Pictured left, Pastor George Golden with Pastor Ken Castellanos.
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Written by Carina M. Montoya

It was standing room only on Sunday, April 28, when Pastor Dr. George Golden gave his last service at the Fillmore First Baptist Church, and “passed the baton” to the church’s new lead pastor, Ken Castellanos. It was a bittersweet occasion for the congregation, including many friends and family who attended, to bid farewell in quiet sadness to someone who has devoted the past 15 years to the church, and to welcome Pastor Castellanos who has been the church’s associate pastor.
Pastor Golden has been the longest serving pastor at the First Baptist Church since its founding in 1942. He began ministering at the church in 2009 and through the years the name First Baptist Church in Fillmore has become synonymous with Pastor Golden’s name. He resurrected a dwindling and fateful church with a low congregation of about six people to its current congregation of 50 to 75.

The First Baptist Church was originally located off Central Avenue in downtown Fillmore. The property at 1057 First Street was purchased in the 1970s and became the church’s new location. Upon Pastor Golden’s assignment to the church, there were many upgrades and renovations needed. Through the years his growing congregation brought in much needed donations, including time that some congregation members donated to help with the renovations. The parsonage was renovated twice; the once dirt parking area was paved; a new roof was installed; and the interior of the church was renovated.

Pastor Castellanos brings to the First Baptist Church in Fillmore a genuine desire to continue Pastor Golden’s legacy, but with a renewed spirit of purpose. New members have already joined the congregation. His partner and wife of twenty years, Janny Melgoza-Castellanos, a native of Fillmore and a 1989 graduate of Fillmore High School, is a Bible study leader. Pastor Golden has no doubt that together, Pastor Castellanos and Janny, will further grow and develop the church into a stronger and more diversified congregation.

Pastor Golden is not retiring from ministering, only transitioning from one place to another. He will first take a short two-week hiatus from ministering to travel to Nairobi, Africa, for a couple of weeks where he has been raising money to build an abandoned women’s shelter. Many of his other accomplishments in helping people in Africa have been the installation of a water well for a mission; installation of a solar system for another mission; rebuilt an abandoned church located in a remote area in a Nairobi jungle; and supported two orphanages by paying their leases. Upon his return home, he will begin ministering again in Ventura.

Shane Morger of Bunnin Chevrolet presenting Brandy Hollis with a Diamond Sponsorship check for the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Casino Night event coming this weekend.
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Bunnin Chevrolet is doing it again—supporting the Fillmore community. Public Relations Director Shane Morger presented Fillmore Women’s Service Club Rep Brandy Hollis with a Diamond Sponsorship check for their Casino Night event coming this weekend. Brandy had this to say, “I know Shane and his crew are looking forward to Casino Night. I look forward to watching this busy person relax a little bit. We are going to let the dice roll and see what happens when you bet big on your community! Thank you, Bunnin, from all of us here at FWSC.” Fillmore also appreciates Bunnin’s excellent auto service and delicious cafe! Article/photo credit Brandy Hollis.

The Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council has received a grant to dispose of flammable vegetation in residential neighborhoods that are adjacent to wildland areas. This grant is being applied to all residents who reside in Fillmore. All residents who live within three hundred yards of a wildland area are especially encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity.

On Saturday May 11th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, all residents in the City may haul any tree/brush trimmings direct to the Fillmore City Well #4 location at 728 Goodenough Rd. for free disposal. Any ornamental vegetation and cut grass/weeds will also be accepted if it is free of any dirt, metal, plastic, or other trash.

Residents are especially encouraged to have professional tree trimmers, trim up palm trees, of all dead palm fronds as these can be especially hazardous when caught on fire. All palm fronds will accepted.

Any questions may be directed to the Fillmore Fire Chief at 524-1500 xt 226.

In collaboration with Farm Watch, the Fillmore Investigations Bureau communicated crime trends identified from recent agricultural thefts occurring in the Santa Clara Valley. Empowering the agricultural community as our eyes and ears has contributed to the identification and apprehension of a repeat offender of agricultural thefts.

On April 15th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to a call-for-service at a local farm reference an attempted theft of avocados. Patrol deputies were informed that a large quantity of avocados pre-staged in bags and crates was located on the farm. The farm owner stated this was suspicious and inconsistent with the normal operation of the farm. The farm owner’s diligence and education of previous crime trends, as well as quick notification to law enforcement, prevented thieves from completing the theft of the pre-staged avocados. The patrol deputy was able to collect evidence relating to the crime and authored a crime report.

