Bob Crum

Photos by Bob Crum.
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Sage advice says have a game plan. I didn't have one. I didn't know how to prepare one because I didn't know what to expect. Logical, right?

Last weekend I attended the Blue and Gray Civil War Reenactment presented by the Rotary Club of Moorpark. My first adventure as a Civil War correspondent. Though both sides hurled canon balls at me, my nifty foot work frustrated their efforts. I escaped unscathed to write this account. But I digress.

The Moorpark Blue and Gray Civil War Reenactment is touted to be the largest west of the Mississippi. Hundreds of Reenactors come from all over the nation to participate. Indeed quite an extraordinary pageant.

This year the event featured the 9/17/1862 battle of Antietam. That battle engaged a total of 131,000 soldiers; the Union soldiers outnumbering the Confederates by almost 2 to 1. Total one-day casualties estimated at 23,000.

For my challenge, visualize this scene: The venue larger than a football field. Hills to my right and left. From behind the crowd-control rope and not far to my right sat several Union canons. Perched on the left hilltop a battery of Confederate canons. I'm nervous!

KABOOM! Countless Union soldiers marched down the hill from the right as the canons fired. To the left a battalion of Confederates soldiers waited. Dozens of soldiers scattered here and there prevented photographing them all at one time. Besides the numbers, they were all a considerable distance away! More than one disaster at hand. What to do?

How do I convey the impact of battle in this situation? Zoom in and grab some closeups? Will they portray the intensity of the battle? Naturally, impact could be enhanced by capturing photos of rifles firing or the flash of a canon firing but timing was hit and miss... so to speak. While I focused attention on one group of soldiers, or a canon, action was happening at several other places. My dream of a long career as a Civil War correspondent was dissipating like gunpowder smoke.

Forget photos, time for recording some "action" video. But anticipating a large crowd, forget tripod. But shooting video on a monopod is troublesome.

Challenges loomed large! Action occurring simultaneously everywhere. Canons firing! Union troops fighting valiantly on my right. Confederates advancing on the left. Then, oh oh, here come the cavalry charging down the middle. Pyrotechnics fired here and there! Well, while attempting to record EVERYTHING, I'd often forget to pan the camera S___L___O___W___L___Y! As a result, many pans would not only turn a turtle upside down, they even make me dizzy! Also best not to ask me how many times, in the heat of excitement, I turned the camera switch to video but forgot to press the “record” button. Good grief!

I also had to consider composition & exposure. My camera's video quality is exceptional but zooming is not push button and focusing is a pain. Though I had a wind screen on the external microphone, wind noise nevertheless recorded. In total, like scrambled eggs slathered with gear grease topped with pickled seaweed, I got an unholy mess! I need to practice more? NO! I need to win Mega Millions and buy a camcorder!

Somehow I managed to capture some usable video and a few photos. But photos can't do justice to the intensity of the exciting battles. I was impressed and encourage you to attend next year and enjoy this spectacular event in person. You will be delightfully entertained... and amazed. Don't forget ear plugs! Those canons!!!

BTW, a little Rotary bird named Scott told me that the Fillmore Rotary Club sponsored the Moorpark Rotary Club. Kudos Fillmore Rotary!

Happy photoing.

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

For reference: http://www.moorparkrotary.com/Stories/2017-blue-gray-civil-war-reenactme...

United Water Conservation District (UWCD), the special district tasked with managing, protecting, conserving and enhancing the water resources of the Santa Clara River Valley and Oxnard Plain, has been awarded a grant in the amount of $130,019 from the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service for additional vessel inspection and decontamination staff at its Lake Piru Recreation area in an effort to prevent the spread of the invasive Quagga Mussels, first detected at Lake Piru in December 2013.

UWCD owns and oversees the Santa Felicia Dam and Lake Piru reservoir. During winter months, the reservoir captures storm water and in the spring, collects runoff from the nearby Los Padres National Forest in northeastern Ventura County, and the Angeles National Forest in northwestern Los Angeles County. Then in the fall, UWCD releases the water into lower Piru Creek to recharge downstream groundwater aquifers in the Santa Clara River Watershed. The Santa Clara River, nearly 100 miles in length, is the largest non-channelized river in southern California, and is home to several endangered and threatened species.

“UWCD’s Lake Piru recreation area is used by boaters from several surrounding counties within coastal California, boaters who typically visit many other lakes in southern and central California, including several that feed natural streams and others that are part of the State Water Project, such as Castaic and Pyramid Lakes,” explained General Manager Mauricio E. Guardado, Jr.. “With the recent announcement that quagga mussels were found at Pyramid and Castaic, the challenges in battling the spread of the highly invasive quagga mussels have grown both in terms of expense and effectiveness. These challenges are compounded further by government regulations which require United to maintain continuous water releases to protect endangered species as well as provide boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking activities in the Lake Piru recreation area. The QZAP grant will allow us to hire additional staff to focus on vessel inspections and provide decontamination when necessary.”

UWCD has been working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on implementing its Lake Piru Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control Plan. Due to the complex regulatory requirements associated with the lake, the District is also working with a Quagga Mussel Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to assist with the development of the monitoring and control options. The primary goals of the plan are to: 1) contain and minimize the spread of quagga mussels to other water bodies; 2) control the quagga population within Lake Piru to minimize, to the extent feasible, environmental and operational effects; 3) collect monitoring data to further characterize and better understand the extent and effects of the infestation within Lake Piru and downstream areas; and 4) use the information obtained from the monitoring and control efforts to adaptively manage the quagga infestation.

UWCD’s Lake Piru Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control Plan project focuses on minimizing the spread of quagga mussels to other water bodies (Goal #1) via private boats and other equipment. Due to the small size of UWCD (some 50 total staff with an approximate $24 million per year overall operating budget), boat inspections and boater education is an area that needs to be strengthened in order to achieve the Containment Project’s goals. The QZAP grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Services will provide for several full-time seasonal staff members who will focus their efforts on outbound vessel inspections and decontamination activities while also assisting in overall public education efforts.

About U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s QZAP Grant
Quagga and zebra mussels are among the most economically and ecologically damaging aquatic invasive species and are spreading into the West. They are a critical issue for western entities. Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead in 2007, and their numbers have grown dramatically since then. To address the spread of these mussels into the West, the Western Regional Panel of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) developed the Quagga-Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP). QZAP was approved by the ANSTF in 2009 and was adopted as Department of the Interior's roadmap for addressing the western spread of quagga and zebra mussels. For more information on QZAP, visit https://www.anstaskforce.gov/QZAP/QZAP_FINAL_Feb2010.pdf

About United Water Conservation District (UWCD)
Since 1927, United Water Conservation District, situated in central Ventura County, has distinguished itself as a leader among water agencies by conserving and enhancing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain, while working to protect the environment's natural attributes. The District conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River within its boundaries, including Piru, Hopper, Sespe, and Santa Paula Creeks. Without these efforts, much of this valuable water would simply flow out to sea.

Committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and through the construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems, today the District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, as well as several mutual water districts and numerous farms and individual pumpers. It also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and provides treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. For more information, visit http://www.unitedwater.org

The City entered into a contract with Villegas Public Affairs to develop a business outreach and marketing plan for Fillmore. (Above) Ernie Villegas.

Tuesday's Council meeting was short (one hour) and productive.

April was proclaimed Fair Housing Month. Three persons spoke concerning the challenges facing the production of fair housing and the unlawful schemes which inflict fraud and various scams in the system. A short video sponsored by the Ventura County District Attorney's office was shown about these issues. A number of fraudulent housing attempts were explained. When those seeking to purchase a home are unfamiliar with terms and conditions involved in such purchases and related loans they are strongly advised to seek the assistance of an attorney.

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The Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-876 to update the Fillmore Municipal Code Section 1.08.040, to include the unpermitted use of alcohol within a city facility as a misdemeanor.

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PARKING ISSUE:
In many areas of the city, street parking is at a premium, especially in residential neighborhoods at night and on weekends. Vehicles often park in front of private driveways, and while the vast majority of such vehicles are parked in front of driveways with the residents’ permission, doing so at this time is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section (CVC) 22500(e). Pursuant to CVC 22507.2, however, local authorities can authorize vehicles to park in front of private driveways as follows:

Notwithstanding subdivision (e) of Section 22500, a local authority may, by ordinance, authorize the owner or lessee of property to park a vehicle in front of the owner's or lessee's private driveway when the vehicle displays a permit issued pursuant to the ordinance authorizing such parking.

The local authority may charge a nonrefundable fee to defray the costs of issuing and administering the permits.
A local ordinance adopted pursuant to this section may not authorize parking on a sidewalk in violation of subdivision (f) of Section 22500.

If the City Council were to adopt an ordinance authorizing permit parking across the driveways of single-family residences, the Police Department believes the City would alleviate some of the parking congestion on neighborhood streets. If the City Council directs staff to prepare such an ordinance, staff will also return with a resolution to add the cost of these permits to the City’s Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services. Permits will be available for purchase at City Hall, where a database will be maintained to record each permit purchased. To avoid fraud, proof of residency and occupancy of the home for which the permit is issued will be required (e.g., California driver license or identification card, utility bill, etc.).

The permit will show the street address, specific to the resident; the calendar year the permit is valid; a permit number; and be hung from the rearview mirror or otherwise be clearly visible through the front windshield. The permit may be moved from car to car, and a resident may buy ultiple permits for his or her address, as the permits are address-specific, not vehicle-specific.

Anyone misusing or failing to properly display a permit will be subject to issuance of a parking citation for CVC 22500(e). An appeal by the vehicle’s owner or operator on the grounds that she or he was in possession of, but failed to display, a permit at the time of violation will not be reason for dismissal of the citation.

Upon Council’s approval, a new city ordinance will be drafted.

FISCAL IMPACT
Neutral Staff anticipates that the permit fee to be recommended to the City Council will cover the City’s costs to purchase, print, and process the permit requests. Staff will also recommend a fixed annual fee; whether the permit is purchased on on January 1st or on any other date of the year, the fee will not be prorated.

CITY COUNCIL GOAL
This proposal is consistent with the Council’s Citywide Priority D, maintaining existing public safety service levels, by easing residential parking congestion.

A request to enter a contract with Villegas Public Affairs to develop a downtown strategic plan, conduct a business outreach and marketing plan was unanimously approved by the Council. Details of this contract will follow.

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An announcement from the floor, not on the Council agenda, alleged that Ventura County is studying the issue of permitting commercial marijuana in unincorporated areas of the County. No further details were available.

Bob Crum

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Being a U.S. Air Force veteran, I never attended an air show that I didn't enjoy. Well, until this past weekend. The L.A. County Air Show was awesome but the weather: Windy! Nevertheless, the show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds among other great events scheduled. I've seen the Navy's Blue Angels perform three times but never witnessed the Thunderbirds so not going was not an option, wind be damned. The Thunderbirds did not disappoint. GO Air Force!

Sunday weather was the worst. Sunny and warm at first. About noon, very windy... like 50 mph windy so it seemed. My Canon 7D MKII with the rented Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached weighs almost 6 pounds. Heavy! It was like photographing 500 mph jet planes with a camera-attached bazooka in gale force winds. And you thought photojournalism was a cake walk?

But y'all knew I'd have an ace up my jacket sleeve... right? I did. Arrive early and get the corner spot in the media area. In the howling wind, merely standing throughout the Thunderbirds performance was a challenge. So, for stability, I nonchalantly (important to be discrete among colleagues) leaned against the corner. Yesireebob, I was as steady as a mountain goat on a flat rock. Well, at least steadier than would have been otherwise but gale force winds blew my gear around as if it was a helium-filled balloon. I struggled mightily to control it and get some respectable photos. Feel my agony?

Wait... there's more! I usually attend both days of a weekend air show because the first day is to learn the routines to be better prepared for the photo ops the second day. Didn't matter this past weekend. Saturday's Thunderbird's performance included all six aircraft flying their regular awesome routine. Fantastic performance. But being my first time seeing them perform, I missed a few photo ops. No problem - I'll nail'em Sunday! However, an ill Thunderbird pilot and aircraft issues caused the number of aircraft and the performance to be scaled back. Some maneuvers, and the photo ops, canceled. Nevertheless, still a great improvised performance by some awesome pilots.

In spite of the wind, a great air show with great aerobatic performances, the always fabulous war birds of yesteryear (P-38, P-51 Mustang, B-25 bomber and others), and some runway antics – like a jet-powered truck racing a plane. Though I got a few respectable photos, I'm likely to wear out the “delete” key.

Kudos L.A. County Air Show people... staff and volunteers... for a monumental job done really well!

I checked the Antelope Valley poppy bloom. Good news, somewhat. Not as robust as in previous years but found some fields of poppies blooming.

Seems that most blooms this year are on the valley's eastern edge. Route 138 (Ave. D) between 170th Street W, and 90th Street W south between W. Ave. E to W. Av G. Got it?

Very windy weather is forecast all week for the Antelope Valley which could wreck havoc on the fragile blooms. Remember, poppies remain closed on windy days to protect themselves. Watch weather forecasts for a calm day and GO!

Quickest route: I-5 north to Quail Lake Rd. exit (Hwy. 138). East on 138 to 170th street, go south to Lancaster road towards the Poppy Reserve and just beyond, on the north side, lots of poppies. First timers, check the Poppy Reserve info center. The Reserve reports poppies blooming in the park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627
For more photo ops, head east. Lancaster road becomes Ave I. Check between the area between 120th Street W and 90th Street W between Hwy 138 and Ave G.

Happy photoing.

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

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore.

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore, will stand trial in connection with a fatal 2015 crash. He was arrested by the CHP on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Leon fled the scene of the accident at Old Telegraph and Seventh Street which caused the death of the Santa Paula passenger in the other vehicle, and injuries to the driver. The CHP record shows the car was westbound on Old Telegraph when Leon entered the intersection at 7th Street colliding with it.

Leon is also charged with leaving the scene of the accident and driving with a suspended license due to prior DUI
convictions. Records show that Leon “had two prior DUI-related convictions and had been sentenced for the second one just ten days before the fatal crash.”

Corey Cole

Submitted By Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal

"When we set out to find a new leader for our football program, we wanted someone who shared our values, who had an understanding and appreciation of the community, who showed a true commitment to the overall student-athlete and who believed Fillmore High School Football could return to its past prominence. We found all of that and more in Corey Cole and I know that he will be a perfect fit with the Fillmore Family” said Principal Tom Ito.

Cole, a Fillmore High School graduate, was the Frontier League MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. He represented Fillmore High School as a quarterback in the Ventura County East-West Allstar Football Game. Corey attended Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota) on an athletic scholarship where he started as a quarterback and was voted team captain in 2015. It was during the 2014 and 2015 seasons that Cole suffered season ending injuries but in adversity he found a silver lining as a player-coach for Concordia University.

"I am truly honored and humbled to join the Fillmore Family," said Cole, "and I can't thank Mr. Ito enough for this incredible opportunity. Fillmore High School is a tremendous institution with a history of football success and I know the passion that so many have for the Flashes will help bring the community together to reach even greater heights. I am excited to get started."

"This is a great day for Fillmore High School Football and the beginning of a new chapter in our football program," said Ito “Corey is the right man at the right time to lead us forward and I am confident that his values are our values and that his teams and student-athletes will make Fillmore proud, on and off the field."