Introduction of letter by an AYSO parent

On Friday, June 28 a letter was sent out by Fillmore AYSO Regional Commissioner, Arnold Muñoz, urging AYSO families to speak out about their concerns with having to share Two Rivers Park with another youth sports organization at the next city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

The AYSO soccer program in Fillmore has multiplied throughout the last 45 years, and with almost 700 athletes, AYSO is the largest youth sports organization in the community, and needs a larger park like Two Rivers to accommodate that many players, not only for games, but also practice.

The last few years, AYSO has been submitting their park request application for Two Rivers Park but has only been granted limited access due to the contractual agreements between the city and the Fillmore Raiders organization, which gives them a right to first refusal to practice at Two Rivers Park through October.

This decision has created a difficult situation for many parents and coaches who have multiple children and are having to travel back and forth between parks for practice and has created an abundance of complaints to the AYSO organization. Parents were really hoping that things would change this upcoming season, however, it doesn’t seem to be the case.
AYSO is committed to serving the Fillmore youth and will continue to work on a dialogue with the city about this important topic in hopes of finding a way to best accommodate two great youth sports organizations.

The letter sent by Fillmore AYSO Regional Commissioner, Arnold Muñoz, can be read below:

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AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION
Region 242, Fillmore, CA.
fillmoreayso@gmail.com

AYSO Region 242 Parents, Players, and Volunteers,

This letter is to be as transparent as possible with the players, volunteers, and parents of Region 242 about the challenge we are currently facing, which is preventing us from using Two Rivers Park for practice.
As some of you may know, we always submit our park requests as early as March every year. This year was no different. We requested the park in March and received the approval on April 2. However, on June 12, we received an email from the city of Fillmore stating that:

“Unfortunately, we have encountered an unforeseen scheduling conflict Despite a contract being signed, Fillmore Raiders have precedence for the use of Two Rivers Park, and we have to cancel your contract and create a new one for Shiells and Delores Day Park until mid-October because that’s when Fillmore Raiders move to Shiells Park and AYSO moves to Two Rivers Park.”
This has been a recurring issue every year, despite our multiple requests. We always receive the same treatment.

AYSO is the largest youth sports organization in our community with over 650 players and approximately 70 teams. Raiders Football has 215 players and 6 teams. As our region has grown we no longer fit at Shiells Park. With AYSO having the largest number of players and teams it would be more appropriate for AYSO to utilize Two Rivers Park for practice, and Raiders to use Shiells and Delores Day Park for their practice.

AYSO Region 242 will address this issue at the next City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:30pm. We would greatly appreciate community support as we present our concerns to the City Council members. Our families will face the challenge and difficulty of moving multiple children playing in different divisions from park to park, especially the October move from Shiells Park to Two Rivers Park. Utilizing Two Rivers park as one stop park for all of our families for the whole season, alleviates these issues.

Our hope is that we will be able to resolve this issue with the city and that we will be able to provide a quality, world class youth soccer program that enriches children’s lives for the Fillmore community.
Best Regards,

Arnold G. Muñoz Regional Commissioner AYSO Region 242 Fillmore, CA.

Photo courtesy Jose “Froggy” Estrada

By Joe Woods

That’s right, Fillmore, it’s Froggy Fight Night in Southern California for the first time in five years, Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. It will be Jose “Froggy” Estrada vs Devon Brock. They will fight at 155lbs for UpNext Fighting Championship. You can stream the fight on Stream USA or get your tickets this week from Froggy at West Coast Gym in Oxnard.

After fighting for the last four years mostly in Florida and Mexico and taking a year off just to get healthy again, his Fillmore pride and love for the sport has brought Froggy back.

“It’s been over a year since I fought, but I never got out of the gym, taking some time off, new league, new start. I am excited to fight in front of my Fillmore people again in Southern California,” Froggy said. “For the first time in a long time I’m 100%, I’m in great shape and ready to go.”

Froggy, at 33-years of age with a professional fight record of 7–3, is ready for this new adventure. With the strength of his team at West Coast Gym, Coach Brain Espinoza, brother Francisco “Turtle” Estrada in his corner, and girlfriend Jordan Johnson, he’s excited and ready to go.

“It’s my first fight at 155lbs. I am healthy for the first time in a long time, with speed, power, boxing ability and Jiu Jitsu background, and along with my wrestling skills, I know I am ready for anything. My team at West Coast, Coach Brain, my brother Turtle and I have been sparring with Jeremy Stevens. I know I’m ready to go.”

Seeing the gleam back in his eyes again, I know this will be an exciting fight. I look forward to seeing this young man performing this craft he does so well in the cage. He’s missed the crowd noise, and I know he will be energized by the chanting of his name again.

“I can go toe-to-toe with this guy, or I can take it on the ground, whatever it takes,” stated Froggy. “And to all my Fillmore friends and family, the 805 champ is back in Southern California! I will be out there fighting for my hometown, and I will never forget where I came from.”

So, Fillmore fireworks will not stop on July 4th this year, they will continue on July 6th, at the Commerce Casino, when the 805 and the Fillmore people scream out “Froggy, Froggy, Froggy!” one more time.

Posted on: June 20, 2024

Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=117
Attention Fillmore Residents:

As the Fourth of July Season approaches and residents prepare to celebrate with fireworks, the City of Fillmore is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The City would like to remind residents of important measures and regulations regarding the use and purchase of fireworks.
- Legal Fireworks Only: Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks, those that are State Fire Marshal-approved, are permitted for use in Fillmore. These fireworks will always display the State Fire Marshall’s Seal directly on the firework or its packaging
- Sales Restrictions: Fireworks sales are ONLY permitted within city limits of Fillmore from approved vendors between June 28 and July 5th.

- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violation of fireworks regulations can result in fines up to $1,000 and confiscation of illegal fireworks as stipulated in FMC Chapter 15.39. Serious infractions may lead to criminal charges. Ventura County Sherriff Department and Fillmore PD are capable of issuing citations for firework violations. To Report illegal activity please call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233.

- Areas of Use: Fireworks purchased in the City of Fillmore are only legal within city limits. Fireworks are illegal in all other Ventura County Cities. Visitors to the City of Fillmore are encouraged to visit a public park to discharge their fireworks. (Delores Day Park, Sheills Park, Two Rivers Park)

- Keep it Safe- never allow children to play or ignite fireworks, keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap, never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully
This flier will provide further information regarding safe and sane fireworks: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc: VA6C2:3edd3ded-28fd-4952-b270-ea528b88ad76

By following the established guidelines and exercising caution, we can prevent accidents and keep our community safe.

The Fillmore Police Department invites all members of the public to join us in a community centered event and enjoy a cup of iced coffee or iced tea with local members of public safety. This event is geared towards meeting your local police and fire department members with an emphasis on fireworks safety, with the Fourth of July around the corner.

Special appearances by Fillmore City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K9, Sheriff’s S.W.A.T members, and local supporters Starbucks Coffee and Roan Mills Bakery. Join us, enjoy a treat and get your public safety questions answered.

We encourage you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday responsibly and with consideration for the safety of all members of the public and their respective property. With the anticipated increase of the city’s population during the festivities, in addition to the inherent dangers associated with illegal fireworks, the Fillmore Police Department will have extra patrol deputies on patrol throughout the city of the Fillmore over the holiday weekend.

The Fillmore Police Department wants to remind the citizens of the following information pertaining to illegal fireworks and the fines associated with these crimes:

• “Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th.

• Violators may be cited for violating city municipal codes and are subject to a $1000.00 fine, for possessing illegal fireworks or may be arrested for more serious offenses. If you witness any illegal firework activity, please call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1.

Nature of Incident: Coffee with the Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Fillmore Police Station East Parking Lot
Date & Time: June 28th 10am – 12pm
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Campbell
News Release Date: June 25, 2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Pictured above is an item the museum found years ago and was recently identified as a cigar mold by intern, Ryan Baumann from CSUCI, and is now on display at the museum. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is a blue banner with gold lettering that reads, “Fillmore Band”. Since the museum has no reference to the Fillmore Unified High School, they believe it was for the Fillmore City bands organized by Frank Erskine and Clarence Arrasmith. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Since the Museum was founded over 50 years ago by Edith Moore Jarrett and others who felt preserving the history of our area was important, we have many items donated to us. We only accept things that reflect the history of the valley, so unfortunately, we have had to refuse several pump organs and pianos which were not even owned by a former resident (and also would take up a lot of storage space which we don’t have).

We also have to politely refuse things that don’t really add to the story of our area – like a cement block out-house. It is true that originally the Hinckley House would have been served by a privy, but probably not one made from cement blocks. We were also concerned someone might think it was ready for use.

One item that we have had for several years but couldn’t identify was recently identified by our intern, Ryan Baumann from CSUCI. He took one look at it and said “could it be a cigar mold”. We went to the internet and sure enough there were many pictures identical to our item. It is now on display in the Depot next to a tobacco cutter from Lindenfeld’’s market.
Another item that is on display is one we didn’t have to guess as the person donating it could tell us its provenance – it’s a femur which was amputated about four inches above the knee with a musket ball hole. Etched in the bone is “Dr. Leon Hammond, October, 1864.” Dr. Hammond was a Union Army surgeon. This may have come from the Cedar Creek Battle. During the Civil War little could be done under the drastic circumstances to save a leg or an arm. Not amputating could lead to gangrene and death.

Dr. Parker Hubert practiced dentistry in Fillmore in the 1920s and 1930s. We did an article about him a few months back highlighting his pastime as an amateur film maker and rider. His son, Robert Hubert, also gave us a set of “Gold Bugs” he had made from dental gold.

We have found two other things in the Museum which we have no clue who donated them. Unfortunately, after the 1994 earthquake many of our items were damaged or destroyed and records were also damaged or destroyed.
One item was found rolled up on top of some cabinets. It is blue with gold lettering and just says “Fillmore Band”. Since there is no reference to the Fillmore Unified High School we believe it was for the Fillmore City bands organized by Frank Erskine and Clarence Arrasmith. If anyone has photos of the early Festival parades that might show this banner, we would love to see them.

The other banner has a more national connection. It simply says Fisk and Brooks. Clinton Fisk and John Anderson Brooks made up the Prohibition Party ticket in the 1888 presidential election. Fillmore had a very strong temperance league led by Mrs. Hattie King (https://www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org/hattie-king-and-the-wctu ). Since Fillmore had just been laid out in 1888, the banner was probably used elsewhere.

On Monday, June 17, the Fillmore Women’s Service Club (FWSC) was able to present AYSO 242 with a generous donation of $1,000 to help the organization in its ability to provide some additional scholarships for the League.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club is an organization of women who are of service in the Fillmore community. When the request was read and discussions were made, there was only one right move, to help anyway we can, first, with a monetary donation.
FWSC is hard at work for the community and partnering up with AYSO to help ensure their motto of EVERYONE PLAYS--and AYSO Epics Everyone Plays in our Community is a part of what they stand for.

Fillmore AYSO 242 is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. They are hard at work gearing up for another fantastic year of soccer with some extra special celebrations along the way. FWSC looks forward to celebrating with them.
If you have any desire to make a difference in a child’s life, especially when it comes to the community and youth sports, here are a few things you may consider: Volunteer as a Coach, Volunteer as a Referee, consider sponsoring a child or a team, sponsor a team’s banner yourself or as a business, and lastly, any new or used sporting equipment would gladly be accepted (cleats, shin guards, soccer balls, cones).

You can follow both organizations on social media if you are interested in the above. Both organizations would gladly accept equipment to be used towards a child this year (or feel free to contact anyone pictured in the photo).
Good job, AYSO 242! 45 years serving your Fillmore community. Good job, FWSC, on showing up for the youth by supporting scholarship efforts. See you on the soccer field! Let’s have a great season!

(VENTURA, Calif. — June 18, 2024) The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is warning residents that dangerous levels of very small particles can be caused by Fourth of July fireworks.

Historic patterns recorded by the district indicate that areas close to heavy fireworks use experience unhealthy air pollution levels. In 2023, the levels of fine particulate matter recorded for several hours on the night of July 4 in Simi Valley would be considered unhealthy for everyone if maintained for a 24-hour period, according to the Air Quality Index. The district monitor in Simi Valley is located two blocks east of the 2023 fireworks display at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.

Also in 2023, a monitor in Piru, which is near Fillmore where a professional show was held and personal use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks is allowed, indicated the level of fine particles came close to the unhealthy level for sensitive groups. In 2021, the Thousand Oaks monitor recorded similar readings on the morning of July 5.
Fireworks emit high levels of fine particulate matter including soot and ash that can cause serious health effects. Toxic metals like strontium and barium produce the vibrant colors of fireworks. Illegal fireworks are known to contain additional toxic metals such as lead.

Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, or PM2.5, can invade the bloodstream, get deep into the lungs and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can irritate throats, lungs and sinuses and cause headaches, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and dry, watery eyes. Children, older adults and people with existing respiratory conditions are the most at risk.

When air quality reaches an unhealthy level, you should:

Stay indoors as much as possible, preferably in a “clean room” with an indoor air filtration device where you can avoid cooking or burning candles.

Close all windows and doors that lead outside unless it is extremely hot.
Operate home and car air conditioners in recycle or recirculation mode. Close the fresh air intake and replace dirty filters.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask when outside if you are sensitive to air pollution.
Levels of smoke and particles and the areas affected depend on weather conditions. For real-time data on air quality, check the AirNow NowCast AQI at www.airnow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. AirNow uses hourly data from the district’s five monitoring stations to provide air quality information.

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On 06/13/2024, detectives with the Sheiff’s Major Crimes Bureau, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations arrested Nathaniel Marrufo and Juanluis Orozco for assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm.

On 06/11/2024, at approximately 2:07 P.M., the Sheriff’s Communication Center received several 911-calls about shots being heard in the area of the 300-block of 3rd Street and a vehicle speeding away. The Sheriff’s Communication Center received additional calls of an additional shooting in the 300-block of 2nd Street and several subjects running away from the area of the shooting. Deputies from the Fillmore Police Station were dispatched to the 300-block of 3rd Street. The responding patrol deputies located evidence of the two shootings. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, West County Special Enforcement Unit, and Headquarters Patrol Station Investigations Unit responded to investigate the incident.

For the next couple of days, detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, and West County Special Enforcement Unit collaborated together and identified the suspects of the shooting as Nathaniel Marrufo and Juanluis Orozco.

On 06/13/2024, detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, and West County Special Enforcement Unit located Marrufo and Orozco in the 1200-block of Mountain View Avenue in the city of Oxnard and arrested them for the shooting. Search warrants were executed at their residences, located along the 900-block of “B” Street in Fillmore and 300-block of 3rd Street in Fillmore, yielding additional evidence linking the suspects to the shootings.
Marrufo and Orozco were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2)-Assault with a Firearm, Penal Code Section 246.3(a)-Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Penal Code section 136.1(b)(1)-Dissuading a Witness from Reporting a Crime, and Penal Code section 148.3(b)-Falsely Reporting an Emergency.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives seeking information from witnesses or victims of the shootings. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Detectives Christopher Vorzimer, Nicole Grover or Crime Stoppers at the below listed numbers.

Report Number: 24-71618
Location: 300-block of 2nd Street, Fillmore 300-block of 3rd Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: June 11, 2024 @ 2:07 P.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Air Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Crime Analysis Unit, Advanced Real Time Information Center, Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, Headquarters Patrol Station Investigations Unit, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau

(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Nathaniel Marrufo Fillmore 21
(S) Juanluis Orozco Fillmore 19

Detective Christopher Vorzimer
Christopher.Vorzimer@ventura.org
805-384-4731

Detective Nicole Grover
Nicole.grover@ventura.org
805-384-4722

Prepared by: Francisco Jauregui
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

June 14, 2024 – The City of Fillmore, in collaboration with SPIRIT of Santa Paula, Ventura County Continuum of Care, Peoples Self Help Housing, Many Mansions, and CalTrans, is excited to announce an application for $1.4 million in funding through the Encampment Resolution Funding Program (ERF-3-R). This initiative is sponsored by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness.

This vital funding will bolster a comprehensive effort to provide both immediate and long-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness in Fillmore and Ventura County.
Housing Solutions:

• SPIRIT of Santa Paula: Shelter and interim housing
• Peoples Self Help Housing: 13 units of permanent housing
• Many Mansions: 7 units of permanent housing

These partnerships will address the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations by offering secure and stable housing environments. The blend of emergency shelter and permanent housing units is designed to transition individuals from temporary to permanent housing, ensuring a sustainable resolution to homelessness.

“We are dedicated to addressing the homelessness crisis in our community through holistic and compassionate methods,” said David W. Rowlands, City Manager, City of Fillmore. “Our collaboration with committed partners and the support from the Encampment Resolution Funding Program will profoundly impact the lives of many individuals and families.”

The Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a critical resource, enabling communities to develop effective strategies to resolve encampments and create pathways to permanent housing. With this funding, we aim to improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness and contribute to the broader efforts to end homelessness in California.
Please visit www.fillmoreca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Community Contact:
Name: David Rowlands
Title: City Manager
Phone: 805-312-9746
Email: drowlands@fillmoreca.gov

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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, the Fillmore Fire Department and the Fillmore Unified School District, will host First Responder Rapid Response Training at Rio Vista Elementary School on June 15, 2024.

As our community’s first responders, we are expected to maintain a high-level of competency and proficiency while responding to community needs. We are often called upon to assist with situations that are inherently dangerous and consist of numerous high-risk variables and multi-faceted complexities. The response to an active killer / mass casualty event is a task we have previously been required to handle and we are dedicated to remaining ready should we be called again in the future.

The rapid response training is designed to increase first responder readiness to address active killer and mass casualty events. Utilizing a concepts-based approach to learning, the intent of the training is designed to prompt synergistic thinking and allow first responders to acquire and process facts and skills through the conceptual level of thinking. The training emphasizes a systematic approach to problem solving where participants are trained to integrate and manage a multi-discipline response to a full range of active killer / mass casualty scenarios. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to expeditiously neutralize the threat, provide time-sensitive medical care, and facilitate the transportation of victims to the hospital.

On June 15, 2024, residents in the area of Rio Vista elementary School may hear commotion coming from the training site, including simulated gunfire. The training site will be visibly marked with “Police Training in Progress” signs and other markings to designate the site as a training area.

Location: Rio Vista Elementary School, Fillmore
Date & Time: 06/15/2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT Team Ventura County Fire Department Fillmore Fire Department Fillmore Unified School District

Prepared by: Detective John Grunhold
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, the Fillmore Fire Department and the Fillmore Unified School District, will host First Responder Rapid Response Training at Rio Vista Elementary School on June 15, 2024.

As our community’s first responders, we are expected to maintain a high-level of competency and proficiency while responding to community needs. We are often called upon to assist with situations that are inherently dangerous and consist of numerous high-risk variables and multi-faceted complexities. The response to an active killer / mass casualty event is a task we have previously been required to handle and we are dedicated to remaining ready should we be called again in the future.

The rapid response training is designed to increase first responder readiness to address active killer and mass casualty events. Utilizing a concepts-based approach to learning, the intent of the training is designed to prompt synergistic thinking and allow first responders to acquire and process facts and skills through the conceptual level of thinking. The training emphasizes a systematic approach to problem solving where participants are trained to integrate and manage a multi-discipline response to a full range of active killer / mass casualty scenarios. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to expeditiously neutralize the threat, provide time-sensitive medical care, and facilitate the transportation of victims to the hospital.

On June 15, 2024, residents in the area of Rio Vista elementary School may hear commotion coming from the training site, including simulated gunfire. The training site will be visibly marked with “Police Training in Progress” signs and other markings to designate the site as a training area.

Location: Rio Vista Elementary School, Fillmore
Date & Time: 06/15/2024
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's SWAT Team Ventura County Fire Department Fillmore Fire Department Fillmore Unified School District

Prepared by: Detective Jhon Grunhold
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon