Two Oxnard residents who are convicted felons were arrested for identity theft involving numerous victims throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

During the month of July 2023, a victim residing in the city of Fillmore reported being the victim of an identity theft. A deputy assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and an investigation began. The victim was alerted by her financial institution that numerous credit cards were obtained, purchases were made, and suspicious activity occurred with the use of the victim’s personal identifying information. These charges and activity were deemed to be fraudulent.

Fillmore station detectives conducted follow-up investigation and evidence was collected identifying Oxnard resident Jose Puga as a person of interest. In addition to the fraudulent activity, it was discovered that the suspect(s) also ordered approximately $1,400.00 worth of various merchandise which was delivered to a residence located at the 1900 block of Socorro Way in the city of Oxnard.

Fillmore detectives collected more evidence implicating Puga as the suspect. Puga has an extensive criminal record and he is currently on probation for crimes involving identity theft. During this initial investigation, Puga was subsequently arrested for a probation violation related to this case involving illegal possession of identity theft related documents. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Detectives identified several victims of identity theft committed by Puga. On July 31, 2023, detectives conducted a probation search at Puga’s residence in the 1900 block of Socorro Way in Oxnard. During the search, detectives located and recovered numerous items that had been fraudulently purchased and delivered to Puga’s residence using a victim’s personal identifying information.

While at the location, detectives contacted resident Alonzo Rodriguez who is also on probation with a lengthy criminal record for identity theft related crimes.

Detectives located identity theft related documents implicating Rodriguez as an additional suspect in this case including additional victims and more stolen California driver licenses, stolen checks, cashier checks, and stolen gift cards. These victims resided throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Rodriguez was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for felony identity theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a no bail probation violation where he remains in custody. Puga was supplementally charged with an additional count of identity theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property. Puga remains in custody with a no bail probation violation.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

On Saturday, July 29th at 10:30am, Fillmore City Hall was filled with folks to celebrate the Fillmore Police Department Plaque Dedication Ceremony and BBQ, in honor of members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Above, Duke Bradbury, Former Fillmore peace officer and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, introducing speakers before the plaque unveiling. See more photos on page 10.
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On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a Dedication ceremony was held at Fillmore City Hall for the unveiling of the plaque to hang in the lobby of City Hall to honor Fillmore Police Department members who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Pictured above are VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen, President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County Duke Bradbury, Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon, and Commander Garo Kuredjian, who were in attendance for the ceremony.
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After the ceremony a BBQ dinner followed for folks to enjoy, cooked by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul. Above are some folks enjoying their meal BBQ; below is Steve and his team who helped prepare the food.
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A large crowd gathered at City Hall Saturday for a ceremony honoring members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987.

Former Fillmore peace officer, and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, Duke Bradbury opened the ceremony with a brief history of the group. Membership in the Thin Blue Line includes retired Fillmore, Santa Paula, LAPD, CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies. A member and good friend from the Sheriff’s Department, Elmo Sheeran, came up with the group’s name. Elmo also later suggested memorializing their service with the plaque. Approximately $2,300 in donations was raised to purchase it.

Bradbury commented on the closeness with which the police forces worked together. “I want to thank our law enforcement friends and partners from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department! During the years we relied on each other for assistance in protecting our communities, and our calls for mutual aid were always answered.”
A BBQ was served on the city hall park area, with the cooking done by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul.

The group was formerly called Fillmore Police Brotherhood. Its first President was former Fillmore Police Sergeant Max Piña. Max passed away two years ago, but he is remembered with the roadway designated Max Piña Way in Fillmore. The city and VC Sheriff’s Department were very helpful in honoring Max’s service to our community.

The first speaker was former Fillmore Police Chief Dick Diaz. Also attending were former Santa Paula Chief of Police Walt Adair, former Senior Deputy Elmo Sheeran, and former Fillmore Police Chief and now VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen. Fillmore City Council Member Carrie Broggie assisted with the plaque ceremonies and addressed the audience. The final speaker was Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon.

Fillmore All-Star team won the 63 District Championship, first time in 40 years. Pictured back row (l-r) Coaches Ricky Gonzalez, Andy Lopez, Damian Magana; Middle row (l-r) Ralphy Avila, Athen Escobedo, Rocky Balboa, Victor Alvino, Drew Lopez, Ethan Zavala, Gabriel Magana; Bottom row (l-r) Isaac Ramirez, Joseph Minister, Malcom Dunbar, Adan Herrera, Aiden Arias, and reclining is Ted Chewning. Inset, the team celebrating at homeplate after teammate Drew Lopez’s homerun during the big game. Photo credit Aaron Escobedo.
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On June 22nd – 29th the Fillmore All-Stars team earned the first District 63 Majors Win in over 40 years, going 4 – 0 having beaten defending champs Dos Pueblos twice for the championship. And it was all due to every player doing their part.

Fillmore’s heat of the lineup displayed a tremendous power hitting with 8 homeruns in 7 games. Ted Chewning, the 3rd and 4th Athen “Turtle” Escobedo, had two, both being his 1st and 2nd homeruns. Isaac Ramirez hit his 1st homerun to start the scoring when they were down. Andrew “Drew” Lopez hit a two-run off Dos Pueblos, putting the first of two games away, defeating them 12 – 6, putting them in a great spot to win the District title and finally bringing the banner home to the City of Fillmore. The first of three games, the boys were down by 4 runs and each of those games they fought and came back to win by 5 runs or more, showing tremendous heart and desire to win for each other. Most of the boys have been together since the age of 8, and Coaches Andy Lopez and Damian Magana have coached the majority of the team since; they have built a good relationship with all of them and know their strengths, etc.

Pitching was stellar to say the least. Gabriel Magana had 2 wins and Drew Lopez had 1 win to close out the Championship game to District against Dos Pueblos. Catcher Joseph Minister pitched in both Championship games and was a force to be reckoned with at age 11. Overall, this was a team effort and good coaching got the job done; but they will be back next year as they have some unfinished business. A special thank you to our All our Coaches for all their hard work, time and effort.

On Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:38pm, Fillmore Police responded to reports from a concerned resident seeing numerous subjects at Delores Day Park. Reports stated multiple subjects with vehicles chasing each other near the area. Also, a male subject was seen with what appeared to be a firearm. After a short pursuit police arrested all five suspects, three juveniles and two adults. Inset photo courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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On July 21, 2023, at approximately 10:38 PM, a concerned resident called the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report suspicious activity at Delores Day Park located at 880 Goodenough Road in the city of Fillmore. The concerned resident reported seeing numerous subjects associated with three different vehicles chasing each other near the park. The concerned resident also reported seeing a male subject holding what appeared to be a firearm during the altercation.

Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station responded to the area. Upon arrival, a deputy identified one of the vehicles involved in the incident and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver, Emma Soderstedt, failed to stop and accelerated her speed for several blocks before stopping. Once stopped, Alberto Sanchez, a known gang member, exited the vehicle and ran while holding a firearm. Sanchez was apprehended and arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Deputies recovered the loaded and unregistered firearm in the driveway of a nearby residence.

Deputies detained three additional male juveniles who were also occupants in the vehicle. All three juveniles were identified as known gang members. All three were subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang. All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Soderstedt was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and evading arrest. She has since been released from custody on her promise to appear at a future court date.

Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for participation in a criminal street gang, disturbing the peace, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, where he remains in custody in lieu of his bail set at $100,000.

Report Number: RB # 23-93665
Location: Delores Day Park 880 Goodenough Road Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: July 21, 2023, @ 10:38 PM
Units(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)suspects,(V)victims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(A-1) Male Juvenile Fillmore 14
(A-2) Male Juvenile Fillmore 16
(A-3) Male Juvenile Fillmore 16
(A-4) Alberto Sanchez Fillmore 18
(A-5) Emma Soderstedt Fillmore 19

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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A 60-year-old Ojai man was arrested on suspicion of a drug-related DUI after a head-on crash on Highway 126 west of Fillmore Monday that caused serious injuries to two Lancaster residents.

The collision was reported shortly before 2 p.m. east of Pyle Road, between Fillmore and Santa Paula, California Highway Patrol officials said. The Ojai man had been driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck eastbound when he traveled into oncoming traffic, according to the CHP. The Ojai driver’s truck hit a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling westbound. The 43-year-old Lancaster man had been driving with a Lancaster woman, 49, in the passenger seat. The woman was trapped after the head-on collision and Ventura County firefighters had to extricate her from the truck. Both of the Lancaster residents were taken to Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries.

On Tuesday, the two were said to be in stable condition, said CHP Officer Jorge Alfaro. The Ojai driver suffered minor injuries, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI, with CHP officials saying drug-related impairment was believed to be a factor in the crash. A third vehicle, a Dodge ProMaster cargo van, had been traveling westbound and was hit by debris from the initial crash. The driver wasn’t injured and his passenger suffered minor injuries. Both are from Ventura. The incident fully closed the highway in both directions for about 30 minutes, Alfaro said. At least one lane in each direction was later opened, with traffic alternating at times, as the CHP’s on-scene investigation continued for a couple hours.

The accident remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to call the Ventura-area CHP office at 805-662-2640.

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that charges were filed against Barry Fike (DOB 09/05/55), of Fillmore, for multiple felony counts of sending harmful matter to a child, felony communicating with a child with the intent to commit a sexual act, and arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose. Fike pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment.

The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Fike on July 17, 2023. Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Sexual Assault Unit assisted with the arrest.
Fike is a minister at Fillmore Church of Christ. He previously taught at Oaks Christian High School and has been a visiting professor at Pepperdine but is not currently an instructor at the university.

The Task Force began investigating Fike on July 10, 2023, when he allegedly started communicating online with what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. The conversations were sexual in nature and Fike allegedly shared explicit photos of himself with the victim, who was actually an undercover officer.
The chatroom Fike was allegedly communicating in did not have any safety features in place to verify a person’s age or to monitor the communication.

“There are many chatrooms online that are not moderated or do not take any steps to limit adult contact with minors,” said Supervising District Attorney Investigator Terrance Dobrosky. “All too often, this exposes children to potential exploitation as predators take advantage of the limited oversight.”

Deputy District Attorney Ben Moreno, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is prosecuting the case. Fike is scheduled for an early disposition conference on July 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000.

Further investigation into Fike remains ongoing and anyone with additional information regarding the investigation of Fike, can contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Terrance Dobrosky at (805) 383-4779.

The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (VC-CEHTTF) is comprised of investigators and prosecutors with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and United States Attorney’s Office. The Task Force is committed to identifying, rescuing, and protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse through education, enforcement, and through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

The Task Force reminds parents to remain vigilant as to their children’s social media and internet activities to keep them safe from predators. Parents can help protect their children by educating them of the risks and dangers of online interactions with people they do not know and by teaching them healthy internet habits. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s internet usage and setting limits.

Case: 2023018280
Defendant Information: Barry Don Fike (DOB 09/05/55) Fillmore

Arrested on:
(4 counts) PC 288.2(a)(2) – Sending harmful matter
PC 288.3(a) – Luring; Contacting a minor with intent to commit sexual offense
PC 288.4(a)(1) – Luring; Arranging meeting with minor for lewd purpose

MISSION: We develop high-performing students who are engaged and productive members of society.

VISION: Fillmore Unified School District prides itself as a district rich in culture, history, and tradition where each student is recognized, valued, and inspired to be contributing members of our global society.

July 24, 2023

Dear FUSD Community,

I would like to thank our students, families, and community members for attending the July 18, 2023, board meeting. The meeting provided a respectful and structured environment for all members of the public to be heard. As your Superintendent, I would like to reaffirm my commitment to uphold the district’s mission and vision statement to ensure that each student is recognized, valued, and inspired to be contributing members of our global society. The mission and vision statement were board adopted in October of 2021 and serve as a guide for our district.

The existing resources provided on district-sponsored websites and district-sponsored social media sites are provided for students and families who choose to utilize them. The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) will continue to share existing local and county resources, including One Step a la Vez, for families to assist them in supporting their children's education and well-being. FUSD will also continue to identify additional relevant resources for students and families.
The FUSD mission and vision statement also support students to become engaged, productive members of society. Students at our secondary schools participate in district and student-led and initiated clubs. Student-led and initiated clubs allow students to meet during non-instructional time to discuss topics relevant to them. Students may also invite speakers, local organizations, and non-profits, including One Step a la Vez to speak on topics of interest to the club subject to FUSD policies and regulations.

As we move forward, we will continue to review board policies and administrative regulations to ensure they are effectively implemented and adhered to. This will ensure that our district operates in compliance with state and federal regulations, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

We will continue to prioritize the importance of collaborating with our families and the wider community and we know that the strength of our educational system here in Fillmore and Piru lies in the support and involvement of our students, families, and community. Let us continue to work together to model respect, empathy, and understanding for one another. Our students are counting on us!

Respectfully,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent

A suspect has been identified and arrested for burglarizing a local residence where he was an entrusted employee. Over the past month, the homeowner discovered expensive jewelry and currency missing from her residence. The victim took proactive steps and installed a security camera to capture and identify the suspect responsible for the thefts.

On July 19, 2023, the suspect returned and entered the residence where he began rifling through the victim’s bedroom. The victim called 911 and deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the in-progress crime.

Upon arrival, deputies quickly identified the suspect as Antonio Martinez, an employee for the homeowner who was still at the location. A search of Martinez and his vehicle yielded numerous pieces of jewelry and currency that belonged to the victim. Deputies arrested Martinez for residential burglary and grand theft.

Detectives assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives authored and served a search warrant at Martinez’s residence located in the Newhall / Los Angeles County area. During the search, detectives located and seized additional stolen jewelry that belonged to the victim.

Martinez was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody with his bail set at $50,000.

Nature of Incident: Residential Burglary and Grand Theft Arrest
Report Number: 23-92216
Location: 1900 Block Pasadena Avenue, Unincorporated area of Ventura County / Fillmore
Date & Time: July 19, 2023 @ 10:40 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Santa Clara Valley Station Patrol, Santa Clara Valley Station Detectives

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

(S) Antonio Martinez Newhall 44

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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Please excuse this unusual informality.

Well, I’m sitting down to write my column at 11:15 PM. Just got back from a devastating house fire. Before that, I had just returned from a long school board meeting concerning the Drag Queen show at an after-school organization designed to assist children with various youth challenges. The audience contained quite a few out-of-towners and demonstrated vigorous pro and con speakers.

Please note: To stop widespread false rumors, it should be noted that neither the Fillmore City Council nor the Fillmore School Board had anything to do with organizing the One Step A La Vez Drag Queen event reported by the Gazette on June 29. Two Council members attended that event on their own time. I have requested information from school Superintendent, Christine Schieferle, about possible presence of One Step A La Vez on the school campus. I apologize to Mrs. Schieferle for the short lead time provided for an answer, but the last 24 hours have been very busy. I’m assured the Gazette will be provided with accurate facts, and I thank the Superintendent for her consideration.

The theater room was packed with a considerate, orderly, and highly involved audience last night. I think everyone appreciated that. More details to follow.
Martin Farrell, Publisher

(l-r) is Fillmore’s Caleb Salazar & Gabriel Lopez who competed with their Simi Valley 9U All-Star team in the PONY Baseball Zone Tournament in Walnut, California this past weekend. Now they will play in the 2023 Pony International Mustang 9U World Series to take place Friday, July 21, 2023. Live stream the game at https://bnproductions.uscreen.io/.
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Gabriel Lopez and Caleb Salazar, both of Fillmore, battled it out with their Simi Valley 9U All-Star team this past weekend July 15 & 16, 20223 in the PONY baseball Zone Tournament in Walnut, California.

The duo helped their team clinch a spot on the International stage. Where their team is one of two in the State of California to compete in the tournament of teams featured from around the globe.

Teams from Japan, Mexico, Honduras along with four other teams from the United States will participate in the 2023 Pony International Mustang 9U World Series. The tournament begins July 21, 2023 at Keating Park in Vacaville, California. The boys will face off with their first opponent Mexico Los Mochis 5p.m. on Friday night. The Championship game will be held Monday, July 24, 2023. Gabriel and Caleb are excited for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to represent their community on such a big stage. “Their big dreams are now reality”. You can live stream the game at https://
bnproductions.uscreen.io/.

Two Council members received numerous complaints for attending the One Step A La Vez Drag Queen production a few weeks ago. Mayor Mark Austin made a point of stating this was not a Council sponsored event.
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July 11, 2023
All agenda items approved 4-0
9.A NEW BUSINESS 9.A PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE EXTENDING FOR 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OR EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE AND SELF-SERVE STORAGE FACILITIES WITHIN CITY LIMITS, DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF, AND FINDING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
9.B 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3949 to extend the declaration of a local emergency arising from the collapse of a sewer manhole which rendered the downstream pipeline unusable.
9-C REQUEST: That the City Council provide staff direction on the preferred style and color to allow staff to prepare a bid specification and bid a project to construct new shade structures over the tot-lots at Two Rivers Park and Dolores Day Park.
9-D RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve using American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funds in the amount of $150,000 to support the Spirit of Santa Paula in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
9-E RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction on the request to sponsor up to $25,000 for the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.
All agenda items approved 4-0