Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

This week we are turning the tables on our readers. Instead of telling a story about our area’s history, we are asking you to tell us your stories. We want to hear about special holiday celebrations. It doesn’t necessarily need to be from years ago or even from Christmas holidays. Maybe it’s a story about a child’s first Christmas or the time the dog ate the Christmas turkey. Or maybe about that deployment when you weren’t home for Christmas. A favorite Christmas story of mine is my niece, who was two at the time, showed she understood that Christmas was a time for sharing. We were out for Christmas breakfast and she was trying to share her pancake with anyone walking by. Oddly enough she didn’t have many takers.

The story can be funny, sentimental, or just a special memory. They can be short or long, whatever is necessary to tell the story. You can post them as a response on Facebook or send them to us at Fillmore.museum@gmail.com They can be written or recorded. If you have a photo to illustrate the story that would be great.

Ventura County has been served well by Sheriff Bill Ayub for the past three years. He handled the dual challenge of the devastating Woolsey Fire and skillfully dealt with the horrible loss of life during the Borderline incident. We residents of the eastern part of the county have enjoyed a very low crime rate due to Bill’s anticipation of potential problem areas. He leads a truly first rate team, from Undersheriff Monica McGrath to the newest deputy.

As a resident of Fillmore I get a close look at police activity every day due to the location of our Sub Station and my regular travels around town. Sheriff Bill Ayub is at the helm, successfully serving as our keeper of the peace, making Fillmore the safest city in Ventura County.

For these reasons, I join former Sheriff Larry Carpenter in wholeheartedly endorsing Bill Ayub for a second term as Sheriff of Ventura County.

Ari Larson, Former City Council Member

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Fillmore Council Member Ari Larson died from coronary artery disease, and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Larson had also suffered a previous heart attack she was not aware of, and a lung tumor.

It is also reported that Larson avoided doctor visits and that no family members knew of her serious condition. The report stated Larson was not under the care of a physician and took no medication. "She was not known to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs."

The autopsy report showed "severe narrowing of the three main coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis." The report also stated, "Larson contracted COVID-19 in January and was vaccinated in April." (Quotes, Ventura County Star)

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On November 22, 2021 at about 2:27 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle near Carnation Street and Buttercup Street in Fillmore. Deputies located the vehicle and attempted to contact its occupants. The vehicle failed to yield, and a short pursuit occurred. The suspicious vehicle collided with a block wall and the occupants fled on foot. The occupants were not located, and the abandoned vehicle was later determined to be a stolen flatbed truck from the Sylmar area.

The bed of the truck contained numerous items that included a blue Graco bag with an Ultra sander and Dewalt charger inside, potted plants, two rolls of black roofing material, several pieces of 2 x 4 lumber, black rubber boots, Whirlpool microwave oven trim kit, brown construction work belt, two sledgehammers, red Porter Cable air compressor, red gas can, plugin industrial light, one Red Eagle crawfishing kit, black Titan toolbox, and one yellow Karcher pressure washer. These items are currently being retained at the Fillmore Police Station.

Several Fillmore residents have already come forward and identified some of the property not listed above as belonging to them after discovering they were victims of theft. The Fillmore Police Department is asking residents who may have information about these crimes or if it is believed any property listed above belongs to them to call the below listed telephone numbers.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and help 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 Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Report Number: 21-156064
Location: Various locations throughout Fillmore
Prepared by: Detective Pewsey
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

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).

Enlarge Photo

On Saturday, Michael Camilo Torres, joined 211 of top distance athletes on the starting line at the California Southern Section Division 4 State Cross Championships. Qualifying runners in this division, toed the line at the renowned Woodward Park course in Fresno.

In a highly competitive meet, Camilo ran in about 20th place through the mile marker in about a 4:48 mile split. At the two mile he had moved into 12th place in the high 10:30’s. Camilo says he tried to move into the top ten, but was unable to move into that group. He finished in 16th place running his second best time on this course in 15:53.0.

Camilo has had a tremendous season. At many of the major meets, he has finished among the leaders. We are proud to have been part of his journey. Thank you for putting us on the map this season Camilo, we are honored. Thank you to all those who have supported us during the season, parents, family, staff, and others. Looking forward to track season.