Established in 1991 by Raelene Chaney to keep FHS graduates safe in celebration, Grad Nite Live continues today for Fillmore youth. A cruise ship complete with “gambling”, dancing, food and fun times is offered to all graduating seniors. Transportation provided. All donations welcomed to support our seniors! A tri-tip dinner fundraiser is being held on Friday, May 19, by the FHS Athletic Boosters Club, from 3:30pm-6:30pm, $50. More information can be found on the page 4 flyer. For more information on how you can help, you may contact Jenny Andrade at 805-340-3601
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In May 2019, a plea to the Fillmore Community was released by the Fillmore District Safe Graduation Grad Nite Live Non-Profit, asking for donations to help offer the FHS Class of 2020 Grad Nite Live Cruise. The following is an updated version of that plea for the Class of 2023:

Dear Community of Fillmore,
In 1991 Raelene Chaney, co-founded what was once Grad Nite Live. The purpose of Grad Night Live was to have the students in our community celebrate a safe and sane 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 Grad Nite Live.

This nonprofit organization ran for over 26 years (as of night 2019). It was not until Mrs. Cheney’s health took a turn that she could no longer run the non-profit.

To make this happen in 2023 they need the community’s help. A large deposit is required to make this happen and unfortunately, they do not have the funds as of yet. They are asking for support from our amazing community to help offer this opportunity to the graduating students. Please help them make this happen for the graduating Class of 2023.
A tri-tip dinner fundraiser is being held on Friday, May 19th, by the FHS Athletic Boosters Club, from 3:30pm-6:30pm, $50. More information can be found on the page 4 flyer.

For more information on how you can help, you may contact Jenny Andrade at 805-340-3601.

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 11:15am, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a suspicious vehicle at the 1100 block of Mockingbird Lane and Sierra Vista Avenue, with a male and female subject inside, the male exhibiting indecent exposure. A Fillmore deputy arrived on the scene and contacted the subjects, with the male, Juan Torres, 28 of Oxnard, providing a false name, then fleeing the area. According to a passerby the subject was observed running northbound on C Street before taking an unknown direction. Fillmore deputies were advised on where the subject was last seen but units were unable to locate him. The female, Victoria Nunez, 19 of Camarillo, was arrested, and the vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded. At 4:10pm, deputies arrested Torres in the Rite Aid parking lot, after a short foot pursuit. Torres was booked at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility for evading arrest, trespassing, providing a false name, and residential burglary. He remains in jail awaiting his court appearance with bail set at $40,000. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Fillmore Patrol Deputies arrested a wanted felon who was on probation and fled from deputies, committing several other crimes in the city of Fillmore.

On the morning of April 19th, 2023, a resident called our dispatch center to report two suspicious subjects loitering in a parked vehicle at Mockingbird Lane / Sierra Vista Avenue in the city of Fillmore. When patrol deputies arrived to investigate, a male party provided a false name and immediately fled on foot. The male suspect was identified as Juan Torres, a wanted felon who was on probation for vehicle theft. The female in the vehicle was identified as Victoria Nunez. Nunez was subsequently arrested for possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Nunez was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for narcotics violations.

Deputies coordinated a search and were unable to locate Torres. Several hours later, another resident called and reported seeing Torres on their property via a surveillance camera in the 400 Block of B Street. Deputies returned to search for Torres who fled again on foot and ran into the yards of several residences. Deputies coordinated a search and watched as Torres ran into the Balden Towne Plaza shopping center. Deputies contacted Torres and were able to take him into custody.
During the investigation, a resident in the 1100 block of Mockingbird Lane called and reported a burglary at their residence. The investigation revealed Torres was the suspect, and he illegally entered the victim’s residence and stole personal items, including a bicycle. Torres was in possession of the stolen property, which was returned to the victim. The victim’s bicycle was also recovered.

Torres was booked at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility for evading arrest, trespassing, providing a false name, and residential burglary. Torres remains in jail awaiting his court appearance with his bail set at $40,000.
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.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has also established a secure database to log information about who has surveillance systems. If you would like to register your surveillance information and allow authorities to contact you, should a crime occur in/or near where your cameras are installed we kindly ask that you email the Fillmore Police Department at FillmorePD.CameraShare@ventura.org.

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

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting Captain Eduardo “Lalo” Malagon, Fillmore’s New Chief of Police, gave a presentation to encourage the city to purchase four Giant Talon eBikes for the Fillmore Police Department.
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9A. Approved 3-2
9B. Approved 3-0 (2 recused themselves)
9C. Approved 5-0
9D. Approved 5-0
9.A CONTINUATION OF PROPOSITION 218 HEARING FOR WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR 2023 THROUGH 2027.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2027 water rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3914. Further, staff recommends that City Council accept the results of the Proposition 218 Hearing regarding the City’s 2023-2028 sewer rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3915.
9A. Approved 3-2

9.B REQUEST Approve Resolution No. 23-3925 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CITY OF FILLMORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 5 (HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS) ON BEHALF OF IMPROVEMENT AREA B, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,000,000 TO FINANCE PUBLIC FACILITIES, EXECUTING CERTAIN DOCUMENTS AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE BONDS AND TAKING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH

RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution No. 23-3925 of the City Council of the City of Fillmore acting in its capacity as the legislative body of the City of Fillmore Community Facilities District No. 5 (Heritage Valley Parks) on behalf of Improvement Area B, authorizing the issuance of bonded indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $21,000,000 to finance public facilities, executing certain documents and providing for the sale of the bonds and taking certain other actions in connection therewith.

9B. Approved 3-0 (2 had to recuse themselves)

9.C CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATES, INC. (WRA) FOR EVALUATING THE VIABILITY OF WELLS AND PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL BID SPECIFICATION PACKAGE.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve a reallocation of $39,600 within line item 453-6850-0046-765 from the Well 5 rehab project for this contract; and 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Water Resources Associates for an amount not-to-exceed $39,600.

9C. Approved 5-0

9.D PURCHASE OF FOUR GIANT TALON E BIKES
REQUEST That the City Council approve the purchase of four (4) Giant Talon E Bikes.

The Fillmore Police Department (“FPD”) is requesting the Fillmore City Council consider authorizing the purchase of four (4) E-Bikes to be used by members of the FPD to enhance the services provided to our residents here in Fillmore. The bicycles would augment uniformed patrol services throughout the city by allowing deputies to undertake bicycle patrols. The implementation of bicycle patrols will offer 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 than can occur with deputies in motor vehicles. The bicycles will also allow our deputies easier and more efficient access to areas throughout the city that are not patrolled as often due to difficult accessibility by motor vehicles.

Staff contacted Newbury Park Bicycle Shop and obtained a quote for the purchase of four (4) EBikes. The total cost of the E-Bikes with the needed accessories is $12,226.29. The custom vinyl wrap for the bicycles is $2,788.50. The total purchase price for the E-Bikes and vinyl wrap is $15,014.79.

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council authorize the purchase of four (4) E Bikes to enhance patrol services to the residents of Fillmore using money already allocated and budgeted for traffic enforcement. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no new fiscal impact to the city as sufficient funds exist in the traffic enforcement line item in the approved budget to fund this purchase.

9D. Approved 5-0

Courtesy Fillmore Fire Department

The Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council has received a grant to dispose of flammable vegetation in residential neighborhoods that are adjacent to wildland areas. This grant is being applied to all residents who reside in Fillmore. All residents who live within three hundred yards of a wildland area are especially encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity.

On Saturday, May 6th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, all residents in the City may haul any tree/brush trimmings direct to the Fillmore City Well #4 location at 728 Goodenough Rd. for free disposal. Any ornamental vegetation and cut grass/weeds will also be accepted if it is free of any dirt, metal, plastic, or other trash.

Residents are especially encouraged to have professional tree trimmers, trim up palm trees, of all dead palm fronds as these can be especially hazardous when caught on fire. All palm fronds will accepted.

Any questions may be directed to the Fillmore Fire Chief at 524-1500 ext. 226.

On April 18th, 2023, a brandishing of a firearm occurred in the area of Silverstrand Beach placing two beach goers in fear for their safety.

On April 18th, 2023, at about 2:26 pm, two adult victims were visiting the area of Silverstrand Beach in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. While attempting to park their vehicle, the victims encountered several subjects drinking near another nearby vehicle. One of the subjects, later identified as 20-year-old Jadon Franco, brandished a “Glock” style handgun that was in his waistband. Fearing for their safety, the victims left the area and called 9-1-1. Deputies responded to the area and located a group of subjects matching the description provided by the victims. Franco was identified as the subject who brandished the firearm at the victims, however, was unarmed at the time he was contacted by deputies.
Deputies and the Sheriff’s K9 later located a black Glock style “Ghost Gun” loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, which was hidden in the area Franco had first been observed.

Franco was later arrested, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Franco and his residence, which was served with the assistance of Detectives from the Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, and West County Special Enforcement Unit.

Based on the investigation, Franco was booked into custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, California for the following charges: 417.3 PC / Brandishing at a Person in a Motor Vehicle, 29800(a) PC / Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, 30305(a) PC / Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, 25850(a) PC / Carry a Loaded Firearm in Public, 29815(a) PC / Possession of Firearm as Express Condition of Probation, 25400(a)(2) PC / Carrying a Concealed Firearm (pistol), 25400(c)(4) PC / , and PC 27545 PC.

A ghost gun is a home-made firearm that lacks serial numbers or any markings that allow it to be tracked. Ghost guns are normally used by persons who are prohibited from being in possession of a firearm, to circumvent background checks, and legal means of purchasing a firearm. Ghost guns are illegal to possess unless they are properly registered through the state.

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.

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.

Nature of Incident: Brandishing of a Weapon / Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 23-48825
Location: Sawtelle Avenue @ Island View Avenue, Silver Strand
Date & Time: 04/18/2023 @ 1426 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Headquarters Detectives, Fillmore Police Detectives, Ojai Police Detectives, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s K9 Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(S) Jadon Franco Oxnard 20
(V) Male Oxnard 24
(V) Female Oxnard 24

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Juan Cordova
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

Fillmore Patrol Deputies arrested a suspect who fled from the scene of an accident after crashing
his vehicle into a business.

On the early morning of April 15th, 2023, a patrol deputy observed a vehicle driving in a reckless
manner in the city of Fillmore. The patrol deputy attempted to catch up to the vehicle to conduct
a traffic stop and observed the vehicle lose control and crash into the side of a business in the
1300 block of Ventura Street. The collision caused several thousands of dollars of damage to
the business and city property. As the deputy was driving up to the scene of the collision, the
male driver fled the scene on foot. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the
suspect.

Multiple residents in the nearby area provided surveillance video to the Sheriff’s Office from their
homes, capturing the suspect fleeing on foot from the traffic collision. The surveillance video,
along with other evidence collected at the scene, was used to positively identify the hit-and-run
suspect as Fillmore resident, Reynaldo Estrada, who is currently on California State Parole
for 28002(a)-Reckless Evading in a Vehicle.

On the afternoon of April 15th, 2023, deputies located Estrada at a residence in the 700
block of Fourth Street. Estrada was arrested for a parole violation, hit and run driving, reckless driving, and resisting/delaying a peace Officer. Estrada was booked at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility in Ventura. Estrada remains in jail awaiting his court appearance without bail.

Nature of Incident: Reckless Driving, Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested
Report Number: 23-47357
Location: 700 Block of Fourth Street in Fillmore
Date & Time: April 15th, @ 5:50 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Serivces
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
(A) Reynaldo Estrada, 28, Fillmore
Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Senior Deputy John Schnereger

Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

After 12 years of service, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy John Schnereger has been promoted to Senior Deputy and will no longer serve the Fillmore Unified School District as a School Resource Officer.

Deputy Schnereger has a diverse background through his education, military, and law enforcement experience. Deputy Schnereger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies – both with an emphasis in archaeology from the University of Southern California, and has a Masters of Arts degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

After graduating from college, Deputy Schnereger served six years in the military before starting his career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. He has worked assignments in the jail, Ojai, Moorpark, and Headquarters stations.

Deputy Schnereger said, “I’ve enjoyed my time over the past 2 years working with Fillmore Unified School District staff and students and appreciate the opportunity to impact student lives. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to use my passion for mentoring and developing youth throughout my career and will continue my work with the Boys & Girls Club and R.M. Pyles Boys Camp.”

This past week was the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show. This year’s theme was “Garden Treasures” and there was something for everyone to enjoy. This year’s winners are pictured above: (l-r) Julie Latshaw, Colleen Chandler, Carmen Zermeño, Jean Westering, Bene Ambrosio, Michelle Smith and Lupe Garcia. Inset, some of the submissions for this year’s show. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Teacher Doris Nichols’ Fillmore Middle School students’ artwork was also on display at the Fillmore Flower Show. Also, a café was created for visitors to sit and chat as well as snack on some tea and treats, something they hope to continue for next year. Photos courtesy Jan Lee. Above are more Flower Arrangements from this past weekends Flower show. Photo courtesy Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee
Once again, local gardeners brought their “Garden Treasures” to the Fillmore Flower Show. The Active Adult Center was lovely with all the flowers and plants on display. Otto and Sons Nursery brought many yard decorations, plants and roses to further beautify the show.
It takes many people to plan and organize the flower show. The Civic Pride Committee would like to thank those who donated door prizes:
- Civic Pride volunteers
- Diamond Realty and Investments
- El Pescador Restaurant
- Green Thumb Nursery
- Houry Meguerditchian at Tracks Store
- King and King Ranch
- La Flor Bonita
- Los Altos Estilo Jalisco Restaurant
- Nancy Cope
- Otto and Sons Nursery
- Roan Mills Bakery
- Santiago Ranch
- The Scented Path
- The Treasure Station
- Vallarta Restaurant
- Yani’s Best Restaurant
- Sandi Ward’s Train Stop
Music on Saturday, April 15 was provided by Miss Faustina Walenski and Sunday by Barry Cooper. The music added to the enjoyment of the flower show.
The Committee would also like to thank everyone who brought flowers and plants. So many people went into their garden to select the best blooms to share with their community. Some of the dish gardens and potted plants have been growing for many years and seem to be family friends. Also, many of the participants took the extra care to make their entries reflect the theme, “Garden Treasures”.
The judges had a tough job. Each year the two judges volunteer their time to rate everything on display. They are professionals, but love coming to Fillmore so never let us pay them for their expertise.
Who were the 2023 winners?
Julie Latshaw won Best of Show with her gorgeous single stem cut iris (Division II). Michelle Smith won (Division I) Single Stem Cut Rose with her pink rose, “First Prize”. Michelle Smith also won (Division III), Other Single Stem Cut Flower with her Cymbidiums. Michelle told the crowd that she learned to grow flowers as a member of the Ventura Garden Club and encouraged others to join in the fun. Bene Ambrosio won (Division IV), Bouquets with her beautiful white watsonia. (Division V), Arrangements, was won by Colleen Chandler with her dramatic peach blossoms artistically arranged in an Asian vase. (Division VI), Miniature Arrangements and Bouquets has two categories and two winners. Carmen Zermeño won for Class B not to exceed 10 by 10 inches. Jean Westering won Class A not to exceed 4 by 4 inches. She said the vase for her arrangement was brought from Japan by her father at the end of World War II. (Division VII), Potted Plants, was won by Lupe Garcia, with her red Crown of Thorns plant. This was Lupe’s first year to enter! (Division VIII), Dish Gardens, was won by Carmen Zermeño, with a great succulent garden.
The Youth Arrangements were especially good this year. The young people really tried to follow the theme. (Division X), Youth Arrangements, was won by Dorie Klittich. The Youth Composition, (Division XI), was wan by Alice Klittich. Thank you to our talented Youth who entered. Thank you to their parents and teachers who encouraged them.
Ms. Doris Nichols brought her Fillmore Middle School student’s art work which added to the show. Regina Nuñez created the cafe for visitors to sit and chat and have a homemade cookie and a glass of tea. The plant boutique was popular again this year. All in all, it was a wonderful event. It will return again next year, so get cultivating!