Fillmore City Manager, Dave Rowlands
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Fillmore City Manager Dave Rowlands, 56, will be resigning as of November 29, it was announced at city council, Tuesday evening.

Rowlands has been in the position for 11 years; he is leaving for the same position in Santa Maria after more than 11 years with the city of Fillmore.

Fillmore City Council discussed forming an ad hoc committee for next steps in hiring a replacement. Councilmembers also discussed appointing Asst. City Manager Erika Herrera-Terriquez as the interim city manager.

Herrera-Terriquez has worked with Rowlands for five years, and Rowlands recommended her to be the interim city manager, and for the permanent position as Fillmore City Manager.

A 20-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage throughout the Santa Clara Valley specifically Fillmore.

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 tens of 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.

During the months of December 2023 through February 2024, diligent community members reported a sudden increase in graffiti vandalism occurring in the Santa Clara Valley specifically the city of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the various crime scenes and located graffiti vandalism which ranged in color and size. Some of the vandalisms were felonious based on their size and damage caused to the property. Through their investigation, patrol deputies identified a “moniker” utilized by the suspect in their graffiti vandalism. A “moniker” is a specific nickname used by an individual in graffiti vandalism as a way to be identified without using a real name, in an attempt to avoid identification by law enforcement.

In February of 2024, the Fillmore Police Station used a social media post seeking public assistance with identifying the subject responsible for the numerous graffiti vandalisms.

After several months and a lengthy investigation, detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and West County Special Enforcement Bureau were able to identify a suspect, (S) Manuel Apolinar a 20-year-old resident of Fillmore.

In October 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Apolinar.

On October 15th, 2024, Fillmore Patrol resources along with detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed the arrest of Apolinar at his residence located in the 800 block of Second Street in Fillmore. Apolinar was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pre-Trail Detention Facility where he was booked for his warrant which included one count of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism] and four counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(a) – [Misdemeanor Vandalism]. Apolinar is currently in custody with a $20,000.00 bail amount and is set to be arraigned October 16th, 2024.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

Bature of Incident: Tagger Arrested in Fillmore
Report Number: 24-6286
Location: 800 block of Second Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: October 15th, 2024, at 7:00 A.M.

Suspect
(S) Manuel Apolinar Fillmore 20

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Candidate Statements Below:

Candidate

John Garnica

District 2

I am running for City Council because I have a deep love for Fillmore and want to give back to the community that gave me my start in life. I have a long record of service in Fillmore, and I have the leadership skills and community ties necessary to be an effective advocate for the needs of District 2 and all of Fillmore. I would bring a pragmatic leadership style, grounded in my experiences as an active community member.

I have heard constituent concerns regarding our roads, the difficulty getting permits, and the condition of our parks. These need to be our central focus to improve our town. It is critical that City Council help local businesses thrive, invest in smart growth while keeping our small town feel, and ensure our public spaces and streets are maintained properly. I will be a responsive leader for all Fillmore residents.

I am a business owner of a CNC machine shop in Chatsworth, making parts for medical device and general industry. I was formerly the Director of Engineering and later Director of Operations for Aquafine Corporation in Valencia.
I served on the school board from 1999 to 2015. As a board member, I gained a reputation for being accessible to my constituents, frequently visited school sites and was a fixture at school-community events. I would bring that same energy to the City Council.

I have been a Rotarian since 2019. I continue to give back to our community by participating in Rotary’s service events.
I love that Fillmore is the kind of place where everyone knows your name. Our community’s natural beauty, convenient location, and small-town atmosphere are attracting more folks who want to put down roots in Fillmore. As Fillmore grows, I will ensure that we keep our small town feel while welcoming and respecting everyone who calls it home.

***

Candidate

Ruben Govea

District 5

I want to thank my district 5 neighbors for their support in helping me become eligible to run as a write-in candidate. It is your trust, and concerns that fuel my candidacy.

For those of whom I have not had the opportunity to meet, my name is Ruben Govea, a write-in candidate, neighbor, and concerned citizen who wants to make a difference.

My family has been in Fillmore since the 1960s, my wife, kids, and I have been here since 1994, and we have enjoyed living in the city for its small town feel and sense of community. Professionally, I am a Director of Continuous Improvement Engineering, where I have developed strong skills in strategic planning, leadership, collaboration, leading company mergers, problem solving, building high performance teams, and meeting strategic objectives. For our community, this translates to a City Council member that is well equipped with the ability to work with others, leverage resources, and deliver results!
As a city council member, I will bring a focus to Community Safety, Homelessness, Traffic and Road Conditions, Parks & Recreational areas, the May Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Business Growth, and seek solutions to lower our water and sewer costs. With over 25 years of experience leveraging continuous improvement methodologies, I believe my experience could be leveraged to improve how we operate and manage our city.

For more information about me, scan the QR code and check out my Instagram page!
As a reminder, my name is not on the ballot, you will need to write my name Ruben Govea on the blank line under the two other candidates running for District 5.

I am ready to be the conduit between you and the city council, let’s get it done together!
Ruben Govea

Write-in Candidate City of Fillmore City Council District 5.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, 6:30 PM CITY HALL
AGENDA

Ad-Hoc Committee for City Manager search was Carrie Brogie, Mayor and Albert Mendez, Councilmember.
All items passed. Please note that item 9.D. passed 4-0 with Mayor pro Tem Gurrola refusing himself due to conflict.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVE-MBER AS VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH
5.B CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR BUDGET PREP-ERATION TO CITY OF FILLMORE FINANCE DEPARTMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS
8.CONSENT CALENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8B. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 22, 2024

CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 22, 2024.PDF

8.B SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2024 - MEETING MINUTES.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT) SR - ORD. 24-977 FIRST READING TO UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT BIDDING LIMITS.PDF

9.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-977 UPDATING THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL BIDDING LIMITS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATES UPDATE TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (ACT)
SR - ORD. 24-977 FIRST READING TO UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT BIDDING LIMITS.PDF

9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT

9.B CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD HOC SUBC-OMMITTEE FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF

SR - COUNCIL AD HOC CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT.PDF
CITY COUNCIL

October 22, 2024

9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT

9.C INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT SR Z-INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGRE-EMENT.PDF
SR - INTERIM CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT.PDF

9.D AUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS

9.DAUTHORIZE PAYMENT REQUEST NO 2 TO HEARTHSTONE MULTIASSET ENTITY C, LP FOR POLE CREEK BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (CFD) NO. 5 IMPROVEMENT B WITH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF

SR HEARTHSTONE CFD REIMB PMT _2-FINAL.PDF

12.A CLOSED SESSION - OCTOBER 22, 2024

13. ADJOURNMENT

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

OCTOBER 22, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Courtesy Boys & Girls Club of SCV

Jan Marholin, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, has been honored with the inaugural 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, presented by the Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU). This award, newly established by the VCCU Foundation, recognizes individuals whose dedication and service to the Ventura County community reflect the selfless spirit and commitment embodied by its namesake, Roxy Ostrem.

The award is inspired by the remarkable contributions of Ostrem, a long-time VCCU volunteer director and board chair. Known for her advocacy and efforts to ensure fair and ethical banking practices for Ventura County’s underserved populations, Ostrem’s legacy is deeply tied to her work in the agricultural sector. In 2010, Ostrem played a crucial role in protecting migrant farmworkers from fraudulent financial schemes, showcasing her dedication to empowering the immigrant community that supports one of the county’s most vital industries.

In receiving this award, Jan Marholin is recognized for her unwavering commitment to community building and youth development. Her leadership at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has transformed the organization, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens all along the 126 corridor. Marholin’s passion for enriching the lives of young people aligns with the values that the Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award seeks to celebrate—compassion, integrity, and a deep-rooted dedication to service.

The VCCU Foundation noted that Marholin’s decades of community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved populations have made her the ideal recipient of this inaugural honor. In addition to the award, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley was presented with a generous $10,000 donation at the Community Day event, further supporting their impactful work with local youth. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, especially one named after such a trailblazer like Roxy Ostrem,” Marholin said. “This recognition belongs to the entire team at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and to the youth who inspire us every day to keep striving for a better future.”

The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Community event hosted by the Ventura County Credit Union, marking the launch of an annual tradition to honor community leaders who embody the spirit of service. In celebrating Jan Marholin as the recipient of the 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, Ventura County Credit Union not only honors her dedication to youth empowerment and community development but also sets the stage for future generations of leaders to follow. Her contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, marked by tireless efforts to uplift local youth, reflect the very essence of this prestigious award. As the tradition of recognizing outstanding community leaders continues, Jan’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to serve with the same compassion, integrity, and vision that have defined her career.

Fillmore voters will go to the polls to choose candidates in the city’s first districts election race on November 5th.

The city approved the switch from at-large candidates to districts in December 2023, and Districts 1, 2 and 5 are up for election this year.

One person, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, seeks the District 1 seat. The other two districts have two candidates singly vying to represent each:

District 2-John L. Garnica, Mark Austin (incumbent); District 5-Gary A. Cushing, Christina Villaseñor (incumbent).

Candidate Statements:

Candidate

Mark Austin

District 2

Over the next 4 years, I will concentrate on the local economy, public safety, and repaving of our streets.
Business development, job creation, and tax revenue are extremely important to Fillmore because it creates more opportunities and a better quality of life for citizens. I will continue to work towards streamlining the permitting process to allow businesses to open and locate within Fillmore more quickly. Fillmore needs to cooperate with business owners to develop ways to say yes instead of no to projects that will benefit Fillmore. As your council member, I will continue to make business and job creation in Fillmore a priority.

Ventura County, which includes Fillmore, is recognized as one of the safest counties in the State of California. Over the past 8 years, I have helped to provide the funding needed to maintain service ratios for our police and fire departments. Funds have also been provided to train and graduate 17 reserve fire fighters and install a police station emergency generator. As your council member, I will continue to ensure our public safety professionals are provided with the resources needed to keep our families and community safe.

The repaving and maintenance of streets has been deferred over the years due to City funding issues. With the substantial rain over the last couple of years, our streets are in dire need of repair. We are allotted money from the state in the form of gas taxes, and general sales taxes which do not amount to a lot of money. I plan to tackle this issue over the next 4 years by setting aside general fund reserves each year to be used only for Citywide roadway improvements. I also plan to apply for several state and federal grants available to communities like Fillmore.

***
Candidate

Christina Villaseñor

District 5

Dear community, my roots run deep here - I am the granddaughter of farmworkers who came to Fillmore in the early 1930’s. Through hard work and opportunity, they built a bedrock of stability for their family. As someone who has dedicated their career to public service and your Councilmember, my constant goal has been to be responsive to resident needs and to support those windows of opportunity for Fillmore families to thrive and succeed.

My top priority is meeting the needs of our growing community (13% pop. growth between 2013-23). I plan to ensure that 1. Our infrastructure – roads, water and sewer system and power sources – are keeping up with the demand through pro-active monitoring and keeping our “D” St. sewer line expansion moving forward; that 2. We provide quality community programming and recreational and cultural arts opportunities for families, including prioritizing upgrades to Two Rivers and Shiells Parks; that 3. More Fillmore residents invest their time and consumer spending within the city, from seeking both external and internal improvements for businesses to be successful, to forming an exploratory committee to bring back our beloved May Festival, and 4. We are well-prepared for emergencies and extreme weather events.

I’ve served with integrity, respect, a constant curiosity to dig deeper to fully understand the issues and with humility, knowing that I’m part of a team and when we work together, we can achieve great things for Fillmore. We have our challenges and we need sensible, thoughtful, proactive and hard-working leaders to tackle these challenges. My track record shows that I AM this leader and I’m more than up to the task. I humbly ask you to put your confidence in me once again and vote for me, Christina Villaseñor for Fillmore City Council, District 5. Please visit my website: 4more4Villasenor.com.

***

Candidate

Gary Cushing

District 5

My name is Gary Cushing. My wife Julie, and I have 8 children and 16 grandchildren.
I have owned Marie Callender’s Restaurant in Camarillo for 34 years.

I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from California State University Channel Islands, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Cal Lutheran University.

I am currently a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fillmore, on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley, a member of Fillmore Rotary, on the Vista Real Charter High School Board of Directors and founding Board Member of Miracle League of the 805.

My top priorities are:

Economic Development: The city budget over the last 5 years has risen 32.5%, the amount that has been dedicated to Economic Development has dropped by 50%. Growing our existing businesses and attracting new businesses will help the city budget grow to provide needed services to our citizens.

Highway 126 has 2 problems, the first being the backup of traffic that pushes traffic to the side streets. We need to work with Cal Trans to synchronize the signal lights through town. Secondly, there was a plan to make Highway 126 safer back in 2016, with Cal Trans but it was never implemented. There have been 27 deaths on the 126 in the last 5 years, this is unacceptable. I will advocate revisiting parts of the plan.

Public Safety and Homelessness go together, we need to work with the County to solve the problem, not just rely on the County to fix the problem here. Be proactive in finding solutions. I have spoken to our Police Chief about starting Neighborhood Watch Programs in Fillmore, to help limit crime.

I will bring strong leadership and business experience to the Fillmore City Council.
Gcushing7797@gmail.

Patterson Hardware Closes After 105 Years

Patterson Hardware employees Adrian Davis, employed 19 years, and Augie Alfaro, employed 1 year, helped close down the business on Saturday, October 19, 2024, after 105 years of operation in Fillmore. Photo credit Fillmore Gazette Staff.

Partial reprint 2008 article by Joyce Schifanelli

Patterson Hardware has closed its doors after serving the community of Fillmore for 105 years. Patterson Hardware, originally located at 312 Central Ave., had its origins during WWI in 1919. It was one of five hardware stores owned by Hickey Brothers of Ventura. Local Fillmore resident, Harvey S. Patterson was named manager. When the stock market crash of 1929 heralded the Great Depression, 13-year-old Harvey found himself working by his father’s side for half pay. In 1937, Harvey S. and his wife Edith purchased the business from the Hickey Brothers. They renamed the store Patterson Hardware and moved to a newer building built in 1928, its present location, 360 Central Avenue. The Patterson’s took their business very seriously, employing all their children through the years and teaching them the importance of hard work and fine customer service.

Harvey S. Patterson died in 1959 and his son, Harvey F. and his wife Emma purchased the enterprise by mortgaging their home. The couple subsequently purchased the hardware store’s portion of the building in 1976, continuing to work diligently servicing the needs of their growing town. Through the years, Emma and Harvey F. also passed their strong work ethic onto their own children and scores of Fillmore High School students and other employees. Even after 45 years on the job, the Patterson’s daughter, Michelle, was always happy to help customers. Harvey F. worked in the store until around 2012, passing away in January 2013, helping customers, telling his stories and keeping an eye on things.

Patterson Hardware, and the people who made it a pleasure to shop there, will be missed.