By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
On Sunday, March 10, at 10:14 p.m., a Fillmore deputy made contact with an individual who was under the influence. The subject resisted deputies while being placed into custody. The subject kicked a deputy while in custody and was booked for PC 148(a)(1), PC 647)f), and PC 69(a). The subject was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail Facility. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
A Fillmore resident was arrested for lewd conduct in public after an investigation revealed he was touching his genitals for sexual gratification while at Sierra High School. On March 6th, 2024, two female juveniles were walking through the parking lot at Sierra High School when they observed a male subject sitting in a parked vehicle. As one of the female juveniles walked past the male subject, she observed him touching his genitals in a manner that was consistent with being for sexual gratification. The female juveniles left the area in their vehicle and were believed to have been followed by the same male subject to the Starbucks parking lot in Fillmore. The male subject left the area after a short time and the juvenile’s parents reported the incident to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The Fillmore Investigations Bureau investigated the incident and worked extensively over the next few days to identity the male subject. Through surveillance camera footage, community assistance, and various investigative techniques, investigators identified the suspect as Ivan Alejandro Valdez. Investigators contacted Ivan Alejandro Valdez in the 700 Block of Edison Lane, City of Fillmore, and arrested him for being in violation of Penal Code § 647a – Lewd Conduct in Public. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to speak to your children about “Stranger Danger” and to report suspicious behavior by calling Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511 or 911 for any emergencies. When reporting suspicious behavior, please be a great witness and provide as much detail as possible. With so many individuals now having cellular phones with cameras, remember to take a photo if it safe to do so, it truly helps. Report Number: 24-28397 Prepared by: Senior Deputy Dustin Heersche |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Last week, the Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club in partner with Channel Islands Bike Club secured grant funds to help purchase equipment for the kids to utilize. Pictured left to right: Kurt Wilkinson and Val Gordon of representatives from CI Bike Club, Jan Marholin, Maricela Soriano, and Melissa Hermosillo. Photo credit Michael Durazo, SCV B & G Club Special Events Coordinator. Local Boys & Girls Club Directors have been working with Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) which received grants for four Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Clubs. Grant funds will be used to purchase a bicycle rack for each site and locks, lights, helmets, and reflectors for the youth that cycle to and from these Boys & Girls Club locations, including Fillmore and many mansions Piru sites. The Boys & Girls Clubs and CIBike’s purpose is to help these youth be safer while commuting by bicycle. CIBike Mission Statement: The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is an inclusive, non-profit organization that promotes bicycling for recreation, health, sport, and transportation in Ventura County and beyond. CiBike is committed to increasing awareness, skills, and safety for cyclists through worthy programs, grants, and partnering with agencies that share our vision of fun and safe cycling. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Work has begun to repair the damage to the Old Telegraph bridge, caused by February’s storms. On Monday, March 11, heavy equipment could be seen starting the repairs. Old Telegraph Road was closed between C Street and Grand Avenue on February 5th, while County Public Works assessed possible structural damage—it remains closed. According to Ventura County Public works, “Severe washout under abutments on west end of Bridge No. 487. Emergency O&M response. To be assessed by DAT Team after rain event.” Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
Pictured (l-r) are National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee Sergio Torres, Fillmore High School Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, and National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee David Jimenez. Photo courtesy Fillmore Unified School District Blog. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Courtesy Fillmore Unified School District Blog https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2... Jimenez and Torres were selected based on their exemplary scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and competitive excellence in football. They received HFF rings, certificates, and their names will be forever enshrined in the NFF Hall of Fame in Atlanta Georgia. FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating David and Sergio for being the first Flashes ever inducted in the National Football Foundation’s Hall of Fame. We are all proud of you!” |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Pictured (l-r) are Kianna Toyoolea, Coach Cindy Blatt, teacher Hannah Faith and Bibiana Ortega attending the Fillmore Rotary Club. They were presented with a donation check for $500 for the Fillmore High School Swim Team. Presenting the check was Rotarian Andy Klittich. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 7th, 2024
On Saturday, March 2, at 11:26 p.m., a Fillmore deputy attempted to perform a traffic stop on a brown Kia Soul driving in Fillmore, matching the description from an earlier call in the day, where three vehicles were seen with multiple subjects throwing beer bottles at a residence in what is believed to be gang related. The incident was reported in the 700 block of A Street at approximately 5pm. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Oxnard and per a witness, deputies were able to confirm the suspect vehicle when deputies attempted to make a traffic stop. However, the driver failed to yield, leading deputies on a pursuit throughout Fillmore city limits before the suspects ran from the vehicles in the 500 block of Mockingbird Lane. While deputies were setting up a perimeter, a deputy spotted a suspect running and the suspect was arrested. Two additional suspects were also arrested after hiding residential yards. The suspects were taken to VC Juvenile Hall for unknown charges. If you have witnessed or have information, contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805)654-9511. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 7th, 2024
The Fillmore Investigations Bureau is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying a subject responsible for numerous graffiti vandalism crimes throughout the Santa Clara Valley. Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our community. 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. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective John Grunhold or Detective Dustin Heersche at (805) 524-2233 or call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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. Photo and Story credit Fillmore Police Department Instagram. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 7th, 2024
Tuesday, March 5, was the last day to cast your votes. Voters lined up at the polls to cast their votes for the 2024 Primary Elections at Saint Francis Church in Fillmore. Enlarge Photo |
Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2024/2/29/fillmore-high-named-2024-california-distinguished-school. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 7th, 2024
Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2... On February 29, 2024, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced 293 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance. Superintendent Schieferle said, “Thank you to all classified, certificated, and administrative staff for the support and dedication you provide to our outstanding students. Congratulations to all students for your hard work and commitment to your education. Thank you to all families for supporting your students and the community.” |