Layla Bloom, 11th grade, FHS, designed the winning logo for this year’s VC Academic Decathlon.
Layla Bloom, 11th grade, FHS, designed the winning logo for this year’s VC Academic Decathlon.

A special Thank You to team advisor Benjamin Bradshaw!
The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held last month. The winners were revealed at a ceremony held on February 9th in Camarillo. Nine high schools that participated this year are Fillmore High School, Adolfo Camarillo High School, Channel Islands High School, Oak Park High School, Pacifica High School, Royal High School, Santa Susana High School, Thousand Oaks High School, and Westlake High School. The theme for this year’s Academic Decathlon was “The Roaring Twenties.”
DESIGN AWARD- Layla Bloom, 11th grade, FHS. Layla designed the winning logo for this year’s VC Academic Decathlon.
MVP AWARD (Honor, Scholastic, Varsity): Emma Victor, Emily Barajas, Mable Lengning
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS-Christian Diaz
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS ESSAY-Division 2 (Bronze): Sofia Ibarra, Mable Lengning, Camila Razo.
ACADEMIC DECATHLON-ESSAY AWARD WINNERS-SCIENCE-Division 2 (Bronze): Joaquin Ibarra; (Silver) Alexander Ramirez.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS INTERVIEW-Division 2 (Gold): Camila Razo.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-MUSIC-Division 2 (Bronze): Camila Razo; (Gold) Mable Lengning.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-MATHMATICS-Division 2 (Bronze) :Alexander Ramirez.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-ECONOMICS-Division 2 (Silver): Thaily Soriano.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-ART-Division 2 (Silver): Thaily Soriano; (Gold) Mable Lengning.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-SPEECH-Division 2 (Bronze): Faith Marcelino; (Silver) Emma Victor.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-LITERATURE-Division 2 (Bronze): Thaily Soriano; (Silver) Joaquin Ibarra.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS-SOCIAL SCIENCE-Division 2 (Bronze): Christian Diaz; (Silver) Mable Lengning.
HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORE AWARD-RECIPIENTS FOR EACH TEAM: Emma Victor.
OVERALL TEAM SCORE DIVISION 2- (3rd Place) Fillmore High School.
***
The Academic Decathlon is an opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete against teams from schools throughout the county. Students compete in 10 academic events that cover subjects ranging from art to economics. A unique aspect of the competition is that it’s designed to include students from all academic backgrounds. The United States Academic Decathlon is the nation’s premier scholastic competition for students from public and private high schools across the country.
For list of full winners go to: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAShkr3yU/l49nsCeFW9TQPKydSSXL1w/viewutm_....

 
On Monday, February 16, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a flooding call in the 700 block of Edison Lane. Fire personnel found the roadway flooded, but with the assistance of Fillmore firefighters, the drainage was cleared and the roadway was made safe for traffic. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Monday, February 16, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a flooding call in the 700 block of Edison Lane. Fire personnel found the roadway flooded, but with the assistance of Fillmore firefighters, the drainage was cleared and the roadway was made safe for traffic. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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Date: February 12, 2026
The City of Fillmore is pleased to announce that Channel 10, the City’s local government access channel, has been updated to better serve residents and keep the community informed.
Channel 10 is regularly updated with City Council meeting broadcasts, important announcements, and the latest news and updates from the City of Fillmore. This ensures residents have convenient access to timely and transparent information about the City of Fillmore.
Residents are encouraged to tune in to Channel 10 to stay connected with City Council meetings and important City updates.
***
Contact:
Name: Angel Garcia
Title: Sr. Management Analyst Phone: 805-946-1827
Email: agarcia@fillmoreca.gov

 
Pictured is Fillmore Rotary President Elect John Garnica and speaker Kevin McSweeney, Planning Department Director for the City of Fillmore. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pictured is Fillmore Rotary President Elect John Garnica and speaker Kevin McSweeney, Planning Department Director for the City of Fillmore. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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The Fillmore Rotary Club speaker last week was Kevin McSweeney, Planning Department Director for the City of Fillmore. He has held that position for 34 years. He talked about what was needed to get approval for a license and about the various inspections with the Fire Department and Building Department. There are many rules and regulations that need to be followed. He also stated that the State informed the Planning Department that they have to provide low-income housing and that is being done. In regard to the Rite Aid building and what would be there next, he stated that the owners of the building are Rite Aid and no one has contacted the city. So, we’ll wait and see.

 
The City of Fillmore Fire Department is conducting its annual Weed Abatement Program to reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety. Property inspections and notifications will occur throughout the year based on weather conditions and fire danger. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their lots and removing excessive dry vegetation to remain in compliance. To learn more and view the full schedule, visit our dedicated Weed Abatement page https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1353/Upcoming-2026-Weed-Abatement-Calendar. Or view calendar below. Posted on February 02, 2026.
The City of Fillmore Fire Department is conducting its annual Weed Abatement Program to reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety. Property inspections and notifications will occur throughout the year based on weather conditions and fire danger. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their lots and removing excessive dry vegetation to remain in compliance. To learn more and view the full schedule, visit our dedicated Weed Abatement page https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1353/Upcoming-2026-Weed-Abatement-Calendar. Or view calendar below. Posted on February 02, 2026.
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Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1353/Upcoming-2026-Weed-Abatement-Calendar
The City of Fillmore’s Weed Abatement Program is a proactive effort led by the Fire Department to reduce wildfire risk by ensuring properties are properly maintained and free of excessive dry vegetation.
Due to changing weather patterns and increased wildfire danger throughout the year, weed abatement enforcement now occurs year-round rather than during a single “fire season.” Property owners may receive notices based on inspections and weather conditions, particularly during periods of dry weather and increased Santa Ana wind activity.
The program includes property inspections, mailed notices, and follow-up contacts for properties that do not meet compliance standards. Owners are given time to clear weeds and hazardous vegetation before further enforcement actions are taken.
Properties that are missed initially or experience regrowth later in the year may be re-inspected and contacted again to ensure continued compliance.
The City’s goal is to help protect residents, neighborhoods, and businesses by reducing fire hazards and promoting community safety through responsible property maintenance.

 
Candidate appointments available to obtain official nomination documents for eligible offices

February 3, 2026
(Ventura) – Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:
Voter-Nominated Offices
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Secretary of State
- State Controller
- State Treasurer
- Attorney General
- Insurance Commissioner
- Member, State Board of Equalization, 2nd District
- United States Representative: 24th, 26th, and 32nd Congressional Districts
- Member of the State Assembly: 38th, 42nd, and 46th State Assembly Districts.
Nonpartisan Offices
- Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Judge of the Ventura County Superior Court: 16 Seats
- Ventura County Board of Supervisors: 2nd and 4th Supervisorial Districts
- County Assessor
- County Auditor-Controller
- County Clerk and Recorder
- County Treasurer-Tax Collector
- County Superintendent of Schools
Official nomination documents for these offices are available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on February 9 at the Ventura County Elections Division, located in the Lower Plaza of the Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave., at the Ventura County Government Center. Appointments for in-person services are highly encouraged and can be made online at Vote.VenturCounty.gov or by calling the Elections Division at 805-654-2664.
The nomination period closes on Friday, March 6, 2026. All nomination documents and fees must be filed with the Elections Division no later than 5:00 p.m. If nomination documents for an incumbent officeholder are not filed by the March 6 deadline, the voters shall have until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 to nominate candidates other than the incumbent. There is no extension for an office where the incumbent has reached their maximum term limit.
Other Key Events (approximate dates)
- Randomized alphabet drawing for the ballot order of candidates - March 12, 2026
- 90-day Voter notification postcard mailed to voters - March 4, 2026
- 60-day Voter notification postcard mailed to voters - April 3, 2026
- State Voter Information Guide mailed to voters - April 23, 2026
County Voter Information Guide mailed to voters - April 23,2026
- Vote by mail ballots sent - May 4, 2026
- Early voting opens at Government Center - May 4, 2026
- 11-Day Vote Centers Open - May 23, 2026
- 4-Day Vote Centers Open - May 30, 2026
Last Day to Vote/Election Day - June 2, 2026
Potential candidates interested in learning more about the nomination process can read the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election Candidate Information Guide available on the Elections Division website.
For assistance, please contact the Elections Division at candidate.filing@venturacounty.gov or 805-654-2664.
The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to “Preserving history and protecting democracy for the people of Ventura County, past, present, and future.” More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at ClerkRecorder.
VenturaCounty.gov.

