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

 
On Friday, April 21, 2023, at 12:07pm, Fillmore Police and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at A Street & 5th Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with minor damage, no injuries. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Friday, April 21, 2023, at 12:07pm, Fillmore Police and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at A Street & 5th Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with minor damage, no injuries. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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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

 
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 12:59am, a Fillmore Police Patrol sergeant advised dispatch of an attempted traffic stop taking place in the 1100 block of Ventura St., Fillmore. According to radio traffic, the driver failed to yield, causing a short pursuit. The sergeant advised the driver struck a street sign and ran over restaurant landscaping, causing him to crash into the rear of El Pescador, taking out one of the support-arches. The subject fled from the officer on foot, jumping fences in the surrounding neighborhood. Responding officers set up a perimeter in the area and were unable to find the subject while deputies investigated DNA swabs taken from the vehicle. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 12:59am, a Fillmore Police Patrol sergeant advised dispatch of an attempted traffic stop taking place in the 1100 block of Ventura St., Fillmore. According to radio traffic, the driver failed to yield, causing a short pursuit. The sergeant advised the driver struck a street sign and ran over restaurant landscaping, causing him to crash into the rear of El Pescador, taking out one of the support-arches. The subject fled from the officer on foot, jumping fences in the surrounding neighborhood. Responding officers set up a perimeter in the area and were unable to find the subject while deputies investigated DNA swabs taken from the vehicle. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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On Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00pm, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, an AMR Supervisor, and Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on SR126 & Center Street, Piru. Arriving firefighters reported three vehicles involved with moderate to heavy damage to all vehicles. Four patients were involved, with two minor injuries and two moderate injuries. A Los Angeles County Fire Dept. transport helicopter landed in the westbound and eastbound lanes of SR126, causing both directions to shut down. The crash is under investigation. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00pm, Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, an AMR Supervisor, and Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on SR126 & Center Street, Piru. Arriving firefighters reported three vehicles involved with moderate to heavy damage to all vehicles. Four patients were involved, with two minor injuries and two moderate injuries. A Los Angeles County Fire Dept. transport helicopter landed in the westbound and eastbound lanes of SR126, causing both directions to shut down. The crash is under investigation. Photo & caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Senior Deputy John Schnereger
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.”

 
On Wednesday, April, 12, at 1:45pm, Ventura County Fire Dept., AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a traffic collision on Sr126 at Honey Lane, Piru. Arriving firefighters found a Harrison trash (right) truck flipped on its side, with a dump truck involved. Firefighters found the occupant of the trash truck on the floor, and arriving paramedics transported the patient to a local hospital, condition unknown. The accident caused SR-126 both eastbound and westbound lanes to back up for at least three hours until units cleared the scene. Cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Amanda Castaneda, caption by Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April, 12, at 1:45pm, Ventura County Fire Dept., AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a traffic collision on Sr126 at Honey Lane, Piru. Arriving firefighters found a Harrison trash (right) truck flipped on its side, with a dump truck involved. Firefighters found the occupant of the trash truck on the floor, and arriving paramedics transported the patient to a local hospital, condition unknown. The accident caused SR-126 both eastbound and westbound lanes to back up for at least three hours until units cleared the scene. Cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Amanda Castaneda, caption by Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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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.
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!

 
On Wednesday, April 12, at 2:09pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics along with an AMR Supervisor were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Sespe Avenue & B Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with moderate damage, with one female patient trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient from the vehicle by using Jaws of Life; she was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo/Caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April 12, at 2:09pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, Ventura County Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics along with an AMR Supervisor were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Sespe Avenue & B Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters reported two vehicles involved with moderate damage, with one female patient trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient from the vehicle by using Jaws of Life; she was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo/Caption credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 2:48pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Dept., and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 600 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found a blue truck had jumped the curb and crashed into the Fillmore Water Store, with moderate damage to the storefront. One female patient was treated by AMR paramedics and was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 2:48pm, Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Dept., and AMR paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the 600 block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Arriving firefighters found a blue truck had jumped the curb and crashed into the Fillmore Water Store, with moderate damage to the storefront. One female patient was treated by AMR paramedics and was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. The crash is under investigation by the Fillmore Police Department. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Community Comments Welcomed
Concerned citizen Tracey Stewart spoke at Tuesday’s regular Fillmore City Council meeting, asking for help from the city to have Sierra Northern Railway move their graffiti-covered railcars from the present Grand Avenue-7th Street railroad tracks.
Concerned citizen Tracey Stewart spoke at Tuesday’s regular Fillmore City Council meeting, asking for help from the city to have Sierra Northern Railway move their graffiti-covered railcars from the present Grand Avenue-7th Street railroad tracks.
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Items 9.A-D approved 5-0

Item 9-E continued to April 25 with 5-0 vote.
9.A REQUEST: That the City Council adopt Resolution Number 23-3933 declaring a real property at the northeast corner of Mountain View and Santa Clara Streets in the City of Fillmore (“Property”) to be surplus, authorizing offers for the purchase of the Property pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, and finding these activities to be exempt from CEQA. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve Resolution No. 23-3933 declaring the Property to be surplus, authorizing offers for the purchase of the Property pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, and finding these activities to be exempt from CEQA.

9.B SUMMARY: Staff is requesting the City Council to the Council initiate annual proceedings and review the FY 2023-24 proposed assessments for the City’s Landscape and Lighting (L&L) Assessment Districts. In order for the City to proceed, the City Council must also approve the Preliminary Annual Engineer’s Reports for Fiscal Year 2023-24, adopt the attached resolutions, and set a public hearing date for May 23, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends the City Council take the following actions: 1. Adopt Resolution 23-3931 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, Pursuant to the Provisions of Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code; 2. Adopt Resolution 23-3925 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Preliminarily Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024; 3. Adopt Resolution 23-3926 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for the Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1 for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Setting a Public Hearing to Consider This Proposal; 4. Adopt Resolution 23-3927 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore.

9-C REQUEST Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-3932 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24, and set a Public Hearing for May 23, 2023, to receive public comments on the proposed assessments.

CITY COUNCIL GOAL This addresses the City Council’s goal to strive to ensure that Fillmore has the necessary components for new construction and maintenance of all infrastructure. RECOMMENDATIONS City staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1 Adopt Resolution No. 23-3932 Declaring the Intention to Levy the Annual Assessment for FY 2022-23 for Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District Nos. 01, 01A, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07A, 07B, and 07C.
9.D REQUEST The owner of property located at 461 Central, LLC (Alex Glasscock, “Owner”), is requesting that the City Council approve a second amendment to the Property Remediation Agreement (Attachment 1) for the property located at 461 Central Avenue (“Property”). The requested amendment to the Agreement will allow the Applicant until October 20, 2023 to complete the last two items required pursuant to the Conditions of Approval. Currently, under the Agreement and the time extensions previously granted, these last two (undergrounding utilities and installing benches) tasks are required to be completed by April 20, 2023.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council: 1) Approve the Second Amendment to Property Remediation Agreement with 461 Central, LLC to extend the deadline to October 20, 2023.
9.E RE: PROPOSITION 218 HEARING FOR WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR 2023 THOUGH 2027 REQUEST Staff recommends that City Council conduct the Proposition 218 hearing for the sewer and water rates and 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 2023-2027 sewer rates by adopting Resolution No 23-3915.

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 2023-2027 sewer rates by adopting Resolution No. 23-3915.

 
Nearly a quarter-mile of “belly dump”-type railroad cars are being parked on the tracks between Grand Avenue and 7th Street in Fillmore. They are completely covered with gang graffiti and have become a major eyesore and attractive nuisance, allegedly affecting property values. Repeated letters requesting owners, Sierra Northern Railway, to move the cars have been ignored.
Nearly a quarter-mile of “belly dump”-type railroad cars are being parked on the tracks between Grand Avenue and 7th Street in Fillmore. They are completely covered with gang graffiti and have become a major eyesore and attractive nuisance, allegedly affecting property values. Repeated letters requesting owners, Sierra Northern Railway, to move the cars have been ignored.
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A damaged 20,000-gallon fuel tank is removed from the Shell Gas Station accident site, where on April 19, 2022 an 18-wheeler drove into the structure. That morning at 10:14 a.m., Fillmore Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department (ME191), Ventura County Fire (RE27) and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported semi-truck into the Shell Gas Station located at Ventura Street (SR-126) and Santa Clara Street. According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola the semi was traveling westbound on Ventura Street, drove through a power pole and a large Palm tree, crashed into a parked car and struck at least two diesel gas pumps before crashing into the east side of the station, stopping half way in. A male patient suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR Paramedics—the store clerk was not injured. The gas station attendant acted quickly to shut down all the gas pumps before exiting the building, according to Chief Gurrola. There were no spills from the pumps, but the semi’s 40-gallon tanks were ruptured and the store was red tagged by Building & Safety. Edison and SoCal Gas inspected the sight for powerline and natural gas issues— none were immediately found. Fillmore Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash. It was later the site of a fire and torn down. Information courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
A damaged 20,000-gallon fuel tank is removed from the Shell Gas Station accident site, where on April 19, 2022 an 18-wheeler drove into the structure. That morning at 10:14 a.m., Fillmore Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department (ME191), Ventura County Fire (RE27) and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported semi-truck into the Shell Gas Station located at Ventura Street (SR-126) and Santa Clara Street. According to Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola the semi was traveling westbound on Ventura Street, drove through a power pole and a large Palm tree, crashed into a parked car and struck at least two diesel gas pumps before crashing into the east side of the station, stopping half way in. A male patient suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR Paramedics—the store clerk was not injured. The gas station attendant acted quickly to shut down all the gas pumps before exiting the building, according to Chief Gurrola. There were no spills from the pumps, but the semi’s 40-gallon tanks were ruptured and the store was red tagged by Building & Safety. Edison and SoCal Gas inspected the sight for powerline and natural gas issues— none were immediately found. Fillmore Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash. It was later the site of a fire and torn down. Information courtesy Angel Esquivel—AE News.
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Fillmore Middle School’s New Resource Officer, Deputy Yolanda Avila
Fillmore Middle School’s New Resource Officer, Deputy Yolanda Avila

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

The Fillmore Unified School District would like to welcome Deputy Yolanda Avila to Fillmore Middle School as our new School Resource Officer. Please stay tuned for meet-and-greet opportunities!

Deputy Avila said, “My name is Yolanda Ávila, and I am the new Fillmore School Resource Officer. I am a proud native of Ventura County. I was born and raised in the City of Oxnard with my siblings. I am fluent in Spanish and English, and this has provided me the opportunity to better serve our diverse community. Throughout my career, I have served Ventura County in various assignments. I have served in the county jail and as a patrol officer for the City of Moorpark. While working for the Sheriff’s Office. I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to use my passion for mentoring and developing youth throughout my career. I have worked with our local AYSO, and have made it a goal to volunteer in local schools. I look forward to using my life-long experiences and drive to help students as Fillmore’s newest SRO.”

 
On Wednesday, April 5, at 7:11am, Fillmore Police Department responded to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of Ventura and B Street, Fillmore. One patient was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, April 5, at 7:11am, Fillmore Police Department responded to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of Ventura and B Street, Fillmore. One patient was transported to a local hospital, condition unknown. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Don’t miss the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16 from 1p.m. to 4p.m., at the Fillmore active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street. This year’s theme is “Garden Treasures.” Check-in your entries Saturday, April 15 at 7:30a.m. Above are winners from a previous flower show. Photo credit Jan Lee.
Don’t miss the 2023 Fillmore Flower Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16 from 1p.m. to 4p.m., at the Fillmore active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street. This year’s theme is “Garden Treasures.” Check-in your entries Saturday, April 15 at 7:30a.m. Above are winners from a previous flower show. Photo credit Jan Lee.
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By Jan Lee

Since 1919, the Flower Show has been a tradition in Fillmore. You will want to participate in this historic event on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at the Active Adult Center on Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. The theme this year is “Garden Treasures”. Bring your entry Saturday morning between 7:30 and 10 a.m. Cost is $5 to exhibit, no matter how many entries you have. All Youth entries are free.

The Flower Show will be open for public viewing from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is FREE.

What will you see at the Fillmore Flower Show? Youth compositions and art, single stem cut flowers of all sizes, shapes and colors, bouquets, arrangements large and small, potted plants and dish gardens. You will hear some lovely live music. You can taste yummy cookies. You can smell the most fragrant rose. You can’t touch the exhibits, but you can pick up some plants at the plant boutique.

But there are bonuses also. Your entry might win an award. You might meet a new friend. There are people who attend the Flower Show who are expert floriculturists who might share some ideas with you. Enjoy the community where you live. Come to the Fillmore Flower Show.

