Police Respond to Possible Drowning in Sespe Creek
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On Wednesday, May 8th, at approximately 2:15pm, deputies were dispatched to the Sespe Creek area just north of Old Telegraph Road with a reported unresponsive male subject who had possibly drowned in the creek. Deputies arrived and began CPR on the subject until they were relieved by paramedics from the Ventura County Fire Department. Despite life-saving efforts, the 36-year-old Fillmore resident was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was nothing suspicious noted at the scene and the cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Wednesday, May 8th, at approximately 2:15pm, deputies were dispatched to the Sespe Creek area just north of Old Telegraph Road with a reported unresponsive male subject who had possibly drowned in the creek. Deputies arrived and began CPR on the subject until they were relieved by paramedics from the Ventura County Fire Department. Despite life-saving efforts, the 36-year-old Fillmore resident was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was nothing suspicious noted at the scene and the cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Two Suspects Arrested in Organized Retail Theft of Fillmore Dollar General
On April 13, 2024, police responded to a call at Fillmore’s Dollar General on Ventura Street to a reported theft by two subjects, but no arrests were made at the time. On May 8, 2024, police arrested suspects Daniel Garcia and Destiny Beserra for an unrelated incident and found probable cause to arrest them in connection to the Dollar General theft incident.
On April 13, 2024, police responded to a call at Fillmore’s Dollar General on Ventura Street to a reported theft by two subjects, but no arrests were made at the time. On May 8, 2024, police arrested suspects Daniel Garcia and Destiny Beserra for an unrelated incident and found probable cause to arrest them in connection to the Dollar General theft incident.
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 16th, 2024

A joint effort by Fillmore Patrol Services and the Fillmore Bureau of Investigations resulted in the arrest of two subjects believed to be responsible for the theft of highly sought-after merchandise from the Dollar General store in Fillmore.

On 04/13/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the Dollar General store located at 1154 Ventura Street in Fillmore for a report of two subjects who committed a theft from the store. From the investigation, deputies learned a female acted in concert and conspired with a male to steal a shopping cart full of merchandise by leaving through an emergency exit of the store without paying for the items.

After the initial investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies collaborated with Fillmore detectives and were able to identify the male and female involved in the theft.

On 05/08/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies contacted (S) Daniel Garcia and (S) Destiny Beserra in the city of Fillmore for an unrelated incident. As a result, Garcia and Beserra were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Incident to arrest, detectives developed probable cause to arrest Garcia and Beserra for the organized retail theft from the Dollar General store on 04/13/2024. Ultimately, they were supplementally booked for a violation of Penal Code § 490.4 – [Organized Retail Theft]. Both subjects were later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura pending court proceedings.

Nature of Incident: Organized Retail Theft Arrests
Report Number: 24-45063 / 24-56374
Location: 1154 Ventura Street, (Dollar General) Fillmore
Date & Time: 04/13/2024 @ 6:11 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services, Fillmore Bureau of Investigation

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Daniel Garcia Santa Paula, CA 32
(S) Destiny Beserra Santa Paula, CA 33

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Wendell Cambell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

 


 
Vehicle Burglary Arrests
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Fillmore Patrol Services arrested two Los Angeles County residents for felony offenses of burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime.

On 05/06/2024, during the early morning hours, a vigilant Fillmore resident called Sheriff’s Communication Center to report a vehicle burglary in progress in the 600 block of Mountain View Street, Fillmore. The resident was able to provide information, which included a suspect vehicle description. The Sheriff’s Communication Center coordinated with Fillmore patrol resources and dispatched them to the area of the reported crime.

Deputies responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle. An enforcement stop was conducted, and the occupants were identified as Diego Solis and Victor Valtierra. Both were detained pending the investigation.
After a thorough investigation by deputies, Solis and Valtierra were identified as the suspects involved and were arrested for Penal Code § 459 – [Burglary] and Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime]. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise, which included property belonging to a Fillmore resident. Both subjects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Report Number: 24-55456
Location: 600 block of Mountain View Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/06/2024 @ 2:45 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Serivces, Sheriff's Communication Center

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Diego Solis Lynwood, CA 29
(S) Victor Valtierra Southgate, CA 42

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
 
Medical Marijuana, Yard Sale/Sign Policy Discussed at City Council
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
City Council discussed issues concerning home-made yard sale advertising which is negatively affecting city appearance.
City Council discussed issues concerning home-made yard sale advertising which is negatively affecting city appearance.
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All items passed 5-0 except for 8A – passed 4-1
8. NEW BUSINESS

8.A INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.28 OF THE
FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW OIL WELL DRILLING
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FROM RESIDENCES AND SCHOOL AND
ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

REQUEST

That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-970 to amend
Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 7.28 to allow staff to implement and enforce additional drilling
and setback requirements for the production of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbon substances and
establish uniform “no-drilling” areas:

8.B AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY BACKUP GENERATOR
FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of an emergency backup diesel
generator for the Police Department through a joint purchasing agreement with Sourcewell and
authorize the City Manager to execute any agreement or purchase order necessary to carry out the
purchase.

