California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol is completing an investigation into possible criminal charges in association with a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash that occurred back on September 18th of this year. 25-year-old Christopher Almena of Fillmore overturned an all-terrain vehicle near South Mountain and Balcom Canyon Road. His passenger, 23-year-old Jacqueline Reyes of Fillmore, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from her seat and killed. CHP suggests that prosecutors charge Almena with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a bloodalcohol level above the legal limit. Almena was arrested but has been released on bail pending investigation.

Bob Crum

The lament began softly, growing louder with each passing day. It was not unlike the Sirens of Greek mythology, mischievous creatures who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and singing voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island.

The wailing was from the Sirens of Santa Cruz Island beckoning me back. More island photo ops they teased. Resistance was futile, so I relented and called Island Packers. Hearing the boat was full was disheartening. The enchanting wailing continued to ululate unabated. Alas, the merciful phone call. A cancellation provided an opening if I was still interested. Ha! Camera in hand, I boarded the Island Adventure last Saturday bound for the Willows anchorage.

We departed the harbor under sunny skies and a chilly 69°. I learned long ago that it's always cooler on the water. Much cooler out on the Pacific ocean. I dressed accordingly: Thermal undies under street clothes plus a raincoat as a windbreaker on top of my fleece hoody. I was prepared. So I thought.

I took my preferred position that's best for photo ops, the ship's bow. As we passed the jetty, the nostrils instantly recognized the refreshing aroma of the salt-infused air. However, soon after passing the sea buoy, we were engulfed in thick fog. Not just plain thick fog. It was Super Soggy Fog (SSF). Thicker than sea poop... er... pea soup!

I kept my camera covered, but needed windshield wipers for my eyeglasses. The thought did occur that maybe I should go inside. I didn't. My immune system is not always 100% so I tend to avoid crowds in close quarters. Also, being on a photo expedition, best be ready if happening upon marine wildlife!

A few miles further, clear skies. Momentarily. Before long, the dastardly SSF once again engulfed us lasting all the way to Santa Cruz island. However, it was an excellent opportunity to make some exquisite photos of, ahem, fog! No dolphins, no whales, just FOG!

After dropping off passengers at the Scorpion pier, we continued to the Willows anchorage amid patchy fog. I was able to make several photos of the island topography along the way. Lo and behold, as we approached the Willows anchorage, we were greeted with delightful sunshine! Hallelujah!

Photographically speaking, Santa Rosa Island is a challenge because of the hilly terrain. Trails are scarce. Hiking is limited to exploring the dry creek beds in the canyons. One trail at Willows went up to a coastline overlook. I opted for the easier creek trail. Along the trail, I saw my first island scrub jay but did not see an island fox.

At the Frys and Willows anchorages, there are no piers for offloading from the boat. Small outboard-powered dinghies carry passengers, six at a time, from the mother ship to shore. As Island Packers warns, be prepared to get feet wet. Occasional large waves make the landing on the beach a bit tricky. When it was my turn to exit the dinghy, I didn't see an approaching wave. My feet got wet! No problem! I was wearing water shoes and NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks.

The photo of the week illustrates part of the exciting adventure. As the dinghy approached the beach, a wave came in and tossed it sideways. Six startled passengers tightly clung on. Two Island Packer's staff members did a remarkable job of keeping everyone calm and stabilizing the wayward dinghy. The wave subsided, and the passengers safely disembarked, wet feet and all. Such events make unforgettable memories. The mischievous Sirens? They wouldn't pose for a photo. Next time!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.
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Fillmore Fire Department and Packinghouse Creative participated in Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally honoring fallen firefighter Cory Iverson by hosting rally drivers and Iverson’s wife Ashley.

The rally visited the Fillmore Fire house for a short ceremony. Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola gave a short speech and presented Ashley with a basket filled with items Fillmore is known for.

The rally also visited Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) member, Packinghouse Creative for refreshments, games, music and a tour of the packinghouse.

Cory Iverson lost his life on December 14, 2017 while battling the Thomas Fire in Fillmore, California. Proceeds from the rally will benefit two charities; Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.

The rally took its participants on a beautiful drive through Ventura County’s backcountry while playing scavenger hunts and games along the route.

The rally raised $10,000 that will benefit Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.
Funds are still needed to support and ensure the ongoing success of The Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation. https://iversonfaa.org/

This past weekend the Fillmore Fire Department and Packing house Creative host the Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally for fallen fire fighter Cory Iverson. Pictured left is Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.

(l-r) Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards as they present on Fillmore’s upcoming “Trunk or Treat” & "Dia De Los Muertos" event to take place this month.
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Events:
A presentation to promote the upcoming City Events “Trunk or Treat” and Dia De Los Muertos events was given by Parks and Recreation Coordinators Sandra Edwards and Krista Martinez at Tuesday's regular Council meeting. The events will take place at Central Park, in front of city hall, Nov. 2.

CalRecycle:
City Council adopted (1) a resolution authorizing the submittal of grant applications to CalRecycle to participate in grant program and (2) a resolution establishing an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Practices Policy, unanimously.
Authorization for the submittal of grant Applications to the California Dept. of Resources Recycling and Recovery ("CALRECYCLE") for the rubberized Pavement Grant program and approval of resolutions authorizing the applications and adopting a city council policy for environmentally preferable purchasing practices.

Pay Schedule:
The Staff request that the City Council Adopt Resolution 18-3672 adopting the Second Revision to the Publicly Available Pay Schedule for all City of Fillmore employees was unanimously approved.

Eduardo Robles, 30, of Fillmore.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Eduardo Robles (DOB 10/29/87), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for the killing of Benjamin Brown, of Oxnard. On May 31, 2018, Robles, who had been drinking alcohol and using drugs, was driving his vehicle on Highway 126 when he intentionally rammed the car in front of him which was driven by Mr. Brown. The impact caused Mr. Brown’s vehicle to veer across the highway and collide with a tractor-trailer. Robles was also convicted of attempted murder for the injuries caused to his passenger, Jose Gaspar of Fillmore.

Robles faces a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura.

Sophomore Matthew Munoz finished 5th place with a time of 18:34.
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On Friday, the Flashes Cross Country teams traveled to Walnut, California to compete in the nation's largest invitational, a two day event held on the Mt. San Antonio College Course. The 3 mile course feature 3 significant hills that challenge even the most experienced runners and was run in the hottest part of the day. Fillmore competed in 6 races, while fielding two complete teams.

Freshman boys had three competitors. Camilo Torres continued his comeback and led the group with a very respectable 7th place finish in a time of 18:43. Camilo was awarded an individual medal for his top effort. James Flores followed and placed 50th in 21:24 and was followed by Alotl Aparicio 77th in 22:45.

The Freshman girls also raced three competitors. They were led by top freshman runner Angelica Herrera who finished in 35th place in a time of 25:10. She was followed by Jasmine Vega 104th in 29:20, and Isabel De La Cruz 111th in 30:05.

The sophomore boys had four competitors with the first two winning medals. Leading the Flashes was Matthew Munoz who finished in 5th place in a time of 18:34; he was followed by Jesse De La Cruz 7th in 18:50, Andres Gonzalez 49th in 22:08, and Anthony Estrella 88th in 26:41.

Three athletes competed in the JV Girls race. Top finisher for Fillmore was Cecilia Cisneros who finished in 13th place and earned a medal for her effort posting a time of 24:58. The next finisher was Isabella De La Cruz in 20th place in 26:00 and Emma Orozco 29th in 26:58.

The Junior Varsity Boys were the first full team of the day with 8 competitors. This team ran well and captured first place in a field of 15 teams. They were led by Juan Carlos Laureano who captured 1st place out of 194 competitors in a time of 17:52. He was supported by Alex Recancoj 4th in 18:13, Jesus Cadena 8th in 18:46, Jorge Acevedo 17th in 19:16, Andrew Otineru 60th in 20:39, Luis Leon 66th in 20:50, Daniel Cruz 128th in 23:15, and Anthony Gonzales 177th in 26:18. The top three Fillmore athletes in this race won individual medals and the team won a first place team award.

The Varsity Girls ran in one of the premier races of the day, the Division 4 and 5 Girls Sweepstakes Race, but did not field a complete team. Carissa Rodriguez led the 4 competitors from Fillmore by placing 14th in 19:08. Carissa was the lone medal recipient in this race. She was followed by teammate Diana Perez 30th in 20:17, Nicole Gonzalez 50th in 21:00, and the steadily improving Andrea Marruffo 54th in 21:05.

The final race of the day was the Division 4 and 5 Boys Sweepstakes race, where 21 of the top teams competed for top honors. The race was won by Page, a team from Arizona, Fillmore placed 6th overall in this race. They were led by Senior Nick Villela who finished in 27th place in a time of 16:49, he was followed by Fabian Del Villar 30th in 16:52, Rey Laureano 35th in 17:01, Erick Gutierrez 47th in 17:16, Alex Manzo 84th in 17:52, and Jesse Martinez 100th in 18:16.

The team will next prepare for the Citrus Coast League Finals on November 1st at Lake Casitas in Ojai. This meet will determine league champions in all 4 divisions and which varsity teams will represent the league at CIF Southern Section Division 4 Prelims in Riverside on November 10th.