resource officer was on campus at the time. Students were escorted to the Booty Sanchez Varsity Baseball Field as law enforcement officers investigated. The response included Fillmore deputies and a bomb-trained K-9 police dog from the Simi Valley Police Department. School Principal Keith Derrick posted updates on Facebook during the incident. By 2 p.m., after authorities deemed the campus safe, the school day continued as scheduled, the principal reported. The incident remains under active investigation, Odenath said. Above photo credit Angel Esquivel; below, Heather Furness Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 31st, 2025
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:53am, the Hughes Fire broke out near Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake. By 12:45pm, the skies over Fillmore were filled with smoke and ash, causing poor air quality for the surrounding areas. Evacuations east of Lake Piru were ordered. As of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 8:51am, CalFire announced the fire is at 98% containment and 10,425 acres have been burned. For more and updated information visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/22/hughes-fire. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 31st, 2025
Above is Natalie Yanez, Fillmore’s local SoCal Edison Government Relations Manager, who spoke to the Fillmore City Council Tuesday night regarding everything Edison is doing to help prevent fires. Enlarge Photo CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 City Council Meeting All Items Passed 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 END OF THE YEAR HOUSING MARKET UPDATE PRESENTED BY VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 5.B SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON INFORMATIONAL ON PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS 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-JANUARY 28, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 28, 2025.PDF 8.B AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO MASTER AGREEMENT AND PROJECT SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR ROAD SR CRRSAA FUND AGREEMENT.PDF 8.C (1) GRANT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY FOR ROADWAY OVER CITY OWNED LAND AT TRESTLE WAY AND STATE ROUTE 126; (2) SR - TR 5520 TRESTLE WAY GRANDTING - ACCEPTING RIGHT-OF WAY ON CITY LAND.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A APPOINTMENT OF TWO INDIVIDUALS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION - 2025 TO 2029 TERM RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council confirm the recommendation of the Mayor and approve the appoint two SR - PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS 2025-2029.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding 9.B FY 2025-26 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding SR - FY 2025 -2026 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the City’s current fees for use of City 9.C REVIEW OF CURRENT FEES FOR FACILITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS SR REVIEW OF CURRENT FEES FOR PARK RENTALS AND SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the City’s current fees for use of City 9.D ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-4045 TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY CONDITION AND AUTHORIZE CONTRACTS FOR REPAIRS FOR WELL #7 PURSUANT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-4045 that would declare an emergency condition based on SR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO WELL #7 (1046751.3) FINAL WITH ATTACHMENTS.PDF 9.E APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Appoint an elected official to attend the SCAG General Assembly as 9.F AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING CEILING REPAIR PROJECTRECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign a contract with Wyatt Trapp Inc. for the SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING CEILING REPAIR PROJECT.PDF 9.G HIGH SCHOOL USE OF TENNIS COURTS RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Fillmore High School’s use of the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center courts as SR - HIGH SCHOOL USE OF TENNIS COURTS.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Fillmore High School’s use of the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center courts as 9.H CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-978 TO AMEND SECTION 6.07.060 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE REGULATIONS FOR SR - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE NO. 25-978.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-978, amending Section 6.07.060 of the 9.I REVIEW FUNDING OPTIONS TO CONSTRUCT PHASE TWO SPORTS FIELD LIGHTING AND TURF REPAIRS AT TWO RIVERS PARK RECOMMENDATION That the City Council review options to fund Phase Two of the Sports Field Lighting and Turf Repair Project SR - TWO RIVER PARK LIGHTING & TURF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.PDF 10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 11. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12. CLOSED SESSION 12.A JANUARY 28, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 28, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 13. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY, 11 2025, CITY |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 31st, 2025
On Sunday afternoon, January 26, 2025, Fillmore got its first dose of hail for the new year, with the cold weather and rain coming in over the weekend. For about 3-5 minutes residents reported hail falling throughout the Fillmore area. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, January 31st, 2025
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the launch of its Community Engagement Program, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening a stronger partnership between law enforcement and the communities we serve. This program is committed to enhancing public safety through collaboration, innovative technologies, and evidence-based practices. Under the leadership of Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, the Sheriff’s Office has developed and implemented a strategic framework known as the “Seven Pillars.” These pillars are designed to align the Sheriff’s Office’s mission, strategy, and vision with practical approaches to reducing crime and improving public safety. At the heart of these pillars is Pillar IV: Community Partnered Policing. This pillar is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all community members are given a voice in shaping and influencing how law enforcement operates. The approach ensures that the job of partnering is not restricted to the leadership but involves every member of the organization and the community. To facilitate this partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will be implementing a new method to engage with the public more effectively. Community members will now have easier access to share their safety concerns and seek clarification on both new and existing policies and laws. We invite everyone to participate by visiting our website at venturasheriffs.org. Once there, click on the “Community Engagement” section to express your interest in organizing a gathering or event. A department member will respond promptly to coordinate your request. We offer various ways for the community to engage with us, including: •Requesting a Com-munity Engagement Presentation: Learn more about safety practices and law enforcement operations. •Participating in Com-munity Events: Invite us to your events to foster stronger community ties. To request any of these opportunities, please complete the information form available on our website and click submit. We look forward to working together to create a safer, more connected community. Prepared by: Senerey De Los Santos |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
Released January 17, 2025, As we approach the presidential inauguration, local law enforcement leaders have received inquiries about their roles in enforcing immigration laws. As law enforcement leaders within Ventura County, we feel it is important to re-emphasize our longstanding practices in this area. To be very clear, Ventura County law enforcement has not historically participated in the enforcement of immigration laws. We do not intend to change that practice. Safe communities need effective law enforcement services. In order to be effective, we need the trust and cooperation between residents and the officers and deputies sworn to protect them. We do not want the fear of immigration status to inhibit the members of our communities from interacting with officers and deputies, especially when they are victims or witnesses in criminal cases. In rare cases, and in compliance with California law (SB 54), noncitizens who are held to answer for or convicted of specified crimes may be transferred to federal immigration authorities in the county jail. A total of 43,761 people were booked into the Ventura County jail from various law enforcement agencies in 2023 and 2024. Of that number, only 88 were removed by immigration officials (0.2%). Their charges include crimes such as lewd acts on a child, assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and burglary. Once again, the law enforcement leaders who serve you want to reassure our communities that we intend to maintain our position of NOT participating in immigration enforcement. We deeply appreciate and value the trust and confidence Ventura County law enforcement shares with our communities and look forward to your continued support. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
On Sunday, January 19th, at 9:44 a.m., the Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Fillmore Police, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a structure fire in the 300 block of Glen Way. Arriving firefighters reported a garage completely engulfed in flames, as well as a vehicle on fire; firefighters were able to put out the fire with the assistance of surrounding fire departments. A fire investigator and a Sheriff’s Bomb Squad Arson Investigator were also requested. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the fire was accidental in nature, and no crime was committed. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
On Saturday, January 18, a large crowd came out for the ribbon cutting for Tender Life Maternity Home’s first satellite home, here in Fillmore. Since 1985, Tender Life has served as a beacon of hope for at-risk pregnant women, empowering them to overcome their challenges and embrace the journey of motherhood. Their mission is to equip women with the tools they need to become confident and capable parents, who can also thrive as members of society. At the event, we were deeply heartened by the testimonies of success from the women we have served. If you would like to be a part of this noble effort by helping with our ongoing expenses, please visit www.tenderlifematerniy.org. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
Pictured above is Ms. Tiffany leading music and movement with preschool students at Sierra Preschool which recently re-opened their doors and enrolled preschool age students. Teachers Ms. Liz (site-lead) and Ms. Tiffany held a welcome night for families before the re-opening. The preschool locations provide full-day & part-day high quality preschool programs for children ages 2.9 to 4-years old, with early learning and care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday year-round. They offer TK after-care from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call to enroll your child at (805) 524-8311. Enlarge Photo Photos courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/preschool-blog/2025/1/20/sierra-preschool-open. Enlarge Photo Pictured right is Ms. Tiffany leading music and movement with preschool students at Sierra Preschool which recently re-opened their doors and enrolled preschool age students. Teachers Ms. Liz (site-lead) and Ms. Tiffany held a welcome night for families before the re-opening. The preschool locations provide full-day & part-day high quality preschool programs for children ages 2.9 to 4-years old, with early learning and care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday year-round. They offer TK after-care from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call to enroll your child at (805) 524-8311. |