Fillmore Gazette

Fillmore Gazette Newspaper of Record for the City of Fillmore Newspaper of Record for the City of Fillmore, California. Published daily online and in print every Thursday.

A newspaper of General Circulation fully adjudicated for the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Judicial District. Serving Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale and Ventura County since 1989.

Fillmore Homicide InvestigationMore photos visit: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/fillmore-homicide-investigat...
04/10/2026

Fillmore Homicide Investigation

More photos visit: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/fillmore-homicide-investigation

An adult male subject, identified as Eduardo Castro, was found deceased in the flowing water of the Santa Clara River, just south of the A Street bridge, in the unincorporated area of Fillmore.

On Thursday, 04/02/2026, at approximately 1:38 p.m., patrol units from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a human body found in the flowing water of the Santa Clara River, just south of the A Street Bridge in Fillmore. The body was partially submerged and was caught up in foliage located near the center of the swift flowing water. The Ventura County Fire Department arrived, pulled the body of an adult male ashore, and pronounced the male deceased.

Suspicious injuries were located on the male’s body which indicated that he may have been the victim of an assault. The man was positively identified as local unhoused resident, Eduardo Castro, 43. Investigators from the Fillmore Police Department and Major Crimes Bureau responded and Castro’s death is being investigated as a homicide. The Major Crimes Bureau assumed lead in the investigation.

Sheriff’s Major Crimes is actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Bill Meixner at (805) 384-4727. At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident, with no on-going threat to the public.

Prepared by: Sergeant Bill Meixner
News Release Date: 04/03/2026
Approved by: Captain Victor Medina
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Homicide Investigation
Report Number: 26-41570
Location: Santa Clara River Bottom in Fillmore
Date & Time: 04/02/2026 @ 1:38 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Major Crimes Bureau; Fillmore Detective Bureau; Fillmore Patrol; Homeless Liaison Unit; Crime Scene Investigations Unit; Ventura County Fire Department; Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Eduardo Castro, Fillmore, 43
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Support a Loving Farewell for Eduardo CastroCourtesy of GoFundMe Link https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-loving-farewell-for-e...
04/10/2026

Support a Loving Farewell for Eduardo Castro

Courtesy of GoFundMe Link https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-loving-farewell-for-eduardo-castro-lalo
My brother, Eduardo Castro, known to many as Lalo, was born on January 15, 1983, and passed away at just 43 years old. He was a deeply kind and selfless person who always found ways to give, even when he had little. Whether it was family, friends, or someone in need, Eduardo showed up with a generous heart and a willingness to help without hesitation.

His loss has left an emptiness that words can’t fully capture. Eduardo lived with a quiet strength and compassion that touched so many lives. He believed in putting others first and never thought twice about offering what he could to make someone else’s day a little easier.

As our family comes together to honor his life, we are facing the unexpected costs of funeral and memorial arrangements. We want to give Eduardo the farewell he deserves, one that reflects the love and care he gave so freely.

Any support will help ease this financial burden as we navigate this painful time and begin the process of healing. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers means just as much. Visit https://gofund.me/2f84869e5 to donate.

Visit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/support-loving-farewell-eduardo-castro

Minor Injuries in Crash on A and First StreetOn Thursday, April 2, at approximately 2:34 p.m., the Fillmore Police Depar...
04/10/2026

Minor Injuries in Crash on A and First Street

On Thursday, April 2, at approximately 2:34 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a two-vehicle collision at A Street and First Street. Minor injuries were reported, and no ambulance transports were made. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. See more photos online at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/minor-injuries-crash-and-first-street

Fillmore Alumni Track Athletes Run College MeetsOn April 3, Fillmore Alumni took to the track in college meets. Pictured...
04/10/2026

Fillmore Alumni Track Athletes Run College Meets

On April 3, Fillmore Alumni took to the track in college meets. Pictured above is FHS Alumni Camilo Torres, a Senior at Cal State Northridge during his meet. Also pictured right is Flashes Alumni Omar Heredia a Freshman at Cal State Northridge. Photo credit Mike Torres, parent of Camilo Torres.
Read full story http://www.fillmoregazette.com/sports/fillmore-alumni-track-athletes-run-college-meets

Repeat Offender, C. Guerra, Arrested for Graffiti VandalismVisit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/repeat-offend...
04/10/2026

Repeat Offender, C. Guerra, Arrested for Graffiti Vandalism
Visit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/repeat-offender-c-guerra-arrested-graffiti-vandalism

On Wednesday, 04/01/2026, (S) Christian Guerra, a 29-year-old Piru resident, was arrested for his involvement with a felony graffiti vandalism.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

At about 7:30 PM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station observed a suspicious subject near the railroad in the unincorporated agricultural area east of Fillmore near the Piru community. The subject was identified as (S) Christian Guerra, a local tagger who discharged probation in October 2025 for vandalism convictions which caused thousands of dollars in property damage to the communities of Fillmore and Piru. Guerra had paint and vandalism tools on his person.

A canvass of the nearby area resulted in the discovery of additional evidence and recent graffiti to a nearby railcar estimated to be in thousands of dollars. As a result of the investigation by patrol deputies, Guerra was arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Graffiti Vandalism] and Penal Code § 594.2 – [Possession of Graffiti Tools]. He was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings.

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 “X” , Facebook, Instagram and , and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 04/03/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Easter Eggstravaganza a Hit!On Saturday, April 4, from 9a.m.-noon, Two Rivers Park was filled with families and kids for...
04/10/2026

Easter Eggstravaganza a Hit!

On Saturday, April 4, from 9a.m.-noon, Two Rivers Park was filled with families and kids for the Fillmore Police Departments an “Easter Eggstravanganza Event.” The day was for the community members to have fun and have open conversations with our local law enforcement. The children played some fun games and interacted with first responders: the Mounted Unit, S.W.A.T, Bomb Squad, Probation, K9’s, Motor Unit, and Fillmore Fire Department. They checked out the equipment, Sheriff Command Post, Can-am and lots more. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. More photos online at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/community/easter-eggstravaganza-hit

Co-Conspirators Arrested for Stealing CarVisit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/co-conspirators-arrested-steali...
04/09/2026

Co-Conspirators Arrested for Stealing Car
Visit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/co-conspirators-arrested-stealing-car

On 03/29/2026, at about 11:30 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the area of Mountain View Street in Fillmore referenced a stolen vehicle broadcast.

Upon arrival, deputies located the stolen vehicle and observed a male, later identified as (S) Angel Romero, 19 of Santa Paula, walking away from the vehicle. Deputies contacted and detained Romero pursuant to the stolen vehicle investigation.

As the investigation unfolded, deputies obtained additional evidence linking Romero to the stolen vehicle and ultimately arrested him for violation of Vehicle Code § 10851(a) – [Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle] and Penal Code § 496d(a) – [Grand Theft Auto]. While the car thief was given a ride to jail and booked for the offenses, the stolen vehicle was returned to its rightful owner.

Over the next few days, patrol resources collaborated with detectives with the Fillmore Detective Unit on the investigation and learned there were likely co-conspirators involved with stealing the vehicle. With patrol’s assistance, detectives identified at least one additional suspect involved in the crime.

On 04/02/2026, patrol deputies and Fillmore detectives contacted the co-conspirator during a probation search in the 400 block of Mountain View Street, near where the stolen vehicle was recovered. The suspected co-conspirator, (S) Destiny Aguilar, 21 of Fillmore, was arrested without incident for violation of Vehicle Code § 10851(a) – [Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle] and Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime]. She was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked for the offenses pending court proceedings.

Any person with information regarding the stolen vehicle is encouraged to reach out to detectives and utilize the link or QR code provided below to download and submit any video footage of the incident. https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/26-40128 or by scanning the following QR code:

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 “X” , Facebook, Instagram and , and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 04/03/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Co-Conspirators Arrested for Stealing Car
Report Number: 26-40128 & 26-41718
Location: 400 block of Mountain View Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 03/29/2026, 11:30 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, Sheriff’s Dispatch
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence; Age
(V) Adult, Oxnard, N/A
(S) Angel Romero, Santa Paula, 19
(S) Destiny Aguilar, Fillmore, 21
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Enforcement Operations on SR-126Visit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/enforcement-operations-sr-126The Califor...
04/09/2026

Enforcement Operations on SR-126
Visit http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/enforcement-operations-sr-126

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Ventura, Moorpark and Newhall Areas, in partnership with Fillmore and Santa Paula Police Departments, will be conducting targeted enforcement operations on SR-126, to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.

The 40-mile stretch of SR-126 that connects US-101 in Ventura, to 1-5 in Santa Clarita, has experienced a concerning number of fatal and serious injury crashes. Through high-visibility enforcement, the CHP and its partners, aim to reduce these incidents and promote safer driving practices for all motorists. The operation will focus on identifying and addressing speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes and driving under the influence violations, all of which are primary causes of crashes. Officers and deputies will be strategically deployed throughout the corridor to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to deter dangerous driving behaviors.

The goal of this collaborative effort is to save lives and ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

Motorists are reminded to:
•Obey posted speed limits
• Avoid distractions while driving
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Maintain a safe following distance
Be a courteous and defensive driver

Community Safety Alert: Bear SightingSee more photos online at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/community-safet...
04/03/2026

Community Safety Alert: Bear Sighting
See more photos online at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/community-safety-alert-bear-sighting

A large bear was spotted in the 800 block on Blaine Street in North Fillmore on Monday and Tuesday, March 30-31. It migrated to the 800 block of Fourth Street on Wednesday, April 1st, and was roaming between Fourth and Edison Lane. A large crowd gathered, taking videos until the police dispersed them. Fish & Game arrived about 10am and were actively trying to get the bear out from under an RV. It appeared to have an injured jaw. At press time (2:30pm) the bear had been tranquilized and captured. The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department released the following on Instagram and pages https://www.facebook.com/cityoffillmore: The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department would like to notify residents of a bear sighting in the 800 block of 4th Street.
As a precaution, we ask community members to avoid the area while officers monitor the situation and coordinate with wildlife authorities. Nearby residents are advised to stay alert and keep children and pets indoors until further notice.
If you meet a bear:
• Don’t come closer or run
• Keep a safe distance
• Make yourself look bigger and step back slowly
• Report the sighting immediately to the Fillmore Police Department
Minimize leaving food or other smelly products outside, as they can lure the bear.
Our officers are actively scouting the area to ensure the safety of the community. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation and helping keep the Fillmore community safe.

Bike vs. Vehicle Collison on River St.On Saturday, March 28, at 7:49 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire...
04/03/2026

Bike vs. Vehicle Collison on River St.

On Saturday, March 28, at 7:49 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a vehicle versus bicycle incident in the 600 block of River Street. The cyclist denied medical treatment. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. See more photos online at http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/bike-vs-vehicle-collison-river-st

Address

408 Orchard
Fillmore, CA
93015

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+18055242481

Website

http://twitter.com/FillmoreGazette

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fillmore Gazette posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Fillmore Gazette:

Shortcuts

Share

Category