By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 5th, 2024
Pictured (l-r) is last week’s speaker, Fillmore Chief of Police Lalo Malagon, with Fillmore Rotary President Scott Beylik. His topic was crime in Fillmore. All crime is tracked, as well as response time, and crimes are reported to the FBI and to Fillmore City Council once a month. Also, all the Chiefs in the county meet once a month to discuss ongoing crimes. The city cannot afford to pay for full-time motorcycle officers, it does pay overtime for the Thousand Oaks Officers to work the 126 corridor. Chief Lalo stated that Fillmore is one of the safest cities in Ventura County. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
On Monday, December 25, at 4:37pm, deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Orchard Street in Piru for a subject disturbing and threatening to fight family members. The callers indicated the male suspect, identified as Christopher Perez (30 years) was possibly armed with a firearm. Upon arrival, deputies saw Perez leaving the area in a black Chevy Suburban. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop and a short pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when Perez crashed the Suburban into a fence in the 4000 block of Center Street. Perez was arrested for a variety of charges, including criminal threats stemming from the original disturbance call, as well as evading and driving under the influence of alcohol. Perez was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody. Photo courtesy Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
On Thursday, December 21, at 6:48 a.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported head-on collision westbound SR126 at Cavin Road, near Piru. Arriving firefighters found two vehicles involved, one on the center divider and the second on the right-hand shoulder hillside. Two patients were transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries to both patients. Westbound lanes were shut down for at least 45 minutes until the scene was cleared. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Papa Lupe’s Liquor & Market held a soft opening from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Friends and supporters came out to enjoy the food, music, free shirts, and sunshine as they checked out the newly remodeled market. Lupe’s is owned and operated by the Lupe Martinez family, Fillmore residents born and raised for four generations in Fillmore. The market is up and running, and a Grand Opening is to be held in early 2024 that will include Deli/Mexican Cuisine/BBQ, check cashing, Lottery and more. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Fillmore’s muralist/artist Gab Cardenas created this mural on the east side of the Tipsy Fox Liquor building, 1149 Ventura Street, Fillmore. The inspiration for the mural, posted on Instagram, was “Farmworker love for the community that raised me”. A time-lapse video of the mural can be seen on Cardenas’s Instagram account, @GXBCXR. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
In our continued effort to prioritize mental health, the Fillmore Unified School District celebrated the Grand Opening of another Wellness Center at Mountain Vista Elementary before the winter break. Sylvia Gonzalez, who joined FUSD’s Wellness Team as a licensed social worker, will be at the wellness center providing support to students and families. Thank you, FUSD Governing Board, Ventura County Office of Education, Gold Coast Health Plan, and FUSD and Mountain Vista Elementary staff for your support! Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/12/14/mountain-vista-wellness-center-grand-opening. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Last week’s rain storm gave us some much needed rain, causing flooding in some parts of Fillmore. Pictured is a common flood area on A Street & Old Telegraph Road. Inset, sandbags were set at the corner of Central Avenue & Third Street to prepare for the storm. According to the VC Public Works Watershed, Fillmore & Piru received the following rainfall totals in the last 7 days: Fillmore Sanitation 1.51", Fillmore-Grand Ave 0.76", Fillmore – Sespe Westates 3.77", Fillmore Fish Hatchery 1.07" Topa Topa – Sespe 5.32", Piru 2.1" Piru Canyon 2.26", Lake Piru - Temescal 2.2". For recenet totals visit https://www.vcwatershed.net/fws/reports/rain-report. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
On December 13, at 3:18 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, Fillmore Fire, AMR Paramedics, California Highway Patrol and Ventura County Air Unit were dispatched to a reported injury accident on Bardsdale Avenue and Sespe Street. Arriving fire personnel reported a two-vehicle collision with one possible occupant trapped, needing extrication. On-scene firefighters also requested three additional ambulances and a Copter to respond to the scene. Within minutes firefighters were able to extricate the patients from the vehicle; three patients were transported via ambulance and one patient was airlifted to a nearby hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Fillmore City Fire Station was jam packed with kids lining up out the door for the Annual Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway! Each child who resides within FUSD was given a new toy and reading book, a new coat and socks, holiday bags of groceries, as well as a limited number of Christmas trees. As folks waited in line Santa greeted them and posed for photos, celebrating Christmas cheer! Annual sponsors of the event include our local Fillmore Police and Fire Departments, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, One Step A La Vez, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Fillmore Future Farmers of America, Sespe 4-H, Rotary International of Fillmore, Fillmore Lions Club, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol, Fillmore Search and Rescue, Fillmore Friends of the Library, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Lightfully Behavior Health, the Salvation Army, Balden Ranch, Allied Citrus & Fruit, Villasenor Enterprises, the Fillmore Fire Foundation and numerous other generous personal and business donors. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
On Sunday, December 17, Fillmore Patrol Deputies, in conjunction with our Fillmore Fire Department, had the honor of escorting Santa through the neighborhoods of Fillmore to provide some deserving children with gifts! They were even able to stop by and visit our pal Brandon who is currently recovering from an accident. Brandon, we wish you a speedy recovery! Thank you to Santa and all his wonderful helpers who were able to make last night so magical! Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
On December 15, 2023, the Condor students at Piru Elementary had an amazing end to their week! Thanks to California Highway Patrol and CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive and our Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC), students in Preschool thru 5th grade received a toy! We are grateful to our PNC members for the support they provide Piru Elementary School. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/piru-elementary-condors-blog/2023/12/15/condor-students-had-an-amazing-end-to-their-week. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, December 21st, 2023
Fillmore Girls 12U AYSO took first place in the Goldrush Tournament in Santa Clarita last weekend, December 9-10th. They are led by Coaches Homer and Jose. Way to make Fillmore proud, girls! There is some amazing soccer talent coming right here out of Fillmore, California. Photo credit Brandy Hollis. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
On Wednesday, December 6, approximately at 10:15 a.m., Fillmore Police Department was dispatched to a reported brandishing that had just occurred underneath A Street bridge. Arriving deputies found a victim uninjured, while deputies were investigating the scene. The suspect description given to deputies matched a subject underneath the center of the bridge. On scene, deputies were able to confirm a crime (PC417-Brandishing a Deadly Weapon) and placed a female subject under arrest; she was taken to the Ventura County Main Jail Facility. No additional information was provided. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
On December 9, at 1:27p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Central Avenue. Arriving firefighters reported three storage units with smoke seen coming out of them. Firefighters were able to open the doors of the units and knock down the fire within minutes. Fillmore Police Dept. was also dispatched to respond to the scene for traffic control. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
Carrie Broggie was appointed Mayor. Chris Gurrola was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. 7.K CHANNEL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT - STORM DRAIN MAINTENENCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT #7 RECOMMENDATION That the City Council award a contract to Cerco Engineering, in an amount not to exceed $59,235, which includes a contingency amount of 10% of the total proposal, in a form approved by the City Attorney’s office, from Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District #7 for the maintenance of the drainage channel south of the El Dorado Mobile Home Park. Gurrola abstained due to conflict. This item passed 4-0 8.A FIFTH PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF A DISTRICT-BASED ELECTION SYSTEM AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND ELECTION SEQUENCING AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Receive a report from the City’s consultant, National Demographics Corporation (NDC), on draft district maps and potential sequencing for district-based elections; 2. Conduct a public hearing to receive community input on the draft maps and transition to district elections; and 3. Adopt an ordinance to establish district boundaries and election sequencing and an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Passed 3-2. "No" votes from Austin and Mendez 8.B SELECTION OF 2024 MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE Carrie Broggie was appointed Mayor. Chris Gurrola was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. 8.C APPOINTMENT TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, LIAISONS, AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES. Carrie Broggie, Mayor. Chris Gurrola, Mayor Pro-Tem. Christina Villaseñor, Council Member. Mark Austin, Council Member. Albert Mendez, Council Member. 8.D DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. RECOMMENDATION Adopt the proposed 2024 City Council Meeting Schedule or provide additional direction to staff. Passed 5-0 8.E APPROVAL OF THE ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACT WITH WILLDAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER METER REPLACEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Find that the anticipated cost to the City under the proposed contract will be less than the anticipated marginal cost to the City of thermal, electrical, or other energy that would have been consumed by the City in the absence of those purchases. 2. Find that funds for the repayment of the financing or the cost of design, construction, and operation of the energy conservation facility, or both, as required by the contract, are projected to be available from revenues resulting from sales of electricity or thermal energy from the facility or from funding that otherwise would have been used for purchase of electrical, thermal, or other energy required by the public agency in the absence of the energy conservation facility, or both. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Water and Energy Savings Performance Contract between the City of Fillmore and Willdan Energy Solutions (WES) in a form approved by the City Attorney. Passed 5-0 8.F AUTHORIZING HIRING COLUMBIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISORY SERVICES, APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM WATER RESERVE FUNDS, AND PERMIT CITY STAFF TO INITIATE TAX EXEMPT LEASE FINANCING PROCESS IN RELATION TO THE ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT. Passed 5-0 8.G INTRODUCE BY FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 23-960 TO AMEND FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.16 – FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council introduce first reading of Ordinance 23-960, updating various provisions of Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) Chapter 6.16 for compliance with Federal law pertaining to the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). Passed 5-0 8.H REVIEW OF FY 2022-23 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ANNUAL AND FIVE-YEAR REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 23-3978 MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNEXPENDED DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Review the Development Impact Fee (DIF) income and expense report information for FY 2022-23 (“DIF Report”), receive comments from members of the public, and after considering any comments received, provide City staff with any direction deemed appropriate and receive and file the DIF Report.; and 2. Approve Resolution No. 23-3978 making the findings required by state law with respect to a portion of DIF funds that are unexpended and were collected over five (5) years ago and to accept the DIF Report. Passed 5-0 8.I ADOPTION OF THE FY 2024-25 RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS) OF THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30,2025 AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Successor Agency Board of Directors: 1. Approve the attached Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and Administrative Budget and authorize the Executive Director (City Manager) or his designee to submit the ROPS and Administrative Budget for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for review and approval by the Ventura County Consolidated Oversight Board (“VCCOB”) and the California Department of Finance (“DOF”); and 2. Authorize the Executive Director or his designee to make any changes needed as directed by the VCCOB or DOF |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
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Pictured above is this year’s Piru Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Sugey Lopez Ochoa, along with her family. Sugey was recognized for her service to the Piru community. Read her bio in story above. Piru Christmas Parade photos to come next week. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
This year, December 9, 2023, the Piru Christmas Parade had 25 entries, and this year’s parade marshal was Sugey Lopez Ochoa, with Ramon “Mon” Medina as the parade MC. Float winners were 1st San Salvador Mission, 2nd Piru Elementary & Preschool, and 3rd the Ruiz Family. Supervisor Kelly Long and our local representative Manuel Minjares also participated in the parade. The festival included Fillmore High School Mariachi Band, Juano and Friends Band, and Orale Band. There was face painting, ring toss game, and jumpy rooms for the kids, along with gifts distributed to all children from the Carnales Motorcycle Club. The Ventura County Mobile Library, along with the VC Human Services Agency, and VC College recruiting for our next ESL class. There was a corn-hole tournament, a free raffle for fruit trees donated by Everde Nurseries, 50/50 raffle for San Salvador Youth Group, Piru Youth Sports, and three different car clubs. Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for lots of picture taking, and a number of crafts vendors were also there to sell their wares. All in all, the wind huffed and puffed but did not spoil this wonderful day that had over 400 community participants! These events can only occur with the support of sponsors and the countless hours of our devoted group of community volunteers. To them, we say a HUGE thank you!!! Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC), and their team of volunteers, Ca. American Water, Income from various film shoots in Piru, Las Delicias de Puebla Restaurant, Corazon de Piru, Piru Pizza, KONA Ice Food Truck, Fillmore & Piru Packinghouse, Taco Zacapu Food Truck, Carnales Motorcycle Club, Piru CERT Team, Everde Nurseries, Armando Rodriguez –sound equipment and set-up, San Salvador Mission, Sanchez Liquor Store, Bob’s Barber Shop, Boys and Girls Club who made many of the tree decorations Super 8 donating the Poinsettias, La Flor Bonita – Flowers for our Grand Marshal Sugey, *** Piru Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Sugey Lopez Ochoa At a young age she joined the church choir and taught catechism for a few years. She also helped the senior program by serving meals at Rancho Sespe and with Food Share to collect and deliver food to Piru. In 2005 Sugey started her career as a preschool teacher in the Piru and Fillmore area. She devoted her career life to Full Circle Learning for 11 years through First Five and then moved to FUSD where she has been serving for the past seven years as a preschool teacher at Piru Elementary School. Sugey is also currently helping with confirmation classes and is one of the coordinators for the Grupo Juvenil of San Salvador Mission. Sugey says, “It has been a blessing to be part of many children and youth’s life. I love my Piru community and everything I have been given the opportunity to partake in, but above all I love being a mom and raising my family here in Piru! I am humbly honored and grateful for this recognition.” Piru thanks Sugey for giving so much to our kids, families, and community, and for being our Grand Marshal |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
On Sunday, December 10, at 9:12 p.m., Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire were dispatched to a reported brush fire on A Street bridge at the Santa Clara River bottom. Arriving firefighters located a 30x30 foot homeless encampment fire caused by dwellers in the area. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, December 15th, 2023
Courtesy Fillmore Fire Department This year’s Annual Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway will be held Saturday, December 16th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fillmore City Fire Station, 711 Landeros Lane. This is the annual event where holiday commodities are given to the children who reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries. Each child will have a picture taken with Santa Claus. They will also receive a new toy and reading book, a new coat and socks. Holiday bags of groceries will also be available as well as a limited number of Christmas trees. Cotton candy, popcorn and candy canes will be distributed. The children and their families will be able to visit with first responders and learn safety tips. Annual sponsors of the event include our local Fillmore Police and Fire Departments, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, One Step A La Vez, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Fillmore Future Farmers of America, Sespe 4-H, Rotary International of Fillmore, Fillmore Lions Club, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol, Fillmore Search and Rescue, Fillmore Friends of the Library, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Lightfully Behavior Health, the Salvation Army, Balden Ranch, Allied Citrus & Fruit, Villasenor Enterprises, the Fillmore Fire Foundation and numerous other generous personal and business donors. If you would like to help donate to the Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway, you may give new toys, coats, books, socks or canned food; drop boxes are located at the Fillmore Police Station and at the Fillmore City Fire Station. Cash donations are gladly accepted, checks may be made out to “The Fillmore Fire Foundation” with a notation of “Holiday Giveaway”. Donations may be mailed to Fillmore Fire Foundation, PO Box 331, Fillmore, CA 93016 or for drop-off, please contact Scott Beylik (805) 732-1101 or Keith Gurrola (805) 558-0932. |