(VENTURA, Calif. — Nov. 14, 2024) The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is offering $1.5 million in grants for organizations to install and operate electric vehicle chargers along the Highway 126 corridor.

The 126 Corridor EV Chargers Incentive Program is designed to improve air quality in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru and support the transition to EVs by providing much-needed chargers along the heavily trafficked route.

On-road vehicles are a major source of Ventura County air pollution, especially near major roadways. The harmful pollutants they emit include nitrogen oxides, which react with sunlight to form ozone, and fine particulate matter. The county exceeds state and federal standards for ozone, or smog.

An average of up to 106,000 passenger cars and 67,000 heavy-duty trucks traveled along Highway 126 daily in 2022, according to Caltrans. This impacts the residents of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru, areas that are designated as low-income and disproportionately affected by air pollutants by the California Climate Investments program.

The grants are available to public and private entities located in Ventura County including government agencies, school districts, colleges, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Projects that provide public access to chargers will receive priority consideration.

Public entities and any plans that provide public access are eligible for grants covering up to 100% of costs. Private projects that do not provide public access can receive grants for up to 85% of costs. Requests for less than maximum grant amounts will receive priority, though.

The chargers must be available at cost to the public or the organization’s employees for at least the term of the grant, which can range from three to eight years. Longer grant terms will receive priority. The chargers must be level 2 or higher.

Eligible expenditures include charging equipment and the costs of building, installation, design, engineering, consulting and fees. Grants also can cover software, card readers, specialized tools and three years of operational costs not including regular maintenance. Projects that expand or enhance existing chargers to improve efficiency or safety also are eligible.

The district is funding the program with a portion of the $6-per-vehicle registration fee surcharges it receives from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since 1991, the district has used this money for cost-effective projects that reduce vehicle emissions as part of its mission to protect public health and agriculture in Ventura County from air pollution.

For additional details and applications, visit vcapcd.org/126-Corridor-EV.htm. For more information, contact Holly Galbreath at holly@vcapcd.org or 805-303-3666.

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Karin Grennan
Public Information Officer
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District

Ventura Sheriff’s Office partners with Ventura County Fire Department in Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Ventura County Fire Department in their holiday toy drive. Collection boxes will be located at all sheriff stations. This community campaign is to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Ventura County. In addition, this campaign is also to support Food Share, to help fight hunger in Ventura County. All non-perishable food and toys can be dropped off any time prior to December 16th.

In 2023, through generous donations from our communities, more than 33,000 local children and teens benefited from the kindness of our community members, businesses, and supporting sponsors. Food Share will also provide food for families served by the toy drive.

Nature of Incident: Sheriff’s Office Participates in Holiday Toy Drive
Report Number: N/A
Location: All Sheriff Stations
Date & Time: N/A
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Public Information

Prepared by: Captain Rob Yoos
News Release Date: 11/19/2024

Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 8th, 2024, the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation concluded an investigation with the arrests of (S) Alexander Rocha (DOB: 02/13/2001) and (S) Montavious Harriel (DOB: 07/31/2000) who were involved with fraud and forgery crimes which victimized residents of Ventura County for thousands of dollars. The individuals were taken into custody following an extensive investigation by the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation.

Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities involving financial document forgery. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation became aware of such activities when a victim reported a crime earlier this year. After a lengthy investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant which was executed in October 2024, in the 4200 block of Nimitz Drive in Oxnard. During the warrant service, detectives located and seized additional evidence related to fraud and forgery.

Additionally, several illegal firearms were located and seized, including assault weapons. Alexander Rocha was subsequently arrested for violations of Penal Code § 470 – [Forgery], Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle], and Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon]. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.

On 11/08/2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and the West County Special Enforcement Unit executed a secondary search warrant in the 200 block of N 2nd Street in Port Hueneme. During the warrant, additional evidence of fraud and forgery was found in Montavious Harriel’s possession. Harriel was arrested for Penal Code § 470(a) – [Forgery] and transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for the offense. Harriel was later released on his own recognizance pending court proceedings.

The arrests of both Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel reflect the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from financial crimes. The Fillmore Bureau of Investigation encourage community members to remain vigilant against fraud and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

Report Number: 24-4892
Location: 4200 block of Nimitz Drive, Oxnard
200 block of N 2nd Street, Port Hueneme
Date & Time: November 8th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, West County Special Enforcement Unit

Suspect:
(S) Alexander Rocha Oxnard 23
(S) Montavious Harriel Port Hueneme 24

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024
6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA
All items passed 5-0. Items 10D & 10F were received & filed.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A AWARDING THE WINNER OF THE 2024 TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT
5.B CITY OF FILLMORE PROCLAMATION HONORING DAVID ROWLANDS FOR HIS DEDICATION SERVICE AS CITY MANAGER
6. MEETING IN RECESS (BREAK)
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECO-MMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
9. CONSENT CAL-ENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
9.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER - NOVEMBER 12, 2024 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-NOVEMBER 12, 2024.PDF
9.B CONSIDERATION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF FILLMORE AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 501 COVERING THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
SR LOCAL 501 MOU 2024 - 2027.PDF
9.C SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT
SR - UPCCAA UPDATE ADOPTION HEARING.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS
10.A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) AMONG COUNTY OF VENTURA, VENTURA COUNTY WATERSHED PROTECTION DISTRICT, AND THE CITIES OF FILLMORE, OXNARD, SANTA PAULA, AND SAN BUENAVENTURA TO SHARE THE COSTS OF FUNDING A SANTA CLARA RIVER TMDL MONITORING PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the County of Ventura (County), Ventura County Watershed and the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and San Buenaventura to share the costs of funding a Santa Clara River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Monitoring Program.––
SR - SANTA CLARA RIVER TMDL MOA.PDF
10.B CONSIDERATION OF AN APPROPRIATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MACKONE DEVELOPMENT INC. FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR REAR WINDOWS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING (565 FIRST STREET)
SR 2024 _BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WINDOW REPLACEMENT_565 FIRST ST.PDF
REQUEST: Staff is requesting that the City Council: 1. Approve the appropriation of an additional $5,233 from other ARPA administrative funds to cover the full costs of drawings and hazardous material testing and abatement, in case lead and/or asbestos are found, when the contractor undertakes the replacement of windows at 565 Fist Street, the Boys and Girls Club; 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Mackone Development Inc. for the above described hazardous material abatement and window replacement work in a form approved by the City Attorney
10.C AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR PHASE ONE SPORTS FIELD LIGHTING AND TURF REPAIRS AT TWO RIVERS PARK, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-08 SR - TWO RIVER PARK LIGHTING AND TURF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT_FINAL.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve an appropriation in the amount of $500,000 from unallocated funds in the Parkland Development Impact Fee (“DIF”) Fund 404 to Park Improvement Fund 464; and 2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, with Techline Sports Lighting for an amount not-to-exceed $430,000 for the purchase, delivery, and installation of sport field lighting of soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park and installation of a controller at Shiells Park; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign a contract amendment, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, with Venco Western Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 for the installation of an overhead irrigation system and leveling of the soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park.
10.D LAND TRANSFER AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FUSD LAND TRANSFER AND EASEMENT SR .PDF
10.E CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN CITY OF FILLMORE AND FILLMORE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IAFF, LOCAL 5382 COVERING THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024.
APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FILLMORE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 5382 SR.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive information from staff and provide guidance regarding the following proposed items: 1) 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) Easement Agreement over the land transferred to FUSD providing rights of use to the City; and 3) Relocation of existing public sewer line and reclaimed water line by FUSD, vacation of existing sewer easement and acceptance of new easements over relocated utilities
10.F INTRODUCTORY REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCOME AND EXPENSES PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 66001 AND 66006
SR FY 2023-24 DIF REPORT INTRO.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive a verbal introduction as a preliminary review of Development Impact Fee (DIF) income and expense report information for Fiscal Year 2023-24. Staff will continue this report at the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting by providing additional information and requesting that the City Council make the findings required by state law to allow the City to retain unexpended DIF funds that were collected five (5) or more years ago.
10.G CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF OFFSITE DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS WITH SDI FOODS, INC. FOR THE SONIC RESTAURANT DRIVE-IN AND DRIVE THRU PROJECT
SR -2024-SONIC SECOND AMENDMENTTO THE OFFSITE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve an amendment to provide a second 12-month extension to the Offsite Improvement Agreement (OIA) with SDI Foods, Inc. (Developer) for assurance of completion of public improvements for the Sonic Drive-In project, Development Permit No. 18-01 Modification #1, to be constructed at 655 Ventura Street and authorize the mayor to sign the amendment.
11. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
12. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
13. CLOSED SESSION
13.A CLOSED SESSION - NOVEMBER 12, 2024 NOVEMBER 12, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF
14. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

On 09/18/2024, patrol resources from the Santa Paula Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting in the area of South Mountain Road and the Santa Clara River Bottom. Arriving officers located the victim and confirmed a shooting had occurred. As a result of the investigation, (S) Maximo Hernandez (DOB: 02/18/1990) was identified as the shooting suspect and fled with the firearm prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
On 09/20/2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation secured a warrant for Hernandez’ arrest for his involvement with the shooting.

In the following weeks, a manhunt was conducted. Hernandez was able to evade capture on multiple occasions by skillfully utilizing challenging river bottom terrain along the Santa Clara River Bottom to obscure movement and hinder tracking efforts. The rugged river bottom, combined with thick vegetation, various encampments, and nearby water sources, allowed Hernandez to evade immediate apprehension despite coordinated efforts of ground and aerial search teams.

On 11/08/2024, at about 1:39 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Patrol Station responded the Santa Clara River Bottom near South Mountain Road in Santa Paula reference a transient male subject on foot in the area carrying a rifle. Once deputies arrived, they began searching the area. During their search, deputies located Hernandez hiding in an encampment in the Santa Clara River Bottom south of Cornell Drive. Upon contact with law enforcement, Hernandez fled on foot deeper into the river bottom. Deputies gave chase and Hernandez’ effort to elude law enforcement was thwarted when he was apprehended some distance away.

After Hernandez’ apprehension, patrol deputies secured the encampment where Hernandez was found. Detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist. A search warrant was later obtained and executed at the encampment.

Hernandez was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) for his felony warrant (Penal Code § 245(a)(2) – [Assault with a Firearm], Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm]), two additional warrants, and Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Resist, Obstruct, or Delay a Peace Officer]. Hernandez remains in custody with a bail set at $520,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of Shooting Suspect
Report Number: 24-141784
Location: Santa Clara River Bottom south of Cornell Drive, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 11/08/2024 @ 2:50 PM
Unit(S) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, West County Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Maximo Hernandez Santa Paula 34

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

On Monday, November 11, 2024, Fillmore hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade at 10am on Central Avenue. Classic cars cruised downtown Fillmore as folks waved and thanked our local Veterans for their service and sacrifice, a longtime Fillmore tradition. On Saturday, November 9th, folks gathered in front of Fillmore City Hall for the Veterans Day Celebration in the Park, also put on by the Veterans Day Celebration Committee. From 4pm to 7pm, the community came out to listen to music, enjoy food and dance the night away. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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Pictured is Fillmore VFW Post 9637 proudly displaying every military branch flag along with the carrying of the American flag to get the Veterans Day parade started. Above and below photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The band “Heart & Soul” grooving away as folks dance Friday night at the Concert in the Park. Photo credit Fillmore Veterans Day Celebration Committee.
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Fillmore High School Marching Band showed off their skills at the Veterans Day Parade on Monday. Photo credit Gazette Staff.
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Photo credit Fillmore Veterans Day Celebration Committee.
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The Veterans Day weekend kicked off to a great start with its Concert in the Park last Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm. Everyone had a great time with about 80 attending the concert featuring “Heart and Soul” at City Hall. Many were Fillmore and Piru Vets enjoying the music. The City of Fillmore proclaimed the month of November as “Veterans and Active Military Month” honoring those who served and are serving our country.