Bob Crum

I didn't foresee last weeks mild-mannered column disturbing so many readers. Mention of recently announced cameras seemed innocuous. HA! I was besieged with a barrage of emails haranguing me on the folly of my topics. Some writers were obstinately defiant. Given forethought, I would have discussed how to boost your euphoric level of dopamine by re-reading a camera's operating manual while snacking on baked brussels sprouts. But I digress.

A typical email came from reader Jon (not his real name) who wrote: “I had a peaceful life until I read your column discussing the new Canon RP camera. “Excitedly, I told my wife that I'm going to buy one. A skirmish ensued. The doctor said I could remove the head bandage next week and I'm still sleeping in the garage, with the cat.”

Men: Never talk about buying a new camera without renewing your lady's spa membership - for a year! Ladies: the quickest way to delight your significant other is to buy him a spanking new camera - and two lenses. Oh, and don't forget a camera bag that matches your purse. Just a thought.

And there's this admonishment from Larry K. (again not his real name): “Why do you continue promoting a dead methodology? I take great photos with my (brand name deleted to protect the manufacturer) smartphone. You need to get up to date, sir!” The 'sir' part endeared me to Larry K. Sir, I replied, thanks for writing. However, have you ever photographed the Blue Angels with your cellphone? How'd that work out? How about a rodeo?

Given that selfie-afflicted phonetographers seem to outnumber photographers 7,392,802 to 1, I receive a continuous stream of emails touting phenomenal cellphone photos. Yes, the cameras in cellphones are getting better, BUT, (listen carefully) who would dare say that a cellphone can always match the capabilities of a dedicated camera?

I don't suggest that everyone tote a camera along with their cellphone. Phonetography has merit! I shoot cellphone snapshots when circumstances allow, and I need to email or text a snapshot quickly. But in many situations, a dedicated camera undeniably smokes a cellphone! Before emailing me objecting vehemently, let's briefly explore a few cellphone limitations.

The cellphone's thin form factor prohibits an optical zoom lens. Digital zoom (cropping) degrades photo quality. Has anyone seen a 'professional phonetographer' at a pro sports event? How about photographing a fast-flying osprey skimming a lake on a bright sunny day with a cellphone? Or grandson Lenny kicking a soccer goal! Good luck!

Also, while cameras in current top-end cellphones are continually improving, they still struggle in low-light situations because of their ultra-small sensors. The larger sensors of dedicated camera's increase light gathering abilities.

Another cellphone disadvantage is the fixed aperture that prevents controlling depth-of-field (DOF) when desired. Some cellphones are trying to emulate DOF with firmware, but it's still woefully deficient.

Essentially, shutter speed, aperture and ISO control exposure. A dedicated camera offers extensive exposure control, and creative DOF options, whereas cellphones have minimal options.

Last, there's therapeutic value in 'creating' a photo with a dedicated camera. Tapping an icon on a cellphone to take a snapshot is hardly creative. Just a thought. Bottom line: The best camera is the one you have with you, as the cliché goes, even if it's a cellphone. Peace!

The photo of the week is the last of the hawk series. Anticipating a fast flight, I quickly increased the shutter speed to 1/800th of a second for stability during panning and still illustrate some wingtip blur to indicate motion. Creativity in action.

Send comments, suggestions and/or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

More than two dozen local high schools will field 30 teams in the Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which begins Monday in Ventura. Courtroom drama comes to life as students take on the major roles of a criminal case, including attorneys, witnesses and even bailiffs. The students will present their cases before actual local judges who volunteer for the competition. Local attorneys serve as coaches.

WHAT: 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial

WHEN: The competition runs Monday, February 25 to Thursday, February 28. The Wednesday semi-finals and Thursday finals are open to the public and the media. Competition begins each evening at 5:00 pm and is expected to conclude by 11:00 pm.

• Monday, February 25 – Rounds 1 and 2
• Tuesday, February 26 – Rounds 3 and 4
• Wednesday, February 27 – Semi-finals – OPEN TO PUBLIC AND MEDIA
• Thursday, February 28 – Finals – OPEN TO PUBLIC AND MEDIA

WHERE: Ventura County Superior Court - 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California 93009

CHECK IN: Members of the media are asked to check in at the registration desk upon arrival

Awards Ceremony
The Mock Trial awards ceremony will be held on Monday, March 4 at 6:00 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 Hobson Way. The public is invited to attend and media coverage is welcomed.

About the 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial
The competition is coordinated annually by the Ventura County Office of Education. This year’s fictitious case is People v. Klein, which involves a defendant accused of making threats on social media and making a false report of an emergency to police.

High schools participating this year are: Adolfo Camarillo High School, Agoura High School, Buena High School, Calabasas High School, Channel Islands High School, Fillmore High School, Grace Brethren Jr/Sr High School, La Reina High School, Newbury Park High School, Nordhoff High School, Oak Park High School, Oaks Christian School, Oxnard High School, Rio Mesa, Royal High School, Saint Bonaventure High School, Santa Paula High School, Santa Susana High School, Simi Valley High School, St. Augustine Academy, Thousand Oaks High School, Trinity Pacific Christian School, Ventura High School, Villanova Preparatory School and Westlake High School.

The winner of the county competition will go on to the state mock trial contest March 22-24 in Sacramento. Ventura County has taken first place at the state level in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

This year’s Ventura County Mock Trial logo artwork was created by Alexandra Clark from La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks.

Additional information about the 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial is available at vcoe.org/mocktrial.

By John Wilber, Fillmore High School Principal.

A historic first, Fillmore High School wrestler Adrian Bonilla, has advanced to the State Wrestling Tournament in Bakersfield this Thursday.

Adrian is a Fillmore High School senior, 195 pound wrestler, who was also the Citrus Coastal League Champion in his weight class. He placed 5th in the Southern Section California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Finals two weeks ago which earned him a trip to the CIF Masters Wrestling Tournament last weekend. At the Masters Tournament Adrian was 3-2 after two days of wrestling which was good for an 8th place, qualifying him for the State Tournament. Adrian is the first Fillmore High wrestler to advance to the State Tournament since the wrestling program started at Fillmore High School in 1987.

Fillmore High School Coach, Manual Ponce shared that Adrian exemplifies the ideal wrestler because he is very coachable, a very smart wrestler and he is all about work ethic. Adrian has had to overcome a knee injury his junior year on his path to success this year.

Adrian is the third wrestling son of Jorge and Lurdes Bonilla. Mr. Bonilla mentioned that Adrian has been around wrestling since he was seven years old, when he would hang around the wrestling practices of his older brothers Robert and Andres.

His years of hard work and commitment have definitely paid off. Adrian is very excited about his opportunity to wrestle at the State level and to represent Fillmore High School and the Fillmore Community. He stated, “I have been motivated to do well since I last went to Masters my sophomore year.” “I am in great shape and I have the desire to compete.”

We wish Adrian the best of luck in Bakersfield.

Pictured is Micheline G. Milglis who spoke to the board about the Low-Performing Students Block Grant and the progress that has been made thus far.

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Approve Restricted Lottery Budget Allocation for TK-5 English Language Arts Instructional Materials, $325,000
The Governing Board approved a $200,000 allocation of Restricted Lottery funds in 2018-19, and an additional allocation of $125,000 in 2019-20 for the purchase of English Language Arts instructional materials adoption for Transition Kindergarten through 5th grade. These materials will be vetted through a curriculum adoption process, inclusive of teachers, site administrators and district office representatives, with the intention of having materials available no later than the 2020-2021 school year.

School Accountability Report Cards
The Governing Board were presented with information regarding the School Accountability Report Cards. Information presented by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis

Low Performing Students Block Grant Plan
The Governing Board were presented with information and approved the Low Performing Students Block Grant Plan. Information presented by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis

Adopt Resolution No. 18-19-10 Authorizing the Issuance of Fillmore Unified School District (Ventura County, California) 2016 Election, General Obligation Bonds, Series B, and Actions Related Thereto
The Governing Board adopted Resolution No. 18-19-10

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

Enlarge Photo

Submitted by Jan Lee

Again this year, Fillmore residents, both young and old, will share the beauty of their gardens with the community. Plan to attend and participate in the Fillmore Flower Show on April 13 and 14, 2019.

First, a correction from the article last week and an apology to all baseball fans who know that it was the Boston Red Sox who traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919.

As your garden begins to bloom and you think about what you might enter in the Flower Show, here are a few of the categories: Single stem cut roses, single stem cut iris, other single stem cut flowers, bouquets and arrangements. In other words, look around your garden, find a pretty bloom, cut it off and bring it to the Active Adult Center to enter the Fillmore Flower Show. It really is just that easy!

To quote from the Fillmore Herald, May 4, 1926, “the floral exhibits are always a magnet for lovers of seasonal blooms of all kinds which grow in such luxuriance here and in the country.” The rain we have enjoyed recently should produce lush, abundant flowers. The Civic Pride Committee has planned many special activities for the Flower Show this year. You will want to attend.