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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
The Chandler Police Explorers hosted their 16th Annual Tactical Explorer Competition. Several explorer posts from throughout the United States competed in a variety of SWAT scenarios. This year, three explorer posts from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office participated in the competition: Fillmore, Camarillo, and a combined team from the Headquarters and Ojai Stations. The explorer scouts from the combined Headquarters and Ojai team earned a fourth-place award for the armored vehicle pull. The Fillmore Explorers earned a fourth-place award for the tactical relay race, and Adrian Mejia earned an individual award, second place, for the three-mile run. The Camarillo Post earned one team award in the vertical assault competition, and Deputy Mario Molina earned an individual advisor award for the three-mile run, in which he had a first place finish. Law enforcement exploring is open to young men and women ages 14 through 20 with an interest in learning more about the field of law enforcement. Law enforcement exploring provides educational training programs for young adults on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation. Each explorer post is affiliated with a law enforcement agency and Learning for Life, which is a branch of Boy Scouts of America. Many law enforcement agencies support the explorer program which provides an opportunity for youths to have a positive impact on their communities as well as develop future peace officers, good citizens, and leaders. For more information about the Explorer Program for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, please contact one of the listed advisors. Nature of Incident: Explorer Posts Compete in National Competition |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
 Incoming Chief of Police, Captain Dave Wareham was introduced at Tuesday night’s council meeting by City Manager David Rowlands. On Tuesday the Fillmore City Council introduced Captain Dave Wareham as the new Chief of Police. He will be replacing the present Police Chief Monica McGrath who has been promoted and reassigned to Commander West County Patrol Service, which covers Fillmore, Ojai and County areas of Ventura. Wareham was recommended for the position by both Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean and City Manager David W. Rowlands, and endorsed by the Fillmore City Council. Originally from Pennsylvania, Wareham has worked in Ventura County law enforcement for 28 years with six years as Fillmore's Assistant Chief of Police. He has lived in Fillmore for 25 years with his wife Diane, son DJ and daughter Liz. His sister-in-law, Leslie Warren, has also served as Fillmore's Chief of Police. Wareham, who has a teaching credential, graduated from Penn State and received his Masters from Cal Coast University; he often serves as a substitute teacher for the Fillmore Unified School District stating that staying close to the youth is necessary to be successful and, "I've always believed if I can make a difference in one persons life" which he equates with success. He usually wears his officer's uniform when substituting and prefers to work at both Fillmore Middle School and Fillmore High School. He returns the teaching pay he receives to the District which is a win for everyone. Wareham will assume the position of Chief of Police on March 2, 2014. McGrath, who has worked as Fillmore's Chief of Police for three years, will help through the transition and attend her final Council Meeting February 25, 2014. An agenda item that has long been waited for is the awarding of the contract for the Central Avenue Overlay Project. The $355,081.60 contract was awarded to Toro Enterprises out of Oxnard. The overlay of asphalt and concrete will be for portions of Central Avenue, Santa Clara Street, A Street, B Street, C Street and Sespe Avenue. The bulk of the cost will be paid for from a Federal Surface Transportation Project Grant of $267,410.00 and the Street Transportation Fund of $120,000.00. There will be a remaining balance of $350,000 in transportation funds after the project is completed. Another agenda item CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
 A 4-vehicle accident took place on Saturday, February 8th, at 2p.m., on D Street at Hwy 126. One car was heading south on D Street as a second car was exiting the El Pescador parking lot onto D Street. The other two cars involved were parked at the D Street curb on the west side. It appeared that the two cars collided, involving the parked vehicles. No information was available as to the specifics of the crash. All cars sustained significant damage, no serious injuries reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
02/04/14 to 02/10/14
 City of Fillmore 02/04/14 |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Two motorcyclists collided at the Piru Motocross track on Sunday, killing one and injuring one. A second solo accident also injured a rider. At approximately 12:30pm Ventura County Fire responded to a head-on accident at the popular motorbike track, located at the 4300 block of Center Street, Piru. One of the injured was airlifted to Los Robles Hospital, Thousand Oaks, via Air Squad 8; the second was transported by AMR Ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. Tommy Aquino, former factory Yamaha rider who most recently raced in the British Superstock Series, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 21. According to Road Racing World, Aquino started his AMA Pro Road Racing career at the age of 16 in 2008. He raced five AMA Pro seasons. He achieved one win in the Daytona SportBike class in 2011, when he finished third in the Championship, the highlights of his AMA Pro career. He also earned four Daytona SportBike pole positions during his career and led many races. In 2013, Aquino rode for Team WD-40 in the 1000cc Superstock class of the British Superbike Championship series, and he won a race, finished on the podium three times and placed seventh in the Championship. Tommy Aquino is survived by his father Tom, his mother Carrie and his younger brother Michael. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 Carlos Beltran, Fillmore, 36 of Fillmore, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale. Sheriff’s narcotics detectives completed a 7 month narcotics investigation with the arrest of Carlos Beltran of Fillmore for possession of methamphetamine for sale. In June, 2013, Sheriff’s narcotics detectives received information of a large scale methamphetamine dealer operating in the City of Fillmore. In association with the local office of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, detectives identified Carlos Beltran as a person involved in the methamphetamine sales. During the investigation, it was discovered Beltran was bringing methamphetamine directly from Mexico to sell in Ventura County. On January 30,2014, investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard Police Department and the DEA, served a signed search warrant at Beltran’s residence in the 1100 block of Ventura St, Fillmore. At that time, detectives located 3 pounds of methamphetamine. Beltran was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine for sale and booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail. The methamphetamine had an estimated street value of approximately $81,720.00. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Last Tuesday the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting started with a packed room of over 70 teachers who came with a message for the Board; salary raises. The main agenda item was once again the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and its enormous cost. The State Budget is providing for a one time funding amount of $766,070.00 that can only be spent on the initial implementation of professional development, instructional material and technology equipment. When asked if that amount will cover all cost associated with CCSS implementation, Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino and Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson both responded that if they are lucky the monies provided in this one time funding will cover about 50% of what is needed. This huge cost of implementation of the CCSS is becoming a problem for many school districts throughout the country. Forty-five states plus the District of Columbia have signed on to CCSS; many without doing any cost assessment. With the deadline of a January 1, 2014 for implementation having passed, many states are experiencing buyer’s remorse. According to a report on Foxnews.com California is "...estimated to spend approximately $35 million per year, or about $30 per student in testing costs alone." FUSD's proposed expenditures regarding the one time State funding are: Infrastructure $27,008.60; Site Specific Technology $389,230.91; Staff Development $200,000.00; Instructional Materials $149,830.49. A total of $292,000 which is a little less than half, has been spent so far: $3,000 on Infrastructure, $248,000 on Site Specific Technology, $20,000 Staff Development, $21,000 on Instructional Material. Throughout the country there CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 Tim Hagel Today, Tim Hagel was named the City’s next Police Chief. Hagel succeeds current Chief Randy Pentis, who is set to retire later this month. Hagel, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, emerged as the top pick from a slate of three exceptionally talented candidates. As Chief, Hagel will bring extensive law enforcement experience, a community policing perspective, and a strong background in youth outreach. Hagel currently directs the Sheriff Department’s West County Operations and previously served as the Fillmore Police Chief from 2008 to 2011. A native of Thousand Oaks, Hagel graduated from Thousand Oaks High School, earned a Bachelor Degree from CSU Northridge, and a Master in Public Administration Degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. “With his distinguished policing background, broad knowledge of Thousand Oaks, and long track record of community engagement, Tim will be a natural fit for our organization,” said City Manager Scott Mitnick. “This selection will ensure continued high caliber public safety leadership for one of California’s safest cities.” Hagel is credited with developing the Sherriff’s Department’s Literacy Program, which helps fight crime by educating at-risk elementary school students. He also created the State’s first “Adopt-a-Cop” Program, increasing collaboration between Police and area schools. In commenting on his appointment Hagel said, “It’s a blessing to work for the City I grew up in and I truly look forward to serving the City of Thousand Oaks and maintaining our standing as one of America’s safest cities”. He will assume his new post beginning Monday, February 24. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
 The VISTA 126 bus line just got a little more convenient for local riders. Starting Monday, February 3, the line is offering eight more trips between Piru and Fillmore. Riders can now choose between five routs in the morning, two in the late afternoon, and two evening routs. The added service is being funded by a temporary agreement between the County Board of Supervisors and the Ventura County Transportation Commission. The VISTA 126 also travels to Santa Paula and is a popular means of transportation to Ventura College, the Pacific View Mall, and The VC Government Center. For schedules call 1-800-438-1112 or visit www.goventura.org. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
01/28/14 - 02/03/14
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department 01/28/14 |