8.C DISCUSSION OF CITY OF FILLMORE YARD SALE AND SIGN POLICY
8.D ADVISORY COMMITTE MEMBER NOMINATION FOR THE VENTURA AIR
POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT (APCD) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council appoint a representative to the Ventura Air Pollution Control
District Advisory Committee (APCD) and/or direct staff to advertise for this vacancy and have the
City Council Ad Hoc Interview Committee review applications and recommend an appointment.
8.E PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER SECOND EXTENSION OF URGENCY
ORDINANCE INSTITUTING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ESTABLISHMENT OR EXPANSION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
OR FACILITIES AND MOBILE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES WITHIN
CITY LIMITS FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWELVE MONTHS AND FINDING OF
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends City Council take the following actions:

1. Receive the staff report and conduct the public hearing;

2. Waive full reading and adopt by four-fifths vote Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-971
(Attachment 1), extending for twelve months from December 11, 2024 the temporary
moratorium prohibiting medical marijuana facilities and mobile medical marijuana
dispensaries within City limits, as read by title only;

3. Find that Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-971 is exempt from CEQA; and

4. Direct staff to continue to study appropriate modifications to the Fillmore Municipal Code to
mitigate the conditions outlined in this staff report and Section 2 of the Urgency Ordinance
that arise out of developing, maintaining, and expanding medical marijuana facilities and
mobile medical marijuana dispensaries. The Community Development Director is further
directed to report back to the City Council with his findings at least 10 days prior to the
expiration of this ordinance.

8.F PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-
4004 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL
LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE
STORMDRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FY 2024-25.
REQUEST

Staff requests that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 24-4004
Confirming the Annual Budget and Ordering the Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for
the Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment Districts Nos. 01, 01A, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07
in Fiscal Year 2024/2025, Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982.

8.G PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
APPROVING THE ENGINEERS ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2024-25 AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE
HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1 AND
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 02, RESPECTIVELY.

RECOMMENDATIONS

City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Actions to open and close the Public Hearing:

1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to
approve the Engineer’s Report and the levy of assessments within LLD 2007-1 and LLD 02;

2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and
Order the Levy of Assessments:

Actions to confirm and order the annual levy:

1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
4. City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
5. Actions to open and close the Public Hearing:
6. 1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to
7. approve the Engineer’s Report and the levy of assessments within LLD 2007-1 and LLD 02;
8. 2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and
9. Order the Levy of Assessments:
10. Actions to confirm and order the annual levy:
11. 1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
12. California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage
13. Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;
14. 2. Adopt Resolution 24-4001 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
15. California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
16. Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and
17. Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;
18. City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
19. Actions to open and close the Public Hearing:
20. 1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to
21. approve the Engineer’s Report and the levy of assessments within LLD 2007-1 and LLD 02;
22. 2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and
23. Order the Levy of Assessments:
24. Actions to confirm and order the annual levy:
25. 1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
26. California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage
27. Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;
28. 2. Adopt Resolution 24-4001 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
29. California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
30. Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and
31. Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage
Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;
2. Adopt Resolution 24-4001 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and
Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;
Public Hearing to Consider the Annual Engineer’s Report, Levy and Collection of Assessments
for LLD 02 and LLD 2007-1

May 14, 2024

Page 2 of 6

3. Adopt Resolution 24-4002 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Landscape
and Lighting District No. 02 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

4. Adopt Resolution 24-4003 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting District No.
02 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

5. Authorize staff to incorporate the revenue and expenditures contained in the Annual Budgets
for LLD 02 and LLD 2007-01 into the City of Fillmore Annual Budget.

RECOMMENDATIONS

City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Actions to open and close the Public Hearing:

1. Open the Public Hearing to receive public testimony regarding the City Council’s intent to
approve the Engineer’s Report and the levy of assessments within LLD 2007-1 and LLD 02;

2. Close the Public Hearing. Actions to approve the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and
Order the Levy of Assessments:

Actions to confirm and order the annual levy:

1. Adopt Resolution 24-4000 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage
Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

2. Adopt Resolution 24-4001 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and
Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

Public Hearing to Consider the Annual Engineer’s Report, Levy and Collection of Assessments
for LLD 02 and LLD 2007-1

May 14, 2024

Page 2 of 6

3. Adopt Resolution 24-4002 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Landscape
and Lighting District No. 02 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

4. Adopt Resolution 24-4003 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore,
California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and
Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting District No.
02 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

5. Authorize staff to incorporate the revenue and expenditures contained in the Annual Budgets
for LLD 02 and LLD 2007-01 into the City of Fillmore Annual Budge
 
