Community: Media Release - Fillmore Arson Arrests

Nature of Incident: Juveniles Arrested for Arson
Report Number: 24-105700
Location: 300 Block of Main Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 08/18/2024, 7:40 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore School Resource Officers, Fillmore Fire Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
City of Residence Age

(V) Fillmore Historical Museum Fillmore
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 14
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12
(S) Male Juvenile Fillmore 12

Narrative:

4 Fillmore Juveniles Arrested for Arson

On 08/23/2024, four juveniles were arrested for their involvement with two arsons which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum on 08/18/2024.

On 08/18/2024, Fillmore Fire Department personnel responded to the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore reference two small fires. The fires were extinguished and determined to be suspicious in nature. On 08/20/2024, another suspicious fire was started in the same area. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the area and collaborated with Fire Investigators from the Fillmore Fire Department to investigate.

On 08/22/2024, detectives and Fillmore Fire Investigators conducted follow-up at the Fillmore Historical Museum and located additional evidence showing these fires were intentionally started, in violation of Penal Code § 451(a) – [Arson].

With the assistance of Fillmore School Resource Officers, Fillmore detectives identified the suspects as four male juveniles. On 08/23/2024, during the morning hours, detectives and School Resource Officers contacted and arrested the four juveniles. The juveniles were all cited and released to their parents pending Juvenile Justice Court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the Fillmore community how fire safety is a critical issue which affects our entire community. Each year, hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property are lost due to fires, many of which are preventable. Alarmingly, some of these fires are started by juveniles, either accidentally or intentionally. As parents and guardians, it is essential to recognize the signs and understand how to prevent such incidents.

Understanding the Risks
Fire-Setting behavior in children can stem from curiosity, peer pressure, or deeper behavioral issues. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, children are responsible for approximately 40% of all fires set intentionally. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and destruction of homes and property.

Key Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate fire-setting tendencies in their child:
An unusual fascination with fire, matches, or lighters.
Unexplained burn marks on clothing, furniture, or walls.
A pattern of playing with fire or discussing fire in a positive or obsessive manner.
Behavioral changes such as isolation, aggression, or increased anxiety.

Resources & Support
Our local fire department offers resources and educational programs aimed at preventing juvenile fire-setting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out for support and guidance. For more information, please contact the Fillmore Fire Department at 805-524-0586.

By working together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure the safety of our children and community. Let’s stay vigilant and proactive in educating our youth about fire safety.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 08/23/2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Marsh-like field conditions at Two Rivers Park make playing and walking a challenge on the uneven, muddy surface.
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Courtesy Wanda Castel de Oro

I attended my grandson’s AYSO soccer game on Saturday at Two Rivers Park and was sorry to see the playing fields are still in such poor condition. The ground was extremely uneven with potholes filled with gooey mud and water. When the ball landed on the water-soaked grass, it stayed there instead of freely rolling on the surface, seemingly glued in place. The grass was also in need of mowing, which may not have helped much considering the swamp-like condition of the field. I heard the coach from the team playing after us tell his kids they were going to be playing in the “marsh” today.

Last October 2023 a player on my grand-daughter’s team broke her ankle on the park’s field when she stepped in one of the many soggy potholes. Here is what was reported at that time, in part: “From the beginning the underground drip system was a problem. Either the drip lines are too deep or the sod was planted too shallow, and the water doesn’t properly reach the roots of the grass, leaving brown patches. In contrast, after rain, standing water plagues the fields due to poor drainage caused by uneven terrain.”

For years I have heard complaints that there is nothing for young people to do in Fillmore besides sports. Now, even that is a challenge.

When is the city going to do something to improve the field conditions at Two Rivers Park?

I hosed the mud off my shoes when I got home.

August 17 – 24th Fillmore’s California Untied FC 2013 Boys team earned the title of Champions in the NP Elite Summer Bash Tournament. Top Row: Head Coach Octavio Mejia, Julio Vargas, Obie Qualls, Joan Mendez, Jeancarlo Mendez, Julian Martinez, and Asst. Coach Victor Magana. Bottom Row: Vicente Magana, Ethan Lomeli, Antonio Guevara, Jaxon Cervantes, Aydenn Martinez, and Julian Morones. Photo credit Erika Arana, California United FC Public Relations.
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Courtesy Erika Arana, California United FC Public Relations

August 17 – 24th, Fillmore’s California Untied FC 2013 Boys played with so much heart, never gave up, and were not coming home empty handed! They went undefeated at Newbury Park Elite Summer Bash Tournament, 4-0 with a nail-biting game in the finals. They fought hard and came back from losing 3-1 with only 3 minutes left to tie it up. They went into Penalty Kicks and won 5-4 claiming the title of champions.
08/17-18/24: NP Elite Summer Bash 2013 Boys CHAMPIONS!
Game 1: California United FC 2-1 NP Elite
Goals: Jeancarlo Mendez, Joan Mendez
Overall Record: 1-0-0
***
Game 2: California United FC 6-0 VC Galaxy
Goals: Jeancarlo Mendez (3-hat trick), Joan Mendez, Aydenn Martinez, Obie Quallz
Shutout: Julian Morones
Overall Record: 2-0-0
Semifinal: California United FC 2-0 AYSO United
Goals: Jeancarlo Mendez, Julio Vargas
Shutout: Obie Quallz
Overall Record: 3-0-0
***
FINAL: California United FC 3-3 GFC
Goals: Joan Mendez, Julio Vargas, Jeancarlo Mendez
Penalty Kick’s: 5-4
***
08/17-18/24: NP Elite Summer Bash Tournament in Thousand Oaks 2010 Boys - FINALIST!
Game 1: California United FC 2-0 TO United FC
Goals: Tixoc Diaz (2)
Assist: Evan Ramirez, Andrés Jaimes
Overall Record: 1-0-0

Game 2: California United FC 5-1 TO United White
Goals: Tixoc Diaz (2), Abel Arana (2 - 1 PK), Andrés Jaimes 1
Assist: Evan Ramirez, Tixoc Diaz
Ramsis Vargas, Andrés Jaimes
Overall: 2-0-0
FINAL - California United FC 0-3 SF Surf
Overall Record: 2-0-1

08/17-18/24: Camarillo Cup 2013 Girls - FINALIST
Game 1: California United FC 6-0 Zero Gravity
Goals: Siani Lomeli (3-hat trick), Bella Mendez (2), Mari Arreola (1)
Assists: Bella Mendez, Aixa Lomeli
Shutout: Aaliyah Cervantez
Overall Record: 1-0-0

Game 2: California United FC 7-0 Union Independiente
Goals: Bella Mendez (2), Siani Lomeli (2), Aixa Lomeli (1), Itzel Arana (1), Toni Cervantez (1)
Assists: Aixa Lomeli (2), Sarai Prado, Itzel Arana
Shutout: Aaliyah Cervantez
Overall Record: 2-0-0

Semifinal: California United FC 5-0 AYSO United CI
Goals: Siani Lomeli (2), Bella Mendez (2), Aixa Lomeli (1)
Shutout: Aaliyah Cervantez
Overall Record: 3-0-0

FINAL: California United FC 3-4 JOGA
Goals: Bella Mendez (1) Siani Lomeli (1) Aixa Lomeli (1)
Overall Record: 3-1-0

On Saturday, August 17, AYSO 242 held their opening day ceremonies at Two Rivers Park. This year marks their 45th anniversary in Fillmore with over 700 kids making this organization the largest youth organization in town.

Mayor Carrie Broggie issued a proclamation to honor the occasion, proceeded by Fillmore City Council Members Christina Villa Senor and Albert Mende. Regional Commissioner for AYSO 242 Arnold Munoz issued many awards including Board Member of the Year, Sponsor of the Year, Referee of the Year and more. Rob Lemons of Lemon Tree Embroidery gave an impassioned speech honoring each of the league’s sponsors.

Fillmore Fire and Fillmore Police Department passed the ball to each other and then to the kids to kickoff another great season of soccer. Photo and article credit Brandy Hollis.

On Monday, August 12th, 2024, 10:57 p.m., California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a car versus pedestrian collision on SR126 eastbound near Sharp Ranch in Piru. According to CHP a 54-year-old Fillmore woman was traveling eastbound in a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer when she struck the pedestrian in the left lane, CHP officials stated. The driver was alone in the jeep, remained on the scene, and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The pedestrian ended up in the right lane after being struck; he died at the scene. The deceased has not been identified and his age and city of residence weren’t immediately available. CHP officials don’t yet know whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP’s Moorpark-area office at 805-553-0800.

Pictured above is Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo “Lalo” Malagon addressing resident’s complaints regarding fireworks as well as long term parking on roadways and parking lots.
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CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

8. NEW BUSINESS

All agenda items were approved 5-0

8.A CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-974 TO AMEND AND UPDATE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 14.36.030 WHICH SETS FORTH REGULATIONS FOR STORAGE OR LONG-TERM PARKING OF VEHICLES ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS AND PARKING LOTS
SR -ORDINANCE NO. 24-974- AMEND STORAGE AND LONG TERM PARKING.PDF

RECOMMENDATION

That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-974, amending Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) section 14.36.030 regarding storage or long-term parking of vehicles.

8.B AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE THREE PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES DEPARTMENT MAINT-ENANCE VEHICLES
SR - PUBLIC WORKS TRUCKS FY24-25.PDF

RECOMMENDATION

Staff requests that the City Council authorize the purchase of three pick-up trucks for the Public Works and Facilities Department and authorize the City Manager to execute any agreement or purchase order necessary to carry out the purchase.
8.C AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF A MECHANICAL ROOM CONTROLLER, CHEMICAL CO-NTROLLER, AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE AQUATICS FACILITY

SR - PURCHASE OF NEW AQUATICS CONTROLLER.PDF

8.D CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON ILLEGAL FIREWORKS SR - FIREWORKS DISCUSSION.PDF

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on illegal fireworks activity,
enforcement efforts, and penalties and provide feedback and direction.

8.E CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE NOTIFICATION SR CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE.PDF

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this report.

8.F DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND TWO ALTERNATES FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SR - DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CA CITIES.PDF.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council:

1) Designate a primary voting delegate; and 2) Appoint up to two alternate delegates.

8.G ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24- 4020AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM FOR FY 2024-25 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) FUNDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FU-NDS (LTF), ARTICLE 8 CLAIM

SR - FY 24-25 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT.PDF.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council:

Adopt the attached Resolution 24-4020 authorizing the City Manager or his designee to sign and file a claim with the Ventura County Transportation Commission for the allocation to the City of $828,902 of Transportation Development Act Funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

10. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

11. CLOSED SESSION

11.A AUGUST 13, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION AUGUST 13, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

12. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUTS 27, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Christine Schieferle, Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District
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Dear Fillmore/Piru Community,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. I hope your summer was filled with quality time with loved ones and that you are ready for a great school year!

All Fillmore Unified staff have been working diligently to prepare for the year ahead, and we are eager to partner with you to make this school year one of growth, achievement, and opportunity for all students.

This year, we remain committed to student academic success and creating safe and respectful schools where every student can thrive. We also recognize the critical role of mental health support and are dedicated to offering expanded resources to support emotional well-being and long-term resilience. Additionally, we will continue to invest in facility improvements across our school district. Below are some highlights:

Student Academic Success

•Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all school sites.
•Free online academic tutoring available 24/7.
•Reading Intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle School (FMS).
•Block schedules with built-in academic support at FMS and Fillmore High School (FHS).
•Differentiated academic support within the school day at all elementary schools.
•Expanded Independent Study Program.
•After-school Bridges program until 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
•Expanded Learning Opportunities during school breaks.
•Preschool programs for children ages 2.9 months to 4 years.
•College/university field trips to promote a college-bound culture.
•Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways at Fillmore High.
•UCSB (University of California Santa Barbara) Early Academic Outreach Program at Fillmore High and Fillmore Middle Schools.
•CSUCI (Cal State University Channel Islands) Guaranteed Admission for Fillmore High students.
Mental Health Support
•Wellness Centers at FMS, FHS, Piru and Mountain Vista Schools.
•New Wellness Centers at Sierra High School and San Cayetano Elementary School.
•Counselors at all sites, full-time social workers at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High
Schools.
2023-2024 Facilities Improvements
•Fillmore High: New windows and HVAC units in the Arts building, new fencing at the Little League Field, and new asphalt at the basketball courts.
•San Cayetano Elementary: New interior classroom paint, new classroom furniture, new shade structure, new landscaping, HVAC in the cafeteria.
•Mountain Vista Elementary: New shade structures.
•Sierra High: New shade structure and landscaping.
•Sespe Preschool: New paint, landscaping, and play structure.
•Adult Education Center: New classrooms and restroom building.
Coming in 2024-2025
• Rio Vista Elementary: New 200-meter all-weather track.
• Fillmore High: New varsity baseball field, new restroom building, and flex
space at the School Farm.
• Piru Elementary: New HVAC in the cafeteria, new shade structures, and restroom building.
Future Projects
• Fillmore Middle School: New paint and HVAC in the gym, new outdoor shade structures.
• Fillmore High School: New athletic complex (groundbreaking in 2025), locker room remodel to include girls’ locker room, and career center relocation and upgrade.

Great things are happening in our school district! It is important that we continue to work together, build relationships with each other, and maintain our collective focus to do what is best for our students. They are counting on us!
Please join and support our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and school staff is vital to your child’s success. I look forward to seeing our students back on Wednesday, August 14, and I’m confident we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for everyone.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District

At last weeks, Fillmore Rotary Club meeting, Program Chair Cindy Blatt introduced guest speaker Josh Overton from the FHS Drama Club. He has been the teacher and director for 23 years. The students have done productions in their classroom as well at Sespe School Auditorium. They have also worked with the Sespe Players and Josh stated working with adults is a good example for the students. The Rotary Club of Fillmore presented the Drama Club with a check for $300 on behalf of the Santa Clarita Runners, from the 10K Team Challenge.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1329/SB-386---Election-Law-Notice
SB 386 - Election Law Notice
10224.5
No later than three days before the deadline for submission of nomination papers (August 9th, 2024) for a municipal election, the city elections official shall post on the city’s internet website, or publish a public notice that includes the following: (Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 870, Sec. 4. (SB 386) Effective January 1, 2024.)
(a) A list of the offices to be filled.
-Councilmember, District 1
- Councilmember District 2
- Councilmember District 5
- City Clerk (elected at-large)
- City Treasurer (elected at-large)
(b) Whether the city elections official has furnished nomination papers to the incumbent for each open office.
No Incumbents. (city has recently moved to Districts)
(c) Whether, due to redistricting, there is no eligible incumbent for an open office.
No eligible incumbent for an open office due to redistricting.
(d) The location where nomination papers may be obtained.
Fillmore City Hall
250 Central Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015
(e) The location, dates, and hours of operation of the office where completed nomination papers may be filed.
Individuals interested in running for City Council (Districts 1,2,5), City Clerk, and City Treasurer must make an appointment to pull papers and receive more information during the nomination period. The nomination period for this election is JULY 15, 2024 - AUGUST 9, 2024. All forms and nomination documents are available in the City Clerk’s Office (Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm). Only the official forms prepared or issued by the City Clerk may be used.
To schedule an appointment, please email cityclerk@fillmoreca.gov or contact our city clerk at (805) 524-3701 Ext.213. Candidates will be given both oral and written instructions on the procedures to complete the nomination process at the time they pull papers.