The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation are inviting veterans, active military and their families to attend the third annual Ventura College Veterans Day Celebration and BBQ Thursday, November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Resource Center on the Ventura College campus (4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura). The BBQ is free. The California Resources Corporation is sponsoring the event.

"Veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly on our country's behalf. This event is a way of showing our appreciation and gratitude. Veterans are an important part of Ventura College's student population," says Anne King, executive director of Ventura College Foundation. "Their dedication to achieve their educational goals is an inspiration."

A short program will begin at 11:00 a.m. that highlights the services available through the Veterans Resource Center and tuition assistance and textbook lending support offered by the Ventura College Foundation. During the program, the center's library will be renamed the Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library. Arellano was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran and long-time firefighter including service at Station 32 at Edwards Air Force Base. The BBQ begins at 11:30.

The Veterans Resource Center helps veterans and their families with college admission and application processing, academic counseling and access to V.A. educational benefits. The Ventura College Foundation's William and Helen Scarpino Veterans Promise Program is funded by donors who cover Ventura College tuition costs for first year veteran and active duty military students, enabling veterans to reserve their GI Bill tuition support for four-year universities. This benefit will be extended to qualified 2nd year veteran students in the 2019-20 academic year.

For more information about the November 8 BBQ, contact the Ventura College Veterans Resource Center at 805-289-6060.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Anne Paul King at (805) 289-6461 or aking@vcccd.edu or visit www.VCgiving.org.

Juan Carlos Contreras Zamora, 42, of Piru.

On October 26, 2018, deputies with the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Erbes Road for a reported indecent exposure that occurred in the area. Through investigation, deputies arrested an adult male for indecent exposure.

During the investigation, deputies learned the victim was pushing her granddaughter in a stroller when she saw a landscaper working in the area. He waved and smiled at her several times as she walked around the track at Oakbrook Neighborhood Park. As the landscaper was working within several feet of the victim, she noticed he had exposed his genitals. The suspect did not say anything to the victim. The victim immediately got up, walked away from the suspect, and reported the incident to police.

The suspect was located nearby and was identified as Juan Carlos Contreras Zamora. Zamora admitted his involvement and was arrested. Zamora was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura where he was booked for one count of indecent exposure. Zamora is currently out of custody on bond and is due to appear in Ventura County Superior Court in December, 2018. Anyone who witnessed the incident can call Detective Dan Hawes at (805) 371-8392.

Prepared by: Detective Timothy Lohman
Approved by: Captain Don Aguilar

California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol is completing an investigation into possible criminal charges in association with a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash that occurred back on September 18th of this year. 25-year-old Christopher Almena of Fillmore overturned an all-terrain vehicle near South Mountain and Balcom Canyon Road. His passenger, 23-year-old Jacqueline Reyes of Fillmore, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from her seat and killed. CHP suggests that prosecutors charge Almena with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a bloodalcohol level above the legal limit. Almena was arrested but has been released on bail pending investigation.

Bob Crum

The lament began softly, growing louder with each passing day. It was not unlike the Sirens of Greek mythology, mischievous creatures who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and singing voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island.

The wailing was from the Sirens of Santa Cruz Island beckoning me back. More island photo ops they teased. Resistance was futile, so I relented and called Island Packers. Hearing the boat was full was disheartening. The enchanting wailing continued to ululate unabated. Alas, the merciful phone call. A cancellation provided an opening if I was still interested. Ha! Camera in hand, I boarded the Island Adventure last Saturday bound for the Willows anchorage.

We departed the harbor under sunny skies and a chilly 69°. I learned long ago that it's always cooler on the water. Much cooler out on the Pacific ocean. I dressed accordingly: Thermal undies under street clothes plus a raincoat as a windbreaker on top of my fleece hoody. I was prepared. So I thought.

I took my preferred position that's best for photo ops, the ship's bow. As we passed the jetty, the nostrils instantly recognized the refreshing aroma of the salt-infused air. However, soon after passing the sea buoy, we were engulfed in thick fog. Not just plain thick fog. It was Super Soggy Fog (SSF). Thicker than sea poop... er... pea soup!

I kept my camera covered, but needed windshield wipers for my eyeglasses. The thought did occur that maybe I should go inside. I didn't. My immune system is not always 100% so I tend to avoid crowds in close quarters. Also, being on a photo expedition, best be ready if happening upon marine wildlife!

A few miles further, clear skies. Momentarily. Before long, the dastardly SSF once again engulfed us lasting all the way to Santa Cruz island. However, it was an excellent opportunity to make some exquisite photos of, ahem, fog! No dolphins, no whales, just FOG!

After dropping off passengers at the Scorpion pier, we continued to the Willows anchorage amid patchy fog. I was able to make several photos of the island topography along the way. Lo and behold, as we approached the Willows anchorage, we were greeted with delightful sunshine! Hallelujah!

Photographically speaking, Santa Rosa Island is a challenge because of the hilly terrain. Trails are scarce. Hiking is limited to exploring the dry creek beds in the canyons. One trail at Willows went up to a coastline overlook. I opted for the easier creek trail. Along the trail, I saw my first island scrub jay but did not see an island fox.

At the Frys and Willows anchorages, there are no piers for offloading from the boat. Small outboard-powered dinghies carry passengers, six at a time, from the mother ship to shore. As Island Packers warns, be prepared to get feet wet. Occasional large waves make the landing on the beach a bit tricky. When it was my turn to exit the dinghy, I didn't see an approaching wave. My feet got wet! No problem! I was wearing water shoes and NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks.

The photo of the week illustrates part of the exciting adventure. As the dinghy approached the beach, a wave came in and tossed it sideways. Six startled passengers tightly clung on. Two Island Packer's staff members did a remarkable job of keeping everyone calm and stabilizing the wayward dinghy. The wave subsided, and the passengers safely disembarked, wet feet and all. Such events make unforgettable memories. The mischievous Sirens? They wouldn't pose for a photo. Next time!

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

Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.
Enlarge Photo

Fillmore Fire Department and Packinghouse Creative participated in Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally honoring fallen firefighter Cory Iverson by hosting rally drivers and Iverson’s wife Ashley.

The rally visited the Fillmore Fire house for a short ceremony. Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola gave a short speech and presented Ashley with a basket filled with items Fillmore is known for.

The rally also visited Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) member, Packinghouse Creative for refreshments, games, music and a tour of the packinghouse.

Cory Iverson lost his life on December 14, 2017 while battling the Thomas Fire in Fillmore, California. Proceeds from the rally will benefit two charities; Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.

The rally took its participants on a beautiful drive through Ventura County’s backcountry while playing scavenger hunts and games along the route.

The rally raised $10,000 that will benefit Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.
Funds are still needed to support and ensure the ongoing success of The Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation. https://iversonfaa.org/

This past weekend the Fillmore Fire Department and Packing house Creative host the Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally for fallen fire fighter Cory Iverson. Pictured left is Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.