On April 24th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station contacted Jose Antonio Rosales Hernandez in the 100 block of A Street, Fillmore. Based on previous law enforcement contacts, patrol deputies knew Hernandez had previously been convicted of Penal Code § 487(b)(1)(A) – Grand Theft of Vegetables and Fruit. Hernandez was placed on Ventura County Probation and accepted probation terms requiring him to submit to search of his person, residence, vehicle, or any property under his control by a probation officer of law enforcement officer, with or without a search warrant, for items prohibited by his probation conditions.

During the contact, patrol deputies conducted a search of Hernandez’ person, vehicle, and residence in compliance with Hernandez’ court appointed probation conditions. During the search, patrol deputies found methamphetamine, collected additional evidence, and developed probable cause to connect him to the attempted theft from the local farm on April 15th, 2024. As a result of the contact, Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for being in violation of Health & Safety Code § 11377 (a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance and Penal Code § 664/487(b)(1)(A) – Attempted Grand Theft of Vegetables and Fruit.

The Fillmore Patrol Station encourages the agricultural community to utilize “Farm Watch,” a partnership between the farming community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Farm Watch is a county-wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to more than several hundred farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. This program provides information to ranchers on agriculture crime trends and on how to react and treat the crime scene so that potential evidence is preserved for immediate processing by deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident:Farm Watch Collaboration Results in Arrest of Repeat Offender
Report Number: 24-49822
Location: 100 block of A Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: April 24th, 2024, at 8:00 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Investigations Bureau
Suspects City of Residence Age
Jose Antonio Rosales Hernandez Fillmore, California 32

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heersche
News Release Date: April 24th, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes hosted and defeated longtime rival Santa Paula in the Citrus Coast League Championship game. Final score, Fillmore-11, Santa Paula-1.

Highlights: Emma Estrella- 9 strikeouts, 2 hits over 6 innings. Great defensive game by the Lady Flashes. Flashes Hitting: Alexa Escamilla- 2 Run Homerun RBI, walk off single; Erika Sanchez- 2 singles, 1 RBI; Sofia Aviles- 2 singles, 2 RBI; Aryanne Munoz- 1 Triple, 2 RBI; Makayla Balboa- Double; Viviana Posadas- Single.

Flashes Record: Citrus Coast League: 9-1; Overall: 13-5-2.

On Thursday, April 25, at the Booty Sanchez event, the ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son, Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.
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On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes baseball team hosted a ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory and marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. Pictured above are folks who came out to participate in the ceremony.

A ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory, was held on April 25th, 2024. The ceremony marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. A rededication ceremony will take place when the new Booty Sanchez field is completed.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Sanchez family, The Friends of Booty, and the Fillmore Unified School District. DJ Danny Ibarra played all of Booty’s favorite songs. The ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.
Fillmore High Principal Keith Derrick was the Master of Ceremonies. Booty’s wife Debbie, and Sanchez family members in attendance were all introduced by Pokey. Jack Morales provided a moving memorial of Booty, and talked about how The Friends of Booty was formed, and the history of how and why the field was dedicated to Booty’s memory.

Former long-time Flashes head baseball coach Tom Ecklund was unable to attend the event. Current long-time Flashes head baseball coach Matt Suttle spoke about his memories of playing baseball on the field as a player and as a coach. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle spoke about her personal memories of Booty and shared the school district’s plans for the design and rededication of the new Booty Sanchez Field.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Chief Keith Gurrola (left) and the City of Fillmore recognized Sal Ibarra for the 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award.
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April 23, 2024

All items passed 5-0. Item 9D moved to May 14. Item 9G – report received and filed by CC.
Firefighter of the Year 2023, Sal Ibarra, was presented at council meeting Tuesday evening by Fire Chief Keith Gurrola (see photo).

9.A ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR
PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 19-01, MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET SIDEWALK
EXTENSION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR
CONTRUCTION BIDS

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the extension of the sidewalk on the west side of Mountain View Street between Ventura Street and Santa Clara Street, known as Project Specification No. 19-01 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids.
9.B ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO.22-03, CITY HALL PLAZA RESTORATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for restoration of certain items in disrepair within the City Hall Plaza, known as Project Specification No. 22-03 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for construction bids.

9.C ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-03, PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and estimate (“PS&E”) for the preservation of pavement on various street segment that includes sidewalk repairs, curb and gutter repairs, and replacement of certain curb ramps for ADA compliance, known as Project Specification No. 23-03 (“Project”), and authorize the advertisement of the Project for constructionbids.

9.D INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.28 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW OIL WELL DRILLING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FROM RESIDENCES AND SCHOOLS AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

9.E FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES.
RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the First Amendment to Willdan Engineering Contract for City Engineer Services and authorize the City Manager to sign the First Amendment to the contract.

9.F CONSIDERATION OF TWO CONTRACTS, ONE FOR GIS SOFTWARE AND ONE FOR SUPPORT FOR THE SOFTWARE.

9.G UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF THE 2024 AQUATIC SEASON.

RECOMMENDATION Discuss and provide guidance on staffing the Aquatic Center this season and/or exploring alternative solutions.

9.H APPROVE THE 2024-2025 AGREEMENT WITH FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FUND TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve an agreement with Fillmore Unified School District for the continuation of two (s) deputy sheriff positions in the City’s existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) for fiscal year 2024-25.

9.I INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESMETNS FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.02 AND HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 2007-1. 9.J REVIEW OF THE ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS AND THE INTENT TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING OF A PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-3998 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.

9.J REVIEW OF THE ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS AND THE INTENT TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING OF A PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-3998 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.

Police bring awareness to Agricultural Theft Trends in the community. Thieves staged large quantities of illegally picked avocados in bags, crates, and other containers within the orchard in an apparent attempt to steal the avocados at a later time. Photos courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
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Narrative:
The Fillmore Investigations Bureau, in partnership with the agricultural community, has noticed trends regarding thefts of avocados and other agricultural equipment in the areas of Fillmore and Santa Paula, California.

In several recent cases, agricultural thieves have staged large quantities of illegally picked avocados in bags, crates, and other containers within the orchard in an apparent attempt to steal the avocados at a later time. Thankfully, vigilant ranch owners, and their employees, have promptly reported these incidents to law enforcement and prevented the suspect(s) from completing the thefts. In other recent cases, thieves have been observed driving their vehicles onto the victims’ property, stealing large quantities of crops, and quickly fleeing the area upon being discovered by employees.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to being present and available for the communities we serve. In addition to vigilantly patrolling our agricultural areas, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to provide the community with the following crime prevention tips:

Note any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice on or around your property and send the information to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Call Sheriff’s Dispatch immediately if the subjects are still present or nearby. Emergency: 911 or Non-Emergency: (805) 654-9511.
Install a surveillance camera system to monitor structures, sheds, container boxes, and entrances and exits. Preferably a system that can be live streamed and monitored remotely for the greatest coordination between law enforcement.
Consider installing a fence, or other barrier, around your property to limit and control avenues of ingress and egress. These physical barriers not only serve as a deterrent, but also significantly reduce a suspect(s) ability to enter and exit the property, on foot or in a vehicle, without being noticed by employees or captured on an accompanying surveillance camera system.

The Fillmore Patrol Station encourages the agricultural community to utilize “Farm Watch,” a partnership between the farming community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Farm Watch is a county-wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to more than several hundred farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. This program provides information to ranchers on agriculture crime trends and on how to react and treat the crime scene so that potential evidence is preserved for immediate processing by deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Detective John Grunhold
News Release Date: April 24th, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Fillmore Police Chief

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).

Pictured are Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez and Lions Club President Stephen McQuian. Article/Photo credit Brandy Hollis.
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Fillmore Lions Club got an extra special treat from our Fillmore Autism Spectrum advocate, Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez, on Monday night. She brought in a short film about her son Noah, and the unique qualities that make him special.
Noah himself brought up such a good point in the film; even if he isn’t responding the way people might expect, that doesn’t mean he isn’t always listening--Noah’s always listening.

Noah is blessed to have his mom be a warrior in our little town for positive change. She is part of the City of Fillmore’s Cultural Arts & Recreation Commission. Along with serving the city by evoking change with sensory friendly time added to our activities, she also is a big children’s sports advocate. Already involved in AYSO, Nancy brought Fillmore AYSO’s EPIC program which stands for EVERYONE PLAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY. This program is designed to meet special accommodations for children who need it.

Along with EPIC, Nancy partnered with our City Manager David Rowlands, to roll out an adaptive basketball league, Fillmore Legends. After a successful test run, expect to also see this on the city menu of more inclusive activities, where all included, not excluded.

Fillmore is so thankful to have such an advocate of positive change in our community and people like Nancy, who have a heart of gold, need our community’s continued support. I know I will personally continue to support her endeavors in putting kids first.

Thank you to fellow Lion Club member Inger Overton for inviting Nancy to talk about the changes she has made and growth of these new programs. Go, Nancy!