Fillmore’s 2024 Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On Saturday, May 11, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol hosted their Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo at Rio Vista Elementary School, along with help from the Fillmore Fire and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The overall goal was to educate parents and children about the safety aspects of riding a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter on streets. A Bicycle Safety Rodeo is a safety clinic where young riders can learn about proper safety and the rules of the road. There was a bicycle safety course chalked out for basic riding skills and more. Above are photos of all the fun at this year’s Bike Rodeo. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Saturday, May 11, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol hosted their Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo at Rio Vista Elementary School, along with help from the Fillmore Fire and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The overall goal was to educate parents and children about the safety aspects of riding a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter on streets. A Bicycle Safety Rodeo is a safety clinic where young riders can learn about proper safety and the rules of the road. There was a bicycle safety course chalked out for basic riding skills and more. Above are photos of all the fun at this year’s Bike Rodeo. Photo Credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Fillmore Unified Recognizes Rio Vista Elementary & Staff
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 16th, 2024
On May 13, 2024, at the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica presented an update on the success of the school’s programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year. Office Manager Karina Lechuga, and Speech Language Pathologist Isabella Liu, were both recognized for their outstanding work, and dedication to Rio Vista Elementary staff, students, and families. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2024/5/13/rio-vista-elementary-school-update-amp-recognition.
On May 13, 2024, at the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica presented an update on the success of the school’s programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year. Office Manager Karina Lechuga, and Speech Language Pathologist Isabella Liu, were both recognized for their outstanding work, and dedication to Rio Vista Elementary staff, students, and families. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2024/5/13/rio-vista-elementary-school-update-amp-recognition.
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Poaching in North Piru Creek
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
CDFW wildlife officers recently responded to several tips received through the Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) site. A wildlife officer contacted a man in possession of 49 rainbow trout in a section of Piru Creek in Los Angeles County that was catch and release only. Piru Creek is one of two streams in the Angeles National Forest managed for wild trout. Size and bag limits are in place to allow recreational harvest and consumption of fish and game species in low enough numbers to ensure their populations are self-sustainable. Left unchecked, poaching activities, like being over the allowable limit and undersized takes (especially before they have a chance to reproduce), threaten those populations and the lawful authority to fish or hunt for them. Witnesses to a poaching or pollution event can report them to CalTIP at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP.
CDFW wildlife officers recently responded to several tips received through the Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) site. A wildlife officer contacted a man in possession of 49 rainbow trout in a section of Piru Creek in Los Angeles County that was catch and release only. Piru Creek is one of two streams in the Angeles National Forest managed for wild trout. Size and bag limits are in place to allow recreational harvest and consumption of fish and game species in low enough numbers to ensure their populations are self-sustainable. Left unchecked, poaching activities, like being over the allowable limit and undersized takes (especially before they have a chance to reproduce), threaten those populations and the lawful authority to fish or hunt for them. Witnesses to a poaching or pollution event can report them to CalTIP at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP.
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Ride for the Blue Ends in Fillmore
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue event was held to honor all first responders. This year’s ride began at 8:00 a.m. at Simi Valley City Hall. They stopped at the following police stations in this order: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula, before ending their ride at the Fillmore Police Station at 2:30pm. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue event was held to honor all first responders. This year’s ride began at 8:00 a.m. at Simi Valley City Hall. They stopped at the following police stations in this order: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula, before ending their ride at the Fillmore Police Station at 2:30pm. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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Nataly Vigil & David Jimenez Named Fillmore High School Athletes of the Year
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
The FHS Staff surprised this year’s FHS Athletes of the Year Nataly Vigil and David Jimenez at the Fillmore High School Gym with teammates, coaches, and administrators this past Wednesday, May 1st. Both athletes will attend a dinner on June 2 where they will be honored with all other Ventura County athletes at the Ventura County Hall of Fame dinner. Photo credit Lilah Duran.
The FHS Staff surprised this year’s FHS Athletes of the Year Nataly Vigil and David Jimenez at the Fillmore High School Gym with teammates, coaches, and administrators this past Wednesday, May 1st. Both athletes will attend a dinner on June 2 where they will be honored with all other Ventura County athletes at the Ventura County Hall of Fame dinner. Photo credit Lilah Duran.
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Truck Catches Fire on Tow Truck
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 9th, 2024
On Monday, May 6, at 9:30am, Ventura County Fire Department was on-scene of a pickup truck fully engulfed on eastbound SR126 / Pyle Road. According to CHP the truck was on a tow truck and caught on fire. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
On Monday, May 6, at 9:30am, Ventura County Fire Department was on-scene of a pickup truck fully engulfed on eastbound SR126 / Pyle Road. According to CHP the truck was on a tow truck and caught on fire. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91.
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