The 2023 CIT Deputy of the Year Award ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of Ciara Hays, Cody Massengill, Andrea Rodriguez, and Allison Wallace.

These remarkable individuals were recognized for their exceptional work within the Ventura County Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team, a collaborative program involving various law enforcement agencies such as the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, and Ventura Police Department.

Nominated by their respective agency’s leadership, the awardees were commended for their significant contributions to law enforcement and their compassionate interactions with individuals facing mental health crises. The ceremony, graciously hosted by the Ventura County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, highlighted the dedication and commitment of these deputies in providing crucial support and assistance to those in need within the community. Their unwavering efforts exemplify the values of empathy, professionalism, and service, making them truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s office recently released the 2023 Crime Statistics for the County of Ventura. Above are the 2021–2023 Comparison of Reported Crimes. See more photos on page 10.
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Above is the remainder of the 2021–2023 Comparison of Reported Crimes for the City of Fillmore. Courtesy Ventura County Sheriff’s office.
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Sheriff Jim Fryhoff has released the 2023 crime statistics for all areas serviced by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office saw numerous crime trends throughout the year. While property crime saw a decrease overall, there was an increase in shoplift-type thefts (21% increase, 166 incidents), Theft-Grand (2%, 25 incidents), Burglary- Residential (25%, 42 incidents), and Arson (33%, 4 incidents). The largest percentage of thefts continue to be shoplifts, vehicle-related, and auto part-related thefts (accounting for 72% of the total thefts). Auto part-related thefts, including Catalytic Converter thefts, continued to be a crime problem for the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction but saw a decrease (27%) between 2023 and 2022 (572 incidents in 2022, 418 in 2023). Vehicle-related thefts continue to contribute to the property crime totals with 19% (502 incidents); however, there was a decrease from 2022 offenses (596 incidents, 22% of total thefts).

Regarding violent crime, aggravated assaults saw the highest increase (133 incidents, 106%), with all categories showing increases (firearm, knife, other, hands/fist/feet related offenses). There were significant increases in firearm-related aggravated assaults and much of the increase was related to brandishing of firearms to multiple victims. Within some of the contract cities, there were gang-related violent crimes that also attributed to our increase in violent crime. Our agency has continued to use community awareness and engagement (social media, events, media releases, proactive communication), and proactive policing solutions to combat crime within the areas we serve. This spring, the Sheriff’s Office is launching a multi-agency task force to combat organized retail theft, cargo theft, and catalytic converter theft. There was a decrease in Homicide incidents for the Sheriff’s Office (six total incidents). Out of these six homicides, half involved family member-on-family member.

“In looking at violent crime statistics for 2023, you can see a significant jump in comparison to the previous year. We did see a noticeable decrease in violent crime during and following the global pandemic. However, the trend we are seeing now is that incidents involving violent crime have returned to pre-pandemic numbers. In a county our size, with as little crime as we do have in comparison to other jurisdictions across the nation, a few cases in a calendar year can result in a sizeable spike in crime statistics, evidence of which can be showcased by simply comparing the figures from 2022 to 2023,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. He continued, “Overall, crime across the board is down, as we had nearly 100 fewer criminal offenses in 2023 than the previous year. My office will never take our foot off the gas when it comes to reducing crime. We will continue to focus our efforts on outreach, community engagement, education, and working closely with partners inside and outside of the criminal justice system, which is crucial for effective violence reduction.”
Note: Each geographical area in Ventura County is unique, and crime trends vary from city to city. For questions regarding each city’s reported crimes, the following people can be reached directly:

Commander Eric Tennessen – Camarillo (805) 797-7102
Commander Jeremy Paris -Thousand Oaks (805) 797-7105
Captain Darin Hendren – Moorpark (805) 797-7137
Captain Eduardo Malagon – Fillmore (805) 477-7108
Captain Trina Newman – Ojai (805) 477-7039

For more information, please visit us at venturasheriff.org. You can also link directly to a statement by Sheriff Fryhoff that details our mission, strategy, and vision as well as Sheriff Fryhoff’s Seven Pillars for providing law enforcement services in Ventura County. For information regarding recruitment and job opportunities, please visit applyventurasheriff.org.

VCFD SANDBAG STATION DIRECTORY - Did you know that Ventura County residents can obtain and fill property and life-saving sandbags at 24 different VCFD stations? Here’s a closer look at how you can get your hands on sandbags to help protect against fires, floods, mudslides, and other potential natural disasters and emergencies. Locations for Fillmore and Piru are as follows: 27 – Fillmore, 133 C St; 28 – Piru, 513 N. Church St. ***PLEASE BE PREPARED TO FILL YOUR OWN SANDBAGS*** To contact a specific fire station, call 805.371.1111, EXT. # (utilizing the station numbers listed) View full list of locations visit https://vcfd.org/sandbag-stations/.

On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Sheriff’s detectives conducted compliance checks at the residences of thirty-four (34) registered sex offenders throughout the City of Fillmore and the surrounding unincorporated areas. The compliance checks were funded through the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE / ELEAS) program.

Thirty-two (32) of the sex registrants were confirmed to be in compliance with their registration requirements. Two (2) were not contacted because they were either not home or had moved. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the two registrants not contacted are out of compliance.

The Sheriff’s Office aggressively pursues prosecution of those sex registrants who fail to comply
with their registration requirements. Detectives will be conducting similar sweeps on an ongoing
basis to verify the registered sex offenders in our community are living at their reported residences and remain in compliance with any probation or parole terms. Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Nature of Incident: Sex Registrant Compliance Sweep
Report Number: N/A
Location: City of Fillmore and Surrounding Unincorporated Areas
Date & Time: February 3, 2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau

Prepared by: Investigative Assistant Jennifer Walsh
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

8.A INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.50 ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, MASSAGE PRACTIONERS, AND MASSAGE THERAPISTS.

REQUEST: That the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 24-964 to add Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 7.50 to allow staff to implement and enforce rules and regulations for massage establishments, massage practitioners, and massage therapists. PASSED 5-0

8.B CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT 5496 FROM HEARTHSTONE.
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council accept the completed public landscape improvements installed for Tract 5496 and authorize the exoneration of the Tract 5496 Levee/Common Area landscaping performance bond (Bond # PB10163700408) and accept a maintenance bond in an amount equal to 15% of the original improvement bonds providing for a 1-year warranty period.

PASSED 4-0. Conflict with Mayor Pro Tem Gurrola.
8.C AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 23-05, DOG PARK ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT TWO RIVERS PARK PROJECT.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Council approve the award of a contract to FS Contractors, Inc. for the construction of Project Specification No. 23-05 - Two Rivers Park Dog Park Improvements Project (“Project”). PASSED 5-0
8.D FY 2024-25 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND SCHEDULE.
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the Budget Development Guidelines below regarding preparation of the FY 2024-25 Annual Budget for the City of Fillmore; and 2. Approve the attached Budget Development and Review Schedule relative to preparation and approval of the FY 2024-25 Annual Budget.
PASSED 5-0

8.E CALWARN MUTUAL AID & ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Approve the City’s participation in the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) Mutual Aid & Assistance Program; 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements and documentation required for participation in CalWARN; AND 3. Direct staff to work collaboratively with CalWARN and other member utilities to ensure a seamless integration into the program. PASSED 5-0
8.F REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE 2024 THIRD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW TO BE PROVIDED BY PYRO.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the appropriation of $27,000.00 for the 2024 July Third Community Fireworks Show; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc.
PASSED 5-0

8.G AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHADE STRUCTURES AT TWO RIVERS PARK AND DOLORES DAY PARK.

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract in the amount not to exceed $220,441.10, which includes a $20,040.10 contingency (10%), for the construction of Shade Structures at Two Rivers Park and Dolores Day Park with SoCal Shade Sails. PASSED 5-0

8.H INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 7.12, VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS, TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council introduce by title only, and waiving further reading of, proposed Ordinance No. 24-963 amending Chapter 7.12 of the Fillmore Municipal Code entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 7.12, “VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS,” TO ALLOW THE IMPOUNDMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS, FOOD, AND MERCHANDISE OF A STREET VENDOR OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 7.12 WHOSE OPERATIONS CONSTITUTE AN IMMEDIATE THREAT, HAZARD, OR DANGER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY AND ADOPTION OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA”. PASSED 5-0

8.I CITY COUNCIL AFFIRMATION OF CITY OF FILLMORE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION RESULTING FROM SEVERE WINTER STORMS IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2024

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution 24-3986 to affirm the City Manager’s proclamation of a local emergency as a result of the damage incurred by the severe winter storms to the concrete bike path and pole fencing on the February 5, 2024. PASSED 5-0

On January 31, 2024, Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested Martin Torres and Ignacio Ixta Jr. in the City of Oxnard for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations. On February 2, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against Torres and Ixta in the Ventura County Superior Court.

During the months of December 2023 and January 2024, WC-SEU detectives conducted a firearm and narcotics investigation involving Martin Torres, who resides in the 2700 block of Windcrest Place in Oxnard. Torres is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

On January 30, 2024, detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Torres, his residence, and any vehicles associated to him.

On January 31, 2024, at approximately 11:58 AM, detectives conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 2000 block of North H Street in Oxnard. The vehicle was driven by Ignacio Ixta Jr. and Torres was a passenger. Detectives detained both subjects pursuant to the warrant and conducted a search. Detectives located a concealed and loaded semi-automatic handgun and narcotics inside the vehicle.

Detectives then served the search warrant at Torres’ residence. Detectives located 3 additional firearms, various types of narcotics, and a large amount of U.S. currency consistent with narcotics sales.

None of the recovered firearms were legally registered to Ixta, Torres, or any of the residents at Torres’ residence. Torres was arrested for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics sales violations. Ixta was arrested for a violation of possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.

The cases against Torres and Ixta were presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. On February 2, 2024, multiple felony firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations were filed against both suspects in the Ventura County Superior Court. Both remain in-custody with an upcoming court date and $500,000 bail amount.

The investigation is on-going. If you have any information about this case, please contact West County Special Enforcement Unit Detective Austin Whittaker at 805-654-3509.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting West County Patrol Stations with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes

Nature of Incident: Firearms and Narcotics Arrests
Report Number: 23-161499 & 24-12957
Location: 2700 block of Windcrest Place, Oxnard
Date & Time: January 31, 2024 @ 11:58 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Torres, Martin Oxnard 43
(S) Ixta, Ignacio Jr. Fillmore 35

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt