Norberto Limon

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the Santa Paula Police Detective Unit and Canine Unit executed a Federal Search and Arrest warrant for suspect Norberto Limon. The arrest was the culmination of a narcotics investigation that lasted several months. Santa Paula detectives and FBI agents conducted numerous surveillance and ‘buy’ operations which led to the arrest of Limon.

“Anytime we can take a serious drug dealer of the streets, it’s a good day. We want to send the message that if you’re doing anything illegal in the City of Santa Paula, we will show up on your doorsteps like we did to Mr. Limon this morning. This is not a matter of if, but when,” said Police Chief Steve McLean.

The warrant was executed at Limon's residence located in the City of Fillmore. Limon was located at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Several other occupants were briefly detained however, were found not to be involved and released at the scene. Limon was taken into federal custody on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.

Officer Preparing Press Release:
Detective Dan McCarthy # 1115
Approved by: Commander Scott Varner #1022, Assistant City Manager, Ikani Taumoepeau

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two Fillmore juveniles were arrested Friday afternoon, July 27th, after deputies and investigators determined they were responsible for stealing two vehicles and for rummaging through unlocked vehicles on the west side of Fillmore during the overnight hours.

On the morning of July 27th, 2018, Fillmore deputies responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 400 Block of Mockingbird Lane, where they learned the victim’s pickup was stolen from the street in front of the home. Over the next few hours, deputies also responded to multiple thefts from vehicles parked near the mid-block of Wileman Street and an additional stolen vehicle in the 1000 block of First Street. All of these locations are situated within a few blocks of one another. Both stolen vehicles were recovered near the initial crime locations and returned to their owners.

Deputies and detectives suspected a male juvenile from Fillmore who had previously been arrested for engaging in theft-related crimes in Fillmore. Throughout the day, Fillmore deputies and investigators followed up on several leads and eventually arrested two sixteen-year old male juveniles for the crimes, including the one mentioned above. Both juveniles were lodged at Juvenile Hall.

The Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Office continue to remind residents not to leave ignition keys inside their cars. The city of Fillmore has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles reported this year, and most of the vehicles that were stolen had ignition keys left inside the unlocked vehicles, making them an easy target for thieves. Another common tactic among thieves is to walk the streets in the overnight hours checking for unlocked vehicles from which they can steal. In this instance, the juveniles were observed on surveillance video in the area checking cars parked on the streets for unlocked doors. The juveniles bypassed cars with locked doors, but rummaged through those whose doors were unlocked. Fillmore residents are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles and to lock their vehicle doors when leaving vehicles unattended.

Prepared by: Detective Danielle Delpit
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Cal Fire

Today, nearly 13,000 firefighters are on the lines of 16 large wildfires burning across California. To date, these fires have burned over 320,000 acres and damaged or destroyed over 1,600 structures. 17,000 homes continue to be threatened by these fires, and more than 32,000 residents have been evacuated. The Carr Fire is now the 6th most destructive fire in state history surpassing the 2017 Nuns Fire in Sonoma County. California has received resources from over 16 states.

Cooling temperatures will bring some relief, but winds will increase fire danger in several areas of California. In Northern California, humidity will continue to remain in the single digits with little to no overnight recovery. Winds may pick up today increasing to 20-30 mph. Southern California could see rain in the Riverside and San Diego areas, but temperatures will continue to reach 90 and even triple digits. Humidity will be low in many areas of Southern California reaching as low as 8 to 15% in the afternoons.

You’ve taken steps to keep your family and home fire safe. Don’t forget your pets and livestock. With some advanced planning, you can increase their chances of surviving a wildland fire. Plan for both your small and large pets by visiting our animal evacuation webpage, click here.

Fires of Interest:

Carr Fire, Shasta County (more info…)
Whiskeytown & Redding
• 115,538 acres, 35% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place
• 15,000 residents evacuated, over 2,500 homes threatened
• 1,018 residences destroyed, 181 residences damaged
• Carr is now the 6th most destructive fire and 13th most deadly fire in state history
• Damage assessment is ongoing
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Gouvea) in unified command with Whiskeytown NP (Young)

Mendocino Complex, Mendocino/Lake County
• 90,912 total acres, 24% contained
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Kavanaugh) in command
• 10 residences destroyed, 2 residences damaged
• 14,600 residents evacuated, over 12,000 structures threatened

River Fire (more info…)
Hopland
• 31,898 acres, 38% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ranch Fire (more info…)
Ukiah
• 59,014 acres, 15% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in place

Ferguson Fire, Mariposa County (more info…)
Yosemite National Park
• 62,883 acres, 39% contained
• Over 2,800 structures threatened
• Evacuations and road closures in effect
• California Federal Incident Management Team 4 (Kurth) assigned in unified command with CAL FIRE

Steele Fire, Napa County (more info…)
Capell
• 135 acres, 96% contained
• Eight structures destroyed, four damaged

Corner Fire, Shasta County
Hwy 299 E x Hwy 89, 8 mi E of Burney
State DPA, SRA, Shasta - Trinity Unit/ County
• 35 acres, brush, timber, 95% contained

Rock Fire, San Diego County **FINAL**
Fallbrook
• 207 acres, 100% contained

Roxie Fire, Lassen County **FINAL**
West of Susanville
• 167 acres, 100% contained
¬¬
Cranston Fire, Riverside County (more info…)
Hemet
• 13,139 acres, 89% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified Command CAL FIRE and USFS

Whaleback Fire, Lassen County (more info…)
West of Spaulding (Eagle Lake)
• 18,342 acres, 40% contained
• Evacuations in place
• Unified command USFS NorCal Team 1 (Coots), CAL FIRE (Ferguson)

Eel Fire, Mendocino County (more info…) NEW
East of Covelo
• 865 acres, 0% contained
• Structures threatened
• Evacuations for Mendocino Pass Rd

Butte Fire, Sutter County (more info…) NEW
Northwest of Yuba City
• 900 acres, 20% contained

Georges Fire, Inyo County (more info…)
Lone Pine
• 2,883 acres, 70% contained

Horse Creek Fire, Tulare County (more info…)
John Krebs Wilderness Area
• 34 acres, 90% contained

Valley Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…)
Yucaipa
• 1,350 acres, 29% contained

Natchez Fire, Del Norte County (more info…)
Southeast of Cave Junction, OR
• 6,174 acres, 15% contained

Eagle Fire, Modoc County (more info…)
South of Cedarville
• 2,100 acres, 95% contained

Owens Fire, Mono County NEW
North of Mammoth Lake
• 312 acres, 0% contained

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced plans to close a lane and multiple ramps in both directions of State Route 126 (Santa Paula Freeway) Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., the following closures will be in place in the cities of Ventura and Santa Paula:

Eastbound SR-126:
• One lane from Wells Road to Hallock Drive
• Palm Avenue on and offramp.
• 10th Street on and offramp.

Westbound SR-126:
• One lane from Hallock Drive to Wells Road
• 10th Street off-ramp
• Palm Avenue on and offramp.

Ramps will not be closed consecutively. The closures are weather permitting and subject to change.

One lane will be closed adjacent to each ramp closure to accommodate construction equipment and crews working at the site.

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to use alternate routes or avoid the area. Additionally, motorists can check traffic conditions before they leave by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap.
"
Caltrans reminds drivers to be “Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone."

Bob Crum

Make no mistake, buying a 'real' camera is akin to winning the PowerBall lottery. Well, almost. It's certainly a big first step on the exciting path of photography.

Photographic expertise evolves in several stages. The fist stage involves the photographer (note the distinction between a 'photographer' and a 'phonetographer') shooting everything and anything. Many will only want to make pictures to have something to remember of birthdays, holidays, vacations and various special events. Others take pictures as a hobby. All fine & dandy! During this stage, the camera is most likely in 'P' mode. (P mode = Program mode not 'Professional' mode.)

Throughout the second stage, the newbie continues to shoot everything and anything: If it's visible it's fair game. At this stage, there is little thought, if any, about composition. Or the camera settings. In fact, the camera is probably still in 'P' mode where everything is automatic and the images processed according to the camera's default settings. Actually, this a OK if it gets the would-be photographer making pictures as if every picture is worthy of a Pulitzer prize. But if the photos stink, of course it's the camera's fault!

At this stage, a typical trait is s/he shoots as if it's a sin not to fill the memory card on every occasion. Obviously 78 pictures of the same donkey is a bit too much. If you must fill the memory card, find a herd of donkeys to photograph. Also at this stage the would-be photographer doesn't ever delete any photos and insists on showing their friends all the photos because of course they are all awesome. Note to would-be photographers: First serve friends strawberry margaritas before the parade of donkey photos!

As the would-be photographer gains experience, s/he advances to the third stage. Here, the photographer arrives at an important turning point. This is the stage where the would-be photographer goes from picture taker (snapshots) to making 'photos'. Meaning begins to 'create' photos of merit. The would-be photographer is now aware that s/he can go from 'P' mode to applying various apertures and/or shutter speeds to create a desired composition. At this juncture, however, the would-be photographer experiences ongoing challenges readily remedied with additional education from either books, tutorials, and/or workshops. Photography is wonderfully replete with unlimited educational opportunities to keep an otherwise idle brain busy. Just sayin'.

The third stage is exhilarating. Gaining knowledge and experience, s/he begins to see a great improvement in their photos. With continued practice, and the application of perpetual learning, creating compelling photos fulfills their desires. They perfect their photographic techniques, and often expand their photo equipment collection. Sometimes even upgrade their gear. They still tend to make a lot of photos but are now able to apply discretion and knows where their computer delete key is and not afraid to use it. They see and learn from their mistakes and continue to improve.

The last stage produces a photographer who now knows how to competently operate the camera. The camera menu is as simple as Arbys. With great expertise, various photographic rules learned are applied to creating marvelous photos. Even the photos of donkeys are now fantabulous! As the photographer's creative itch is wonderfully scratched s/he experiences photographic euphoria! Hallelujah proclaims the ecstatic phonetographer convert! Are you next?

Cameras up! Ventura County Fair has begun. Enjoy tons of photo ops & Fair food! The photo of the week is a young girl fascinated with two stilt walkers at the Fair last year.

Happy photoing!

Email me your comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

Fillmore Unified School District

Submitted By Fillmore Adult School

On Thursday, July 12, 2018, Fillmore Adult School honored adult learners at the District Office Auditorium. The celebration acknowledged those individuals who earned their U.S. Citizenship, High School Diploma, HiSET, and or passed the ParaPro exam through the support of the dedicated faculty and staff of the Fillmore Adult School.

The Fillmore Adult School completed its second year in the district community thanks to strong support from the Fillmore Unified School District Governing Board.

Fillmore Unified School District

Who would have thought it would take 30 years to find my dream job? Don’t get me wrong, before coming out to Fillmore I had many wonderful and rewarding experiences as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. Many of those personal relationships have been maintained over the years with some dating as far back as 1985.

So why do I love Fillmore so much? Plain and simple, Fillmore is a perfect fit. The principles of respect, loyalty, trust, service, kindness, community, humanity and integrity that I hold so close to my heart are also in the make-up of so many of its citizens. Much like the students, parents and community of Fillmore, I was raised to uphold my principles and to not compromise them for anyone. My conviction has been so deep that I have left several schools that I loved as a teacher, coach and administrator when my personal values were challenged. People in Fillmore also share the same unwavering commitment to their principles and that is why I love it here.

I have worked in many different cities and none were as fine and supportive as Fillmore. We could not have accomplished what we have done without the help of the community. From the service groups to the businesses to the individual community members, the support has been overwhelming and constant.

Great things have happened through supporting and empowering the Fillmore High School staff. When people are valued and supported they thrive and in the case of Fillmore High School staff they also stay. I do not micro-manage, I trust and value my staff. They are free to innovate and as part of the innovation, free to make mistakes that they will learn from. The revolving door of staff leaving to other districts has stopped. The teachers and staff are treated as adults and inevitably perform their best. They have become the best staff I have ever worked with.

Over the years, I have developed so many strong connections with the parents. What I absolutely like is that they have the same expectations for their kids that I had for my own children. Even in disciplinary situations, we shared the same expectations and agreed upon the consequences for their children. It was as if school and home were a seamless continuation of each other. In fact, because of this shared mindset I really felt and tried to act as a parent to my students. The students were, in effect, my children.

If you took my favorite students over the years and put them all into Fillmore High School, you would have what I have had here at Fillmore. Aside from sharing the same values, I felt a high level of mutual trust. Students have flourished just as adults would have under these circumstances. I have always sought out trusting situations but have also left or avoided anything fraught with mistrust. Students are no different and that is one reason why we have managed to retain most of our students over the years.

I believe we all create our own happiness and for me each passing year at Fillmore High School has been the best. I am so appreciative and thankful for my relationships with the students, parents, school staff and community.

I have been asked as to where I will be next year. When I tell people that I have not really looked for another job, it is met with disbelief. I compare it to being with someone you deeply care about and knowing that it will all end soon. Who would really want to start searching for someone else to be with at that time? That is where I am at now. At this moment, I can’t imagine working at any other school or any other place than Fillmore.

I know that when I do seek employment, the job I will settle on will allow me to be an innovative leader without being micromanaged. Kindness, respect, and honest communication would be a must from the top down. Most of all, trust will be at the center of everything and in how people do business with each other.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my time at Fillmore the very best. God bless all of you.

Tom