by Lisa Hammond 7015

Ten recruits at Fillmore Fire Academy recently completed a 16-week, research-backed curriculum from YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), marking the first time this full program has been implemented in a fire academy in Ventura County. YFFR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with instructors worldwide.

Meeting most Sundays—and some Saturdays during their 4-month Academy—at 7 a.m., the recruits participated in 16 one-hour sessions focused on processing stress, building resilience, and enhancing performance. Each class consisted of four key components that correspond to traditional yoga practices but are tailored specifically for first responders: tactical breath work, physical drills, neurological reset, and cognitive declarations.

“This curriculum gives first responders tools they can use throughout their careers, both on and off duty, from recruitment through retirement,” said Lisa Hammond, the certified YFFR instructor who taught the course. She also oversees YFFR’s Virtual Instructor School. “And the best part—no yoga experience is required to get started.”

Grounded in neuroscience, the YFFR program is designed to meet the physical and psychological demands of high-stress careers. It has gained national and international recognition and has been adapted not only for fire service and law enforcement, but also for military personnel, medical professionals—and really, anyone facing stress in their daily lives.

For more information about Yoga For First Responders, visit www.yogaforfirstresponders.org or Lisa Hammond directly at [email protected].

On 05/31/25, at approximately 9:09 p.m., Sheriff’s Dispatch received multiple calls stating a female may have been murdered at a residence in the 12000 block of Sisar Road in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula. When deputies arrived, they confirmed there was a deceased female in the residence and evidence at the scene indicated she was a victim of a homicide.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau assumed responsibility for the investigation and are actively investigating the incident as a homicide. The incident appears to be isolated, and a suspect is currently outstanding. Investigators are requesting anyone with information related to the investigation to Detective Marco at 805-384-4739.

Nature of Incident: Homicide Investigation
Report Number: 25-67000
Location: 12000 Block of Sisar Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 05/31/25 @ 9:09 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Sheriff’s West County Special Enforcement Unit and Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

(V) Adult Female Santa Paula 26

Prepared by: Sergeant William Meixner
News Release Date: June 1, 2025
Media Follow-Up : Detective Michael Marco (805) 384-4739
Approved by:Captain Victor Medina

Courtesy Brandy Hollis

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, returning Fillmore Women’s Service Club President Danielle Quintana presented the Fillmore Cultural Arts and Recreation Commission with a check for $600 in sponsorship for the second consecutive year. This sponsorship will help fund the city’s music series, which is set to commence after the Fair for Fun, Family-Friendly Fridays in the Park. The event promises to feature live music and food trucks, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees. For more information, please visit the city website. Fillmore Women’s Service Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the entire community of Fillmore, is actively involved in various activities. For the latest updates and details, follow them on social media. The photo above showcases the attendees, including Brandy Hollis (Vice Chair of the Fillmore Art and Recreation Commission and Vice President of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club), Danielle Quintana (President of the Fillmore Women’s Service Club), Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez (Chair of the Fillmore Cultural Art and Recreation Commission), and Greg Agostinelli (Fillmore Cultural Arts and Recreation Commissioner).

The Rotary Club of Fillmore presented scholarships to 13 students amounting to $10,600. The students were: Destiny Juarez, Ruby Guerrero, Renaldo Tapia, Aerin Garcia, Daniela Curiel, Diana Martinez, Luz Castaneda, Diana Santa Rosa, Jonathan Perez, Presley McLain, Adrian Fuentes, Justin Contreras, and Ignacio Arenas. Also, Presley McLain received the Rigo Landeros Scholarship, Diana Martinez received the Ari Larsen Scholarship and Diana Santa Rosa received the Don Gunderson Scholarship.