Fillmore and Ventura County Fire responded to a call at 3:30pm about a child being struck by a vehicle in the 300 block of Clay Street. The child had no major injuries and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Photo courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
Fillmore and Ventura County Fire responded to a call at 3:30pm about a child being struck by a vehicle in the 300 block of Clay Street. The child had no major injuries and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Photo courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
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Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore Unified School District

Higher Education Needs and Priorities for Fillmore and Piru
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Dr. Greg Gillespie, Chancellor, Ventura County Community College District.

45-Day Budget Update
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Test Results, Spring 2018
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis. The presentation contained preliminary data subject to further review by the California Department of Education (CDE) and will be released once CDE has made the report available to the public.

Spring 2018 Advanced Placement (AP) Program Test Results
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

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

 


 
Photo of the Week "Ventura County Fair fireworks & Ferris Wheel" By Bob Crum. Photo data: Camera 7DMKII, ISO 100, Tamron 16-300mm lens, aperture f/11, 5 second exposure.
Photo of the Week "Ventura County Fair fireworks & Ferris Wheel" By Bob Crum. Photo data: Camera 7DMKII, ISO 100, Tamron 16-300mm lens, aperture f/11, 5 second exposure.
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Shot the day shooting!
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

Confession: I have a conflicting relationship with the Ventura County Fair. As a photographer, love the unlimited photo ops. Conversely, I can't just spend eight hours and go home!

Arrived at the 11 a.m. Fair opening last Sunday and stayed 'til 10 p.m. to capture the fireworks. One might think that spending all day at the Fair is excessive. HA! Forgo the midway rides and games and there are still many fascinating events, interesting demonstrations and exhibits to enjoy. And yummy Fair food! I brought home an irresistible giant smoked turkey leg! Can't say what else I brought home!

Planning to spend the entire day, I packed accordingly. No camera bag. Just my Canon 7DMKII with Tamron lens mounted plus one little accessory bag with extra batteries, memory cards, sun screen & lip balm.

After a few routine photos upon arrival, I went straight to the All Alaskan Pig races. A jolly event that's also a challenging photo op because the lil porkers are speedy. Even with the camera in burst mode, capturing them jumping the hurdles isn't a pig walk... so to speak. But this is what makes photography so captivating. Mentally visualizing the image, recognizing the challenge, programming the camera accordingly and executing is stimulating! Seriously!

New this year: Fido 500 mini dog races. And new challenges! The dogs run faster than the porkers. Only got three furry blurs on the first two races. Didn't suppose they'd run that fast! That was at 250th second shutter speed. Increased to 800th of a second for the third race. Still stinky compositions. I was not prepared to pan as fast as the dogs ran. Take heart. On the next go around two hours later, I was better prepared. So I thought. Furry dog butts is not what I was trying to photograph. Eventually I got a few respectable photos. Practice proved valuable.

During the daylight hours, I was busy happily photoing everything from Koi fish in a pond to a horse & carriage show to everybody that crossed my path and smiled. Especially partial to ladies who winked at me. I digress.

Rides were full of people in all manner of fright. So much screaming! Perhaps frightened and consequently screaming is therapeutic? On other rides, participants were screaming with joy. I think. I photographed them too.

The golden hour, the period shortly before sunset presents interesting challenges. Oh joy! Followers know that I seek sunstar opportunities. But the new midway layout (ugh!) reduced such options. So depressing. As the sun was setting, I scrambled around looking for the magic place. The sunstar op remained elusive. Never quitting, eventually managed to capture a couple so-so sunstar photos as the sun set.

As night prevails, bright colored lights transform the midway. However, exposing for bright lights creates people silhouettes. Expose for the people overexposes the bright lights. What to do? Either go home or try exposure compensation (EC). Also try spot metering. I increased EC as needed. Boom! Success! Umm... sometimes.

Fireworks another issue. If the Ferris wheel was rotating while I held open the shutter for a multiple firework exposure, the Ferris wheel blurred. That's OK. Not OK were ignorant, inconsiderate people who walked right in front of my camera. That's when I scream!

Photo of the week is the Fair fireworks with the (finally) stationary Ferris wheel.

Jr. Livestock is Friday beginning 9 a.m. Rodeo Sat & Sun. Check venturacountyfair.org for details. Fair ends Sunday. So much greatness to see, do and eat you'll have a fabulous time. GO!

Send your comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

 
American Red Cross of Ventura County
American Red Cross of Ventura County

As summer winds down, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give blood and platelets now and help end an emergency summer blood shortage that began last month.

A critical need remains as many regular donors delay giving to take final summer vacations and prepare for school to start. To ensure livesaving treatments remain available for patients in the coming weeks, donations are needed now, especially type O.

In thanks for helping at this urgent time, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to give again. Blood can be safely given every 56 days, and Power Red donations can be given every 16 weeks.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31

Camarillo
8/31/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Avalon, 1571 Flynn Road

Moorpark
8/20/2018: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road
8/22/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road

Oxnard
8/18/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., El Rio Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2670 Alvarado st
8/21/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1150 Gary Dr
8/24/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Document Systems, 300 n Graves, Suite E
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
8/24/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/28/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/31/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
8/20/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/22/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Teen Center, 1375 East Janss Road

Ventura
8/21/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
8/27/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 
Pictured in no particular order are Diego Felix, Santiago Felix and Abel Arana from the Fillmore Condor Cross Country Team accepting a $600 check from the Fillmore Rotary Club presented by Club President Andy Klittich (far right), not only did the team place 2nd at the Heritage Valley 5K Run back in May, but the team also participated in the National Jr. Olympics, in Florida, in December of last year and did very well. Photo courtesy Martha Richardson.
Pictured in no particular order are Diego Felix, Santiago Felix and Abel Arana from the Fillmore Condor Cross Country Team accepting a $600 check from the Fillmore Rotary Club presented by Club President Andy Klittich (far right), not only did the team place 2nd at the Heritage Valley 5K Run back in May, but the team also participated in the National Jr. Olympics, in Florida, in December of last year and did very well. Photo courtesy Martha Richardson.
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Norberto Limon
Norberto Limon

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the Santa Paula Police Detective Unit and Canine Unit executed a Federal Search and Arrest warrant for suspect Norberto Limon. The arrest was the culmination of a narcotics investigation that lasted several months. Santa Paula detectives and FBI agents conducted numerous surveillance and ‘buy’ operations which led to the arrest of Limon.

“Anytime we can take a serious drug dealer of the streets, it’s a good day. We want to send the message that if you’re doing anything illegal in the City of Santa Paula, we will show up on your doorsteps like we did to Mr. Limon this morning. This is not a matter of if, but when,†said Police Chief Steve McLean.

The warrant was executed at Limon's residence located in the City of Fillmore. Limon was located at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Several other occupants were briefly detained however, were found not to be involved and released at the scene. Limon was taken into federal custody on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.

Officer Preparing Press Release:
Detective Dan McCarthy # 1115
Approved by: Commander Scott Varner #1022, Assistant City Manager, Ikani Taumoepeau

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two Fillmore juveniles were arrested Friday afternoon, July 27th, after deputies and investigators determined they were responsible for stealing two vehicles and for rummaging through unlocked vehicles on the west side of Fillmore during the overnight hours.

On the morning of July 27th, 2018, Fillmore deputies responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 400 Block of Mockingbird Lane, where they learned the victim’s pickup was stolen from the street in front of the home. Over the next few hours, deputies also responded to multiple thefts from vehicles parked near the mid-block of Wileman Street and an additional stolen vehicle in the 1000 block of First Street. All of these locations are situated within a few blocks of one another. Both stolen vehicles were recovered near the initial crime locations and returned to their owners.

Deputies and detectives suspected a male juvenile from Fillmore who had previously been arrested for engaging in theft-related crimes in Fillmore. Throughout the day, Fillmore deputies and investigators followed up on several leads and eventually arrested two sixteen-year old male juveniles for the crimes, including the one mentioned above. Both juveniles were lodged at Juvenile Hall.

The Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Office continue to remind residents not to leave ignition keys inside their cars. The city of Fillmore has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles reported this year, and most of the vehicles that were stolen had ignition keys left inside the unlocked vehicles, making them an easy target for thieves. Another common tactic among thieves is to walk the streets in the overnight hours checking for unlocked vehicles from which they can steal. In this instance, the juveniles were observed on surveillance video in the area checking cars parked on the streets for unlocked doors. The juveniles bypassed cars with locked doors, but rummaged through those whose doors were unlocked. Fillmore residents are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles and to lock their vehicle doors when leaving vehicles unattended.

Prepared by: Detective Danielle Delpit
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

 
Rotary Club member Cindy Blatt (pictured on the right) was presented with the “Rotary People in Action Award,†from District 5240 Governor Sandi Schwartz (pictured on the left) on Wednesday, July 18, 2018! The award was presented to Cindy for her continued dedication to the club. Photo courtesy Ari Larson, President-Elect Rotary Club of Fillmore.
Rotary Club member Cindy Blatt (pictured on the right) was presented with the “Rotary People in Action Award,†from District 5240 Governor Sandi Schwartz (pictured on the left) on Wednesday, July 18, 2018! The award was presented to Cindy for her continued dedication to the club. Photo courtesy Ari Larson, President-Elect Rotary Club of Fillmore.
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Cal Fire
Cal Fire

Today, nearly 13,000 firefighters are on the lines of 16 large wildfires burning across California. To date, these fires have burned over 320,000 acres and damaged or destroyed over 1,600 structures. 17,000 homes continue to be threatened by these fires, and more than 32,000 residents have been evacuated. The Carr Fire is now the 6th most destructive fire in state history surpassing the 2017 Nuns Fire in Sonoma County. California has received resources from over 16 states.

Cooling temperatures will bring some relief, but winds will increase fire danger in several areas of California. In Northern California, humidity will continue to remain in the single digits with little to no overnight recovery. Winds may pick up today increasing to 20-30 mph. Southern California could see rain in the Riverside and San Diego areas, but temperatures will continue to reach 90 and even triple digits. Humidity will be low in many areas of Southern California reaching as low as 8 to 15% in the afternoons.

You’ve taken steps to keep your family and home fire safe. Don’t forget your pets and livestock. With some advanced planning, you can increase their chances of surviving a wildland fire. Plan for both your small and large pets by visiting our animal evacuation webpage, click here.

Fires of Interest:

Carr Fire, Shasta County (more info…)
Whiskeytown & Redding
• 115,538 acres, 35% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place
• 15,000 residents evacuated, over 2,500 homes threatened
• 1,018 residences destroyed, 181 residences damaged
• Carr is now the 6th most destructive fire and 13th most deadly fire in state history
• Damage assessment is ongoing
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Gouvea) in unified command with Whiskeytown NP (Young)

Mendocino Complex, Mendocino/Lake County
• 90,912 total acres, 24% contained
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Kavanaugh) in command
• 10 residences destroyed, 2 residences damaged
• 14,600 residents evacuated, over 12,000 structures threatened

River Fire (more info…)
Hopland
• 31,898 acres, 38% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ranch Fire (more info…)
Ukiah
• 59,014 acres, 15% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ferguson Fire, Mariposa County (more info…)
Yosemite National Park
• 62,883 acres, 39% contained
• Over 2,800 structures threatened
• Evacuations and road closures in effect
• California Federal Incident Management Team 4 (Kurth) assigned in unified command with CAL FIRE

Steele Fire, Napa County (more info…)
Capell
• 135 acres, 96% contained
• Eight structures destroyed, four damaged

Corner Fire, Shasta County
Hwy 299 E x Hwy 89, 8 mi E of Burney
State DPA, SRA, Shasta - Trinity Unit/ County
• 35 acres, brush, timber, 95% contained

Rock Fire, San Diego County **FINAL**
Fallbrook
• 207 acres, 100% contained

Roxie Fire, Lassen County **FINAL**
West of Susanville
• 167 acres, 100% contained
¬¬
Cranston Fire, Riverside County (more info…)
Hemet
• 13,139 acres, 89% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified Command CAL FIRE and USFS

Whaleback Fire, Lassen County (more info…)
West of Spaulding (Eagle Lake)
• 18,342 acres, 40% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified command USFS NorCal Team 1 (Coots), CAL FIRE (Ferguson)

Eel Fire, Mendocino County (more info…) NEW
East of Covelo
• 865 acres, 0% contained
• Structures threatened
• Evacuations for Mendocino Pass Rd

Butte Fire, Sutter County (more info…) NEW
Northwest of Yuba City
• 900 acres, 20% contained

Georges Fire, Inyo County (more info…)
Lone Pine
• 2,883 acres, 70% contained

Horse Creek Fire, Tulare County (more info…)
John Krebs Wilderness Area
• 34 acres, 90% contained

Valley Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
Yucaipa
• 1,350 acres, 29% contained

Natchez Fire, Del Norte County (more info…)
Southeast of Cave Junction, OR
• 6,174 acres, 15% contained

Eagle Fire, Modoc County (more info…)
South of Cedarville
• 2,100 acres, 95% contained

Owens Fire, Mono County NEW
North of Mammoth Lake
• 312 acres, 0% contained

 
This past week the Fillmore Fire Department was seen running an Active Shooter Training session outside of Fire Station 91. The crews practiced by using manikins as victims as well as practiced working and communicating with other first responders to simulate a real life active shooter scenario. Photos courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
This past week the Fillmore Fire Department was seen running an Active Shooter Training session outside of Fire Station 91. The crews practiced by using manikins as victims as well as practiced working and communicating with other first responders to simulate a real life active shooter scenario. Photos courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
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