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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
 Congratulations to the Explorer Academy Class of 2023!! For three weeks, Explorer recruits from different posts came together to overcome periods of marching, instruction, and reporting to staff under strict and stressful circumstances. We are incredibly proud of all of you, and are looking forward to seeing your journey within each of the Explorer posts. Special congratulations to our very own Fillmore graduates (above)! They entered as Explorer Recruits and returned as badged Explorers! Continue the great work and continue to make us proud! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=609883901 321755&set=pcb.609884041321741. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
 As of last week, the Fillmore Aquatic Center pool was being replastered and has now been filled, however the pool remains closed while they finish up repairs before reopening later this month. For questions and further information regarding this, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at recreation@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at 805-524-3701, ext. 713. Please visit www.fillmoreca.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X.com, and Linkedin. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in Fillmore in early May 2023 near the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive. DA’s office filed a Felony Assault with a Firearm charge on July 25, 2023. Since then, Police have increased patrol and served multiple search warrants, and conducted probation/parole searches, which has led to multiple arrests. Above are photos of evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Department during their investigations. Enlarge Photo On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court. West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism. The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771. Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested (S)suspects,(V)ctims,(P)arty, (D)ecedent Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 Two Oxnard residents who are convicted felons were arrested for identity theft involving numerous victims throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. During the month of July 2023, a victim residing in the city of Fillmore reported being the victim of an identity theft. A deputy assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and an investigation began. The victim was alerted by her financial institution that numerous credit cards were obtained, purchases were made, and suspicious activity occurred with the use of the victim’s personal identifying information. These charges and activity were deemed to be fraudulent. Fillmore station detectives conducted follow-up investigation and evidence was collected identifying Oxnard resident Jose Puga as a person of interest. In addition to the fraudulent activity, it was discovered that the suspect(s) also ordered approximately $1,400.00 worth of various merchandise which was delivered to a residence located at the 1900 block of Socorro Way in the city of Oxnard. Fillmore detectives collected more evidence implicating Puga as the suspect. Puga has an extensive criminal record and he is currently on probation for crimes involving identity theft. During this initial investigation, Puga was subsequently arrested for a probation violation related to this case involving illegal possession of identity theft related documents. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Detectives identified several victims of identity theft committed by Puga. On July 31, 2023, detectives conducted a probation search at Puga’s residence in the 1900 block of Socorro Way in Oxnard. During the search, detectives located and recovered numerous items that had been fraudulently purchased and delivered to Puga’s residence using a victim’s personal identifying information. While at the location, detectives contacted resident Alonzo Rodriguez who is also on probation with a lengthy criminal record for identity theft related crimes. Detectives located identity theft related documents implicating Rodriguez as an additional suspect in this case including additional victims and more stolen California driver licenses, stolen checks, cashier checks, and stolen gift cards. These victims resided throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Rodriguez was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for felony identity theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a no bail probation violation where he remains in custody. Puga was supplementally charged with an additional count of identity theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property. Puga remains in custody with a no bail probation violation. Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 On Saturday, July 29th at 10:30am, Fillmore City Hall was filled with folks to celebrate the Fillmore Police Department Plaque Dedication Ceremony and BBQ, in honor of members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Above, Duke Bradbury, Former Fillmore peace officer and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, introducing speakers before the plaque unveiling. See more photos on page 10. Enlarge Photo  On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a Dedication ceremony was held at Fillmore City Hall for the unveiling of the plaque to hang in the lobby of City Hall to honor Fillmore Police Department members who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Pictured above are VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen, President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County Duke Bradbury, Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon, and Commander Garo Kuredjian, who were in attendance for the ceremony. Enlarge Photo  After the ceremony a BBQ dinner followed for folks to enjoy, cooked by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul. Above are some folks enjoying their meal BBQ; below is Steve and his team who helped prepare the food. Enlarge Photo A large crowd gathered at City Hall Saturday for a ceremony honoring members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Former Fillmore peace officer, and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, Duke Bradbury opened the ceremony with a brief history of the group. Membership in the Thin Blue Line includes retired Fillmore, Santa Paula, LAPD, CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies. A member and good friend from the Sheriff’s Department, Elmo Sheeran, came up with the group’s name. Elmo also later suggested memorializing their service with the plaque. Approximately $2,300 in donations was raised to purchase it. Bradbury commented on the closeness with which the police forces worked together. “I want to thank our law enforcement friends and partners from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department! During the years we relied on each other for assistance in protecting our communities, and our calls for mutual aid were always answered.” The group was formerly called Fillmore Police Brotherhood. Its first President was former Fillmore Police Sergeant Max Piña. Max passed away two years ago, but he is remembered with the roadway designated Max Piña Way in Fillmore. The city and VC Sheriff’s Department were very helpful in honoring Max’s service to our community. The first speaker was former Fillmore Police Chief Dick Diaz. Also attending were former Santa Paula Chief of Police Walt Adair, former Senior Deputy Elmo Sheeran, and former Fillmore Police Chief and now VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen. Fillmore City Council Member Carrie Broggie assisted with the plaque ceremonies and addressed the audience. The final speaker was Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 Fillmore All-Star team won the 63 District Championship, first time in 40 years. Pictured back row (l-r) Coaches Ricky Gonzalez, Andy Lopez, Damian Magana; Middle row (l-r) Ralphy Avila, Athen Escobedo, Rocky Balboa, Victor Alvino, Drew Lopez, Ethan Zavala, Gabriel Magana; Bottom row (l-r) Isaac Ramirez, Joseph Minister, Malcom Dunbar, Adan Herrera, Aiden Arias, and reclining is Ted Chewning. Inset, the team celebrating at homeplate after teammate Drew Lopez’s homerun during the big game. Photo credit Aaron Escobedo. Enlarge Photo On June 22nd – 29th the Fillmore All-Stars team earned the first District 63 Majors Win in over 40 years, going 4 – 0 having beaten defending champs Dos Pueblos twice for the championship. And it was all due to every player doing their part. Fillmore’s heat of the lineup displayed a tremendous power hitting with 8 homeruns in 7 games. Ted Chewning, the 3rd and 4th Athen “Turtle” Escobedo, had two, both being his 1st and 2nd homeruns. Isaac Ramirez hit his 1st homerun to start the scoring when they were down. Andrew “Drew” Lopez hit a two-run off Dos Pueblos, putting the first of two games away, defeating them 12 – 6, putting them in a great spot to win the District title and finally bringing the banner home to the City of Fillmore. The first of three games, the boys were down by 4 runs and each of those games they fought and came back to win by 5 runs or more, showing tremendous heart and desire to win for each other. Most of the boys have been together since the age of 8, and Coaches Andy Lopez and Damian Magana have coached the majority of the team since; they have built a good relationship with all of them and know their strengths, etc. Pitching was stellar to say the least. Gabriel Magana had 2 wins and Drew Lopez had 1 win to close out the Championship game to District against Dos Pueblos. Catcher Joseph Minister pitched in both Championship games and was a force to be reckoned with at age 11. Overall, this was a team effort and good coaching got the job done; but they will be back next year as they have some unfinished business. A special thank you to our All our Coaches for all their hard work, time and effort. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 The Sierra Northern Railways has been responsible for displaying a mile-long stream of graffiti-strewn railcars in Fillmore's backyard. It's a serious eyesore and an attractive nuisance which affects property values. The Gazette proposes to have Sierra clean-off the graffiti and maintain clean surfaces. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
 On Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:38pm, Fillmore Police responded to reports from a concerned resident seeing numerous subjects at Delores Day Park. Reports stated multiple subjects with vehicles chasing each other near the area. Also, a male subject was seen with what appeared to be a firearm. After a short pursuit police arrested all five suspects, three juveniles and two adults. Inset photo courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enlarge Photo On July 21, 2023, at approximately 10:38 PM, a concerned resident called the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report suspicious activity at Delores Day Park located at 880 Goodenough Road in the city of Fillmore. The concerned resident reported seeing numerous subjects associated with three different vehicles chasing each other near the park. The concerned resident also reported seeing a male subject holding what appeared to be a firearm during the altercation. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station responded to the area. Upon arrival, a deputy identified one of the vehicles involved in the incident and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver, Emma Soderstedt, failed to stop and accelerated her speed for several blocks before stopping. Once stopped, Alberto Sanchez, a known gang member, exited the vehicle and ran while holding a firearm. Sanchez was apprehended and arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Deputies recovered the loaded and unregistered firearm in the driveway of a nearby residence. Deputies detained three additional male juveniles who were also occupants in the vehicle. All three juveniles were identified as known gang members. All three were subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang. All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center. Soderstedt was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and evading arrest. She has since been released from custody on her promise to appear at a future court date. Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for participation in a criminal street gang, disturbing the peace, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, where he remains in custody in lieu of his bail set at $100,000. Report Number: RB # 23-93665 Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
