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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 On Monday, January 5th, the California Highway Patrol and Ventura County Fire responded to a traffic accident involving a double trailer big-rig carrying kale, and a Toyota Prius. At approximately 6:50pm the truck was coming out of a private driveway and the Toyota struck the first trailer tire. the driver of Toyota was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with moderate to major injuries. Highway 126 at Center Street was shut down for about an hour while the debris from the truck and the blockage was cleared. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Alfonso Vargas, Fillmore, 35 On the evening of New Year’s day, Alfonso Vargas attended a party on the 1100 block of Mockingbird. While at the party, he produced a hand gun and fired 4 to 6 shots into the backyard of the residence. Neighbors reported hearing the gun fire and called for police assistance. Deputies responded and identified Mr. Vargas as the suspect in the illegal shooting. Mr. Vargas was located at the party in possession of a semi-auto hand gun at the time the deputies made contact. Mr. Vargas was arrested and charged with 243.3(a) PC, Negligent Discharge of a Firearm and 30305 (a) (1) PC, A Person Prohibited from Possessing a Firearm. He was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Facility. The public is reminded that firing firearms in celebration of the holidays and other events is a crime and always dangerous. This is especially true in areas with greater population density like our cities and rural communities. Nature of Incident: Recklessly Discharging a Firearm During the Holiday Season 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Monica McGrath Commander Monica McGrath has been selected as the new Chief of Police for the City of Camarillo by City Manager Bruce Feng. McGrath will replace Commander Guy Stewart, who is being promoted to Assistant Sheriff and will lead the Sheriff’s Special Services Division and Detention Services Division. Commander McGrath is a 27-year member of the Sheriff’s Office. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, she attended Trenton State College and earned her bachelor’s degree in Administrative Business Management in 1985. Commander McGrath moved to Ventura in 1986 and joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1987. She spent a majority of her career working in the contract City of Camarillo in various positions such as patrol deputy, youth officer, detective sergeant, and as the captain of the station serving under then Commander Steve DeCesari. McGrath has also served as the Chief of Police in Fillmore. In addition her experience includes working as a sexual assault investigator, academy training officer, internal affairs investigator, property crimes detective sergeant, and overseeing patrol operations as a watch commander. She was promoted to the rank of commander in March 2014 and has been leading the West County Patrol Services Bureau, which includes the contract cities of Fillmore and Ojai, the Lockwood Valley Station, the Headquarters Station, the Sheriff’s Communication Center and the Office of Emergency Services. Throughout her career, Commander McGrath has been involved in many community based organizations including Rotary, Interface Children and Family Services, Executive Board Member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls Club, and serves on the Ventura County Community Commission. Some of her accomplishments involve working closely with the community based organization City Impact of Ventura County. Together, they applied for and were awarded grants to combat gang violence and to utilize intervention efforts to encourage at risk youth to stay away from the gang culture. In 2005, Commander McGrath graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. While assigned to Camarillo and working in various assignments through the rank of captain, she was awarded Rookie of the Year, Kiwanis Officer of the Year, and the Community Hero award from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Nature of Incident: New Chief of Police in the City of Camarillo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 A winter freeze hit much of the Ventura County over the New Year’s weekend, including Fillmore orchards. This orange tree on Grand Avenue show the extent of the damage. A Frost Advisory was announced Thursday, January 1st for 1:00am to 9:00am. Temperatures dipped into the 30s, as snow fell in Ventura’s backcountry. The National Weather Service reported, “With clear skies, light winds, and a cold, dry airmass still in polace, another cold night and morning is on tap for tonight into Friday morning.” Hard freeze warnings were issued “conditions will kill unprotected crops and sensitive vegetation.” Photo Courtesy Fechtner Farm. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 This sedan ended up in a ditch on Highway 23, Chambersburg Road, at Pasadena Avenue in Bardsdale, Monday at 1:30pm. The truck sustained frontend damage on the bumper. An ambulance was on scene. Minor injuries were reported by the CHP. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
 Fillmore Fire rescue crews responded to a traffic accident at Haines Canyon Road and East Telegraph (eastbound Highway 126), on Wednesday, December 30th, at 6:05pm. CHP reported that a semi-truck lost its side paneling, which may have added to the cause of the accident. A white Toyota Prius and white Honda were involved. Two vehicles sustained moderate damage. One person was trasnported to the hospital. No serious injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 5th, 2015
Police asking anyone with information to contact them
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Monday, January 5, 2015, at approximately 3:55 a.m. the Ventura County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a female resident of the location reporting her husband tried to set her on fire. Deputies from the Moorpark Patrol Station and Ventura County Fire Personnel responded and determined a fire occured. The woman suffered significant injuries and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The investigation is continuing. Detectives are actively seeking the suspect identified as Juan Soria Hernandez, described as a Hispanic male, 5'7", 200 lbs., black hair and brown eyes, and facial hair. Soria is believed to be driving a white, 2005 Ford F250 4x4, license 86644S1/CA (see attached photographs of suspect and vehicle). The truck has a white toolbox and fuel tank in the bed and large tires. Suspect has access to firearms. Anybody that sees the suspect or truck is urged to call 911. Anyone with information can contact Detective Peterson at (805) 384-4744. Nature of Incident: Attempt Murder 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). |
 The Fillmore Depot where the orientation will be held as it looked in 1911. Photo credit: Fillmore Historical Museum Archives Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Monday, January 5th, 2015
The Fillmore Historical Museum will be holding an orientation for new volunteers on Saturday, January 10th. Tours will be given beginning at 1 pm with the orientation starting at 2:00 pm in the Depot. Find out about volunteer opportunities at the museum including: docent (regular shift and/or special events), Fillmore history book project, oral history project, accessioning/data entry. gift shop, gardening/grounds upkeep, re-enactments and community outreach/museum in a suitcase. The Museum is located at 340 Main Street, Fillmore. For more information, call Fillmore Historical Museum 805-524-0948. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
 A car went off the road into a ditch shortly after 7am in the 1500 block of Riverside Avenue, Bardsdale, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Fire Department. Ambulances were called to the area for two occupants, both transported to an area hospital, according to county fire officials. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
 The shooting suspects crash the stolen getaway car into a Palm tree at Highway 126 and Old Telegraph Road, while leaving the crime scene. Photo by Fillmore Gazette staff. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
 A two-car accident took place on First and B Streets on Friday, December 19th at 6:30pm. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 29th, 2014
Police asking anyone with information to contact them
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Fillmore Police and Fillmore Fire Department were dispatched to a call of a gunshot victim. The victim told police he was walking with his brother in the area of Fourth Street and B Street when they were confronted by suspects in a vehicle who began shooting at them. The victim and his brother were able to run away. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Shortly after the shooting, a vehicle lost control and crashed in the area of Old Telegraph Road and SR-126. The three occupants of the vehicle were arrested after it was discovered the vehicle was stolen from the city of Ventura. The investigation determined the three occupants of the vehicle were responsible for the earlier shooting and were fleeing the area when they lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The three suspects were arrested and booked for 664/187 PC (attempted murder), 10851(a) VC (stolen vehicle) and 186.22 PC (street terrorism) into the Ventura County Jail – Pre Trial Detention Facility. All three will be arraigned on 12/31/14 at the Ventura County Superior Court. The bails are set as following: Steven Cortez: $1,010,000.00 The Sheriff's Gang Unit is conducting follow-up investigation on the case. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Doug Gojkovich at 805 765-0627. Nature of Incident: Drive By Shooting Arrests 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 24th, 2014
 Christmas crowd decended on the Fillmore Fire station Saturday, December 20th for the Annual Toy Drive Give-away. About 1,500 children, more than 300 families, received toys at the popular event, which began 15 years ago. Most of the toys were donated thanks to the Annual Chicken Dinner Toy Drive, a week earlier. As usual, Santa showed up on the department’s ladder truck and had his picture taken with all the nice, not naughty, children. Donations of food were also provided to the families. Fillmore FFA made popcorn and Sespe 4-H made cotton candy for the kids and the young at heart. Helping Santa, besides his elves, was Fillmore Rotary, the Ventura County Sheriffs Fillmore station, and the Fillmore Search & Rescue squad. Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros was on-hand also helping Santa. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Arrested for recruiting juveniles into a gang: Brad Beltran of Fillmore 25, Vincent Meraz of Piru 23, Salvador Velgara of San Fernando 26, Damien Virgen of Fillmore 23, Rudy Meraz of Piru 18, Joseph Cabral of Fillmore 25. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 24th, 2014
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 12/19/2014, investigators and deputies served a multi-location search warrant related to an investigation involving the recruitment of two juveniles into a criminal street gang that operates in the Fillmore area. Arrests were made as a result of the investigation. A photo of the gang members and video footage of the gang “Jump in” is available via web link http://goo.gl/J2GQbs. A Spanish audio file of the news story by a Sheriff’s public information officer, Deputy Judith Porter, is available via web link http://goo.gl/dWpykN. On 10/31/14, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a search warrant in the City of San Fernando in Los Angeles County at the residence of Salvador Velgara. Velgara is a documented member of a criminal street gang that operates in the city of Fillmore and surrounding communities. Investigators located three firearms and methamphetamine possessed for the purpose of sales. Investigators also located a digital camera that contained two videos of a gang initiation rite known as a “Jump In.” A “Jump in” is a violent introduction to the gang in which the new member is subjected to a physical assault by his fellow gang members. Investigators identified the two subjects being “Jumped in” as juvenile residents of the City of Fillmore. California Penal Code section 186.26 (solicitation or recruitment to participate in a criminal street gang) makes it a felony to recruit someone into a gang with specific enhancements for the use of violence and additional enhancements when the person being recruited is a juvenile. Sheriff’s Gang Unit investigators learned that the “Jump in” took place in March of 2013 in the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Del Valle Drive in Fillmore, CA. Investigators identified the participants of the “Jump in” as Brad Beltran, Vincent Meraz, Salvador Velgara, Damien Virgen, Rudy Meraz, and two male juveniles who are both age16. On 12/19/2014, a combined team of 36 Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies served warrants at five locations to retrieve evidence related to the crime. During the service of the warrants, Vincent Meraz, Rudy Meraz and one of the juveniles were arrested for violating Penal Code section 186.26. Brad Beltran and Salvador Velgara who were already in custody on other charges were also arrested by detectives for violating Penal Code section 186.26. Damien Virgen was contacted by phone and later turned himself in. Joseph Cabral was arrested after detectives found a collapsible baton, methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine pipe in his bedroom. Nature of Incident: Gang Members Arrested for Recruiting Juveniles in Fillmore Date & Time: 12/19/2014 @ 0700 hours 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 24th, 2014
 On Saturday, December 20th, at approximately 5:30pm, an eastbound vehicle rear-ended another eastbound vehicle, which struck a third eastbound vehicle. The accident took place on Highway 126, close to the Old Red Barn (Christmas tree farm). The chain reaction caused one of the cars to enter westbound traffic and strike two more cars. Two of the cars overturned, trapping the occupants. Six people were injured, including one infant. All six were transported by ambulances to area hospitals; none of the injuries were life-threatening. The first vehicle that started the chain reaction did not stop; the California Highway Patrol is seeking the driver. Westbound lanes were closed for several hours, with traffic in both directions diverted to the eastbound lanes. Photos courtesy Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 24th, 2014
 Newly elected Congresswoman Julia Brownley was involved in a minor traffic accident at the corner of Highway 126 and Central Avenue, Saturday, at 2:09pm. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2014
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 A Proclamation honoring Nativedad Cano for his contribution to Mariachi Music was presented to his daughters Alejandra and Natalie at Tuesday’s council meeting by Mayor Manuel Minjares. Cano moved to Fillmore in 1990 and passed away October 3, 2014. He was a visiting professor at UCLA and won a Grammy in 2008 for his music. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, December 17th, 2014
During the Special December 16, 2014 City Council meeting a new Mayor for the City of Fillmore was selected, Mayor Douglas Tucker, along with new Mayor Pro Tem Diane McCall. Tucker thanked the out-going Mayor Manuel Minjares and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Neal for their professionalism and their helping setting the City on sound financial ground. Minjares responded telling Tucker, “You will be a good mayor.” The meeting began with a Proclamation honoring Nativedad Cano for his contribution to Mariachi Music. Cano was born in Ahuisculco, Jalisco, Mexico July 23, 1933 and passed away October 3, 2014. He moved to Fillmore in 1990, where he lived with his family and loved the town. Cano was a visiting professor at UCLA and won a Grammy in 2008 for his music. The Proclamation was accepted by his daughters Alejandra and Natalie. Council Members were then asked what committees, commissions, liaisons and outside agency appointments each would consider being on. The appointments: Manual Minjares; School Board Liaison, Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Ventura COG, Fillmore Development Council, Ventura County Transportation Commission, Air Pollution Control District alternate, North Fillmore Neighborhood Commission alternate. Diane McCall; School Board Liaison, Animal Regulation, Heritage Valley Tourism, Chamber of Commerce. Douglas Tucker; Air Pollution Control District, North Fillmore Neighborhood Commission, Planning Commission, Economic Development Council-Ventura County, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance. Rick Neal; Heritage Valley Tourism, Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Economic Development Council-Ventura County, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Development Council. Carrie Broggie; Film Commission, Planning Commission, Veterans Memorial, Parks and Recreation Commission. Two student representatives, Angel Cisneros and Sara Beylik, were then appointed to one year on the Parks and Recreation Commission along with two Commissioners, Geraldine Lee and Camilla Conaway, who will serve for four years. The Special meeting ended within an hour. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2014
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2014
 Groundbreaking has begun at the Business Park, corner of Highway 126 and C Street. The rains may cause a slight delay but the long-awaited development has started. Enlarge Photo |
