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Back in 1991 Raelene Chaney co-founded what was Grad Nite Live (GNL). The purpose of GNL was to have Fillmore students celebrate a safe graduation.
In 1990 James Anderson, an 18-year-old graduate planning on joining the US Marines, was killed in a car accident after hitching a ride with a former classmate after a late-night party. The 20-year-old classmate was later sentenced to six years in prison for DUI (alcohol and cocaine) and crashing his car into a power pole outside of Fillmore, killing Anderson. This was the catalyst for GNL.
The nonprofit organization ran for over 26 years (as of night 2019), until Mrs. Cheney’s health took a turn, and she could no longer run the event.
Grad Nite Live Cruise returned this year and was a success. Right after graduation, students loaded onto a bus to spend the evening on a boat for a night of food, music, games, and more.

The metal deposit box, located in the 1500 block of River Street, was vandalized by Edgar Ballesteros, a Fillmore probationer
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Fillmore patrol deputies arrested a probationer for theft of mail, possession of personal identifying information, possession of stolen property, and drug paraphernalia.

On the morning of June 8th, 2023, a diligent Fillmore patrol deputy observed a suspicious subject attempting to access a deposit box located at the entrance of the City of Fillmore / Sanitation plant located in the 1500 block of River Street. This locked and secured deposit box is utilized as a drop box for residents to pay fees associated with the use of the RV and trailer dump station.

The subject was identified as Edgar Ballesteros, who is a known probationer from Fillmore. Ballesteros is currently on probation for theft and drug related crimes. The investigation revealed that Ballesteros used a plastic cord as a fishing line to steal envelopes secured inside of the locked deposit box. Ballesteros was successful in his attempts, and he was found in possession of a check written out to the City of Fillmore. Additionally, Ballesteros was in possession of drug paraphernalia, which is also a violation of his probation terms.

Based on the investigation, Ballesteros was arrested and subsequently booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for the above-mentioned charges. Ballesteros remains in jail awaiting his court appearance with his bail set at $ 60,000.00.

Thefts such as these can result in identity theft or check fraud. You can protect your mail from thieves by remembering to pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Do not leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you are expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. This diligence will assist in the prevention of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud.

Fillmore High School graduating senior Eugenio Serna is the recipient of the 2023 Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers. Torres, a retired Fillmore teacher and long-time school volunteer, recently presented the award at an on-campus ceremony along with members of her family.
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Fillmore, CA (June 12, 2023) —Eugenio Serna, a graduating Fillmore High School senior, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present Serna with the $1,000 scholarship at a recent award ceremony held on campus.
“At the center of every effective education system is the classroom teacher,” said Michael Torres, who delivered the award. “We congratulate Eugenio for his performance in the classroom and the dedication, hard work, and ambition he demonstrated throughout his high school years. We wish him success as he embarks on his next goal to become part of the future generation of educational leaders.”

Established in 2013, the Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers provides financial assistance to Fillmore High School graduating seniors with plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education and continue studies at an accredited college or university.

Rosie Torres devoted nearly 30 years to teaching in Fillmore Unified School District and touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career as an educator and community volunteer. Along with her family, she created the scholarship program to inspire the next generation of teachers and invest in Fillmore High School students who are committed to improving the lives of children. Awards are determined based on academic and extracurricular performance, teacher recommendations and a written essay.

Serna’s future plans are to pursue a teaching credential, with a focus on Spanish and Latin American Studies. Throughout high school, Serna earned numerous academic and athletic honors and is the president and founder of NewsFlash, the official newspaper of Fillmore High School. Above all Serna said he hopes to be a teacher that “students can come to for their highs and lows.”

“On behalf of our entire family, we congratulate Mr. Serna on his performance in and out of the classroom and recognize the dedication and positive energy he showed throughout his years at Fillmore High School,” said Rosie Torres. “We wish him great success as he embarks on his next goal to become a teacher and make a difference in the world, one student at a time.”
“I would like to take this time to congratulate not only the entire graduating class of 2023, but also recognize the Fillmore Unified School District teachers, faculty, and staff,” she added. “This year’s applicants were an extremely competitive and worthy pool of scholars. These students are a reflection of the great job you do.”

During public comment time at Tuesday’s regular city council meeting, one courageous resident spoke out against any move by Council to officially affirm Pride Month with a flag raising. City Hall was filled to capacity with many out-of-town pro-Pride supporters.
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All items passed 5-0

9.B REQUEST Staff requests the City Council Adopt Resolution 23-3946 Fixing the Compensation, Benefits and other Terms and Conditions of Employment of Non-Represented Management/MidManagement, Confidential, and Part-Time Employees of the City of Fillmore effective July 1, 2023, and Superseding and Replacing Resolution 22-3911.
9.C REQUEST Adopt Resolution 23-3948 to approve the Amended and Restated City Manager Employment Agreement Between City of Fillmore & David Wayne Rowlands ("2023 City Manager Employment Agreement”).
9.D REQUEST Staff is requesting that the City Council adopt Resolution 23-3947, approving the City’s updated publicly available pay schedule to comply with CalPERS requirements.
9.E REQUEST Staff requests that the City Council adopt Resolution Number 23-3944 setting the GANN Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2023-24.

9.F RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the First Amended and Restated Cooperative Agreement for Valley Express Transit Service.

9.G RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Ratify the award of the Emergency Public Works Agreement (“Agreement”) with Ferreira Construction Company Inc. (“Ferreira”) for the amount not to exceed $600,000.00; 2. Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement with Ferreira Construction Company Inc. for the continuation of services and the addition of an additional contract amount of $1,887,579.00 for a total not to exceed contract amount of $2,487,579.00; and 3. Approve a cash flow loan from the Water Operating Fund to the Sewer Operating Fund in an amount of $2,000,000.00, with interest at rates commensurate with the average rate of return on the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), and in a form approved by the City Attorney. 4. Appropriate $2,000,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Fund for the Preliminary Phase of the “C” Street Emergency Sewer Repair Project.

9.H REQUEST That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 23-951 to amend Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 1.09 (Administrative Remedies), Article II (Continuing Violations), to allow staff to address and resolve code violations in a quicker and more efficient manner.

9.I FROM: Brian McCarthy, Asst. Planning and Community Development Director RE: REQUEST City staff requests that City Council adopt an interim urgency ordinance, Ordinance No. 23-950 (Attachment 1), declaring a temporary moratorium prohibiting Recreational Vehicle (RV) Storage and Self-Serve Storage (or “Mini Storage”) facilities within City limits, adopt a finding of exemption from CEQA, and direct staff to study the potential impacts of this emerging development trend.
All items passed 5-0

On April 25th the Fillmore Police Department received approval from Fillmore City Council for the purchase of four E-Bikes. After the city council meeting, a community member donated $4,000 to the Department which allowed them to purchase a 5th E-Bike. Photos courtesy Fillmore Police Department.
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On April 25, 2023, the Fillmore City Council voted (5-0) and approved the purchase of four (4) E-Bikes to be used by the Fillmore Police Department. The E-Bikes will be used to augment uniformed patrol services throughout the city by allowing deputies to undertake bicycle patrols. The E-Bikes offer many benefits to the community, including high visibility, and engagement with our community members. Patrolling on bicycles makes our deputies more accessible and personable to the public and will help facilitate more proactive and positive police contacts with members of our community.
Following the city council meeting, a community member came to the Fillmore police station and donated a check in the amount of $4,000! The generous community member, who wished to remain anonymous, is a long-time supporter of law enforcement and wanted to donate money for the station’s bicycle program. The donation was used to fully fund the purchase of a fifth E-Bike. We are extremely grateful for the generous donation and the continued support of our community members.

“Operation Chill 7-11” is a community outreach program designed to enhance relationships among stores, police, and youth. This year marks the 28th year of Operation Chill within the 7- Eleven franchise and it allows law enforcement to award a coupon for a free small Slurpee to kids they see doing good deeds or exhibiting positive behavior. On June 2nd, 2023, the Fillmore Police Station was able to award a few coupons to students attending Fillmore High School (above).
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Fillmore Middle School (inset) who have exhibited exemplary behavior. Congratulations to all students who received an award, and continue the great work! Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/.
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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with 7-Eleven, Inc. in the 28th consecutive year of “Operation Chill®.” The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and 7-Eleven want to reward local kids through the company’s community outreach program.
This summer, as our deputies’ patrol neighborhoods, they will keep an eye out for youth doing great things. Some acts include kids wearing safety helmets while riding a bike or skateboard, kids observing safety rules while crossing the street, kids participating in positive activities, kids holding the door open for someone, kids picking up trash, or kids helping someone in need. If observed, our deputies and professional staff, at any of our stations in the county, will make a positive contact with the youth and issue an Operation Chill coupon. The coupons can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee drink at any participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, or Stripes® store.
This year, 7-Eleven will issue nearly 500,000 coupons to more than 1,300 participating law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. With the program new to Speedway, this summer will mark the first-time kids will be able to redeem their Operation Chill coupons at their local Speedway store as well.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to recognizing the good deeds being done by the youth in our communities daily. We have a lot of great kids in our communities and we have a lot of Slurpee coupons to hand out. This program allows us to continue to build trust and relationships with the communities we serve. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.