The City entered into a contract with Villegas Public Affairs to develop a business outreach and marketing plan for Fillmore. (Above) Ernie Villegas.

Tuesday's Council meeting was short (one hour) and productive.

April was proclaimed Fair Housing Month. Three persons spoke concerning the challenges facing the production of fair housing and the unlawful schemes which inflict fraud and various scams in the system. A short video sponsored by the Ventura County District Attorney's office was shown about these issues. A number of fraudulent housing attempts were explained. When those seeking to purchase a home are unfamiliar with terms and conditions involved in such purchases and related loans they are strongly advised to seek the assistance of an attorney.

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The Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-876 to update the Fillmore Municipal Code Section 1.08.040, to include the unpermitted use of alcohol within a city facility as a misdemeanor.

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PARKING ISSUE:
In many areas of the city, street parking is at a premium, especially in residential neighborhoods at night and on weekends. Vehicles often park in front of private driveways, and while the vast majority of such vehicles are parked in front of driveways with the residents’ permission, doing so at this time is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section (CVC) 22500(e). Pursuant to CVC 22507.2, however, local authorities can authorize vehicles to park in front of private driveways as follows:

Notwithstanding subdivision (e) of Section 22500, a local authority may, by ordinance, authorize the owner or lessee of property to park a vehicle in front of the owner's or lessee's private driveway when the vehicle displays a permit issued pursuant to the ordinance authorizing such parking.

The local authority may charge a nonrefundable fee to defray the costs of issuing and administering the permits.
A local ordinance adopted pursuant to this section may not authorize parking on a sidewalk in violation of subdivision (f) of Section 22500.

If the City Council were to adopt an ordinance authorizing permit parking across the driveways of single-family residences, the Police Department believes the City would alleviate some of the parking congestion on neighborhood streets. If the City Council directs staff to prepare such an ordinance, staff will also return with a resolution to add the cost of these permits to the City’s Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services. Permits will be available for purchase at City Hall, where a database will be maintained to record each permit purchased. To avoid fraud, proof of residency and occupancy of the home for which the permit is issued will be required (e.g., California driver license or identification card, utility bill, etc.).

The permit will show the street address, specific to the resident; the calendar year the permit is valid; a permit number; and be hung from the rearview mirror or otherwise be clearly visible through the front windshield. The permit may be moved from car to car, and a resident may buy ultiple permits for his or her address, as the permits are address-specific, not vehicle-specific.

Anyone misusing or failing to properly display a permit will be subject to issuance of a parking citation for CVC 22500(e). An appeal by the vehicle’s owner or operator on the grounds that she or he was in possession of, but failed to display, a permit at the time of violation will not be reason for dismissal of the citation.

Upon Council’s approval, a new city ordinance will be drafted.

FISCAL IMPACT
Neutral Staff anticipates that the permit fee to be recommended to the City Council will cover the City’s costs to purchase, print, and process the permit requests. Staff will also recommend a fixed annual fee; whether the permit is purchased on on January 1st or on any other date of the year, the fee will not be prorated.

CITY COUNCIL GOAL
This proposal is consistent with the Council’s Citywide Priority D, maintaining existing public safety service levels, by easing residential parking congestion.

A request to enter a contract with Villegas Public Affairs to develop a downtown strategic plan, conduct a business outreach and marketing plan was unanimously approved by the Council. Details of this contract will follow.

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An announcement from the floor, not on the Council agenda, alleged that Ventura County is studying the issue of permitting commercial marijuana in unincorporated areas of the County. No further details were available.

Bob Crum

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Being a U.S. Air Force veteran, I never attended an air show that I didn't enjoy. Well, until this past weekend. The L.A. County Air Show was awesome but the weather: Windy! Nevertheless, the show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds among other great events scheduled. I've seen the Navy's Blue Angels perform three times but never witnessed the Thunderbirds so not going was not an option, wind be damned. The Thunderbirds did not disappoint. GO Air Force!

Sunday weather was the worst. Sunny and warm at first. About noon, very windy... like 50 mph windy so it seemed. My Canon 7D MKII with the rented Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached weighs almost 6 pounds. Heavy! It was like photographing 500 mph jet planes with a camera-attached bazooka in gale force winds. And you thought photojournalism was a cake walk?

But y'all knew I'd have an ace up my jacket sleeve... right? I did. Arrive early and get the corner spot in the media area. In the howling wind, merely standing throughout the Thunderbirds performance was a challenge. So, for stability, I nonchalantly (important to be discrete among colleagues) leaned against the corner. Yesireebob, I was as steady as a mountain goat on a flat rock. Well, at least steadier than would have been otherwise but gale force winds blew my gear around as if it was a helium-filled balloon. I struggled mightily to control it and get some respectable photos. Feel my agony?

Wait... there's more! I usually attend both days of a weekend air show because the first day is to learn the routines to be better prepared for the photo ops the second day. Didn't matter this past weekend. Saturday's Thunderbird's performance included all six aircraft flying their regular awesome routine. Fantastic performance. But being my first time seeing them perform, I missed a few photo ops. No problem - I'll nail'em Sunday! However, an ill Thunderbird pilot and aircraft issues caused the number of aircraft and the performance to be scaled back. Some maneuvers, and the photo ops, canceled. Nevertheless, still a great improvised performance by some awesome pilots.

In spite of the wind, a great air show with great aerobatic performances, the always fabulous war birds of yesteryear (P-38, P-51 Mustang, B-25 bomber and others), and some runway antics – like a jet-powered truck racing a plane. Though I got a few respectable photos, I'm likely to wear out the “delete” key.

Kudos L.A. County Air Show people... staff and volunteers... for a monumental job done really well!

I checked the Antelope Valley poppy bloom. Good news, somewhat. Not as robust as in previous years but found some fields of poppies blooming.

Seems that most blooms this year are on the valley's eastern edge. Route 138 (Ave. D) between 170th Street W, and 90th Street W south between W. Ave. E to W. Av G. Got it?

Very windy weather is forecast all week for the Antelope Valley which could wreck havoc on the fragile blooms. Remember, poppies remain closed on windy days to protect themselves. Watch weather forecasts for a calm day and GO!

Quickest route: I-5 north to Quail Lake Rd. exit (Hwy. 138). East on 138 to 170th street, go south to Lancaster road towards the Poppy Reserve and just beyond, on the north side, lots of poppies. First timers, check the Poppy Reserve info center. The Reserve reports poppies blooming in the park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627
For more photo ops, head east. Lancaster road becomes Ave I. Check between the area between 120th Street W and 90th Street W between Hwy 138 and Ave G.

Happy photoing.

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

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore.

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore, will stand trial in connection with a fatal 2015 crash. He was arrested by the CHP on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Leon fled the scene of the accident at Old Telegraph and Seventh Street which caused the death of the Santa Paula passenger in the other vehicle, and injuries to the driver. The CHP record shows the car was westbound on Old Telegraph when Leon entered the intersection at 7th Street colliding with it.

Leon is also charged with leaving the scene of the accident and driving with a suspended license due to prior DUI
convictions. Records show that Leon “had two prior DUI-related convictions and had been sentenced for the second one just ten days before the fatal crash.”

Corey Cole

Submitted By Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal

"When we set out to find a new leader for our football program, we wanted someone who shared our values, who had an understanding and appreciation of the community, who showed a true commitment to the overall student-athlete and who believed Fillmore High School Football could return to its past prominence. We found all of that and more in Corey Cole and I know that he will be a perfect fit with the Fillmore Family” said Principal Tom Ito.

Cole, a Fillmore High School graduate, was the Frontier League MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. He represented Fillmore High School as a quarterback in the Ventura County East-West Allstar Football Game. Corey attended Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota) on an athletic scholarship where he started as a quarterback and was voted team captain in 2015. It was during the 2014 and 2015 seasons that Cole suffered season ending injuries but in adversity he found a silver lining as a player-coach for Concordia University.

"I am truly honored and humbled to join the Fillmore Family," said Cole, "and I can't thank Mr. Ito enough for this incredible opportunity. Fillmore High School is a tremendous institution with a history of football success and I know the passion that so many have for the Flashes will help bring the community together to reach even greater heights. I am excited to get started."

"This is a great day for Fillmore High School Football and the beginning of a new chapter in our football program," said Ito “Corey is the right man at the right time to lead us forward and I am confident that his values are our values and that his teams and student-athletes will make Fillmore proud, on and off the field."

Fillmore Unified School District

Parents or Guardians if you allow your child to walk to and from school on their own, please remember these tips:

• Walk with a friend when possible.

• Ask your parents or guardians to help you pick a safe route to school; one that avoids dangers.

• Stick to the route you picked with your parents or guardians. Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.

• When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other.

• Never accept rides from people not arranged by your parents or guardians.

• Talk to your parents or guardians and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk.

Bob Crum

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Welcome Miss Vernal Equinox. You have finally returned. I missed you. As always, you put.. ahem... a 'spring' in my step. Though spring usually brings warmer weather, it may be wishful thinking. Old man winter often has to have a last blast. Have at it Winter. Eventually you will have to leave. Be nice and leave sooner than later.
Spring is an exciting time of the year for wildlife and wildflower photographers. Regarding wildlife, always a thrill to capture a yawing bear coming out of hibernation from under a Pole Creek boulder. Be sure to use a long focal-length lens. Bear breath is ferocious.

Equally thrilling is the bloom of wildflowers. I can't resist photoing wildflowers... from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the Carrizo Plain National Monument and every wildflower bloom in between. It's addictive! Always a delight to see large vistas of California poppies... the state flower. Visualize a sea of gorgeous orange flowers... eye candy... swaying in the spring breeze.

Come spring the hills at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve are sometimes covered by a blanket of orange. There are eight miles of trails through gentle rolling hills and on a good year, poppies galore.

As of March 17th, the Reserve reports: "Poppies have started blooming on the east half of the park. They suddenly exploded into color this week, and can even be seen from across the valley! Due to the late rains, we won't be getting a solid carpet of poppies across the park but the bloom is already better than we were expecting. It will likely be getting a little better over the next couple of weeks, with the peak spread out over late March/early April.” Check the Reserve website for updates."

If you have a poppy itch to scratch, I'll tell y'all a secret on the condition you don't tell anyone because I hate crowds. Take I-5 north to CA-138 E. In previous good years, poppies were prolific in fields on both sides of 138 beginning about 3-5 miles east of Neenach. Best fields of poppies between 190th Street W and 170th Street W as you travel east. Take 170th Street south to Lancaster Road and then east to the Poppy Reserve. In a good year, you'll see fields full of poppies to the south of Lancaster Road.

I haven't been out that way yet this year but planning to shoot the L.A. Air Show this weekend at the Wm. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, weather permitting. If I go, I'll have a report on this year's poppy bloom next week.

In the meantime, why not photograph the patches of poppies off Goodenough road? (see Photo of the Week) Use a polarizing filter for more color pop but remember, a polarizing filter works best at a 45° angle to the sun. Also, because the poppies are on a west facing hill, consider a photo shoot during the golden hour... one hour before sundown. However, because poppies close up under windy conditions and chilly temperatures so they may not be open to photograph during the golden hour. Everything has to be just right for the plan to come together. Might have to wait for a day of calm winds and shoot during the warmer part of the day. Persistence pays dividends. Just sayin'.

Happy photoing.

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

A public hearing was held at Tuesday's regular meeting concerning transportation needs and priorities as part of a service evaluation currently underway. A community survey is open to all who live or work in the Heritage Valley (Santa Clara River Valley). It can be accessed online at www.HVCommunitySurvey.com. Responses are requested by March 17, 2017.

FILLMORE FLASHES basketball team was recognized by the Council for good sportsmanship and as an example to the youth of our community.

A RESOLUTION determining that modification #1 to tentative Tract Map 5520 for Heritage Valley Parks Specific Plan is a minor modification which can be processed administratively, was approved unanimously.

EL DORADO GETS BACK DOOR ACCESS
The Hearthstone construction company's future housing development will soon provide El Dorado mobile home park its long awaited roadway at the rear of the park. This will greatly facilitate the safe entry and exit from the park, avoiding existing exiting dangers from Highway 126.

CHEVRON letter. The Council approved, by a vote of 2-3, to send a letter approving of the partial release from the Chevron super fund site list. The complete history and reason for this move is to be found in today's Gazette on page 2, by Chevron representative Leslie Klinchuch. Chevron was praised for its continuous efforts to complete the super fund cleanup. Ground water cleanup continues and will take many more years to complete. Out of an abundance of caution, the site can never be used for hospital or residential occupation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue its oversight. This action will free the city of any historical stigma of chemical dangers and provide valuable space for industrial use.

BLOCKED PARKING SPACES. The problem of blocked parking spaces in housing areas was recognized by Council. A serious problem with the household blocking of parking spaces by such things as basketball stands and cones is recognized. One councilmember stated that 3 parking spaces in front of his home, both sides of the street, were constantly blocked by neighbors. Police Captain Dave Wareham agreed blocking of public parking was a problem. The council will concentrate on public notices with possible future fines after warning offending members.

Submitted By Martha Gentry, Executive Director, Fillmore Historical Museum

Monday, March 13, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Fillmore Historical Museum hosted a luncheon celebrating the museum docents whose donations of their time and expertise make possible the operations and activities of the museum. Docents lead tours, do research, provide programs for organizations in the community and perform a wide variety of activities in their efforts to bring to the community an appreciation of the history of Fillmore, Piru, Sespe and Bardsdale. In 2016 these docents donated 2000 hours of their time to the museum. Also invited were individuals who have an interest in becoming a museum docent. Besides lunch the attendees heard an explanation of museum activities and were able to view the Hinckley House, Depot and Bunkhouse.