Santa Paula Police Department

On June 29th 2012, at approximately 2345 hours, Santa Paula Police Officers while on patrol in a marked black and white police vehicle in the area of Harvard Blvd and Olive St. attempted to contact a subject who was crossing the intersection S/B against a red light and impeding traffic. The Officers had pulled over into the entrance of the shopping center to contact the suspect when suddenly for no apparent reason and disregard for public safety, the suspect turned to face the officers holding a handgun in his hand. The suspect then proceeded to fire an unknown amount of rounds at the officers. The passenger officer immediately took cover while the driver officer returned fire striking the suspect once in his left hand. The injury was not life threatening. Additionally, one of the rounds fired by the suspect struck the rear quarter panel of the Police unit.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the area and a perimeter was set up to search for the suspect. With the assistance of Ventura Police Department, Ventura Sheriff’s Department, California Fish & Game, California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Helicopter, the suspect was located hiding in an apartment unit entrance alcove.

Once the suspect was identified, it was found out that the suspect is currently on probation with active outstanding warrants for weapon violations. He is classified and documented as a gang member out of Santa Paula.

The officers involved were not injured. The investigation is continuing at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident are urged to call Santa Paula Police. 525-4474

Fillmore’s City Manager is determined by the council majority to be a hard worker.

[The Gazette’s city reporter is absent]

MEETING SUMMARY
Last night’s city council should be remembered more for its public comment than for approval the city budget items.

Fillmore resident Joan Archer addressed the council, saying that her questions from the previous week’s special meeting were not answered. She reiterated her questions regarding the need for specific information to determine whether the releasing of city employees and hiring of temporary and contract replacements was economically feasible. The council majority had quickly come to the defense of City Manager Yvonne Quiring, stating that she was a very hard-working person. Archer reminded council that she certainly believed Ms. Quiring worked very hard at her job, but that was not the question she had asked.

Former resident and mayor Patti Walker read a prepared statement which condemned the Fillmore Gazette, Councilman Steve Conaway, former mayor Evaristo Barajas, former city manager Roy Payne, former city engineer Bert Rapp, and all former council members who had anything to do with city projects and budgets for the past 10 years or so. Mismanagement was the theme of her remarks. Mismanagement, according to Walker, is what has brought Fillmore to the brink of bankruptcy.

Central to Ms. Walker’s comments was the question “Where did all the city money go?” According to Walker it went largely into a water treatment plant that was too expensive, and other public projects which the city could not afford. Coupled with a housing market collapse, the loss of Redevelopment money, and dwindling tax receipts (particularly the Owens & Minor tax lawsuit expense) she claimed previous councils had overspent. She also accused the Gazette of inaccurate reporting.

Councilman Conaway, who was away on vacation, could not respond. The other four council members side with Walker.

Highlights Video

On Sunday June 24th, 2012, at approximately 5:03am officers responded to the Texaco Gas Station located at 206 E. Harvard Blvd. for the report of an armed robbery. The suspect entered the business brandishing a knife and demanded money. An unknown amount of money was taken and the suspect fled east through the parking lot. The suspect was described as a male subject, thin build, approximate 5-11, wearing unknown clothing. The area was checked by officers from the Santa Paula Police Department as well as K-9 deputies from the Ventura County Sheriffs Department. However they did not located the suspect. At this time the investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Paul Spencer at 805-525-4474 Ext 221.
Cody Madison
Sergeant

Meeting Highlights Video

Complete meeting video

What began as a normal city council meeting, Tuesday, quickly exploded into verbal fireworks from Steve Conaway, a seven-plus year councilman, as he condemned Mayor Washburn for her unprecedented conduct.

Last Monday Washburn called the city attorney’s office, informing a member of that firm that Fillmore’s City Attorney, Ted Schneider, was no longer to attend any city meetings. It is alleged that her justification for banning Schneider was based on accusations that he has had a relationship with a former city employee.

Conaway expressed outrage with this action, stating that neither the Mayor nor the City Manager, Yvonne Quiring, had any business taking such action, implying a lack of authority to do so. Conaway said it was nothing less than “a personal vendetta being executed” against Schneider, and that “an individual’s personal life is none of your business.”

Quiring was silent. Washburn CONTINUED »