The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for California residents to assist in the disaster recovery effort in the aftermath of the Camp, Hill and Woolsey Wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

California residents who wish to apply for a job with FEMA should create a profile at USAjobs.gov. Many jobs will be opening in the coming weeks and months. Jobs will be posted for seven days only. Search key words: “FEMA Local Hire” and location: “California.”

FEMA officials suggest visiting the USAJOBS site often to view the most jobs available at any given time.

Some of the jobs needed include: Engineer, Floodplain Management Specialist, Geospatial Information Systems Specialist, Administrative Support Assistant, Insurance Specialist, Emergency Management Specialist, Equal Rights Advisor, Customer Service Representative, Analysts, Voluntary Agency Liaison, Resource Manager, Media Relations Specialist, Digital Communications Specialist, Mass Care Specialist, Applicant Services Specialist, Housing Coordinator and Reports Writer.

It is FEMA’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants in every aspect of their employment and working conditions. FEMA supports the concept of affirmative employment to ensure that personnel policies and practices provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information or retaliation/reprisal.

Those hired will join a recovery team already in place, composed of local and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community organizations. Through temporary local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs, and allows Californians to be on the front lines working in assisting in the state’s recovery.

A bouquet by Judy Dunst thanking our first responders.
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Submitted by Jan Lee

Many of us have already made and broken our 2019 New Year’s resolutions. However, this is the year to keep a resolution to participate in the Fillmore Flower Show April 13 and 14 of this year. 2019 marks 100 years since the Flower Show became a tradition in Fillmore. The committee has special plans for the show this year. Our theme is “100 Years Celebrating Flowers.”

Originally, the flower show was a May Day celebration. To quote from an article in the Fillmore Herald from many years ago,” The idea for a flower show originated around 1913 when elementary schools offered a large framed print of George Washington (called the traveling award) to the school with the best display of wild flowers at the annual May Day Festival.” According to the article, San Cayetano Grammar School was awarded the print in 1913, Fillmore Grammar School in 1914 and Sespe Grammar School in 1915. The picture of GW then disappeared for a few years until Mountain View School was torn down and Carl Myers found the picture in the rubble. It was donated to the Fillmore Museum where is remains today.

Whether you are new in town or your family has been here for generations, don’t miss the Fillmore Flower Show this year. Nurture those plants, grow those flowers. Join your neighbors for a display of Fillmore’s beauty, both the flowers and the people.

Adopt Resolution No. 18-19-02 to Approve the Elimination of Classified Positions:
The Governing Board adopted Resolution No. 18-19-02 to approve the elimination of classified positions.

Accept 2017-2018 Fillmore Unified School District Financial Audit:
The Governing Board were presented with information and approved 2017-2018 Fillmore Unified School District Financial Audit.

Accept the June 30, 2018 Financial and Performance Audits of the Measure V General Obligation Bonds:
The Governing Board were presented with information and approved the June 30, 2018 Financial and Performance Audits of the Measure V General Obligation Bonds.

Governor’s Budget Proposal:
The Governing Board were presented with information regarding the Governor’s Budget Proposal. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

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

(l-r) 2019 Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley Youth of the Year Juliana Linares and BGCSCV CEO Jan Marholin.

Submitted by Jenae Quintana

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is excited to announce our 2019 Youth of the Year, Julieanna Linares. Linares, representing the Piru clubhouse, competed against four participants from the Fillmore and Santa Paula clubhouses in the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley’s inaugural Youth of the Year competition. The competition included an interview and speech in front of a panel of local judges comprised of local community members.

Linares, 15, has been a Boys & Girls Club member for seven years and is a sophomore at Fillmore High School. She is a member of her school’s cheerleading team, loves her family and friends and enjoys making others smile. Linares will now be moving onto the Boys & Girls Club regional Youth of the Year competition in the spring. Congratulations Julieanna!

Bob Crum

Mark your calendar! An exciting total lunar eclipse happens Sunday, January 20. More than just a lunar eclipse, it's a “Super Blood Wolf Moon” eclipse.

A blood moon because during the total eclipse, the moon will appear reddish, the result of the atmosphere acting like a colored photographic filter bending red sunlight into the Earth's shadow and filtering out blue light.

Also, a January full moon is traditionally called the wolf moon. Wolves howl to communicate saying 'I'm here' to the pack and to tell intruders to go away. Wolves are nocturnal animals. When the urge to howl overcomes wolves, they project their howl upward towards the light of the full moon for the sound to carry further. Hence the term 'howling at the moon.' Beware, it's futile to resist the urge to howl.

Casual photos of the eclipse can be captured with, ahem, a cellphone. However, if you want that 'special' epic photo, well, you know that a dedicated camera is essential.

Planning is important. If you intend to include something in the foreground, scout suitable shot locations beforehand. You'll see where the moon will rise and where you will need to be for your desired composition.

Because the 'light' will vary greatly, shooting a total lunar eclipse is an enormous challenge. Auto mode is useless. Here are some general guidelines from Canon: At full Moon: f/11, 1/100th sec, ISO 100 or at a higher ISO: f/11, ISO 200 and 1/200th sec.

At partial Eclipse: f/5.6, 1/125th sec, ISO 400 for the half moon. As it gets increasingly darker, open the lens aperture to the max and increase the ISO while decreasing the shutter speed as needed for proper exposure. Take the ISO as high as necessary to prevent the shutter speed from going too slow. Exposure is more important than subsequent image noise from the high ISO setting.

Lens selection is equally important. The longer the focal length, 300mm for example - which is still minimal - the more the moon will fill the composition frame. Remember, as the light becomes dim during the total eclipse, open the aperture wide and increase ISO to allow the fastest shutter speed possible. Even so, a somewhat slow shutter speed might be required for proper exposure. Thus, a tripod becomes essential. The longer the focal length of the lens the more important a tripod becomes.

Flexibility is important. Adjust ISO, aperture and shutter speed for appropriate exposure throughout the eclipse sequence as needed. If possible, use bracketing and consider spot metering. Keep the faith!

It'll grow dark as the heavenly bodies align so focus will be difficult. With the moon 238,900 miles from earth, infinity focus will work just fine. If you choose to have a foreground in the image, be aware that where you shoot from is important because depth of field will decrease as you open the aperture. Plan accordingly.

Relax and be patient. Unlike shooting a relatively shorter solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is a much slower event. You'll have time to adjust camera settings for proper exposure. Use the 'envy' filter to photograph the moon's green cheese during the penumbra.
Here's the west coast time table according to space.com: Moon enters penumbra @6:36 p.m., moon enters umbra @8:34 p.m., total eclipse begins @8:41 p.m., middle of eclipse @9:13 p.m., total eclipse ends @9:43 p.m., moon leaves umbra @10:51 p.m., moon leaves penumbra @11:48 p.m. Enjoy the phenomenon.

Photo of the week reveals the sun setting and gently, sweetly, kissing the ocean goodnight.

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

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that influenza activity is increasing throughout California. Health officials encourage Californians to get vaccinated.

“It is important to get vaccinated now if you have not done so already,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “I encourage everyone six months of age and older to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and others from the dangers of flu.”
Flu activity is occurring throughout every region of the state and above expected levels for this time of year. Although the severity of the flu season cannot yet be determined, Californians should take precautions, including vaccination.

“Flu activity usually reaches its peak January and February, but typically continues to spread through the spring,” said Dr. Smith. “With most of the flu season still to come, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

Each year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, CDPH recommends these steps:
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with an elbow or tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Californians should contact their health care provider, pharmacy or a clinic about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu shots. For more information about the flu, including weekly updates on fly activity, visit the CDPH influenza web page. To find a vaccine location near you, visit HealthMap Vaccine Finder.

www.cdph.ca.gov

(l-r) Mayor Diane McCall presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Diane & Steve Sutton for being active and positive community leaders by providing a tree topper for the City of Fillmore’s Holiday Tree.
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(l-r) Fillmore Mayor Diane McCall presenting a certificate to La Fondita Restaurant who was recognized for “Best Tamle Award” at Fillmore’s First Annual Santa Stroll Tamle Taste Off held on December 14, 2017.
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Fillmore’s Extreme Voltage Cheer Squad was also recognized at last night’s meeting as the winners of the People’s Choice Award for Best Trunk at the First Annual Trunk or Treat Event held back on October of 2017.
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City of Fillmore City Council and Successor Agency regular Tuesday, January 8, 2019 meeting was held at 6:30pm at Fillmore City Hall.
AGENDA: Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Attending were Councilmembers Mark Austin, Manuel Minjares, Lynn Edmonds, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Holmgren, Mayor Diane McCall
Following are Approval of Agenda and Presentations: Mayor Diane McCall
- Extreme Voltage Cheer Trunk or Treat People's Choice Award Best Trunk
- La Fondita Winner of Tamale Taste Off During Santa Stroll
- Diane and Steve Sutton Certificate of Appreciation
Public Comments were held.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Recommendation for Item A. through C. is to Approve by voice
vote.
Warrants were reviewed/approved.
Adoption of Resolution NO. OB 19-01 approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 for the City of Fillmore Successor Agency.
NEW BUSINESS
An award for contract for sales tax monitoring and auditing went to HDL Companies.
Appointment to the Planning Commission – Carrie Broggie
Staff Report for Planning Commission Appointment.pdf
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, LIAISON, AND
OUTSIDE AGENCIES—Ventura Regional Sanitation District – Primary Mark Austin (no change); alternate Mayor McCall
VCTC Primary Minjares – no change
Ventura County Animal Regulation – Primary McCall (no change; alternate Mark Austin
Air Pollution Control District – Primary Lynn Edmonds, Alternate McCall
Ventura Council of Government – Primary McCall, Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Tim Holmgren
Economic Development Commission – Ventura County – Primary Non-Councilmember Ernie Villegas
Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance – Primary Holmgren (no change) Alternate Lynn Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce – Primary Holmgren (no change); alternate Lynn Edmonds
Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency – Lynn Edmonds

Standing Committees and Ad-Hoc
Interview/Selection Committee for Commissions and Committees – Minjares and Holmgren
Ventura County City Selection Committee McCall
Utilities Ad Hoc Committee – Minjares and McCall no change
Special School Board District Ad Hoc Committee Lynn Edmonds and Tim Holmgren
Downtown Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee – Minjares
Economic Development Committee – Austin and McCall
2019-20 Budget Ad Hoc Committee – McCall and Austin
Agreement with the Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) to reimburse the City of Fillmore for the services of Main St. Architects study of downtown.
Discuss and provide direction regarding proposed zoning ordinance update and use of consultant.
Zoning Ordinance Staff Report.
Discuss and provide direction on providing interpretation at City Council meetings. Fillmore - Interpretation Services staff report-PM additions.
Committee, Commission , and Board Reports.
City Council Reports, Recommendations, and Comments.
Closed Session.
Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation. The City Council conducted a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(4), because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one case.
Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation - The
City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections
54956.9(d)(2) and (d)(3), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one
case.
CLOSED SESSION.
Mayor Diane McCall adjourned to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 6:30pm, City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.