A 27-year-old Piru resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore and unincorporated community of Piru.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left
unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

On 05/25/24, diligent community members reported graffiti vandalism occurring in the City of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and located t

Mutant City Horror presents First annual Happy Fright Film Festival at the Fillmore Towne Theatre.

Get in on the ground floor and join us October 18-19 for the first annual Happy Fright Film Festival at the Fillmore Town Theatre moderated by Mutant City Horror.

A two-day event celebrating independent horror movies, music, vending, and stand-up comedy.
Friday, October 18, 8pm.

Special screening of George A. Romero’s 1968 iconic: Night of the Living Dead – presented in classic 16mm print courtesy of Record Outlet, Thousand Oaks, Ca.

Saturday, October 19, 12pm – 10pm

All day film festival with special screenings of “Night of the Missing” starring Gigi Gustin, Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses) followed by a live cast and crew Q&A moderated by Mutant City Horror, along with a screening of award winning “Cannibal Comedian” and a variety of horror shorts from independent film makers around the country.
Horror marketplace and vendors with classic arcade pop-up.

Stand up-comedy from Pancho Moler as seen in Rob Zombie’s “31”, and “3 From Hell”.
Live music from psychobilly ghoul rock-band – Six Silver Bullets.
And more…

20% discount to the first 50 buyers! Use code HAPPYFRIGHT. Cost listed online as $7.18.
All films rated R — Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian.

On October 3, 2024, over 500 emergency personnel responded to a fire that broke out near lake Piru and quickly grew, burning approximately 367 acres, and as of Monday, at 8:24am, the fire was out per the National Interagency Fire Center. Courtesy https://app.watchduty.org/i/35485. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo

On Thursday, October 3rd, at 12:45 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire near Lake Piru. Arriving first engine reported a 10-15 acre. By 2:30 p.m. the fire was mapped at 239 acres before it grew to 300 acres by late afternoon. Authorities issued an evacuation order for the Lake Piru recreation area, including Dominguez Canyon, soon after the fire broke out. By 8 a.m. Friday, they downgraded the order to an evacuation warning, meaning people should be prepared to leave. Piru Canyon Road was closed in both directions from Lime Canyon Road to the lake, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. The hot weather and dry brush made for “an explosive situation” when the fire first took off, said Chad Cook, deputy chief of the Ventura County Fire Department. Flames quickly spread and the fire ran from Lake Piru near the Santa Felicia Dam and jumped Piru Canyon. Flames burned on both sides of the road and made a run up the canyon toward the campground. Roughly 500 fire personnel were involved in battling the blaze, including 250 firefighters, officials said. Additional crews responded from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the U.S. Forest Service. Engine, dozer and hand-crews worked to douse flames on the ground, while helicopters, tankers and other aircraft dropped water and Phos-Chek retardant. By late Thursday afternoon crews had made good progress where the fire started and the entire left flank of the blaze, where flames had potential to head towards the town of Piru, and firefighters made it a priority. Authorities evacuated the campground near Lake Piru early on, said Tony Huynh, risk and safety manager at the United Water Conservation District, which manages the lake and recreation area. Fire engines were assigned to protect structures in the Lake Piru area. People left in the area – park rangers, campground hosts and some guests who had been on the lake fishing or jet skiing before the fire – were sheltering in place in the marina parking lot, according to Huynh shortly after 3 p.m., Thursday. Rangers were able to start escorting guests and visitors out of the area and down Piru Canyon Road after 5 p.m. The National Weather Service said temperatures in the area reached around 100 degrees Thursday. Humidity levels of 15 to 20% and wind gusts up to 20 mph were reported near the lake. Conditions were expected to remain hot and dry through the weekend.

John Garnica was one of many citizens who spoke on the direction the LBGTZIA+ agenda is taking in Fillmore. Garnica is running for Fillmore City Council Seat District 2, against incumbent Mark Austin.
Enlarge Photo

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
6:30 PM CITY HALL

All items passed 5-0, except 9A – which NO Action was taken.
AGENDA

1.CALL TO ORDER

2.PLEDGE OF ALLE-GIANCE

3.ROLL CALL

4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5.PRESENTATIONS

5.A MOMENTUM WORK, INC. PRESE-NTATION

6.PUBLIC COMMENTS

7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMME-NDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

8.CON-SENT CALENDAR RECOMME-NDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8C. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - CITY COUNCIL REGUALR MEETING MINUTES.PDF

8.B CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 8, 2024

CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-OCTOBER 8, 2024.PDF

8.C ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.39 TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROHIBITIONS ON DANGEROUS FIREWORKS

SR FIREWORKS ORDINANCE 24-975.PDF

9.NEW BUSINESS

9.A CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON AB 1955 - SUPPORT ACADEMIC FUTURES AND EDUCATORS FOR TODAYS YOUTH ACT
SR - AB1955 DISCUSSION.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council discuss AB 1955 and provide feedback and direction: 1. Direct staff to prepare a resolution in support of AB 1955. 2. Direct staff to prepare a resolution in opposition to AB 1955. 3. Do not do anything. 4. Provide other directions to staff.

9.B AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-04

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Public Restroom Company for the purchase and delivery of a modular restroom building for Delores Day Park, and 2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Wyatt Trapp, Inc. for the demolition of the existing structure, pad preparation, and final tie-in of utilities to the modular restroom building at Delores Day Park.

SR - AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR DELORES DAY PARK RESTROOMS.PDF

9.C CONSIDERATION OF SOLID WASTE SOLUTION INC. (SWS) CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR SERVICES STATE MANDATES AND ANNUAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING

SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO SOLID WASTE SOLUTIONS.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council award a three year contract extension (as a Second Amendment) to Solid Waste Solutions Inc. to continue to assist the City with implementation of the solid waste laws and mandates set forth by the State.

9.D CONSIDERATION OF A FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21-02 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21-02)

SR-GLASSCOCK - REMEDIATION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 4.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council: 1) Approve the Fourth Amendment to Property Remediation Agreement with 461 Central, LLC to extend the Conditions of Approval completion deadline to October 20, 2025.

10.COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

11.CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

12.CLOSED SESSION

12.A OCTOBER, 8, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION OCTOBER 8, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

13.ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

On September 15th, 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the area of East Telegraph Road and Texaco Road after reports of a gun shot heard in the area. A reporting party advised a male subject was observed loitering in a secluded area where the gunshot was heard. The male subject left the area immediately following the gunshot and was unable to be located by responding deputies after an extensive search of the area.

Detectives assigned to the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation conducted a follow-up investigation in conjunction with patrol deputies and identified the male subject as Fillmore resident David Lavine. Through the course of the investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies identified Lavine’s residence as being within quick walking distance from the area of the original call-for-service. A records check revealed Lavine is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms and/or ammunition. Based on the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant from a Judge of the Superior Court, Ventura Judicial District, ordering the search of Lavine, any vehicles associated to Lavine, and Lavine’s residence.

On October 1st, 2024, members of the West County Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Police Department, and Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant service at Lavine’s residence, located in the 200 Block of East Telegraph Road, City of Fillmore. While searching Lavine’s room within the residence, deputies discovered ammunition, a device believed to be a homemade destructive device, as well as substances and materials suspected of being components of a destructive device. Out of an abundance of caution for deputies and the surrounding neighborhood, bomb technicians assigned to the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad were called to the scene.

The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad is primarily responsible for the safe disposal of explosives and improvised explosive devises and are the agency’s experts at identifying substances and materials of destructive devices. Based on their analysis of the items located in Lavine’s room, it is alleged Lavine was in possession of a homemade destructive device and in possession of substances and materials with the intent to make a destructive device. The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad utilized their lengthy training and experience to diligently render the items safe. The items were seized as evidence and removed from the residence to eliminate any further danger to the neighborhood.

As a result of the search warrant, Lavine was found to be in violation of Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Penal Code § 18710 (a) – Felony Possession of a Destructive Device, and Penal Code § 18720 – Felony Possession of Destructive Device Materials. Lavine was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and remains in custody with a $200,000.00 bail amount.

Report Number: 24-116632
Location: 200 Block of East Telegraph Road, City of Fillmore
Date & Time: October 1st, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, West County Special Enforcment Unit, Ventura County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations

Suspects:
David Lavine Fillmore 54

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heersche
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malago

Courtesy Tasha Booth, Volunteer and Project Coordinator, Channel Islands Restoration

Join CIR as we host a family-friendly volunteer day at Lake Piru. Our mission? To clear invasive weeds along Piru Canyon Road, the main public access route to Piru Creek and the Los Padres National Forest.

Why It Matters

Public roads often serve as entry points for invasive plants, threatening local biodiversity and harming wildlife. By removing these weeds, we can help restore the natural beauty and ecological health of our forest.
What’s Happening

•Volunteer Work: Team up with fellow environmental advocates to tackle invasive weeds.
•Educational Talks: Hear from experts about the native ecology of the Piru Creek Watershed.
•Food and Refreshments: Enjoy lunch and snacks on us!
This is your chance to make a tangible difference in preserving our local environment. Bring your enthusiasm and commitment; we’ll provide everything else.
Join us in our effort to protect and nurture a healthy forest!
Directions: From Interstate 5 or Highway 101, take Scenic Highway 126 to Piru and go 6 miles north on Piru Canyon Road.
When You Volunteer With Us Please Remember:
•Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety
•Wear a long sleeve shirt for protection
•Bring sunscreen and a sunhat
•Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed
•Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day
•Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival
Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?
•Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.
•Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=153.
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=153
October 5, 2024

Fillmore, CA – With less than a month remaining before the upcoming November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election, residents of Fillmore are urged to take steps to ensure they are ready to cast their ballots. The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, has outlined key dates and procedures to help voters prepare for this important event.

(Ventura) – Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.

-Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days.

-Voters are encouraged to sign up for BallotTrax to receive email, text, or phone notifications of when their ballot is sent to them and received and counted by the Elections Office. This free service is available through the California Secretary of State’s Office by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov

-Instead of voting by mail, those who want to vote in person before the vote centers open can take advantage of early voting at the Elections Office beginning Oct. 7. Early voting is available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at the Elections Division at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura (ADA assistance is available). This is a good option for voters who will be out of town or unable to get to a vote center when they’re open.

As a California Voter’s Choice Act County, the Ventura Elections office will provide vote centers located throughout the county for in-person voting, registration assistance, and other voter services. Beginning Oct. 26, 11 vote centers will open throughout the county; 41 additional vote centers will open Nov. 2. Voters can utilize any vote center location in Ventura County at their convenience.

“As one of California’s 29 Voter’s Choice Act Counties, we are able to go above and beyond for our voters,” Ms. Ascencion said. “We hope people will use the voting method that works best for them to make their voice heard in this nationwide election. The Voter Information Guides and VenturaVote.org website are useful resources for voters, but they can always contact us for assistance, we are happy to help!”

For more information, including lists of official ballot drop box and vote center locations, visit the Ventura County Registrar of Voters website at VenturaVote.org. For assistance from the Elections Office, call 805-654-2664 or email elections@ventura.org.

To keep up with timely information released by the County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, please visit: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-clerk/county-clerk/press-rel...

Enlarge Photo

Fillmore, California – On September 27, 2024, three (3) drivers were cited for driving without a driver’s license and one (1) driver was cited for having an open container inside a vehicle at a DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint on September 27, 2024.
The DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint was held on Central Avenue near Santa Clara Street from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Three drivers were cited for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. A total of 164 drivers were contacted. One driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, a violation of VC 23222(a). Zero (0) drivers were arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.
Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Location: Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: September 27th from 7:00PM to 12:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department-Traffic Bureau, Camarillo Police Department-Traffic Bureau

Prepared by: Sergeant Gunnar Dike
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Chief of Police

On Sunday, September 29th, at 9:47 a.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol responded to a reported motorcycle traffic collision. The location was near South Mountain Road and Balcom Canyon, in the county between Fillmore and Santa Paula. According to the California Highway Patrol, a male was riding a 2009 Suzuki motorcycle west on South Mountain Road east of Balcom Canyon Road when he crossed the double yellow lines and collided with the front of a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee heading east on South Mountain Road. According to police, the individual died as a result of his injuries in the incident. The 33-year-old Ventura woman driving the jeep was uninjured and remained at the scene. The identity of the Simi Valley resident was not released by Sunday evening, pending notification of next of kin. A part of South Mountain Road east of Balcom Canyon Road was closed for nearly three hours later. The crash is not considered to have been caused by alcohol or drugs. Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the CHP Ventura Area office and speak with an investigator at (805)662-2640.

A large contingent of law enforcement resources shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in Santa Paula for the continued search for an armed and dangerous subject.

Deputies and Officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and Oxnard Police Department shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in the City of Santa Paula, in the continued search for Maximo Hernandez. Hernandez is wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on September 18, 2024, in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula near the 12th Street Bridge. Multiple deputies searched the Santa Clara riverbed that day but did not locate Hernandez.

Today, law enforcement learned Hernandez had been staying at the Harvard Motel located at 482 Harvard Boulevard. It was also believed Hernandez was still in possession of the firearm used on September 18. Specialized units from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Oxnard Police Department responded and begun efforts to evacuate residents and motel patrons in and around the Harvard Motel. This large contingent of resources included the SWAT team, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Tactical Negotiations Unit, Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, and the Ventura County Aviation Unit. A room-by-room search was conducted of the Harvard Motel, but Hernandez was not located.

At the time of this incident, Isbell Middle School, located across the street, was in session. Law enforcement officials from the Santa Paula Police Department were in contact with staff and the school was placed in lockdown as a precautionary measure. Isbell School was removed from lockdown protocols at around 1:00 pm and normal operations resumed.

Hernandez is currently wanted in connection with the shooting that occurred on September 18. Hernandez should be considered armed and dangerous. Hernandez is a Hispanic male, about 5’-4” inches tall, about 150 pounds, and has a tattoo on his neck that says “BC”. He also has a tattoo on the right side of his head that says, “Jonathan”, and a tattoo on his left forearm that says, “Hecho en Mexico” with an eagle.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Hernandez is asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511, 911, or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), callers can remain anonymous. Tips can also be sent by email to Detective Dustin Heersche at dustin.heersche@ventura.org or Detective John Grunhold at john.grunhold@ventura.org

Prepared by: Detective Chris Dyer
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon