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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 27th, 2024
 On Monday, June 24, at 8:21 p.m., Fillmore Police, Fillmore Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a vehicle into structure in the 300 block of River Street. Arriving deputies found a white SUV with minor to moderate damage to car and house. AMR Paramedics treated the patient and no ambulance transport was made. Cause is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, June 21st, 2024
 On Thursday, June 20, at 11:38 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department and surrounding fire stations responded to a boat fire in the 1600 block of Grand Avenue. Arriving firefighters discovered a boat on fire, as well as dry grass blazing in the next-door backyard property. Firefighters on the scene extinguished the fire in minutes. Ventura County Fire investigators were also sent; cause is under investigation. Photo credit: Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91 Enlarge Photo |
 On June 11, at 2:07pm, police responded to numerous calls from residents hearing gun shots near the 300 block of 3rd Street in Fillmore. The above photo was taken at the scene on June 11, 2024. On June 13, multiple units arrested two suspects, Nathaniel Marrufo, 21, and Juanluis Orozco, 19, in connection with the shooting. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
On 06/13/2024, detectives with the Sheiff’s Major Crimes Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations arrested Nathaniel Marrufo and Juanluis Orozco for assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm. On 06/11/2024, at approximately 2:07 P.M., the Sheriff’s Communication Center received several 911-calls about shots being heard in the area of the 300-block of 3rd Street and a vehicle speeding away. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received additional calls of an additional shooting in the 300-block of 2nd Street and several subjects running away from the area of the shooting. Deputies from the Fillmore Police Station were dispatched to the 300-block of 3rd Street. The responding patrol deputies located evidence of the two shootings. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Headquarters Patrol Station Investigations Unit responded to investigate the incident. For the next couple of days, detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, and West County Special Enforcement Unit collaborated together and identified the suspects of the shooting as Nathaniel Marrufo and Juanluis Orozco. On 06/13/2024, detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, and West County Special Enforcement Unit located Marrufo and Orozco in the 1200-block of Mountain View Avenue in the city of Oxnard and arrested them for the shooting. Search warrants were executed at their residences, located along the 900-block of “B” Street in Fillmore and 300-block of 3rd Street in Fillmore, yielding additional evidence linking the suspects to the shootings. Report Number: 24-71618 (S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent Detective Christopher Vorzimer Detective Nicole Grover Prepared by: Francisco Jauregui |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
 On Saturday, June 15, at 8:24 p.m., the Fillmore Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of Foothill Drive. While firefighters were on the way, smoke and flames could be seen in the neighborhood. Fillmore fire chief reported a small brush fire with no structural threat. Neighbors suspected that the fire had started due to fireworks. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
 On behalf of the Fillmore Rotary Club, President Scott Beylik presented a check for $1,400 to Jan Marholin of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for the Boys & Girls Club STEM Day for Kids Summer event. Also present were Board Members Gary Cushing and Rotarian Lalo Malagon. Pictured (l-r) are Rotary President Scott Beylik, Jan Marholin, along with Board Members Gary Cushing and Lalo Malagon. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
 On Saturday, June 15, at 10:58 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department investigated a hit-and-run incident at Edison Lane and Edison Way. When deputies arrived, it was discovered that an unknown number of people had fled the area, and a truck and van had been hit by a silver Infinity. Deputies discovered empty beer cans at the accident scene. No arrests were made, and the crash is being investigated. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
June 14, 2024 – The City of Fillmore, in collaboration with SPIRIT of Santa Paula, Ventura County Continuum of Care, Peoples Self Help Housing, Many Mansions, and CalTrans, is excited to announce an application for $1.4 million in funding through the Encampment Resolution Funding Program (ERF-3-R). This initiative is sponsored by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness. This vital funding will bolster a comprehensive effort to provide both immediate and long-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness in Fillmore and Ventura County. • SPIRIT of Santa Paula: Shelter and interim housing These partnerships will address the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations by offering secure and stable housing environments. The blend of emergency shelter and permanent housing units is designed to transition individuals from temporary to permanent housing, ensuring a sustainable resolution to homelessness. “We are dedicated to addressing the homelessness crisis in our community through holistic and compassionate methods,” said David W. Rowlands, City Manager, City of Fillmore. “Our collaboration with committed partners and the support from the Encampment Resolution Funding Program will profoundly impact the lives of many individuals and families.” The Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a critical resource, enabling communities to develop effective strategies to resolve encampments and create pathways to permanent housing. With this funding, we aim to improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness and contribute to the broader efforts to end homelessness in California. Community Contact: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
 On Saturday, June 15, at 10:25 p.m., Fillmore Police Department officers were conducting traffic control at the intersection of B Street and Ventura Street. It was known that a semi-truck had struck the traffic signal pole, fleeing the scene, causing the intersection light to go out. Ventura Street traffic, both eastbound and westbound, was moving at a constant pace. One pedestrian was nearly hit by vehicles that did not stop. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
 On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Rio Vista Elementary School hosted a First Responders Rapid Response Training in partnership with Fillmore Unified, Fillmore Fire, Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT and County Fire. The training emphasizes a systematic approach to problem solving where participants are trained to integrate and manage a multi-discipline response to active killer / mass casualty scenarios. Residents in the area were notified and signs were posted of a Police Training in progress as they conducted the training in and outside the school. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, the Fillmore Fire Department and the Fillmore Unified School District, will host First Responder Rapid Response Training at Rio Vista Elementary School on June 15, 2024. As our community’s first responders, we are expected to maintain a high-level of competency and proficiency while responding to community needs. We are often called upon to assist with situations that are inherently dangerous and consist of numerous high-risk variables and multi-faceted complexities. The response to an active killer / mass casualty event is a task we have previously been required to handle and we are dedicated to remaining ready should we be called again in the future. The rapid response training is designed to increase first responder readiness to address active killer and mass casualty events. Utilizing a concepts-based approach to learning, the intent of the training is designed to prompt synergistic thinking and allow first responders to acquire and process facts and skills through the conceptual level of thinking. The training emphasizes a systematic approach to problem solving where participants are trained to integrate and manage a multi-discipline response to a full range of active killer / mass casualty scenarios. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to expeditiously neutralize the threat, provide time-sensitive medical care, and facilitate the transportation of victims to the hospital. On June 15, 2024, residents in the area of Rio Vista elementary School may hear commotion coming from the training site, including simulated gunfire. The training site will be visibly marked with “Police Training in Progress” signs and other markings to designate the site as a training area. Location: Rio Vista Elementary School, Fillmore Prepared by: Detective John Grunhold |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 20th, 2024
 On June 8, 2024, Seniors were whisked away for an all-night cruise to celebrate their graduation. Established back in 1991 by Raelene Chaney, to keep FHS graduates in our community safe after celebrating their Graduation. It’s a non-profit organization, which folded for a short time due to health reasons but has since been brought back for Fillmore Seniors. The kids are transported directly after the ceremony and put on a bus to for a night on a cruise ship to celebrate and dance the night away. Grad Nite Live continues today for Fillmore youth. A cruise ship is complete with “gambling”, dancing, food and fun times was offered to all graduating seniors. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91 Enlarge Photo |
 On June 15, 2024, residents in the area of Rio Vista elementary School may hear commotion coming from the training site, including simulated gunfire. The training site will be visibly marked with “Police Training in Progress” signs and other markings to designate the site as a training area. Gazette stock photo. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, the Fillmore Fire Department and the Fillmore Unified School District, will host First Responder Rapid Response Training at Rio Vista Elementary School on June 15, 2024. As our community’s first responders, we are expected to maintain a high-level of competency and proficiency while responding to community needs. We are often called upon to assist with situations that are inherently dangerous and consist of numerous high-risk variables and multi-faceted complexities. The response to an active killer / mass casualty event is a task we have previously been required to handle and we are dedicated to remaining ready should we be called again in the future. The rapid response training is designed to increase first responder readiness to address active killer and mass casualty events. Utilizing a concepts-based approach to learning, the intent of the training is designed to prompt synergistic thinking and allow first responders to acquire and process facts and skills through the conceptual level of thinking. The training emphasizes a systematic approach to problem solving where participants are trained to integrate and manage a multi-discipline response to a full range of active killer / mass casualty scenarios. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to expeditiously neutralize the threat, provide time-sensitive medical care, and facilitate the transportation of victims to the hospital. On June 15, 2024, residents in the area of Rio Vista elementary School may hear commotion coming from the training site, including simulated gunfire. The training site will be visibly marked with “Police Training in Progress” signs and other markings to designate the site as a training area. Location: Rio Vista Elementary School, Fillmore Prepared by: Detective Jhon Grunhold |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 On June 11, at approximately 2:07pm, Fillmore Patrol Deputies responded to a disturbance in the area of Third and Clay Street in the City of Fillmore. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received several calls reference hearing gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, deputies located evidence of a shooting. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes responded and were on scene to assist with the investigation. Copter 9 was called in to try and locate any suspects. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the dispatch line (805-654-9511) or Crime Stoppers. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can contact our dispatch line. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
On June 7, 2024, at approximately 12:40 AM, Fillmore Patrol deputies responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Foothill Drive in the city of Fillmore. Our Sheriff’s Communication Center received several calls reporting a large fight, hearing gunshots, and a traffic accident in the area. Upon arrival, deputies determined a hit and run collision occurred and located evidence of a shooting. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes Bureau responded to assist with the investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the detectives listed below or Crime Stoppers, also at the below listed number. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/foot... The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. 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. Nature of Incident: Shooting Investigation - Request for Public Assistance Report Number: 24-69644 Date & Time: June 7, 2024 @ 12:40 A.M. Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 On Thursday evening, June 6, Fillmore deputies responded to a large fight involving 15-20 subjects. Deputies arrived and made attempts to break up the fight. As additional deputies arrived, the involved subjects fled the area. No injuries were reported and SRO’s are working with Fillmore patrol detectives to identify the aggressors in an ongoing investigation. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 On Tuesday, June 4, around 10:45 p.m., a patrol sergeant contacted three juveniles who were in a parked vehicle at Blaine Avenue and B Street. During the contact, the sergeant observed what appeared to be a handgun in plain view on the floorboard of the vehicle. The sergeant called for additional resources and the juveniles were ordered out of the vehicle for officer safety reasons. A search of the vehicle revealed the firearm was a pellet gun. Based on the investigation, all three juveniles were cited and released for violation of curfew, possession of marijuana, and possession of graffiti tools. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
n collaboration with Farm Watch, the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation 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 apprehension of an agricultural theft group. On 06/09/2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to a call-for-service at a local ranch reference an avocado theft. The reporting party provided Sheriff’s Dispatch detailed information, which led to patrol resources locating the suspect vehicle fleeing the area. An enforcement stop was conducted on the vehicle, which was determined to be occupied by several individuals; all of which resided out of the area in Norwalk, CA. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of hundreds of pounds of stolen avocados. David Melchor, Jesus Pozos, Valentin Pozos, and Epifania Pozos were arrested for felonious violations of Penal Code § 487(b)(1)(a) – [Agricultural Grand Theft] and 182(a)(1) – [Criminal Conspiracy]. They were also arrested for Penal Code § 602.8(a) – [Trespassing]. The stolen avocados were returned to the ranch while all four subjects were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings. 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. Report Number: 24-70748 (S)uspects: (S) David Melchor Norwalk, CA 18 Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 On Wednesday, June 5, at 9:19 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were investigating a two-vehicle collision that resulted with a Jeep plunging into a ditch in the 1700 block of Grimes Canyon Road, Bardsdale. No ambulance transports were made; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 On Thursday night, June 6, at 7pm, Fillmore High hosted their 2024 Graduation Ceremony at the Fillmore High Football Stadium, where the students took their final walk across the stage as their family, friends, faculty and staff cheered them on. Congratulations Class of 2024 on your many accomplishments and accolades: 2024 California Distinguished School, $354,587awarded at FHS Senior Scholarship Awards Night, California Scholarship Federation (CSF) – 48 students, State Seal of Biliteracy – 53 students, Golden State Seal Merit – 42 students, Valedictorians – 19 students, A-G Completion – 106 students (45% of graduating class), Admitted to UCs – 27 students, Admitted to over 35 different Universities and Colleges (different 18 CSUs, 7 UCs, Westcliff University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and CLU), Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program - Three Semi-finalists, Armed Forces – 2 students, 1 U.S. Navy, 1 U.S. Marine Corps. Congratulations and good luck FHS Class of 2024! You can view the entire graduation ceremony at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOgUSkhqtqo. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-Firephoto_91. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 13th, 2024
 The Sierra High and Heritage Valley Independent Study graduation ceremony at the Fillmore District Office, on June 5 celebrated a total of 53 graduates. Highlights included inspiring speeches from two student speakers, one being Lexi Martinez, honored as Sierra High’s Student of the Year. Superintendent Christine Schieferle shared encouraging words during the ceremony, and longtime independent study teacher Ms. Wojciecowski delivered and impactful keynote address. School Board president Olivia Palacio conferred the graduates, making it a truly memorable event for the graduates and everyone in attendance. You can view the ceremony via YouTube using this link at https://www.youtube.com/live/CVP3-OOkY3o. Photo credit https://www.facebook.com/FUSDWarriors/posts/pfbid02fAQRnQ9W5vnWZwrrzx9dVMYDcXKNBHzGTFhvZynUxKfDjWg51QCScqsNYQmzqqDKl. Enlarge Photo |
