Here are 5 simple tips for keeping your pets safe:

1. Stay inside: Try to keep your pet indoors at all times during holiday celebrations. Ideally, someone stays home with your pet. If you must go out, be sure to keep your dog leashed.

2. Make them feel safe: Comfort your pets with pets as needed and stay nearby if possible. Make sure they can access their crate or "safe place." If necessary, ask your veterinarian or local pet retailer about natural calming products, anxiety wraps and other products.

3. Avoid the noise. Keep your windows closed and your TV on to help mask the noise outside.

4. Act normal! Your pet takes cues from you and your family. Go about your normal routine as much as possible.

5. Protect your pet before the fireworks begin. There are a number of lost-pet devices and services available today. Among the various pet-finder services available, the Pet Amber Alert ID Tag/Pet GPS combines Amber Alert technology with a QR Code and GPS to help MORE lost dogs, cats and even birds return home safely.

By following these tips, hopefully fewer families will face the heartbreak of losing a pet during the July 4th holiday.

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Questions keep pouring in weekly. If I don't get to answering your question, stay tuned. I may (or may not) get to it one day. (hint: bribes work!)

First question by Chester B: Why don't you ever mention that it's OK to shoot in “P” mode?

Well, Chester, I so rarely use it... I think the last time was back in 1962... that it's not uppermost in my mind. I only use “P” mode when absolutely necessary. By the way folks, “P” stands for “Program”... not “Professional” mode.

On rare occasions I switched to “P” mode. For example, when shooting an event, exposure goes bonkers when the subject in one moment is in sunlight and the next in shadows. No time to fiddle with shutter speed and aperture for exposure compensation. Remember, there are no re-shoots in event photography. Get the shot or go home. And no paycheck. Switching to “Program” mode is quick and the camera will immediately adjust the shutter and aperture for a respectable exposure. Sweet, eh? Remember: To “P” or not to “P” is usually determined by how much iced tea is consumed before the shoot. Oh, and of course, the shooting circumstances.

While “P” mode sometimes saves the day (and paycheck) it's important to recognize the limitations. To compensate for a decrease in light, the camera may elect to reduce the shutter speed in order to obtain a respectable exposure. Thus I have to be sure to hold the camera VERY steady or create a blurry photo. And no paycheck.

Or the camera may instead decide to open the aperture for sufficient light for a respectable exposure. That precludes my desire for either bokeh or depth-of-field (DOF). However, when shooting events, bokeh (background blur) and DOF are seldom significant factors. Getting the subject in focus is most important. Or no paycheck.

All things considered, I only use “P” mode to get the shot (and paycheck) in extraordinarily difficult circumstances that happen quickly. It's almost always too restrictive for me. It removes my ability to “create” the image that I perceive in my mind.

For example, when shooting sunbathing Sespe Creek mermaids (presently tanning at Surfer's Point) in “P” mode, the camera will arbitrarily set the shutter speed and aperture sufficient to get a respectable exposure. That's OK for a snapshot. I prefer to take control and create the photo. If the background is a distraction, I simply open the aperture which decreases DOF and creates a nice blurry background: Bokeh. Maybe I'll have the sun back-light the mermaid and with proper camera adjustments create a silhouette. Lovely! By taking control, bingo, I create the image that I want. Um, almost. Tweaking is the norm... maybe a lil shutter speed adjustment... or tweak the aperture... maybe shift the ISO a bit... now BINGO. I just “created” the perfect mermaid photo! And a paycheck. Of course, this is all predicated on the fact that I have time to make the required adjustments. When I don't, then it's time to “P”.

Obviously, when I take control of the camera I have the ability to “create” an image to my liking and preference. I love the fulfilling, creative aspect of photography. But Chester, taking snapshots in “P” mode is certainly OK. Tally ho! But I'll bet that with just a little effort on your part at taking control of the camera, you will “P” less. Just sayin'.

Roses are from my garden. Too hot to venture far afield.

Happy photoing!

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

Fillmore Unified School District

2017 Summer Construction Projects
The Board received a report on the 2017 Summer Construction Projects taking place across the district. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

2017-2018 Local Control Accountability Plan
The Board approved the 2017-2018 Local Control Accountability Plan.

2017-2018 Proposed Budget
The Board approved the 2017-2018 Proposed Budget

Personnel Recommendations
The Board approved all personnel recommendations including new hires, promotions, resignations and leaves.

Board of Trustees to meet again unless otherwise announced:

Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 15,2017
5:30 pm Closed Session, 6:30 pm Open Session
627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015
Fillmore Unified School District (805) 524-6000

John Silva, Sylmar

On 06/09/2017, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotics Team concluded a four month narcotic investigation into the methamphetamine trafficking activities of John Silva. On 6/09/17 at approximately 1030 hours, a traffic stop was conducted on Silva’s vehicle as he was driving in the city of Fillmore. Silva was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended driver’s license. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and a sum of US Currency. Later that day, the West County Street Team assisted by detectives from the Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at Silva’s residence in Sylmar. More narcotics, two firearms and evidence of methamphetamine sales were located.

Silva was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on narcotic and weapons violations. He posted bail of $50,000 and is currently awaiting arraignment on his current charges.

The West County Street Narcotics Team is comprised of narcotic detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department.

Prepared by: Sergeant Guy Moody
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Fillmore High School graduating senior, Alejandra Rodriguez is the recipient of the 2017 Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers. Torres, a retired Fillmore teacher and long-time school volunteer, recently presented the award at an on-campus ceremony.
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Alejandra Rodriguez, a graduating Fillmore High School senior, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present Ramos with the $1,000 scholarship at a recent award ceremony held on campus.

“We congratulate Alejandra for her performance in the classroom and the dedication she has shown to supporting her peers through leadership positions in clubs and activities,” said Rosie Torres. “She has demonstrated a commitment to hard work, academic success and continuous improvement throughout her high school years. We wish her success as she embarks on her next goal to become part of the future generation of educational leaders.”

Now in its fourth year, the Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers was established to provide college financial assistance to Fillmore High School graduating seniors with plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education and continue their studies at an accredited college or university.

Rosie Torres devoted nearly 30 years to teaching in the Fillmore Unified School District and touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career as an educator and community volunteer. Along with her family, she established the scholarship program to inspire the next generation of teachers and invest in Fillmore High School students who are committed to improving the lives of children.

Awards are determined based on academic performance, teacher recommendations and a written essay. Rodriguez’s future plans are to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and to become a high school math teacher.

At the Fillmore High School Awards Night, scholarships were present to Collin Farrar, Connie Quintana, Luke Myers, Michael Thompson, Alyssa Ramirez, Virginia Rodriguez, Kiara Del Villar, Sarah Stewart, Bryana Pribe, Marisol Gonzalez, Jaime Jose Gonzales, Janet Mendez, and Kevin Galvan Sifuentes.

Trade and Art Scholarships were presented to Diego Rodrigues, Cody Isaacs and Monterrat Ifante Torres.

Three scholarships were awarded to students, residents of Fillmore, Jessica Schott attending Villanova Preparatory School, Chloe Richardson attending Grace Brethren High School and Michael Groeneveld attending St. Bonnaventure High School.

Davin Banks received the Adult Woman's Scholarship.

The Scholarship Committee enjoyed meeting all the applicants, and were impressed with their accomplishments and their desire and enthusiasm to continue their education.

Need to Cool Off? Cooling Center Now Open.

The City of Fillmore has opened the Active Adult Center located at 533 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore as a “Cooling Center” from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Cooling Center is opened Monday through Friday. The weather forecast is for extreme heat and the Cooling Center can be an oasis for seniors. The dates and hours can change depending on the weather but whenever the temperature reaches 90 or above the Cooling Center is opened. Fillmore residents are encouraged to use the center to remove themselves from the heat. Cold water and ice are provided.

If you have any questions please feel free to call City Hall at (805) 524-1500 or the Fillmore Active Adult Center at 524-3030.