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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 26th, 2023
 On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 11:03pm, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received multiple 911 calls stating numerous subjects could be heard fighting in the 800 block of Sespe Avenue, Fillmore. Per an additional caller, the fight was taking place in the 400 block of Hume Drive, with one subject down on the roadway, unconscious. Arriving deputies requested additional units to respond to the incident with lights and sirens. Fillmore Fire Department was also on-scene for a reported subject hit by a vehicle. One patient was treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital; condition unknown. It was known a party was taking place near the fight location, with several calls for party/music disturbance. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 26th, 2023
 Congratulations to Classified, Certificated, Administrator, Fillmore High Student, and the Sierra High Student of the Year who were recognized at last week’s Fillmore School Board meeting. Pictured (l-r) are Vicki Murphy (Certificated Staff of the Year), Sofia Santa Rosa (Student of the Year, Sierra High School), Alanna Garcia (Student of the Year, Fillmore High School), Eli Hernandez (Classified Staff of the Year), and Carlos Valdovinos (Administrator of the Year). Photo courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/5/22/staff-and-students-of-the-year-recognized-at-school-board-meeting. See Student of the Year bios on page 10, Classified, Certificated, Administrator bios in next week’s Gazette. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 26th, 2023
GARAGE SALE - 1411 Goodenough Rd, Fillmore. Sleigh beds, refrigerator, sleeper sofa, oak dinette, hutch, chest of drawers, tile saw, tools, dishes, yard furniture, camping equipment, Christmas stuff, miscellaneous. Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm. (5/25) |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 25th, 2023
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 29th
The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29th at 11AM. The featured speaker this year is Marc Allen. Mar is a 30 year United States Air Force Veteran and retired Chief Master Sergeant. He joined the Air Force upon graduating from Moorpark High School in 1992. During his military career he served as a career enlisted aviator on the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft providing global research capabilities for our nation’s warfighters. His aircrew experience includes certifications as a flight C-17 instructor/evaluator, airdrop and Prime Nuclear Airlift Force Loadmaster and has over 8,000 flight and 3,500 combat hours. Additionally Marc served as the Senior International Affairs Program Manager for Un item States Air Forces in Europe where he managed a 75-country portfolio spanning 15 million square miles providing oversight and management of a $9million annual budget conducting 900 annual theatre security cooperation events to promote Commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa priorities and strengthen strategic alliances in Europe and Africa. Lastly he was the Operations Group Superintendent where he served as the commander’s senior enlisted leader and principle advisor on personnel career development, utilization, training, organizational performance, readiness capabilities and airfield operations to provide survivable, reliable and precision airpower of C-17, KC-135,B-2, B-52, F-16 and A-1‘0 aircraft supporting going and combined forces. Marc has over 20 deployments in support of Operations Provide Promise, Joint Endeavor, Assured Lif, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. His education includes a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management, Associate Degree in Business Administration and Aviation Operations and two certificates in Professional Management and International Affairs. Since his retirement from the Air Force Marc resides in Reno, Nevada and works for the Nevadaworks specializing in workforce development. He is engaged to Heather Adans and has two children Haeley, who is a sophomore at Chico State University and Julian, who is a sophomore at Quartz Hill High School in Palmdale. The Reverend Bob Hammond of St. Stephens Anglican Church will give the Inspirational Message. Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bill Morris. The Boy Scouts & Bardsdale 4H will put out the flags on Friday, May 26th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 30th. The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Lani Farr, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary ,Lisa Hammond, Greg Taylor and Bill Morris would like to invite the community to this special event. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 25th, 2023
On May 19, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives were conducting directed enforcement of known subjects who are on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) with search terms. During this operation, Special Enforcement Unit detectives contacted Doria Ferrer, 31, of Oxnard and Eric Martinez, 31, of Fillmore, in the 1000 block of North H Street in Oxnard. During this contact, Ferrer delayed and obstructed detectives in contacting Martinez, who was found to be in the process of destroying narcotics related evidence. Detectives conducted a search of Martinez and his property pursuant to his PRCS search terms. During the search, detectives found a loaded 9mm caliber “ghost gun”, ammunition, and a half ounce of methamphetamine. The loaded firearm was found unsecured in an area accessible to small children who lived at the residence. Martinez is a convicted felon and is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. Detectives arrested Martinez for being in possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a manufactured firearm not properly registered, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a loaded firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, destruction of evidence and conspiracy to commit a crime. As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Ferrer for resisting and delaying peace officers, child endangerment and conspiracy to commit a crime. The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to the investigation of illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891. 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 Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested with Loaded Firearm and Narcotics (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent Prepared by: Senior Deputy Matt Smith |
 Former City Councilwoman Simone Alex addressed the Council at this week’s meeting. She joined several other citizens who complained of threats from a growing homeless person population. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 25th, 2023
Citizens Express Homelessness & Crime Concerns
