Sean McCulley and his wife Connie in front of the historic Fillmore Towne Theatre on Central Avenue. Photo Credit Carina M. Montoya.
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Written by Carina M. Montoya
Fillmore resident Sean McCulley, owner of the historic Fillmore Town Theatre on Central Avenue, deserves a standing ovation for his efforts in reviving the town’s old theatre. Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sean’s family moved to Southern California when he was a baby. He grew up in Glendale, La Crescenta, Garden Grove, Riverside and Los Angeles. As an adult, he lived in Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita.

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 is a videographer by profession. His production company, now based in Fillmore, produces various types of videos, such as promotional, how-to, documentary, instructional, educational, fundraising, and short films as well as multi-camera concerts, racing events, and talk shows. Sean’s projects take him outside of the US and Hawaii to various countries including Jamaica, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guam, Okinawa, Hong Kong, China, India, Holland, and Canada. His expertise in film and the purchase of the old Fillmore Town Theatre has brought Hollywood to Fillmore.

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.

Saturday, May 6 2023 10am-3pm
Sunday, May 7 2023 12pm-5pm
630 Saratoga Street Fillmore CA
Great inventory, great prices!
Shop online anytime: https://sandraedwards.scentsy.us (5/4)

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.

Pictured (l-r) are Jared and Suzanne Lee, called by their church to leave home in Orange County and serve full-time mission in the Russia Moscow Mission. On Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., they will share their experience.
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Former missionaries to Russia, Jared and Suzanne Lee, will share their experiences among the Russian people in a meeting open to the public at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1017 First Street, Fillmore, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
The Lees were called by their church to leave their home in Orange County and serve full-time missions in the Russia Moscow Mission. They trained local church leaders and supported Latter-day Saint congregations in Voronezh, Russia (about 325 miles south of Moscow), as well as Lipetsk, Russia (another 100 miles northeast).

Their son Jared was the Bishop of the Santa Paula ward (congregation) and is now 2nd Councilor in the Ventura California Stake Presidency.

Their presentation includes a slideshow, descriptions of Russian perspectives of religion, and the Russian government’s restrictions on their efforts to share the message of Jesus Christ in that controlled society. At the end of their presentation the Lees will open the meeting for questions and answers. The presentation is free to the general public.

On April 20, 2023, Ventura County Sheriff's Office detectives conducted a probation search and arrest warrant service in Ventura, which resulted in the recovery of multiple illegal "Ghost Gun" firearms.

On April 20, 2023, at approximately 6:20 PM, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU), Narcotics Street Team (NST), and Headquarters Station Investigations Unit detectives conducted a probation search and arrest warrant service of Ricky Merrill at a residence in the 300 block of Barry Drive in Ventura. Merrill was on Ventura County probation with search terms for a theft offense and had multiple outstanding local misdemeanor warrants. Detectives arrested Merrill for his warrants without incident. Detectives also arrested Juan Aguilera for misdemeanor narcotics violations.

Detectives subsequently conducted a probation search of Merrill's residence. Detectives located several illegal weapons, including an AR-15 ghost gun, a 9mm semi-automatic ghost gun, an unregistered .22 rifle, and a collapsible baton. Detectives also located firearm ammunition and firearm manufacturing evidence. Merrill was arrested for felony firearms and weapons violations.

Merrill and Aguilera were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Merrill remains in custody on $55,000 bail and is scheduled for court on 4/24/2023. Aguilera was released from custody with a future court date.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives, who focus on protecting West County communities by actively investigating illegal firearm activities. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “Ghost Guns”. A “Ghost Gun” is a common term used to describe any firearm manufactured without a serial number engraved or otherwise adorned on its frame/receiver, which is unregistered with the California Department of Justice. If you have any information about illegal weapons in the West County areas in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident: Ghost Guns Recovered During Probation Search
Report Number: 23-49838
Location: 300 block of Barry Drive, Ventura
Date & Time: 4/20/2023 @ 6:20 PM
Unit(S) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit, Narcotics Street Team, Headquarters Investigations, and P.T.D.F. Classifications Unit
(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent:
(S) Merrill, Ricky Ventura 29
(S) Aguilera, Juan Ventura 29

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

Narrative:
On March 16, 2023, the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crime Units (VC FOCUS) concluded an investigation into a 15-year-old male juvenile suspect who was operating an online marketplace for alprazolam (Xanax), psilocybin mushrooms and various forms of marijuana.
On February 10, 2023, VCFOCUS investigators were conducting an investigation of a deceased female which was possibly the result of a drug overdose. During the investigation, investigators identified a juvenile male suspect who was running an online marketplace on a popular social media application called Telegram. This juvenile was selling alprazolam, psilocybin mushrooms and various marijuana products to numerous residents of Ventura County.
On March 16, 2023, VCFOCUS investigators conducted an undercover operation and the juvenile agreed to sell an undercover detective alprazolam. A search warrant was executed at the juvenile’s residence in the city of Oxnard. During the search warrant, detectives seized the amount of Farmapram which was going to be sold to the detective. Farmapram is medication manufactured in Mexico containing Alprazolam.
Due to the juvenile’s age, he was arrested and released to his guardian. The case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. The misuse or abuse of Alprazolam can cause addiction, overdose or death. Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing and fatal side effects can occur if you combine Alprazolam with alcohol or opioid medications.

The Ventura County Fentanyl Crimes and Overdose Units (VC FOCUS) is a task force made up of all Ventura County local law enforcement departments along with state and Federal law enforcement agencies. The primary mission of this task force 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 new trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community at large on the lethal danger of this epidemic.

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 this case, or any other information related to narcotics.

Nature of Incident: Pharmaceutical Medication Arrest
Report Number: 23-34017
Location: 1200 Blk. West Fir Avenue, Oxnard
Date & Time: 03/16/2023 @ 5:15 PM
Suspect: (S) Male juvenile Oxnard 15
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Jeff Miller
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina

On April 18th, 2023, a brandishing of a firearm occurred in the area of Silverstrand Beach placing two beach goers in fear for their safety.

On April 18, 2023, at about 2:26 pm, two adult victims were visiting the area of Silverstrand Beach in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. While attempting to park their vehicle, the victims encountered several subjects drinking near another nearby vehicle. One of the subjects, later identified as 20-year-old Jadon Franco, brandished a “Glock” style handgun that was in his waistband. Fearing for their safety, the victims left the area and called 9-1-1. Deputies responded to the area and located a group of subjects matching the description provided by the victims. Franco was identified as the subject who brandished the firearm at the victims, however, was unarmed at the time he was contacted by deputies.

Deputies and the Sheriff’s K9 later located a black Glock style “Ghost Gun” loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, which was hidden in the area Franco had first been observed.

Franco was later arrested, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Franco and his residence, which was served with the assistance of Detectives from the Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, and West County Special Enforcement Unit.

Nature of Incident: Brandishing of a Weapon / Firearm Arrest
Report Number: 23-48825
Location: Sawtelle Avenue @ Island View Avenue, Siler Strand
Date & Time: 04/18/2023 @ 1426 Hours
(S)uspects,(V)ictims,(P)arty,(D)ecedent
(S) Jadon Franco Oxnard 20
(V) Male Oxnard 24
(V) Female Oxnard 24

Prepared by: Senior Deputy Juan Cordova
Approved by: Captain Ron Chips

On 4/22/2023, the Camarillo Police Department is proud to participate in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Take Back Initiative event. The event will be at the Camarillo Police Station located at 3701 East Las Posas Road from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

The goal of the program is to allow Camarillo residents to deliver all unused, unwanted, or expired medications for destruction. Law enforcement officials dispose of these substances in a secure and non-hazardous manner, potentially saving lives and protecting the ecosystem.

This program is anonymous and the public may discard medications in their original containers or by removing the medication from the container and putting it directly into the receptacles provided at the station. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers will be accepted during this event. Liquid products such as cough syrup, should remain in their original container with the cap tightly sealed.

Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood borne pathogens. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of this initiative and should not be brought for destruction during this event. However, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office can always collect these illicit substances by filing a report. There will be a uniformed deputy at the station to assist or answer questions.

If you can’t make this National Take Back Initiative event, the Camarillo Police Station has an approved prescription drug receptacle in the public lobby available to access year-round during weekday business hours.

For further information, please contact Sergeant Thomas Miller at 805-388-5135.

Prepared by: Sergeant Thomas Miller
News Release Date: April 12, 2023
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Thomas Miller 805-388-5135
Approved by: Captain Jason Hendren

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore
Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10AM-1PM don’t miss the Spring Celebration!
Keep up with event in real time here: shorturl.at/bfEF0
Come enjoy the events as we help promote healthy/Earth-friendly habits & support Earth-conscious organizations & businesses. Enjoy participating in the chalk art festival put on by Fillmore’s Art Commission, chalk will be available for attendees to partake in creating artwork on the sidewalk surrounding City Hall.
Live performance by the Bakery Boys!
A Community Yard Sale & plenty more!!!
During the same time frame that day, there will be “What’s Up in Fillmore” happening on the next block showcasing local nonprofits & groups in Fillmore looking to gain members for their organizations while advertising ways the public can get involved & make a difference in their community.
Saturday April 22nd 2023, ~ 10AM-1PM
Fillmore City Hall
250 Central Avenue Fillmore CA 93015
We have Tacos El Caporal Mexican Food Truck confirmed as a food vendor & Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck for dessert! Don’t be shy, be sure to grab lunch & a treat!

Pictured (l-r) is owner Preston Andreini and General Manager Daniel Flores from Red Engine Brewing Company with Fillmore Rotary President Elect Scott Beylik. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson.
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Preston Andreini and Daniel Flores, from Red Engine Brewing Company, were the speakers at Rotary. Preston has been a firefighter and paramedic for 17 years and is the owner of the brewing company. Daniel Flores was a Marine for four years and an EMT; he is the general manager. The Red Engine Brewing Company is on HWY 126. The beer will be brewed there on one side of the building and a restaurant on the other side. Initially they will have pizza and charcuterie boards with the goal of having a chef serving simple food from local produce. It will be a family environment with things for the kids. They will have non-alcoholic options also. They are hoping to open in a couple months.

Pictured above are Examples of Deceptive Mailers. Courtesy Ventura County District Attorneys’ Office.
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VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public about deceptive letters recently sent to residents. The letters threaten property owners with potential asset levies and/or property seizure. The letters attempt to create a sense of urgency and they include an (800) number to call. Examples of these deceptive correspondence letters are attached to this news release.

Ventura County property owners are reminded that if they have a question on the status of their property taxes, they should contact the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Legitimate letters from the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector will have a local address and a local telephone number. Residents may call the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector at (805) 654-3744 or send an email to helpinghand@ventura.org.

If taxpayers have a question on the status of their state or federal tax liability, they should contact the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or their tax professional. “Unsolicited materials received in the mail are often marketing materials deceptively designed to cause the property owner to become concerned and call the number listed on the mailer,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum.

In addition to deceptive mail solicitors, county residents are urged to be aware of scammers that seek victims through text messages, emails, and phone calls. These scammers use similar tactics:
• They often pretend to be government officials or legitimate businesses.
• They create a sense of urgency to get victims to respond quickly.
• They often demand immediate payment.
• They demand payment with pre-paid cards.
• They ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• They threaten arrest if immediate payment isn’t made.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has several specialized units that investigate fraud.

When appropriate, the Consumer Protection Unit will investigate consumer complaints. Any inquiries or referrals about potential violations of consumer laws can be made by calling (805) 662-1750.

Rancho Camulos Museum will host Michelle McKinley on Sunday, April 16 to talk about Piru history at the Rancho Camulos Museum, including the Mountain View Hotel. Photo Courtesy Rancho Camulos Museum.
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On Sunday, April 16 at 4p.m., Michele McKinley will present "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Piru History."

Join the local historian and Piru native as she shares the fascinating and diverse heritage of the Piru area. She will also share her collection of engaging historic photographs. Bring YOUR own family stories to share!

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Rancho Camulos Museum’s historic buildings and gardens. Engage in a docent-led tour. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in the ambiance as you step back in time “Where the History, Myth, and Romance of Old California still Linger…”

Guests can bring their favorite beverage and food for a picnic in the gardens.

Docent-led tours are at 1:00p.m., 2:00p.m., and 3:00p.m.The presentation is at 4:00p.m.

The suggested donation is $10. For more information about the Rancho Camulos Museum, visit Ranchocamulos.org.

Pictured (l-r) is District Governor Scott Phillips and Rotary Club President Dave Andersen. Photo credit Rotarian Martha Richardson.
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Margarita Eidson, our District Group Rep introduced Scott Phillips, the District Governor. He is a member of the Goleta Noontime Club and joined in 2013. The Rotary theme this year is Imagine Rotary. The overall goals of Rotary are to eradicate polio, give clean water to everyone, to free the world of disease and teach every child to read. There are 69 Clubs in our District and this year 93 new members joined. He reminded the Club