Above is the generator located behind Super A Foods, which was damaged in the fire set on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:30am. Police have made an arson suspect arrest, Jose Gilberto Vasquez, 32 of Fillmore. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Above is the generator located behind Super A Foods, which was damaged in the fire set on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:30am. Police have made an arson suspect arrest, Jose Gilberto Vasquez, 32 of Fillmore. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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On February 3, 2025, Fillmore patrol deputies arrested Jose Vasquez for an arson that occurred in the City of Fillmore.

On February 3, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Fillmore patrol deputies along with Fillmore Fire Department responded to a fire at the rear building of Super A Foods. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not spread to any other locations. As a result, the fire burned a generator causing approximately $100,000.00 in damage. Upon further investigation, the cause and origin of the fire appeared to be suspicious, and the fire was determined to be arson.

Fillmore patrol deputies collected and viewed evidence, and they were able to positively identify the arson suspect as Jose Vasquez. Fillmore arson investigators processed the crime scene and additional evidence was collected.

On February 03, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Fillmore patrol deputies located Vasquez in the 400 Block of Blaine Street where he was arrested for arson. Additional evidence was located further linking Vasquez to the arson.

Vasquez was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one count of felony arson with his bail set at $50,000.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to report suspicious behavior by calling Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511 or 911 for any emergencies. When reporting suspicious behavior, please be a great witness and provide as much detail as possible.

Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
News Release Date: February 3, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

***

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 Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 4:20pm, a single-vehicle rollover took place at Main Street and Fillmore Street. The male driver, a 27-year-old Fillmore resident, was transported to VCMC for treatment to injuries sustained during the accident.  During the investigation, the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.  Based on the circumstances and medical treatment of the subject, deputies released him pursuant to Penal Code section 849 pending the results of the BAC (blood evidence collected at VCMC). Information credit Fillmore Sheriff’s Office. Photo credit Gazette staff.
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 4:20pm, a single-vehicle rollover took place at Main Street and Fillmore Street. The male driver, a 27-year-old Fillmore resident, was transported to VCMC for treatment to injuries sustained during the accident. During the investigation, the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Based on the circumstances and medical treatment of the subject, deputies released him pursuant to Penal Code section 849 pending the results of the BAC (blood evidence collected at VCMC). Information credit Fillmore Sheriff’s Office. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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On 01/31/2025, a male juvenile was arrested for his involvement with gang graffiti which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum on 10/29/2024.

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.

On 10/29/2024, diligent members of the community reported graffiti vandalism at the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to the area and confirmed a vandalism had occurred, and confirmed it was gang related. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation collaborated with patrol personnel on the investigation and quickly identified a suspect, a previous resident of Fillmore.

In January 2025, detectives obtained a search warrant for the male juvenile suspect, who is a criminal street gang member, and his residence located in the 9000 block of Trenton Lane in Ventura.

On 01/31/2025, Fillmore detectives and members of the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit executed the search warrant at the juvenile’s residence and seized additional evidence linking the juvenile to the graffiti vandalism and participation in a criminal street gang. The juvenile was subsequently arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – [Vandalism] and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang].

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

Report Number: 24-138062
Location: 300 Block of Main Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 01/31/2025, 7:10 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Fillmore Historical Museum Fillmore
(S) Male Juvenile Ventura 16

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

 
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:10 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a truck crashed into a mobile home in El Dorado Mobile Homes Estates. Arriving deputies reported minor injuries to the driver. The occupants of the home had to evacuate due to extensive damage to the property which was red tagged. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:10 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a truck crashed into a mobile home in El Dorado Mobile Homes Estates. Arriving deputies reported minor injuries to the driver. The occupants of the home had to evacuate due to extensive damage to the property which was red tagged. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at approximately 12:00pm, a 3-axel, 14-wheel dump truck overturned on Grimes Canyon, closing the road for about three hours. CHP was on-scene while the truck was righted and removed. Photo credit Karen Moureaux of All Dogs Rule.
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at approximately 12:00pm, a 3-axel, 14-wheel dump truck overturned on Grimes Canyon, closing the road for about three hours. CHP was on-scene while the truck was righted and removed. Photo credit Karen Moureaux of All Dogs Rule.
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On Tuesday, January 28th, at 12:30 p.m. the school received an anonymous call from a female who claimed that a bomb was in her locker and would go off in 25 minutes, said Capt. Nick Odenath of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The agency is contracted to provide police services in Fillmore. A school resource officer was on campus at the time. Students were escorted to the Booty Sanchez Varsity Baseball Field as law enforcement officers investigated. The response included Fillmore deputies and a bomb-trained K-9 police dog from the Simi Valley Police Department. School Principal Keith Derrick posted updates on Facebook during the incident. By 2 p.m., after authorities deemed the campus safe, the school day continued as scheduled, the principal reported. The incident remains under active investigation, Odenath said. Above photo credit Angel Esquivel; below, Heather Furness
On Tuesday, January 28th, at 12:30 p.m. the school received an anonymous call from a female who claimed that a bomb was in her locker and would go off in 25 minutes, said Capt. Nick Odenath of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The agency is contracted to provide police services in Fillmore. A school resource officer was on campus at the time. Students were escorted to the Booty Sanchez Varsity Baseball Field as law enforcement officers investigated. The response included Fillmore deputies and a bomb-trained K-9 police dog from the Simi Valley Police Department. School Principal Keith Derrick posted updates on Facebook during the incident. By 2 p.m., after authorities deemed the campus safe, the school day continued as scheduled, the principal reported. The incident remains under active investigation, Odenath said. Above photo credit Angel Esquivel; below, Heather Furness
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On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:53am, the Hughes Fire broke out near Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake. By 12:45pm, the skies over Fillmore were filled with smoke and ash, causing poor air quality for the surrounding areas. Evacuations east of Lake Piru were ordered. As of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 8:51am, CalFire announced the fire is at 98% containment and 10,425 acres have been burned. For more and updated information visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/22/hughes-fire. Photo credit Gazette staff.
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:53am, the Hughes Fire broke out near Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake. By 12:45pm, the skies over Fillmore were filled with smoke and ash, causing poor air quality for the surrounding areas. Evacuations east of Lake Piru were ordered. As of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 8:51am, CalFire announced the fire is at 98% containment and 10,425 acres have been burned. For more and updated information visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/22/hughes-fire. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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Above is Natalie Yanez, Fillmore’s local SoCal Edison Government Relations Manager, who spoke to the Fillmore City Council Tuesday night regarding everything Edison is doing to help prevent fires.
Above is Natalie Yanez, Fillmore’s local SoCal Edison Government Relations Manager, who spoke to the Fillmore City Council Tuesday night regarding everything Edison is doing to help prevent fires.
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CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025

City Council Meeting All Items Passed

6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A END OF THE YEAR HOUSING MARKET UPDATE PRESENTED BY VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

5.B SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON INFORMATIONAL ON PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 28, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JANUARY 28, 2025.PDF

8.B AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO MASTER AGREEMENT AND PROJECT SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR ROAD
REHABILITATION

SR CRRSAA FUND AGREEMENT.PDF

8.C (1) GRANT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY FOR ROADWAY OVER CITY OWNED LAND AT TRESTLE WAY AND STATE ROUTE 126; (2)
TRANSFER OF TITLE FOR REMAINDER PARCEL IN THE TR 5520 EAST ENTRY FROM HEARTHSTONE MULTI-ASSET ENTITY C, LP A CALIFORNIA
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP TO THE CITY, AND (3) ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHT-OF- WAY ON STATE ROUTE 126

SR - TR 5520 TRESTLE WAY GRANDTING - ACCEPTING RIGHT-OF WAY ON CITY LAND.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A APPOINTMENT OF TWO INDIVIDUALS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION - 2025 TO 2029 TERM

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council confirm the recommendation of the Mayor and approve the appoint two
(2) people - Ashley Connolly and Dereck Fourage - to the Planning Commission for the term from February 1, 2025 through
January 31, 2029.

SR - PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS 2025-2029.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding
preparation of the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget for the City of Fillmore; and 2. Approve the attached Budget Development and
Review Schedule relative to preparation and approval of the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget. The following alternatives to the
staff recommendations have been identified: 1. Approve a revised proposed Budget Development Guidelines and/or the Budget
Development and Review Schedule; and / or 2. Provide staff with other direction.

9.B FY 2025-26 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding
preparation of the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget for the City of Fillmore; and 2. Approve the attached Budget Development and
Review Schedule relative to preparation and approval of the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget. The following alternatives to the
staff recommendations have been identified: 1. Approve a revised proposed Budget Development Guidelines and/or the Budget
Development and Review Schedule; and / or 2. Provide staff with other direction.

SR - FY 2025 -2026 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the City’s current fees for use of City
facilities and special events.

