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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 28th, 2018
County Failed to Require Pipeline Shutdown Following Flood Warnings
The following is a press release regarding Ventura County’s failure to enforce pipeline shutdown following flood warnings, putting municipal water supplies and downstream communities at risk. Courtesy Rebecca August, Los Padres ForestWatch The Ventura County Planning Division failed to issue a required shut-down order for the Santa Paula Canyon oilfield following flash flood warnings issued for the area last month. The complaint follows new warnings from the U.S. Forest Service of increased flooding risk over the next several years following December’s Thomas Fire, which burned about 440 square miles, including parts of the Los Padres National Forest immediately adjacent to the oilfield. “We’re shocked and disappointed that Ventura County officials and the oil company failed to temporarily shut down this oilfield when the surrounding hills were barren from a recent wildfire and flash flooding was predicted,” said Rebecca August, Los Padres ForestWatch public lands advocate. “We hope the county takes our complaint seriously and uses an abundance of caution when rain is predicted in the area. The health of our environment and communities is at stake.” In approving the permit in 2015, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors required the operator of the field, at that time California Resources Corp., to temporarily shut down its 200-foot oil pipeline across Santa Paula Creek when flood warnings are issued. The current operator, Carbon California, took over the field last year and failed to comply with this permit requirement. The creek is a municipal and agricultural water supply for Ventura County, as well as critical habitat for endangered southern steelhead. The company also is required to submit a report identifying any structural damage from flooding and corrective measures taken. These are among several conditions the board approved in response to public concerns about safety when it granted the permit in 2015. In a recent report, the Forest Service said areas burned by the Thomas Fire, including the Carbon California oil-and-gas field, are at high risk of increased flooding and debris flow until vegetation in the upper watershed is reestablished over the next decade. “Modeling has estimated flows to increase 2.2 times that of normal flows,” the Forest Service recently concluded in its Burned Area Emergency Response report summarizing the hydrologic conditions in the Thomas Fire burn area. “Overall, Santa Paula Creek will likely experience a pronounced increase in sediment and higher peak flows. Houses, roads and other infrastructure in and near the creek are at increased risk and should be assessed in detail for post-fire risks.” Today’s complaint points out that Ventura County officials put public health and environmental safety at risk by failing to require Carbon California to follow basic safety procedures. The complaint also notes that the oil company failed to submit a required fire protection plan to the Ventura County Fire Protection Bureau. With no plan in place, it is unclear what actions the company took after the Thomas Fire burned through the facility on Dec. 7, 2017. In addition, the complaint points out that the oil company failed to submit an incident report to the Ventura County Planning Division following the fire and the storms that followed in January. “Ventura County is responsible for protecting Santa Paula Creek and communities downstream from these oilfields,” said Ileene Anderson, a biologist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The county needs to enforce its own safety requirements. Officials dropped the ball after the Thomas Fire by failing to initiate safety measures to protect people and wildlife in harm’s way.” “The evidence available with this complaint demonstrates gaps in enforcement of permit conditions when it comes to oil and gas activities in Ventura County, not all operators always comply. The public relies on the county to provide vigorous oversight,” said Kimberly Rivers, executive director of Citizens For Responsible Oil & Gas. “The Planning Division must do a better job of holding the oil industry accountable and enforcing the terms of their permits.” About Los Padres ForestWatch The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. Citizens For Responsible Oil and Gas — CFROG — is a Ventura County-based nonprofit watchdog organization that defends local communities and wild places from the impacts of oil and gas extraction. |
 Photo of the week "The Hawaiian Chieftain nonchalantly sailing along the Santa Barbara Channel off the North Ventura Coast." by Bob Crum. Photo data: Manual mode, ISO 400, Tamron 16-300mm lens @44mm, f/11, 1/250 second shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 28th, 2018
Misty-eyed again
 Bob Crum As I go from one photo adventure to another, I delight in acknowledging the role that serendipitous weather plays in my behalf. Many of my most fortuitous photos are the result of a kind and considerate Mother Nature. For this I am forever grateful. However, it behooves me to do my part. Meticulous planning included researching weather reports. We all know about the accuracy of weather reports... right? Anyway, given light winds and calm seas predicted, and not having any scheduling conflicts, I had the good sense to take advantage of glorious weather that weekend. Good thing considering last weekend's blustery weather! I was at the Ventura Harbor Village again the past weekend for a photo shoot of a different nature. More in a moment. Didn't know the speed but the wind was howling. The ocean was riled and cantankerous. Many moons ago, as a captain of a sport fishing vessel out of Port