Bob Crum

The following contains a tech tip and a modicum of dismay. The technical is blur redux. The dismay relates to curmudgeonly phonetographers taking me to task.

Last week's column motivated two cantankerous phonetographers to write. Henry K. opined that my carnival "sunstar" photos were showing off. Henry! Yes, I do enjoy incorporating the sunstar effect when presented the opportunity. Not particularly easy to accomplish, but when I succeed, I believe it adds image impact. Sunstars also illustrate creative options of traditional cameras and difficult to get with cellphones except by accident. Is that showing off? OK, I'm guilty. He also dared say that my ego is bigger than the Ferris Wheel. Well, Henry, I prefer magniloquence enhanced braggadocio, with a pinch of elegance.

Phonetographer Jay W. wrote to correct me, telling me that what I call a cellphone is a smartphone. Wait just a minute, Jay W. My digital device that you call a smartphone makes & receives phone calls via cell towers. Sends & receives texts via cell towers. Streams videos via cell towers. Since it can't do any of that without cell towers, I maintain that it's a cellphone and not a smartphone. BTW, if it were smart, it would know better than to "drop" calls. If it were smart, it would know that I don't need a telemarketer calling to tell me that beautiful Russian women are eager to become American brides. A smartphone would know I don't marry spies! So you see, Jay W., since it's useless without cell towers, it's a cellphone!

Now the technical: Blur. In my previous column, I mentioned that when shooting a fast-moving ride, blur to illustrate motions is created by merely decreasing the shutter speed. However, I didn't mention that another interesting effect is obtained with a faster shutter speed and pan with the moving subject, i.e., follow the moving object. This technique blurs the background keeping the subject sharp.

What if you get blur but don't want it. First, consider cutting back on strawberry margaritas. Also, a tripod restricts camera movement and reduces blur. Another remedy is to increase the shutter speed. Also, proper camera hand-holding technique can make a difference. Tuck in your elbows and support the lens from underneath with the free hand. And don't sneeze when pressing the shutter button!

Sometimes I can play with a type of blur creatively by varying lens aperture. When I open the lens, I can (depending on the lens) blur a distracting background. Bidda-bing, bidda-boom... bokeh! Bokeh means background out-of-focus (blurry). Conversely, to have everything from front to back in focus, increase the depth-of-field by closing the lens aperture.

Composition can make or break a photo. As a world renowned photojournalist, well, at least known wildly, er, widely, around Fillmore, experience teaches how to compose for an interesting photo. Example: Like other photographers, I shot parades, marathon runners, bicycle races, etc., from the sidelines. Boooooring. So, last year I photographed the start of the Rotary Club's 5K-10K race from the middle of the road. I was almost run over but nothing venture-nothing gained. But shooting from the middle of the road with a herd of runners rushing at me is exhilarating. So, guess what? OF COURSE, I again shot from the middle of the road while spectators yelled: BOB, get out of the way! Again I was almost run over. Survival is sweet! This year I used a Tokina ultra-wide 11-16mm lens. Do you think the reward is worth the risk?

Photo of the week: Start of the 5K-10K race. Notice a little blur as fast runners passed by me?

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

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Stop by the Humane Society of Ventura County on June 8 and help celebrate its 87 years of nonprofit service to the animals of Ventura County.

The HSVC’s Open House & Birthday Bash will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at its Ojai shelter facility, at 402 Bryant St.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek at its facility, participate in the barking or meowing contest, tour the kennels, meet the staff, and learn about different volunteer opportunities. Visitors also will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Christina Sisk, the HSVC’s new director of veterinarian services, and tour the state-of-the-art spay and neuter clinic. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, participate in a treasure hunt, make bandanas for your dogs, and learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

The HSVC’s Humane Officers will be on hand to give a look at the responsibilities and duties involved in protecting animals throughout the county, and Ma and Paw Kennel will be there, providing information and answering questions about rattlesnake avoidance for you and your dogs. And the folks of Firefly Ceramics will be back with their Tiles for Tails program, where participants paint tiles to be permanently displayed at the shelter, for a $25 donation.

Of course, a visit to the shelter would not be complete without the main attraction — the animals. “There will be a full house of critters available for adoption,” said Greg Cooper, director of community outreach for the HSVC. “You never know when you are going to meet your new best friend.”

“The Humane Society of Ventura County has a rich history strengthening the bond between humans and their pets throughout the county,” Cooper said. “Our annual Open House & Birthday Bash is an opportunity to celebrate our community’s achievements in making Ventura County a leader in animal compassion and welfare.”

In hosting this popular longtime event, the HSVC offers special thanks for the support of its community partners: IDEXX, Bliss, Firefly Ceramics, Stephen Adams Photography, Ojai Ice Cream, Lucy in the Sky, Artemis, Ma & Paw Kennel, Starbucks Ojai, Vons Ojai, and Sam’s Club Oxnard.

AT A GLANCE:
What: Humane Society of Ventura County’s annual Open House & Birthday Bash
When: Saturday, June 8
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: HSVC Shelter. 402 Bryant St. in Ojai
For more information: Call 805-646-6505.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Sheriff’s patrol sergeant’s late night observation led to the arrest of three Los Angeles residents for attempting to steal a recreational vehicle parked for sale on the side of the road in Fillmore.

On March 20th, 2019, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Fillmore patrol sergeant observed suspicious activity near “D” Street and Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore. The sergeant observed three individuals near a recreational trailer that was parked for sale just off the roadway. The sergeant investigated further and discovered that one individual, Oleksandr Skalish, claimed to have purchased the trailer. Two other subjects, Gerald Clasen and Kirstyn Paquet, claimed to be good Samaritans who were merely helping Skalish hook the trailer up to his pickup.

Shortly after obtaining his identification, Skalish fled on foot and eluded capture, but Clasen and Paquet remained on scene.

After further investigation, deputies learned the travel trailer did not belong to any of the subjects.
The owner was contacted and confirmed he parked the trailer at the location to sell it. The suspects did not know or contact the victim of the trailer to make the purchase.

In addition, a records check of the truck occupied by Skalish revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of the Los Angeles area. Gerald Clasen and Kirstyn Paquet, were arrested and booked at the Main Jail for VC 10851(a)- unlawful taking of a vehicle and PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to commit a crime.

Detectives continued the investigation into Skalish and discovered he was arrested after the aforementioned crime by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He was charged with an unrelated vehicle theft. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Skalish. After completing his sentence in Los Angeles County, Skalish was arrested VC 10851(a)-Unlawful taking of a vehicle and PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to commit a crime. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Prepared by: Detective Eric Tumbleson #4673
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Pictured Diana Impeartrice (right) of the City of Fillmore Human Resource’s Department announced that Lani Farr has been appointed to the Fillmore Parks and Recreation Department.

City Council approved Final Map Tract No. 5520-2 for condominium purposes and authorized the Mayor to sign the map and direct the City Clerk to record the map with the County Recorder's office.

City Council adopted the plans and specifications (PS&E) and approved the advertisement of bids for the construction of the Neighborhood Street Resurfacing and Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Repair Spec No. 18-04 to resurface streets and repair sidewalks and curb and gutters using SB-1 funds.

Council Directed staff to initiate action for the City to purchase the Towne Theatre from the Successor Redevelopment Agency at the appraised value.

Upon recommendation from the Interview Selection Committee, Council appointed Lani Farr to the Parks and Rec. Commission, term ending January 31, 2023.

WHEREAS, the City Manager has submitted the 2019-20 Recommended Budget to the City Council for its review and consideration; and WHEREAS, subsequent to providing the public an opportunity to submit written and oral comments, the City Council reviewed and modified, as appropriate, the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 54, an action of the City Council is necessary to commit budget amounts in various funds for the specific purposes they are intended.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Fillmore as follows:SECTION 1. The FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget (Exhibit 1) is hereby approved and will be referred to as the FY 2019-20 Approved Budget. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.

FOLLING ACTIONS WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL:
Actions to approve the Engineer’ Annual Levy Report and Order the Levy of Assess-ments:1. Adopt Resolution 19-3705 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting District No. 02, for Fiscal Year 2019/2020; 2. Adopt Resolution 19-3706 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Landscape and Lighting District No. 2 for Fiscal Year 2019/2020; 3. Adopt Resolution 19-3703 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District 2007-1, for Fiscal Year 2019/2020; and 4. Adopt Resolution 19-3704 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California Confirming the Diagram and Assessment and Ordering the Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments within the City of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscape and Lighting District No. 2007-1, for Fiscal Year 2019/2020.

ALL APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL.

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO 19-3702 CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FILLMORE STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FY 2019/20

STAFF WAS DIRECTED to prepare a contract with Just Communities to provide interpretation services at City Council meetings starting in July 2019 in a form approved by the City Attorney and City Manager and authorize the Mayor to sign this contract.

City Council appropriated the use of $25,000 from reserves, and in following years budget the $25,000 as part of the general fund budget. The total funding request is $125,000 over five (5) years for the Ventura County Library for collections.

Council considered Ordinance No. 19-909 TO ELIMINATE REGULATIONS FOR BAR MAIDS AND ADOPTION OF A FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

On May 13th, District 3 County Supervisor Kelly Long announced that Field Representative Manuel Minjares will conduct satellite office hours in Fillmore beginning this month. Office hours will begin Friday May 24th, 2019 at Fillmore City Hall located at 250 Central Avenue 93015, from 9 AM until noon. This Fillmore location will be available every other month beginning 5/24/17. “I want to have a presence in all the areas of my district so we can best serve the needs of our constituents”, said Supervisor Long. “This new office in Fillmore makes the third satellite location, following Port Hueneme and Santa Paula. Accessibility for the public is critical and I am committed to ensuring we deliver that”. If anyone would like a meeting to discuss district related issues they may call 805-654-2276 and request an appointment at the new Fillmore location. The public is also welcome to just drop in and ask for Manuel Minjares who serves as a representative for Supervisor Long.