9.C REVIEW OF CURRENT FEES FOR FACILITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS SR REVIEW OF CURRENT FEES FOR PARK RENTALS AND SPECIAL
EVENTS.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the City’s current fees for use of City
facilities and special events.

9.D ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-4045 TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY CONDITION AND AUTHORIZE CONTRACTS FOR REPAIRS FOR WELL #7 PURSUANT
TO CALIFORNIA PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECIONS 1102, 20168, AND 22050

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-4045 that would declare an emergency condition based on
urgently needed repairs to Well No. 7 and to authorize contracts to perform the emergency repair work for Well No. 7 in a
not to exceed amount of $350,000.

SR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO WELL #7 (1046751.3) FINAL WITH ATTACHMENTS.PDF

9.E APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
(SCAG) SR_SCAG DELEGATE 2025.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Appoint an elected official to attend the SCAG General Assembly as
Primary Delegate and to serve as the regional representative; and 2 ) Appoint an Alternate.

9.F AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING CEILING REPAIR PROJECTRECOMMENDATION

That the City Council: 1. Approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign a contract with Wyatt Trapp Inc. for the
Fillmore Boys and Girls Club Building Ceiling Repair Project (“Project”), in the amount of $21,724.08; and 2. Approve a fund
transfer in the amount of $25,000.00 to be reallocated from General Fund Reserves Fund 506 to Recreation Fund 304 for the
Project. Alternatives: 1. Postpone the Project until the next fiscal year and budget accordingly. 2. Take no action at this
time.

SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FILLMORE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BUILDING CEILING REPAIR PROJECT.PDF

9.G HIGH SCHOOL USE OF TENNIS COURTS

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Fillmore High School’s use of the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center courts as
follows: 1. One tennis court from July 8, 2025, to July 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, and
July 29, 2025, to August 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 2. Both tennis courts
from August 12, 2025, to October 31, 2025, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 3. Direct staff to draft
terms to include in the facility use agreement with Fillmore Unified School District; and 4. Direct staff to take necessary
actions, including temporarily removing the pickleball courts and installing tennis court nets to facilitate this use at the
appropriate time. Alternatives: 1. Approve with Modifications: Approve the high school’s request but allow limited access,
such as retaining one court for pickleball while permitting the other for high school use. 2. Deny the Request: Deny the
high school’s request, citing potential conflicts with existing court users or other considerations.

SR - HIGH SCHOOL USE OF TENNIS COURTS.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the Fillmore High School’s use of the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center courts as
follows: 1. One tennis court from July 8, 2025, to July 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, and
July 29, 2025, to August 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 2. Both tennis courts
from August 12, 2025, to October 31, 2025, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 3. Direct staff to draft
terms to include in the facility use agreement with Fillmore Unified School District; and 4. Direct staff to take necessary
actions, including temporarily removing the pickleball courts and installing tennis court nets to facilitate this use at the
appropriate time. Alternatives: 1. Approve with Modifications: Approve the high school’s request but allow limited access,
such as retaining one court for pickleball while permitting the other for high school use. 2. Deny the Request: Deny the
high school’s request, citing potential conflicts with existing court users or other considerations.

9.H CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-978 TO AMEND SECTION 6.07.060 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE REGULATIONS FOR
THE TIMING OF COLLECTION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

SR - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE NO. 25-978.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-978, amending Section 6.07.060 of the
Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) for compliance with State law pertaining to public facilities development impact fees: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 6.07.060 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE
REVISING THE REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

9.I REVIEW FUNDING OPTIONS TO CONSTRUCT PHASE TWO SPORTS FIELD LIGHTING AND TURF REPAIRS AT TWO RIVERS PARK

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council review options to fund Phase Two of the Sports Field Lighting and Turf Repair Project
at Two Rivers Park and direct staff accordingly.

SR - TWO RIVER PARK LIGHTING & TURF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.PDF

10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

11. CITY MANAGER CITY

MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

12. CLOSED SESSION

12.A JANUARY 28, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION JANUARY 28, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY, 11 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

 
On Sunday afternoon, January 26, 2025, Fillmore got its first dose of hail for the new year, with the cold weather and rain coming in over the weekend. For about 3-5 minutes residents reported hail falling throughout the Fillmore area.
On Sunday afternoon, January 26, 2025, Fillmore got its first dose of hail for the new year, with the cold weather and rain coming in over the weekend. For about 3-5 minutes residents reported hail falling throughout the Fillmore area.
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