 On Tuesday, August 26th, Fillmore City Council Recognized presented a proclamation to retiree Fire Chief Manuel “Manny” Meraz for his service as Fire Engineer from July 1999 to July 2025. Manny was not present for a photo. The City also recognized Fillmore Fire Department’s recent promotions of Fire Captain Ryan Cota, Fire Engineer Vincent Ceja, Firefighter Paramedic Austin Bennett and Firefighter Megan Ortega, pictured above. Not all were present for the photo, as they were called into action during the meeting. The City also recognized Fillmore Little League Juniors 14U District 63 Champs; photo and more information in next week’s Gazette. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM CITY HALL All items passed 4-0 vote with Councilmember Carrie Broggie, absent. Online: Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@cityoffillmore1401 AGENDA 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A RECOGNITION OF FILLMORE LITTLE LEAGUE JUNIORS 14U DISTRICT 63 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 5.B PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIREE MANUEL MERAZ 5.C RECOGNITION OF RECENT FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSIONS AND BOARD REPORTS. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 26, 2025.PDF 8.B AUGUST 12, 2025 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-986 TO REVISE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION AT THE ACTIVE ADULT CENTER, SPEC NO. 21-02 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-4082 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM FOR FY 2025-26 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) FUNDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (LTF), ARTICLE 8 CLAIM 9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03A, WELL NO. 10 EXPLORATORY DRILLING AND WELL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS 9.C APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW CIRCULATION PUMP FOR THE FILLMORE COMMUNITY POOL 9.D APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION OF A CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CONTROL SYSTEMS WEST FOR SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES 9.E CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE ACCESS DRIVEWAYS PROJECT TO CERCO ENGINEERING INC. 10. CITY MANAGER 11. CLOSED SESSION 11.A AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 26, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 12. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015. |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 “Dedicated to honor the memory and to pay tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and fought to defend this country and preserve our way of life.” Erected on May 25, 1998, Fillmore Post 9637, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo credit Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 26th, at 2:09 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported traffic collision at Orchard Street and Kensington Street. Arriving firefighters found a vehicle into a parked truck. AMR Paramedics treated the driver and a child on-scene, and no ambulance was dispatched. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Friday, August 22nd, Flashes Football kicked off the 2025 season taking on Simi Valley Royal Highlanders, defeating them 49-3. Above is Flashes Varsity offense carrying the ball up the field during Friday night’s game. This Friday, August 29th, Fillmore will host their home opener and Education Appreciation Night against Chaffey High School; JV at 4p.m.; Varsity at 7p.m. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  On Friday, August 22nd, the Flashes JV and Varsity football teams kicked off the 2025 season against the Simi Valley Highlanders. Above is Varsity’s #19 running into the end zone scoring a touchdown for the Flashes. Inset, the JV game, with #4 making his way past a Highlander player. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  Pictured is Flashes Varsity #’s 51 & 23 putting a stop to a Simi Valley player. Final score Flashes 49 – Highlanders 3. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo  Above are a few Flashes players taking down a Highlander in this past Friday’s game. Final score Flashes 6 – Highlanders 14. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed. The Fillmore Flashes opened the 2025 football season in dominant fashion last Friday night, defeating Royal High School 49-3 on the road. The win marked the Flashes’ first victory over the Highlanders since 1968, a historic milestone made even more memorable as Fillmore took the field in their Columbia blue throwback jerseys. Defensively, Fillmore was relentless, forcing four turnovers and nearly pitching a shutout. Carlos Cabral, Angel Rodriguez, Gabriel Magana, and Miguel Martinez each came up with a fumble recovery, setting the tone for a suffocating effort that left Royal frustrated all night. Special teams also shined, with key contributions from Edgar Castellon, Juan Rondon, and Isaac Rivera to round out a complete team performance. From the opening whistle, Fillmore left no doubt. The Flashes scored touchdowns on each of their first three offensive plays, storming to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. The offense looked unstoppable, with senior running back Jasiah Patterson carrying the ball eight times for 90 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Alamillo added both a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Saul Fraga led the receiving corps with a strong performance reminiscent of his standout 2024 sophomore season. |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 On Thursday, August 21st, Flashes Girls Flag Football hosted San Marcos High School. Both JV and Varsity teams played well but fell short to San Marcos. Above is FHS Varsity #4 reaching for a flag to stop the San Marcos player. Final score San Marcos 46 - Flashes 0. Inset, from the Flashes JV game. Final Score San Marcos 13 – Flashes 12. Fillmore will play the Highland Bulldogs Thursday, August 28th, 7:30p.m. at Home. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 28th, 2025
 Welcome back to school, Fillmore students! Fillmore High School, Sierra High School, Heritage Valley Independent Studies, Fillmore Middle School, Mountain Vista Elementary School, Piru Elementary School, San Cayetano Elementary School, and Rio Vista Elementary School—welcome back! Photo credit Gazette staff. See more photos on page 10. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
On 08/12/2025, a male juvenile along with Axel Martinez and Pedro Lara Jr. were arrested for firearm offenses and their involvement with gang-related graffiti which occurred in the unincorporated area north of Fillmore known as Lookout Point. 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 08/12/2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, a diligent member of the community reported graffiti vandalism that was actively occurring at a turnout along Goodenough Road north of Fillmore. The community member was able to provide a vehicle description associated with the suspects. Upon their arrival, deputies were able to confirm a gang-related graffiti vandalism had just occurred. Deputies canvased the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by the reporting party parked on B Street near Fifth Street. The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, who were later identified as Axel Martinez, Pedro Lara Jr. and a 17-year-old juvenile. All three male subjects are associated to a tagging crew/criminal street gang and were detained pursuant to the investigation. During the detention, deputies located a loaded, semi-automatic handgun concealed in the juvenile’s waistband. Additionally, deputies located spray paint cans and other evidence linking the three suspects to the vandalism. As a result of the on-scene investigation, Axel Martinez was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. Pedro Lara Jr was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. The male juvenile was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 626.9(b) - [Possession of a Firearm in A School Zone], Penal Code § 25400(a)(2) – [Carry Concealed Firearm Upon Person], and Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carry Loaded Firearm]. Both Lara Jr and Martinez were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings, while the juvenile male was lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center. On 08/14/2025, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three individuals’ residences located in Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe apartments. At about 2:45 PM, detectives along with Fillmore Patrol personnel executed the search warrant at all three residences. As a result of the search warrants, additional evidence was located linking Martinez, Lara and the juvenile male to the vandalism. 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 “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. Prepared by: Detective Angel Guerrero |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
 On Tuesday, August 19th, at 12:01 p.m., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a stabbing at the Vons Shopping Center. Arriving deputies discovered a victim with a stab wound who was transported by AMR to a local hospital, condition unknown. The suspect, who was suspected of using a knife, had fled the scene. Deputies at the scene requested the Sheriff’s Air Unit conduct a search. According to authorities, the original crime scene was found in the Santa Clara Riverbed, known to be a homeless encampment. As of 2 p.m., the suspect remained outstanding, and an investigation was underway. There was no additional information provided at the time of the incident. If you have witnessed or any information, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (805)654-9511. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
 On Friday, August 15th, at 9:11 p.m., the Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of Los Serenos Drive and Ventura Street. Arriving firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
The Fillmore Police Department will be conducting a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on August 29th, 2025, at an undisclosed location(s) within the city limits. DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing. The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription medications, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. In 2023, more than 4,000 people were killed in alcohol and drug-involved crashes on California roads and many more injured. Locally, over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 15 lives of our family and friends. The Fillmore Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a safe and fun night that doesn’t involve a DUI if you plan on drinking or taking medications that can affect your ability to operate a vehicle: • Always use a designated sober driver, ride-share, cab or other public transportation to get home. Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time. Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fillmore Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prepared by: Deputy Chennault |