 On Friday, May 12, Fillmore Flashes Baseball team defeated Artesia High School in the Division 7 CIF Quarter-Finals, score 7 – 1. This advanced the Flashes to the Semi-Final game at home against Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary on Tuesday, May 16, and defeated them 4 – 1. Above are the Flashes after a big win, they have now advanced to the championship game set for Friday, May 19, against Ganesha High School time and location TBA. For updates visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/baseball/schedule/ Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On Tuesday, May 16 at 3:15pm the Flashes Baseball Team hosted and played in the CIF Semi-final game Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary. Fillmore fans filled the stands and enjoyed the game as they watch the Flashes defeat Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary and secure their spot for the Championship game to take place Friday, May 19 against Ganesha High time and location TBA. For updates visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmoreflashes/baseball/schedule/ Enlarge Photo  On Friday, May 12, Fillmore Flashes Baseball team defeated Artesia High School in the Division 7 CIF Quarter-Finals, score 7 – 1. This advanced the Flashes to the Semi-Final game at home against Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary on Tuesday, May 16, and defeated them 4 – 1. Above are the Flashes after a big win, they have now advanced to the championship game set for Friday, May 19, against Ganesha High School time and location TBA. For updates visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/ baseball/schedule/ Enlarge Photo Courtesy FHS Head Baseball Coach Arye Kinberg |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On Sunday, May 14, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a traffic collision at the intersection of Ventura Street and Central Avenue. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with moderate damage; grey sedan and a black Chevy Silverado. The sedan came to rest on the rear sidewalk of Ernie's Auto Shop. The truck continued eastbound on Ventura Street, taking down a bike sign and resting at Ventura and Fillmore Street. No one was reported injured. Cause of the collision is under investigation by Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE-News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 Congratulations to Fillmore High School’s Jackson Morris and Andrea Laureano who were named this year’s Athletes of the Year. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/ fillmorehighschool/photos/a.1029949460517220/ 2368746403304179/?type=3 Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On Saturday, May 13, at 11:44pm., a Fillmore Patrol deputy advised dispatched that the patrol unit had been involved in a traffic collision at Ventura Street and Los Serenos Drive, Fillmore. Arriving additional deputies found a grey Lexus with moderate back-end damage and a Fillmore black and white patrol car with side passenger damage. Fillmore City Fire Department and AMR Paramedics were also enroute but were canceled before arrival; the deputy along with a law-enforcement explorer and the other driver were not injured. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 18th, 2023
 On November 7, 2018, Sgt. Ron Helus was gravely wounded as a result of the Borderline tragedy where 13 souls were lost. Sadly, Sgt. Helus succumbed to his injuries on November 8, 2018. Out of respect and appreciation for Sgt. Helus and “ALL” first responders throughout Ventura County, “Ride for the Blue” once again took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Nine police stations, including Fillmore PD, were visited by hundreds of riders covering 120 miles across Ventura County to say “thank you” to the first responders who are protecting and serving Ventura County. Proceeds from the annual ride go to the non-profit Oxnard Police Community Foundation to support ALL Ventura County first responders so they can be at their best to serve their community. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive in the city of Fillmore. Our Sheriff’s Communication Center received several calls from callers reporting hearing gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, deputies contacted some of the parties involved and located evidence that a shooting occurred. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the detective below or Crime Stoppers, also at the below listed number. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriff ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/requestforpublicassistance The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. 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. Nature Incident: Shooting Investigations/Request for Public Assistance Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
 Fillmore Explorer Post #2958 received a $5,000 anonymous donation to help provide youth participants with uniforms, equipment, entry fees to events, and on-going training. Enlarge Photo The Fillmore Explorer Post #2958 received a generous donation from a community member who wished to remain anonymous. The donor gave the Fillmore Explorer Post a check in the amount of $5,000! The donor is a long-time supporter of the Explorer program and the opportunities it provides our youth. Generous donations like this help provide the youth participants with uniforms, equipment, entry fees to events, and on-going training. Thank you for your generous donation! The Explorer program is a youth program for young men and women, ages 14 -21 years old, interested in a career in law enforcement. The program offers young adults personal knowledge of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism. Our Explorers receive weekly training, ride-along with deputies, volunteer in the community, learn about the criminal justice system, and attend a three weeklong Explorer Police Academy. Anyone interested in joining the program can contact the Fillmore Police Department, or your local police agency. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
Ordinance Addresses Homless Camps in River Bottom
 Ventura County Librarian Nancy Schram gave an extensive power-point presentation to City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Ms. Schram spoke of the new features and schedules now available in the expanded library space (2,000 sq. feet) including a new community classroom. Enlarge Photo 9.A REQUEST That the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 23-949 to Prohibit Camping and Related Activities In, On, or Within Publicly Owned Property in a Red Line Channel or Related Critical Public Infrastructure. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Introduce an ordinance of the City of Fillmore adding Chapter 15.05 to the Fillmore Municipal Code to prohibit camping and related activities in, on, or within publicly owned property in a red line channel or related critical public infrastructure within the City of Fillmore. (9-A was tabled 5-0)*** 9.B REQUEST That the City Council approve an agreement with Fillmore Unified School District for the continuation of two (s) deputy sheriff positions in the City’s existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) for fiscal year 2023-24. (9-B approved 5-0) RECOMMENDATION That the City Council authorize the extension of one deputy sheriff position to the existing police services contract with the Sheriff’s Office to add a second SRO for fiscal year 2023-2024 to be paid for by FUSD. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: • Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and purchase a Public Works and Facilities Truck for not to exceed $49,800. (9-C approved 5-0) *** PROTECT OUR WATERSHED-FILLMORE: Our Local Watershed aka The River Bottom - Watersheds are protected areas that people are not supposed to be in. Nature.com - Watersheds sustain life, in more ways than one. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than $450 billion in foods, fiber, manufactured goods and tourism depend on clean, healthy watersheds. That is why proper watershed protection is necessary to you and your community. Google: Ventura County Watersheds, Homeless. Part of public works. They have specific plans laid out. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
 On Sunday, May 7, at 1:05am, Fillmore Police responded with a code 3 to the 7-Eleven gas station at Ventura and A Street, Fillmore, with reports of multiple subjects in a physical fight involving a 7-Eleven employee. When deputies arrived on the scene, along with Fillmore Fire and AMR Paramedics, a subject refused medical, and deputies arrested one subject who was booked at the main jail. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
On May 2, 2023, deputies arrested Frankie Cantero from Fillmore for his involvement in numerous graffiti vandalism crimes. Over the past several months, deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Police Station have seen various graffiti tagging spray painted along Old Telegraph Road. The graffiti consisted of large spray paint tagging on roadway signs, train cars, fences, and road barriers. These vandalisms were reported by many concerned citizens who live in the area. The vehicle was subsequently towed because the registration tags were expired over six months, a violation of Vehicle Code section 22651(O). Deputies conducted an inventory of the contents of the vehicle and located spray paint cans and writings that were consistent with the fresh graffiti in the area. Additionally, deputies located personal items belonging to Frankie Cantero. On May 2, 2023, Detectives located and arrested Cantero for felony vandalism. Detectives served a search warrant at Cantero’s residence and seized additional evidence linking him to the vandalisms. 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. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling our dispatch center. 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. Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |