Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 12/19/2014, investigators and deputies served a multi-location search warrant related to an investigation involving the recruitment of two juveniles into a criminal street gang that operates in the Fillmore area. Arrests were made as a result of the investigation.

A photo of the gang members and video footage of the gang “Jump in” is available via web link http://goo.gl/J2GQbs. A Spanish audio file of the news story by a Sheriff’s public information officer, Deputy Judith Porter, is available via web link http://goo.gl/dWpykN.

On 10/31/14, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a search warrant in the City of San Fernando in Los Angeles County at the residence of Salvador Velgara. Velgara is a documented member of a criminal street gang that operates in the city of Fillmore and surrounding communities. Investigators located three firearms and methamphetamine possessed for the purpose of sales. Investigators also located a digital camera that contained two videos of a gang initiation rite known as a “Jump In.” A “Jump in” is a violent introduction to the gang in which the new member is subjected to a physical assault by his fellow gang members.

Investigators identified the two subjects being “Jumped in” as juvenile residents of the City of Fillmore. California Penal Code section 186.26 (solicitation or recruitment to participate in a criminal street gang) makes it a felony to recruit someone into a gang with specific enhancements for the use of violence and additional enhancements when the person being recruited is a juvenile.

Sheriff’s Gang Unit investigators learned that the “Jump in” took place in March of 2013 in the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Del Valle Drive in Fillmore, CA. Investigators identified the participants of the “Jump in” as Brad Beltran, Vincent Meraz, Salvador Velgara, Damien Virgen, Rudy Meraz, and two male juveniles who are both age16.

On 12/19/2014, a combined team of 36 Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies served warrants at five locations to retrieve evidence related to the crime. During the service of the warrants, Vincent Meraz, Rudy Meraz and one of the juveniles were arrested for violating Penal Code section 186.26. Brad Beltran and Salvador Velgara who were already in custody on other charges were also arrested by detectives for violating Penal Code section 186.26. Damien Virgen was contacted by phone and later turned himself in. Joseph Cabral was arrested after detectives found a collapsible baton, methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine pipe in his bedroom.

Nature of Incident: Gang Members Arrested for Recruiting Juveniles in Fillmore
Report Number: 14-28381
Location: 400 block Saratoga St. Fillmore, CA
500 block Santa Clara Ave Fillmore, CA
700 block Island View Dr Fillmore, CA
4200 block Center St Piru, CA
300 block Del Valle Dr. Fillmore, CA

Date & Time: 12/19/2014 @ 0700 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Units, Special Crimes Unit, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, and Fillmore Station Patrol Deputies
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Male juvenile Fillmore 16
(S) Male juvenile Fillmore 16
(S) Brad Beltran Fillmore 25
(S) Vincent Meraz Piru 23
(S) Salvador Velgara San Fernando 26
(S) Damien Virgen Fillmore 23
(S) Rudy Meraz Piru 18
(S) Joseph Cabral Fillmore 25
Prepared by: Sergeant Jeremy Paris #3545
Media Release Date: 12/23/2014
Media Follow-Up Contact: Captain Don Aguilar
805 797-7349
don.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Patti Salas

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).

During the Special December 16, 2014 City Council meeting a new Mayor for the City of Fillmore was selected, Mayor Douglas Tucker, along with new Mayor Pro Tem Diane McCall. Tucker thanked the out-going Mayor Manuel Minjares and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Neal for their professionalism and their helping setting the City on sound financial ground. Minjares responded telling Tucker, “You will be a good mayor.”

The meeting began with a Proclamation honoring Nativedad Cano for his contribution to Mariachi Music. Cano was born in Ahuisculco, Jalisco, Mexico July 23, 1933 and passed away October 3, 2014. He moved to Fillmore in 1990, where he lived with his family and loved the town. Cano was a visiting professor at UCLA and won a Grammy in 2008 for his music. The Proclamation was accepted by his daughters Alejandra and Natalie.

Council Members were then asked what committees, commissions, liaisons and outside agency appointments each would consider being on. The appointments: Manual Minjares; School Board Liaison, Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Ventura COG, Fillmore Development Council, Ventura County Transportation Commission, Air Pollution Control District alternate, North Fillmore Neighborhood Commission alternate.

Diane McCall; School Board Liaison, Animal Regulation, Heritage Valley Tourism, Chamber of Commerce.

Douglas Tucker; Air Pollution Control District, North Fillmore Neighborhood Commission, Planning Commission, Economic Development Council-Ventura County, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance.

Rick Neal; Heritage Valley Tourism, Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Economic Development Council-Ventura County, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Development Council.

Carrie Broggie; Film Commission, Planning Commission, Veterans Memorial, Parks and Recreation Commission.

Two student representatives, Angel Cisneros and Sara Beylik, were then appointed to one year on the Parks and Recreation Commission along with two Commissioners, Geraldine Lee and Camilla Conaway, who will serve for four years.

The Special meeting ended within an hour.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On December 14, 2014, members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club were attending a Christmas Toy Drive event at the Deer Lodge in Meiners Oaks. Approximately a dozen motorcyclists wearing Hells Angels Motorcycle Club patches were observed driving south on Maricopa Highway towards North Ventura Avenue. Traffic violations were observed by deputies and an enforcement stop of the motorcyclists was initiated. The motorcyclists were stopped as they turned onto Baldwin Road from North Ventura Avenue.

During the subsequent investigation, the following items of contraband were located: two concealed loaded firearms, methamphetamine, and a weapon described as “brass knuckles”. Tedesco was arrested for possession of methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm and being a prohibited person from possessing a firearm. Saucedo was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm in his vehicle. Holt was arrested for possession of brass knuckles. In addition to those violations, Tedesco and Amman were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. All subjects were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Nature of Incident: Weapons and Narcotics Arrest – Hells Angels Motorcycle Club

Report Number: 14-28119
Location: Baldwin Road & North Ventura Avenue, Mira Monte, CA
Date & Time: December 14, 2014 – 1:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Patrol Station & Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Tedesco, Noah Riverside, CA 30
Saucedo, John Orange, CA 29
Amann, Stefan Lake Elsinore, CA 40
Holt, Thomas Harbor City, CA 44
Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Donoghue
Media Release Date: December 15, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Captain Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349
don.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Bob Thomas

Dear Members of the Fillmore Community,

I am writing to give you an update on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR’s) work at the Pacific Coast Pipeline Site. ATSDR’s goal is to protect the health of the people of Fillmore. To do this, ATSDR is investigating the possibility that contact with soil from the site could contribute to human health effects.

ATSDR Pacific Coast Pipeline Health Consultation (draft for public comment) is still going through our agency's scientific review process. While this review process takes longer than we’d like, we look forward to finalizing the draft and making it available to you and other members of the Fillmore community in early 2015. Thank you for your patience.

In addition, separate from our Health Consultation report, but in keeping with our goal of protecting the health of the Fillmore community, ATSDR provided comments to the City of Fillmore on the Fillmore Works Specific Plan Initial Study and Notice of Preparation of an environmental impact review. You can find our comments attached [EDITOR's Note: The document is below].

If you have any questions about ATSDR's work, please feel free to contact me by email or at 415.947.4318.

Regards,
Jamie

Jamie Rayman
Health Educator, Region 9 (Pacific Southwest)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
75 Hawthorne Street, Suite 100; HHS-1
San Francisco, CA 94105
Email: jrayman@cdc.gov
Tel: 415-947-4318

Photos and slideshow by Bob Crum.

The December 9, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting began with a presentation from Southern California Edison Regional Manager Anna M. Frutos-Sanchez. Frutos-Sanchez presented a $5,000 grant to the nonprofit volunteer Fillmore Fire Foundation. Accepting the grant was Fire Chief Rigo Landeros.

The second presentation was an update on downtown Central parking. Police Chief Dave Wareham informed the Board that the sheriffs/police are now issuing tickets to those who violate the two hour parking limit. So far six citations have been issued.

During comments Bill Faith, a Central St. business owner, spoke on the issue stating some people have parked their vehicles for 5-6 hours leaving his customers nowhere to park. Faith believes some of the violators are from units upstairs on the second story of the retail shops. "It's a real problem" he told the Council and that "a lot of people don't know about the parking in the back of the stores" and asked that the City remind business of the 2-hour parking.

Shortly after the presentations the Council approved the Certificates of Election acknowledging Diane McCall and Carrie Broggie as winners of the November 4 election. Next was the Oath of Office swearing-in of McCall and Broggie by Deputy City Clerk Diana Impeartrice. They then took their seats at the dais. A brief recess was called, with a reception in the lobby to welcome the new Council Members.

The first item addressed was a fee waiver, which was moved forward to allow the seniors in attendance to leave early. The fee waiver being requested was for the rental of the Multipurpose Building, also known as the Senior Center, that is owned by the City of Fillmore for the purpose of serving the community. For years it has been used by the Fillmore Senior Center Inc. (FSCI) to hold various activities such as Bingo and flea market events. The City waived the rental fees for FSCI for the fiscal year July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. But FSCI has not paid the recent fees ($750 total) from July to present, and did not request an extension of the fee waiver until late October. FSCI asked the Council to waive the $75 per evening rental fees and $175 daily fees for the second half of 2014 and for the events between October and December 2014.

Bingo is held in the evening when City staff is unavailable to oversee the facility, requiring FSCI to provide their own staff during the events. FSCI also asked that fees be waived for future Bingo events. The total of all costs FSCI asked be waved comes to $2,350. The cost to the City to clean the building after a Senior Center event (2-4 hours) is $60-$125 per event. The Multipurpose building, if rented to another group would bring the City $75-$775, depending on the event.

Earlier in the year fee waivers were addressed. The Council had considered giving one waiver, but if more than one were asked for the Council would have to take the events into consideration. That idea was not agree to. Another consideration that was discussed was to allow events that were non-fundraising to have a fee waiver and no waiver for those events that were profitable. At that time the Council discussed not wanting nonprofits or other organizations pointing to one situation where the fees were waived and another situation where they were not.

There were a number of speakers on this item. One was Marie Wren, who called the Council "tacky" and added, "You haven't handled it well," accusing them of being dishonest and that "...the fees we're asking to be waived are a petty amounts." Another speaker, Patti Walker, then accused the Council of not giving the FSCI what they wanted because the Council was retaliating against her being the President of the FSCI.

Council Member Douglas Tucker reminded those present that when FSCI had added Bingo to their activities the Council asked FSCI to come back in three months time to let them know if the event was profitable. But FSCI did not get back to them with that information.

Council Member McCall commented that $2,350 in fees have already been waived, adding, "We don't want to set a precedent....is Bingo profitable?"

There were four possible alternatives suggested for the Council to consider regarding the waiving of fees. Newly sworn-in Council Member Carrie Broggie approved of alternative number four which read; Waive all fees for the FSCI between July 1 and December 5, 2014 and not waive fees for December 6, 2014 through June 20, 2015. City Manager David Rowlands suggested revising the date of the waiver be extended till December 20th to include the Christmas party FSCI had planned on December 19th. The Council then agreed with Broggie and approved the waiver, extending it to December 20, 2014.

The Council then approved the upgrading of City Information Technology Equipment (ITE) and upgrading its phone system. Finance Director Gaylynn Brien gave a presentation regarding the City's outdated information technology (IT) equipment replacement and phone systems. This was previously discussed at the November 18, 2014 City Council Meeting and a budget adjustment of $95,000 to cover the cost was approved.

The City currently has ITE that is between 10-14 years old and beyond its lifespan with a 18-year old phone system that does not have Power over Ethernet (POE) used with today's new phones, printers and pc's for Skype Teleconferencing, transcribing and email voice messages. The goal, when completed, is to have a dedicated fiber line, an improved backup and security system, a core networking system with internal cabling and new and improved software.

Brien told the Council, "We want to make sure our system is always working, reliable and secure when our customers pay their bills online." Council Member Rick Neal said he would like to see Patrick Maynard involved with the installation process and would like to see a public wifi spot added along with dual monitors. Other items mentioned were using another provider besides Time Warner, using HP instead of Cisco and looking into ergonomic products to help with body stress.

The next item on the agenda pertained to the new shopping center on Highway 126 and C St. named "The Stop at Fillmore." This project, previously called the Business Park, has been on the City's desk for years. Construction of the mini-mall broke ground this week and will contain a restaurant, various retail stores and businesses. At Tuesday's meeting Steve Rowlings, President of Rowlings Company representing the anchor store, Dollar General, asked the Council for a Conditional Use Permit for off-sale of beer and wine. Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) allows one Beer and Wine License for every 2,500 residents and comes with a great deal of restriction. The item was approved.

There was another agenda item related to the Business Park project that was up for approval. It was a contract with Rosenow Spevack Group Inc. to prepare an amendment to the Business Park Master Plan that was approved back in March 2008. There have been a number of changes since that time, along with fees paid to the City for projects that will not be going forward as planned. The contract is for Rosenow Spevack to assist in a revision to revise or select another methodology for fees needed to pay for public improvements as needed today that are associated with the project and to accelerate the development of the Business Park. The approved contract entered into with Rosenow Spevacek Group, Inc. is not to exceed $32,820 for work done to prepare the amendment with a time frame of 14 weeks to resolve any issues.

Another project underway is the 126 lot development in North Fillmore known as the Suncal Tract. City Engineer Michael Lapraik asked the Councils' approval of a Remedial Grading Agreement. The terrain in that area has a great deal of large boulders that are imbedded deep in the soil. Neal asked how extensive the operation was, to which Lapraik responded, "Like a mining operation for a year." He then explained that the boulders will be crushed and then used as ground fill. The agreement, which was approved, is for a maximum of 545 days and work cannot stop for more than 30 days. All residents within 500 feet of the site will be notified of the works and all requirements such as excessive noise and dust abatement will be addressed.

Another project that is underway on the north side of Highway 126 next to Super A Market is the grading and preparation for a Family Dollar Store to be built.