Bob Crum

Rich W. asked: Because you continually mention that you thrive on challenges, photography sounds like work. So why should I buy a camera?

Rich, I understand your apprehension. Repeatedly pushing the shutter button is exhausting. Holding the camera to compose the photo is tiresome! It's also mentally taxing to continually concentrate on composition, exposure and focus. That is why I relish the thought of a three-month vacation after every assignment.

An often repeated question deserves addressing. Though some of the explanations of how I captured a particular photo may sound daunting, it's not an overly complicated process. Just vexing at times.

Photography is not unlike any other artistic expression. If the urge is to create watercolor art or an oil painting or illustrate with pastel pencils, how does one become an artist without knowledge of the craft's fundamentals and practice? Won't there be 'challenges'? The quality of any art – including photography - will increase to the degree that you practice and apply what you learn.

Artloft deftly explains the benefits of creating art which I hereby paraphrase and apply to photography. 1) Creating photos stimulates the mind and imagination. It supports the bigger view of life and allows us to be present in the moment. 2) Photography makes you more observant. Creating photos help you learn to “see” by concentrating on detail and paying more attention to your environment. 3) Photography enhances problem-solving skills. Making photos teaches that there is more than one photo perspective. 4) Photography boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment. Visualize your awesome photo on the wall over the sofa! 5) Photography reduces stress. Painting, sculpting, drawing, or photography is a relaxing and rewarding endeavor that can lower your stress levels and lead to an overall improvement in well-being. Ah!

Rich, besides the great benefits presented above, think about fame and fortune shooting African wildlife for National Geographic. How are you going to fulfill your assignment without a camera?

I constantly preach about the importance of ‘composition’. It's never without a multitude of choices which I often alluded to as challenges. For example, there are 'rules' of composition but they aren't absolute. Instead, they serve as guidelines for creating compelling compositions. Besides the so-called rules, there’s a host of items to consider. Image background is important. Depth of field to be considered. Exposure with regard to the mood intended to capture. In the process, goof-ups love to manifest and ruin the potentially awesome shot. Gaffs often blossom when I am totally engaged in the process of capturing a spectacular photo. I don't always chimp (check the LCD screen) after every photo shot so these, um, flubs are not discovered until the image is up on the computer monitor. Spicy language often ensues, followed by robust laughter.

Speaking of flubs, here's a goodie. The photo of the week is of a fabulous custom motor. In addition to the abundance of chrome, capturing the motor properly required careful focus. Additionally, I closed down the aperture to f/22 and positioned myself in exactly the right place to capture the headlight sunstar. See it? Making sure everything was right... composition, exposure, focus... I was certain that pressing the shutter button would result in an exquisite photo. Look closely at the beautiful chrome headlight. What do you see beside the sunstar? Yes, that's me! Ha! (see photo at fillmoregazette.com) Although it's not a publishable photo, it's a valuable reminder to be more vigilant and observant. Although the photo is flawed, the process of creating it was not without enjoyment. Laughs afterward are free! Gotta love photography!

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

[Submitted by ForestWatch]

The Trump Administration is seeking to open nearly 28,000 acres of federal land and mineral estate in the county to fracking and oil drilling, according to an analysis of official GIS data performed by the local nonprofit watchdog organization Los Padres ForestWatch. The areas slated for drilling are part of a regional study – launched earlier this month – evaluating the environmental and public health impacts of fracking across 1.6 million acres in six counties in central California.

The 30-day public comment period ends on September 7.

The study could open several key parcels in Ventura County to drilling and fracking, including the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ilvento Preserve. This 80-acre parcel was the first land acquisition for OVLC, donated by the Ilvento Family in 1997. Located on a ridge near The Thacher School in the east end of Ojai Valley, the Preserve is host to diverse native plant communities and important wildlife corridors. The parcel is open to the public and features breathtaking views of the Ojai and Upper Ojai valleys, Topa Topa Bluffs, and Chief Peak.

A second parcel that could be opened to drilling and fracking is owned by The Thacher School in Ojai. The 40-acre parcel – located between Thacher and Reeves creeks – is on the eastern edge of campus, and the mineral rights below the parcel are owned by the federal government. The parcel contains a popular hiking trail near the school’s Gymkhana Field where students practice their horsemanship skills and participate in annual competitions and races.

A third privately-owned 40-acre parcel is located between Sisar Canyon and Koenigstein Road in Upper Ojai.

These lands are known as “split estate” parcels because the surface owner is different than the holder of the underlying mineral rights. The BLM did not directly notify the surface owners of the public comment period that is currently underway, and many were unaware of it until ForestWatch requested the data from BLM, analyzed it using mapping software, and notified the property owners.

Under federal law, once its study is complete, the BLM can auction off the drilling rights to these parcels for as little as $2.00 per acre, possibly giving oil companies the right to construct roads, oil wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure on these privately-owned parcels.

Other areas in the county that the BLM’s plan opens for drilling and fracking include nearly 1,500 acres of federal public land adjacent to and within one mile of the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as the hub for efforts to reintroduce endangered California condors into the wild. Also opened to drilling and fracking are several parcels between Fillmore and Piru, a scattering of parcels on the ridge separating Lake Casitas from Highway 101 along the coast, several parcels in the hillsides behind the City of Ventura, a small parcel on Boney Mountain in Point Mugu State Park and within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and a few parcels in the Upper Cuyama Valley and near Frazier Mountain in the far northern portion of the county.

“This plan is a direct attack on some of the most iconic landmarks in Ventura County,” said ForestWatch executive director Jeff Kuyper. “Drilling and fracking would irreparably change these places that have been set aside for their outdoor recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and scenic views.”

The BLM plan would also open up to drilling and fracking three properties that comprise the Naval Base Ventura County: the Port Hueneme Naval CBC, the Pt. Mugu Naval Base, and all of San Nicolas Island (one of the eight Channel Islands located offshore Ventura County).

ForestWatch has posted the BLM’s GIS data on an easy-to-use interactive map showing the parcels open for drilling and fracking. Numerous requests from conservation groups prompted BLM to make the information publicly available during the comment period.

The BLM is accepting comments on its study of drilling and fracking until September 7. The public can submit comments to BLM via an easy on-line portal at www.LPFW.org/fracking or directly through the BLM’s website.

“Central California residents are concerned about the impacts of drilling and fracking near our region’s most treasured forests, wildlife refuges, national monuments, nature preserves, and trails,” said Kuyper. “We need to tell the Trump Administration loud and clear that we’re not willing to pollute and industrialize these iconic landscapes.”

Background
On August 8, 2018, the Trump Administration launched a 30-day public comment period on a study of environmental and public health impacts of hydraulic fracking in central California. The move is the first step in a process that will decide whether to allow the controversial oil extraction technique across 1.6 million acres of federal public land and mineral rights in Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and neighboring counties.

Along with the Federal Register notice, the BLM published a blurry map showing which parcels could be opened to drilling and fracking. The poor quality of the map prompted ForestWatch and its partner the Center for Biological Diversity to request access to the GIS parcel data that BLM used to produce the map. The BLM provided that data to us on August 21, nearly two weeks after receiving the requests and halfway into the public comment period.

The drilling and fracking study was prompted by a 2015 lawsuit filed by Los Padres ForestWatch and the Center for Biological Diversity, represented by Earthjustice. The lawsuit alleged that the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) failed to consider the impacts of fracking as part of the BLM’s update of its Resource Management Plan for federal lands within the jurisdiction of the agency’s Bakersfield Field Office.

The groups prevailed in 2016 when a federal court ruled that BLM failed to adequately analyze the impacts of fracking across vast swaths of public land in the region. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, based in Los Angeles, ordered the agency to evaluate those impacts in a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. In a settlement agreement with ForestWatch and the Center, the BLM agreed to not issue any new leases for oil drilling in the region until the supplemental report is complete.

The 30-day comment period begins that process. At the conclusion of the analysis, the BLM may consider amending its management plan to impose additional restrictions on fracking that would apply on some or all of the 1.6 million acres of land currently open for new oil leasing.

The analysis covers 400,000 acres of federal land and an additional 1.2 million acres of federal mineral estate, including thousands of acres adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest, Carrizo Plain National Monument, Hopper Mountain and Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuges, and the Wind Wolves Preserve.

Hydraulic fracturing – commonly known as “fracking” – is a process whereby water, sand, and thousands of gallons of chemical additives are injected underground to break apart rock formations and stimulate the extraction of oil and gas. The technique has come under increasing scrutiny from scientists, regulators, and the public due to concerns with groundwater contamination, surface water pollution, water consumption, and public health. Hundreds of fracking chemicals are known to be toxic to humans and wildlife, and several are known to cause cancer, according to several peer-reviewed studies by scientists and state regulators. A 2015 report from the California Council on Science and Technology highlighted these risks.

A City Proclamation was presented to Martin Hernandez for his decades of service to many Heritage Valley organizations.

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting a City Proclamation was presented to Martin Hernandez by Mayor Manuel Minjares for his decades of service to many organizations in the Heritage Valley.

The Mayor also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Katrionna Furness for promoting sportsmanship and winning 1st Place in the 100 yard backstroke and 3rd Place in the 100 yard freestyle at the 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 4 Swimming Championships, the first in Fillmore Unified School Districts 109 year history.

A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mike and Cindy Blatt for providing support and promoting sportsmanship to the youth in our community as youth coaches and for their part in helping Katrionna Furness in winning the 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 4 Swimming Championship.

The Council approved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 18-893, modifying the City’s fireworks regulations to include a strict liability for homeowners, tenants, or those deemed in control of a property where illegal fireworks are being sold, possessed or used.

Council approved the First Amendment to the Concessionaire agreement amending the term to December 31, 2018 and authorize the Mayor to sign the amendment in a form approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.

Council deliberated the future of the Equestrian Center at length. The discussion centered on the Obringer Concessionaire Agreement. The issue of future management and/or ownership of the Center was continued.

The City Council was requested to approve the Second Amendment to the City’s agreement with City Manager David Rowlands. A one-time payment in lieu of a raise to Mr. Rowlands was agreed to.

The payment would be 4% of his current salary ($184,642.00) in acknowledgment that while all other employees received a 5% step increase this year the City currently has a deficit budget.

Each Council Member gave a thoughtful explanation for the Manager's one-time bonus in lieu of a raise. Each agreed that Mr. Rowlands has done an exceptional job of managing the City's affairs, especially in view of the severe fiscal problems he had to deal with upon taking the job. This action was taken with strong, unanimous agreement among Council Members.

Gabriel Tobias, 36, Fillmore

On August 21, 2018, the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotic Team concluded a month long investigation into the narcotic trafficking activities of Gabriel Tobias with the execution of a search warrant at his residence and his arrest for narcotic violations.

On August 21, 2018, Detectives detained and arrested Tobias at his work site in Ventura while simultaneously executing a signed narcotic search warrant at his residence in Fillmore, California. After a search of the residence, detectives located and seized approximately 13 ounces of methamphetamine as well as related paraphernalia indicative of narcotics sales.

Tobias was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility for possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of sales. He remains in the custody of the Sheriff’s Department with a bail of $55,000.00. His next court appearance is scheduled for 08/27/2018 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 14.

The West County Street Narcotics Team is comprised of narcotic detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxnard Police Department and the Port Hueneme Police Department.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Guy Moody - Ventura County Sheriff’s
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas

City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore is pleased to welcome our new Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards. Krista began working on Monday, July 30th and Sandra started Monday, August 27th.

Mrs. Martinez has experience working with facilities management and recreational programs through the United States Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. As the spouse of an enlisted sailor Krista traveled the world and gained a diverse background in recreation. Her husband was raised in Fillmore and after completing his service they moved to Fillmore to raise their family. Krista is currently working on her Bachelors degree.

Mrs. Edwards grew up in Fillmore and has her Associates of Science in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Ventura Community College. Most recently she was employed as a Programming and Promotions Manager for Ventura County’s largest radio station. She has extensive experience in social media and public/community relations and outreach.

“We found two high caliber individuals who will continue to move the Parks and Recreation Department forward. said David W. Rowlands, City Manager.

For more information on Fillmore, visit www.fillmoreca.com

California Highway Patrol

Saturday morning, August 25th at 9:55am California Highway Patrol received a report that the cab of a semi truck hauling lemons had caught fire on Highway 126 east of Piru. The truck reportedly burned to the ground by the time CHP arrived, traffic in both directions was affected by the fire. Ventura County Fire was able to extinguish the flames and CHP was able to reopen both westbound lanes an one eastbound lane by 11:15am. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Bob Crum

First, I enjoyed a whole weekend of much needed rest & relaxation. No assignments! After walking miles to photograph airplanes, bucking bulls or hurdling pigs my bones ached, my tendons taut. The deep seaweed massage by Mermaid Megan was delightful! Like the yogurt motto: Oui to me time. However, I got bored silly which is eminently and frightfully depressing. Faithful readers know that I thrive on photographic challenges. Even miscues are fantastic learning opportunities. But I digress.

Nikon finally released a pair of mirrorless cameras: Z6, 24.5MP (megapixels) and a Z7, 45.7MP with an ISO range of 64-25,600. Ho hum some say.

Some Nikon aficionados are already decrying the video recording limitations. They wonder why Nikon limits their latest, greatest camera to Ultra HD 4K at 30 frames per second? Shame on the scorners. Perhaps Nikon engineers preferred to design a mirrorless “camera”, not a super camcorder!

But the scorners have a point. Panasonic GH4 owners have been shooting at Nikon's present resolution and frame rate since 2014. “Going further into the video territory,” says David Murphy at PetaPixel, “let’s talk slow motion. Nikon is offering a measly 1080/120p. I’m not saying this won’t give you some buttery smooth slow motion, but again, when my two-year-old Panasonic GH5 can outclass this by giving me a stellar 1080/180p, I just find it hard to be impressed.”

A big misstep in my opinion is Nikon's requirement to use costly Sony QXD memory cards. A 32GB QXD card costs approx $90.00. My 32GB high speed SD cards for my Canon 7D2 cost me $25.00. I have 10 cards. Do the math.

There are some Nikon redeeming attributes: 45.7MP full-frame sensor (if you really need 45.7MP), touchscreen interface, 5-axis IS system (Sony and Olympus have this) and 493-point AF system.

Depending on your lens requirements, perhaps best to wait before rushing to buy either a Z6 or Z7. Remember, you don't merely buy a camera you buy into a “system”. A very important part of the system are lenses. Nikon is releasing only three lenses for their new mirrorless cameras: 24-70mm f/4 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, and 50mm f/1.8 S.

Want the trio of wide-angle, medium zoom and telephoto, you'll have to wait till 2021. If you're a Nikon shooter with Nikon lenses, an adapter will be available soon, says Nikon. But regular readers know that I think adapters are usually problematic. Nothing better than native lenses on a camera sans adapter.

Ready to get into a mirrorless camera system? Go for it! Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony and Panasonic make excellent mirrorless cameras. Again, lens availability should be your priority, not the camera brand. At this time, none have a universal 16-300mm or 18-400mm lens that allows me to shoot a ton of stuff without having to constantly change lenses. Because of lens availability, I continue to shoot with my trusty Canon 7D Mark II camera. For now!

Photo of the week is a BMX stunt rider at the Ventura County Fair. Two riders performed several jumps but I didn't want a ho-hum photo of rider in the air. Even a phonetographer can get that shot. I wanted the rider in the air and in the smoke burst. This didn't come easily. Again, it's about being ready and timing. I think it was the 7th or 8th jump when the photo op materialized. BAM! Got it! Aaaaaah. BTW, I pre-visualized this shot after watching them perform last year. Joy is absolute when visualization manifests. Any wonder why I love photography? Happy photoing!

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