Bob Crum

I don't know the total number of camera models and lenses presently on the market. I do know that the majority of my photography-minded friends have camera bags full of photographic gear. Owning seven cameras and 14 lenses, one friend has an admitted GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) issue. Anyway, when we gather around a campfire, rare is the photog who is devoid of glowing adjectives hyping their favorite camera or lens. Without GAS, I have little to add to the conversation.

Without a new camera purchase in over three years, I feel like that I'm missing out on the latest technology. Of course, making a quality photo doesn't require the latest greatest camera. Many photographers can make great photos with whatever camera is at hand. However, the recently announced Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera grabbed my attention. Digital Camera World says: “In an industry where innovation is often limited to ‘more megapixels’, this camera has more brilliant new features than we’ve seen in a very long while. And if you ignore the narrative about sensor size, this is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera, period.” Hmmm. Though I don't presently have GAS, I can't deny a proclivity to some variant of camera lust.

As a photojournalist, I don't get coveted assignments like boudoir shoots featuring sensual lady bugs posing nude on double winky blue columbine flowers. Instead, I'm asked to shoot action-packed rodeos, fast-flying airplanes at airshows, rapid-paced parades and speedy Fillmore & Western trains. I can fix minor exposure issues, but not out-of-focus photos. Thus, it's exciting to note that the M1X features dual F.A.S.T. AF (Contrast & Phase Detection AF) 121 Point (All Cross Type) On-Chip phase detection” focusing. Wow!

Blurry photos are another nemesis. My hand is not as steady as yesteryear, and my heavy Canon 7DII doesn't have built-in stabilization. I have to rely on barely adequate lens stabilization for hand-held shots. Therefore, equally exciting is that the M1X has a staggering built-in 5-axis image stabilization with up to 7.5 shutter speed steps compensation. Again: Wow!

OK, let's get to the nitty-gritty. When is a new camera purchase justified particularly when the M1X MSRP is $2,999.00? I know that a new camera's value quickly diminishes considerably. So what? My old 7D served me admirably for six years. I still have it. After Canon cleaned the sensor, it works like new making it a valuable backup and the used camera value irrelevant. Then why did I buy the latest, greatest 7DII? Because Canon significantly improved important camera functions like quicker and more accurate focusing. In practice, Canon took a good camera (7D) and made it a significantly better camera. Isn't that what new technology does? The 7DII is working fine so at the risk of GAS, do I need a new camera? No! But it's a safe bet that I'll buy an MX1... just as soon as I win the lotto.

A surprise visit from a Cooper's hawk provided a fantastic photo and the photo of the week. A great example of having a camera handy. I didn't initially see the hawk approach, but I heard it. Looked out the window and saw her. Promptly grabbed my camera, stepped outside and (click) made the photo. As quickly as she appeared, she flew off. A few minutes later I saw her reappear 50 feet away with a mouse (lunch) in her talons. Proof that exciting photo ops can occur anywhere at any moment. BE READY! Happy photoing.

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

U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers will participate in Exercise Pacific Blitz at various training facilities and at sea in the southern California region March 12 - 26, 2019. The exercise is designed to test our forces' ability to plan, communicate, and conduct combined amphibious operations over great distances. Forces will enhance expeditionary logistic capabilities and rehearse concepts in simulated contested environments. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times before and during the exercise with increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise starting at the end of February.

For more information, follow us on Facebook @NavalBaseVenturaCounty or call NBVC Public Affairs at 805-989-9234.

By Susan Cox

Customers may be able to lower their electricity bill by taking part in money-saving programs at Southern California Edison.

About one-third of SCE’s residential customers are enrolled in income-qualified programs that offer bill discounts and low cost/no cost energy-efficiency products and services. These programs help to not only reduce electricity usage, but may also lower the amount customers pay.

“All of our income-qualified programs are designed to assist customers who live in our service territory and we want to encourage them to seek assistance if needed,” said Michael K. Bushey, director of SCE Program Operations.

“SCE keeps all customers’ information confidential. We want our customers to have confidence with all aspects of our customer service and we encourage those who qualify to apply for assistance if they need it– we are here to help wherever we can.”

In addition, SCE does not inquire about the citizenship or legal status of customers in the provision of services, does not share customer information with outside groups or agencies without consent, and does not require proof of residency for customers to participate in customer assistance programs.

Customers ineligible for income-qualified programs can work with SCE staff on payment arrangements that could spread out their payments and help during difficult times.

“Everyone needs help from time-to-time, and at Edison we want our customers, especially our most vulnerable customers, to feel free to reach out to us so we can be of assistance,” said Bushey. “We want to provide safe, reliable and affordable service for all of our customers.”

SCE Customer Assistance Programs
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Provides a discount of about 30 percent on monthly electric bills for eligible customers. Household of two would be eligible if the household income is below $32,920/per yr. Customers who qualify for CARE may be referred to the Energy Savings Assistance Program for additional help and savings.
For more information: http://sce.com/care.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
Provides a reduced monthly discount of 18 percent for income-qualified households of three or more. Households of three would be eligible if the household income is below $51,950/yr.
For more information: http://sce.com/fera

Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP)
Helps income-qualified customers save money on their bill and conserve energy. Customers may be eligible for free replacement appliances such as an energy-efficient refrigerator, air conditioner and more, as well as home efficiency solutions like weatherization and LED bulbs that help save energy and money.
For more information: http://sce.com/esap

SCE’s Energy Assistance Fund (EAF)
In partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, SCE’s nonprofit Energy Assistance Fund program, funded by customers and SCE employees, provides up to $100 to help customers pay their SCE energy bills when they meet the program’s income qualifications. Assistance is available once during a 12-month period.
Visit and click http://sce.com/eaf and click the “How to Get Assistance” link.

Budget Assistant
This free, easy-to-use tool will allow you to set monthly spending goals and receive proactive alerts either weekly, mid-month or when they have exceeded the spending goal. This tool will track costs in close to real time and send alerts via email, phone or text.
For more information: http://sce.com/budgetassistant

Level Pay Plan
SCE’s Level Pay Plan offers eligible customers the opportunity to pay for their annual electricity service across 11 equal monthly payments. The Level Pay Plan does not reduce the amount of the bill. Customers are responsible for paying the full cost of the energy they use, however they can split the cost into equal payments throughout the year.
Visit http://sce.com/customer-service/billing-payment

VC Sheriff’s SAR Member Jef Dye, 50, of Thousand Oaks.

A member of the VC Sheriff's Volunteer Search-and-Rescue team was killed Saturday, February 2nd, on the north-bound I-5 freeway, south of Vista Del Lago Road, near Lake Pyramid. Members of the Fillmore SAR Team were on their way to Frazier Park at 7:15am for a training mission when they stopped to help at the scene of an earlier accident, involving a roll-over, which came to rest in the 150-foot wide median that separates the north and south-bound traffic. While assisting Los Angeles County Fire Dept. crew members, a Ford Expedition SUV left the freeway, traveling up the median embankment and drove into the group of first responders. Fillmore SAR member Jef Dye, 50, was killed on scene. Three other SAR members were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Brian Alcantar and Marshall Laminen were reported in critical condition and remain hospitalized but are expected to recover; Joe Martinez was treated and released. The driver of the initial accident roll-over was a 63 year old Canoga Park man; he suffered major injuries. The driver of the SUV, a 42 year old Los Angeles man and his female passenger, were apparently uninjured. The incident is under investigation by the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation team.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 12/24/2018, at approximately 9:30 PM, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a shooting that occurred in the 800 block of 4th Street in Fillmore. Two adult male victims were shot by unknown suspect(s). The suspect(s) are believed to be associated with a white sedan.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s). If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Beau Rodriguez at 805-384-4723 or at Beau.Rodriguez@ventura.org.

Prepared by: Detective Beau Rodriguez #3591
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Thursday 01/31/19, three friends went on a backpacking trip in the Los Padres National Forest. The hikers intended to go from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead in Rose Valley to the Willett Hot Springs and hike back out by Saturday evening 02/02/19. On Saturday evening when the hikers had not checked in with their families, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a call for the overdue hikers.

Two resident deputies from Lockwood Valley responded to the trailhead battling heavy mixed rain and snow conditions, debris filled creek crossings, and Highway 33 which was closed due to the dangerous road conditions from ice, rocks, and mud in the roadway.

Upon arrival, the deputies located the overdue hiker’s vehicle at the trailhead indicating the hikers were in fact out on the trail – somewhere.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit responded utilizing Copter 9. The pilot and crew chiefs were wearing night vision goggles to safely fly in nighttime conditions and locate the overdue hikers.

While Copter 9 was enroute, the Lockwood Deputies located the three overdue hikers about one mile east of the trailhead. The hikers were stranded on the north side of the raging Sespe River and the deputies were unable to safely access their location. Copter 9 quickly arrived on scene and was directed to the lost hikers by the deputies on the ground. Copter 9 located the hikers, landed the airship near the river, and sent crew members to rescue and medically evaluate the hikers. Air squad members reported the hikers were wet and cold. Due to limited space on the helicopter, two of the crew chiefs gave up their seats and remained by the river in the inclement weather so that all three hikers could fly out together. At the time of the rescue, the temperature was 37 degrees with colder conditions and heavy rain and snow expected in the area.

Copter 9 transported the hikers back to the trailhead. The first hiker to step out of the helicopter was wearing wet clothes and was barefoot. The second was wearing boxers only. The third was also wearing completely soaked clothing. All three subjects were medically evaluated and offered warm clothing, food, and water. After warming up, the hikers did not need any additional medical attention and drove home.

When preparing for outdoor recreational activities, it is imperative to be familiar with current and forecasted weather conditions and how those conditions will affect the area you will be in (i.e. flooding). One of the things these hikers did well was to share their hiking plan with family or friends. If they had not shared their specific plans this story could have ended much differently. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office cannot emphasize enough the importance of proper planning for your outdoor recreation for the safety of all, including our first responders.

Prepared by: Deputy Sam Moss
Approved by: Captain J. Fryhoff

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

2018-2019 First Semester Progress Monitoring
The Governing Board received a presentation of the 2018-2019 first semester assessment data by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

2018-2019 Comprehensive School Safety Plan
The Governing Board received a presentation regarding district actions to address the Comprehensive School Safety Plan by Assistant Superintendent, Stefan Cvijanovich

Information on the Resolution of the Board of Education of the Fillmore Unified School District, Ventura County, California, 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 received a presentation regarding a potential resolution for future consideration by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve the 2019-2020 School Calendar
The Governing Board approved the 2019-2020 FUSD school calendar.

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

Alejandro Valadez, Fillmore, Age 29.

On 01/27/19, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a vehicle theft in the 400 block of Ventura Street. The victim reported his vehicle was stolen while getting gas at a local station. The deputies’ investigation led to the arrest of Alejandro Valadez, who is identified as a local gang member with an extensive criminal history. During the investigation, deputies contacted the victim and obtained information. Deputies learned the victim parked his vehicle near a gas pump and went inside the establishment to pay. While inside, he observed a subject enter his vehicle and drive away. He quickly called the Sheriff’s Office. He was able to provide deputies with a physical description of the suspect. In addition, deputies were able to view video footage that captured the crime. Based on the information obtained, deputies were able to identify Valadez as the suspect in the case. They quickly alerted other officers who were in the area.

While driving in the 700 block of Santa Clara Street, a deputy observed Valadez walking. The deputy lost sight of Valadez momentarily. Other deputies responded to the area and completed an extensive search. In addition to finding the stolen vehicle abandoned in the area, Valadez was found hiding in the backyard of a nearby residence. He was taken into custody without incident. Valadez was booked into the county jail for 10851 (a) VC- vehicle theft. The victim’s vehicle was recovered

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen