On March 10, 2017, at approximately 2:45 P.M., Mr. Anthony A. Becerra of Fillmore was driving a 2002, Tan, Chevrolet Avalanche in the driveway of his residence near State Route 126 (East Telegraph Road) and Powell Road. Rochelle Beserra, Mr. Beserra's 3 year old daughter, his daughter's mother and other family member were at the residence. Sadly, Rochelle Beserra was able to avoid adult supervision and wonder into the driveway. Mr. Becerra failed to observe his daughter ahead of his vehicle and collided with her. The parents picked up Rochelle Beserra, placed her in the vehicle and began driving toward Fillmore. Just east of Fillmore Mr. Becerra's vehicle became disabled. The parents were able to contact a relative in the area who responded and then transported all three of them to the Fillmore City Fire Department, Station 91. They arrived at the Fillmore Fire Department a few minutes after 3:00 P.M. and 3 year old Rochelle Besera was in respiratory and cardiac arrest (non-breathing and pulseless). Fire department personnel immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Rochelle Beserra was transported by AMR ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. Hospital staff worked feverishly in an attempt to resuscitate Rochelle Beserra, but were unsuccessful and she died.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) located and impounded the vehicle Mr. Becerra was driving as evidence.

The collision remains under investigation by the CHP Moorpark Area office. Anyone with information they believe might be helpful is encouraged to call the CHP Moorpark Area office at (805) 553-0800 or the CHP's anonymous "tip line" at (800) TELL CHP.

Upcoming Senior Nutrition Program Distributions In Fillmore:
1) Wednesday March 22nd from 9am-11am at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Fillmore, CA 93015.
2) Tuesday April 4th from 9am-11am at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Fillmore, CA 93015.

FOOD Share of Ventura County is one of just four California food banks recently selected in a competitive bid process to administer a USDA-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors 60 years of age and older. FOOD Share anticipates enrolling a monthly caseload of 3,500 seniors in the CSFP program and serving them through various distribution points across the county.

One in 12 seniors in Ventura County is hungry, a staggering statistic that is consistent with national numbers detailing the challenges faced by the nation’s fastest growing demographic group. Seven million seniors age 60 and older are served by the Feeding America network each year (Feeding America Senior Hunger Facts). 63% of this population reports choosing between medical care and food, 60% must sacrifice basic utilities or go hungry, and 58% forego transportation in order to eat (Baby Boomers and Beyond: Facing Hunger After 50, 2013). Perhaps even more poignant is that 77% buy cheap, unhealthy food in an attempt to meet their basic caloric needs (Baby Boomers and Beyond: Facing Hunger After 50, 2013).

FOOD Share’s administration of the CSFP nutrition program will address these specific senior challenges on a local level by providing “Senior Kits” on a once-monthly basis to qualifying participants age 60 and older whose income is equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty level, or $15,444 per year. Food items included in the Senior Kits are specifically selected to fill the most common nutritional gaps experienced by hungry seniors. Working in collaboration with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, the regional food bank currently has five CSFP distribution sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Fillmore, and Thousand Oaks. Additional distribution sites across the county are expected in the coming months.

Wholesome, quality nutrients are essential for overall health and wellness for people of every age. Conversely, a lack of access to the foods that provide these crucial vitamins and minerals can lead to the development of health issues and/or the exacerbation of existing conditions. Such adverse side-effects of hunger are even more detrimental for men and women over the age of 60. Feeding America’s study, Spotlight on Senior Health: Adverse Health Outcomes of Food Insecure Older Americans reports that hungry seniors are “60% more likely to experience depression; 53% more likely to report a heart attack; 52% more likely to develop asthma, and 40% more likely to experience congestive heart failure.”

“Seniors have always been a high priority for FOOD Share because we understand the significant challenges they face accessing the quality food sources and nutrition they need to live healthy lives,” said Susan Haverland, FOOD Share’s Vice President of Programs and Services. “The CSFP program will allow us to expand our outreach to this cherished population and to continue serving them with dignity.”

Seniors can enroll in the program during a distribution event and receive food immediately. Participation in the program requires a simple application, verification of age and residence using a photo ID and utility or other bill, and self-certification of income (no additional documentation required). Seniors who receive food from FOOD Share’s CSFP program are still eligible for CalFresh food stamp benefits. For more information on upcoming distribution dates and locations, seniors can contact their local senior center or visit www.foodshare.com.

Bob Crum

Photo by Bob Crum
Enlarge Photo

I should know better but... sometimes even I miscalculate. You'll see.

I received an email from Sespe Creek Mermaid Chantel telling me that she was swimming in from Hawaii and appearing at the Ventura Harbor Village on the 11th. Beautiful as ever and I could tell from the unmistakable aroma of her breath that she enjoyed a lunch of sardines and anchovies. Indeed.

In line were dozens of children waiting to chat with Mermaid Chantel. The Village put her in cramped quarters severely limiting a shooting position. My miscalculation? I had the 18-135mm STM lens on the camera because, please note, I planned to shoot video later. But for such close quarters, the 16-300mm lens would have been better. The difference between 16 & 18mm at the wide-angle end in such situations is often significant.

Though I had my camera bag, a great photo op was happening right then and there upon my arrival. I was ready to shoot but no time to change lenses. Rule #47: A photo op never waits for a photographer! Get some photos any way possible or go home. Going home not an option.

Did you know that mermaids are such fashionistas... seaweed-green tails are 'in' this year along with lovely tops of Tahiti beach sea shells. Very interesting.

Back to business. You now know that I have just five zoom lenses. They also work very well for all my beloved outdoor photography. To enhance landscape and nature photography, I often use a screw-on polarizing filter to reduce glare and/or enhance color. On occasion, for creative affects, I also use neutral density (ND) filters of varying strengths... screw-on types as well as slide-in 4” X 6” NDs in a Lee holder. You are listening, I hope.

Here's another mistake I made once. Not all lenses are suited for outdoor photography. Bought a zoom lens whereby the front element turned when zooming. Mount a circular polarizing filter and every time you adjust the zoom to adjust for composition, you have to readjust the filter. #Frustrating. Immediately sold that clunker.

Another issue is that all of my lenses require a different size screw-on filter. #Expensive! One size fits all is the cheap alternative. My Tokina ultra-wide 11-16mm lens requires the largest size filter of 77mm. So, all my screw-on filters are 77mm. For the lenses that require smaller filter sizes, I bought cheap step-down, or if you prefer, step-up rings. Thus, for about $32.00 for four adapter rings I can use all of my 77mm filters on ALL of my lenses saving me hundreds of dollars. I like frugal... not to mention the extra money with which to... ahem... wine and dine mermaids.

As you might imagine, mermaids need a minimum amount of water to frolic in. Lacking a snow pack on Ojai's Topa Topa Mountains (again!), there's no chance of a spring melt sufficiently filling Sespe creek. So, the infamous Sespe Creek mermaids can't return to Fillmore this spring. So sad! Wait... what if..... hmmm... I might have a plan. Stay tuned.

Ariel fans, take note. You know, Ariel, the mermaid princess who makes a bargain with an unscrupulous sea-witch in order to meet a human prince on land. Well, not Ariel herself but a look alike will appear this Saturday, 3/18, 1-4 PM at the Ventura Harbor Village. Very cool!

Happy photoing.

Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

The Board of Trustees recognized the Fillmore Lions Club for their support of students, staff, and the district community. The Fillmore Lions Club was chartered almost 90 years ago in August 1927. During the last five years
they have averaged over $8,000 per year in monetary donations to directly benefit our students. Some of the activities the Lions Club has supported are; Band, Drama, Art Show, Athletic Booster, Student Speaker Contest, Peace Poster Contest, College Scholarships, Elementary PTA, Leo Club, Mock Trial and others. The Lions Club has donated over one-third of their spending budget the last five years to school activities.
Thank you Fillmore Lions Club!

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced on March 2, 2017 that David Joseph Wirsing of Ventura pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede enforcement by Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Official, a felony offense.

Wirsing was the former transportation manager for Santa Clara Waste Water Company (“SCWWC”) located at 815 Mission
Rock Road in Santa Paula. He was indicted for his role in events leading up to an explosion that occurred on November 18, 2014, at the SCWWC facility. In July 2014, Wirsing and others at SCWWC negotiated a lease for an off-site storage yard located near Palm Avenue in Santa Paula. Wirsing’s indictment and guilty plea reflect his role in moving chemicals from the SCWWC plant to this offsite storage yard just prior to CUPA officials arriving to conduct inspections.

Wirsing is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:00 a.m. on August 28, 2017. It is expected that Wirsing will be placed on formal probation and face a maximum of 365 days in local custody.

Ari Larson from the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce presented the Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore their chamber
membership plaque. Greenfield will be offering Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in the near future. They are situated at 118 B St. in Fillmore. For more information contact: Business Development Manager-Sandra Smith 805.524.5250

Fillmore Civic Pride and Theresa Reese partnered to donate a nice wood bench for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (Fillmore site) to complete the large Ventura County Garden Club plant and garden donation. “The kids are doing a great job keeping the plants healthy. With the addition of the bench, they will be able to further enjoy the pretty garden,” stated Ari Larson Board President of the BGC of SCV. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of SCV (serving the areas of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula) call 805.525.7910. For information on Fillmore Civic Pride or the VC Garden Club call 805.794.7590.