Everglades, FL, I encountered such frothy oceans. Foregoing better judgment, on a rollicking boat I sometimes ventured forth. Forget photoing anything when just standing vertical is a challenge. Imagine trying to photograph a canon battle between two tall ships on a riled ocean? But I digress. Last weekend I was commissioned to photograph a yacht for sale by the owner at the harbor. The weather was not photographic friendly. The wind that riled the seas also created so much mist that my mist-negating filter was negated. Thankfully, the shoot was postponed. Incidentally, I have the only mist-negating filter in the world. Back at the dock, I learned that the Chieftain endured an 'accident'. The end of the bowsprit was broken off. Curious, I endeavored to find out what happened. No one on board the Chieftain dared talk about it. MUM! One volunteered: Call headquarters! On a high note, the Ventura Harbor Village is never without photo ops. Last Sunday was no exception. For example, a small abandoned boat was tied to a dock cleat. Something of special interest attracted many seagulls and a curious pelican. The commotion was also a photo op! Eventually all the birds departed. Upon the boat owner arriving with his son I asked what in the boat would attract a flock of gulls and a pelican? Birds, he asked? A quick look around and he proclaimed: They ate all my son's peanuts and cheese crackers”! The gall of those dastardly gulls! Quick mention: If you ever need a weekend excuse to get out the of house, visit the Ventura Harbor Village. Think fun events, music and wildlife. I also think great food and photo ops. Photo of the week is a favorite of the Hawaiian Chieftain I made from the Lady Washington the weekend before last. I watched her as the enticing image formed in my mind. Will it manifest? It did! A magnificent, colorful tall ship, with full sails, passing in front of the fabulous north Ventura coastline. Click! Done! Awesome! Happy photoing. Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
 Tuesday, February 20th at Fillmore City Hall Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors held a meeting where they voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
The Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal, and to send a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, stating their position. Director Glen Pace recused himself because he represents the Piru Pumpers, but he also spoke in support of the board opposing the exemption. The GSA board received at least 60 emails from residents in Fillmore and across Ventura County, urging them to protect Fillmore’s water by opposing the exemption, and drafting a letter, like the City of Fillmore’s, to the State Water Resources Control Board. About 30 Fillmore residents attended the meeting. Most everyone in the room stood when asked if they opposed the exemption, and several made public comments to that effect, as did CFROG, Keep Sespe Wild and Los Padres ForestWatch, who were there at the invitation of Fillmore residents. One individual spoke in favor of exempting the Sespe aquifer from Clean Drinking Water protection, a representative from Seneca Resources. Courtesy Rebecca August, Public Lands Advocate • Los Padres ForestWatch |
 At last night’s school board meeting the Board covered multiple topics concerning state testing, school safety plans for all FUSD schools and more. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Fillmore Unified School District Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) Fall 2017 Results Approve 2017-2018 Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all Fillmore USD Schools Approve Resolution Number 17-18-11 to Adopt a Developer Fee Justification Study for the District and an Increase in the Statutory School Facility Fee (Level I Fee) on New Residential and Commercial/Industrial Developments Award Bid for Metal Roof Restoration at District Office Room 17 and Sierra High School Rooms 3, 4, and 7 Personnel Recommendations |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Old Glory, in front of the Fillmore Police Station, flies at half-mast in honor of the 17 victims of the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The school shooting is one of the deadliest in modern American history. Enlarge Photo |
 On Wednesday, February 21st the Fillmore Library held a community meeting to discuss the planned expansion project. They reviewed the goals of the expansion and funding for the project, as well how the community can help. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
On Wednesday, February 21st 7pm at the Fillmore Library, 502 Second St., Fillmore a community meeting was held to discuss the expansion project for the Fillmore Library. They discussed the goals of the overall project as well as ways the community can help. The expansion plan is to add 2,200 square feet to the library, which is currently 2,900 square feet. The project is expected to cost between $1.3 million and $1.5 million. A portion of the budget will come from the Lucille Wigley estate, a Fillmore resident who passed away in 1995 and left $425,000 to the county library system, to be used for the Fillmore’s library. The City of Fillmore will also contribute to the project by using fees paid by developers that could total $200,000 or more. They expect the fundraising to take around two years, and the expansion to start in 2020. Project goals include: Project partners include: the City of Fillmore, Ventura County Library Foundation, and Friends of the Fillmore Library. Fillmore Library is located at 502 Second St., Fillmore, CA 93015. Hours of service are Mondays and Tuesdays 2pm – 7pm; Wednesdays 10am – 5pm; Thursdays through Saturdays 12pm – 5pm. Ventura County Library: Inspiring our community to explore, discover, and connect. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Pictured is Rotary member Renee Swenson with Police Chief Dave Wareham after her presentation to the club. The ReGen Haus is phase 1 of her new adventure and is a yoga and movement studio which also includes dance, and health and fitness classes. Phase 2 of her adventure will be to open a Vintage Shop including antiques and crafts by local artisans. Phase 3 will be to add a coffee house meeting place with games etc. The ReGen Haus Yoga and Movement Studio can be found at 448 Santa Clara Street. Courtesy Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Fillmore’s new Ventura County Fire Station on the corner of River and C Streets, which began this past summer, is still a work in progress. Crews are seen daily working hard outside and inside the building. Every week there seems to be more progress being made. Enlarge Photo |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
In 1978, the first test tube baby was born, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted, and Fillmore High produced a great group of seniors as they began their journey in life marching through the Shasta Daisy arches at graduation. It's been 40 years since that day, and they are ready to celebrate their 40 year class reunion at the 2018 FHS Alumni Dinner on June 9th. The Alumni Association will have a special area just for their class to have their reunion at the Dinner. By having their reunion at the dinner, they will not only be able to see each other, but they will also be able to reunite with friends from other classes. We hope many alumni make it to this year’s 105th Annual Alumni Dinner & Dance. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so get your reservations in early! It's the event of the year in Fillmore and the great class of 1978 will not be left behind. Calling all FHS Alumni to the 105th Alumni Dinner. Reservations are available online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2018/1/15/105th-annual-fillmore-high-a... |
 Photo of the week "Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain firing canon donut at the Lady Washington" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm with circular polarizer, f/22, shutter speed 1/250 second. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
Tall ships a tall order
Bob Crum In years past, I intended to sail on a tall ship. Didn't happen for various reasons. Upon hearing the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington were in port, again the sea beckoned. I answered with a boarding pass to make intention become reality. Rrrrrr mate! Greeted at the dock by none other than the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. Capt. Jack was accompanied by several pirate fiends...er…friends. One might have thought it was a Key West Mallory Square party with mateys singing the Disney song A Pirate's Life for Me - Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me. At 2PM on weekends, the two ships set sail and engage each other in a mock cannon battle. My boarding pass was for the Saturday sailing on the Lady Washington. I preferred the Lady Washington because the Hawaiian Chieftain looked the more photogenic of the two ships. Photo ops were replete but proved challenging. Ships are in constant motion... rocking to and fro. I wish I had my camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. My body could have made good use of a stabilizing gimbal... or a flask of rum. As I write this I'm still rocking to and fro... without rum! It wasn't just the constant motion that proved problematic, every which way I turned to capture a photo, there were ropes... oops... lines. Also had to deal with 42 other passengers. Worse, the center of the ship where the cannons sat was off limits. Crowding passengers to the fore and aft decks limited the already scarce space on the gunwales. But you know I'll find a way... even if it means pulling rank. Out of my WAY mateys... press here! Nah. Instead, I just pushed overboard those that dared to get in the way of my shot! On the way to the battle ground, staff led passengers singing sea shanties. Sea shanties are work songs that were used on sailing ships. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines. Laid end to end, Lady Washington’s 156 lines of running rigging would extend three miles. Hoisting the sails is quite a feat. Afterward, no in-boom furling the mainsails or jib on this ship. Up the masts like monkeys go crew members to secure the sheets. Tally-ho mates! Watching the Lady Washington crew pull the lines to raise the sails confirmed my suspicion that I might have made a great pirate... as the ship's captain. Hauling lines is too much work. Photographically speaking, multiple issues. Besides constant motion of the boat affecting my vertical stability, 'twas a bright sunny day. To deal with glare on the water, I installed a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Unfortunately not the total solution. Remember, polarizing filters work most effectively when 45° angle from the sun. The Lady Washington's captain forgot about that as the two ships positioned for battle. C'est la vie. Challenges aside, it was an exciting and fun-filled three hours aboard the Lady Washington as its cannons blasted holes in the Hawaiian Chieftain. Of course Lady Washington took few hits--fortunately all above the water line. Escaping the battle unscathed was a relief. Returning to port, delighted to see Mermaid Lucy basking on the sea buoy! Muah! So many photos to choose from!!! The Photo of the Week is the Hawaiian Chieftain firing a rare canon doughnut at the Lady Washington. Boom!!! The two tall ships are docked at the Ventura Harbor Village through March 5, 2018. Their schedule is here... http://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/ven... Happy photoing. Send comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |