By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
![]() On Saturday, March 29th, at 2:26 P.M., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle accident near Highway 126 and Fillmore Street. Minor injuries were reported; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
![]() Angel Esquivel is Fillmore Fire Department’s new photographer! In December 2020, Angel began photographing auto accidents in Fillmore, while he was enrolled in the Fillmore Unified School District’s homeschool program, graduating in 2022, and continuing to VC College. He also was a member of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Explorer Program. Angel’s homeschool teacher suggested he submit his work to The Fillmore Gazette and ask if they were interested in publishing his photographs. Four years later, he is still contributing to the Gazette as an independent photographer. Besides traffic collisions, Angel has branched out to community affairs, including parades and festivals, and fire and police events. Angel also runs a Facebook group where anyone can join and report any traffic incidents between Piru and Santa Paula. The group is called “SR126 Fillmore-Traffic/Updates/Accident/Information”. He also shares his photos on his Facebook page, “Fillmore Public Safety News,” and Instagram @angggel.esquivel. Angel has always maintained an interest in becoming a photographer for the Fillmore Fire Department. “As an independent photographer, I thought it fascinating to witness how our first responders work during an emergency,” he stated. And now it’s official! He’s received a black helmet with a unique “Photographer” shield from the department, and will continue to serve the fire department, and the community with his photos in the Gazette. Congratulations, Angel! Enlarge Photo |
![]() On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, Fillmore High School Girls 4x100 Relay Team took first place as well as shattered a 30-year record set back in 1995. Above is the Flashes Girls 4x100 relay team; (l-r) Mia Munoz, Kimberly Magana, Janessa Corona, and Karinna Magana. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/3/30/girls-4x100-team-break-school-record. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2... |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, April 4th, 2025
The Fillmore Police Department invites you to an “Easter Eggs-travaganza event,” a special event designed to bring the community members together for a fun event and open conversations with our local law enforcement and the community. Bring your family and kids to play some fun games and interact with our public safety personnel from the Mounted Unit, SWAT, Bomb Unit, K9 Unit, Fillmore Fire Department and others. Come check out the various specialized vehicles and equipment used by first responders to help keep our communities safe. Our staff will be coordinating games and setting up an Easter egg hunt for the children in attendance. Event Details: Date: Saturday, April 05, 2025 Prepared by: Technical Specialist Jesus Gaytan |
![]() Fillmore’s Nova Storage has announced the grand opening of its expanded self-storage facility. Stop by Nova Storage – Fillmore, 455 A Street. Visit us at NovaStorage.com. Photo credit Kelly Hanna. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By the Nova Storage team Two years in the making, opposite Fillmore Middle School, Nova Storage is pleased to announce the grand opening of its expanded self-storage facility located in Fillmore. This significant enhancement includes the addition of 14 drive-up units and 177 indoor units, contributing 16,500 new rentable square feet to the existing facility. This expansion represents our steadfast dedication to providing exceptional storage solutions while adapting to the changing needs of our cherished community. Located at 455 A Street, we invite you to visit us and see for yourself how we can help you declutter your life—all while providing a warm smile and friendly service! *** About Nova Storage: Based in Mission Hills, California, Nova Storage has been providing safe, clean, well-lit, and secure self-storage solutions to over 8,500 satisfied tenants since 1982. As a locally owned and operated company, we proudly serve the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties with 10 convenient locations. For more information about our Nova Storage - Fillmore facility, please visit NovaStorage.com, call our friendly manager Guillermo at (805) 524-3177, or email us at Fillmore@novastorage.com. Our office hours are 10:00am-6:00pm Monday -Friday and 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday – Sunday |
![]() On Saturday, March 22, Fillmore’s California United (Boys 2008) team clinched the State Cup Final in San Bernardino. Pictured above is Fillmore’s CU 08’ Boys team. Top row (l-r): Head Coach Juan Hernandez, Julio Ballesteros, Christian Ramirez, Giovany Huerta, Hector Hernandez, Goalkeeper Julian Medina, Cesar Hernandez, Goalkeeper Jose Zaragosa, Juan Manuel Medina, Jacobo Madrigal, and Alexander Nunez. Bottom row (l-r): JesĂşs Canchola, Julián Huerta, Nathaniel Negrete, Abraham Vargas, Abe de la Cruz, Sergio Robles, Luis Vigil, and Alonso Arellano. Photo credit Erika Arana, CUFC Public Relations. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By Erika Arana (CUFC Public Relations) Saturday, March 22, was a historic day for California United (Boys 2008) as they triumphed in the State Cup final in San The championship-winning goal came from Julio Ballesteros, whose decisive strike sealed the match in favor of California This victory was the result of a collective effort, with each player stepping up in crucial moments. Co-captain Julian In the midfield, Julio Ballesteros, Christian RamĂrez, JesĂşs Canchola, and Alonso Arellano controlled the pace of the game, The team’s depth was also a key factor in their success, with Sergio Robles, Luis Vigil, Abraham Vargas, Alexander Nunez, Beyond their talent and teamwork, these young athletes displayed incredible mental and physical toughness. They endured With this victory, California United (Boys 2008) has once again put Fillmore on the soccer map. Their hard work and Congratulations to California United on this incredible achievement—your community is proud of you! Full tournament Stats: CU (7) vs Leon (1): Goals: JesĂşs Canchola 3, Jair Garcia 1, Abe de la Cruz 1, Alonso Arellano 1, Christian Ramirez 1 Assist: Abe de la Cruz 2, Christian Ramirez 1, Julio Ballesteros 1, Alonso Arellano 2, Cesar Hernandez 1. Overall record: 1-0-0 *** CU (6) vs Power Evolution (1): Goals: Abe de la Cruz 4, Sergio Robles 1, Jesus Canchola 1 Assist: Hector Hernández 3, Julián Medina 1, Jair Garcia 1, Jesus Canchola 1 Overall record: 2-0-0 *** CU (0) vs Ojai United (0): Shut Out: Sergio Robles Overall record: 2-0-1 *** CU (4) vs Lompoc Academy (1): Goals: Jair Garcia 1, Julio Ballesteros 1, Abe de la Cruz 1, Christian Ramirez 1 Assist: Abe de la Cruz 1, Luis Vigil 1, Christian RamĂrez 2 Overall record: 3-0-1 *** CU (4) vs Necaxa (0): Goals: Julio Ballesteros 2, Abe de la Cruz 1, Nathaniel Negrete 1 Assist: Hector Hernandez 2, Jair Garcia 1 Overall record: 4-0-1 *** CU (1) vs Antelope Valley (0): Goals: Julio Ballesteros 1 Assist: Jesus Canchola Overall record: 5-0-1 |
![]() Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers have selected the April 2025 Yard of the Month at 439 Mallard as the winning yard. Owners Ayna (Anna) & Peter Scamardo received an award from Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo credit Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, April 4th, 2025
By Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers have chosen the yard of Ayna (Anna) & Peter Scamardo at 439 Mallard for the April “Yard of the Month” The Scamardo’s moved from Camarillo in 2010 & with both working out of Fillmore, they decided to use a landscape company to Since they are at the end of a cul de sac, their yard continues halfway around the end of the street with three Liquid Amber French Lavenders edge the textured walkway to the front door. Peter said he had the walkway installed, being a car/truck Near the front windows of the home are a Gardenia bush trained into a tree, Mock Orange shrubs & Mystic Spires Salvia. Peter & Ayna are familiar with Otto & Sons Nursery & were pleased to receive the award…”more roses?”, expressed Ayna. Take a drive around these neighborhoods that come off Sespe Street & be surprised. Civic Pride volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for making this project possible. |
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 |