The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the first confirmed illness in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The illness occurred in Kings County.

“West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

This year to date, West Nile virus activity has been detected in three dead birds, one each from San Mateo, Orange, and San Diego counties. Heavy rains this winter in California have contributed to an increase in mosquito breeding sites. It is not known what impact the wet weather may have on the actual virus transmission risk in humans. So far this season, West Nile activity is within expected levels.

West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area and the level of West Nile immunity in birds. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.
CDPH recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
www.cdph.ca.gov

James Vaughn, KB Home’s Attorney

An extensive history of Pole Creek and its ties to the steelhead fish rehabilitation program was presented to the Council at Tuesday's regular meeting. No printed presentation was available. According to City Manager David Rowlands, "At this point no modifications [to Pole Creek]are planned. In the future if funding become available there would be another channel for the fish [steelhead] between the current culvert and bike path and the backyards."

A contract in the amount of $14,000 for the 2017 Fourth of July Community fireworks by Exposhows, Inc. was approved by Council.

The creation of an ad hoc committee to negotiate with KB Homes on the Citrus Grove Development, and the appointment of two members of City Council to serve on this committee was approved. Council members Diane McCall and Manuel Minjares were appointed to the Committee.

Discussion with the single representative from KB Homes, Mr. Vaughn, was limited due to the fact that two other representatives failed to show up. Their absence was due to being out of town at that time. After a year and a half of planning with KB Homes the Council has many unresolved issues needing attention. KB is resisting further delay, but the lawyer for that firm, Vaughn, suggested that a 180-day extension of time for further discussion might be reasonable, but that he had to confer with other company members.

KB Homes filed a lawsuit against the City of Fillmore last week, which Council Members learned of only during the last Council meeting. The Council is resisting discussions while under the shadow of a lawsuit.

The Council seeks to revise the construction plans to include several changes. Unanimous objections to items like design, color, parking, crowding, and the number of 3-story condo units were expressed by each Council Member. KB is resisting most of these proposed changes, stating that the disagreements were "unfortunate" but that they didn't cause the problem. They point out the substantial money already invested in the project. They claim to be acting in good faith, as Council Members also claim.

The Council asked that the lawsuit be withdrawn during any further discussion concerning plan revisions. Council for KB has refused to withdraw the lawsuit. No progress was made in negotiating any plan revisions. Council remains adamant about holding talks without the threat of a lawsuit. Staff will be bringing back a proposal for Council to determine if 90 days up to 180 days is reasonable.

The future of the Fillmore Towne Theatre was discussed. Options to sell, lease, or use as a city-owned entity were proposed. The Theatre issue was placed on hold until the possibility of hearing from new parties interested in its development.

Fillmore's newest park, near River Street, was named Rio Vista Park, by unanimous vote.

An ordinance, No. 17-878 to authorize a permit process for parking in front of private driveways and adoption of Resolution No 17-3592 to establish the fee for such permits was approved.

Jose “Froggy” Estrada after winning his 2nd Pro MMA Fight at the LA Exchange back in August 2016.
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On May 5th Jose ‘Froggy’ Estrada will be bringing MMA back to the 805 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They are the first MMA fights in Ventura County in over 10 years. That night he will be the Main Event out of 10 fights.

Estrada is looking to keep his professional record undefeated as he goes into this one 3-0, facing an experienced Emilio Chavez (11-9) from Fullerton, Ca. Tickets can now be purchased at www.ticketon.com. You won’t want to miss this sold-out show.

The Ventura County Fire Department reported that rescue units were called to search for a hiker in the Squaw Flat-Tar Creek area of the Los Padres National Forest around 4:30pm, Friday. Rescue units on foot, with Ventura County Sheriff ’s helicopter, were deployed. According to reports Steve Swindle, spokesman for the department, at about 6:00pm the hiker was found five miles off the trail and airlifted out of the area, and was taken to Santa Paula Hospital by ambulance.

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Those youngsters from Fillmore High, Class of 1977, plan to reconnect at their 40th class reunion on June 10th, 2017 at the Fillmore High Alumni Dinner/Dance. Please spread the word to anyone from the class of ‘77 and let them know all Alumni know are welcome. The Alumni Dinner/Dance starts at 3:00pm on the patio and grass area of the Veteran's Memorial Building. Light snacks, bar service, and dinner are provided by Ventura’s award-winning caterer DJ's California Catering. Dinner is at 6:00pm, socializing and dancing ‘till midnight. The Alumni Dinner/Dance is one of Fillmore's signature events of the year. The Fillmore High Alumni Association is happy to be hosting the great Class of 1977's 40th Class reunion. If you are from the Class of '77, or any alumni of Fillmore High, please make your reservations soon at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (Click on Events) or by visiting Patterson Hardware store (open 7 days a week). We are looking forward to seeing those smiling faces from the class of '77 and all Fillmore High Alumni. Go Flashes!

Photos by Bob Crum
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As you read this, I am in Reno, NV cat sitting my daughter's felines while she's in New Zealand. While here, I'm hoping to get to photograph Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River. So far, the prospects are dismal. Cold, windy, totally cloudy every day since I got here. Stay tuned.

Due to my travels, this week's column will take a different turn. Hold on! Fun stuff ahead!

Bodie the ghost town for instance. An awesome experience. At first glance, it's overwhelming. So many photo ops. In a space of merely 20 feet I could easily shoot 50 or more compositions from varying perspectives. Light also has a profound effect on the structures because of the colors of the aged wood. I visited Bodie only once. That's not enough. Upon reviewing the images back home on the computer display I saw many photo opportunities missed. I'll go back!

Just south of Bodie sits Mono Lake. A nondescript lake at first blush. Most will barely give it a glance as they drive by on Highway 395. But its special features are extremely unique.

The attraction of Mono Lake is the tufas (too'-fahs). From the monolake.org website: “Tufa is essentially common limestone. What is uncommon about this limestone is the way it forms. Typically, underwater springs rich in calcium (the stuff in your bones) mix with lake water rich in carbonates (the stuff in baking soda). As the calcium comes in contact with carbonates in the lake, a chemical reaction occurs resulting in calcium carbonate--limestone. The calcium carbonate precipitates (settles out of solution as a solid) around the spring, and over the course of decades to centuries, a tufa tower will grow. Tufa towers grow exclusively underwater, and some grow to heights of over 30 feet. The reason visitors see so much tufa around Mono Lake today is because the lake level fell dramatically after water diversions began in 1941.” Water diverted by L.A. Water & Power.

Mono Lake is a magical place. I've been there four times. Going back sooner than later. You never see the same thing twice. The tufa structures are very intriguing due to their composition and shapes. Tufas display varying colors depending on the natural light at any given hour of the day. Colorful at sunrise and sunset and bright white at midday. All of the variables make photographing Mono Lake tufas extremely challenging.

Should you decide to go, the greatest concentration of the tufa towers is located at the South Tufa grove just off of Hwy 120 East, at the south end of Mono Lake. You'll need a park pass available at the parking lot kiosk. Don't forget to take a polarizing filter!

Caution from monolake.org: “Many first-time visitors to Mono Lake, unfamiliar with the geologic term "tufa" have been known to ask directions to the 'tofu.' Your nearest grocery store or the Mono Market is the best bet.” You've been warned!

Until next time, happy photoing!

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