Soina Castillo, 44, Fillmore.

On 06/19/2018, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Narcotic’s Street Team concluded a month long narcotic investigation into Fillmore resident Sonia Castillo who was involved in the sales of methamphetamine to residents of Ventura County. The West County Street Team was assisted by deputies from the Fillmore Police Department.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., detectives executed a narcotic search warrant at Castillo’s residence located in the 1100 Block of El Paseo Street after Castillo had been arrested during a traffic stop for possessing methamphetamine for sales. During the search of the residence, detectives located and seized approximately 14 ounces of methamphetamine along with paraphernalia indicative of narcotics sales, and a large sum of cash deemed to be narcotic proceeds.

Castillo was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for two counts of possessing methamphetamine for sales. Her bail was set at $100,000 and her next scheduled court appearance is set for 6/21/18 at 1:30 pm.

The West County Street Narcotics Street Team is comprised of narcotic detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxnard Police Department, and the Port Hueneme Police Department.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Guy Moody
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Three Fillmore juveniles were arrested early Sunday morning after they stole a bicycle from a residence in the 700 block of Third Street in Fillmore. Additional investigation by Fillmore deputies and detectives revealed that two of the juveniles were also involved in a separate commercial burglary and an attempted commercial burglary that happened during the prior week.

On the morning of 6/13/18, Fillmore deputies responded to a commercial burglary at a business in the 400 block of Central Avenue. Deputies and detectives discovered that during overnight hours, unknown suspects broke a window at the business and made entry through the broken window, stealing cash and merchandise.

On the morning of 6/16/18, Fillmore deputies responded to an attempted commercial burglary at a business in the 1300 block of Ventura Street.

Deputies and detectives discovered that during the overnight hours, unknown suspects broke a skylight to the business but were not successful making entry down into the business, so nothing was stolen.

Deputies and detectives obtained several leads in both of the commercial burglaries and were continuing with their investigation when, on the morning of 6/17/18, at approximately 5:30 AM, Fillmore deputies responded to a call of a theft of a bicycle in the 700 block of Third Street with three males running from the area. Deputies quickly responded to the area, located the three juveniles, and, following their investigation, arrested them for conspiracy to commit petty theft.

Deputies and detectives later identified two of the juveniles as the suspects who attempted to break into the business on Ventura Street the previous morning, and evidence found during subsequent probation searches linked the two juveniles to the crime. Additional evidence was found that linked them to the commercial burglary that occurred on 6/13/18 at the business on Central Avenue. In addition to the arrests of the three juveniles for conspiracy to commit theft, two of the juveniles were also arrested for attempted burglary, burglary, and being in possession of stolen property. All three juveniles were lodged at Juvenile Hall.

Prepared by: Detective Danielle Delpit
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

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).

The Fillmore Police and Fire Departments want to ensure the citizens of Fillmore enjoy a safe Fourth of July week. Citizens are reminded that Safe and Sane fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal in Fillmore between June 28th at 12 PM through July 5th at 12 PM.

The use of any non-approved fireworks that explode or launch into the air are illegal and will result in criminal charges and/or a $1,000 fine. If you witness any illegal activity, please report it. Please call the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233 to report illegal activity.

Below are several safety tips to ensure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.

- If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.
- Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in the city of Fillmore. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
- Children should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces.
- Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water available in case of fire. Do not dispose of fireworks in trash containers.
- Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns and can cause blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children “stop, drop and roll” in the event their clothing catches fire, and make sure they know how to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
News Release Date: June 21st, 2018
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

The CIF Victory Parade honoring the 2018 CIF Champion Baseball Team and CIF Champion Swimmer Katrionna Furness will be held on July 6th at 6pm. It will end in downtown Fillmore. There will be autograph signing by the CIF winners, food trucks, vendors and entertainment for the whole family until 9pm.So far the following food vendors have confirmed: Nothing Bundt Cake, Raspado House, Oh My Gosh Hot Dogs, and Central Station –tacos. Thank you Fillmore Womens Soccer League for sponsoring the parade!

Bob Crum

This is column number 79 and much to my delight, readership has gone from snowball size to an avalanche if you'll kindly allow me a little hyperbole.

For the past 78 weeks I've met many of you while out and about. Many continue to read the column because I don't go too deep into the technical weeds... so to speak. Many of you now understand that creating photographs is what makes photography extremely gratifying.

That's good to know because I have repeatedly tried to convey what I consider the most significant aspect of photography: Creativity. This entails much more than merely setting shutter speed or lens aperture.

Some technical details are necessary. Unless you are able to control your camera, executing your vision is hampered. But if you're the creative type it's hard to beat photography. If you're the adventurous type, simply do as I do! It's fun! Of course I know all the so-called rules pertaining to compositions: Rule of thirds, balanced elements, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, viewpoint, background, depth etc. However, in my opinion the only rule in photography is that there are no rules. Just some guidelines to improve your photos. But I've been a rogue photographer for so long I can't remember when I worried about applying 'leading lines' or patterns. When I see an interesting subject, I mentally visualize the end result, program the camera accordingly and shoot! More times than not, I win! Then again, circumstances sometimes dictate... ahem... failure. So depressing. But I digress.

Consider how many times you've been to a special place and thought: Wow, I have to photograph this. This is the time to execute your creative potential. Stop and take a minute to consider your options. Then, as you mentally visualize the photo, program the camera and shoot. Here is an abbreviated explanation of the process of creating an award-winning photo. Imagine approaching a spectacular waterfall. Move to find the best perspective, program your camera for proper exposure and the kind of image you want to create, check the focus on the mermaid sunning on the ledge and press the shutter button. Congrats! You have just created a fine-art photo!

I'm learning and realizing that many of you seem to benefit more from my explaining the various creative aspects of photography than the heavy technical details. But some tech stuff is important so you'll still get some. While you may think it's like bad-tasting medicine, you know it's good for you.

Now... what if? Because I'm considering shifting the column emphasis to my experiences and the creative nature of photography, maybe it's time to change the column name from Photography Know-How to Focus on Photography. What do you think? Any other ideas? Please take a moment and tell me your thoughts about the proposed name change. Thank you.

I was in Ashland Oregon recently for my granddaughter's graduation from Southern Oregon University. GO KATIE! While up in that neck of the woods, I checked out some wineries and the surrounding countryside. Photo of the week is a photo I made while taking a walk along the north shore of Lake Emigrant. Notice the play of late afternoon sunlight in the serene Oak grove. You know I can't resist a sunstar photo op. BTW, the star effect is done in camera, not added during post processing. The importance of knowing some... ahem... tech stuff. Just sayin'.

Note that because of some email issues, I have to temporarily change the email address. Send your comments, suggestion and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

Happy photoing.

Fillmore Unified School District

Board meeting highlights:

Recognitions
The Governing Board recognized the Fillmore High School Baseball team on their 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 7 Championship.

The Governing Board also recognized the students and staff of the Fillmore Unified Migrant Program for their accomplishments during the 2017-2018 school year.

2018 Summer Construction Projects
The Governing Board received a presentation on the 2018 Summer Construction Projects. Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill presented the information.

Local Control and Accountability Plan for 2018-2019 and the 2018-2019 Proposed Budget
The Governing Board approved the Local Control Accountability Plan for 2018-2019 and also approved the 2018-2019 Proposed Budget.

Approve Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Fillmore for School Resource Officer
The Governing Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement for a School Resource Officer. The term of the agreement is for three years beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.

Award of Bids for Site Wide Painting at Fillmore Middle School, San Cayetano Elementary, and Mountain Vista Elementary
The Governing Board awarded separate bids for site wide painting at the aforementioned schools. Painting to take place during summer 2018.

Personnel Recommendations
The Governing Board approved all personnel recommendations including new hires, promotions, resignations and leaves.