Over the weekend, a petition table was set up outside of VONS Fillmore seeking signatures on proposed initiative 23–00017A1. The petition allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950, both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed: Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes: Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community. The petition requires 546,651 signatures to make the ballot, As of 01/24/2024, 25% signatures were reached, deadline 04/23/3024. Courtesy https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/circulating-initiatives-25percent-signatures.
Enlarge Photo

On Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported fight in progress with multiple subjects at the Fillmore Vons parking lot. According to sheriff’s dispatch, two male subjects and two female subjects were involved in an altercation. Arriving deputies located one male subject with a bloody face in front of Vons and a second male subject in front of Subway; both male subjects were detained. According to witnesses one of the female subjects threw a large bottle of alcohol at one of the male subject’s face. A detective sergeant attempted to make contact with the female subjects who had fled into the coin laundry, running out the rear of the business. They later returned to the scene. Deputies also requested Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics to respond to the scene to examine the male subjects. Both were taken into custody. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On Saturday, March 30, at 10:32 a.m., Ventura County Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of East Guiberson Road and Torrey Road. Arriving firefighters reported a truck on fire, requesting an additional engine. Firefighters requested an arson investigator and the CHP to start an arson investigation while they were on-scene. No other additional information was provided. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

Old Telegraph Road has reopened after being closed in early February for repairs caused by the Sespe River after a heavy rainstorm. The bridge repair was made possible by the hardworking crew at Ventura County Public Works. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On Saturday, March 30, at around 12:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol responded to reports that a large tree had fallen and was blocking the eastbound lanes of SR126 near Old Telegraph Road. CHP officers arrived and requested Caltrans and the VCFD for traffic control and chainsaws. While crews cleared the roadway, both directions of SR126 were shut down for over 30 minutes. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School students competed in the 21st Annual Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. This year’s tournament drew approximately 70 students. Fillmore had placements in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Two Fillmore High students, Abraham Vargas Cortes (10th grade), and Marileny Manzo Zambrano (11th grade), qualified to move onto the state level tournament in May of this year in Monterey, California. The Speech and Debate Tournament is a tremendous learning opportunity that helps students build confidence and sharpen student’s critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. “The talent and dedication on display at the tournament was nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this play a vital role in helping our migrant students overcome the many challenges they face. Countless students who have been part of the Migrant Education Program have gone on to achieve academic success and build rewarding careers in our community and beyond.”
Enlarge Photo

Copter 9 landed at Two Rivers Parks to drop off three hikers who were rescued near the Los Padres National Forest Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

On Tuesday afternoon, March 26, work crews were at Two Rivers Park off River Street, working on the Fillmore Dog Park. The city allocated $200,000 in February 2022 for the repairs and updates.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On Tuesday, March 26, at 1:21 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 at Pyle Road. According to a witness the vehicle was seen driving recklessly and at a high speed before crashing. Arriving fire personnel located a solo vehicle overturned with one occupant, minor injuries were reported. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo