On Wednesday, 04/01/2026, (S) Christian Guerra, a 29-year-old Piru resident, was arrested for his involvement with a felony graffiti vandalism.
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.
At about 7:30 PM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station observed a suspicious subject near the railroad in the unincorporated agricultural area east of Fillmore near the Piru community. The subject was identified as (S) Christian Guerra, a local tagger who discharged probation in October 2025 for vandalism convictions which caused thousands of dollars in property damage to the communities of Fillmore and Piru. Guerra had paint and vandalism tools on his person.
A canvass of the nearby area resulted in the discovery of additional evidence and recent graffiti to a nearby railcar estimated to be in thousands of dollars. As a result of the investigation by patrol deputies, Guerra was arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Graffiti Vandalism] and Penal Code § 594.2 – [Possession of Graffiti Tools]. He was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings.
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: 04/03/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Repeat Offender Arrested for Graffiti Vandalism
Report Number: 26-41552
Location: Unincorporated Area East of Fillmore Near Piru
Date & Time: 04/01/2026 @ 7:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Fillmore Station Patrol Resources
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(V) Sierra Railway
(S) Christian Guerra, Piru, 29
***
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).

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Ventura, Moorpark and Newhall Areas, in partnership with Fillmore and Santa Paula Police Departments, will be conducting targeted enforcement operations on SR-126, to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.
The 40-mile stretch of SR-126 that connects US-101 in Ventura, to 1-5 in Santa Clarita, has experienced a concerning number of fatal and serious injury crashes. Through high-visibility enforcement, the CHP and its partners, aim to reduce these incidents and promote safer driving practices for all motorists. The operation will focus on identifying and addressing speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes and driving under the influence violations, all of which are primary causes of crashes. Officers and deputies will be strategically deployed throughout the corridor to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to deter dangerous driving behaviors.
The goal of this collaborative effort is to save lives and ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
Motorists are reminded to:
Obey posted speed limits
• Avoid distractions while driving
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Maintain a safe following distance
Be a courteous and defensive driver

Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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Photo credit Angel Esquivel
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A large bear was spotted in the 800 block on Blaine Street in North Fillmore on Monday and Tuesday, March 30-31. It migrated to the 800 block of Fourth Street on Wednesday, April 1st, and was roaming between Fourth and Edison Lane. A large crowd gathered, taking videos until the police dispersed them. Fish & Game arrived about 10am and were actively trying to get the bear out from under an RV. It appeared to have an injured jaw. At press time (2:30pm) the bear had been tranquilized and captured. The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department released the following on Instagram and Facebook pages: The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department would like to notify residents of a bear sighting in the 800 block of 4th Street.
As a precaution, we ask community members to avoid the area while officers monitor the situation and coordinate with wildlife authorities. Nearby residents are advised to stay alert and keep children and pets indoors until further notice.
If you meet a bear:
• Don’t come closer or run
• Keep a safe distance
• Make yourself look bigger and step back slowly
• Report the sighting immediately to the Fillmore Police Department
Minimize leaving food or other smelly products outside, as they can lure the bear.
Our officers are actively scouting the area to ensure the safety of the community. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation and helping keep the Fillmore community safe.

On 02/26/2026, a 20-year-old Thousand Oaks residence, (S) Anthony Andrade was arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm and illegal possession of nitrous oxide.
At about 11:27 PM, a deputy working patrol in the City of Fillmore conducted a traffic stop on a sedan near the intersection of A Street at First Street in Fillmore. Andrade was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. As a result of the traffic stop investigation, deputies located a loaded unregistered/serialized 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.
In addition to the loaded firearm, deputies located a nitrous oxide tank. Nitrous oxide is a legal, widely used substance in California for medical, dental and culinary applications. However, possessing or using nitrous oxide for purposes of intoxication is illegal and considered a misdemeanor. The illegal ingestion of nitrous oxide can lead to serious health risks.
Ultimately, Andrade was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm on Person], Penal Code § 25400(a)(1) – [Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Vehicle], and Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Penal Code § 381b – [Possession of Nitrous Oxide]. Andrade was transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and later posted bail for the offenses.
On 03/26/2026, detectives from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Andrade’s residence, located in the 2000 block of Los Feliz Drive in Thousand Oaks. During the warrant service, detectives located additional evidence linking Andrade to the crimes.
Andrade remains out of custody on bail for the offenses.
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: 03/27/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 26-26062
Location: A Street at First Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/26/2026, 11:27 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(S) Anthony Andrade, Thousand Oaks, 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).

Courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
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The Fillmore Police Department invites you to an “Easter Eggstravanganza 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 kid(s) to play some fun games and interact with our first responders (The Mounted Unit, S.W.A.T, Bomb Squad, Probation, K9’s, Motor Unit, and Fillmore Fire Department). Check out our equipment, Sheriff Command Post, Can-am and lots more.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Two Rivers Park
1110 River Street, Fillmore
We look forward to seeing you!
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 3/20/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Nature of Incident: Easter Eggstravanganza Event
Report Number: N/A
Location: Two River Park 1110 River St, Fillmore CA, 93015
Date & Time: 04/04/2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Civic Pride volunteers have selected the yard at 1000 Arrasmith Lane belonging to Dan & Amy Stroba for the April ‘’Yard of the Month”.
The Stroba’s moved to Fillmore in 2003 from Oxnard, after Dan retired from military service. The yard had the basics - a small front porch with grass & a few plants. They extended the front porch & added a walkway, planted several Rose bushes, Gingersnap from Otto & Sons Nursery being one, a miniature red Rose by the walkway which is flourishing, several pink Heather plants, Kalanchoe in orange & pink with purple Lobelia & white Alyssum, as a ground cover. They have succulents in pots & in the ground.
Both Dan & Amy enjoy working to maintain their yard. Now they have a very pleasant place to sit in a porch swing with a view of their yard & the mountains in the distance.
Amy & Dan were very pleased to receive the gift card & look forward to going out to the nursery to make their selections. They were told about Rose Days coming up the same weekend as the Fillmore Flower Show, April 25th & 26th.
Civic Pride appreciates Otto & Sons Nursery for generously supporting this “Yard of the Month” project.

News Flash: Fillmore High School Sprinter Kimberly Magana set a new school record in the 100-meter on Saturday, March 21, at the Maurice Green Invitational with a time of 12.16. The former school record was held by Juliette Martinez in 2004 with a time of 12.29. Photo credit Anthony Chavez.

On Saturday, March 21st, several members of the Fillmore High School track team qualified to compete in the Maurice Green Invitational at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake.
The Varsity Boys 4 X 100-meter relay team, once again, this season, set a new Fillmore School Record of 43.84. Their time was recorded in the 2nd heat of 4, where the team captured 3rd place. Team members were Jasiah Patterson, Joshua Felix, Saul Fraga-Sandoval and Nathan Hernandez.
In the Frosh/Soph Girls Malachi Mile, Melanie Martinez was Fillmore’s top finisher, placing 5th in heat 1, in 6:41.94. She was followed by Gabriela Lopez 7th in 6:50.09, Valeria Munoz Mendez 8th in 6:51.37, Christina Setty 9th in 6:56.45, and Mariana Elvira 13th in 7:03.69. In heat 2, Camila had Fillmore’s fastest Frosh/Soph girls time, finishing 13th in 6:40.37. All the girls ran personal best times.
In the Frosh/Soph boys division of the Malachi Mile, Prince Kamradt was Fillmore’s lone qualifier and finished 14th in heat 1, establishing a personal best time of 5:35.99.
In the Malachi Varsity girl’s mile heat 2, Melanie Flores posted Fillmore’s best time placing 8th and running a 6:11.21. In heat 1, Michelle Setty placed 6th in 6:22.52. She was followed by Andrea Gamez 7th in 6:31.94. Michelle and Andrea posted personal best times. Andrea and Michelle also ran personal best times.
In the Boys Frosh/Soph 400-meter run, Orlando Vigil Tello placed 6th in heat 4, recording a time of 57.0. In the Girls Varsity 400-meter run, Delilah Lupercio ran in heat 1, and placed 3rd in 1:06.87. This was a personal best time for Delilah. In the Boys Varsity 400-meter run, Nathan Hernandez placed 4th in Heat number 6 in a personal best time of 51.85.
In the Girls Frosh/Soph 100-meters, heat 2, Barbara Soltero placed 7th in 14.25. In the Boys Frosh/Soph 100-meters, heat 4, Draco Centurion placed 9th in 12.02. In the Girls Varsity 100-meters, heat 7, Kimberly Magana placed second in 12.16, an all-conditions best time for a Fillmore athlete, since the wind was above a 2.0. In heat 4, Mia Munoz placed 5th in 13:12. In the Boys Varsity 100 meters, heat 6, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed second in 10.79. This was also an all-conditions best time, and it was also Saul’s first time running in the 10’s.
In heat 1 of the Girls Frosh/Soph 800-meter race, Camila Soto finished 5th in 3:01.94. Teammate Mariana Elvira was 8th in 3:07.03. In heat 1 of the Varsity Girls 800-meter run, Andrea Gamez placed 5th 2:50.03, and Michelle Setty was 8th in 3:05.77. In heat 2 of the Varsity Girls 800-meter run, Melanie Flores was 4th in 2:49.39. Camila, Mariana, and Andrea ran personal best times.
In heat 3 of the Varsity Girls 300-meter hurdles, Yaneli Landin placed 6th in 53.16.
In the Girls Frosh/Soph 200-Meters, Heat 4, Barbara Soltero placed 7th in a personal best of 29.55. In the Boys Frosh/Soph 200-meter, heat 5, Draco Centurion placed 3rd in 24.42. In heat 2 of the Girls Varsity 200-meter, Mia Munoz placed 7th in 28.52. In heat 3 of the Girls Varsity 200 meter, Kimberly Magana placed 1st in 26.72. In heat 6 of the Boys Varsity 200 meter, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 5th in 22.68.
In the Boys Frosh/Soph high jump, Nathan Lepe placed 12th clearing 4’ 9”. In the Varsity Girls high jump, Yaneli Landin placed 16th jumping 4’ 05”.
In the Boys Varsity long jump, Saul Fraga-Sandoval placed 8th, jumping 20’ 10”.
In the Varsity Girls triple jump, Delilah Lupercio placed 15th jumping 27’ 6.25”. In the Varsity Boys triple jump, Jasiah Patterson placed 19th, jumping 36’ 1.25”.
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FHS Alumni Angel Garcia Competes at Moorpark College
By Epi Torres
On Friday, March 20th, Angel Garcia a student/athlete at Moorpark College, and formerly a track athlete at Fillmore High School competed in two events at the 2026 WSC South Meet #1. In the 1500-Meter run, Angel placed 5th in 4:19.96. In the 800 Meter run, Angel was 8th in 2:04.59. The 800-meter time was a personal best mark for Angel in this event.
Teammate Makhi Hooker, also a former Flash, placed 1st as a member of the 4 X 100-meter relay team. Team members were Desmond Winbush, Makhi Hooker, Kandinsky Umejiego, and Powell Williams. The team winning time was 42.33. Makhi also finished 3rd in the 100-meters, in 10.99, and 3rd in the 200-meters in 22.15. The 200-meter run was a personal best time for Makhi in this event.