All items approved 5-0 PRESENTATIONS 5.A VCTC - TRANSIT INTEGRATION AND EFFICIENCY STUDY (TIES) - Crime and other dangers and challenges due to an increasing homeless population were expressed by several citizens. REQUEST RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Adopt the attached Resolution No. 23-3940 approving the City of Fillmore FY 2023-24 Annual Budget, excluding the Landscape & Lighting Districts budgets and the Storm Drain. Assessment District budget; and 2. Adopt the attached Resolution Nos. 23-3941 approving new City Manager Department Senior Management Analyst and New Accountant classifications; reclassifying the Human Resources Assistant to Deputy City Clerk/ Office Manager; and adopting job descriptions for these positions. The following alternatives to the staff recommendation are available to the City Council: 1. Adopt the attached resolutions approving the City of Fillmore FY 2023-24 Annual Budget, establishing three new positions, and reclassification of one position with changes; 2. Do not adopt one or more of the attached resolutions; 3. Provide other direction to staff. 9.B PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 02 AND HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1, RESPECTIVELY 9.C PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 23-3934 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FY 2023 - 2. 9.D REQUEST: That the City Council: 1. Approve a contract in the amount not to exceed $1,870,000, including $630,000 for FY 2023-2024, to be effective July 1, 2023, with Willdan Engineering Services, Inc. (Willdan) for contract city engineering services. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES REQUEST: That the City Council: 1. Approve a contract in the amount not to exceed $1,870,000, including $630,000 for FY 2023-2024, to be effective July 1, 2023, with Willdan Engineering Services, Inc. (Willdan) for contract city engineering services. 9.E EXTENSION OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION RESULTING FROM A SEWER LINE COLLAPSE, ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-01E, RATIFICATION OF A CONTRACT AWARDED TO TORO ENTERPRISES FOR SEWER REPAIR WORK AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3943 to extend the declaration of a local emergency based on the March 15, 2023 collapse of a sewer manhole which rendered the downstream pipeline unusable; 2. Adopt the plans and specifications for Project Specification No. 23-01E, “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project; 3. Appropriate $1,100,000 from the Sewer Operating Fund, $1,500,000 from the Sewer Replacement Fund, and $1,350,000 from the Sewer DIF fund for the “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project; and 4. Ratify the award of a public works construction contract to Toro Enterprises for the construction of Project Specification No. 23-01E in an amount not to exceed $3,575,033.50 and authorize an amendment of the agreement to approve a contingency amount of $350,000 for unexpected changes, if needed due to field conditions. All items approved 5-0 |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 25th, 2023
 On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2:30am, Moorpark California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a reported vehicle into a ditch on SR23/Chamber-sburg Road, Bardsdale. Arriving officers located a blue Chevy Cruise six feet off the roadway, into a ditch. The vehicle struck an Edison pole and caused guide wire damage. Driver/passengers abandoned the vehicle; It is unknown how many occupants fled the scene. Moorpark-CHP Office is investigating the crash. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 19th, 2023
 Rotarian and School Superintendent Christine Schieferle introduced Fillmore High School Principal Keith Derrick, and the councelors who were present. Rotarian and Scholarship Chairman Scott Beylik introduced the Scholarship Committee, Carina Forsythe, Andy Klittich and Barbara Filkins. Each in turn introduced the Fillmore High School Scholarship recipients. Jack Morris received $1,250, Monique Hurtado received $1,000, Alanna Garcia received $1,250 plus a $500 Rigo Landeros Scholarship, Yvette Gutierrez received $1,250 plus a $500 Gunderson Family Scholarship, Isabella Zoe received $1,000, Isabella Ramirez received $1,000 plus a $500 Ari Larsen Scholarship, Liliana Montejano received $1,000, Analisa Luna received $1,000, Paola Ruiz De Lara, not pictured, Paola Ruiz De Lara received $1,250. Congratulations to each student and thank you to all the parents who supported their children. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On Tuesday, May, 16, at 6:58am, Fillmore Police Department investigated a three-vehicle car collision at Ventura Street and Clay Street, Fillmore. A semi-truck was traveling west-bound on Ventura Street and for unknown reasons sideswiped two parked vehicles, causing moderate damage to both. No injuries were reported; both parked vehicles were unoccupied. Cause of the crash is under investigation by Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
 On Tuesday, May 16, the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments held “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. From 8am to 10am at Starbucks in Fillmore they enjoyed their coffee while they mingled with the residents in an effort to build better relationships with the Fillmore community. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On Tuesday, May 16, the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments held “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Council Member Christina Villasenor, Sergeant Will Hollowell, Assistant Sheriff Jose Rivera, Captain Eduardo Malagon, Sergeant Meixner, and Maya Zumaya. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News Enlarge Photo The Fillmore Police and Fire Departments proudly announce “Coffee with the Badges” event in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As First Responders, we will come together to promote awareness about the mental health issues affecting millions of people in the United States. On Tuesday, May 16th, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, Fillmore deputies and firefighters will be at Starbucks Coffee, located at 650 Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore, sharing a cup of coffee with our neighbors. Communication and community trust are key elements to the success of the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments. By sitting down and having a simple conversation with members of the community we serve, we can develop and build meaningful relationships. The “Badges” invite the community to come out and ask questions, voice concerns, obtain crime and fire prevention advice, and get to know the “Badges” in your neighborhood. This is a relaxed, informal event and is not about speeches or agendas but simply about casual conversations. The goal of “Coffee with the Badges” is to engage our community, discuss concerns, and raise awareness for mental health." Nature of Incident: Nature of Incident: Fillmore Police and Fillmore Fire Department Host ~ “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative Location: Starbucks Coffee Balden Towne Plaza 650 Ventura Street, Fillmore,. CA 93015 Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell |