CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL
City Council’s Final Vote:
Item 4 - Approval of Agenda - Garnica motion, Villaseñor second, 5-0 pass
Items 8A through 8D - Consent Calendar - Garnica motion, Villaseñor second, 5-0 pass
Item 9A - Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with signature signs in a form approved by the City Attorney - Villaseñor motion to execute an agreement with Signature Signs for a total $8,000 for the wayfinding Sign program and not move forward with yet with the manufacture and instillation of the sign that they looked at. Rodriguez second, 5-0 pass
Item 9B - Crimson California Pipeline has requested changes to the ordinance that staff needs to evaluate. The recommendation was to make a motion to continue the public hearing to April 14.- Villaseñor motion, Broggie second, 5-0 pass
Item 9C - Appropriate $38,000 from the General Fund Reserve to the Information Technology budget under account 101-4212 – City Administration – Information Technology (0021206); and Approve the Scope of Work and Order Form with GovWell Technologies Inc. for the implementation of a digital permitting and planning platform for the Building & Safety and Planning Departments; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any necessary implementation documents in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office. - Villaseñor motion, Rodriguez second, 5-0 pass
Item 9D - To apply for the following grants (1) California Fire Foundation’s (CFF) 2026 Southern, Central, & Coastal California Fire Prevention & Preparedness Grant, (2) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant, and (3) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Rodriguez motioned, Garnica seconded, 5-0 pass.
Item 9E - City Council receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element and direct staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). - Villaseñor motion, Rodriguez seconded, 5-0 pass
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AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A SANTA PAULA BRANCH LINE TRAIL MASTER PLAN UPDATE
5.B THE WILDLAND CONSERVANCY PRESENTATION
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEMS 8A. THROUGH 8D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A MARCH 10, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 10, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8.B SECOND READING TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 25-03,
ORDINANCE 26-992 REMOVING THE ONE-THIRD RETAIL REQUIREMENT FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
SR - SECOND READING TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 25-03, ORDINANCE 26-992 REMOVING THE ONE-THIRD RETAIL REQUIREMENT FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CORE AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
8.C BOND EXONERATION TRACT NO. 5520-7
SR - HEARTHSTONE BOND EXONERATION TRACT 5520-7.PDF
8.D CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 24, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 24, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SIGNATURE SIGNS IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY SR - SIGNATURE SIGNS WAYFINDING SIGN PROJECT
9.B PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 26-994 GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE
FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P. TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, MAINTAIN, OPERATE, REPAIR, RENEW, CHANGE THE SIZE OF, ABANDON-IN-PLACE, AND REMOVE CERTAIN PIPELINE FOR THE TRANSMISSION, COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF OIL, PETROLEUM, GAS, GASOLINE, AND WATER, OR OTHER HYDROCARBONS
SR - CRIMSON PIPELINE ORDINANCE NO. 26-994.PDF
9.C APPROVAL OF A SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) WITH GOVWELL TECHNOLOGIES INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A DIGITAL PERMITTING AND PLANNING PLATFORM
SR-IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVWELL SOFTWARE.PDF
9.D REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR A CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION SPRING 2026 GRANT AND TWO FEMA GRANTS SR -CFF & FEMA GRANTS FOR THE FFD.PDF
9.E CONSIDERATION OF 2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE CITY GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT
SR -2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT.PDF
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION-THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN TWO CASES.
CLOSED SESSION - MARCH 24, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

During the month of February, Detectives assigned to the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit and Moorpark Investigations Unit began an investigation regarding a felon, Teodulo Duran, possibly in possession of a firearm.
On 03/18/26 at approximately 0700 hours, a residential search warrant was served at Duran’s residence. During the service of the search warrant, Duran was found to be in possession of several rounds of ammunition, a 9mm handgun magazine, as well as additional evidence of Duran being in possession of a firearm. Detectives located approximately 15.62 grams of methamphetamine in Duran’s residence, and evidence of Duran being involved in the sales of narcotics.
Duran was arrested for PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, HS 11378 – Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sales, HS 11550(a) – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and HS 11364(a) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Duran remains in custody with a bail of $250,000.
The Moorpark Police Department would like to thank the citizens and businesses throughout Moorpark for their assistance. With the collaboration and trust from the public, crimes continue to be solved, allowing the judicial system to hold those responsible accountable for the crimes.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Detective Jacob Anderson
News Release Date: 03/24/2026
Approved by: Captain Nick Odenath
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Community: Moorpark Police Department Arrests Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
Nature of Incident: Moorpark Police Department Arrests Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
Report Number: 26-24731, 26-35935
Location: Citrus Drive, City of Moorpark
Date & Time: 03/18/2026 @ 07:00 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit; Moorpark Investigations Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT Team; Fillmore Investigations Unit; Ojai Investigations Unit; Simi Police Department K9 Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit; Ventura County Sheriff’s Tactical Negotiations Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Teodulo Duran Moorpark, CA, 47
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).

On 03/11/2026, at about 5:56 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the area of A Street near Old Telegraph Road reference a battery victim. Upon arrival, deputies located a 17-year-old juvenile victim with injuries consistent with being assaulted. The juvenile victim was transported to the hospital where he was admitted and treated for his injuries.
Fillmore patrol deputies conducted an initial investigation and identified (S) Ivan Hernandez as the likely attacker. Hernandez is documented criminal street gang member who recently discharged parole. Additionally, in January 2026, Hernandez was arrested for an assault with a deadly weapon and is currently out on bail for this offense.
Over the course of the next week, the Fillmore Detective Unit worked with Fillmore Patrol resources and followed up on the investigation. As a result, detectives obtained additional evidence linking Hernandez to the felonious assault on the juvenile victim and an additional battery on an 18-year-old victim.
On 03/14/2026, deputies located Hernandez in the Santa Clara River bottom and arrested him for both assaults. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.
On 03/17/2026, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office elected to file felony charges of Penal Code § 243(d) – [Assault with Serious Bodily Injury] and Penal Code § 273a(a) – [Child Endangerment], and a misdemeanor charge of Penal Code § 242 – [Battery].
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 03/17/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Felony Assault
Report Number: 26-32016
Location: Santa Clara River Bottom near Chambersburg Bridge, Fillmore
Date & Time: 03/11/2026, 5:50 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent , City of Residence, Age:
(V) Juvenile Male, Fillmore, 17
(V) Adult Male, Fillmore, 18
(S) Ivan Hernandez, Fillmore, 34
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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).

Pictured left #22 Hermelinda Ocegueda who was chosen for the Citrus Coast League (CCL) 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All County for small schools, made The Stars All-County Girls Basketball 2nd team and was named Player of the Week by VCsports/Ventura Ortho earlier this year. Pictured right is Fillmore’s #10 Lucy Murillo made CCL 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All County for small schools and was by VCsports as one of the top 40 girls basketball players to watch.
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Pictured left is Fillmore’s #12 Yaneli Landin who was chosen for Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. Picture right is Flashes #24 Andrea Ramirez was chosen for Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League.
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Above Flashes #2 Karissa Espitia was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Pictured is Flashes #33 Angelica Ruiz was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Pictured is Flashes #15 Myah Virto was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
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Flashes Girls Basketball had a great 2026 season. The team finished the season 15-11 overall and went 7-3 in the Citrus Coast League. The team took 2nd place in the Citrus Coast League this season with multiple players earning 1st and 2nd Team All-League titles and honorable mentions as well. Names are as follows:
#22 Hermelinda Ocegueda was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All County for small schools, and was put on The Stars All-County Girls Basketball 2nd team. During the season she was selected as Female Player of the Week by VCsports/Ventura Ortho in January of this year. Final league stats: 10.8 points per game, 16.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 3.3 steals, 2.2 blocks.
#10 Lucy Murillo was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. At the beginning of the season, she was chosen by VCsports as one of the top 40 girls basketball players to watch. Final league stats: 11.1 points per game, 12.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.6 blocks.
#12 Yaneli Landin was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League and 2nd Team All County for small schools. Final league stats: 10.2 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.2 steals, 0.9 blocks.
#24 Andrea Ramirez was chosen for the Citrus Coast League 2nd Team All-League. Final league stats: 4.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1. 5 blocks.
#2 Karissa Espitia was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
#33 Angelica Ruiz was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.
#15 Myah Virto was chosen for Honorable Mention All Citrus Coast league.

On 03/13/2026, three (3) juvenile males were arrested for their involvement with multiple gang graffiti vandalisms which occurred in the Heritage Grove neighborhood on 02/19/2026.
Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. 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.
On 02/19/2026, at about 6:07 PM, diligent members of the community reported several juveniles using spray paint to vandalize property in the Heritage Grove neighborhood in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to the area and confirmed vandalisms had occurred, and the vandalisms were likely gang related. Over the next coming weeks, the Fillmore Detective Unit collaborated with Fillmore School Resource Deputies on the investigation and identified three juvenile males as the suspects.
In March 2026, the Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three suspects’ residences who all reside in Fillmore.
On 03/13/2026, personnel from Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore School Resource Deputies, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit executed search warrants at the three residences in Fillmore and seized additional evidence linking them to the crimes and participation in a criminal street gang.
At the time of the search warrants, all three juveniles were contacted, arrested, cited, and released to their parent(s)/guardian(s) for violations of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Graffiti Vandalism], Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Street Terrorism], and Penal Code § 182.5 – [Criminal Gang Conspiracy].
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
Graffiti Removal:
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 03/13/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

Released Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Ventura County Library Foundation has received a major donation of over $2.6 million from the Susan A. Knight Trust to benefit the Fillmore Library.
According to her Estate Attorney, Laura V. Bartels, Esq., with the firm Taylor, Scoles & Bartels, Ms. Knight believed that libraries saved her life, and she wanted a safe place for children to go and learn. She specifically wanted to give back to the Fillmore Library because it was a place where she found refuge and respite as a child.
Mary Rees, Chair, Ventura County Library Foundation says, “A transformative gift from a private individual is more than a donation—it’s an investment in shared knowledge, equal access, and the lifelong curiosity of our community. This generous support empowers the public library to expand opportunities, strengthen programs, and ensure that learning remains free and accessible to all.”
The Library Foundation will be working with the Ventura County Library System and the Fillmore community to honor the donor’s wishes.
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Ventura County Library Foundation: Growing Minds Countywide
www.vclibraryfoundation.org.

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The Fillmore Unified School District is proud to announce Sierra High School has been named a 2026 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized 59 schools across California for their outstanding work in providing at-risk youth with exemplary instruction, flexible scheduling, and strong guidance and counseling services that support students on the path to earning their diplomas.
This prestigious recognition highlights Sierra High School’s commitment to creating a student-centered environment where every learner feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Model Continuation High Schools are celebrated for meeting students’ diverse academic, social, and emotional needs while helping prepare them for college, career, and life beyond high school.
In announcing the honor to staff, Superintendent Christine Schieferle praised Sierra High School’s dedication, writing, “Your work and dedication to creating a safe and supportive school culture where students feel valued, seen, and appreciated is truly commendable.” She added that the recognition reflects the staff’s daily commitment to “meeting students where they are and supporting their growth and success.”
The designation is awarded through a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association Plus. Schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain the honor for three years and serve as examples of best practices for continuation education programs statewide.