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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 Vincent Parrish Vargas was arrested for firing multiple gunshots at the victim during a road rage incident. On January 12, 2025, at about 0701 hours, two vehicles were driving southbound on Grimes Canyon Road when a “road rage” incident occurred. Vargas followed the victim vehicle and fired several gunshots at the victim. Vargas continued to follow the victim vehicle and fired additional gunshots, striking the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle. The victim was uninjured and was able to obtain the license plate of Vargas’ vehicle. The victim then relayed that information to Sheriff’s Dispatch as Vargas fled the scene. Officers from the Simi Valley Police Department located Vargas and his vehicle in the 2900 block of Tapo Canyon Road in Simi Valley. Deputies arrived a short time later and took custody of Vargas. Deputies located a handgun in Vargas’ vehicle and seized it as evidence. Vargas was arrested for one count of Attempted Murder (PC 664/187) and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. Vargas was also served with a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) and detectives from the Moorpark Police Department and East County Major Crimes Unit recovered an additional firearm from his residence. The Moorpark Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to please contact Detective Kevin Walters at (805)494-8232. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Prepared by: Detective Jon Nungester News Release Date: 01/14/2025 Approved by: Captain Darin Hendren 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). |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 On Monday, January 13th, 2025, at 10:37 a.m., the Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Fillmore Police, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a fire on a property in the 700 block of Fourth Street fully engulfed in flames, said Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola. The fire started in what he described as an accessory dwelling unit or back house. Crews set up a perimeter around the property and tried to keep the flames from reaching neighboring homes. In the end, the back house was reported as being about 70% destroyed, Gurrola said. Two other adjacent homes were also damaged but the extent was unclear. Residents of the three structures were not allowed to return to the buildings until further inspection, the chief said. It is not clear how many people were displaced as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported, and no one was inside the homes when firefighters arrived. Ventura County Fire is investigating the fire. The fire comes amid continued red flag warnings for the area due to strong Santa Ana winds that were expected to continue through Wednesday, January 15th. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
 On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Fillmore Deputies and Narcotics Detectives detained Pop’s Auto Shop owner Manuel Arana, 54, of Santa Paula, in Fillmore pursuant to a search warrant as he was on his way to work. Later police executed a search warrant for Pop’s Auto Shop in Fillmore located at the corner of A Street and Ventura Street. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
During the month of October 2024, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Street Team began an investigation into Manuel Arana and his business, Pop’s Auto Shop. Fillmore patrol deputies had conducted numerous enforcement stops related to the auto shop and developed information regarding the criminal activity occurring at the auto shop. Detectives were granted a search warrant for Arana, his business and his residence by the Ventura County Superior Court. On January 9, 2025, Fillmore patrol deputies and Narcotics Detectives detained Arana in Fillmore pursuant to the search warrant as he was going to work. A short time later, Detectives executed the search warrant at Arana’s residence in Santa Paula and Pop’s Auto Shop in Fillmore. As a result of the investigation, an un-serialized semi-automatic handgun was located in Arana’s residence and an unregistered handgun was located in the office of Pop’s Auto Shop. Arana was arrested and booked for firearms related offenses including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Arana posted $50,000 bail and has a scheduled court date of January 23, 2025. Prepared by: Sergeant Dan Ashmore News Release Date: 1/10/25 Approved by: Captain Ron Chips Booking Photo Release: NO *** |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 On Thursday, January 9th, at 2:11 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported vehicle versus motorcycle collision on Ventura Street in front of Super A Foods. Arriving deputies found the rider on the ground. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with deputies. AMR paramedics treated the rider, who was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. An additional ambulance was also requested for the driver of the vehicle, who eventually refused medical treatment. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
Please exercise extreme caution during the upcoming high wind events. A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for Ventura County, effective from Saturday, January 11th through Wednesday, January 15th. The combination of dry weather, dry grass, brush, and strong winds creates conditions where a wildfire could become extremely difficult to contain. To help prevent the outbreak of wildfires, please follow these safety guidelines: - No Outdoor Wood-Burning Fires: Refrain from lighting any wood-burning fires outdoors as they can easily spread in windy conditions. - Smoldering Coals: After you finish cooking, make certain that all coals are completely extinguished and are cold to the touch. - Avoid Mowing or Trimming Dry Grass When Windy: Operating machinery in these conditions can create sparks, potentially igniting a fire. - Never Pull Your Vehicle Over in Dry Grass: Hot vehicle parts can ignite dry vegetation. - Cigarettes: Dispose of cigarettes appropriately. - Report Suspicious Activities: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could lead to arson. Remember, if you see something, say something! - Be Prepared for Evacuation: Ensure that you and your family are ready to evacuate if necessary. - Keep Your Vehicle Ready: Maintain at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times. - Prepare to Transport Pets: Ensure you have a plan and the necessary supplies to safely transport your pets. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire hazards during high wind conditions. Your safety and the well-being of our community depend on these simple yet effective actions. Prepared by: Senerey De Los Santos News Release Date: 01/13/25 |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 The city of Fillmore lost power on Tuesday, January 7th, at 2:30 AM due to the Red Flag high fire/wind warning. Power was restored south of Highway 126 on Thursday, January 9th, at approximately 7 AM; and north of Ventura Street on Friday the 10th, around 9 AM. Above, VONS market lost power but continued to remain open, running on backup generators. Pictured, bakery goods and some refrigerated items were unavailable due to the power outage. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 Above is the St. Francis Dam Tombstone. On Tuesday, January 21, Lost LA will feature an episode discussing the St. Francis Dam disaster. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo  On Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30pm, “Lost LA” will explore untold history behind Southern California with an episode featuring the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. Above is Fillmore Historical Museum Executive Director, Martha Gentry, with Geoff Manaugh and Nathan Masters being interviewed for the episode. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum “Lost LA” explores the past through the region’s archives, where photos, documents, and other rare artifacts unlock the untold history behind the fantasy of Southern California. The episode airing Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 pm on KCET will focus on the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. Nathan Masters, a public historian of the USC Libraries, is the host of the 30-minute episode. He, accompanied by Geoff Manaugh, architecture and technology writer, begin by visiting the dam site with archaeologist, Ann Stansell, and seismologist, Lucy Jones. Here they discuss the various theories of why the dam failed as well as what evidence is still in the landscape. Their second stop was here in Fillmore at the Fillmore Historical Museum. Executive Director, Marth Gentry, is interviewed about the impact on Fillmore and Bardsdale. She also shares many photographs as well as film made during the recovery efforts and a portion of an interview with Thelma Macauley Shaw, who as a 14-year-old girl was swept from Fillmore to Santa Paula, the only surviving member of her family. Finally, Jose Alamillo, professor of Chicano Studies at CSUCI, talks about the impact on Santa Paula, especially the Hispanic community and how the effects of the trauma can still be felt. You don’t need to be a dedicated “dammie” to enjoy this presentation and even the dedicated “dammie” will probably find something new about the St. Francis Dam disaster. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 The new Poet Laureate of Ventura County, Mary Ann McFadden, was introduced to the Fillmore City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Ms. McFadden read two of her poems to the council. Enlarge Photo ALL MOTIONS APPROVED 5-0 CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025 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 PROCLAMATION DEDICATIED TO BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF FILLMORE FOR NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH (JANUARY) 5.B INTRODUCING THE NEW POET LAUREATE OF VENTURA COUNTY MARY ANN MCFADDEN 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDA-TIONS, AND COMMENTS 8. CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8B. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE. 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 14, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 14, 2025.PDF 8.B REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2024 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2024.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A CONSIDERATION OF INFOSEND, INC. SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO CONTINUE DATA PROCESSING, PRINTING, AND MAILING SERVICES SR - INFOSEND SECOND AMENDMENT.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with InfoSend, Inc. (InfoSend) to 9.B APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN REPAIRS TO THE SESPE CREEK BIKE PATH AND REQUEST TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR REPAIRS TO SESPE CREEK BIKE PATH.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve Willdan Engineering’s proposal to design necessary repairs to the Sespe 9.C REALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN WELL NO. 10, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03, AND REQUEST FOR A SR- DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR WELL NO.10 DEVELOPMENT.PDF 9.C REALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO DESIGN WELL NO. 10, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03, AND REQUEST FOR A 9.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23- 04, FILLMORE PARKS SHADE STRUCTURE PROJECT SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR SHADE STRUCTURES.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 23-04, Fillmore Parks 9.E FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 22-04, CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 22-04, City Hall 9.F FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CONVERSION OF A TENNIS COURT TO A COMBINED TENNIS AND TWO PICKLEBALL COURTS AT RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for Project Specification No. 24-04, Conversion of 9.G AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-03, PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT (SN23-03).PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1) 2) 3) Approve the award of contract to TORO ENTERPRISES, INC. for the construction 9.H CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BOA ARCHITECTURE FOR THE SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SR-APPROVAL OF DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT DORMS AND RESTROOMS.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with BOA Architecture for the schematic design of the Fire Department reserve staff dorm and restrooms. 9.I STAFF REPORT TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE 2024 SB 1205 FIRE INSPECTION REPORT 10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 25-4043 to acknowledge acceptance of a report on the Fire Department’s compliance with Senate Bill (“SB”) 1205. 11. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12. CLOSED SESSION 12.A JANUARY 14, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 14, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 13. ADJOURNMENT |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 16th, 2025
 Current map of red flag warnings including Particularly Dangerous Situation locations. Photo credit and more information at https://www.weather.gov/lox/ or https://www.vcemergency.com/. Enlarge Photo |
 On January 6, 2024, the Williams Homes released a notice to residence regarding dirt hauling /remedial grading at the Creekside residential development between Sespe Creek on the west boundary and Goodenough Road to the east. And will haul dirt through A Street, Third Street, and Old Telegraph Road to begin January 13, 2024. Read Article for more details. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Notice of Dirt Hauling / Remedial Grading at the Creekside Residential Development Map of Dirt Hauling for TT Map 6053 Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=175 Site Grading and Hauling of Export Rock and Dirt at the Creekside Residential Development Project is scheduled to commence FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA –– Fillmore, CA – January 6, 2025 – Please be advised that site grading and hauling of export rock and dirt at the Creekside residential development, Tentative Tract Map No. 6053, and Development Permit No. DP 20-04 for a land subdivision and development, is scheduled to commence. Residents along the haul route and the adjacent to the development site should have received this notice in the mail. (https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/926/T-6053-Haul-Route-Not...) The Project location and haul route are provided in the notice. Below is the notice to residence NOTICE OF DIRT HAULING / REMEDIAL GRADING Tentative Tract Map No. 6053 and Development Permit No. DP 20-04 Dear Resident/Business Owner – Please be advised that site grading and hauling of export rock and dirt at the Creekside residential Location: See Map on page 2. The development is generally located Approximate Dates of Hauling: January 13, 2025 to May 15, 2025 Hauling Restrictions: To avoid Fillmore Middle School peak traffic hours for following timeframes: 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM or 2:30 PM and 3:15 PM Contacts: Tony Vitale, Williams Homes (805) 587-7062 Brian McCarthy, City of Fillmore (805) 946-1846 We thank you in advance for your patience. We commit to working as diligently as possible to monitor the hauling and have this operation completed as soon as possible. |