 
Pictured is Fillmore Rotary President Scott Beylik with guest speaker Patrick Maynard. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pictured is Fillmore Rotary President Scott Beylik with guest speaker Patrick Maynard. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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The program was presented by Patrick Maynard, Ventura County Emergency Services Coordinator. He works with several county agencies, such as fire and sheriffs. Patrick talked about evacuations stating sometimes it is best to stay home, depending on the situation. VC Emergency.com gives updates on whatever is happening. The most important thing to remember is to be self-sufficient with your family and home, “Plan & Prepare”. Know where your family is meeting outside, in case of fire. Look around your home--what could be a problem and fix it. You may want a generator in case the power is out for days. Mainly be aware of what is going on so you won’t be surprised.

 

Traditionally the busiest wedding day of the year, the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office in Ventura will open limited hours for a group ceremony
(Ventura, CA) – Every year, February 14—Valentine’s Day—is the busiest day for weddings at the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, with dozens of couples visiting the County Government Center to obtain a marriage license or say “I do” during a civil marriage ceremony.
However, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which is outside the Clerk-Recorder’s regular business hours. Recognizing the high demand for weddings ceremonies on February 14, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion has announced a special Valentine’s Day group wedding ceremony to give couples the opportunity to marry on this popular and meaningful day.
“Everyone wants to get married on Valentine’s Day—it’s very romantic,” said Clerk-Recorder Ascencion. “When Valentine’s Day is during the week, we’ll have up to 40 couples come in to tie the knot at our office, many times more than our usual schedule of about 10 ceremonies on a regular day.
“Since we know people want to get married on Valentine’s Day, we decided to open for a few hours on that Saturday to be able to accommodate the couples who want to make Valentine’s Day their wedding and future anniversary date.”
A single group ceremony will be officiated by Clerk-Recorder Ascencion at 10:00 AM in the Hall of Administration at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura. All couples participating in the Valentine’s Day wedding event need to register through the County Clerk-Recorder’s website at ClerkRecorder.VenturaCounty.gov. They must obtain a Ventura County-issued marriage license no later than Friday, February 13.
Wedding day check-in (physical IDs required) will take place between 9:00 and 9:30 AM only. The ceremony will be performed in English with simultaneous Spanish translation and will last approximately 15 minutes. Couples are welcome and encouraged to carry flowers and exchange rings during the ceremony. Due to space restrictions, couples are limited to no more than 8 guests (for a total of 10 in their party).
Following the ceremony, the Clerk-Recorder staff will process each marriage license so couples can purchase certified copies of their marriage certificate the same day. Service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis according to check-in order.
The ceremony fee is $60, payable by cash, check, or credit card (a $2.50 processing fee applies to each credit card transaction) and is due at check-in. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $19 each after the ceremony.
Please Note:
Marriage licenses will not be issued on Valentine’s Day; the event is ceremony only.
Parking for the Hall of Administration is available in Lot F or Lot G.
Couples must bring their valid, pre-purchased Ventura County marriage license and a physical ID to check-in.
Appointments for marriage licenses may be made at ClerkRecorder.VenturaCounty.gov.
Visit the Valentine’s Day Wedding Page or call (805) 654-2263.
“Valentine’s Day is a day of love, and we love being a part of it!” Ascencion said. “We look forward to hosting this special, one-of-a-kind ceremony and celebrating many new beginnings.”
The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to Preserving History and Protecting Democracy for the people of Ventura County—past, present, and future. More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at ClerkRecorder.VenturaCounty.gov.

 
On February 3, the City of Fillmore Fire Department launched it’s annual Weed Abatement Program in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect the community. Above is a Fillmore firefighter surveying the fields from a previous weed abatement event. Photo courtesy Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola.
On February 3, the City of Fillmore Fire Department launched it’s annual Weed Abatement Program in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect the community. Above is a Fillmore firefighter surveying the fields from a previous weed abatement event. Photo courtesy Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola.

February 3, 2026, Fillmore, CA — The City of Fillmore Fire Department has launched its annual Weed Abatement Program as part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect the community. Due to changing weather patterns and increased fire danger throughout the year, weed abatement enforcement now occurs year-round rather than during a single fire season.
The program includes property inspections, mailed notices, and follow-up contacts for properties that do not meet compliance standards. Property owners are responsible for clearing dry weeds and hazardous vegetation from their properties to help prevent fire hazards and maintain community safety.
Properties that were missed during initial inspections or experience regrowth later in the year may be re-inspected to ensure continued compliance. These efforts support the City’s goal of minimizing fire risk and promoting a safer environment for residents and businesses.
To learn more and view the full schedule, please visit the City’s dedicated Weed Abatement page: https://www.fillmoreca.gov/1353/Upcoming-2026-Weed-Abatement-Calendar.
***
Contact:
Name: Erika Herrera-Terriquez Title: City Manager
Phone: 805-946-1712
Email: eherrera@fillmoreca.gov
Name: Angel Garcia
Title Senior Management Analyst Phone: 805-946-1827
Email: agarcia@fillmoreca.gov

 
On February 13, Millie Shackelford of Fillmore, known for her participation in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventura County Garden Club, and a volunteer at the Fillmore Library during Art Arundell’s tenure, will be celebrating her 100th birthday.
On February 13, Millie Shackelford of Fillmore, known for her participation in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventura County Garden Club, and a volunteer at the Fillmore Library during Art Arundell’s tenure, will be celebrating her 100th birthday.
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Millie Shackelford will be celebrating her 100th birthday on February 13, 2026. She was born in Miami, Oklahoma as Mildred Hartwell Cartwright. Her early life was marked by frequent moves. After the loss of her mother, she followed her father’s various jobs during the depression.
During High School, she ended up in Superior Arizona and met Troy Shackelford. They married on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). After their wedding, they traveled to Virginia Beach to wait for Troy’s Aircraft Carrier to be deployed to the Pacific war effort. While Troy was in the Navy, Millie worked as a phone operator for the Military in Port Hueneme.
After the war, Troy and Millie visited their lifelong friends, George and Lawanda Campbell, who lived in Fillmore. Troy got a job at Rudkin Motor Service, and Millie worked as a Dress Shop Associate and later as a Pre-School Paraprofessional at the Sonshine School where they raised two children.
Millie’s love for Fillmore was exemplified by her involvement in its organizations and activities. Some of these include PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventura County Garden Club, and a volunteer at the Fillmore Library during Art Arundell’s tenure.
Her attributes of creativity, curiosity, a sense of adventure, and loyalty to friendships mark her many interests, including sewing, cake decorating, gardening, epic orchid and rose cultivation, Floral Design, pottery, reading, fitness activities (such as Curves and daily walks), and especially her many travels.
She and Troy had two children, five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. In 2014, a decline in Millie’s health forced her to leave her beloved Fillmore to live in an assisted living facility near her son in Fresno. Recently, she has relocated again to an assisted living facility in Idaho near her son’s current home.
Despite an unsettled childhood, her constant positivity, infectious smile, and love for people have made her special to the many lives she has embraced. We celebrate her 100 years of Giving and Love.

 
The 2026 Fillmore Flower Show has announced the theme of this year’s show which is “A Blooming Good Time”. The show will be held April 24 – 26, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center. Above entries from last year’s show. Full details in article. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
The 2026 Fillmore Flower Show has announced the theme of this year’s show which is “A Blooming Good Time”. The show will be held April 24 – 26, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center. Above entries from last year’s show. Full details in article. Photo credit Linda Nunes.

“A Blooming Good Time” is the theme for the 2026 Annual Fillmore Flower Show, coming up, April 25th & 26th. It is held at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara St. Fillmore, Ca.
We will have a boutique that features potted plants & a table with cuttings, by the bag. The boutique has unique mobiles & other garden related items and the amazing thing is that all these plants, etc. are “sold” by donation only. The money we take in helps us keep the show going each year.
If you are interested in helping, we could use donated rusty & interesting small items to make the mobiles. Just give Linda Nunes a call at 805-302-7527 to pick them up or if you have items or cuttings to donate for our boutique that would be wonderful as well!
There will be a Café area with a place to sit, visit with friends & enjoy a homemade cookie & a cool fruit tea drink and we will also have a “Children’s Potting Table “where a child may plant a little succulent in a pot to take home. And this is free for children!
Encourage your children & grandchildren to take part in this lovely tradition that began in 1919 & stopped only for the war effort, a time of burn out, & then Covid. We will have old albums there for people to look back at previous shows…some finding pictures of their Grandparents.

 
Plan ahead with a sober ride before the big game

Ventura County, California – As football fans gear up for the excitement of the big game, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that the best game plan includes getting home safely. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a gathering or enjoying the game at your favorite spot, planning ahead for a sober ride will keep you and everyone on the road safe.
“Super Bowl celebrations are a time for fun and community, but safety should always come first,” said Sergeant Matthew Ogonowski. “If you plan to drink, make sure you have a reliable way to get home, whether that’s a designated sober driver, rideshare, taxi or public transportation.”
During Super Bowl LIX weekend (February 7 and 8), the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Plan for a Safe Celebration
Before heading out for Super Bowl festivities, follow these tips to stay safe:
• Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely.
• Use Ridesharing Services, Taxis or Public Transportation: Rideshare apps and transit options are safe alternatives to driving if you’ve been drinking.
• Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure your guests have safe, sober rides home.
• Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride.
• Never Drive Impaired or Distracted: It’s not worth the risk – your life and others’ lives depend on it!
Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jason Christmann
News Release Date: January 23rd, 2026
Approved by: Captain Jason B. Hendren
***
Nature of Incident: Score Big on Safety: Celebrate Super Bowl Responsibly
Plan ahead with a sober ride before the big game
Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: January 23rd, 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

 

READY TO GARDEN? Planning for Spring and Summer
5:30 - 6:30 pm Monday, February 9, 2026 (monthly series)
Transform your gardening space into a fresh food paradise! Grow vegetables and herbs. Learn to create a food garden that thrives in Ventura County’s coastal climate.
We’ll cover top spring/summer vegetables that flourish in our region, planning your garden layout for maximum harvest, essential herbs for your kitchen garden, techniques for small yards, pest management, and water-smart growing methods for drought conditions.
Perfect for beginners and intermediate gardeners looking to grow fresh, healthy food at home. Bring your food garden dreams and questions!
Taught by certified Master Gardener, Terry Garman.
Register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=47135
Walk ins welcome!

 

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organics waste collection schedule on Friday, Feb. 20, in Fillmore during the week of Presidents Day, which is observed on Monday Feb. 16.
Remember that Santa Clara Valley Disposal residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as the company collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. This prevents food waste contamination because food waste and yard waste are processed separately. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.
Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, as well as California State University Channel Islands and the city of Carpinteria, as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and the city of Fillmore as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.
For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.

 

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC) announced today the expansion of on-site legal services with the addition of a second Ventura County Legal Aid (VCLA) attorney. This week, the new attorney began serving clients at the Family Justice Center, further strengthening support for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.
Prior to this new arrival, one Ventura County Legal Aid attorney worked on-site at the Family Justice Center, primarily assisting elder abuse victims. These clients often require additional support due to cognitive challenges, mobility and transportation barriers, and the absence of a trusted individual to help them navigate the civil legal system. The addition of a second attorney will allow Ventura County Legal Aid to begin offering family law assistance for domestic violence survivors on topics such as seeking a restraining order or help litigating child custody issues.
“Ventura County Legal Aid provides crucial services for survivors navigating our complex civil legal systems, often during the worst times of their lives,” said Family Justice Centers Administrator Rachael Watkins. “They ensure rights of victims are upheld and empower clients to take actionable steps towards regaining control and independence while instilling hope throughout the process. We are grateful for their continued support and partnership.”
Funding for the expansion of legal services includes grant funding from the State Bar, as well as corporate support from Yardi Corporation and private funding from the Chuck Trust. The added capacity will enhance the Center’s ability to provide comprehensive, victim-centered services in one location.
The Ventura County Family Justice Center, operated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, provides a coordinated, trauma-informed response to victims of crime by having law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community partners under one roof.
For more information about services offered by the FJC, visit fjc.venturacounty.gov.
***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: January 14, 2026
Release No.: 26-009

 

FRIENDS OF THE BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY
BACK STACKS Used Book Sales
BIG SATURDAY SALE FEBRUARY 7, 2026
10AM TO 2PM
FEBRUARY SALE ITEM
50% OFF BIOGRAPHIES
In February we celebrate President’s Day. Why not stop by the Back Stacks and pick up a biography of a president from history or the recent past. We also have many, many biographies of entertainers, authors, politicians, athletes and other interesting people.
We have loads of gently used books at Low, Low Prices.
If you miss the Saturday sale, the weekday hours are outlined below.
Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 PM (except January 1st)
Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm
Fridays from 12 pm to 2pm
We accept cash, checks and credit cards.
We have a large inventory of Fiction and Non-fiction, as well as children’s books. Our collection features 1,000’s of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. 100% of book sale proceeds goes to support the Blanchard Community Library. PLEASE NOTE: We love receiving donations, and accept everything EXCEPT VHS, magazines or cassette taps. Also, we accept donations ONLY on days when the Library is open for business to ensure that your generous donation is not damaged or stolen.
Located at the Blanchard Community Library, 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula,
LOOK FOR our BOOK SALE SIGNS on 8th Street

 
Pictured above is Fillmore Rotary Club President Scott Beylik with last week’s guest speaker, Steve Sutton. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pictured above is Fillmore Rotary Club President Scott Beylik with last week’s guest speaker, Steve Sutton. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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At last week’s Fillmore Rotary Club meeting Steve Sutton was the guest speaker. He gave a brief history of his life with a few tragedies when he was young. He and his sister, who was his guardian then, moved to Ojai where he attended school at Happy Valley Boarding School. When he graduated, he got a job in carpentry and later decided to go back to school to become a contractor. An inspector mentored him and he worked for the county for two years. He then became the Chief Electrical Inspector for the City of Ventura. Through the years he was mentored by men who had been in the military, and he learned to be a mentor as well. His motto was “give as much as you can and use common sense”.

 
The annual Fillmore Flower Show dates have officially been released. This year’s show will be April 24 – 26, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center. Above is an entry from last year’s show. Full details in article. Photo credit Linda Nunes.
The annual Fillmore Flower Show dates have officially been released. This year’s show will be April 24 – 26, at the Fillmore Active Adult Center. Above is an entry from last year’s show. Full details in article. Photo credit Linda Nunes.

By Linda Nunes
The Fillmore Flower Show is once again on the horizon; it will take place in April on the 24th, 25th, and 26th. Set up day will be Friday, April 24th, at the Active Adult Center at 533 Santa Clara St. and we can use all the volunteers who are interested. We begin setting up at 1pm and finish by 5 p.m.; a great way to meet friendly people and be involved in the community!
The theme this year will be, “A Blooming Good Time” and it was decided to add an area in the show for non-competitive entries to be displayed. This means that adults out of the Fillmore School District could bring an entry that wouldn’t be judged but displayed for all to enjoy. Children from any area are already able to enter and ALL entries are now FREE!
January is the best month to prune your roses, so they will be blooming in April. Right now Otto and Sons Nursery is holding pruning classes. Saturday, January 24th will be Rose Care University from 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and January 31st at 1 p.m.-3 p.m. will be another Rose Care University.

 

Posted on January 12, 2026, Courtesy https://fillmoreca.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/257
Park Updates:
Shiells Park will be closed during the month of January:
Crews will be working to complete important maintenance and improvements including:
- Replacing playground wood chips
- Painting and repairing restrooms, including metal repairs and new vinyl molding
- Repairs and field work on all three baseball fields
- Rebuilding the horseshoe pits
Delores Day Park is Partially Opened:
- The playground is temporarily closed for the month of January for removal and replacement of playground chips.
- Restrooms and park shelters remain open and accessible.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve park facilities for the community.

 
Pictured above are Fillmore Rotary’s guest speakers from last week’s meeting, Brandy Lengning and Mike Lazarus, along with Rotary President Scott Beylik presenting them with a Rotary mug. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Pictured above are Fillmore Rotary’s guest speakers from last week’s meeting, Brandy Lengning and Mike Lazarus, along with Rotary President Scott Beylik presenting them with a Rotary mug. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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The speakers for Fillmore Rotary were Mike Lazarus and Brandy Lengning. They both teach firearms classes at “California Tactical Academy” outdoor gun range in Piru. It is the largest outdoor range in the Los Angeles area.
Mike served in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq. Later he was a police officer and was part of the SWAT team. He eventually got his law degree. He was also a professor at Cal State Northridge and currently teaches criminal Justice at Ventura College. He has a passion for the US Constitution and the obligations of its citizens. Brandy is a local real estate agent with an office on Central Avenue. She is also involved with the Fillmore Towne Theatre. Her husband, Daniel Lengning, is a Captain with the California Department of Fish and Game.

 
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