Above is Flashes Varsity scoring a touchdown in their playoff game against Cerritos High School. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above is the Fillmore Flashes defense taking down a Cerritos player in last Friday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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A Flashes player takes a dive to put a stop to a Cerritos player trying to make his way up the field. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above are the Fillmore Flashes High School Cheerleaders during their halftime performance in Friday night’s CIF Playoff game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
The Fillmore Flashes football team just wrapped up one of the most remarkable seasons in school history — a season defined by leadership, redemption, and pride in the blue and white.
After finishing last year with a 2–8 record, the Flashes stormed into 2025 determined to rewrite their story. And rewrite it they did — posting the program’s first nine-win regular season since 1989 and cementing themselves among the best Fillmore teams of the modern era.
This year’s squad didn’t just win — they broke barriers that stood for generations. The Flashes earned their first victories over Royal High School and Buena High School since the 1960s, marking a return to form against longtime Ventura County powerhouses. Their consistency and toughness also secured a fourth playoff appearance in five years, proving that Fillmore football is once again a force to be reckoned with.
And of course, no Fillmore season would be complete without the Route 126 rivalry showdown — and this year’s battle was one for the ages. The Flashes dominated the Santa Paula Cardinals to reclaim the Leather Helmet Trophy, notching their fourth rivalry win in the past five years and sending the Flashes crowd into a frenzy. The victory was more than just another win — it was a statement about legacy, tradition, and pride in Fillmore Blue.
Much of this success can be credited to an outstanding senior class whose leadership and belief set the tone for the entire program. Captains Marcus Lechuga, Carlos Cabral, Mauricio Ocegueda, and Genaro Villela helped transform last year’s struggles into a season of triumphs — leading by example on and off the field and inspiring a new standard of excellence for the teams that will follow.
As the Flashes close the book on 2025, the message is clear: Fillmore football is alive, thriving, and built to last. The culture is strong, the tradition burns bright, and the future looks even brighter.

Residents of Fillmore are invited to come together for a morning of conversation, connection, and community spirit at the upcoming Coffee with Badges event, hosted at Roan Mills Grains.
This event will take place on Wednesday, November 12th, from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, at Roan Mills, located at 411 Central Avenue, and will feature first responders from the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Ventura County Probation Agency. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee, and engage in friendly discussions with the first responders who serve their community every day.
Coffee with Badges is all about building relationships. First responders want people to feel comfortable approaching them, asking questions, and getting to know them beyond the badge.
Guests will be treated to complimentary coffee from Roan Mills, a beloved local bakery known for its breads, pastries, and warm community atmosphere.
The informal event offers a welcoming space for residents to share ideas, express concerns, or simply chat with first responders in a casual and friendly setting. No speeches or agendas – just good coffee and good conversation.
Join us in the fight against crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, 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: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: November 7th, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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).
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Community: Media Release: Coffee with Badges
Nature of Incident: Coffee with Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Roan Mills Grains, 411 Central Ave, Fillmore
Date & Time: November 12th, 8 am – 9:30 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

A Fillmore Sheriff’s deputy launching a drone from El Dorado Mobile Homes in search of the attempted murder suspect who was eventually located near Pole Creek on 4th Street. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.

On 10/30/2025, at about 9:13 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 200 block of E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon which had just occurred.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult female suffering from serious injuries consistent with being assaulted with a pick axe. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care.
Sheriff’s Dispatch worked with reporting parties and were able to identify the suspect as (S) Juan Carlos Saucedo, a 19-year-old Fillmore resident. Saucedo was recently released from custody on his own recognizance for felony resisting a peace officer.
Patrol personnel quickly learned Saucedo had fled the area on foot. Additional resources from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, and Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation and actively searched for Saucedo in the immediate and surrounding areas.
Shortly after 10:00 AM, with assistance from diligent members of the community, Sheriff’s personnel were able to locate Saucedo hiding in the area near Pole Creek and Fourth Street. Once resources arrived, deputies developed a plan and took Saucedo into custody without incident.
Shortly after 1:00 PM, detectives from the Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for Saucedo’s residence, which was the same location as the assault. During the warrant service, crime scene investigators located additional evidence linking Saucedo to the attempted murder.
As a result of the investigation, Saucedo was arrested for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder]. 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: 10/31/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Attempt Murder
Report Number: 25-139577
Location: 200 block of E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore
Date & Time: 10/30/2025, 9:13 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Sheriff’s Dispatch, Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Adult Female, Fillmore, N/A
(S) Juan Carlos Saucedo, Fillmore, 19

Fillmore, CA — Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Fillmore and Piru communities will come together once again to honor the brave men and women who have served our country at the annual Fillmore-Piru Veteran’s Day Celebration, set for Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Veteran’s Day Parade along Central Avenue, featuring local organizations, marching bands, community groups, and honored veterans. Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal will be Mark Dominguez, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and interim Fillmore Police Chief and Peace Officer, recognized for his exemplary service to both his country and community.
Following the parade, a Luncheon will be served at Fillmore Middle School, located at 543 A Street. The meal is $15 per person, with veterans eating free as a token of appreciation for their service.
The day’s events will continue with the Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, scheduled to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Fillmore City Councilman and U.S. Veteran John Garnica, who will share reflections on service, sacrifice, and community.
Residents are encouraged to attend and spend the day celebrating our nation’s heroes. The event remains one of Fillmore’s most cherished traditions, uniting generations in gratitude and remembrance.
Come out and show your support—join us in honoring those who have given so much for our freedom.

Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.

Officer Ryan Ayers of the CHP Moorpark Office issued the following statement about a fatal motorcycle crash occurring Sunday, November 2 of 2025, between Moorpark and Fillmore.
“BARDSDALE, CA. – The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Moorpark Area officers are investigating the cause of a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that occurred Sunday, on Bardsdale Road at State Route 23 (Grimes Canyon Rd) south of Fillmore, CA and claimed one life.
On November 2, 2025, at approximately 5:49 P.M., the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center received a call of a two-vehicle crash on Bardsdale Road, west of SR-23.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a responsive 71-year-old male from Thousand Oaks, who had been ejected from his motorcycle, a 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide.
The rider was the sole rider of the Harley Davidson driving southbound on SR-23, at an unknown speed. For reasons yet to be determined, the rider was unable to negotiate a left turn in the roadway and struck a 2012 Toyota Yaris that was stopped on Bardsdale Road at the stop sign to SR-23.
The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and received major injuries. The rider was transported by air ambulance to Los Robles Hospital, where tragically, he succumbed to the injuries sustained in this crash and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Toyota, a 48 year old female from Canyon Country, received complaint of pain injuries from this crash and was able to drive her vehicle from the scene.
No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown.
This incident resulted in the closure of Bardsdale Road for approximately 30 minutes to allow access for emergency personnel and for CHP officers to conduct the on-scene investigation.
The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene to assist with the medical care, scene safety, and transport to Los Robles Hospital.
For additional information regarding the deceased, please contact the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office at (805) 641-4400.
This Collision is being investigated by the CHP’s Moorpark Area office. Any potential witnesses who have not already given their statements to an investigating officer are encouraged to contact the CHP’s Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.”

Army Staff Sergeant (R) Mark Dominguez

Fillmore Veteran’s Day Grand Marshal Mark Dominguez proudly served his country from November 4, 1965, to November 8, 1968. Mark answered the call to duty by enlisting in the U.S. Army and later volunteering to serve in Vietnam. He was stationed in Germany from 1965 until 1967 in various law enforcement duties and as a training instructor.
From April 1967 to April 1968, Mark served in Vietnam during the historic “TET Year of the Monkey” assigned to Nha Trang in the III Corps tactical zone. His unit was responsible for intensive structure-to-structure and room-to-room operations to locate enemy forces. This dangerous duty along with extended patrol missions in the surrounding jungles often required up to seven days of continuous engagement with the enemy.
After completing his Vietnam service, Dominguez was stationed at the Sixth Army Headquarters at the Presidio in San Francisco where he served as Honor Guard Platoon Sergeant overseeing burial detail for our fallen heroes. Mark was also in charge of the Military Brig Detention facility which housed long-term military prisoners. His exemplary service earned him several military honors, including promotion to Staff Sergeant E-6, and receiving the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Medal. He was also recognized as a Distinguished Expert in Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship.
After receiving his honorable discharge, Mark was hired as a peace officer for the Fillmore Police Department in 1969 where he served until 1982. He continued to display the same commitment and devotion to duty as a police officer as he did in the Army while serving his beloved Fillmore community. Mark received several promotions including Sargeant, Lieutenant, and Interim Chief of Police. In 1972, the Ventura Kiwanis Club awarded him the prestigious Fillmore Policeman of the Year.
Mark continues his lifelong commitment to helping others. He currently serves as the Senior Legal Administrator at the Law Offices of Rahnama Law which specializes in personal injury cases. Guided by his professional motto “Helping the injured” Mark is dedicated to securing justice and providing maximum compensation for injured clients.
Mark was born in Ventura and currently resides in Oxnard. He and his beloved wife Loira Dominguez have three children. His enduring devotion to his country, community, and family continues to inspire all who know him.