|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, May 14th, 2023
The Board of Trustees of the Bardsdale Cemetery announces they will be |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Sunday, May 14th, 2023
On April 29, 2023, Fillmore’s La Promesa De Jesus Church held a free kids event for the community at the Lemon Way Park in North Fillmore. They raffled bikes, toys and had games and food. It was great! A special thank you to Rangel Party Rentals for donating a jumper so the kids could have a good time. There were about 100 kids that showed up with their parents, enjoying the day and having a great time receiving toys and playing. Thanks to Pastor Ernie and Nora Rangel for putting together this event. Photo credit Ernie Rangel. |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Saturday, May 13th, 2023
 Over the past six months, Camarillo saw an increase in identity theft, often targeting the recipients of California Department of Social Services CalFresh and CalWORKS. Both programs help low-income beneficiaries purchase food and provide for basic needs. This is in part due to the fact the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards lack many of the security features of other debit cards. Stolen EBT card information is typically obtained from “skimming” devices, which are installed on ATMs or Point of Sale machines. The stolen debit card information is then “cloned” onto another card with a magnetic strip. In 2022 alone, EBT theft cost taxpayers in the State of California over $60 million dollars in losses. Detectives with the Camarillo Investigations Bureau conducted several investigations over the past few months, where they learned the suspects manufactured ATM faceplates. The suspects also installed “deep insert” skimmers into the ATMs, which allowed them to capture debit card information. Detectives learned both EBT recipients and other members of the public were vulnerable to this fraud. On May 10th, Camarillo deputies observed Florentin Mirica and Nicolae Masu near an ATM, in the city of Camarillo, behaving in a manner consistent with installing ATM skimmers. Camarillo deputies contacted both subjects and obtained consent to search their vehicle. Deputies located manufactured faceplates, with pin-hole cameras, “deep insert” credit card skimmers, and tools used to install the skimmers. Deputies also located credit card information which did not belong to either party. Mirica and Masu were both arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of California Penal Codes § 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy To Commit a Crime, 502.6(a) – Fraudulent Use of a Card Scanning Device, and 664/530.5(a) – Attempted – Identity Theft. Due to the nature of the crimes, a bail increase was requested for both Mirica and Masu, which was granted by the courts. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to be vigilant while utilizing ATMs or Point of Sale Machines. We recommend covering the PIN pad while inputting PIN numbers and scanning the ATM for any signs of tampering prior to use. We would also like to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Some behaviors indicative of credit card skimmer suspects are using multiple ATMs at the same bank, using multiple cards at one ATM, and manipulating or placing something on an ATM. To report any suspicious activity, call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511. Nature of Incident: Arrest of Automated Teller Machine (A.T.M.) Skimming Suspects Prepared by: Detective Doree Milazzo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, May 13th, 2023
 The Fillmore Police and Fire Departments proudly announce “Coffee with the Badges” event in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As First Responders, we will come together to promote awareness about the mental health issues affecting millions of people in the United States. On Tuesday, May 16th, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, Fillmore deputies and firefighters will be at Starbucks Coffee, located at 650 Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore, sharing a cup of coffee with our neighbors. Communication and community trust are key elements to the success of the Fillmore Police and Fire Departments. By sitting down and having a simple conversation with members of the community we serve, we can develop and build meaningful relationships. The “Badges” invite the community to come out and ask questions, voice concerns, obtain crime and fire prevention advice, and get to know the “Badges” in your neighborhood. This is a relaxed, informal event and is not about speeches or agendas but simply about casual conversations. The goal of “Coffee with the Badges” is to engage our community, discuss concerns, and raise awareness for mental health." Nature of Incident: Nature of Incident: Fillmore Police and Fillmore Fire Department Host ~ “Coffee with the Badges” in support of the First Responders for Mental Health Awareness Initiative Location: Starbucks Coffee Balden Towne Plaza 650 Ventura Street, Fillmore,. CA 93015 Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
 Last Friday, May 5, 2023, Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villaseñor had the opportunity to read Dragon Love Tacos book to a group of preschoolers at the Catalyst Kids Sespe in Fillmore. This is part of the First 5 Ventura County Take 5 and read initiative. For more information visit https://first5ventura.org/. Photo Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=60894 9971265579&set=pcb.608950384598871. Enlarge Photo  Pictured (l-r) are Jazmin Lopez, Elysa Sandoval, Jessica Salgado, Yolanda Beltran and Marisol Martinez, all on staff at Catalyst Kids Preschool. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
 Rotarian Scott Beylik (right) presented Rotarian Sean McCulley with a check for $5,000 from the Rotary Foundation, for the Fillmore Towne Theatre. The theatre was built in 1916 and seats 325, and purchased by Mudturtle Theatrical, Inc. in 2021. Photo credit Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 11th, 2023
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, May 29. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collected on Saturday, June 3, one day later than usual. Residents of the surrounding unincorporated areas will have their trash collected one day later than usual, as well. The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week. Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed bags and the bags should be tossed or placed in the yard/organic waste cart. Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley, the Channel Islands beach communities and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park as Newbury Disposal. For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com. |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit has noticed a spike involving similar cryptocurrency scams over the last few months. The scam generally targets victims age 65 or older. The scams start with the suspect calling the victim or the victim receiving a scam email. The scam email includes a phone number for victims to call to fix a problem, like cancel an order or refund money. The scam suspects convince the victims into believing they need to pay a debt, a bill, a fine, a warrant or return funds. The scam suspects direct the victims to withdraw cash out of their bank account and then drive to a nearby Bitcoin ATM. At the Bitcoin ATM, the suspect instructs the victims how to input their cash, which can be several thousands of dollars, into the Bitcoin ATM and send their money to an unknown cryptocurrency wallet address. The victim later realizes it was a scam and does not get the stolen funds returned. Similar scams using bitcoin and cryptocurrency are not new and have been increasing over the last few years as a mode to launder stolen money. The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit has learned that scam suspects regularly use internet phone numbers using free mobile applications to commit the crimes. From prior investigations, detectives have learned the internet phone numbers originate outside the United States. The stolen funds sent through cryptocurrency are regularly cashed out using cryptocurrency exchanges outside the United States. The Fraud/Forgery Unit, with the help of Thousand Oaks Volunteers in Policing (VIPS), will be placing warning signs on Bitcoin ATMs throughout Thousand Oaks to try and prevent additional victims. The Bitcoin ATMs are located inside numerous supermarkets, pharmacy stores, gas stations and liquor stores throughout the city. The Fraud/Forgery Unit would like to remind the public to never allow an unknown subject from an unsolicited phone call or phone number from a scam email to have remote access (using programs like AnyDesk) into their computer. Scam suspects remoting into computers can obtain personal identifying information and can trick victims into thinking they received too much money, and therefore need to send money back using methods like a Bitcoin ATM to fix a “mistake.” The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit continues to combat scams by teaching scam presentations to various elderly communities in the city of Thousand Oaks to inform them about how scams operate and how to avoid becoming a victim. Nature of Incident: Ongoing Scams – Financial Elder Crimes using Bitcoin ATM/Kiosks Date & Time: 5/3/2023 Prepared by: Detective Ryan Shoden |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 9, 2023, every law enforcement agency in Ventura County along with the District Attorney and Probation Agency have combined resources, personnel, and the desire to end senseless deaths caused by overdose and addiction. This has led to the creation of the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units - VC FOCUS. We are working in unison to stop the supply chain of drugs into our communities and bring justice to the proprietors of death through criminal prosecution. The fentanyl crisis has affected all corners of the United States to include public figures such as professional athletes, musicians, actors, and tens of thousands of regular citizens in all walks of life. Despite collaborative countermeasures, we have also seen a continuous increase in both fatal and non-fatal fentanyl overdoses in Ventura County. Our county has experienced an increase in fentanyl related overdose deaths from 87 in 2020, to 181 in 2022. VC FOCUS is a new task force made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney Office of Investigation, Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Thousand Oaks Police Department along with involvement from the Oxnard Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Ventura County Probation Agency, California State University Channel Islands Police Department, Ventura County Community College Police Department, and a full time prosecutor from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Numerous other State and Federal law enforcement agencies will soon be embedded with VC FOCUS. The executive leadership of each agency recognizes the impact fentanyl has on our local communities, realizes the future impact on Ventura County, and is committed to this task force. The primary mission of VC FOCUS is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify current trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community on the lethal danger of this epidemic. The task force is divided into two distinct teams investigating cases in the east and west sides of the county. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately one hundred times more potent than morphine and fifty times more potent than heroin. Unfortunately, it is highly addictive and extremely deadly when used in its illicit forms. Chemicals involved in producing illicit fentanyl are being mass produced overseas and imported into the United States through organized crime syndicates and cartels. Ventura County law enforcement is regularly seizing fentanyl in bulk and in pill form in the county. While stopping drugs from entering Ventura County is a major component in our strategic plan, this crisis will not be solved through arrest and prosecution alone. The solution includes education, treatment, and recommitting to healthy drug-free communities. VC FOCUS detectives along with law enforcement executives are regularly meeting with stakeholders throughout Ventura County to collaborate and share information. VC FOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org. The public may contact investigators from VC FOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about fentanyl, or any other information related to narcotics. Nature of Incident: National Fentanyl Awareness Day- May 9, 2023 |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Sheriff’s Investigators are now investigating the assault incident as a homicide. On May 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 P.M., deputies from the Camarillo Police Station responded to the 400 block of Fulton Street in Camarillo, in reference to a call of a disturbance, followed by reports of gunshots. Deputies later discovered evidence of a shooting at the scene and learned that a male victim, identified as Garrett Sutton, was at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. Mr. Sutton was later transported via ambulance to another hospital for more advanced care. The shooting appears to be an isolated event with no further known threat to the public. On the morning of May 6th, 2023, Mr. Sutton died as a result of his injuries. This incident is now being investigated as a homicide. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Albert Ramirez at (805) 384-4761. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/23-5... Nature of Incident: Assault Results in Death Prepared by: Sergeant Albert Ramirez (805) 384-4761 Approved by: Captain Victor Medina |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Sheriff’s Investigators are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Camarillo. On May 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 P.M., deputies from the Camarillo Police Station responded to the 400 block of Fulton Street in Camarillo, in reference to a call of a disturbance, followed by reports of gunshots. Deputies later discovered evidence of a shooting at the scene and learned that a male victim was at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. The male victim was later transported via ambulance to another hospital for more advanced care. The shooting appears to be an isolated event with no further known threat to the public. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Albert Ramirez at (805) 384-4761. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Anyone wishing to provide surveillance videos of any kind related to this case can submit the videos using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/requ... Nature of Incident: Assault with a Firearm Prepared by: Sergeant Albert Ramirez Approved by: Captain Victor Medina |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
On April 25, 2023, the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) concluded a lengthy investigation into a narcotics delivery service based out of the San Fernando Valley that was responsible for two local fatal overdoses. On September 16, 2022, Thousand Oaks Patrol deputies responded to the 300 block of Via Las Brisas reference a subject who had suffered a fentanyl overdose at the location. Despite lifesaving efforts by the first deputies on scene and fire medical services, the victim was transported from the scene but later died. On October 29, 2022, Thousand Oaks Patrol deputies responded to the 1600 block of Feather Court reference a subject who was also suffering from a fentanyl overdose. Fire and medical personnel could not revive the victim and they were pronounced deceased at the scene. An investigation was conducted by VC FOCUS, and detectives determined that the drugs supplied in both overdoses had been sold to the victims by a narcotics delivery service. These services are directly managed by drug cartel members stationed in Mexico who facilitate the mass delivery of narcotics to subjects all throughout southern California using “delivery drivers” living within the state. These services are well organized and extremely difficult to investigate, and the profits from the narcotics sold by these delivery services are then funneled back to the drug cartels operating in Mexico. Over the course of the investigation, VC FOCUS detectives utilized various law enforcement methods and surveillance to identify multiple drivers who lived in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. These drivers often made several trips a day to Ventura County and conducted numerous drug transactions on each trip. VC FOCUS made a determined effort to arrest these drivers and seize their narcotics and profits. Numerous operations were conducted over the following months in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley which resulted in the arrests of the following subjects for 11351 HS- Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance: Jose Perez Gomez, Javier Bernal Cruz, Edgar Cruz Martinez, and Elver Gonzalez Garcia. All of the subjects were booked into the Ventura County Jail at the time of their arrests and are currently out of custody pending additional investigation and charges. These operations also produced the seizure of 7.5 ounces of heroin, ½ ounces of powdered fentanyl, 2 ounces of methamphetamine, 638 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and 3 grams of cocaine. In addition, $1851 in US currency derived from these sales was also seized. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest Related to Fatal Overdoes Prepared by: Sergeant John Hajducko |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
 Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) have cited two clerks for selling tobacco products to minors on April 28, 2023. The actions were the result of a Minor Decoy operation in which minors under the direct supervision of department deputies attempted to purchase tobacco products from eight licensed businesses in Thousand Oaks. Two businesses, Wendy Gas and Chevron Extra Mile Newbury Park sold tobacco products to a minor decoy. The clerks were contacted by deputies and issued citations. Clerks who sold to a minor face a minimum fine of $200. In addition, the California Department of Public Health may take administrative action against the license of the business where tobacco was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license. A Minor Decoy operation involves a person under the age of 20 years old who enters establishments and attempts to purchase tobacco. The minor decoy appears young, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. The decoy is supervised by peace officers during the entire process. Anyone who knows of establishments who sell tobacco products to minors can call the sheriff’s office at (805) 654-9511. People who call can remain anonymous. Nature of Incident: Minor Decoy Operation Prepared by: Sergeant Jonathan James |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Fillmore Civic Pride volunteers named Nellie Carrillo’s yard on Santa Clara Street as the May 2023 “Yard of the Month”. Pictured is Lupe Solis, Nellie’s caregiver, in the front yard as Nellie is 97 & wasn’t able to go out for the photo. Nellie also received a $50 gift card for Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo courtesy Linda Nunes. Enlarge Photo Courtesy Linda Nunes Civic Pride Volunteers awarded Nellie Carrillo at 318 Santa Clara St., the May 2023 “Yard of the Month” award. After her brothers married and moved away, Nellie moved into the home. The yard has purple wisteria, draped over the front porch. Red geraniums bloom brightly in the corners with coral drops, calla lilies and begonias bordering the yard. A plumeria plant, a white rose bush and a gorgeous red/orange tree rose are at the front of the walled yard with a bird fountain in the middle. Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this project since it began! |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Sean McCulley and his wife Connie in front of the historic Fillmore Towne Theatre on Central Avenue. Photo Credit Carina M. Montoya. Enlarge Photo Written by Carina M. Montoya It was when he lived in Santa Clarita and drove Highway 126 through Fillmore once a week to work the concerts at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, that the small town caught his eye. Sean explored Fillmore and liked the small-town feel, open space, landscape, and its trains. He soon purchased a house in town that became home to him and his wife, Connie. Sean purchased the old theatre in November 2021. It took many months of labor and costly repairs to restore the building enough to obtain a certificate of occupancy, which he attained in October 2022. Its grand opening in October 2022, just days after he secured the certificate of occupancy, featured the multi-award-winning film “And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him.” The theatre also has featured musical bands under actor Danny Trejo’s label “Trejo’s Music,” “House Arrest,” a local musical group that always packs a full house, and comedy shows. There is much more to come in the months ahead. The goal is to return the Town Theatre to a hub of Fillmore entertainment and activity as it was 100 years ago. Sean’s vision of the theatre is “connecting artistic expression to the human experience.” Although Sean’s profession often takes him out of town and out of the country on projects, he still finds the time to give back to the community and the world by devoting time and service as a member of Fillmore’s Rotary Club. He also finds time to spend on activities he enjoys, including an annual Halloween display, model trains, anything Star Trek and occasionally skiing (although he does not claim to be a proficient skier), and old cars. More importantly, he devotes time to his wife Connie and their dog Winnie, a West Highland Terrier. Next time you are in downtown Fillmore, stop by the theatre to see what’s posted. If you see Sean on a ladder changing the letters on the marquee or doing outdoor repairs, stop by and say “hello,” or visit www.mudturtletheatrical.org to keep up with all the exciting things to come. |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, May 4th, 2023
 Martha Richardson introduced two of the four RYLA students who attended the Fillmore Rotary meeting, Gracie Herrera and Jaquelin Verdin. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp was held April 20-23, in Ojai. Both of the students expressed their thanks for the opportunity and talked about their favorite experiences. Each of these girls sang on Talent Show night and Jaquelin sang again at the closing ceremony. The other two students who enjoyed the experiences, but were unable to attend the meeting, were Laura Orozco and Joaquin Holladay. Pictured (l-r) are RYLA students Joaquin Holladay, Laura Orozco, Jaquelin Verdin, and Gracie Herrera. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
Saturday, May 6 2023 10am-3pm |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 On Saturday, April 22, at noon, the Fillmore Fire Station was donated a SuperVac Blower Fan used during structure firefighting operations. The City of Fillmore Fire Department would like to thank Conejo Valley Construction and its owner Forrest Gregge for their generous donation of the SuperVac Blower Fan. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
 On Friday, April 21, 2023, at 8:10pm, Fillmore City Fire Department, Fillmore Police, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported overdose in the Santa Clara riverbed, under the A Street Bridge. According to radio traffic, an overdose was confirmed and Narcan was given to the patient who was transported to a local hospital. The Fillmore Police and Fire Department were also on-scene earlier for a second overdose in the same area, resulting in no ambulance transport. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, April 27th, 2023
All properties located within the city limits of Fillmore are due for abatement of hazardous dry grass/brush/weeds that could carry and sustain a fire capable of threatening residents and their homes or other property. The large amount of rainfall received this past winter combined with several weeks of hot dry weather has created a dryer and earlier than normal potential fire season. Historically our residents have been noticed to have their dry weeds cleared by June 1 of each year. Property owners are again noticed to have the weeds cleared before June 1st, but the Fillmore Fire Department is asking that all property owners try to clear all weeds as soon as possible. In addition to the annual weed clearance, the Fire Department is asking all property owners to pay special attention to any palm trees that they may have on their property. Dry palm fronds on the tree or on the ground are very hazardous when caught on fire. Every attempt should be made to keep palm trees free from dry fronds. If you have a palm tree with a large accumulation of dry palm fronds, advice should be sought on the best method of removal. To help facilitate weed and brush disposal, a free Community Yard Waste Disposal event will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM at City Well #4, 728 Goodenough Rd. Only vegetation will be accepted, no trash, metal or other debris. |
