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On Saturday, September 28th, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, the Fillmore Police Citizen Patrol and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with local organizations to present a bicycle rodeo to more than one hundred Piru children.

The Bicycle Rodeo was held at the San Salvador Mission in Piru and included a bicycle safety course, free helmets and fitting assistance for every child who attended, bicycle tune-ups and raffle prizes. The Sheriff’s Office also had displays from the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, SWAT, K9 and Mounted Volunteer Units. The Ventura County Fire Department also participated in the event.

More than 125 Piru children attended and participated in the safety course designed by BikeVentura. The safety of our children is a top priority, and the children who attended the event learned the basics in rules of the road for bicyclists and in bicycle safety.

Sponsors of the event included the San Salvador Mission, BikeVentura, Piru Pizza, California Resource Corporation, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation and the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Nature of Incident: Piru Bicycle Safety Rodeo a Success
Location: San Salvador Mission
4041 Center Street, Piru
Date & Time: Saturday, September 28th, 2019 – 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Citizen Patrol
Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks #2409
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 10/01/19, at about 1:44 PM, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a report of two overdue hikers. The two hikers, (P) Debbie Murphy and (P) Myrto Karamitsou, were due to return on 09/30/19. While initiating an investigation, the hikers activated their personal locator beacon (PLB). A Ventura County Aviation Unit helicopter (Air Squad 8) was dispatched and located the hikers. The hikers were flown out of the mountains to a predetermined location in Fillmore.

On 09/27/19, at about 3:00 PM, Karamitsou and Murphy started hiking from Middle Lyons Camp Ground, north of Ojai. Their plan was to hike from Middle Lyons Camp Ground, traverse the Sespe River, and emerge in Fillmore. They estimated they would arrive in Fillmore on 09/30/19.

Karamitsou and Murphy packed accordingly for their hike; they brought enough food, proper clothing, and a water filtration system to sustain them for the duration of their trek. Additionally, they carried a PLB in case of an emergency.

When Karamitsou and Murphy did not return on the planned date, Karamitsou’s husband notified Sheriff’s Dispatch. From him, we were able to obtain information about Karamitsou’s and Murphy’s planned route, provisions, and hiking experience. The Ventura County Aviation Unit was notified about the circumstances and began preparing to launch Air Squad 8 for a search of the hikers. Just prior to the launch of Air Squad 8, Karamitsou and Murphy activated their PLB.

Activation provided responders with accurate latitude and longitude coordinates to assist in locating the overdue hikers Air Squad 8 took off from the Camarillo Airport and located Karamitsou and Murphy in the Sespe River, near Tar Creek Falls. Air Squad 8 performed a hover load to allow for a Crew Chief and Search and Rescue Paramedic to depart the aircraft.

The crew members were hover loaded onto a large boulder in the river bottom and made contact with the hikers. They learned Karamitsou and Murphy were not injured and did not require any medical attention. Karamitsou and Murphy activated their PLB because the terrain prevented them from progressing further down the Sespe River towards the city of Fillmore. Karamitsou and Murphy were secured onto Air Squad 8, via a hover load, and flown to a predetermined location in Fillmore.

Karamitsou and Murphy were prepared with the appropriate level of food, water, and personal survival gear. Karamitsou and Murphy notified someone outside of their hiking group about their trip. This included departure and arrival locations, planned route, and an arrival date.

Additionally, Karamitsou and Murphy were carrying a PLB with them.
The Ventura County Aviation Unit would like to remind all individuals who enter the backcountry to register your trip with someone who is or will be able to keep track of your progress. Additionally, it is important to recognize your limitations when traversing difficult terrain. Karamitsou’s and Murphy’s use of their PLB enabled rescuers to pin point their exact location without conducting a lengthy search.

Nature of Incident: Rescue of Two Hikers
Report Number: 19-154450
Location: Los Padres National Forest, Sespe River near Tar Creek Falls
Date & Time: 10/01/19 @ 3:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Special Services / Aviation Unit – Search & Rescue
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(P) Myrto Karamitsou Ojai 50
(P) Debbie Murphy Ojai 58
Prepared by: Deputy Kristopher Doepking
Approved by: Captain Paris

Commander Eric Tennessen.

The city of Camarillo has selected Commander Eric Tennessen as their new chief of police. Camarillo City Manager Dave Norman interviewed potential candidates for the position and, after conferring with the City Council, selected Eric to replace outgoing chief, Commander Dave Murray, who was recently appointed to Assistant Sheriff.

Eric is a twenty-one-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and has an extensive background in investigations that include assignments in Camarillo, Moorpark, Gang Unit, Special Crimes Unit, and Major Crimes Bureau. Eric was assigned as a patrol watch commander before transferring to Thousand Oaks where he managed patrol operations. In 2017, he was selected as the chief of police for the city of Fillmore where he has served for the past nineteen months.

Eric has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as well as a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. Eric was born and raised in South Dakota and currently resides in Camarillo with his wife, Kaylee, and their four children.

Eric will begin his service as Camarillo’s chief of police on Sunday, October 20, 2019.

Nature of Incident: Former Fillmore Chief of Police Selected as Camarillo Chief of Police
Date: October 8, 2019
Narrative:Prepared by: Sergeant Marta Bugarin
News Release Date: October 8, 2019
Approved by: Sheriff Bill Ayub

October 31st Trunk or Treat – Downtown Fillmore (Central Avenue between Sespe Ave. & Main Street!) 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE trick or treating fun on Halloween night in Fillmore! Come dressed in your best costumes to show off out this Hollow’s Eve, and vote on your most favorite decorated trunk at the event. Free family fun. If interested in being a registered “trunk” to decorate your car/tent and hand out treats or host games for the trick-or treaters, call 805-524-1500 ext 713 or email recreation@fillmoreca.gov for more info. FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2508489405904461/

November 2nd 2019 Dia De Los Muertos – Central Park (250 Central Avenue. Fillmore CA 93015) 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. We invite you and the familia out for a FREE family-friendly event… live entertainment, food trucks, shop vendors, FREE movie in the park! Call 805-524-1500 ext. 713 for more information. Interested in performing or being a vendor? Email recreation@fillmoreca.gov FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/503201296918298

Bob Crum

Considering the variety of 'photos of the week' published, I often receive questions asking how do I stay inspired? Answer: Life! In spades! Life in its multitudinous forms present unlimited fascinating photo opportunities every day, so staying motivated is easy.

Another question often asked by a few of my 1,286,328 readers is about a photo walk in Fillmore. Done! Last Saturday. I announced it here twice but should have advertised it on a billboard. Sad to say, not one photographer, or phonetographer, from Fillmore, participated.

Not only was the photo walk fun, but also an excellent opportunity to practice the art of "seeing." I've observed that too often, people look but don't 'see.' If a scene or object is seen without total apperception, looking is not seeing. Some conclude that photographers have a third eye, referring to 'seeing' what most overlook. And let's acknowledge previsualization (previs) with the 'mind's' eye, a topic for another day.

I scheduled the photo walk to begin at 5 p.m. to take advantage of the late afternoon light. What's better than downtown Fillmore during the golden hour for photographic inspiration? A photo walk is not unlike street photography. Street photography is a genre that I don't engage in often enough. Though photos made are often fortuitous, they are nonetheless revealing of life. Connect the dots.

Phonetographers continue to write about, ahem, the inconvenience of photography.

This topic came up during my discussions with my Truckee photography friend. Upon ruminating the subject, we mutually concluded that phonetography is all about instant gratification. To opine, it seems that the world, because of technology, is running at a much faster speed. It is often feeling like hyper-speed. No time to make a RAW photo, and later have to post-process it. Snap the picture with a cell phone and instantly zap it to social media. Every day, millions of phonetographers post snapshots on Facebook and Snapchat. All shot without any regard to composition, but so what? There are so many snapshots to see that at best, they get only a quick glance, then it's on to glance briefly at the next snapshot. The next day, who remembers the snapshots? Snaptography is like ghostography; we think we saw a photo, but we're not sure.

In spite of apparent obstinacy, I remain motivated to beat the creative drum. I'm passionate about photography because I'm enamored with creativity. But as my friend and I discussed, if creativity means nothing, it follows that photography means nothing. But I am not yet disposed to believe that creativity is kaput. Yet I remain befuddled. Photography is the perfect medium for those who like me have no artistic talent for fine art painting. So it seems that only two obstacles prevent or hinder more from engaging in the joy of photography: Cost of gear and editing software. I get that. But a quality point-and-shoot camera can be bought for far less than a large screen tv. And surely photography is so much more fun than watching a tv sitcom. Arguing this opinion is futile!

On the recent photo walk, a photo op magically appeared. It happens when you believe in serendipity. Truth be told, anticipating such possibilities, I scheduled the walk to include the golden hour before sunset. At the right time, I maneuvered into position to capture both the sunrays and the long, gorgeous shadow. Bidda-bing, bidda-boom: Ecstasy! BTW, the sunrays are done in the camera, not added during post-processing. The technique is revealed in the photo data.

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

Bob Crum

Considering the variety of 'photos of the week' published, I often receive questions asking how do I stay inspired? Answer: Life! In spades! Life in its multitudinous forms present unlimited fascinating photo opportunities every day, so staying motivated is easy.

Another question often asked by a few of my 1,286,328 readers is about a photo walk in Fillmore. Done! Last Saturday. I announced it here twice but should have advertised it on a billboard. Sad to say, not one photographer, or phonetographer, from Fillmore, participated.

Not only was the photo walk fun, but also an excellent opportunity to practice the art of "seeing." I've observed that too often, people look but don't 'see.' If a scene or object is seen without total apperception, looking is not seeing. Some conclude that photographers have a third eye, referring to 'seeing' what most overlook. And let's acknowledge previsualization (previs) with the 'mind's' eye, a topic for another day.

I scheduled the photo walk to begin at 5 p.m. to take advantage of the late afternoon light. What's better than downtown Fillmore during the golden hour for photographic inspiration? A photo walk is not unlike street photography. Street photography is a genre that I don't engage in often enough. Though photos made are often fortuitous, they are nonetheless revealing of life. Connect the dots.

Phonetographers continue to write about, ahem, the inconvenience of photography.

This topic came up during my discussions with my Truckee photography friend. Upon ruminating the subject, we mutually concluded that phonetography is all about instant gratification. To opine, it seems that the world, because of technology, is running at a much faster speed. It is often feeling like hyper-speed. No time to make a RAW photo, and later have to post-process it. Snap the picture with a cell phone and instantly zap it to social media. Every day, millions of phonetographers post snapshots on Facebook and Snapchat. All shot without any regard to composition, but so what? There are so many snapshots to see that at best, they get only a quick glance, then it's on to glance briefly at the next snapshot. The next day, who remembers the snapshots? Snaptography is like ghostography; we think we saw a photo, but we're not sure.

In spite of apparent obstinacy, I remain motivated to beat the creative drum. I'm passionate about photography because I'm enamored with creativity. But as my friend and I discussed, if creativity means nothing, it follows that photography means nothing. But I am not yet disposed to believe that creativity is kaput. Yet I remain befuddled. Photography is the perfect medium for those who like me have no artistic talent for fine art painting. So it seems that only two obstacles prevent or hinder more from engaging in the joy of photography: Cost of gear and editing software. I get that. But a quality point-and-shoot camera can be bought for far less than a large screen tv. And surely photography is so much more fun than watching a tv sitcom. Arguing this opinion is futile!

On the recent photo walk, a photo op magically appeared. It happens when you believe in serendipity. Truth be told, anticipating such possibilities, I scheduled the walk to include the golden hour before sunset. At the right time, I maneuvered into position to capture both the sunrays and the long, gorgeous shadow. Bidda-bing, bidda-boom: Ecstasy! BTW, the sunrays are done in the camera, not added during post-processing. The technique is revealed in the photo data.

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

As the Sheriff of Ventura County, I feel compelled to address my decision to withdraw our participation from the “Blue Bowl” flag football fundraising event that was scheduled to take place this weekend here in Ventura County.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has worked with hundreds of organizations, businesses, and individuals over the last year to organize and plan successful fundraisers for the Helus family and all the victims of the Borderline tragedy. To date, every event has been successful, lifelong friendships have been established, and people of all faiths and all political views stood hand-in-hand because the focus was exactly where it needed to be - on the victims and their families. We will continue to support all of our fallen law enforcement brothers and sisters and their families, as well as all of the victims of tragedies our community has experienced.

In regards to the “Blue Bowl,” I initially gave my approval for support of the event organized by this out-of-state group. As we drew closer to the actual event, they seemed to become more focused on political agendas, and less and less so on the victims and their families. I felt it was in the best interest of the department, the victims, and our community to not directly participate in the event, which the organizers have since cancelled.

The event organizers have now launched a vicious and calculated social media campaign against the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office — and specifically against Commander Tim Hagel, who serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Thousand Oaks, as he has done honorably for the past several years. During the past year, since the Borderline crisis, Commander Hagel has been both professionally and personally involved with all those impacted by the Borderline tragedy. He has personally attended every funeral service and been present at virtually every
fundraiser. His focus has been and continues to remain on what is best for those impacted by this tragedy and what is best for Ventura County.

Our focus continues to remain on what is best for the people of Ventura County and those that suffered, during this difficult time.

Given the national spotlight focused on this event, Karen Helus, the widow of Sgt. Ron Helus who was killed at the Borderline, and their son, Jordan, have reached out to us and expressed their disappointment over the negative publicity. Here are statements from Karen and Jordan:

Statement from Karen Helus:

Friends,
As always, thank you for the continued and incredible amount of love shown to me and my family over the last year. I am saddened and disappointed that a charity fundraiser has turned into politically charged national news story. Since the tragic events of last November, I have intentionally avoided relating political causes to the loss of my husband. Unfortunately, the politics surrounding this flag football event turned into a distraction from the cause it was meant to highlight. Since this event has evolved into more about politics and less about our loss, I feel it is important to remind everyone that I have met our President on several occasions and continue to respect and support him due to his unwavering support of my family and all law enforcement. I also want to thank my life long family at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for standing by me throughout this past year. They have been with me every step of the way from accompanying me to highly publicized charitable fundraisers to getting my nails done and going to lunch.
Thank you,
Karen

Statement from Jordan Helus
Hello All,
As you are probably well aware, I typically do not speak out on issues, but I feel it is important to do so now. With the recent developments of the Ron Helus Blue Bowl I'd like to clarify a few things from my perspective.
1: Tim Hagel and the VCSO pulled out of the event due to mutual agreement based on the growing political agendas surrounding the event. He is not a rogue chief of police and he is in no way any of the negative things some members of the community (the one he continues to love and support) are calling him. Knowing him personally, he is a kind hearted man who does not deserve to be treated in any other fashion as such.
2: The original intent of the event was to honor those lost at Borderline and have fun with the community in a friendly flag football tournament. As the event has grown in notoriety, the agenda of the event seemed to be changing from honoring the fallen, to becoming a political platform to speak and express personal views. The VCSO has no issue with freedom of speech coming from any political affiliation, but the purpose of the event was not to discuss politics on a stage that the deaths of 12 people created.
3: I have not spoken with the organizers of the Ron Helus Blue Bowl, and I do not believe they had done anything wrong in regards to organizing the event and inviting individuals from a variety of political views, beliefs, and mindsets. In fact, I am very thankful and appreciative of their efforts organizing such a large event. Where they went wrong, was taking conversation between them and the VCSO out of context and try to paint Tim Hagel as the villain. There was no villain. No one was in the wrong. The focus of the event changed and the VCSO no longer wanted to be affiliated with the newly perceived focus of politics. The only wrong done was slander on the part
of the organizers.
As you can tell, I have strong opinions on this and I wish that things could just go back to how they were when the event was first presented. Both my mom and I were very excited and enthusiastic about the idea along with the VCSO, but I personally support their decision to withdraw from the event.
That being said, I do not have all the facts and tend to keep a very open mind. My hope is that this was all a huge miscommunication and that the Blue Bowl organizers did not intend for the event to turn into a political stage.
Best,
Jordan

Prepared by: Sheriff Bill Ayub

Armando Alvarado, 18, Thousand Oaks.

Two Thousand Oaks teenagers were arrested after they stole a commercial truck and crashed it in the city of Fillmore.

On 09/18/19, deputies responded to a vehicle theft in the 400 block of Main Street in Fillmore. Deputies learned that two male subjects entered the victim’s truck and sped away. The suspects proceeded to a nearby dirt lot where the victim attempted to confront the thieves. The owner of the truck grabbed onto the vehicle, but the driver accelerated. In doing so, the suspect nearly ran over the victim. The suspects were able to elude the victim and accelerated onto a nearby street where they lost control of the truck and collided with a parked car.

Several witnesses provided information concerning the vehicle theft. In addition, one witness was able to capture the event on a cellphone camera. The witness observed the suspects as they drove throughout the city. During the theft, the suspects lost control of the truck and crashed into a drainage canal near Ventura Street and Los Serenos Drive in Fillmore. Once the vehicle came to rest, the subjects exited and ran away from the scene. Multiple witnesses utilized their cellphone cameras to video various aspects of the crime, but at the time, deputies were unable to locate the suspects.

Investigators were able to identify the suspects by way of the images provided by several witnesses. This led to the identification of Armando Alvarado and a juvenile. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspects’ residence. The search warrant uncovered additional evidence linking Alvarado and the juvenile to the crime.

Alvarado was booked at the Pre Trial Detention Facility for the following charges:

VC 10851 (a)- Unlawful taking of a vehicle
VC 20002 (a)- Hit-run driving
PC 245 (a)(1)- Assault with a deadly weapon

The juvenile was booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Hall Facility for the following charges:

VC 10851 (a)- Unlawful taking of a vehicle
VC 20002 (a)- Hit-run driving

In this instance and with several other automobiles stolen in Fillmore this year, keys were left in vehicles, enabling the suspects to steal the vehicles with ease. The Fillmore Police Department would like to remind residents of Fillmore that crimes of opportunity exist because criminals choose targets that offer high reward with little resistance. Residents are reminded that the easiest way to avoid becoming a victim of this crime is to never leave ignition keys in your vehicles.

Nature of Incident: Vehicle Theft Hit and Run Suspects Arrested
Report Number: 19-147331
Location: 400 Block of Main Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 09/30/19 7:10 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol and Fillmore Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(A-1) Armando Alvarado 18 Thousand Oaks
(A-2) Juvenile 14 Thousand Oaks
Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

The school board meeting was packed with teachers and supporters, with the crowd overflowing into the hallway. Several teachers spoke regarding their requests for a fair and equitable salary increase.
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Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

1. Resolution Implementing Prequalification of Construction Contractors Under Public Contract Code Section 20111.6 Fillmore Unified School District.
The Governing Board adopted Resolution No. 19-20-10 Implementing Prequalification of Construction Contractors Under Public Contract Code Section 20111.6 Fillmore Unified School District

2. Award Bid for RFP# T 2020-001 ISP for Internet Access Services
The Governing Board awarded the bid to Lowest Qualified Bidder: AT&T. The Bid Amount is $59,824.80

3. Award Bid for RFP# T 2020-002 NGFW for Network Firewall
The Governing Board awarded the bid to Lowest Qualified Bidder: BorderLAN—Fortinet. The Bid Amount is $35,326.90

4. Award Bid for RFP# T 2020-003 CF for Web Content Filter
The Governing Board awarded the bid to Lowest Qualified Bidder: BorderLAN—Content Keeper. The Bid Amount is $62,717.85.

5. Approve Notice of Completion for Science Building Window Replacement at Fillmore High School, Project 2019-026—Bodagger Enterprises, Inc.— Contract $412,425.00
The Governing Board accepted the Notice of Completion for purchase order F19-01391, Science Building Window Replacement at Fillmore High School completed by Bodagger Enterprises, Inc.

6. Approve Change Order #2 for Fillmore High School Electrical Yard Infrastructure Upgrade at Fillmore High School, 555 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015, Project 2019-035
The Governing Board approved Change Order #2 in the amount of $4,448.31.

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