On September 15th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the area of East Telegraph Road and Texaco Road after reports of a gun shot heard in the area. A reporting party advised a male subject was observed loitering in a secluded area where the gunshot was heard. The male subject left the area immediately following the gunshot and was unable to be located by responding deputies after an extensive search of the area.

Detectives assigned to the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation conducted a follow-up investigation in conjunction with patrol deputies and identified the male subject as Fillmore resident David Lavine. Through the course of the investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies identified Lavine’s residence as being within quick walking distance from the area of the original call-for-service. A records check revealed Lavine is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms and/or ammunition. Based on the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant from a Judge of the Superior Court, Ventura Judicial District, ordering the search of Lavine, any vehicles associated to Lavine, and Lavine’s residence.

On October 1st, 2024, members of the West County Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Police Department, and Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant service at Lavine’s residence, located in the 200 Block of East Telegraph Road, City of Fillmore. While searching Lavine’s room within the residence, deputies discovered ammunition, a device believed to be a homemade destructive device, as well as substances and materials suspected of being components of a destructive device. Out of an abundance of caution for deputies and the surrounding neighborhood, bomb technicians assigned to the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad were called to the scene.

The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad is primarily responsible for the safe disposal of explosives and improvised explosive devises and are the agency’s experts at identifying substances and materials of destructive devices. Based on their analysis of the items located in Lavine’s room, it is alleged Lavine was in possession of a homemade destructive device and in possession of substances and materials with the intent to make a destructive device. The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad utilized their lengthy training and experience to diligently render the items safe. The items were seized as evidence and removed from the residence to eliminate any further danger to the neighborhood.

As a result of the search warrant, Lavine was found to be in violation of Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Penal Code § 18710 (a) – Felony Possession of a Destructive Device, and Penal Code § 18720 – Felony Possession of Destructive Device Materials. Lavine was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and remains in custody with a $200,000.00 bail amount.

Report Number: 24-116632
Location: 200 Block of East Telegraph Road, City of Fillmore
Date & Time: October 1st, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, West County Special Enforcment Unit, Ventura County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations

Suspects:
David Lavine Fillmore 54

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heersche
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malago

Courtesy Tasha Booth, Volunteer and Project Coordinator, Channel Islands Restoration

Join CIR as we host a family-friendly volunteer day at Lake Piru. Our mission? To clear invasive weeds along Piru Canyon Road, the main public access route to Piru Creek and the Los Padres National Forest.

Why It Matters

Public roads often serve as entry points for invasive plants, threatening local biodiversity and harming wildlife. By removing these weeds, we can help restore the natural beauty and ecological health of our forest.
What’s Happening

•Volunteer Work: Team up with fellow environmental advocates to tackle invasive weeds.
•Educational Talks: Hear from experts about the native ecology of the Piru Creek Watershed.
•Food and Refreshments: Enjoy lunch and snacks on us!
This is your chance to make a tangible difference in preserving our local environment. Bring your enthusiasm and commitment; we’ll provide everything else.
Join us in our effort to protect and nurture a healthy forest!
Directions: From Interstate 5 or Highway 101, take Scenic Highway 126 to Piru and go 6 miles north on Piru Canyon Road.
When You Volunteer With Us Please Remember:
•Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety
•Wear a long sleeve shirt for protection
•Bring sunscreen and a sunhat
•Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed
•Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day
•Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival
Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?
•Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.
•Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=153.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=153
October 5, 2024

Fillmore, CA – With less than a month remaining before the upcoming November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election, residents of Fillmore are urged to take steps to ensure they are ready to cast their ballots. The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, has outlined key dates and procedures to help voters prepare for this important event.

(Ventura) – Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.

-Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days.

-Voters are encouraged to sign up for BallotTrax to receive email, text, or phone notifications of when their ballot is sent to them and received and counted by the Elections Office. This free service is available through the California Secretary of State’s Office by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov

-Instead of voting by mail, those who want to vote in person before the vote centers open can take advantage of early voting at the Elections Office beginning Oct. 7. Early voting is available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at the Elections Division at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura (ADA assistance is available). This is a good option for voters who will be out of town or unable to get to a vote center when they’re open.

As a California Voter’s Choice Act County, the Ventura Elections office will provide vote centers located throughout the county for in-person voting, registration assistance, and other voter services. Beginning Oct. 26, 11 vote centers will open throughout the county; 41 additional vote centers will open Nov. 2. Voters can utilize any vote center location in Ventura County at their convenience.

“As one of California’s 29 Voter’s Choice Act Counties, we are able to go above and beyond for our voters,” Ms. Ascencion said. “We hope people will use the voting method that works best for them to make their voice heard in this nationwide election. The Voter Information Guides and VenturaVote.org website are useful resources for voters, but they can always contact us for assistance, we are happy to help!”

For more information, including lists of official ballot drop box and vote center locations, visit the Ventura County Registrar of Voters website at VenturaVote.org. For assistance from the Elections Office, call 805-654-2664 or email elections@ventura.org.

To keep up with timely information released by the County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, please visit: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-clerk/county-clerk/press-rel...

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Fillmore, California – On September 27, 2024, three (3) drivers were cited for driving without a driver’s license and one (1) driver was cited for having an open container inside a vehicle at a DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint on September 27, 2024.
The DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint was held on Central Avenue near Santa Clara Street from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Three drivers were cited for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. A total of 164 drivers were contacted. One driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, a violation of VC 23222(a). Zero (0) drivers were arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.
Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Location: Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: September 27th from 7:00PM to 12:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department-Traffic Bureau, Camarillo Police Department-Traffic Bureau

Prepared by: Sergeant Gunnar Dike
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Chief of Police

On Sunday, September 29th, at 9:47 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a reported motorcycle traffic collision. The location was near South Mountain Road and Balcom Canyon, in the county between Fillmore and Santa Paula. According to the California Highway Patrol, a male was riding a 2009 Suzuki motorcycle west on South Mountain Road east of Balcom Canyon Road when he crossed the double yellow lines and collided with the front of a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee heading east on South Mountain Road. According to police, the individual died as a result of his injuries in the incident. The 33-year-old Ventura woman driving the jeep was uninjured and remained at the scene. The identity of the Simi Valley resident was not released by Sunday evening, pending notification of next of kin. A part of South Mountain Road east of Balcom Canyon Road was closed for nearly three hours later. The crash is not considered to have been caused by alcohol or drugs. Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the CHP Ventura Area office and speak with an investigator at (805)662-2640.

A large contingent of law enforcement resources shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in Santa Paula for the continued search for an armed and dangerous subject.

Deputies and Officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and Oxnard Police Department shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in the City of Santa Paula, in the continued search for Maximo Hernandez. Hernandez is wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on September 18, 2024, in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula near the 12th Street Bridge. Multiple deputies searched the Santa Clara riverbed that day but did not locate Hernandez.

Today, law enforcement learned Hernandez had been staying at the Harvard Motel located at 482 Harvard Boulevard. It was also believed Hernandez was still in possession of the firearm used on September 18. Specialized units from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Oxnard Police Department responded and begun efforts to evacuate residents and motel patrons in and around the Harvard Motel. This large contingent of resources included the SWAT team, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Tactical Negotiations Unit, Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, and the Ventura County Aviation Unit. A room-by-room search was conducted of the Harvard Motel, but Hernandez was not located.

At the time of this incident, Isbell Middle School, located across the street, was in session. Law enforcement officials from the Santa Paula Police Department were in contact with staff and the school was placed in lockdown as a precautionary measure. Isbell School was removed from lockdown protocols at around 1:00 pm and normal operations resumed.

Hernandez is currently wanted in connection with the shooting that occurred on September 18. Hernandez should be considered armed and dangerous. Hernandez is a Hispanic male, about 5’-4” inches tall, about 150 pounds, and has a tattoo on his neck that says “BC”. He also has a tattoo on the right side of his head that says, “Jonathan”, and a tattoo on his left forearm that says, “Hecho en Mexico” with an eagle.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Hernandez is asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511, 911, or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), callers can remain anonymous. Tips can also be sent by email to Detective Dustin Heersche at dustin.heersche@ventura.org or Detective John Grunhold at john.grunhold@ventura.org

Prepared by: Detective Chris Dyer
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

The Fillmore Police Department will be conducting a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on September 27th, 2024, at an undisclosed location(s) within the city limits.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription medications, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2023, more than 4,000 people were killed in alcohol and drug-involved crashes on California roads and many more injured. Locally, over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 15 lives of our family and friends.

The Fillmore Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a safe and fun night that doesn’t involve a DUI if you plan on drinking or taking medications that can affect your ability to operate a vehicle:

Always use a designated sober driver, ride-share, cab or other public transportation to get home.
If you see someone who is clearly impaired attempt to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a safe way home.

Report drunk drivers by calling “911.”
If you or someone you know is hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks, and monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fillmore Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nature of Incident: Driver’s License / DUI Checkpoint

Location: Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: September 27, 2024 (6:00 PM to 2:00 AM)
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Camarillo Police Department – Traffic Bureau, Thousand Oaks Police Department – Traffic Bureau

Prepared by: Sergeant Gunnar Dike
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Chief of Police

City Tennis Courts Soon to be in a Pickle

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, at 6:30 PM

All items passed 5-0

9.A AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONVERSION OF TENNIS COURT TO COMBINED TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL COURT AT THE FILLMORE TENNIS AND SWIM CENTER, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-04. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Horizons Construction Company, Inc. (“Horizons”) for the conversion of a tennis court to a combined tennis and pickleball court at the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center, Project Specification No. 24-04 (“Project”).

SR - AWARD CONTRACT TO CONVERT TENNIS COURT TO COMBINED TENNIS & PICKLEBALL.PDF

9.B INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.39 TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROHIBITIONS ON DANGEROUS FIREWORKS

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: Approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-975 to amend Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) Chapter 15.39 to increase the penalties for violations of the dangerous fireworks prohibition in the FMC and adopt and implement provisions articulated in the State Fireworks Law, codified under Health and Safety Code section 12500 et seq., concerning increased administrative fines and misdemeanor penalties for violation of the City’s dangerous fireworks prohibition located in FMC Chapter 15.39.

SR CITY OF FILLMORE FIREWORKS ORDINANCE.PDF

9.C ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE 2021-2029 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”)

SR - 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT.PDF. RECOMMENDATION: City Staff requests the City Council consider and adopt Resolution 24-4030, adopting the 2021 2029 6th Cycle Housing Element with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and direct City staff to submit all remaining Housing Element documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development Department (“HCD”).

On September 7th, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to a call-for-service in the 400 block of Ventura Street, City of Fillmore, reference a commercial burglary report. The victim reported their small business had been broken into overnight and had several thousand dollars cash and work equipment stolen. The initial patrol investigation identified (S) Jesus Hernandez and (S) Kelly Cone as being responsible for the commercial burglary. Hernandez and Cone are Fillmore residents and convicted felons with over twenty years of criminal history. Hernandez is also a documented member of a local criminal street gang.

Based on their investigation, patrol deputies had probable cause to arrest Hernandez and Cone for felony violations of Penal Code § 459 – Second Degree Commercial Burglary and Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy. This information was disseminated to patrol deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station. In the early-morning hours of September 10th, 2024, a diligent patrol deputy contacted Cone while she was walking in the 300 block of Central Avenue, Fillmore. Cone was arrested for the above-listed violations and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Later that same day, detectives assigned to the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation observed Hernandez loitering with several local criminal street gang members in the 400 block of 1st Street, Fillmore. Detectives coordinated with patrol resources and developed a plan to contact and arrest Hernandez. Upon observing patrol deputies, Hernandez and the fellow gang members fled into a nearby residence to avoid contact. Patrol deputies and detectives quickly surrounded the residence to prevent Hernandez from fleeing into the neighborhood. Additional resources were requested, prompting the response of the West County Special Enforcement Unit and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit to the scene. After approximately one hour of negotiations, numerous individuals, including Hernandez, exited the residence without incident and without force being used. Hernandez was arrested for the above-listed violations, as well as a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code § 148 (a)(1) – Resist, Obstruct, Delay of a Peace Officer. Four additional subjects contacted at the residence were also arrested for various misdemeanor violations of the penal code.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and a vehicle at the scene associated to Hernandez. During the subsequent search, evidence was recovered further connecting Hernandez to the commercial burglary. Hernandez and Cone remain in-custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with a bail amount of $50,000.00 bail.

Nature of Incident: Career Criminals Arrested for Commercial Burglary
Report Number: 24-114098
Location: 400 Block of Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: September 10th, 2024, at 9:33 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff's Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations.

Suspects
(S) Jesus Hernandez Fillmore 38
(S) Kelly Cone Fillmore 44

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heersche
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon