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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
 On July 25, 2023, Fillmore’s Ralphy Avila competed in the USATF Jr. Olympics against 58 athletes, and placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75 in the shot-put competition. Photo courtesy Angel Venegas. Enlarge Photo Heritage Valley Blazers athlete, Ralphy Avila, traveled to Eugene, Oregon on July 25th to compete in the USATF JR. OLYMPICS. Ralphy competed against 58 athletes from around the United States. He placed 10th with a throw of 37-05.75. Ralphy said “It was an honor and true blessing to compete in the JO’s. I will continue to work hard to make all my dreams become a reality.” The HVB organization is proud of Ralphy thank you for representing our organization and our small town of Fillmore. The Avila Family would like to thank Coach Paul Riedmiller, Coach CJ and Beva Felix for all the time they put into working with Ralphy. They would also like to thank Heritage Valley Blazers, Central Station, Heritage Valley AC, Escalera Pest Control, Electric Remedy, Sublife, EXL Designing, Rancho Los Guerrero’s for their monetary donations and all the individuals who supported his raffle and bake sale fundraiser. This trip would not have been possible without all the support from our community. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
Dear Fillmore Unified School District community, I am excited to welcome you to the new 2023-2024 school year. I hope your family has had the opportunity this summer to spend quality time with loved ones and that you and your children are ready for the school year ahead. It’s going to be a great year! The beginning of each school year is always a time for reflection, preparation, and new beginnings. We will continue to focus on strengthening communication, building relationships, and working together to ensure we have safe, welcoming, and student-focused schools. The staff has been working all summer to prepare for this school year and will continue to expand academic, enrichment, and social-emotional opportunities for our students, such as: • New bilingual college and career counselor at Fillmore High School We will also continue to prioritize school safety at all schools. Each year, all staff receive training on safety procedures and response expectations for a variety of emergencies. Each school holds regular emergency drills, and we will continue to have school resource officers at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School to build relationships and respond in the event of a school emergency. Please also consider supporting our School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Clubs, and other school/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and your child’s teachers, principals, counselors, and support staff is critical to your child’s success in school. I look forward to seeing our students back on our school grounds on Wednesday, August 16. I am confident that by working together, we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for our students. Proud to be a part of the Fillmore Unified School District. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
 Congratulations to the Explorer Academy Class of 2023!! For three weeks, Explorer recruits from different posts came together to overcome periods of marching, instruction, and reporting to staff under strict and stressful circumstances. We are incredibly proud of all of you, and are looking forward to seeing your journey within each of the Explorer posts. Special congratulations to our very own Fillmore graduates (above)! They entered as Explorer Recruits and returned as badged Explorers! Continue the great work and continue to make us proud! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=609883901 321755&set=pcb.609884041321741. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 12th, 2023
 As of last week, the Fillmore Aquatic Center pool was being replastered and has now been filled, however the pool remains closed while they finish up repairs before reopening later this month. For questions and further information regarding this, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at recreation@fillmoreca.gov or by phone at 805-524-3701, ext. 713. Please visit www.fillmoreca.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X.com, and Linkedin. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in Fillmore in early May 2023 near the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive. DA’s office filed a Felony Assault with a Firearm charge on July 25, 2023. Since then, Police have increased patrol and served multiple search warrants, and conducted probation/parole searches, which has led to multiple arrests. Above are photos of evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Department during their investigations. Enlarge Photo On July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court. West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism. The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771. Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested (S)suspects,(V)ctims,(P)arty, (D)ecedent Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 Two Oxnard residents who are convicted felons were arrested for identity theft involving numerous victims throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. During the month of July 2023, a victim residing in the city of Fillmore reported being the victim of an identity theft. A deputy assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and an investigation began. The victim was alerted by her financial institution that numerous credit cards were obtained, purchases were made, and suspicious activity occurred with the use of the victim’s personal identifying information. These charges and activity were deemed to be fraudulent. Fillmore station detectives conducted follow-up investigation and evidence was collected identifying Oxnard resident Jose Puga as a person of interest. In addition to the fraudulent activity, it was discovered that the suspect(s) also ordered approximately $1,400.00 worth of various merchandise which was delivered to a residence located at the 1900 block of Socorro Way in the city of Oxnard. Fillmore detectives collected more evidence implicating Puga as the suspect. Puga has an extensive criminal record and he is currently on probation for crimes involving identity theft. During this initial investigation, Puga was subsequently arrested for a probation violation related to this case involving illegal possession of identity theft related documents. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Detectives identified several victims of identity theft committed by Puga. On July 31, 2023, detectives conducted a probation search at Puga’s residence in the 1900 block of Socorro Way in Oxnard. During the search, detectives located and recovered numerous items that had been fraudulently purchased and delivered to Puga’s residence using a victim’s personal identifying information. While at the location, detectives contacted resident Alonzo Rodriguez who is also on probation with a lengthy criminal record for identity theft related crimes. Detectives located identity theft related documents implicating Rodriguez as an additional suspect in this case including additional victims and more stolen California driver licenses, stolen checks, cashier checks, and stolen gift cards. These victims resided throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Rodriguez was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for felony identity theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a no bail probation violation where he remains in custody. Puga was supplementally charged with an additional count of identity theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property. Puga remains in custody with a no bail probation violation. Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 On Saturday, July 29th at 10:30am, Fillmore City Hall was filled with folks to celebrate the Fillmore Police Department Plaque Dedication Ceremony and BBQ, in honor of members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Above, Duke Bradbury, Former Fillmore peace officer and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, introducing speakers before the plaque unveiling. See more photos on page 10. Enlarge Photo  On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a Dedication ceremony was held at Fillmore City Hall for the unveiling of the plaque to hang in the lobby of City Hall to honor Fillmore Police Department members who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Pictured above are VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen, President of Thin Blue Line of Ventura County Duke Bradbury, Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon, and Commander Garo Kuredjian, who were in attendance for the ceremony. Enlarge Photo  After the ceremony a BBQ dinner followed for folks to enjoy, cooked by multi-award-winning barbecue master Steve Conaway and his father Paul. Above are some folks enjoying their meal BBQ; below is Steve and his team who helped prepare the food. Enlarge Photo A large crowd gathered at City Hall Saturday for a ceremony honoring members of the Fillmore Police Department who served the community from 1925 to 1987. Former Fillmore peace officer, and current President of the Thin Blue Line of Ventura County, Duke Bradbury opened the ceremony with a brief history of the group. Membership in the Thin Blue Line includes retired Fillmore, Santa Paula, LAPD, CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies. A member and good friend from the Sheriff’s Department, Elmo Sheeran, came up with the group’s name. Elmo also later suggested memorializing their service with the plaque. Approximately $2,300 in donations was raised to purchase it. Bradbury commented on the closeness with which the police forces worked together. “I want to thank our law enforcement friends and partners from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department! During the years we relied on each other for assistance in protecting our communities, and our calls for mutual aid were always answered.” The group was formerly called Fillmore Police Brotherhood. Its first President was former Fillmore Police Sergeant Max Piña. Max passed away two years ago, but he is remembered with the roadway designated Max Piña Way in Fillmore. The city and VC Sheriff’s Department were very helpful in honoring Max’s service to our community. The first speaker was former Fillmore Police Chief Dick Diaz. Also attending were former Santa Paula Chief of Police Walt Adair, former Senior Deputy Elmo Sheeran, and former Fillmore Police Chief and now VCSO Commander and Camarillo Chief of Police Eric Tennessen. Fillmore City Council Member Carrie Broggie assisted with the plaque ceremonies and addressed the audience. The final speaker was Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo (Lalo) Malagon. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 Fillmore All-Star team won the 63 District Championship, first time in 40 years. Pictured back row (l-r) Coaches Ricky Gonzalez, Andy Lopez, Damian Magana; Middle row (l-r) Ralphy Avila, Athen Escobedo, Rocky Balboa, Victor Alvino, Drew Lopez, Ethan Zavala, Gabriel Magana; Bottom row (l-r) Isaac Ramirez, Joseph Minister, Malcom Dunbar, Adan Herrera, Aiden Arias, and reclining is Ted Chewning. Inset, the team celebrating at homeplate after teammate Drew Lopez’s homerun during the big game. Photo credit Aaron Escobedo. Enlarge Photo On June 22nd – 29th the Fillmore All-Stars team earned the first District 63 Majors Win in over 40 years, going 4 – 0 having beaten defending champs Dos Pueblos twice for the championship. And it was all due to every player doing their part. Fillmore’s heat of the lineup displayed a tremendous power hitting with 8 homeruns in 7 games. Ted Chewning, the 3rd and 4th Athen “Turtle” Escobedo, had two, both being his 1st and 2nd homeruns. Isaac Ramirez hit his 1st homerun to start the scoring when they were down. Andrew “Drew” Lopez hit a two-run off Dos Pueblos, putting the first of two games away, defeating them 12 – 6, putting them in a great spot to win the District title and finally bringing the banner home to the City of Fillmore. The first of three games, the boys were down by 4 runs and each of those games they fought and came back to win by 5 runs or more, showing tremendous heart and desire to win for each other. Most of the boys have been together since the age of 8, and Coaches Andy Lopez and Damian Magana have coached the majority of the team since; they have built a good relationship with all of them and know their strengths, etc. Pitching was stellar to say the least. Gabriel Magana had 2 wins and Drew Lopez had 1 win to close out the Championship game to District against Dos Pueblos. Catcher Joseph Minister pitched in both Championship games and was a force to be reckoned with at age 11. Overall, this was a team effort and good coaching got the job done; but they will be back next year as they have some unfinished business. A special thank you to our All our Coaches for all their hard work, time and effort. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, August 4th, 2023
 The Sierra Northern Railways has been responsible for displaying a mile-long stream of graffiti-strewn railcars in Fillmore's backyard. It's a serious eyesore and an attractive nuisance which affects property values. The Gazette proposes to have Sierra clean-off the graffiti and maintain clean surfaces. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
 On Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:38pm, Fillmore Police responded to reports from a concerned resident seeing numerous subjects at Delores Day Park. Reports stated multiple subjects with vehicles chasing each other near the area. Also, a male subject was seen with what appeared to be a firearm. After a short pursuit police arrested all five suspects, three juveniles and two adults. Inset photo courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enlarge Photo On July 21, 2023, at approximately 10:38 PM, a concerned resident called the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report suspicious activity at Delores Day Park located at 880 Goodenough Road in the city of Fillmore. The concerned resident reported seeing numerous subjects associated with three different vehicles chasing each other near the park. The concerned resident also reported seeing a male subject holding what appeared to be a firearm during the altercation. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station responded to the area. Upon arrival, a deputy identified one of the vehicles involved in the incident and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver, Emma Soderstedt, failed to stop and accelerated her speed for several blocks before stopping. Once stopped, Alberto Sanchez, a known gang member, exited the vehicle and ran while holding a firearm. Sanchez was apprehended and arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Deputies recovered the loaded and unregistered firearm in the driveway of a nearby residence. Deputies detained three additional male juveniles who were also occupants in the vehicle. All three juveniles were identified as known gang members. All three were subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang. All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center. Soderstedt was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and evading arrest. She has since been released from custody on her promise to appear at a future court date. Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for participation in a criminal street gang, disturbing the peace, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, where he remains in custody in lieu of his bail set at $100,000. Report Number: RB # 23-93665 Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
 Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were called to a reported head-on collision on westbound SR126 and Pyle Road in Fillmore on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 1:58 p.m. Firefighters on the scene discovered two pickup trucks with moderate to severe damage. One patient had moderate injuries, while two patients suffered possible major injuries. Firefighters blocked off both lanes of SR126 so that the helicopter could land and transport the patient. Two patients were taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, while a third patient was flown to a local hospital. On-scene CHP officers shut down westbound SR126 traffic until the scene was cleared. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
A 60-year-old Ojai man was arrested on suspicion of a drug-related DUI after a head-on crash on Highway 126 west of Fillmore Monday that caused serious injuries to two Lancaster residents. The collision was reported shortly before 2 p.m. east of Pyle Road, between Fillmore and Santa Paula, California Highway Patrol officials said. The Ojai man had been driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck eastbound when he traveled into oncoming traffic, according to the CHP. The Ojai driver’s truck hit a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling westbound. The 43-year-old Lancaster man had been driving with a Lancaster woman, 49, in the passenger seat. The woman was trapped after the head-on collision and Ventura County firefighters had to extricate her from the truck. Both of the Lancaster residents were taken to Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries. On Tuesday, the two were said to be in stable condition, said CHP Officer Jorge Alfaro. The Ojai driver suffered minor injuries, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI, with CHP officials saying drug-related impairment was believed to be a factor in the crash. A third vehicle, a Dodge ProMaster cargo van, had been traveling westbound and was hit by debris from the initial crash. The driver wasn’t injured and his passenger suffered minor injuries. Both are from Ventura. The incident fully closed the highway in both directions for about 30 minutes, Alfaro said. At least one lane in each direction was later opened, with traffic alternating at times, as the CHP’s on-scene investigation continued for a couple hours. The accident remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to call the Ventura-area CHP office at 805-662-2640. |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that charges were filed against Barry Fike (DOB 09/05/55), of Fillmore, for multiple felony counts of sending harmful matter to a child, felony communicating with a child with the intent to commit a sexual act, and arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose. Fike pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment. The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Fike on July 17, 2023. Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Sexual Assault Unit assisted with the arrest. The Task Force began investigating Fike on July 10, 2023, when he allegedly started communicating online with what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. The conversations were sexual in nature and Fike allegedly shared explicit photos of himself with the victim, who was actually an undercover officer. “There are many chatrooms online that are not moderated or do not take any steps to limit adult contact with minors,” said Supervising District Attorney Investigator Terrance Dobrosky. “All too often, this exposes children to potential exploitation as predators take advantage of the limited oversight.” Deputy District Attorney Ben Moreno, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is prosecuting the case. Fike is scheduled for an early disposition conference on July 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000. Further investigation into Fike remains ongoing and anyone with additional information regarding the investigation of Fike, can contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Terrance Dobrosky at (805) 383-4779. The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (VC-CEHTTF) is comprised of investigators and prosecutors with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and United States Attorney’s Office. The Task Force is committed to identifying, rescuing, and protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse through education, enforcement, and through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The Task Force reminds parents to remain vigilant as to their children’s social media and internet activities to keep them safe from predators. Parents can help protect their children by educating them of the risks and dangers of online interactions with people they do not know and by teaching them healthy internet habits. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s internet usage and setting limits. Case: 2023018280 Arrested on: |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
 Fillmore City Fire Department and the Ventura County Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 250 E. Telegraph Road at the El Dorado Mobile Home Estates on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 3:45 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they encountered a mobile home fully involved in flames. Neighbors were spraying water with garden hoses to stop the fire from spreading to surrounding residences. Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola said the fire’s rapid spread within the unit was due to the heat; in the city on Sunday, the high temperature was 91 degrees. Due to the fire investigator’s determination that the incident was suspicious in nature, Fillmore City Fire dispatched the Fillmore Police Department to assist with the investigation while fire crews were on the site. A 27-year-old woman who lives at the home was arrested by deputies based on their investigation at the scene. The female subject was taken into custody for PC 451-Arson and was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, said Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
MISSION: We develop high-performing students who are engaged and productive members of society. VISION: Fillmore Unified School District prides itself as a district rich in culture, history, and tradition where each student is recognized, valued, and inspired to be contributing members of our global society. July 24, 2023 Dear FUSD Community, I would like to thank our students, families, and community members for attending the July 18, 2023, board meeting. The meeting provided a respectful and structured environment for all members of the public to be heard. As your Superintendent, I would like to reaffirm my commitment to uphold the district’s mission and vision statement to ensure that each student is recognized, valued, and inspired to be contributing members of our global society. The mission and vision statement were board adopted in October of 2021 and serve as a guide for our district. The existing resources provided on district-sponsored websites and district-sponsored social media sites are provided for students and families who choose to utilize them. The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) will continue to share existing local and county resources, including One Step a la Vez, for families to assist them in supporting their children's education and well-being. FUSD will also continue to identify additional relevant resources for students and families. As we move forward, we will continue to review board policies and administrative regulations to ensure they are effectively implemented and adhered to. This will ensure that our district operates in compliance with state and federal regulations, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. We will continue to prioritize the importance of collaborating with our families and the wider community and we know that the strength of our educational system here in Fillmore and Piru lies in the support and involvement of our students, families, and community. Let us continue to work together to model respect, empathy, and understanding for one another. Our students are counting on us! Respectfully, |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
 On Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 7:45pm, Police were in the area of East Telegraph Road and Timber Canyon contacting a subject who matched the description as a suspect for a hit & run that occurred in the city of Fillmore earlier that evening. Within minutes the sergeant advised dispatch that the suspect escaped custody, southbound on Timber Canyon Road running across the SR126 towards the Santa Clara Riverbed. Additional deputies from Santa Paula Police Dept., Thousand Oaks, and Headquarters responded to assist Fillmore deputies with a perimeter; the subject was not located. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, July 28th, 2023
 A suspect has been identified and arrested for burglarizing a local residence where he was an entrusted employee. Over the past month, the homeowner discovered expensive jewelry and currency missing from her residence. The victim took proactive steps and installed a security camera to capture and identify the suspect responsible for the thefts. On July 19, 2023, the suspect returned and entered the residence where he began rifling through the victim’s bedroom. The victim called 911 and deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the in-progress crime. Upon arrival, deputies quickly identified the suspect as Antonio Martinez, an employee for the homeowner who was still at the location. A search of Martinez and his vehicle yielded numerous pieces of jewelry and currency that belonged to the victim. Deputies arrested Martinez for residential burglary and grand theft. Detectives assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives authored and served a search warrant at Martinez’s residence located in the Newhall / Los Angeles County area. During the search, detectives located and seized additional stolen jewelry that belonged to the victim. Martinez was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody with his bail set at $50,000. Nature of Incident: Residential Burglary and Grand Theft Arrest (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent (S) Antonio Martinez Newhall 44 Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
