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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
 At about 12:30 a.m., members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office were actively searching for Daniel Drum who was previously reported as a missing person at-risk due to mental health issues. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call reporting a family disturbance in the area. Deputies responded and learned an altercation between Drum and a known male subject occurred resulting in a homicide. Drum fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. Deputies later located Drum in the area, and he was taken into custody without incident. Currently, the homicide investigation is on-going. Nature of Incident: Homicide suspect apprehended in Piru |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On April 22, 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) concluded an investigation into Lenay Guevara-Mendez regarding her involvement in a fatal drug overdose. On August 21, 2021, Fillmore Patrol deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Arundell Circle the City of Fillmore reference a subject who was deceased as the result of a fentanyl overdose. PCU detectives took over the investigation and determined Guevara-Mendez was the subject who sold fentanyl to the victim that caused the fatal overdose. During the month of April 2022, Special Crimes Unit (SCU) detectives developed additional information that Guevara- Mendez was responsible for drug sales in Ventura County. SCU, with the assistance of PCU, detained Guevara-Mendez and served a search warrant at her residence. Detectives seized 286 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of fentanyl, 6 grams of heroin, numerous counterfeit pills believed to contain fentanyl, scales, packaging material, $1099 in US currency and 3 rifles. Guevara-Mendez was arrested for 11351 HS- Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance, 11352 HS- Sales of a Controlled Substance, 11378 HS- Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and 11379 HS, Sales of a Dangerous Drug. Guevara-Mendez’s was booked into the Ventura County Jail and is currently out of custody on $50,000 bail. She is scheduled for arraignment on May 6, 2022, in Ventura County Superior Court. The public may contact investigators from the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or pharm.tip@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics. The Ventura County Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Thousand Oaks Police Department; The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication and fentanyl to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdoses due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST). We have partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org. Nature of Incident: Fatal Overdose Investigation Leads to Narcotics Arrest 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) or at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
All properties located within the city limits of Fillmore are due for abatement of hazardous dry grass/brush/weeds that could carry and sustain a fire capable of threatening residents and their homes or other property. The large amount of rainfall received this past December combined with several weeks of hot dry weather has created a dryer and earlier than normal potential fire season. Historically our residents have been noticed to have their dry weeds cleared by June 1 of each year. Property owners are again noticed to have the weeds cleared before June 1st, but the Fillmore Fire Department is asking that all property owners try to clear all weeds as soon as possible. In addition to the annual weed clearance, the Fire Department is asking all property owners to pay special attention to any palm trees that they may have on their property. Dry palm fronds on the tree or on the ground are very hazardous when caught on fire. Every attempt should be made to keep palm trees free from dry fronds. If you have a palm tree with a large accumulation of dry palm fronds, advice should be sought on the best method of removal. To help facilitate weed and brush disposal, your Fillmore Fire Department has teamed up with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, to offer up a free Community Hazardous Yard Waste Disposal event will be held on Saturday May 7th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Rd. Only vegetation will be accepted, no trash, metal, or other debris. This is a great opportunity for free disposal of any tree trimmings or any other vegetation. |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
Calling all FHS Alumni from the Great Class of 1977! The Alumni Association will be hosting your 45th Class reunion at the 109th Alumni Dinner on Saturday, June 11th, 2022. The event takes place in downtown Fillmore at the City Park/Front of City Hall. Your special class reunion/dinner package includes a special designated area just for the Class of 1977. In your section of the event, your class will have their own special private cabana area enclosed by white picked fencing, complete with couch, and chairs, and coffee table for seating and socializing with your classmates. Your royal blue linen draped round tables will surround your private cabana area. Each table will have silverware with white linen napkins and glassware for water or wine. Your reunion committee will be allowed to come in FHS Class of ’77 Celebrates 45-Year Class Reunion at 109th Alumni Dinner the day of your reunion and decorate your area any way they wish. Your special Class of 1977 designated area will be “THE PARTY AT THE PARTY!” Many in your class have already paid but it’s not too late. You can make reservations now by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events. See you all on June 11th! |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
 At last week’s Fillmore Unified School Board meeting Mountain Vista Elementary Principal Christine McDaniels presented an overview of all the exciting activities happening at Mountain Vista to Superintendent Schieferle and FUSD’s Board of Trustees. Principal McDaniel shared all the activities and programs that enhance student learning, increase school spirit, and motivates all students to strive for success. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
On April 21, 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team came to the aid of a hiker in distress off the east fork trail in the area of Santa Paula Canyon. At approximately 8:00 PM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch received a call of a 64-year-old male hiker in distress approximately 3 miles east of the Santa Paula Punch Bowls located in the Los Padres National Forest. The male hiker had become fatigued and faced a 5-hour hike back to his vehicle. At sunset, the temperature dropped below 50 degrees and a weather front had moved in, bringing rain to the area. The male subject took shelter and was able to relay his location to the rescuers using his cell phone. The Ventura County Aviation Unit dispatched a helicopter to the hiker’s location, but due to the inclement weather, was unable to find the subject. Due to the rain and low temperatures, there was a concern for the hiker’s health and well-being. At approximately 9:15 PM, the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was activated, and 5 team members immediately responded to the Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead. SAR team members hiked approximately 6 miles into the canyon, facing rain, cold temperatures and darkness. At approximately 2:00 AM, SAR team members contacted the hiker and were able to provide him supplies to stay warm. SAR Team members camped with the hiker until sunrise and the weather front had moved out of the area. At approximately 6:00 AM, after the weather cleared the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded back to the location. The male hiker and SAR team were transported by helicopter to the trailhead. The male hiker was not injured and was reunited with a family member. Volunteer members of the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team responded to the search within one hour of being contacted. They are a valuable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and play an intricate role in all search operations in Ventura County. These volunteers are skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. The volunteers log close to 4000 hours a year on searches, rescues, recoveries, training and public events. For more information on the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team, visit their website at www.ojaisar.org. The team can also be followed on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ojaisar. Nature of Incident: Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team Navigated Through Challenging Weather to Aid Hiker in Distress. Report Number: 22-52564 |
 The remains of the Bardsdale Bridge after the flood. Photos courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
On May 3rd PBS’s American Experience series will premiere “Flood in the Desert,” the story of the 1928 St. Francis Dam catastrophe. The Fillmore Historical Museum was pleased to be one of many local institutions which contributed to this documentary. PBS researchers spent several days on site looking through hundreds of photos from the museum’s collection. Other local resources included the Ventura County Library, Ventura County Museum, John Nichols Gallery, Santa Paula Historical Society and SCVHistory.com. Here is a link to information about the documentary. www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
 On April 19th, 2022, at 10:14 a.m., the Fillmore Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department (ME191), Ventura County Fire (RE27) and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported semi-truck into the Shell Gas Station located at Ventura Street (SR-126 )and Santa Clara Street. According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola the semi was traveling westbound on Ventura Street, drove through a power pole and a large Palm tree, crashed into a parked car and struck at least two diesel gas pumps before crashing into the east side of the station, stopping half way in. A male patient suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR Paramedics--the store clerk was not injured. The gas station attendant acted quickly to shut down all the gas pumps before exiting the building, according to Chief Gurrola. There were no spills from the pumps, but the semi's 40-gallon tanks were ruptured and the store was red tagged by Building & Safety. Edison and SoCal Gas inspected the sight for powerline and natural gas issues-- none were immediately found. Fillmore Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the crash. Information courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
This past week’s Police Blotter showed a disturbing spike in vandalism/graffiti in Fillmore. 21 reports were made in three days. In February 2022 five juveniles from Fillmore were arrested for graffiti vandalism and conspiracy to commit a crime after they were caught defacing property at a local Fillmore park. All the arrestees were cited and released to their parents pending a future court date. The juveniles had spray painted graffiti on the tables, benches, and playground equipment which caused hundreds of dollars of damage to the city owned property. During the month of January 2022, there was also an increase in graffiti vandalism throughout the City of Fillmore. 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. Gang graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious conflicts between rival gangs. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. Fillmore 2021 graffiti cleanup cost the city $6,817 dollars. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling (805) 524-2233 or (805) 654-9511. Once the police have investigated these crimes, all graffiti should be immediately removed. |
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By Ventura County District Attorneys Office — Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
 Leroy Chad Tracy Jr., Santa Paula VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Leroy Chad Tracy Jr. (DOB 06/30/80), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 36 years in prison by Judge Gilbert Romero for multiple sexual assault crimes arising from one incident in 2013. On May 20, 2013, the victim was jogging in Santa Paula near Briggs and Peck Roads when she noticed Tracy following her. Tracy, who was unknown to the victim, pulled her by her hair into a nearby orchard. Tracy threatened the victim with a knife as he sexually assaulted her. Afterwards, Tracy threatened to harm the victim’s family and warned her against reporting the incident. Despite this, the victim immediately reported to law enforcement. A male DNA profile was obtained from the victim’s clothing and added into the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). On May 22, 2018, Tracy was arrested for an unrelated matter. His DNA was collected and entered into CODIS. On July 5, 2018, the Ventura County Sherriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau received notification of a match linking Tracy to the DNA taken from the victim’s clothing. After a thorough investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Tracy was taken into custody in April 2019. On March 22, 2022, Tracy pled guilty to one count of forcible rape with the use of a weapon, and one count of forcible sexual penetration with the use of a weapon. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 290 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims. |