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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
On 11/05/10, at approximately 4:30 PM, the store manager of Central Market reported a theft in progress. He reported that approximately 25 subjects entered the market to cash checks. After cashing the 10th check, the store manger realized the suspicious activity. When the store manger picked up the telephone to call and verify the checks, all of the subject inside the store who were waiting to cash the checks, ran out of the store and fled the scene. Per the investigation, it was determined all the checks here counterfeit. The four listed subjects, Ramiro DeLaCruz 35, Compton, Juana Marquez 47, Compton, Cecilia Hernandez 35, Los Angeles, Hector Mora 42, Compton, were apprehended after fleeing the scene and arrested. The charges include forgery, burglary, and conspiracy. All four suspects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, with bail set at $20,000. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the motorist responsible for a hit-and-run collision that left a young man dead on a Thousand Oaks street in Thousand Oaks. The collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of Lynn Road just west of Kelley Road, when Bautista, who was a pedestrian, was struck by a vehicle traveling at least 45 miles per hour. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid or notify police. Bautista was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering massive trauma to his upper body. Bautista had attended a nearby house party at a residence in the 400-block of Whitegate Road earlier that night. Investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a large older vehicle that sustained moderate damage to the front end and hood. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle involved in this collision is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers at (805)494-8222. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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). Location: Lynn Road west of Kelley Road, Thousand Oaks, Ca. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
On November 11 there will be a dedication ceremony to pay tribute to 18 men of our community who have served their country and their name plaques have been placed on the Memorial Wall. The public is encouraged to attend. The ceremony will take place at The Veterans Memorial Building 511 second Dt. Fillmore at 10:30 am. If you have any questions regarding this ceremony please contact VFW POST 9637 or Commander Jim Rogers 524-0202 or Senior Vice Commander Vic Westerberg 524-0011. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
The suspect robbed a branch of Pacific Western Bank located at 550 North Moorpark Road Thursday afternoon. Nobody was injured during the heist, and the suspect fled the bank within minutes, carrying an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was seen, but the suspect alluded to being armed. The investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s department’s major crimes unit in conjunction with the FBI. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jon Smith at (805) 494-8201, or Special Agent Pat Conley of the FBI at (310) 629-9553. Please see the attached three images for a description of the suspect. 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). Location: 550 North Moorpark Road, CA, 91360 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, November 8th, 2010
Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM 58.3% of the votes counted FILLMORE City Council FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District |
 Every vote counts - Mayor Patti Walker cast her vote Tuesday night at a local voting center. Walker and Brian Sipes (inset) won the two available seats on council: this is Walker’s third term. Said Walker, "I am honored to have the communities faith in my desire to represent Fillmore, humbled by the voters support and looking forward to working with a fine group of people in the citizen's behalf." Walker garnered 1,226 (26.86%) votes and Sipes took 1,131 (24.78%). David Lugo received 892 votes, Marcoz Hernandez 853 and Adrian Grimaldo 319; Write-in votes, including Alex Mollkoy, 144 votes. In 2009, there were approximately 6,200 registered Fillmore voters. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM
Fillmore Election Results Last Updated: November 6, 2010 12:03 PM FILLMORE City Council FILLMORE Unified SD Gov Brd Mem FILLMORE-PIRU Memorial District |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
 A structure fire at 400 Arborwood Street occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appeared to be smoking related. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo  The fire, involving a second story bedroom and contents, was extinguished at 8:00 p.m. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
The highlight of the November 2nd Fillmore Unified School District meeting was the discussion of safety while attending the upcoming 100th football game between Fillmore and Santa Paula. The Fillmore School Board (FSB) went into a detailed discussion of the preparations needed for the upcoming game. With 3,000 or more expected to attend, safety is a major priority. The Board has had numerous meetings with both the Fillmore and Santa Paula Police/Sheriffs along with each town's Fire Departments to iron out all the safety issues. Extra bleachers will be set up to accommodate the 2,500 tickets already sold with 140 more on the waiting list and the additional 500 more persons with passes expected to attend. The maximum that can safely attend the game is 3,400 due to the field having only three exits. With an unknown number of attendees who already have passes, the number of tickets sales must be kept well below the maximum. The gates will be opening at 3:00 pm and close when maximum occupancy is reached. The Sheriffs Department is providing an extra 15 Officers and donating up to $5,000 worth of Deputy time to help with security. The two entry gates will be CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On October 28, at approximately 6:23 p.m., deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Fillmore Shell gas station. When they arrived, they learned a suspect had passed a note demanding money from the cashier and subsequently fled with an undetermined amount of money. No weapon was seen and no one was injured. The suspect was described as a Hispanic man, in his 20’s, approximately 5’5”, 120 lbs., wearing black hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. He fled in a silver or gray four-door car with dark tinting on the rear and rear side passenger windows. The vehicle, driven by another unknown suspect, was last seen traveling westbound on Ventura Street from the gas station. Anyone at or near the gas station around the time of the robbery are asked to contact the Fillmore Police with any information concerning these suspects and their vehicle. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
The Ventura County Transportation Commission will consider a possible increase in the cost of VISTA bus fares at its Friday, November 5, 2010 meeting. The proposed fare increase would impact intercity bus service within Ventura County, VISTA’s Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride service, and VISTA’s premium monthly pass. Fares for VISTA transit services have remained largely unchanged since VISTA began intercity bus service in 1994. Since that time, both annual ridership and annual operating costs have increased significantly. Compounding the situation is actual and forecast reductions in federal and state transit funding. “Across the past few years, VISTA’s operating costs have increased in large part due to contractor costs,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While a fare increase is the recommended solution (to help offset increased costs), the Commission encourages the public to weigh in on this matter before taking action at its November 5 meeting.” Persons unable to attend Friday’s Commission meeting (slated for 10 am at Camarillo City Hall) are encouraged to contact VCTC by phone (800) 438-1112 or via email (VISTAcomments@goventura.org). |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
On the eve of the "Great California Shake-Out" (October 21, 2010) twenty-eight Piru Community Members graduated from Piru's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The graduation was witnessed by a packed, standing room only, audience of family friends and local dignitaries at the regular meeting of the Piru Neighborhood Council. CERT training is offered by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VCFD and FEMA have joined together to assist Piru residents with disaster preparedness education and training. The training is also available in other communities of Ventura County. In attendance for the graduation were District 3-Supervisor Kathy Long, the current Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Division Chief Keith Gurrola of the Ventura County Fire Department, Captain Tim Hagel of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Tony Prado, Trustee of the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees and Dave Wilde, retired educator and candidate for the Fillmore School Unified School District Board of Trustees. The CERT Graduates were: Following a major disaster, first CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
 On Tuesday, November 2, at about 1:00 in the afternoon an electrical pole caught fire right after it blew a fuse. The block of Kensington Street and the north side of Sespe were without power for several hours. Enlarge Photo |
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By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
 Scott Lee addressed the city council during Tuesday night’s meeting in regards to the employee’s letter read back on September 28. On Wednesday the City of Fillmore released this memo: “The City of Fillmore is committed to addressing the concerns in the September 28, 2010 and October 26, 2010 letters submitted by employees to the City Council. In response to the letters, the City Attorney’s Office will provide grievance forms to the employees. An independent party will review the grievance forms and report back to the City. The intent of the process is to be fair to all concerned. The City is anticipating a quick resolution to this matter.” Enlarge Photo With over 80 persons in attendance the October 26th Joint Fillmore City Council/Fillmore Public Finance Authority Meeting was standing room only. There was a great deal to cover, but most came about two items, the City Manager and the closing of the Aquatic Center. The meeting began with the Council Members asking City Manager Yvonne Quiring if she wanted a non-biased third party facilitator, which her contract states she has a right to, with Quiring at her evaluation. At first Quiring stated she reserved that right, but later stated the Council should go ahead with her evaluation. This evaluation has become a heated situation due to a Letter of No Confidence in the City Manager presented by the City Staff at September 28 City Council Meeting. Vic Kamhi, Bus Transit Director for Ventura County Transportation Commission, was first on the agenda and gave a presentation regarding the proposed VISTA fare increase. VISTA was introduced in 1994 and has seen a significant increase in service with annual intercity ridership increasing from 150,000 to 800,000 today resulting in an annual operating costs increase from $400,000 to $2,000,000. These increases along with loss of state transit funding have resulted in the necessary fare increases. The proposed fare increases are projected to be; Base fare $1.25, Senior/Disabled/Medicare $0.60, Adult Monthly Pass $50, Adult Premium Monthly Pass $60. Senior/Disabled/Medicare Premium Monthly Pass $38. Also affected by proposed increases will be the Haritage (Dial A Ride)DAR-Program which was also introduced in 1994 and has expanded significantly. Annual ridership has increased from 50,000 to 215,000 with annual operating cost increasing from $250,000 to $950,000. The current Monthly Pass which costs $16 will see a proposed increase to $20, cash fares to $1.75 with seniors paying $0.85 and DAR/VISTA Daily Pass to $3.50. Another change being considered is raising the age for “Senior” eligibility from 62 to 65 years. The Ventura County Transportation Commission with be holding a public hearing on these proposals on November 5, 2010 at 9:00 am at Camarillo City Hall. Contact VISTAcomments@goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112 for more information. Next was the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Question #9
November 2nd you will be able to vote for TWO City Council candidates Question #9: The City has a list of “City Goals” - please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there. Patti Walker: I believe the Goals in their present form are vitally important for Fillmore - Economic Development, Engaging Community, and finally, Public Safety. David Lugo: #1 Incentives for local businesses, we need to give them first shot at all bids in their realm of work before we send it to outside companies plain and simple. Adrian Grimaldo: List of City Goals: (1) Vote YES on Prop 19 and take the edge off our economy. The tax dollars generated by this cash cow can lower consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and generate the needed funds to upgrade our schools. Big corporations are afraid of this and will do anything to keep it from passing. Only through your vote for wise economic development can we create the time and money needed to spend on Public Safety and community involvement. By voting yes on Prop 19 now, we are enabling a revolution. Brian Sipes: When I attended the City Council's Goal Setting Workshops, I made suggestions as a private citizen and businessman. A few of my suggestions were incorporated into the goals. I concur with the top three goals that were chosen by the City Council on March 16, 2010. Alex Mollkoy: The city has a list of ‘City Goals’ – Please put them in order of importance to you, with #1 being the most important, and briefly explain why you believe the top 3 belong there. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Question #9
November 2nd you will be able to vote for THREE School Board candidates Question #9: A big issue has been access to the new football field’s track. What is your position on allowing the public to use the track? Lucy Rangel: When our voters passed our last school bond, they were told that they would be allowed to use the track. After the district decided to make the investment of an all-weather track, they should have done a better job of communicating to the public all the advantages of having such modern facilities; and the reasons the track and football field would have to be secured. With the vandalism that had existed, along with soaring costs of repairs, and safety and liability issues, I can understand why our district has been reluctant to allow the public to use this facility. However, the fact remains that many community members, including myself, feel that responsible individuals who are avid runners should be allowed more use of our modern track. Kimberly Rivers: I fully support the Community having access to the track. In providing a benefit to the public the District will demonstrate to students the vital and varied role schools play in our community. We as adults must model true community involvement to motivate students to do the same, as they become adults. When elected I pledge to get to the bottom of whatever is preventing public access to the track so it available for public use. The fact that this issue remains unresolved demonstrates the Districts distance from the community, and the lack of leadership within the Board to respond to the needs of the community it serves. Mark Austin: The voters within the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) boundaries, in approving Measure E, were under the impression that full public access and use of the track would be provided. This was one of the selling points in order to gain the approval and issuance of a general obligation bond. Currently, there is very limited public access and use of the track. It is my position that the FUSD should figure out a way to allow full public access and use of the track. Please visit my website at www.votemarkaustin.com. Dave Wilde: Somehow a time needs to be set aside so that interested community members have access to the track. Once a time has been established the next step is to set up guidelines to ensure against or deal with possible damage. This process is occurring at this time. Unfortunately it seems to be moving at a snail's pace. Tony Prado: The track and the football field were built to meet the needs of the students participating in P.E. and Sports at Fillmore High School. The students have first priority. Without any doubt the community should have access to the track and field when students are not using the facility. It is not a good idea for the community and students to use the facility at the same time because of safety issues. Young adults and older high school students is not a good mix. Use of the facility before school and after 6 pm most evennings can be a possibility. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On October 24, 2010 at approximately 9:35 PM, a 35-year-old woman and her family were driving westbound in the 18000 block of South Mountain Road near Santa Paula. A large white unknown make / model pickup truck was traveling eastbound on South Mountain Road and passed the victim’s vehicle. As the white truck passed, the victim heard an object impact her vehicle on the driver’s side. The victim believed that a rock had been displaced from the tire of the passing white truck and impacted the victim’s vehicle. When the victim reached her destination in Santa Paula, she found a hole in her driver side door. The victim reported the incident to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The victim and her passengers were not injured in this incident. An investigation by the responding deputies determined that a bullet had been fired at the victim’s vehicle, impacting the driver’s door and causing the hole. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, is urged to call the Sheriff’s Department Fillmore Police Station and speak to Detective Darin Hendren @ 805-524-2233. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
 At approximately 6:45 Saturday evening a two vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of ‘C’ Street and Highway 126. A Z71 Chevrolet pickup and a Nissan SUV collided with extensive damage to both vehicles. The unidentified driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital for observation. Enlarge Photo  The driver of the pickup, with two young children, appeared unhurt. Cause of the accident remains uncertain at press time. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
 Since 1984 Taco Bell has neen on highway 126 serving the town of FIllmore and highway traffic. But now after 26 years they are tearing it down and putting up a brand new building. But this time, it will be Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Express. They expect it to be closed for approxiamelty 3 months. If you can’t wait you can always visit the Santa Paula Taco Bell. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
 Deputy Jerry Peterson received the “Students First” award during Tuesday night’s school board meeting. On Tuesday October 19th the Fillmore School Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting at the Fillmore Unified District Office. Members in attendance were Board President Tony Prado, Board Clerk Liz Wilde and Board Member Mike Saviers. Following a public comment period with no speakers the Board recognized Deputy Jerry Peterson with a “Students First” award for this role in past years as School Resource Officer for the District. This seemed to prompt Prado to comment on an item that was not included in the evening’s agenda. Prado stated “[there are issues being raised] with the Board elections”. He went on to say that “the issue is that we have a high crime rate in our schools, that we have problems in our schools, and I just need to clarify”. Prado then instructed “some of the candidates” to meet with the “head guy” to learn that “we don’t sweep things under the rug in Fillmore… we take care of the situation.” He clarified that District staff are following Board instructions to “carry through with any law breaking that is taking place…we want to take care of the situation immediately… Jerry has done that, the principals have done that.” Prado continued his clarification stating “it may appear that we have a higher rate of discipline problems or maybe arrests but I know how they handle it in other districts.” He concluded by thanking Peterson and the principals for not “hiding” the situation. Student Rep Sean Chandler reminded the Board that there was no school last week, and that the High School is starting a new quarter and new “tutorial session” so that students who have been recognized as needing the “extended lunch break” can get the extra help they need. He announced the upcoming football game against Nordoff on Friday, as well as the approaching Senior Ball on Saturday. On Thursday the Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from different colleges they may be interested in attending. Chandler concluded with a reminder about the 100th Fillmore vs. Santa Paula football game that is taking place in November. During Board reports CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On October 18, 2010 at about 1:30 p.m., deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station arrested a 21-year-old Fillmore resident, Gildardo Sebastian Sanchez, for misdemeanor hit and run resulting in property damage to the Fillmore Historical Museum and for driving without a license. On the same date at about 10:30 a.m., deputies were sent to investigate property damage caused overnight to the Fillmore Historical Museum located at 360 Main St., Fillmore. The building sustained damage to the front wall and block foundation. When deputies arrived, they found evidence at the scene that indicated a vehicle had crashed into the front of the building and the driver had fled the scene. A Fillmore City Motor Officer and station investigators consulted auto experts to narrow down the suspect vehicle make and year. Three hours later, a Fillmore patrol deputy located the vehicle involved. It was a Chevy Blazer SUV, parked in the 600 Block of Fillmore St. The vehicle had major front-end damage and evidence directly linked to the crime. Further interviews led to the arrest of Sanchez. He was issued an arrest appearance citation for the misdemeanor violations, and released on his own recognizance. Location: Fillmore Historical Museum, 360 Main St. Fillmore, Ca. 93015 Officer Preparing Release: Detective Taurino Almazan |
