Bob Crum

Mark your calendar! An exciting total lunar eclipse happens Sunday, January 20. More than just a lunar eclipse, it's a “Super Blood Wolf Moon” eclipse.

A blood moon because during the total eclipse, the moon will appear reddish, the result of the atmosphere acting like a colored photographic filter bending red sunlight into the Earth's shadow and filtering out blue light.

Also, a January full moon is traditionally called the wolf moon. Wolves howl to communicate saying 'I'm here' to the pack and to tell intruders to go away. Wolves are nocturnal animals. When the urge to howl overcomes wolves, they project their howl upward towards the light of the full moon for the sound to carry further. Hence the term 'howling at the moon.' Beware, it's futile to resist the urge to howl.

Casual photos of the eclipse can be captured with, ahem, a cellphone. However, if you want that 'special' epic photo, well, you know that a dedicated camera is essential.

Planning is important. If you intend to include something in the foreground, scout suitable shot locations beforehand. You'll see where the moon will rise and where you will need to be for your desired composition.

Because the 'light' will vary greatly, shooting a total lunar eclipse is an enormous challenge. Auto mode is useless. Here are some general guidelines from Canon: At full Moon: f/11, 1/100th sec, ISO 100 or at a higher ISO: f/11, ISO 200 and 1/200th sec.

At partial Eclipse: f/5.6, 1/125th sec, ISO 400 for the half moon. As it gets increasingly darker, open the lens aperture to the max and increase the ISO while decreasing the shutter speed as needed for proper exposure. Take the ISO as high as necessary to prevent the shutter speed from going too slow. Exposure is more important than subsequent image noise from the high ISO setting.

Lens selection is equally important. The longer the focal length, 300mm for example - which is still minimal - the more the moon will fill the composition frame. Remember, as the light becomes dim during the total eclipse, open the aperture wide and increase ISO to allow the fastest shutter speed possible. Even so, a somewhat slow shutter speed might be required for proper exposure. Thus, a tripod becomes essential. The longer the focal length of the lens the more important a tripod becomes.

Flexibility is important. Adjust ISO, aperture and shutter speed for appropriate exposure throughout the eclipse sequence as needed. If possible, use bracketing and consider spot metering. Keep the faith!

It'll grow dark as the heavenly bodies align so focus will be difficult. With the moon 238,900 miles from earth, infinity focus will work just fine. If you choose to have a foreground in the image, be aware that where you shoot from is important because depth of field will decrease as you open the aperture. Plan accordingly.

Relax and be patient. Unlike shooting a relatively shorter solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is a much slower event. You'll have time to adjust camera settings for proper exposure. Use the 'envy' filter to photograph the moon's green cheese during the penumbra.
Here's the west coast time table according to space.com: Moon enters penumbra @6:36 p.m., moon enters umbra @8:34 p.m., total eclipse begins @8:41 p.m., middle of eclipse @9:13 p.m., total eclipse ends @9:43 p.m., moon leaves umbra @10:51 p.m., moon leaves penumbra @11:48 p.m. Enjoy the phenomenon.

Photo of the week reveals the sun setting and gently, sweetly, kissing the ocean goodnight.

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

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that influenza activity is increasing throughout California. Health officials encourage Californians to get vaccinated.

“It is important to get vaccinated now if you have not done so already,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “I encourage everyone six months of age and older to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and others from the dangers of flu.”
Flu activity is occurring throughout every region of the state and above expected levels for this time of year. Although the severity of the flu season cannot yet be determined, Californians should take precautions, including vaccination.

“Flu activity usually reaches its peak January and February, but typically continues to spread through the spring,” said Dr. Smith. “With most of the flu season still to come, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

Each year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, CDPH recommends these steps:
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with an elbow or tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Californians should contact their health care provider, pharmacy or a clinic about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu shots. For more information about the flu, including weekly updates on fly activity, visit the CDPH influenza web page. To find a vaccine location near you, visit HealthMap Vaccine Finder.

www.cdph.ca.gov

(l-r) Mayor Diane McCall presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Diane & Steve Sutton for being active and positive community leaders by providing a tree topper for the City of Fillmore’s Holiday Tree.
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(l-r) Fillmore Mayor Diane McCall presenting a certificate to La Fondita Restaurant who was recognized for “Best Tamle Award” at Fillmore’s First Annual Santa Stroll Tamle Taste Off held on December 14, 2017.
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Fillmore’s Extreme Voltage Cheer Squad was also recognized at last night’s meeting as the winners of the People’s Choice Award for Best Trunk at the First Annual Trunk or Treat Event held back on October of 2017.
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City of Fillmore City Council and Successor Agency regular Tuesday, January 8, 2019 meeting was held at 6:30pm at Fillmore City Hall.
AGENDA: Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Attending were Councilmembers Mark Austin, Manuel Minjares, Lynn Edmonds, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Holmgren, Mayor Diane McCall
Following are Approval of Agenda and Presentations: Mayor Diane McCall
- Extreme Voltage Cheer Trunk or Treat People's Choice Award Best Trunk
- La Fondita Winner of Tamale Taste Off During Santa Stroll
- Diane and Steve Sutton Certificate of Appreciation
Public Comments were held.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Recommendation for Item A. through C. is to Approve by voice
vote.
Warrants were reviewed/approved.
Adoption of Resolution NO. OB 19-01 approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 for the City of Fillmore Successor Agency.
NEW BUSINESS
An award for contract for sales tax monitoring and auditing went to HDL Companies.
Appointment to the Planning Commission – Carrie Broggie
Staff Report for Planning Commission Appointment.pdf
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, LIAISON, AND
OUTSIDE AGENCIES—Ventura Regional Sanitation District – Primary Mark Austin (no change); alternate Mayor McCall
VCTC Primary Minjares – no change
Ventura County Animal Regulation – Primary McCall (no change; alternate Mark Austin
Air Pollution Control District – Primary Lynn Edmonds, Alternate McCall
Ventura Council of Government – Primary McCall, Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Tim Holmgren
Economic Development Commission – Ventura County – Primary Non-Councilmember Ernie Villegas
Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance – Primary Holmgren (no change) Alternate Lynn Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce – Primary Holmgren (no change); alternate Lynn Edmonds
Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency – Lynn Edmonds

Standing Committees and Ad-Hoc
Interview/Selection Committee for Commissions and Committees – Minjares and Holmgren
Ventura County City Selection Committee McCall
Utilities Ad Hoc Committee – Minjares and McCall no change
Special School Board District Ad Hoc Committee Lynn Edmonds and Tim Holmgren
Downtown Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee – Minjares
Economic Development Committee – Austin and McCall
2019-20 Budget Ad Hoc Committee – McCall and Austin
Agreement with the Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) to reimburse the City of Fillmore for the services of Main St. Architects study of downtown.
Discuss and provide direction regarding proposed zoning ordinance update and use of consultant.
Zoning Ordinance Staff Report.
Discuss and provide direction on providing interpretation at City Council meetings. Fillmore - Interpretation Services staff report-PM additions.
Committee, Commission , and Board Reports.
City Council Reports, Recommendations, and Comments.
Closed Session.
Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation. The City Council conducted a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(4), because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one case.
Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation - The
City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections
54956.9(d)(2) and (d)(3), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one
case.
CLOSED SESSION.
Mayor Diane McCall adjourned to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 6:30pm, City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

The Fillmore Police Brotherhood is looking for anyone who has worked in the Fillmore Police Department between 1924 and 1987 (officer, reserve officer, dispatchers or matrons). We plan to recognize them on a plaque to be placed at Fillmore City Hall. Currently 93 people have been identified as working at the department and 203 members from agencies throughout Ventura County. (Highway Patrol, Sheriff, Santa Paula PD, Oxnard PD). If you know someone or are family of someone that meets the above qualifications please contact Paul Glanville at (805) 915-9572 or email at fpbrotherhood@aol.com. Leave a message with your contact information and we will get back to you. The dedication is scheduled at City Hall, July 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM, for the community to enjoy.

Submitted by Brian Wilson

Ernie Villegas, former Mayor and Fillmore City Council Member came to a recent Fillmore Lions Club meeting to talk about something called Destination Fillmore - Downtown Revitalization. Villegas is the Special Projects Manager for the city.

He said, “My focus is on establishing partnerships with service organizations, non-profits, businesses and the city, so we can become more successful on our events and projects. I truly believe, if we can organize our efforts we will be able to utilize ore of our community volunteers to make a profound difference, not to mention a true ownership for each individual.”

In a paper he handed out Villegas noted that it appears there has been a lack of coordination between organizations, the city and the public. As a result, there have been many lost opportunities to market, coordinate and manage some of the downtown events.

Destination Fillmore objectives include creating a vibrant downtown with a wide spectrum of community, cultural and civic activities that represent the character of the downtown and the local community.

Villegas is President of a new non-Profit group called Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB).

Their stated Mission:
“We are an association of downtown business owners, managers and property owners working together to bring innovative ideas and events to promote a sustainable, energized, and creative environment for attracting, tourism, families, businesses and community members to Downtown Fillmore now and in the future. Business retention, expansion, and attraction are keys to our success.”

The FAB Vision Statement:
“We strive to be community champions to promote and support downtown Fillmore in ways that will encourage the balance of growth, prosperity and culture while maintaining business and historical significance that attract all ages of people to a vibrant Fillmore downtown destination.”

Bob Crum

The previous column prompted a few to write: How do you train a honey bee? Arrrgh. Why do readers insist that I divulge training secrets? It took me years to develop the training techniques. Nevertheless, I did respond with this important tip: A dollop of honey gets sweet results.

Another question from Ralph H.: How do you come up with the variety for photos of the week? Ralph, from street photography to landscapes, an abundance of photo ops exist in and around Fillmore. So many I get giddy! For example, returning from Ventura recently, on Old Telegraph Road, as I approached Sespe Creek a photo op virtually jumped into my camera beside me--a prime opportunity to tell a story with a photo. I stopped, programmed my camera and made the photo. Remember my previous discussion about developing a photographer's eye? See subject – think photo!

Horses at the nearby Equestrian Center make interesting subjects. Visit the Ventura Harbor and you'll find a gazillion photo ops from ships to harbor seals to California gulls and mermaids. Gulls are so much fun to photograph. For a challenge, try capturing gulls in flight. Good practice for airshow photography. Pelicans are another favorite. I have never visited Ventura Harbor and been disappointed. Cross the street and more photo ops await you at the beach. Remember a previous photo of the week of an angler at sunset with waves crashing on the breakwater?

Drive a few minutes south to the Channel Islands Harbor for another gazillion photo ops. Or instead head north a little and visit either Hobson or Faria county parks for both seascapes and wildlife. Faria county RV park is an excellent place to capture sunset photos, particularly at low tide. The shore-lined rocks make an interesting foreground. I made some interesting images there this past Sunday when low tide was at 4:13 pm. Perfect timing. Remember, to capture a blue-ribbon photo you have to show up!

Perhaps the bigger issue is not so much about what to photograph but getting out of the recliner to go out and shoot. Recall Issac Newton's Laws of Motion: "A body at rest will remain at rest (especially in a recliner), and a body in motion will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by an external force." This generally means that things cannot start, stop, or change direction all by themselves. It takes some force, inertia, acting on them. BTW, super_inertia.com sells six-packs of inertia for $8.98. Good stuff!

Perhaps it's not so much about what to shoot, but a lack of requisite inspiration. Oh, this thought hurts. I hoped that after 106 Photos of the Week, I sufficiently motivated you to jump out of that recliner, grab the camera (cell phone if that's your camera) and go photograph something. Caution: Because a body in motion tends to stay in motion remember to take breaks and stay hydrated.

You don't have to travel far for interesting photo ops. I shot the Photo of the Week nearby: another example of photojournalism, telling a story with a photo. The story is about the young and adults all enjoying Sespe Creek flowing from recent rains. Remember splashing in puddles as a youngster?

Think about developing your photographic eye by spending just three hours one day a week photographing whatever suits your fancy or catches your eye. Practice reaps rewards. Furthermore, and more importantly, practicing photography is an extremely gratifying creative experience. And more satisfying than pickling ice cream. Trust me!

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

Joshua Tree National Park will temporarily close effective 8 am on Thursday, January 10, to allow park staff to address sanitation, safety, and resource protection issues in the park that have arisen during the lapse in appropriations. Park officials plan to restore accessibility to the park in addition to limited basic services in the coming days.

Park officials are identifying the additional staff and resources needed to address immediate maintenance and sanitation issues and will utilize funds from the park fees to address those issues per the recently updated National Park Service contingency plan during a lapse in appropriations.

While the vast majority of those who visit Joshua Tree National Park do so in a responsible manner, there have been incidents of new roads being created by motorists and the destruction of Joshua trees in recent days that have precipitated the closure. Law enforcement rangers will continue to patrol the park and enforce the closure until park staff completes the necessary cleanup and park protection measures.

The communities near Joshua Tree National Park have provided significant assistance and support to the park, and park officials hope to restore visitor access to the park as quickly as possible to mitigate any negative impact to the local economy.