On July 25, 2023, Fillmore’s Ralphy Avila competed in the USATF Jr. Olympics against 58 athletes, and placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75 in the shot-put competition. Photo courtesy Angel Venegas.
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Heritage Valley Blazers athlete, Ralphy Avila, traveled to Eugene, Oregon on July 25th to compete in the USATF JR. OLYMPICS. Ralphy competed against 58 athletes from around the United States. He placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75. Ralphy said “It was an honor and true blessing to compete in the JO’s. I will continue to work hard to make all my dreams become a reality.” The HVB organization is proud of Ralphy thank you for representing our organization and our small town of Fillmore.

The Avila Family would like to thank Coach Paul Riedmiller, Coach CJ and Beva Felix for all the time they put into working with Ralphy. They would also like to thank Heritage Valley Blazers, Central Station, Heritage Valley AC, Escalera Pest Control, Electric Remedy, Sublife, EXL Designing, Rancho Los Guerrero’s for their monetary donations and all the individuals who supported his raffle and bake sale fundraiser. This trip would not have been possible without all the support from our community.

Dear Fillmore Unified School District community,

I am excited to welcome you to the new 2023-2024 school year. I hope your family has had the opportunity this summer to spend quality time with loved ones and that you and your children are ready for the school year ahead. It’s going to be a great year!

The beginning of each school year is always a time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools.

The staff has been working all summer to prepare for this school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as:

• New bilingual college and career counselor at Fillmore High School
• New Wellness Centers at Mountain Vista and Piru Elementary Schools
• Adult Education Counselor
• Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all schools
• Free online academic tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reading intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle School
• New video production teacher at Fillmore High School
• Block schedules at Fillmore Middle School and High School with a built-in academic support period to provide extra help for students
• Field trips to universities and colleges to promote a university culture.
• Bridges after school program until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Expanded learning opportunities during winter, October and spring breaks

We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all schools. Each year, all staff receive training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school holds regular emergency drills, and we will continue to have school resource officers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School to build relationships and respond in the event of a school emergency.

Please also consider supporting our School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Clubs, and other school/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and your child’s teachers, principals, counselors, and support staff is critical to your child’s success in school. I look forward to seeing our students back on our school grounds on Wednesday, August 16. I am confident that by working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students.

Proud to be a part of the Fillmore Unified School District.
Chrissy Schieferle,
Superintendent

On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in Fillmore in early May 2023 near the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive. DA’s office filed a Felony Assault with a Firearm charge on July 25, 2023. Since then, Police have increased patrol and served multiple search warrants, and conducted probation/parole searches, which has led to multiple arrests. Above are photos of evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Department during their investigations.
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On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.
On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, Fillmore Patrol and other Sheriff’s Office investigative units, responded to the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive for a “shots fired” call. Investigators determined an adult male had been shot during a gang-related confrontation.

West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism.
During a traffic stop on July 12, 2023, at approximately 2:50 PM, WC-SEU detectives arrested a juvenile for the May shooting. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed a felony charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.

The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.
The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes and illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.

Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested
Report Number: 2354794, 23-55655, 23-56574, 23-63566
Location: 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 2, 2023 @ 7:20 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit, Major Crimes Unit Patrol, and Fillmore Investigations Unit.

(S)suspects,(V)ctims,(P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Multiple Juveniles
(S) Multiple Adults Ventura County
(V) Adult Male Ventura County 31

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt

Two Oxnard residents who are convicted felons were arrested for identity theft involving numerous victims throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

During the month of July 2023, a victim residing in the city of Fillmore reported being the victim of an identity theft. A deputy assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and an investigation began. The victim was alerted by her financial institution that numerous credit cards were obtained, purchases were made, and suspicious activity occurred with the use of the victim’s personal identifying information. These charges and activity were deemed to be fraudulent.

Fillmore station detectives conducted follow-up investigation and evidence was collected identifying Oxnard resident Jose Puga as a person of interest. In addition to the fraudulent activity, it was discovered that the suspect(s) also ordered approximately $1,400.00 worth of various merchandise which was delivered to a residence located at the 1900 block of Socorro Way in the city of Oxnard.

Fillmore detectives collected more evidence implicating Puga as the suspect. Puga has an extensive criminal record and he is currently on probation for crimes involving identity theft. During this initial investigation, Puga was subsequently arrested for a probation violation related to this case involving illegal possession of identity theft related documents. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Detectives identified several victims of identity theft committed by Puga. On July 31, 2023, detectives conducted a probation search at Puga’s residence in the 1900 block of Socorro Way in Oxnard. During the search, detectives located and recovered numerous items that had been fraudulently purchased and delivered to Puga’s residence using a victim’s personal identifying information.

While at the location, detectives contacted resident Alonzo Rodriguez who is also on probation with a lengthy criminal record for identity theft related crimes.

Detectives located identity theft related documents implicating Rodriguez as an additional suspect in this case including additional victims and more stolen California driver licenses, stolen checks, cashier checks, and stolen gift cards. These victims resided throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Rodriguez was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for felony identity theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a no bail probation violation where he remains in custody. Puga was supplementally charged with an additional count of identity theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property. Puga remains in custody with a no bail probation violation.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

On Saturday, July 29th at 10:30am, Fillmore City Hall was filled with folks to celebrate the Fillmore Police Department Plaque Dedication Ceremony and BBQ, in honor of members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Above, Duke Bradbury, Former Fillmore peace officer and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, introducing speakers before the plaque unveiling. See more photos on page 10.
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On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a Dedication ceremony was held at Fillmore City Hall for the unveiling of the plaque to hang in the lobby of City Hall to honor Fillmore Police Department members who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Pictured above are VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen, President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County Duke Bradbury, Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon, and Commander Garo Kuredjian, who were in attendance for the ceremony.
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After the ceremony a BBQ dinner followed for folks to enjoy, cooked by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul. Above are some folks enjoying their meal BBQ; below is Steve and his team who helped prepare the food.
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A large crowd gathered at City Hall Saturday for a ceremony honoring members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987.

Former Fillmore peace officer, and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, Duke Bradbury opened the ceremony with a brief history of the group. Membership in the Thin Blue Line includes retired Fillmore, Santa Paula, LAPD, CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies. A member and good friend from the Sheriff’s Department, Elmo Sheeran, came up with the group’s name. Elmo also later suggested memorializing their service with the plaque. Approximately $2,300 in donations was raised to purchase it.

Bradbury commented on the closeness with which the police forces worked together. “I want to thank our law enforcement friends and partners from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department! During the years we relied on each other for assistance in protecting our communities, and our calls for mutual aid were always answered.”
A BBQ was served on the city hall park area, with the cooking done by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul.

The group was formerly called Fillmore Police Brotherhood. Its first President was former Fillmore Police Sergeant Max Piña. Max passed away two years ago, but he is remembered with the roadway designated Max Piña Way in Fillmore. The city and VC Sheriff’s Department were very helpful in honoring Max’s service to our community.

The first speaker was former Fillmore Police Chief Dick Diaz. Also attending were former Santa Paula Chief of Police Walt Adair, former Senior Deputy Elmo Sheeran, and former Fillmore Police Chief and now VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen. Fillmore City Council Member Carrie Broggie assisted with the plaque ceremonies and addressed the audience. The final speaker was Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon.

Fillmore All-Star team won the 63 District Championship, first time in 40 years. Pictured back row (l-r) Coaches Ricky Gonzalez, Andy Lopez, Damian Magana; Middle row (l-r) Ralphy Avila, Athen Escobedo, Rocky Balboa, Victor Alvino, Drew Lopez, Ethan Zavala, Gabriel Magana; Bottom row (l-r) Isaac Ramirez, Joseph Minister, Malcom Dunbar, Adan Herrera, Aiden Arias, and reclining is Ted Chewning. Inset, the team celebrating at homeplate after teammate Drew Lopez’s homerun during the big game. Photo credit Aaron Escobedo.
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On June 22nd – 29th the Fillmore All-Stars team earned the first District 63 Majors Win in over 40 years, going 4 – 0 having beaten defending champs Dos Pueblos twice for the championship. And it was all due to every player doing their part.

Fillmore’s heat of the lineup displayed a tremendous power hitting with 8 homeruns in 7 games. Ted Chewning, the 3rd and 4th Athen “Turtle” Escobedo, had two, both being his 1st and 2nd homeruns. Isaac Ramirez hit his 1st homerun to start the scoring when they were down. Andrew “Drew” Lopez hit a two-run off Dos Pueblos, putting the first of two games away, defeating them 12 – 6, putting them in a great spot to win the District title and finally bringing the banner home to the City of Fillmore. The first of three games, the boys were down by 4 runs and each of those games they fought and came back to win by 5 runs or more, showing tremendous heart and desire to win for each other. Most of the boys have been together since the age of 8, and Coaches Andy Lopez and Damian Magana have coached the majority of the team since; they have built a good relationship with all of them and know their strengths, etc.

Pitching was stellar to say the least. Gabriel Magana had 2 wins and Drew Lopez had 1 win to close out the Championship game to District against Dos Pueblos. Catcher Joseph Minister pitched in both Championship games and was a force to be reckoned with at age 11. Overall, this was a team effort and good coaching got the job done; but they will be back next year as they have some unfinished business. A special thank you to our All our Coaches for all their hard work, time and effort.