On Saturday, June 3, 2017 four members of the Fillmore Fire Department participated in the Tower to Tower Stair Climb held in Oxnard. They ran 50 floors totaling 1,089 stairs. The run started at the City National Bank tower, and finished at the top of the Morgan Stanley tower. They all successfully completed the activity and the department is very proud of their accomplishment. Picture (l-r) are Brian Evans, Daniel Goguen, Bryan Carreon, Evan Zellmer, and his son James Zellmer. Photo Courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
On Saturday, June 3, 2017 four members of the Fillmore Fire Department participated in the Tower to Tower Stair Climb held in Oxnard. They ran 50 floors totaling 1,089 stairs. The run started at the City National Bank tower, and finished at the top of the Morgan Stanley tower. They all successfully completed the activity and the department is very proud of their accomplishment. Picture (l-r) are Brian Evans, Daniel Goguen, Bryan Carreon, Evan Zellmer, and his son James Zellmer. Photo Courtesy Fillmore Fire Department.
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A motorcycle vs truck took place on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 5:15pm in the 1000 block of Ventura Street (SR126). The motorcycle driver was taken to an area hospital by ambulance with head injuries and a possible broken wrist. No other drivers were injured.
A motorcycle vs truck took place on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 5:15pm in the 1000 block of Ventura Street (SR126). The motorcycle driver was taken to an area hospital by ambulance with head injuries and a possible broken wrist. No other drivers were injured.
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On Thursday, June 4th the Fillmore Fire Department celebrated National Sidewalk CPR day. Fillmore Fire set up in front of Vons from 9:00am to 12:00pm; they had over 70 people participate in Hands-On CPR with the fire crew. Fillmore Fire Department will be offering a CPR Class Monday, June 9th at the Fillmore Fire Station 6pm – 10pm, for $30. Photos Courtesy of Fillmore Fire Department.
On Thursday, June 4th the Fillmore Fire Department celebrated National Sidewalk CPR day. Fillmore Fire set up in front of Vons from 9:00am to 12:00pm; they had over 70 people participate in Hands-On CPR with the fire crew. Fillmore Fire Department will be offering a CPR Class Monday, June 9th at the Fillmore Fire Station 6pm – 10pm, for $30. Photos Courtesy of Fillmore Fire Department.
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Fillmore Rotary Presents Rigo Landeros ‘Service Above Self’ Scholarship. Rotary President-Elect Dave Wareham presented Marisol Gonzalez with the Rigo Landeros ‘Service Above Self’ Scholarship. Marisol is involved in many areas of service including Explorers, mentoring at FHS, and helping with food distribution at One Step A La Vez. Photo Courtesy Martha Richardson.
Fillmore Rotary Presents Rigo Landeros ‘Service Above Self’ Scholarship. Rotary President-Elect Dave Wareham presented Marisol Gonzalez with the Rigo Landeros ‘Service Above Self’ Scholarship. Marisol is involved in many areas of service including Explorers, mentoring at FHS, and helping with food distribution at One Step A La Vez. Photo Courtesy Martha Richardson.
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FHS Robotics Team Visits Fillmore Rotary. Members of the Fillmore High School Robotics Team visited the Fillmore Rotary. They were enthused about this new endeavor which includes design, building and competition.
Photo courtesy Martha Richardson.
FHS Robotics Team Visits Fillmore Rotary. Members of the Fillmore High School Robotics Team visited the Fillmore Rotary. They were enthused about this new endeavor which includes design, building and competition. Photo courtesy Martha Richardson.
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Tuesday night’s Fillmore Unified School District meeting was lively with a new teacher work calendar for school year 2017-2018 the bone of contention between the District and FUTA. Teachers, above wore black as a protest to the ongoing negotiations.
Tuesday night’s Fillmore Unified School District meeting was lively with a new teacher work calendar for school year 2017-2018 the bone of contention between the District and FUTA. Teachers, above wore black as a protest to the ongoing negotiations.
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Tentative Calendar 2017-2018
The District and FUTA have been negotiating a teacher work calendar for school year 2017–2018 for some time. The District will continue those negotiations in good faith and is hopeful of reaching an agreement. If the parties are unable to do so, we will follow the appropriate impasse process to resolve our differences.

In the meantime, because we know that families, students, and employees need to begin to plan for important events in the 2017–2018 school year, the Board took action on June 6, 2017 and has adopted the tentative certificated bargaining unit work calendar. We note that it is subject to change due to a negotiated agreement with FUTA.

May Revise Presentation
The Board received a report on the Governor’s May Revise. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

2017-2018 Proposed Budget, Including Proposition 30 Expenditure Plan
The Board held a Public Hearing and received an update on the 2017-2018 Proposed Budget, Including Proposition 30 Expenditure Plan. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill, and Director of Fiscal Services, Martha Corona

Proposed 2017-2018 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
The Board held a Public Hearing and received a report on the Proposed 2017-2018 LCAP. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

Adoption of Core/Basic Materials
The Board of Trustees approved the adoption of the following textbooks recommended by their respective departments at Fillmore Middle School:
 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt– California Collection, Grade 6 2017 Edition, First Edition
 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt– California Collection, Grade 7 2017 Edition, First Edition
 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt– California Collection, Grade 8 2017 Edition, First Edition

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

 
Photo of the Week by Bob Crum. "Getting lost in the Alabama Hills" Photo data: ISO 320, Canon 15-85 lens @32mm, f/11, 1/350 seconds.
Photo of the Week by Bob Crum. "Getting lost in the Alabama Hills" Photo data: ISO 320, Canon 15-85 lens @32mm, f/11, 1/350 seconds.
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NIK software alert!

In the old days, centuries ago, no sooner had we shot a roll of film than we excitedly put it in the developer tank. Afterward we eagerly put the film in the enlarger to expose photo paper. Holding our breath (sometimes because of the developer fumes), we slid the exposed photo paper into the developer. Than the fixer. Always a thrill to see the image slowly appear.

Digital photography drastically changed all that. No more stinky chemicals that would make my hair kinky, ears wiggle and toes curl. The workflow has also changed tremendously and now much easier to be creative.

Most of today's digital cameras produce both jpegs and RAW files. Jpegs are RAW files processed by the camera's computer and compressed... in the process discarding a large percentage of image data. Jpegs at 72ppi (pixels per inch) are fine for the Internet but limit editing possibilities. Note that what the camera discards you can't enhance afterward.

Conversely, a RAW file is data direct from the sensor unmanipulated by the camera's computer. As such, a RAW file is not an image until it's processed. Many programs are available to convert a RAW file such as Camera Raw in Photoshop (PS) & Lightroom (LR).

Photoshop is a powerful editing program but I seldom use it. I don't have time nor need to do masking, play with multiple layers, or 'liquify' anything... except gold bullion now and then. Deadlines loom large! I need a fast, yet effective RAW file converting/editing workflow.

On assignment, there are no do overs. It's get the shot or cry. As I run and gun there's no time to adjust camera settings for perfect exposure. Using a RAW image file, as long as the exposure is reasonably good, I can make reasonable corrections using LR.

A distinctive advantage of LR is that it's a non-destructive processor/editor. It does not affect pixels directly. It simply edits the file tags. Click the reset button at any time and I'm back to the original file to work on anew.

After LR, I export the processed file as a tiff image to Adobe Photoshop Elements. Elements is a great baby PS program which is arguably the most underrated program on the market IMO. More importantly, within Elements I have NIK plugins. NIK plugins are a photojournalists salvation by providing an easy and powerful range of photo editing capabilities.

About 5 years ago, Google bought NIK. However, Google just announced that they are no longer going to support NIK. This means no upgrades going forward.Hence the alert. One wonders why Google would abandon such a Godsend to a gazillion photographers... enthusiasts and pros alike?

If you have a modicum of interest in photography and don't have NIK, I encourage you to go and download the FREE Collection and burn it onto two CDs or hard drives. Learn it, use it, and you will love it!

The plugins are at https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Note some limitations. Google claims NIK will only run on Windows Vista, 7 and 8. No mention that it will run on 10 but not sure why not. I'm still happily running Windows 7 Pro. Also, NIK will not run in PS Elements above 13 which is why I'm using them in Elements 11. MAC users, OS X 10.7.5 through 10.10 is OK.

Note that both Lightroom 6 and Photoshop Elements do not require an Adobe monthly subscription. Both are available as standalone programs. Look on eBay. BTW, send me an email if you're interested in a photo editing workflow workshop?

Happy photoing.

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

 
U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Isaac Gomez
U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Isaac Gomez

U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Isaac Gomez son of Letica Gomez, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on May 26, 2017 and was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. 2nd Lt. Gomez successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in International Relations. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, 2nd Lt. Gomez completed a four-year, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic program, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps, is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills. Following graduation, 2nd Lt. Gomez has been assigned to Marine Corp Basic Officer School in Quantico, Virginia where he will continue training in a Ground Specialty and then proceed to duty station where he will begin service with U.S. Marine Corps.

Considered one of the top educational institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and has graduated more than 60,000 men and women as Naval and Marine Corps Officers. Its graduates include 4,000 Admirals and Generals, one President, 200 members of Congress, three Governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner, and 40 Astronauts.

The Naval Academy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen and who come from every state in the union.

2nd Lt. Gomez is a 2013 graduate of Fillmore High School.

 
Fillmore Volunteer Fireman Christopher Connolly awarded State Employee Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy California State Parks.
Fillmore Volunteer Fireman Christopher Connolly awarded State Employee Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy California State Parks.

Governor Brown Tuesday awarded a Ventura lifeguard a State Employee Medal of Valor for a December 2015 rescue in the ocean off Faria Beach.

It was during one of the biggest El Nino driven surf events with 15-20 foot waves along a rocky shoreline.

California State Lifeguard Christopher Connolly "rescued a tiring surfer under the difficult conditions and at great peril to himself" according to the citation from the Governor's office.

It reads, "Lifeguard Connolly entered the water without hesitation. He swam to the victim, secured him to a life buoy, then fought wave sets while seeking a safe spot to exit the surf. Connolly traveled more than 3/4 of a mile in a swift current while attempts by first responders to reach the pair from shore failed. Connolly held the victim close for protection and talked the surfer through the ordeal. Eventually, Lifeguard Connolly was able to reach a sandy beach with his rescuee who was exhausted, but unhurt. Without the actions of Connolly, the surfer likely would have been lost to the pounding surf. Veteran State Parks lifeguards called Connolly’s efforts one of the most demanding and dynamic rescues ever witnessed."

Connolly, 44, is a seasonal lifeguard with California State Parks and has worked as a lifeguard for 16 years.

He is also a Spanish instructor at Ventura College and a volunteer with the Fillmore Fire Department, according to the Governor's Office.

 
The Bardsdale Memorial Service took place on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Bardsdale Cemetery. About 100 people showed up to honor those who gave their lives for our country. The day’s schedule was as follows:
Fly-Over, Missing Man Formation performed by the 805th Navion Squadron. Opening remarks were delivered by Scott Lee, President/Board of Trustees Bardsdale Cemetery. Presentation of colors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Fillmore Post 9637, Tom Ivey and Ismael Alonzo. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Boy Scot Troop #406, and Cub Scout Troop #3400. Special Music was performed by Bardsdale Methodist Youth Choir (see page 12), and Cub Scout Pack 3400. The Memorial Day Message was presented by Richard Diaz, Veteran and member of Board of Trustees Bardsdale Cemetery. Placing of the wreath by Tom Ivey. The Memorial Service was lead by Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church. Reading of Names of Those Who Died in the Service of Our Country by Jim Rogers. Volley by Honor Guard VFW. Taps by Bob Thompson. Conclusion of Service, release of doves courtesy Garcia Mortuary. Thank you to the Boys Scouts and Bardsdale 4h for placing and removing flags and Chapter GY EO for furnishing cookies. Photos by Bob Crum.
The Bardsdale Memorial Service took place on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Bardsdale Cemetery. About 100 people showed up to honor those who gave their lives for our country. The day’s schedule was as follows: Fly-Over, Missing Man Formation performed by the 805th Navion Squadron. Opening remarks were delivered by Scott Lee, President/Board of Trustees Bardsdale Cemetery. Presentation of colors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Fillmore Post 9637, Tom Ivey and Ismael Alonzo. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Boy Scot Troop #406, and Cub Scout Troop #3400. Special Music was performed by Bardsdale Methodist Youth Choir (see page 12), and Cub Scout Pack 3400. The Memorial Day Message was presented by Richard Diaz, Veteran and member of Board of Trustees Bardsdale Cemetery. Placing of the wreath by Tom Ivey. The Memorial Service was lead by Rev. Bob Hammond, St. Stephens Anglican Church. Reading of Names of Those Who Died in the Service of Our Country by Jim Rogers. Volley by Honor Guard VFW. Taps by Bob Thompson. Conclusion of Service, release of doves courtesy Garcia Mortuary. Thank you to the Boys Scouts and Bardsdale 4h for placing and removing flags and Chapter GY EO for furnishing cookies. Photos by Bob Crum.
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Jesus Ballesteros - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
Jesus Ballesteros - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Viviana Ceja - FHS Alumni Scholar
Viviana Ceja - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Jessica Cobb - FHS Alumni Gloria McKitchens Music Scholar
Jessica Cobb - FHS Alumni Gloria McKitchens Music Scholar
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Colton Farrar - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
Colton Farrar - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
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Dillon Galarza - FHS Alumni Scholar
Dillon Galarza - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Onofre Jauregui - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
Onofre Jauregui - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Reylene Martinez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
Reylene Martinez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Janet Mendez - FHS Alumni Scholar
Janet Mendez - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Luke Myers - Steve and Patricia Baum Science Scholar
Luke Myers - Steve and Patricia Baum Science Scholar
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Connie Quintana - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
Connie Quintana - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
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Aviana Ramirez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
Aviana Ramirez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Marilyn Sandoval - FHS Alumni William Brisby Scholar
Marilyn Sandoval - FHS Alumni William Brisby Scholar
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Sarah Stewart - FHS Alumni Scholar
Sarah Stewart - FHS Alumni Scholar
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George Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
George Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Roman Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
Roman Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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The Officers and Board of Directors of the Fillmore High Alumni Association is proud to announce awarding a total of $54,000 dollars to this years Alumni Scholarship winners. The Fillmore High Alumni Association's Scholarships are funded by proud FHS Alumni Association Members and anyone who donates to the Scholarship Fund. Donations to the Scholarship Fund also come in the form of Memorial's of Alumni members who are no longer with us, but will never be forgotten. We thank everyone for their contributions.

The 2017 Alumni Scholars will be introduced at the 104th FHS Alumni Dinner on June 10th. There are still open reservations available. You can purchase your reservation at Patterson Hardware store up to and including June 7th. You may also purchase your reservations online by visiting www.fillmorehighalumni.com an clicking on the Events link. This online reservation can be purchased up to and including June 7th. After June 7th, all dinner reservations must be purchased at the door on the night of the event at the door price of $45 dollars per person.

Lot's of surprises are planned at this years Alumni Dinner! Hope to see you all there!