On 09/23/2026, (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, an 18-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and a controlled substance. He was arrested for several firearm related offenses.
At about 12:21 AM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station contacted several teenagers and an adult drinking in the 700 block of Aguacate Loop. This is a remote area located in the unincorporated area west of Santa Paula. All the subjects had ties to a Santa Paula criminal street gang. During their initial investigation, patrol deputies located alcohol, a controlled substance, and a loaded handgun inside the vehicle associated with the teenagers.
Further investigation resulted in (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr. being arrested for Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Handgun Inside a Vehicle], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm].
The other three teenagers were arrested for alcohol-related offenses.
Bracamontes was later transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked and later released after posting bail.
The Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for Bracamontes’ residence which was served on 10/02/2026, with assistance from the West County Special Enforcement Unit.
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.
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: 10/02/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Firearm Offenses
Report Number: 26-124964
Location: 700 block of Aguacate Loop, unincorporated Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/23/2026, 12:21 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, Santa Paula, 18
***
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).

On 09/29/2026, (S) Matthew Villareal, a 30-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was arrested for burglary and vandalism offenses.
At about 4:37 PM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the 15000 block of South Mountain Road in unincorporated Santa Paula reference a vandalism in progress. As deputies arrived, they contacted (S) Matthew Villareal. As the patrol investigation unfolded, deputies learned Villareal did not have permission to be in the detached garage of the property and caused thousands of dollars of damage to the property. At their conclusion, deputies determined there was probable cause and arrested Villareal for Penal Code § 459 – [Burglary] and Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism].
Villareal was transported to the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for the above 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.
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: 09/30/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Vandal Arrested
Report Number: 26-128124
Location: 15000 block of South Mountain Rd, unincorporated Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/29/2026 @ 4:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Matthew Villareal, Santa Paula, 30
***
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).

Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1500437002116867&set=a.225313742962539.
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September 24, 2026
Fillmore, CA — The City of Fillmore will receive $1 million in state funding to support Two Rivers Park following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 113 on September 18, 2026. The funding marks a significant investment in Fillmore’s flagship park and the residents, families, and local sports leagues who use it.
The City extends its sincere gratitude to Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón for championing this investment through the state budget process. Her advocacy has helped bring state support to an important recreational resource for the Fillmore community.
Two Rivers Park brings families and neighbors together while giving young athletes a place to play, learn, and grow. The funding will support improvements to the park and help strengthen recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
For Fillmore’s youth, quality places to play sports offer opportunities to build confidence, practice teamwork, and stay active. This investment will benefit the leagues, coaches, volunteers, and families who make local sports programs possible, while helping the park serve future generations.
For updates on City of Fillmore news, follow the City on Facebook and Instagram or visit fillmoreca.gov.
Press Release Prepared by: Angel Garcia, Sr. Mana
Follow the City of Fillmore on Instagram @cityoffillmore, Facebook: City of Fillmore

Man booked into Ventura County Jail on illegal firearm and child endangerment charges.

On September 21, 2026, Jose Soto, a 20-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm concealed within a vehicle.
At approximately 8:06 p.m., a deputy assigned to patrol the Santa Clara Valley was traveling westbound on Harvard Blvd in the City of Santa Paula when he observed another vehicle driving without headlights on, a violation of the California Vehicle Code. Due to the safety concerns of operating a motor vehicle at night without adequate lighting, the patrol deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle. During the contact, the vehicle was found to be occupied by two adults and one juvenile. The driver of the vehicle was found to be unlicensed, and the juvenile passenger in possession of marijuana.
Based on the driver being unlicensed, and no other occupants having a valid driver’s license, the patrol deputy conducted an inventory of the vehicle in preparation for the vehicle to be towed. During the inventory search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine was found to be concealed in the passenger compartment. Jose Soto admitted to ownership of the illegally possessed firearm. Jose Soto was subsequently arrested for violations of Penal Code § 27545 – Unlawful Firearm Transfer, Penal Code § 25850 (a)(1) – Carry a Concealed Firearm within a Vehicle, Penal Code § 25850 (a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm on One’s Person, Penal Code § 32310 (a) – Possession of Large Capacity Magazine, Penal Code § 273a(b) – Child Endangerment, and Vehicle Code § 14604 (a) – Permitting Unlicensed Driver to Drive Vehicle. Soto was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.
Detectives assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station obtained a search warrant from a Judge of the Superior Court, Ventura Judicial District, ordering the search of Soto, any vehicles associated to Soto, and Soto’s residence. On September 22, 2026, members of the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit executed a search warrant at Soto’s residence, located in the City of Santa Paula. During the search warrant, detectives located evidence implicating Soto’s membership in a local criminal street gang.
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.
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: Detective Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: 09/24/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Traffic Stop Results in Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 26-124399
Location: 200 Block of West Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/21/2026, 8:06 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Detectives
Suspect, City of Residence, Age
Jose Soto, Santa Paula, 20
***
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).

On Tuesday night, September 29, at approximately 8 p.m., residents of Fillmore and Piru experienced an earthquake jolt. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck 4 kilometers southeast of Piru at a depth of 10.7 kilometers. Information courtesy of the USGS website https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci41340823/executive.

On Wednesday, September 23, at 11:22 a.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported vehicle versus pedestrian at the intersection of Ventura Street and B Street. Arriving firefighters found a white pick‑up truck and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was treated by AMR Paramedics and transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.

RJ Stump, manager of Bond/Facilities Projects, and Kevin Schmitz, director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation, recently provided an update on improvements completed throughout the Fillmore Unified School District.
Many of the projects were funded through Measures V and G. District representatives expressed appreciation to the community members who voted to support the measures, which have provided funding for numerous improvements to local schools and facilities.
Among the projects completed or underway are the following:
• New Adult Education buildings on Sespe Avenue.
• Relocation of the baseball field, while preserving its history with the addition of a new Booty Sanchez sign.
• New windows and air conditioning in the Arts building at Fillmore High School.
• A new all-weather track at Rio Vista School for physical education.
• New paint, shade structures, artificial turf, and air conditioning at Fillmore Middle School.
• A refurbished kitchen and enhanced Pre-K play area at San Cayetano School.
• Additional space at Fillmore High School for the Career Center, along with new shade areas, book storage, and an outdoor patio.
These projects represent only a portion of the improvements made throughout the district.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for a new athletic complex and a new gymnasium. Future improvements at Fillmore High School will also include modernization of the cafeteria and kitchen.

Posted on September 25, 2026, courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/293
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Starting the week of September 28, crews will repair sidewalks and curb ramps and resurface the parking lot. The park will remain open, but parking lot access will be limited to evenings during the work.
Once resurfacing is finished, crews will paint new parking space lines. Striping is expected to be complete by October 7. Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements!

Fillmore Senior Deputy Justin Lopez

Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/p/DdZVw-UKfpM/
Senior Deputy Lopez’s law enforcement career began in 2017 at the Pre-Trial Detention facility, and since then, he’s continued to grow through dedication, hard work, and service to the community.
Prior to coming to Fillmore, Lopez has patrol trained experience in Thousand Oaks and was assigned to Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit from April 2023 to April 2026.
Coming from a Colombian background, Senior Deputy Lopez wants to continue to build his relationship with the Hispanic community in the City of Fillmore.