Victor Westerberg
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Get ready to honor our Veterans on Friday, November 10th, with a Veterans Day Concert in the Park, Mac & D Duo @ 5pm-6:30pm, Los Amigos 805 @ 7pm-9pm, City Hall Plaza-see flyer online at www.FillmoreGazette.com, and in next week’s Gazette, page 10. On Saturday, November 11th, come enjoy the Veterans Day Parade at 10am, downtown Fillmore, followed by Veterans Ceremony at Fillmore Middle School (guest speaker Dick Diaz-see bio in Nov. 9th edition of Gazette) and BBQ-Veterans/Active Duty eat FREE, community $15/a plate. See Nov. 11th flyer for information online at www.FillmoreGazette.com, and in next week’s Gazette, page 10. Dual Grand Marshals Vic Westerberg (bio below), and Esmael Alonzo, (bio in next week’s Gazette) will lead the parade, sponsored by Fillmore-Piru Veteran’s Memorial District & Lions Club.

Veterans Day Grand

Marshal Victor Westerberg

Victor Westerberg U.S. Army Sergeant E-5 Vietnam 1967-1968 this year’s Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal on Sat. Nov. 11th, 2023. Victor Westerberg is a lifelong resident of Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School in the class of 1965. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in July of 1966. He served his basic training at Fort Ord, CA. He then was ordered to Fort Riley Kansas to serve 9 months of advanced training with the 63rd Armor a part of the Big Red One First Division. Vic was promoted to Specialist 4th Class before leaving Fort Riley. He was then ordered to Vietnam and was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (The Blackhorse Regiment) he was assigned to an armored personnel carrier as a gunner on the right side of the track. About halfway through his tour he was promoted to Sergeant E-5 and took over command of an armored personnel carrier Lima-33 and spent the rest of his time as a track commander behind a .50 caliber machine gun. Vic served during the 1968 Tet Offensive. He was awarded six times including the Combat Infantryman Badge and The Bronze Star Medal.
Several years after Vic returned from Vietnam he joined the Fillmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Vic held the position of Jr. Vice Commander for a few years and is currently a post trustee. He has participated in funeral services and Memorial Day Services at both Piru and Bardsdale cemeteries.

Mike Duckett a Memorial Board member at the time saw that the Honor Board in the hallway of the Memorial Building was in need of updating and organizing. Mike asked Vic to help with the project. They used Lance Montee a local contractor to build new panels for the wall.

Then Vic and Mike had the task of organizing the names on the panels. Vic has helped many families to get their loved ones name put on the Wall.

For years Vic has compiled a master list of over 700 names of Veterans from the Fillmore/ Piru and surrounding areas. He was instrumental in getting the names printed on a banner to be put in the Memorial Building.
Vic was born and raised in Fillmore. He and his wife Pat have been married for 45 years and they still live in Fillmore. They have a son, David, and daughter-in-law Cathee. Grandson Kyle and his wife Alicia, and two great grandchildren Amelia and Gunnar.

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During the month of October of 2023, law enforcement nationwide, including here in the city of Fillmore, has seen Chevy Silverado pick-up trucks as a target for vehicle thefts. They are being stolen for their resale value and catalytic converters. Because the trucks have a high ground clearance, it makes it easier to get underneath them and quickly cut off the air pollution control devices.

The Fillmore Police Department is asking citizens to be diligent and to make sure that any spare keys to their vehicles are accounted for, stored in a secure location, and not left in the vehicle. This includes any wallet or hide-a keys and key fobs. The vehicles targeted are 1999 -2006 Chevy Silverado pick-up trucks.

Many people have asked what they can do to help protect their vehicles. Here are some tips to help prevent vehicle theft:

• Park in a secured garage when possible or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by a passerby.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
• Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
• Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed.
• DO NOT leave keys inside the vehicle, make sure to remove any valuable items for the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

We are asking for our community’s help to prevent vehicle thefts. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233, or Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Often, these thieves are caught when an observant resident calls the police when something looks suspicious or does not seem quite right.

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.

Attached is a photograph of one of the recent suspects who was caught on Ring camera stealing a 2005 Chevy Silverado from 300 block of River Street in the city of Fillmore on October 9, 2023.

Nature of Incident: Public Awareness/Vehicle Thefts/Early Model Chevy Silverado Trucks
Location: Various locations throughout the City of Fillmore
Date & Time: October 2023
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

On Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, at 12:25am, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported fight in progress at Surrey Way and River Street, Fillmore. Arriving deputies found a known subject in possession of a switchblade knife and was cited for PC 21510(a), a crime to carry, possess, sell or give away a switchblade. This is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months jail. A Halloween party was in progress at the Surrey Way address.

On October 18, 2023, deputies contacted and arrested Marcus Ortiz for burglarizing a local church, where he stole a credit card belonging to the church and made numerous fraudulent cash withdrawals.

On the morning of October 18, 2023, church hosts arrived at a local church located in the 1400 block of Bardsdale Avenue and discovered their place of worship had been broken into and burglarized by an unknown suspect(s) during the night.
Patrol deputies and detectives assigned to the Santa Clara Valley/Fillmore Police Station responded to the crime scene and began an investigation. The investigation revealed the suspect had entered the church and forced entry into one of the locked interior rooms where a small locked safe was stolen. The safe contained a credit card belonging to the church.
Further investigation revealed the suspect then used the credit card belonging to the church to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals at several locations throughout the cities of Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Ventura. The suspect was quickly identified as Marcus Ortiz, a local Fillmore probationer. Utilizing several investigative techniques, and with the assistance of Sheriff’s Communication Center-Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC) dispatchers, Ortiz was located at the Pacific View Mall in the City of Ventura.

On October 18, 2023, at approximately 2:00 PM, detectives located Ortiz at the mall, and he was arrested without incident. Ortiz was in possession of evidence linking him to the church burglary and identity thefts. In addition, Ortiz was in possession of an illegal / concealed billy club. Ortiz was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for burglary, three counts of identity theft and possession of an illegal weapon. Ortiz remains in custody with his bail set at $50,000.

Nature of Incident: Church Burglary and Identity Theft Arrest
Report Number: 23-133857
Location: 1400 Block of Bardsdale Avenue, Unincorporated area of Ventura County / Fillmore
Date & Time: October 17, 2023 @ 11:00 PM ~ 3:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Santa Clara Valley Station Patrol, Santa Clara Valley Station Detectives, Sheriff’s Communication Center/Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC)

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Marcus Ortiz Fillmore 22

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Fillmore Police Chie

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The Fillmore Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a prowling suspect.
On October 11, 2023, at approximately 11:00 PM and on July 20, 2023, at approximately 12:16 AM, the Fillmore Police Department received reports of a prowler in the 900 block of Wileman Street in the city of Fillmore. Both incidents were captured on RING cameras. Photographs of the suspect are attached.

The suspect is identified as a Hispanic male, approximately 5”8” in height, approximately 45-55 years of age, with short gray facial hair and dark brown hair.

Nature of Incident: Request for Public Assistance / Attempt to Identify Prowler Suspect
Report Number: RB # 23-131109
Location: 900 Block Wileman Street Fillmore, CA
Date & Time: October 11, 2023 @ 11:00 PM
July 20, 2023 @ 12:16 AM

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / Fillmore Detectives

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
Hispanic male Age-45-55

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Courtesy Tim Holmgren

As a recently ex-Fillmore citizen, Item 9A - CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO TRANSITION FROM AT-LARGE TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS on last week’s agenda is of great concern to me. Once Fillmore is divided into voting districts, it will become a relatively simple matter for the negative influences that have been creeping into Fillmore politics to take over the town and destroy its small-town character and charm forever.

I want to thank the three of you who spoke strongly against this, what was appropriately called, extortion and bullying. It was entirely apparent during the discussion who was against this intentional destruction of the city and who was in favor of it; giving credence to my earlier point.

It’s a shame that political ideology is a higher priority than condemning a town to ruin regardless of which way this goes. I am encouraged by some of the comments some of you made last Tuesday evening and very encouraged by the comments of all of the Fillmore citizens who spoke to you on this issue that understand the gravity of what’s at stake.

I would encourage you to fight it. Resist this bully and extortioner. This would take great courage, which I know you all have. While it’s true the city will likely be sued, I would bet that, with the right national attention, more money than is needed to fight it will find its way to you from crowd funding and other expressions of support through a grateful country.
Remember…courage is not the lack of fear; it’s feeling the fear and doing what’s right anyway.

The Fillmore High Alumni Association presents Blue & White Night 2023, Thursday evening, October 19th. They will host a Classic Car Show on Central Avenue between First Street and Sespe Avenue. All activities start at 5 PM, Parade starts at 6:00pm. Let’s go Flashes!! If you’ve ever wondered, who’s idea it was to light up our beloved “F” on the hill above Fillmore, look no further. His name is John Heilman, FHS class of ‘53! He will be in this year‘s homecoming parade. For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/FillmoreHighSchoolAlumniAssociation.

Fillmore Civic Pride named their 2023 Fall/Halloween “Yard of the Month” award to the Dr. Warren Peacock family on Oriole Circle. They received a $50 gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery as their prize. They have two 12-foot Inferno skeletons overlooking several “Oogie Boogie” figures, lit-up pumpkins, a giant spider in its lair and more.
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By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected the home of the Dr. Warren Peacock family at 1125 Oriole Circle to receive the Fall/Halloween “Yard of the Month” award. The family moved to Fillmore about 8 years ago from Arizona. They all get involved in the process of design, & installation & each year there are more additions as it continues to evolve.
The yard has two, 12-foot Inferno skeletons overlooking several “Oogie Boogie” figures, lit-up pumpkins, a giant spider in its lair, a giant skeleton on the roof with timed lights, many different sized skeletons scampering onto the roof, a giant Jack Skellington, the King of “Halloween Town in the 1993 movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Adding more atmosphere, are fog machines & colored lights & ghostly faces among the trees.

Dr. Peacock said all the family were “camera shy”, but as I described the $50 gift card from Otto & Sons Nursery (the reason we are able to give these awards), and all the amazing grounds to explore with ponds and places to picnic, trees, vegetables, perennials, and a massive selection of roses available for sale, he said his wife would especially be excited to visit the nursery. The family will be in for a real treat, having never been there before.

It was a difficult choice because there were many great displays! Take a ride around town to see 502 Stonehedge, 787 & 869 Burlington, 937 Sante Fe, 79 Reading, 408 Edgewood, 366 Bridalwood, 755 A St. and 1149, 1163, 1120 Shady Lane. We keep track of the award winners & try to spread the awards around the community.

A suspect has been identified and arrested for stealing a 25-foot custom flatbed utility trailer from the 1300 block of Cliff Avenue in the unincorporated area of Ventura County / Fillmore. The stolen trailer was quickly recovered in the San Fernando Valley and returned to the owner/victim.

On October 5, 2023, the victim returned home and discovered his custom trailer had been stolen from his driveway during the same day. Patrol deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station responded and began a stolen vehicle investigation.

The investigation revealed information that a possible suspect was attempting to sell the trailer on social media. Detectives assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station continued with the investigation where they utilized several law enforcement databases and identified the suspect as Santa Clarita resident Albino Carrera Marcos.

On October 6, 2023, at approximately 12:45 AM, Marcos was contacted in the 18000 block of Soledad Canyon Road and placed under arrest without incident for violation of VC 10851(a)- Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle.

Marcos was in possession of additional incriminating evidence linking him to the theft and the location of the stolen trailer. Detectives were then able to locate and recover the stolen trailer in the 10000 block of Lemona Avenue in the San Fernando Valley.

Marcos was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody with his bail set at $20,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested for theft of a flatbed custom utility trailer
Report Number: 23-128469
Location:1300 Block Cliff Avenue, Unincorporated area of Ventura County / Fillmore
Date & Time: October 5, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Santa Clara Valley Station Patrol, Santa Clara Valley Station Detectives

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

(S) Albino Carrera Marcos Santa Clarita 26

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon, Fillmore Police Chief

Search and Rescue team member Scott Gillis (left) gave a presentation to city council at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
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Items approved 5-0 except for Item 9.A which was approved 4-1.

9.A RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve Resolution 23-3964, a resolution of intent to transition from atlarge to district-based elections pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010 and authorizing the appropriation of $42,000 from general fund reserves to account number 101-4103-0021-245 – City Clerk- Contract Services.

9.B RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council: i) approve a contract with National Demographics Corporation (NDC), in a form approved by the City Attorney, for professional demographer services to assist with the City’s transition to by-district City Council elections, in an amount not to exceed $42,000; and ii) authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
9.C APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF EQUESTRIAN CENTER PROPERTY (308 CHAMBERSBURG ROAD.)

REQUEST: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the First Amendment to Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Joint Escrow Instructions (“First Amendment”) between the City as seller and Mario Robledo and Vanessa Garcia (jointly as “Buyers”).

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the First Amendment.
9.D CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR A THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE PROPERTY REMEDIATION AGREEMENT FOR 461 CENTRAL AVENUE (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 21-02 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21-02)

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council: 1) Approve the Third Amendment to Property Remediation Agreement with 461 Central, LLC to extend the Conditions of Approval completion deadline to October 20, 2024.