Georgie Gerardo, a management analyst for Fillmore Public Works, told the City Council during a presentation that the department logged numerous graffiti and vandalism work orders in 2024 and is asking residents to help report incidents to the Fillmore Police Department or Public Works.

Gerardo said the department opened and closed “over a 10 work orders for graffiti on public and private property” and that the city is re‑engaging a consent-to-entry process to remove graffiti from private property at no cost to homeowners; the consent is valid for one year. “When it comes to private property, the department is reengaging with a procedure that's been under prioritized,” Gerardo said.

The presentation illustrated recurring damage to city irrigation systems and sprinkler heads, which Gerardo said have been “damaged multiple times and repeat, have been targets of repeated vandalism.” She showed photos of kicked-off sprinkler heads and other damage. Council members and staff noted playground areas, pool covers and tennis courts have been damaged by rocks; Gerardo said staff found a large rock pulled from the fountain in front of City Hall that was used to smash lights.

Council members asked whether vandalism is increasing and discussed community outreach. Mayor Villasenor said he had received residents who missed the city’s annual cleanup day and suggested exploring an additional spring event; Gerardo said she would “talk with the team and, maybe we can work with EJ Harrison … and see if we can schedule a second day.” A representative noted EJ Harrison offers two free bulk-item pickups annually and that information is included in the trash mailer and on their website.

Gerardo described other problem areas: new playground shade structures that were quickly vandalized at 2 Rivers Park; repeatedly damaged split‑rail fences; destroyed park-closure signs; and increased illegal dumping in alleyways and bike paths. She encouraged residents to use the city’s cleanup day at Well 4 for bulky items and pointed to Ventura County events for hazardous household waste. The public works presentation concluded with a request for residents to “see something, say something” and to report damage so staff can document incidents and pursue enforcement when needed.

Council members suggested practical mitigation steps, such as covering dirt mounds near playgrounds where children collect and play with rocks, and urged continued coordination with police and Parks & Recreation staff for closures and repairs. No formal council action was taken on the presentation.

The presentation occurred during the council’s agenda item on neighborhood vandalism prevention; the council later opened the meeting’s public comment period and progressed with other agenda items.