Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today the first confirmed illnesses in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The four illnesses occurred in Los Angeles, Kern and Riverside Counties.

“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.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. As of June 8, 2018, WNV has been detected in 14 dead birds from seven counties and four mosquito samples from three counties. Hot temperatures this month are contributing to increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the increased risk of virus transmission to humans. So far this season, activity is within expected levels. The risk of disease due to WNV usually increases at this time of year and is highest throughout the summer and early fall.

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 WNV immunity in birds. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. In 2017, there were 553 reported WNV cases in California, including 44 deaths.

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 from WNV infection.

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 that transmit WNV 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.
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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

Deputy Veronica Stone

Former Fillmore Gazette employee Veronica Stone has successfully completed her 6-month training at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Center. Her graduation Ceremony was held in March of this year. She is now a deputy of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Congratulations Veronica!

Veronica Stone, born October 11 1990 in Bellfower California and 2nd child of 3, came to Fillmore in year 2000. She graduated
from Fillmore high school did cheerleading. Worked as a teller at union bank, has 2 Children, Sara 6 years old and Jackson
3. In July, Veronica’s mother provided the following details.

“Before moving to Fillmore we lived in North Hollywood where she attended magnet middle school just can’t remember the name of it, so academically she has always done well, perfect attendance. Jumping to the Academy, it was 6 long grueling months especially, because the baby got croup during first part of it which caused her to miss 1 day of class, and in the Academy it’s not acceptable to miss any days.”

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Local Fillmore golfer Joey Herrera was voted 2018 Ventura College Male Athlete of the Year Award. The award was presented at the 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Ventura College Athletics which was held May 20th at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Joey accomplished many things during his two years of playing golf for the Ventura College Pirates under Coach Chad Wright including; 2017/2018 All Western State Conference, 2017/2018 All Southern California, 2017 All State Honors & Runner Up State Champion, 2017 Western State Conference MVP, 2017/2018 Eight First Place finishes, and maybe his most proud accomplishment the 2017/2018 Western State Conference Scholar Athlete with an average 3.7 GPA. Joey has signed a letter of intent to play golf for the Division II California State East Bay Pioneers, where he hopes to help the team to a NCAA Division
II National Championship.

On May 16th, 2018, Soroptimist International of Fillmore celebrated 60 years of service to the community! The celebration was held at the La Fondita Restaurant in the City of Fillmore. Many Soroptimists were in attendance, including Camino Real Region Governor Ginger Cole, Governor Elect Ana Marie LeNoue, District Director I Sharon Jones, S.I. Fillmore President Jane David, and S.I. Fillmore member Ari Larson.

The welcome was presented by President Jane that reflected on Fillmore’s past accomplishments. In the past, Fillmore held a Family Fishing Derby. The fishing derby still provides funding to donate to our high school seniors in the form of scholarships. Presently, the Club has an annual Fashion Show. The proceeds of the Show help support the Dream Programs of S.I.A.

The inspirational and energetic keynote speaker for the evening was Governor Elect Ana Marie LeNoue. She spoke about S.I.A.’s Dream Programs. She was very informative and captured our attention.

S.I. Fillmore is inspired by our past, and encouraged for our future!! Congratulations S.I. Fillmore!!

For more information on Soroptimist International of Fillmore please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590 or email: petenari55@hotmail.com

The following actions were taken at Tuesday's regular City Council meeting:

The Fillmore High School varsity baseball team was presented with certificates in recognition of becoming CIF champions for 2018.

Contract services agreement for 2018-19 with Engineering Consultant Services, David Burkhart was approved.

Adoption of City Resolution 18-3654 - Appropriations Limit for 2018 was approved.

Citizen's Option For Public Safety Funding FY 2018-19 was approved.

The Planning Commission recommended, and Council approved, that City Council take the following action:

• Adopt and approve first reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-02, amending Chapter 6.04.58 of the Fillmore Municipal Code Pertaining to Temporary Use Permits, to allow “Pop-up” Businesses and Finding of an Exemption from CEQA.

A Public Hearing: on recommendation to remove outdated references in common area infrastructure implementation and FEES (CAIF) and finding exemption from CEQA The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council take the following action:
8-I Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Open the public hearing, receive a staff presentation, invite and consider public testimony, close the public hearing, discuss the matter and adopt Resolution 18-3657 upholding the recommendation of the Planning Commission and denying the Proposed Project.

Bob Crum

There is no better time for all phonetographers – you know who you are – to park your cell phone in your pocket and get serious about 'real' photography. The technology of present-day cameras is so good that they are capable of producing amazingly good photos. Dare I say better than cell phone photos?

Briefly, price mainly reflects features. More expensive cameras feature faster processors, more focus points, auto bracketing, etc. Obviously the more expensive equipment, the higher the resolution and better overall quality. But not necessarily a better photograph! So, if you don't intend to shoot HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography or need high speed burst mode no need to waste money on a camera with features you won't use.

But instead of discussing cameras specifically, the following is intended to provide justification for buying any camera if you don't own one. Or about becoming a 'photographer' sans snapshots if you own a camera.

Creativity is the magic ingredient of 'wow' photos. It's the essential element for taking a simple superficial cell phone 'snapshot' to an artistically-rendered photograph. That is not hyperbole!

As previously said, technical know-how is not complicated. Just make 50,000 photos and you will have mastered the technical aspects of photography. Take heart. Simply shoot consistently for only a few months and you will understand the holy trinity of exposure: Shutter speed, aperture and ISO. But technical proficiency alone does not make a ‘wow’ photo. Creativity is paramount regardless of the camera!

The good news is everybody has the potential to be creative but too many fear disapproval or failure. To paraphrase photographer Barbara Bender: “Creativity can only flourish in an atmosphere of experimentation, risk taking, playfulness, curiosity and a sense of adventure. It is only possible when the excellence of the final product is irrelevant.”

The notion that 'technical' excellence of the photo being irrelevant is important because it frees you to photograph whatever inspires you without regard to any judgment afterward by others. Inhibition, more than lacking technical skills,thwarts creativity. Remember, art is subjective so put aside all fears of feeling foolish, grab your camera and just photograph what you want and how you want. That's what I do with wild abandon and love it!

Photographer Ming Thein describes creating compositions “as the practice of arranging elements in your frame into an aesthetically pleasing way, and a way that draws attention to your primary subject. It's moving away from the technical into the artistic. There is a “right” exposure and point of focus, but there’s no “right” composition — only compositions that looks right, and those that don’t.”

Obviously photography is an artistic endeavor not merely a mechanical process. As such, there is no right or wrong way to produce noteworthy photos. It's about expressing oneself, without judgment. More importantly, isn't doing something creative the spice of life? Furthermore, photography is fun and it's true that doing anything that brings joy reduces stress which therefore improves our quality of life. What more motivation do you need to engage with the world through photography?

The photo of the week, a joyful girl and her proud father, is an example of patience... and timing. With the camera to my eye, I patiently waited for a magic moment. Timing is about being ready to instantly capture the unexpected. At the exact moment I saw the girl reach out to touch her father's hand I pressed the shutter release button and wrote the touching story using a visual language: Photography. Justification indeed!

Happy photoing.

Send comments, suggestions and/or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

At Tuesday night’s meeting the Fillmore School Board recognized classified, certified and management retirees of the Fillmore Unified school District for their years of service.
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Recognition to Classified, Certificated and Management Retirements

The Governing Board recognized FUSD staff retiring during the 2017-2018 school year. Congratulations to our dedicated staff for their years of service.

Approve Resolution Number 17-18-21 Commending CIF SS Individual Swimming Champion

Board approved Resolution 17-18-21 and congratulated FHS Swimmer, Katrionna Furness, and Coaches Mike and Cindy Blatt.

Proposed 2018-2019 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and 2018-2019 Proposed Budget, Including Proposition 30 Expenditure Plan.

Presentations to the Governing Board regarding LCAP by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis and the Budget by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve Resolution 17-18-23 for Award of Contract under Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures

The Board awarded the contract to Cal Pacific Roofing, Inc. for FHS Buildings 2 and 3– West Wing (Rooms 58-61 and 62-65)

Personnel Recommendations

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