Bob Crum

It happened again. Total capture count: 972. I love it! No point in making excuses so I won't. Besides, I have an exquisite alibi. Genetics. My DNA has a photographic gene that forces the right hand index finger to keep pushing the shutter release button the second I pick up my camera.

The occasion was the recent Fillmore Railfest. As expected, the star was the majestic Baldwin #14 steam engine. Photo ops aplenty even just sitting pretty on the tracks and occasionally blowing off some steam. Running she's like the most lifelike, exciting and endearing of all the machinery man has created. How can anyone watch a steam-powered iron horse rumbling down the tracks and not be in awe. Listen! The profound gong of the bell! The whistle... oh that enchanting whistle. The chuffing-chuffing as she picks up speed. The smoke bellowing from the glorious smokestack. Awesomeness!

Back in the day, as staff editor/photojournalist for the Southern Star magazine, I shot at least three times as much film as other staffers. I had to, to beat the odds. Couldn't review the photo in the field like now. Because success was paramount, always experienced a tinge of insecurity. What if? Pressure and expectations created reasonable anxiety. Yet, a benefit. The experience I gained taught me to trigger the shutter more instinctively. A valuable asset. Remember, there are no re-dos regarding special moments that cannot be predicted or repeated. Photography, to paraphrase author Steve Simon, from his book 'The Passionate Photographer', is a bit like trying to anticipate the future to trigger the shutter just at the exact right moment. Still, there are a ton of misses. The future is elusive. But the robust shooting ethic is rewarding when it works. The reward: I got the most cover photos! It's still a formula that increases the odds that I get the best image out of every assignment. This practice continues, which is obvious. Furthermore, I encourage all event photographers who desire (strive) to capture the ultimate photo to shoot more, regret less. The photo op missed is gone forever. Shoot till your shutter release finger is cramping. But you're not done until it's calloused. Got it?

When #14 runs the photo options are voluminous. But they're not all going to be great moments. For full effect it helps to have steam emanating from various ports and smoke bellowing from the smoke stack illustrating that the machine has the high rail and running strong. It would help if the engineer would turn some knobs and kick up some smoke when seeing a photographer camera up but that's wishful thinking. Anyway, smoke is not continually belching from the stack nor the locomotive expelling steam. What to do? Chase it. And keep chasing it! Success demands that you be on the scene to make the ultimate photo. Shoot a lot. With luck, one of every 10 photos will make the cut. I chased. However, a lung impairment slowed me down considerably. Translated, I couldn't get (hike) to all my secret spots for the photos I envisioned because I couldn't move fast enough to get back to the truck and drive to the next spot in time. Nevertheless, I survived and delightfully accumulated, you know, a few hundred photos. After all... it's fun!

The photo of the week was made at the iconic trestle bridge over Sespe Creek. Didn't matter that I couldn't descend the hill for a frontal coming out of the bridge because the area was littered with phonetographers. Grumble, grumble, grumble.

Happy photoing!

Send your comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today warned consumers to avoid eating raw oysters harvested from south and central Baynes Sound, in British Columbia, Canada. The raw oysters are linked to an outbreak of norovirus illnesses.

In California, as of April 27, approximately 100 individuals have reported illness after they consumed raw British Columbian oysters sold by restaurants and retailers throughout the state. Laboratory testing has confirmed norovirus infection in several patients from both California and Canada. Although the number of reported new illnesses has decreased during the last week, the investigation is ongoing.

Canada has reported 172 cases of gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of raw oysters.

Four oyster farms in the south and central Baynes Sound area of British Columbia that were linked to illnesses were closed between March 23 and April 13, 2018, and remain closed at this time. Restaurants and retailers should not distribute or serve oysters from these farms, which can be recognized by the following landfile numbers located on the shellfish tags: CLF #1402060, CLF #1411206, CLF #1400483, and CLF #278757. Restaurants and retailers are encouraged to check Canada’s above website for closure statuses and notices of re-opening.

Anyone who eats raw oysters should visit their doctors if they become ill, and should report the incident to the local health department.

“Avoid eating raw and undercooked shellfish, including oysters, to reduce your risk of illness,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “If you do eat shellfish, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Quick steaming isn't sufficient to kill norovirus.”

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily from person-to-person through contaminated surfaces, and by eating contaminated food, including raw or undercooked oysters. Symptoms of norovirus usually begin 12 to 48 hours after a person has come in contact with the virus, and can last for 1 to 3 days. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. People who develop symptoms of norovirus infection should consult their health care providers. For more information on norovirus, please see CDPH’s Norovirus Web page.

The most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines are available at CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Web page.

City of Fillmore

ORGAN DONATIONS ENCOURAGED:
At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting, Mr. Richard Aidem addressed the need for organ donations to save the lives of those facing life-threatening organ failure. Mr. Aidem spoke about his own life-saving heart transplant five years ago. The Council read a proclamation announcing the importance of DMV/Donate Life California Month. Organ donations can only be accepted when the donor has passed away in a hospital.

VC ANIMAL SERVICES AGREEMENT:
A report was received on the 2018 Ventura County Animal Services Agreement. Discussion involved increased cost of animal adoption which makes it more difficult to adopt. The declining number of volunteers was also noted as well as an increase in the number of animals to be cared for.

LEVY ASSESSMENT:
A public hearing was approved to consider the adoption of Resolution 18-3639 confirming the engineer's annual levy report and ordering the Levy and collection of assessments for the Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Districts in fiscal year 2018/2019. The motion was passed unanimously.

FILLMORE VALLEY PARKS FOUNTAIN ENTRY FEATURE RENOVATION PROJECT:
A motion authorizing change orders for the Fillmore Valley Parks Fountain entry feature renovation project was passed. A contract going to California Waters Development Inc. was also approved for the maintenance of Heritage Valley Parks Fountain Entry Feature, at a cost of $33,000 for the first year.

RIVER STREET EXTENSION:
The City Council approved Final Tract Map No. 5844 and authorized the Mayor to sign the map and the City Clerk to record the map with the County Recorder's office. This action will facilitate the connection of El Dorado Mobile Home Park to River Street.

Ramon Izarraraz, 32, Fillmore

On 04/18/2018, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotics Team along with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit, concluded a two month narcotic investigation into the methamphetamine trafficking activities of Ramon Izarraraz of Fillmore. On 4/18/18 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Detectives conducted a traffic stop on Izarraraz’s vehicle as he was driving in the city of Fillmore. Izarraraz was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and arrested. A search warrant was then executed at his residence in Fillmore. A search of Izarraraz’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of cocaine, and a significant amount of cash deemed to be narcotic proceeds.

Izarraraz was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on narcotic violations. He posted bail of $50,000.00 and his next scheduled court appearance is scheduled for 5/1/18 at 8:15 am.

The West County Street Narcotics 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.

On Saturday, April 21st at 5:30am authorities received a call about a man driving a Dodge pickup, who allegedly pulled up to another vehicle and brandished a gun. The driver of the other vehicle was able to get away and called 911 after the incident.

A Fillmore deputy later spotted the vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop and found a loaded gun in the truck.

Authorities arrested 37 year-old Adam Hernandez of San Fernando on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle and brandishing a firearm.

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The Fillmore High Alumni Board Members are crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s for the big 105th Annual FHS Alumni Dinner/Dance set for Saturday June 9th at the Fillmore/Piru Veteran’s Memorial Building.

Happy Hour starts at 3:00pm with light music and hors d’oeuvres out on the patio. Dinner will be served by award winning DJ’s California Catering. Dinner starts at 6:00pm sharp. You can see the complete menu online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com. You can also find class reunion information on the website.

Last year’s dinner was sold, so please make your reservations soon. You can confirm your dinner reservations at Patterson’s Hardware (open 7 days a week), or online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com. Click on Events.

Calling all Alumni to the 105th Alumni Dinner! It’s the event of the year in Fillmore. Don’t miss out!

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Gabriel Munoz-Hernandez (DOB 7/1/1998), of Ventura, was sentenced to 15 years to life in the California Department of Corrections after his conviction of rape of an unconscious person in violation of Penal Code section 261(a)(4) and kidnapping to commit rape or sexual penetration in violation of Penal Code section 209(b)(1).

On February 20, 2017, Munoz-Hernandez connected with the 17-year-old female victim on social media. The next day, Munoz-Hernandez met the victim in person and took her to a friend’s home where he encouraged her to drink a lot of alcohol. The victim eventually lost consciousness. After the victim lost consciousness, Munoz-Hernandez carried her to a dumpster enclosure nearby where he raped her. An independent witness, who attempted to intervene, was able to capture some of the assault on camera. Another independent witness called 911. Ventura Police officers quickly arrived on scene to find Munoz-Hernandez assaulting the unconscious victim behind the dumpster.

After hearing arguments by both the prosecutor and defense attorney, Judge Gilbert Romero of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura, sentenced Munoz-Hernandez to the maximum possible sentence.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.