Three Palm trees ignited during Friday's fire which started under the Chambersburg/23 Bridge. Embers from the trees caused several spot fires to spread.
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Illegally Parked Car Interfered With Fire Response A car was illegally parked within 5-feet of this fire hydrant in the 600 block of River Street on Friday when a blaze broke out in the Santa Clara Riverbed. The county engine had to maneuver and switch equipment to compensate for the angle of the hose. This is an ongoing problem in front of the condos behind Vons which might be solved if the city painted the curb red and violators were ticketed. Parking within 15-feet of a fire hydrant is prohibited by the California Vehicle Code regardless of whether the curb is painted red or not.
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Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola is pursuing a grant for “hazard reduction” from a state-wide $113 million wildfire prevention grant. The grant is in “pre-agreement”, according to Stephen Watson, Executive Director, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council.

“We are anticipating the agreement to be finalized with CAL FIRE in the coming months, and that the allowable time for us to begin work on these project(s) will not be until early 2024. Furthermore, we will need to ensure that the required environmental considerations, permits, and monitoring are done prior to and during any fuels treatment project. With these in mind, it will add at least six months to a year on the timeline before activity can occur on the ground. I would estimate fuels treatment activity to not begin until late 2024 or early 2025 because of all these considerations”.
The monies would be used to clear out the bamboo-like Arundo; it can grow as high as 15-feet and is noted for its rapid spread.

Watson stated the goal of the Ventura County Education and Fuels Mitigation Initiative is to “engage and empower Ventura County’s most vulnerable, high fire risk communities in order to engender lasting security from wildfire. This will be accomplished through the adoption of three cutting-edge interventions in the fields of education, Firewise development, and fuels treatment. The projects supporting each of these interventions include well-established mitigation measures, such as home hardening assessments, educational outreach, and fuels treatment projects, as well as innovative solutions such as developing Firewise communities in Ventura County. This project aims to serve the entirety of Ventura County but focuses on fuel treatment efforts within 392 acres.”

Additional details about some of the Fillmore/ VRFSC projects, courtesy Mr. Watson:
In partnership with the Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council (VRFSC) has identified several fuels projects that will substantially lessen the risk of wildland fire to life, structures, and assets in Fillmore. The primary project is addressing the heavy fuels (primarily sumac) in the foothills north of Fillmore. This is an extremely important project for local residents, as the primary wildfire threat in Fillmore is from a wind driven fire coming out of the north-northeast. The fuel reduction methods for this project include hand treating and chipping fuels and/or utilizing a broadcast burn. This project consists of modifying the ground and ladder fuels as well as thinning and trimming trees in the area. This fuels modification project will limit the spread of fire from tree to tree and to other vegetation within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) project area while reducing ember cast potential to the adjacent structures. The homes adjacent to this WUI project were built prior to California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 2, known as the 2007 California Building Code (CBC) and will benefit greatly from the additional buffer zone.

The second fuels treatment project in Fillmore involves addressing the two miles of bike path along the Sespe River that is home to heavy fuel loading. This project would remove a 15-foot swath of brush from the river side of the bike path; the targeted fuel type is primarily sage with some mule fat mixed in. This fuel reduction would ensure that the split rail fence dividing the bike path and the brush would not burn during a wildfire and would create a wider fuel break between the brush and nearby homes. This project would involve cutting and chipping targeted fuel.

VRFSC would also be providing educational workshops and activities alongside these fuels projects to help inform residents of the work being done as well as the ways in which they can be involved. Additionally, VRFSC will explore Firewise community development in Fillmore, as well as all other wildfire-prone areas in Ventura County.

Cost: $115,000 budgeted toward the fuels projects themselves in Fillmore. NOTE: This does not include VRFSC staff time, educational components, Firewise development or contractual costs of CEQA/environmental compliance. It is purely the cost of the work itself in Fillmore specifically. It’s not exactly possible for us to determine exact involvement in Fillmore for the countywide initiatives until the work begins. Example: Firewise community development is heavily dependent on community receptiveness and involvement.

On the 4th of July, 2023, Fillmore Sheriff's Deputies issued seven citations for possession of illegal fireworks, in violation of 15.39.010 FMC. These violations all have an administrative penalty of $1,000 each. The fees associated with these citations are handled by Fillmore city staff. The citation received is an Administrative Citation. Constituents who are issued one receive a letter from Data Ticket, who is the city's third-party vendor who handles the citation notices. The letter will include information regarding the citation and the process to pay or appeal it. Info courtesy Fillmore PD & City of Fillmore.

On August 19th, 2023, the Bardsdale United Methodist Church is having a garage/courtyard sale this Saturday from 8am-12pm. Our beloved pastor, Rev. Lupita Alonso-Redondo passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. This sale is to help her handicapped husband with expenses because he supported her in everything and was not working independently.

We are asking the community for donations for the sale. You can take them to church any morning from 8:30am on. Also, if you just want to donate to this fund, please give a donation to the church and mark it for the Redondo fund.
The services for Pastor Lupita will be at the church on Saturday, August 26 at 2:00pm. If you want further information, please call the church at 805-524-2070.

Thank you for your understanding and condolences during this most difficult time.

Traffic on Ventura Street this past Friday night as Fillmore Police Department conducted a Driver’s License/Dui Checkpoint, screening 645 motorists.
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Fillmore, Calif. – The Fillmore Police Department conducted a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on Friday, August 4, 2023. The checkpoint was held in the eastbound lanes of Ventura Street, east of C Street, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
During the checkpoint 645 drivers were screened, resulting in five drivers being issued citations for driving while unlicensed and one citation was issued for another offense.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the monetary impact of a DUI conviction to be approximately $13,500. This included fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and possible jail time.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescriptions drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, can cause impairment and result in a DUI arrest. Marijuana can also cause impairment, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoints aid in lowering the risks for deaths and injuries associated with impaired driving. Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

9.A APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION

RECOMMENDATION: Pursuant to State law, the Mayor, Mark Austin, recommends the appointment of commissioners which nominations the City Council shall approve (or not). At this time, Mayor Austin recommends appointing Lani Farr to the CAR to fill a vacant position with a term through June 30, 2025.

Appointment approved.
9.B RECOMMENDATION: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF EQUESTRIAN CENTER PROPERTY (308 CHAMBERSBURG).
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Joint Escrow Instructions (“Purchase and Sale Agreement”) between the City as seller and Mario Robledo and Vanessa Garcia (jointly as buyer) with Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, as the escrow holder, for the sale of the real property located at 308 Chambersburg in the City of Fillmore (Assessor’s Parcel Number 041-0-290-335) which consists of approximately 37.94 acres of land (“Property”).

Agreement approved.
9.C DISCUSSION OF THE RESTORATION OF THE DOG PARK AT TWO RIVERS PARK.
9.D JOINT FILLMORE, SANTA PAULA, VENTURA COUNTY TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA HARVARD SHELTER.

RECOMMENDATION 1. Authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement with the County of Ventura and the City of Santa Paula to share in the cost of the operations of the Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter at 1498 East Harvard Boulevard.
Spirit operates the only year-round homeless shelter located within the Santa Clara Valley and its 49 beds are filled on a continual basis. A cost-sharing agreement between County of Ventura, the City of Fillmore, and the City of Santa Paula ("Agreement") (Attachment A) has been developed in accordance with existing agreements developed between Ventura County and other County cities with shelters in their jurisdictions.
Agreement approved.

9.E STAFF UPDATE ON THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY’S AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE FUNDS.

RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council discuss the proposed spending plan for the remainder of the City’s American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds and approve the proposed allocation of funds.
Discussion concluded.

On July 25, 2023, Fillmore’s Ralphy Avila competed in the USATF Jr. Olympics against 58 athletes, and placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75 in the shot-put competition. Photo courtesy Angel Venegas.
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Heritage Valley Blazers athlete, Ralphy Avila, traveled to Eugene, Oregon on July 25th to compete in the USATF JR. OLYMPICS. Ralphy competed against 58 athletes from around the United States. He placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75. Ralphy said “It was an honor and true blessing to compete in the JO’s. I will continue to work hard to make all my dreams become a reality.” The HVB organization is proud of Ralphy thank you for representing our organization and our small town of Fillmore.

The Avila Family would like to thank Coach Paul Riedmiller, Coach CJ and Beva Felix for all the time they put into working with Ralphy. They would also like to thank Heritage Valley Blazers, Central Station, Heritage Valley AC, Escalera Pest Control, Electric Remedy, Sublife, EXL Designing, Rancho Los Guerrero’s for their monetary donations and all the individuals who supported his raffle and bake sale fundraiser. This trip would not have been possible without all the support from our community.

Dear Fillmore Unified School District community,

I am excited to welcome you to the new 2023-2024 school year. I hope your family has had the opportunity this summer to spend quality time with loved ones and that you and your children are ready for the school year ahead. It’s going to be a great year!

The beginning of each school year is always a time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools.

The staff has been working all summer to prepare for this school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as:

• New bilingual college and career counselor at Fillmore High School
• New Wellness Centers at Mountain Vista and Piru Elementary Schools
• Adult Education Counselor
• Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all schools
• Free online academic tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reading intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle School
• New video production teacher at Fillmore High School
• Block schedules at Fillmore Middle School and High School with a built-in academic support period to provide extra help for students
• Field trips to universities and colleges to promote a university culture.
• Bridges after school program until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Expanded learning opportunities during winter, October and spring breaks

We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all schools. Each year, all staff receive training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school holds 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.

Please also consider supporting our School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Clubs, and other school/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and your child’s teachers, principals, counselors, and support staff is critical to your child’s success in school. I look forward to seeing our students back on our school grounds on Wednesday, August 16. I am confident that by working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students.

Proud to be a part of the Fillmore Unified School District.
Chrissy Schieferle,
Superintendent

On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in Fillmore in early May 2023 near the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive. DA’s office filed a Felony Assault with a Firearm charge on July 25, 2023. Since then, Police have increased patrol and served multiple search warrants, and conducted probation/parole searches, which has led to multiple arrests. Above are photos of evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Department during their investigations.
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On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.
On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 PM, Fillmore Patrol and other Sheriff’s Office investigative units, responded to the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive for a “shots fired” call. Investigators determined an adult male had been shot during a gang-related confrontation.

West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism.
During a traffic stop on July 12, 2023, at approximately 2:50 PM, WC-SEU detectives arrested a juvenile for the May shooting. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed a felony charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.

The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.
The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes and illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.

Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested
Report Number: 2354794, 23-55655, 23-56574, 23-63566
Location: 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 2, 2023 @ 7:20 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit, Major Crimes Unit Patrol, and Fillmore Investigations Unit.

(S)suspects,(V)ctims,(P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Multiple Juveniles
(S) Multiple Adults Ventura County
(V) Adult Male Ventura County 31

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt