 Above is the firearm that was recovered during the investigation. Photos credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 Above is the illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills police recovered in their investigation. Enlarge Photo A 49-year-old Lancaster man was arrested in Fillmore for possession of a stolen firearm and illegal drugs. On August 8, 2022, a deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 900 block of Ventura Street for a vehicle code violation. The driver was identified as Darrell Rutledge. During the contact, the deputy saw a substance that appeared to be illegal drugs in plain view in the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the deputy confirmed the substance to be an illegal controlled substance and Ecstasy pills. In addition, a search of the vehicle revealed a stolen, loaded firearm that was found concealed inside of a backpack on the rear seat. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm had been stolen in an unrelated residential burglary two years ago. Rutledge is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history that included prison sentences for firearm and narcotic related charges. As a convicted felon, Rutledge is prohibited from possessing firearms. Rutledge was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm with prior conviction, carrying a loaded firearm in public, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Rutledge is currently being held in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura with bail set at $500,000. Rutledge’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2022. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and/or vehicles, and to promptly report any crimes they come across by calling 911. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Illegal Drugs 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Beginning Thursday, September 1st, 2022, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. Designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies, the program will allow participants to meet with members of the Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Agency. Classes will be held Thursday nights, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Fillmore Police Station, 524 Prepared by: Deputy Eric Tumbleson |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
 After being postponed for 2 years, the Ventura County Fair has finally returned! On August 3rd the Fair gates opened with rides, food, games, animals, live entertainment, a rodeo and so much more. This year’s tag line is VC Fair Rides Again. Even the Junior Livestock show has returned, see info page 3. The Ventura County Fair 2022 “VC Fair Rides Again” runs August 3-14 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. For more information please visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call (805) 648-3376. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
 Pictured is the unregistered revolver handgun found in possession of Ismael Hernandez, 31 of Fillmore, at the time police conducted their investigation. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 29, 2022, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives conducted directed enforcement in the City of Fillmore and arrested a subject for local warrants, unlawful firearm possession, and a narcotics violation. On July 29, 2022, at approximately 2017 hours, detectives made a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 800 block of 3rd Street in Fillmore while conducting directed enforcement. Ismael Hernandez was a passenger in the vehicle. Hernandez was wanted for local misdemeanor warrants and he is on probation for narcotics violations. Detectives searched the vehicle, pursuant to Hernandez’s probation search terms, and determined he was in possession of an unregistered revolver handgun and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. Hernandez was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for his warrants, firearm violations, and possession of a controlled substance. On August 2, 2022, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed felony and misdemeanor charges against Hernandez for the case. Hernandez remains in Ventura County Jail custody with an upcoming court date and his bail was set at $10,000.00. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities from criminal street gang terrorism and reducing violent crime by actively investigating illegal firearm activities. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of illegal firearm activities in Ventura County. If you have any information about unlawful firearm activities in the West County areas in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, including in Fillmore, Saticoy, El Rio, and Ojai, please contact Detective Sergeant Beau Rodriguez at 805-767-0360. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence 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. Community: News Story - Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest Dear Fillmore Gazette, Nature of Incident: Traffic Stop Results in Firearm / Narcotics Arrest 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). |
 Fillmore’s Jack Stethem with the Hinckley House Little Free library which currently sits in front of the Fillmore Historical Museum. Photos credit Fillmore Historical Museum. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Jack Stethem and his wife, Joleen, came to Fillmore in 1964. Like his father, Jack became a painting contractor and Joleen worked at Fillmore High School while raising their family. Jack got his private pilot’s license and kept a plane at the Santa Paula Airport which he flew regularly. Jack also became active as a volunteer at the Fillmore Historical Museum, also serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Jack and Joleen both retired in 2004. That was when Jack took up wood working. He started small, building boats for the children of friends, but slowly worked up to bigger projects. One day in about 2010, Marie Wren called Jack and asked if he could build a “Little Free Library” for in front of her home. Jack at that time hadn’t known that “Little Free Libraries” were a “thing,” but Marie educated him on their history and started him on this new path. They chose the Museum’s 1887 Southern Pacific Depot to be the model for her library. Soon other people were inquiring about Jack building libraries for them and he was off and running. Since that initial project, Jack has built Little Free Libraries modeled on Trinity Episcopal Church, a home on Foothill Drive, the Hinckley House at the Museum site on Main Street, as well a as ones on Clay Street and B Street. When the Fillmore Library was closed during the pandemic, these little libraries saw much use. On display in the Museum are replicas of the Santa Clara “Little Red” School House on Highway 126, a model of the Guiberson Barn and a diorama of a condor habitat, all Jack Stethem’s creations. If you see Jack and Joleen on their daily walk along the bike path, leaving a trail of goodies for the local bunnies, quail and squirrels, stop and thank him for doing his part to make Fillmore Special. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 Christine Schieferle, FUSD Superintendent. Dear FUSD Community, The beginning of each school year is always time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure that we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools. Staff have been working all summer long to prepare for the upcoming school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as: • School counselors at every school site We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all school sites. Each year, all staff receives training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school conducts 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. COVID safety measures for the upcoming school year can be found on the FUSD website. Please also consider supporting our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and other schools/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations along with your student's teachers, principals, counselors, and support personnel is critical to your child's success in school. I am looking forward to seeing our students back on our campuses on Wednesday, August 17th. I am confident that working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students. Proud to be a part of FUSD. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 Cara Hazard, 6th Grade Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School. A proud member of the Bulldog Family since the spring of 2020, Ms. Cara Hazard was immediately thrown into action as she helped navigate the difficulties of distance learning brought on by the COVID pandemic. Ms. Hazard is thrilled to be back for her second full year of in person learning, and as this years 6th grade assistant principal she cannot wait to meet all the incoming students who are just beginning the next step in their educational journey. Ms. Hazard began her career in education as a para-educator with the Saugus Union School District from 2005 until 2007. From there she went on to her first teaching job in the Palmdale School District, where she gained experience at both the elementary and middle school levels. In 2015 she would spend a year teaching middle school algebra in Albuquerque, New Mexico before returning to her teaching roots in Palmdale. All told the time she spent in Palmdale would see her twice voted as teacher of the year, and she would spend 5 years as an administrative intern. All these experiences helped lead her to the amazing opportunity of assistant principal at Fillmore Middle School (Go Bulldogs!). Growing up just down the road in Santa Clarita, Ms. Hazard attended Cal State Northridge. There she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Always striving for more knowledge, Ms. Hazard prides herself on being a lifelong learner and an avid reader. There are few things she loves more than sitting outside on a beautiful day with a good book in hand. Ms. Hazard loves fostering an environment where students know that they are respected and cared for, believing it is paramount to educational success. She welcomes open communication with all our Bulldog family. Ms. Hazard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to what will undoubtedly be a strong leadership team that will benefit not only Fillmore Middle School but our surrounding community. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 (l-r) Keith Derrick with Rotary Vice President Andy Klittich. Keith Derrick is the new Fillmore High School Principal and was last week’s Rotary speaker. Derrick grew up in Arcadia, and baseball was his passion. He played for several years and had hoped to play professionally, but injuries dashed that hope. He began working at baseball camp and coaching kids, and realized education was what he wanted. He loves a small community and small school and when he became a principal that was where he wanted to be. Some of his goals for Fillmore High are to build quality relationships with the staff and students. He wants each student to have a trusting person on campus they can go to for advice, and he wants everyone to know what is happening on campus and how they can get involved. He hopes to advance academics, support athletics and promote art, music, and clubs, etc. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
 On Friday, July 29th, 2022, at approximately 9:17pm, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 1900 block of Old Telegraph Road, Fillmore. Arriving fire crews reported a single patient with one vehicle on its side against an orange tree. One patient suffered minor injuries; CHP requested a tow truck. Photo credit Angel Esquivel—AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 4th, 2022
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 27, 2022, deputies from the Fillmore Police Department and firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department responded to a suspicious vehicle fire at a small nursery in the area of Old Telegraph Road and Ventura Street in the unincorporated area of Fillmore/Ventura County. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly extinguished the vehicle fire located in the rear interior portion of a van parked on the property. The firefighters also found a propane tank in the front passenger area of the van that was expelling gas from an open valve. The investigation revealed the fire was intentionally started in the van and the propane tank was purposely placed inside the van to cause an arson explosion. Suspect information was obtained at the scene and no additional hazards to the public were discovered. A search for the suspect ensued. Fillmore patrol deputies located the suspect in the 1000 block of Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore. It was discovered that the suspect fled from the crime scene on a bicycle he had stolen from a nearby plant nursery. The suspect was taken into custody and identified as 42-year old Nikhil Kaboor, a resident of Fillmore. Deputies also located additional evidence linking Kaboor to the commission of the arson. Kaboor was arrested for violation of California Penal Codes 451(d)-Arson and 484(a)-Theft. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura with a bail set at $100,000. On July 29, 2022, The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed both charges against Kaboor who currently remains in custody with his bail set at $100,000. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 08, 2022. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and/or vehicles, and to promptly report any crimes they witness by calling “9-1-1.” Anyone with information pertaining to crimes are urged to contact the Fillmore Police Station @ (805) 524-2233 or the below listed detective. The reporting party may remain anonymous. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued 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. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has also established a secure database to log information about who has surveillance systems. If you would like to register your surveillance information and allow authorities to contact you, should a crime occur in/or near where your cameras are installed we kindly ask that you email the Fillmore Police Department @fillmorePD.CameraShare@ventursa.org. Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested for Arson and Theft 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). |