The Fillmore Police Department will be conducting a Driver’s License/DUI Checkpoint on September 27th, 2024, at an undisclosed location(s) within the city limits.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Fillmore Police Department reminds drivers, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription medications, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2023, more than 4,000 people were killed in alcohol and drug-involved crashes on California roads and many more injured. Locally, over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 15 lives of our family and friends.

The Fillmore Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a safe and fun night that doesn’t involve a DUI if you plan on drinking or taking medications that can affect your ability to operate a vehicle:

Always use a designated sober driver, ride-share, cab or other public transportation to get home.
If you see someone who is clearly impaired attempt to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a safe way home.

Report drunk drivers by calling “911.”
If you or someone you know is hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks, and monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fillmore Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nature of Incident: Driver’s License / DUI Checkpoint

Location: Fillmore, Ca
Date & Time: September 27, 2024 (6:00 PM to 2:00 AM)
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department, Camarillo Police Department – Traffic Bureau, Thousand Oaks Police Department – Traffic Bureau

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

City Tennis Courts Soon to be in a Pickle

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, at 6:30 PM

All items passed 5-0

9.A AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONVERSION OF TENNIS COURT TO COMBINED TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL COURT AT THE FILLMORE TENNIS AND SWIM CENTER, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 24-04. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Horizons Construction Company, Inc. (“Horizons”) for the conversion of a tennis court to a combined tennis and pickleball court at the Fillmore Tennis and Swim Center, Project Specification No. 24-04 (“Project”).

SR - AWARD CONTRACT TO CONVERT TENNIS COURT TO COMBINED TENNIS & PICKLEBALL.PDF

9.B INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.39 TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROHIBITIONS ON DANGEROUS FIREWORKS

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: Approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-975 to amend Fillmore Municipal Code (“FMC”) Chapter 15.39 to increase the penalties for violations of the dangerous fireworks prohibition in the FMC and adopt and implement provisions articulated in the State Fireworks Law, codified under Health and Safety Code section 12500 et seq., concerning increased administrative fines and misdemeanor penalties for violation of the City’s dangerous fireworks prohibition located in FMC Chapter 15.39.

SR CITY OF FILLMORE FIREWORKS ORDINANCE.PDF

9.C ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE 2021-2029 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”)

SR - 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT.PDF. RECOMMENDATION: City Staff requests the City Council consider and adopt Resolution 24-4030, adopting the 2021 2029 6th Cycle Housing Element with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and direct City staff to submit all remaining Housing Element documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development Department (“HCD”).

On September 7th, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to a call-for-service in the 400 block of Ventura Street, City of Fillmore, reference a commercial burglary report. The victim reported their small business had been broken into overnight and had several thousand dollars cash and work equipment stolen. The initial patrol investigation identified (S) Jesus Hernandez and (S) Kelly Cone as being responsible for the commercial burglary. Hernandez and Cone are Fillmore residents and convicted felons with over twenty years of criminal history. Hernandez is also a documented member of a local criminal street gang.

Based on their investigation, patrol deputies had probable cause to arrest Hernandez and Cone for felony violations of Penal Code § 459 – Second Degree Commercial Burglary and Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy. This information was disseminated to patrol deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station. In the early-morning hours of September 10th, 2024, a diligent patrol deputy contacted Cone while she was walking in the 300 block of Central Avenue, Fillmore. Cone was arrested for the above-listed violations and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Later that same day, detectives assigned to the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation observed Hernandez loitering with several local criminal street gang members in the 400 block of 1st Street, Fillmore. Detectives coordinated with patrol resources and developed a plan to contact and arrest Hernandez. Upon observing patrol deputies, Hernandez and the fellow gang members fled into a nearby residence to avoid contact. Patrol deputies and detectives quickly surrounded the residence to prevent Hernandez from fleeing into the neighborhood. Additional resources were requested, prompting the response of the West County Special Enforcement Unit and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit to the scene. After approximately one hour of negotiations, numerous individuals, including Hernandez, exited the residence without incident and without force being used. Hernandez was arrested for the above-listed violations, as well as a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code § 148 (a)(1) – Resist, Obstruct, Delay of a Peace Officer. Four additional subjects contacted at the residence were also arrested for various misdemeanor violations of the penal code.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and a vehicle at the scene associated to Hernandez. During the subsequent search, evidence was recovered further connecting Hernandez to the commercial burglary. Hernandez and Cone remain in-custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with a bail amount of $50,000.00 bail.

Nature of Incident: Career Criminals Arrested for Commercial Burglary
Report Number: 24-114098
Location: 400 Block of Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: September 10th, 2024, at 9:33 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff's Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations.

Suspects
(S) Jesus Hernandez Fillmore 38
(S) Kelly Cone Fillmore 44

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

Pictured is Eric Guzman at Ventura County Fire Station 28 in Piru.
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Courtesy Eric Wreesman

I would like to share a story about a local young man who has achieved his goal of serving his community in a firefighting capacity.

Eric Guzman, 24, born and raised in Piru, set a goal to become a Fireman as a young kid. When Eric was 16, he became a Fire Cadet with the Ventura County Fire Department at Fire Station 27 in Fillmore, and excelled in the program with his strong work ethic and character.

Eric continued as a Fire Explorer as the program evolved, and never took his foot off the gas as he progressed. He became an ambulance operator with the Glendale Fire Department, eventually obtaining his paramedic license and continued on his path of hard work and dedication.

At the age of 23, Eric achieved his dream of becoming a Fireman for the Ventura County Fire Department. This was his dream not only because it’s where he started as a Fire Cadet, but also the community he grew up in his entire life.
Today Eric works as Paramedic Fireman and continues still to keep his foot on the gas, bettering himself every day, and providing the highest level of service for his community. Eric is proud to live and work in his community, serving in this capacity.

Now that he has obtained his paramedic certification with the County of Ventura, Eric is able to work shifts at Medic Engine 28 in Piru, just blocks away from where he grew up.
Great Job, Eric! Keep up the great work and thank you for serving your community.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, traffic was delayed for work on Old Telegraph Road which was closed down to one lane due to the Ventura County Transportation Commission doing emergency repairs on the embankment along the Sespe Creek. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Inset photo Gazette staff.
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Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid= 1073353124799990&set=a.331155945686382

Last week on September 11, 2024, the Ventura County Transportation Commission announced the following on their Facebook page: VCTC has started an emergency project to repair the embankment along the Sespe Creek near Fillmore, which was damaged by winter storms in 2023 and 2024. The work will stabilize the bank and protect the railroad and Old Telegraph Road bridge during the coming winter season. Work is anticipated to occur weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and is expected to last about 30 days. The project may produce construction noise, however, loud noise is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Drivers may experience brief traffic delays on Old Telegraph Road. VCTC reminds drivers to be alert for work zones. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

As of December 12, 2023, the City of Fillmore adopted Ordinance 23-958, officially implementing Map 102 B. This November, we’re holding our first district-based election! To help you stay informed, we’ve launched the City of Fillmore – My Elected Representative application. Simply enter your address, and it will show your district and elected representative! Learn more and watch the tutorial here: https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1332/Find-My-Elected-Representative. Got questions? Contact Deputy City Clerk Arely Venegas at 805-524-3701 ext. 217 or avenegas@fillmoreca.gov. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1332/Find-My-Elected-Representative

As of December 12, 2023, the City of Fillmore adopted Ordinance 23-958, officially implementing Map 102 B. This upcoming November marks a significant milestone for the city, as it will be holding its first district-based election. To ensure residents are informed and empowered in this new process, the City has launched the City of Fillmore – My Elected Representative application.

This user-friendly tool allows residents to simply input their address, and the application will provide information on the district they belong to and the details of their elected representative. This ensures that residents stay connected with their local government and know exactly who is representing their district.

To further assist the community, the City has prepared a helpful tutorial video, available for viewing here: https://youtu.be/2X_BDXFmvsc. This video guides users through the steps of using the application and accessing their district information.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Arely Venegas, Deputy City Clerk, at 805-524-3701 ext. 217 or via email at avenegas@fillmoreca.gov.

For more details on the district election process, please visit the following link.
https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1332/Find-My-Elected-Representative

On Wednesday, September 11th, Fillmore City Fire Department hosted a memorial ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. They gathered at 6:45am and promptly raised the American flag at 6:55am, followed by a countywide radio broadcast remembrance. Refreshments were served afterwards for those who attended the memorial. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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The City of Fillmore Fire Department held a memorial in remembrance of 9/11 on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, September 11th, 2001. As a nation, we were brought together in tragedy, captivated by the images of destruction, despair, fear, and raw emotion. The only images strong enough to help us cope with such devastation were the amazing images of unity, strangers helping strangers, heroism, and watching America’s front line of public servants run toward the face of danger. They invited the community to join then Wednesday morning of September 11th they took a moment of Silence to remember the civilians, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Military Personnel who perished on that fateful day.

Let us remember the sacrifices made by so many that morning. From the everyday heroes who helped save perfect strangers, to the first responders who walked toward danger in hopes of helping anyone they could, they were all a shining example of how we can easily come together in times of national crisis. We will never forget those brave individuals, and we will never forget September 11th, 2001.

AGENDA

Agenda item approved 5-0

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.A AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION
NO. 24-02, SIDEWALKS AND PLAZA CONCRETE PROJECT

SR - SIDEWALKS AND PLAZA AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROJECT SPEC
NO. 24-02.PDF

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended the City Council approve the award of a contract to ADA General Engineering,
Inc. (“ADA-GE”) for the construction of Project Specification No. 24-02 - Sidewalks and Plaza
Concrete Project (“Project”) and appropriate $82,694.30 of additional budget from General Fund
to complete the City Hall Plaza improvements as bid.

9. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

10. CITY MANAGER

11. CLOSED SESSION

11. A CLOSED SESSION - SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
CITY OF FILLMORE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

12. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CARRIE BROGGIE ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2024, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Joe Bellomo, City of Fillmore New Public Works Director
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FILLMORE, CALI-FORNIA –September 5, 2024– After a thorough and extensive search, the City of Fillmore is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Bellomo as the new Public Works Director. Joe brings over 20 years of diverse and valuable experience to the position, having previously worked with Los Angeles County in their Environmental Division and most recently with Willdan Engineering.

Joe is no stranger to the Fillmore community, having served as the Deputy City Engineer through Willdan Engineering for several years. His in-depth knowledge of the City’s infrastructure, operations, and team members will ensure a smooth and seamless transition into his new role. Joe is also a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE), further solidifying his expertise and qualifications for the position. “It’s both an honor and a privilege to step into this role,” said Joe. “I look forward to the challenges ahead and collaborating with our talented management team and crew to ensure the sustainability and continued improvement of the City’s assets. Serving the community and residents of Fillmore is a true honor, and I am committed to making a lasting, positive impact for generations to come.”

City Manager David Rowlands expressed his confidence in Joe’s ability to excel in his new role: “Joe’s knowledge of the City, its operations, and employees will enable him to hit the ground running. We are fortunate to have someone of Joe’s caliber working for us.”

Joe Bellomo’s extensive background in engineering and public works management, combined with his familiarity with Fillmore’s unique needs, makes him an ideal choice to lead the City’s Public Works Department. His appointment is a significant step forward in ensuring the continued development and maintenance of Fillmore’s infrastructure.

As Public Works Director, Joe will oversee all aspects of the City’s public works operations, including maintenance of streets, water, sewer systems, and other essential services that contribute to the quality of life for Fillmore residents.
The City of Fillmore extends a warm welcome to Joe Bellomo as he embarks on this new chapter in his career, and we look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our community.

For questions and further information regarding this, please contact Erika Herrera-Terriquez, Assistant City Manager at 805-946-1712 or eherrera@fillmoreca.gov .

Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Community Contact:

Name: Erika Herrera-Terriquez
Title: Assistant City Manager
Phone: 805-946-1712
Email: eherrera@fillmoreca.gov

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The Firefighters of your Fillmore City Fire Department would like to invite you to attend a memorial celebration marking the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, September 11th, 2001. As a nation, we were brought together in tragedy, captivated by the images of destruction, despair, fear, and raw emotion. The only images strong enough to help us cope with such devastation were the amazing images of unity, strangers helping strangers, heroism, and watching America’s front line of public servants run toward the face of danger. We invite you to join us this Wednesday morning to remember the civilians, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Military Personnel who perished on that fateful day.

Let us remember the sacrifices made by so many that morning. From the everyday heroes who helped save perfect strangers, to the first responders who walked toward danger in hopes of helping anyone they could, they were all a shining example of how we can easily come together in times of national crisis. We will never forget those brave individuals, and we will never forget September 11th, 2001.

Gathering at the Fillmore Fire Station will start at 6:45 AM in the front. The American flag will be raised promptly at 6:55 followed by a County-wide radio broadcast of a remembrance.

Fillmore Fire Station 91 is located at 711 Landeros Lane. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Stock Photo: Angel Esquivel-Fillmore Gazette

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Posted on: August 29, 2024, Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=137

Exciting News for Fillmore! We are thrilled to announce that the City of Fillmore has been featured in Business View Magazine, who has been named to the 2020 Inc. 500 list of America’s fastest-growing Private Companies as one of the fastest-growing municipalities! This recognition highlights our community’s commitment to growth, innovation, and the incredible people who make Fillmore a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive. (Fillmore feature appearing on pages 177-186 - https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil-municipal/aug-2024/1/).

Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Fillmore a vibrant and dynamic city. Here’s to more growth and success in the future!