 
On Thursday, April 20, the Fillmore Historical Museum will be hosting a Zoom event to share more about the in Rancho Sespe. There is no charge, but you need to pre-register at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/special-events.Pictured above is the Rancho Sespe Packing House in the 1970s. Photo courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
On Thursday, April 20, the Fillmore Historical Museum will be hosting a Zoom event to share more about the in Rancho Sespe. There is no charge, but you need to pre-register at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/special-events.Pictured above is the Rancho Sespe Packing House in the 1970s. Photo courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

The following story about the villages on Rancho Sespe appeared in the Fillmore Herald on June 22, 1949. If you would like to hear more about living on Rancho Sespe, join us on Zoom on Thursday, April 20 at 7 pm. There is no charge, but you need to pre-register at https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/special-events .
“Rancho Sespe Workers Provided Homes in Sespe Village and Oak Village”

Approximately three miles west of Fillmore, nestled in the heart of the grove studded Santa Clara Valley, lies Rancho Sespe, home and means of livelihood to over 1,000 people. Most of the workers in this vast ranch live in two villages on the property – Rancho Sespe Village, the oldest and located south of highway 126, and Oak Village, constructed in 1948 and lying north of the highway.

In these two villages live the men and women who do the planting, irrigating, pruning, pickings, work in the $500,000 packing house, and the other countless and necessary labors that re needed to produce the varied and high-grade products of the ranch. These products include oranges, lemons, grapefruit, walnut, hay, cattle, horses, turkeys, and practically anything imaginable in the way of crops and livestock.

On the ranch, including the two villages, the visitor will find 218 houses, resident units of the laborers, foremen, ranch officials and their families. Rent on these units runs anywhere in the neighborhood of $8 to $15 per month depending upon the dwelling and the family. The majority of the dwelling units contain two or three bedrooms, kitchen, living room bath and other living facilities as well as a garage in many instances.

The first houses were built on the site of the present village south of the east-west highway in 1908, the year the first extensive planting on the ranch took place. During the ensuing years, the village grew along with the increased citrus acreage, reaching the proportions that now meet the eye.

It is safe to say that the majority of the ranch workers, which include Mexican, white and recently 17 families of European displaced persons (mostly German, Poles, Ukrainians, Latvians, Czechs and Armenians), have been employed by the ranch approximately two to five years. Many have been residents of the vast Santa Clara valley ranch for 25 years.

Then, there are a few of the real “old timers” like Adolpho Godines, Jesus Garcia and Alejo Davalos, who have seen the results of their care of the groves and other ranch projects gain in proportion for the past 30 years. The ranch is their home. . . their personal pride and joy.

In Sespe Village a general store is run by Albert Reyes, where the residents can purchase most of their needs for living. A lot of their trading is also done in Fillmore and Santa Paula. Once in a while a non-denominational church service is held in the huge dance pavilion in the village, but most of the time residents of the villages attend their respective churches in neighboring cities.

Last Sunday, the new German-Russian arrivals were transported by the ranch to Ventura to attend church services.

Most of the entertainment sought by those living on the ranch is found in the neighboring cities, but every once in a while, the pavilion is a scene of merrymaking as gay music is supplied for dancing feet and all join in an evening of fun.

As a person travels along the miles of asphalt and dirt roads that interlace the vast ranch holdings like a giant cobweb, he sees many teams of fine draft horses pulling tank wagons for oil heaters and spray rigs. These horses raised on the ranch are used in preference to motorized methods, for the overhead in using tractors for the job would be prohibitive. Used only during certain seasons, the tractors would remain idle for months at a time in some cases.

It is interesting to note that the powerful horses bred by the ranch are used a Santa Anita race track, pulling the track sweepers. Comments on their fine appearance are heard on every hand.

Residents of the Rancho Sespe are not all employed in the citrus groves, walnut groves or hay fields. Throughout the year the machine shop must keep the ranch equipment in shape; carpenters must keep the offices, laboratory, packing house and resident buildings in top repair; there is painting, piping, road repair and countless other tasks that keep the ranch employees busy throughout the 12 months of the year. This ranch is one of the very few with such an extensive year-round pay roll instead of seasonal operations as is that case in many instances.

“This helps everyone,” stated T. A Lombard general manager of the ranch. “If we have year-round work, the men on the ranch feel that they have permanent employment and that this is their home. That is the way it should be.”
Another feature of the ranch is the new packing house, north of the highway and near Oak Village, the new counterpart of Sespe Village.

From the unloading platform to the refrigerated basement in which 175 carloads of fruit can be put under refrigeration and stored, the plant is spotless. Lighting is supplied by glass skylights and aided by fluorescent light fixtures throughout the building, lending a bright, pleasant atmosphere in which the 160-odd workers perform their tasks.

In spite of the speed with which they work, there is a marked absence of the confusion usually caused by haste. Another notable feature is the fact that there is ample room for every operation with no crowding necessary.
Most of these workers live in either Oak Village or Sespe Village, although a number of them live on other parts of the ranch, Fillmore and their surrounding communities.

Children of the ranch employees attend elementary and high schools in Fillmore, for the most part. Sespe Village even has a kindergarten building, supervised during its weekly sessions by Mrs. Jake Stoll.

All-in-all, the ranch is self-supporting, and the villages are little communities within themselves. Near the large machine shop, lab, and machine shed and other ranch buildings stands a large barracks for the “bachelor” set of the ranch. A large messhall is nearby, and several hundred yards to the east, also on the highway, stand the little office building that is the nerve center of this vast agricultural achievement – a Spanish land grant that once reached through the valley from Piru creek to the San Clemente islands off our western shores; the Carrillo family; Tom Moore (sic); the Keith Spaldings and now Cal Tech.

Until the turn of the century cattle were the product of the ranch, with vast herds roaming the territory. Through the years, these herds gave way to agriculture, until now although cattle are still raised by the ranch, citrus is the outstanding product, with roughly 800 carloads per year leaving the ranch – all through the untiring efforts of the residents of Rancho Sespe.

 
Photo credit: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Photo credit: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
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On March 29, 2023, deputies assigned to the Fillmore station and West County Special Enforcement Unit contacted and arrested numerous subjects for various violations, including narcotics and the possession of a short-barreled rifle.
During the month of March of 2023, deputies assigned to the Fillmore station received information related to probationers and drug users who were frequenting a residence located in the 200 block of Fillmore Street. Detectives followed up on the information and began an investigation.

On March 29, 2023, detectives conducted surveillance operations and witnessed activity at the residence that was consistent with possible narcotics trafficking. During the surveillance, deputies observed Jayden Mercado arrive at the residence in his vehicle and leave a short time later. Deputies, including a K9 Unit, conducted a traffic stop of Mercado and subsequently arrested him for being under the influence of a controlled substance. During a search of Mercado’s vehicle, deputies located a loaded, short-barreled, .22 caliber rifle, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Mercado is a Santa Paula resident, and his previous criminal convictions prohibit him from owning and or possessing firearms or ammunition. Mercado was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for various drug and illegal firearm charges. Following Mercado’s arrest, deputies conducted a probation search at the residence in the 200 block of Fillmore Street. During the probation search, deputies contacted and arrested Albert Morales, Diana Raya, and Jessica Quezada for narcotics related charges. All four subjects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Report Number: 23-39641
Location: 200 Block of Fillmore Street / Fillmore Ca.
Date & Time: March 29, 2023 @ 2:30 P.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / Fillmore Detective Bureau / West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S-1) Albert Morales Fillmore 43
(S-2) Rafael Prado Santa Paula 26
(S-3) Diana Raya Fillmore 23
(S-4) Jessica Quezada Santa Paula 26
(S-5) Jayden Mercado Santa Paula 25
Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

 
On Wednesday, March 29, VC Sheriff's deputies assigned to the Fillmore station and West County Special Enforcement Unit contacted and arrested numerous subjects for various violations, including narcotics and the possession of a short-barreled rifle in the 200 block of Fillmore Street. Pictured is the arrest of Jayden Mercado, 25 of Santa Paula, on B Street at Ventura Street. The two arrest locations were connected. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Wednesday, March 29, VC Sheriff's deputies assigned to the Fillmore station and West County Special Enforcement Unit contacted and arrested numerous subjects for various violations, including narcotics and the possession of a short-barreled rifle in the 200 block of Fillmore Street. Pictured is the arrest of Jayden Mercado, 25 of Santa Paula, on B Street at Ventura Street. The two arrest locations were connected. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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