On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the EL Dorado Mobile Home Park Social Club gave a donation to the Fillmore Fire Fighters Foundation, presented by Patrick Mckenzie and Charles Richardson. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 25th, 2024
PRESENTATIONS 5.A DONATION FROM EL DORADO MHP (EDMHP) SOCIAL CLUB (SC) TO THE FILLMORE FIRE FIGHTERS' FOUNDATION BY MR. PATRICK MCKENZIE & CHARLES RICHARDSON. 5.B U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PRESENTATION BY CLAUDIA ANDERSON, GEORGE KOSTYRKO ANDERSON AND CLAUDIA K. DETAILED DISCUSSIION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES. 9.A DISCUSS APPROPRIATING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS FOR TOWN THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss whether to appropriate $90,000 in ARPA funds for improvements to the Town Theatre. Should the City Council elect to approve this appropriation, or a smaller amount, the City Council is also requested to approve an agreement to award such funds and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. APPROVED 5-0 9.C PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE EXTENDING FOR 10 MONTHS AND FIFTEEN DAYS THE CITY’S MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OR EXPANSION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES OR FACILITIES AND MOBILE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES WITHIN CITY LIMITS, DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF, AND FINDING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Council take the following actions: 1. Receive the staff report and conduct the public hearing; 2. Waive full reading and adopt by four-fifths vote Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-961 (Attachment 1), extending for ten months and fifteen days the temporary moratorium prohibiting medical marijuana facilities and mobile medical marijuana dispensaries within City limits, as read by title only; 3. Find that Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 24-961 is exempt from CEQA; and 4. Direct staff to continue to study appropriate modifications to the Fillmore Municipal Code to mitigate the conditions outlined in this staff report and Section 2 of the Urgency Ordinance that arise out of developing, maintaining, and expanding medical marijuana facilities and mobile medical marijuana dispensaries. The Community Development Director is further directed to report back to the City Council with his findings at least 10 days prior to the expiration of this ordinance. (Approved 5-0). 9.D PUBLIC HEARING: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY EXISTING REQUIREMENTS AND ESTABLISH NEW REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SELF-STORAGE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITIES IN THE CITY AND FINDING THIS PROJECT TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA. 9.E APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1.) Appoint an elected official to attend the SCAG General Assembly as Primary Delegate and to serve as the regional representative; and 2. ) Appoint an Alternate. (Approved 5-0). RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss whether to increase the City Council’s salary from $300 per month to $600 per month effective January 1, 2025. (Approved 3-2, Gurrola and Austin nay.) |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 25th, 2024
On Monday, January 22, at 2:40 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on westbound SR-126 / Boosey Road, Ventura County. Arriving fire personnel reported several vehicles involved with major damage; two patients trapped needing extrication. Firefighters were able to extricate the two patients and they were transferred to a local hospital by ambulance. A third patient was pronounced dead on-scene. CHP reported the deceased driver as a 23-year-old Santa Paula woman driving a 2008 Mercury SUV eastbound, when she side swiped a westbound 2002 Honda Civic, crashing into a 2022 Honda Civic. The transported female patients were 19-year-old and 42-year-old Fillmore residents; a female 30-year-old Santa Paula passenger suffered minor injuries. Westbound traffic lanes were shut down causing traffic to back up from Toland Road. Officers remained at the scene until 5pm. Cause of the crash is under investigation by Ventura-CHP. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 25th, 2024
On Thursday, January 18, Fillmore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vegetation fire at the Santa Clara Riverbed near Burlington Street and Surrey Way. The arriving engine reported a 30' x 30' spot fire in the Arundo area. The call was upgraded to a brushfire and with the assistance of the Ventura County Fire Department, fire personnel knocked it down within minutes before it could spread. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 25th, 2024
On Friday, January 19, at 3:43 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 2400 block of Grand Avenue. While firefighters were enroute a large plum of white smoke was visible. Arriving firefighters found an illegal burn taking place, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, January 25th, 2024
The weekend rain brought much needed water to Sespe Creek. Herons, Egrets and Ducks all appreciate the natural flow into the Santa Clara River. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 20th, 2024
This past week the City of Fillmore installed two new military banners for Phillip C. Diaz Senior Chief Active Duty, US Navy and Samantha Farr, Active Duty, US Army, in honor of their service and dedication to their country. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 20th, 2024
On Tuesday, January 16, crews were working on Santa Clara Street between Fillmore City Hall and east of Giessinger Winery on the city of Fillmore’s utility undergrounding beautification project. Enlarge Photo An overhead utility undergrounding beautification project is underway along Santa Clara Street between City Hall and east the Giessinger Winery. The Project will eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead electric and telecommunications facilities. To carry out the undergrounding, the City created a utility underground district consistent with Sothern California Edison’s (SCE) Rule 20A tariff criteria and is using the City’s Rule 20A funding credits for the work. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulation, known as Rule 20, pertains to the conversion of overhead power lines and other equipment to underground facilities where there is a public interest to do so. The project will remove four SCE poles (shown it the picture below) and place all the overhead wires underground in pipelines and vaults. The total cost estimate is $431,200, all of which is paid for using the Rule 20A funding available to the City. One pole removal will include a streetlight replacement to the decorative downtown style street lamp. There will be incremental traffic and parking control on Santa Clara Street this time. It is expected to be completed in March. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 20th, 2024
On January 10, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes Girls Soccer Team hosted AYSO Epic Night where the AYSO Epic Team attended a Meet & Greet with the team as well as run out on the field for the starting lineup in their game against Carpinteria. Pictured above are some of the kids smiling as they have their picture taken with the players. Photo credit Daniel Cruz. Lady Flashes Girls Soccer hosted AYSO Epic Team last week, giving kids the chance to talk with the players, take photos and do a team cheer to end the night. Photo credit Daniel Cruz. Enlarge Photo Article by Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez Last Wednesday evening was very special at Fillmore High School; not only did Lady Flashes soccer team score two big wins against Carpinteria, but they hosted AYSO EPIC Night! AYSO’s EPIC Team was treated to a night of fun, which included a Meet & Greet with the ladies and the chance to run on the field with the starting lineup! This memorable experience was made possible by the coaches, Lady Flashes, and their Social Media Coordinator, Nancy Vaca. The program has more than doubled in its second year thanks to the help of EPIC Coordinator, Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez, the AYSO board, led by Regional Commissioner, Arnold Muñoz, and buddy volunteers. AYSO EPIC is currently looking for buddy volunteers for the 2024 season which starts in August. For more information please contact Nancy at (323) 385-1106 or aysoepicfillmore@gmail.com. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, January 20th, 2024
The Fillmore Police Department extended good luck wishes to Fillmore Explorer Post #2958 as they set out for the Chandler Competition this past weekend! We know how hard our explorers and advisors have been working to prepare for this competition and we can’t wait to see your hard work be put to the test! Go show everyone what Explorer Post #2958 is made of! Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
A 19-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting gang graffiti on Fillmore City property and causing hundreds of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore. During the month of December of 2023, detectives assigned to the Fillmore Police Station noticed an increase in graffiti vandalism crimes throughout several locations in the City of Fillmore. Detectives coordinated resources and collected evidence in several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized. Detectives were able to identify specific spray paint related to gang writings and monikers. Over the course of the investigation, detectives identified Bryan Vega as the suspect involved in several vandalisms. On January 8, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives contacted and arrested Vega in the 1900 block of Old Telegraph Road. Vega was in possession of additional evidence linking him to these vandalism crimes. Detectives obtained and served a search warrant at Vega’s residence located in the 1900 block of Old Telegraph Road. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the vandalisms. Vega was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of Graffiti Vandalism and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. Vega remains in custody with his bail set at $100,000. Report Number: RB # 24-2197 (S)uspects Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Hollowell |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
During the month of December, Fillmore Police Station advised an increase in graffiti/vandalism throughout the city. Pictured is graffiti/vandalism this past week marking a wall east of the 7-Eleven Convenience Store, and behind Super A/Dollar Tree. This type of vandalism not only causes a visual blight to the city but also tax dollars for removal. Anyone with information regarding graffiti/vandalism can call Fillmore PD at 805-524-2233 or Crimestoppers at 805-602-8952. Enlarge Photo Above is the entire east wall of the 7-Eleven Convenience Store off of B Street and Highway 126 vandalized with graffiti. As graffiti is increasing in Fillmore the public is encouraged to call Fillmore PD at 805-524-2233 or Crimestoppers at 805-602-8952. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
A 31-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray-painting graffiti on numerous businesses throughout the city of Fillmore and causing hundreds of dollars of vandalism damage to these private business owners. On January 7, at approximately 10:14 PM, the employees of a Fillmore business located in the 900 block of West Ventura Street called Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report an in-progress vandalism crime at the establishment. Fillmore patrol deputies responded immediately to the scene and positively identified Fillmore resident Leonardo Morales as the suspect. Morales is currently on probation for similar vandalism crimes. During a search of Morales, deputies located spray paint cans on his person, which were used to commit the graffiti vandalism in question. Deputies arrested Morales for felony vandalism. Following Morales’ arrest, deputies and detectives assigned to the Fillmore station located additional victims of vandalism crimes linking Morales as the suspect. These business locations were in the 900 block of West Ventura Street, 700 block of West Ventura Street, and Fillmore City property located in the 900 block of Old Telegraph Road. Morales was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of felony Graffiti Vandalism and violation of probation. Morales remains in custody with his bail set at $20,000. Report Number: RB # 24-2794 (S)suspects Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Hollowell |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
Right is Jeff Wurm, Investment Division Director from the California State Treasurer's Office, who joined in virtually for Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to discuss the local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) along with Debra Cavaletto, Finance Director. Enlarge Photo All New Business items passed 5-0 (9.A-D) 5. PRESENTATIONS: 5.A WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES - VIVIAN SR - Second Reading of Floodplain Ordinance No. 23-960. Final.pdf 9.A ADOPTION OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 22-04, THE CITY HALL ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council adopt the specifications for a modernization of the elevator at City Hall, known as Project Specification No. 22-04 (“Project”) and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids. 9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-05, DOG PARK ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT TWO RIVERS PARK PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BID. 9.C DISCUSS ADOPTING A FACILITY NAMING POLICY. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council review the draft facility naming policy, discuss and adopt the Facility Naming Policy. Passed 5-0 9.D FILING OF NOTICES OF COMPLETION FOR “C” STREET EMERGENCY SEWER REPAIR PROJECT. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council: 1. Accept the services provided for the Preliminary Phase of the “C” Street Emergency Sewer performed by Ferreira Construction Co, Inc. (“Ferreira Construction”); 2. Accept the completed improvements for Project Specification No. 23-01E – “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project provided by Toro Enterprises, Inc. (“Toro Enterprises”); 3. Instruct the City Clerk to file the attached Notices of Completion; and 4. Authorize the final payment to the contractors of owed retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
On December 22, 2023, at approximately 11:30 AM, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Fabian Garibay in the City of Fillmore for felony street gang coercion reference the gang tattooing of a minor. On January 5, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed felony Street Gang Solicitation and misdemeanor Tattooing of a Minor violations against Garibay in the Ventura County Superior Court. During the months of September and October 2023, a Fillmore Patrol Station Deputy initiated an investigation after learning Garibay had tattooed a juvenile male with gang symbols. The Patrol Deputy determined the tattooing occurred in Ventura County and likely was committed with the intent to solicit or recruit the juvenile into a Fillmore criminal street gang. In late October 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and obtained a search warrant for Garibay’s Fillmore residence. Detectives served the warrant and located evidence related to the investigation, including additional evidence of Garibay’s affiliation with a criminal street gang. Detectives later obtained a felony arrest warrant for Garibay. On December 22, 2023, at approximately 11:30 AM, Fillmore Patrol Deputies arrested Garibay during a traffic stop in Fillmore and he was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The gang tattooing case against Garibay was presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, who subsequently filed felony PC 186.26(a) - Street Gang Solicitation and misdemeanor PC 653 - Tattooing a Minor violations against Garibay in the Ventura County Superior Court on January 5, 2024. Garibay posted bail on the matter and has a pending court date in February 2024. The investigation is on-going. If you have any information about this case or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Detective Austin Whittaker at 805-654-3509. Report Number: 23-136303 (S) Fabin Garibay Fillmore 31 Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
On Monday, January 8, 2024, at 8 a.m. to around 6 p.m., Edison crews were on Goodenough Road along the Tradition housing track managing traffic while they replaced multiple power poles, using cherry pickers to disconnect the lines. Several poles were successfully replaced with no known power interruptions to the area. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
On Wednesday, December 27, at 8:34 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, AMR Paramedics and Fillmore Police were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on SR126 and Fillmore Fish Hatchery. Upon, Arriving firefighters located a shattered Edison pole with live wires down and a white vehicle overturned. Two patients were able to get out and both patients were treated by AMR Paramedics and transported to VCMC, conditions unknown. Due to the incident, half of the residences in Fillmore and Piru lost power. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
The small electrical building on the Riverpark bike path has been vandalized again with tagging, along with the bike path itself, inset. Tagging has also increased along the Sespe Creek bike path, including the 126 underpass tunnel. No doubt this type of vandalism is a sign of high intelligence. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
Hi everyone! Happy New Year! The Hawaii tournament is just around the corner. Zoey has until June of 2024 to raise her share to participate in the July 2024 Tournament with her Fillmore girl’s soccer team. She needs to raise money for the tournament cost, plane ticket, hotel, food, possibly new gear or uniforms, and any other expenses necessary. BUY TICKETS Hawaii Raffle for Zoey - $26.80 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
A vinyl fence was vandalized over the holidays, on Burlington Street near Rio Grande. A lot of police calls go out in that area for Suspicious Subject/Circumstances along the riverbed. Maybe the city should invest in some cameras in the vicinity. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
For years I have heard “Oh, I will only go to Kim to get my nails done” and “Kim is the best”. Then I heard a new nail salon was going to open next to Heritage Valley Eye Care, across from Ronan Mills Bakery. I didn’t think much of it, even when I heard the famous Kim was opening it. Who was this Kim lady? Well, I found out. I was passing by and saw Central Nails was open, so I stopped in to see if I could get a pedicure. Little did I know it was her opening day and I had the pleasure of being her first customer! As soon as she was up for business her phone rang off the hook. The famous Kim had been found and it’s been a pleasure getting to know her. Kim Pham opened her doors May 26, 2023 to a stream of pleased customers. She has colors I have never seen before, a beautiful, immaculate shop, and is centrally located. I love that she lives right down the street from her shop and is building a business right here in Fillmore. I really think downtown is vital to its citizens and its citizens are vital to our local business community. I try to shop and stay local as much as I can, and Kim’s opening has helped me do that. Kim’s work is stellar—she can even do all the cute designs and color work that some people travel out of town for. I had not had my nails done in a long time but she converted me back to nails and regular manicures. Recently I ran into a friend who had an appointment and was so excited Kim was back in Fillmore. She has a wonderful staff, and I believe she still has a hiring sign on her door. Thank you, Kim, for bringing your services and smile to my neighborhood! Photo and article by Brandy Hollis. Enlarge Photo |