(l-r) Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards as they present on Fillmore’s upcoming “Trunk or Treat” & "Dia De Los Muertos" event to take place this month.
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Events:
A presentation to promote the upcoming City Events “Trunk or Treat” and Dia De Los Muertos events was given by Parks and Recreation Coordinators Sandra Edwards and Krista Martinez at Tuesday's regular Council meeting. The events will take place at Central Park, in front of city hall, Nov. 2.

CalRecycle:
City Council adopted (1) a resolution authorizing the submittal of grant applications to CalRecycle to participate in grant program and (2) a resolution establishing an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Practices Policy, unanimously.
Authorization for the submittal of grant Applications to the California Dept. of Resources Recycling and Recovery ("CALRECYCLE") for the rubberized Pavement Grant program and approval of resolutions authorizing the applications and adopting a city council policy for environmentally preferable purchasing practices.

Pay Schedule:
The Staff request that the City Council Adopt Resolution 18-3672 adopting the Second Revision to the Publicly Available Pay Schedule for all City of Fillmore employees was unanimously approved.

Eduardo Robles, 30, of Fillmore.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Eduardo Robles (DOB 10/29/87), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for the killing of Benjamin Brown, of Oxnard. On May 31, 2018, Robles, who had been drinking alcohol and using drugs, was driving his vehicle on Highway 126 when he intentionally rammed the car in front of him which was driven by Mr. Brown. The impact caused Mr. Brown’s vehicle to veer across the highway and collide with a tractor-trailer. Robles was also convicted of attempted murder for the injuries caused to his passenger, Jose Gaspar of Fillmore.

Robles faces a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura.

Sophomore Matthew Munoz finished 5th place with a time of 18:34.
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On Friday, the Flashes Cross Country teams traveled to Walnut, California to compete in the nation's largest invitational, a two day event held on the Mt. San Antonio College Course. The 3 mile course feature 3 significant hills that challenge even the most experienced runners and was run in the hottest part of the day. Fillmore competed in 6 races, while fielding two complete teams.

Freshman boys had three competitors. Camilo Torres continued his comeback and led the group with a very respectable 7th place finish in a time of 18:43. Camilo was awarded an individual medal for his top effort. James Flores followed and placed 50th in 21:24 and was followed by Alotl Aparicio 77th in 22:45.

The Freshman girls also raced three competitors. They were led by top freshman runner Angelica Herrera who finished in 35th place in a time of 25:10. She was followed by Jasmine Vega 104th in 29:20, and Isabel De La Cruz 111th in 30:05.

The sophomore boys had four competitors with the first two winning medals. Leading the Flashes was Matthew Munoz who finished in 5th place in a time of 18:34; he was followed by Jesse De La Cruz 7th in 18:50, Andres Gonzalez 49th in 22:08, and Anthony Estrella 88th in 26:41.

Three athletes competed in the JV Girls race. Top finisher for Fillmore was Cecilia Cisneros who finished in 13th place and earned a medal for her effort posting a time of 24:58. The next finisher was Isabella De La Cruz in 20th place in 26:00 and Emma Orozco 29th in 26:58.

The Junior Varsity Boys were the first full team of the day with 8 competitors. This team ran well and captured first place in a field of 15 teams. They were led by Juan Carlos Laureano who captured 1st place out of 194 competitors in a time of 17:52. He was supported by Alex Recancoj 4th in 18:13, Jesus Cadena 8th in 18:46, Jorge Acevedo 17th in 19:16, Andrew Otineru 60th in 20:39, Luis Leon 66th in 20:50, Daniel Cruz 128th in 23:15, and Anthony Gonzales 177th in 26:18. The top three Fillmore athletes in this race won individual medals and the team won a first place team award.

The Varsity Girls ran in one of the premier races of the day, the Division 4 and 5 Girls Sweepstakes Race, but did not field a complete team. Carissa Rodriguez led the 4 competitors from Fillmore by placing 14th in 19:08. Carissa was the lone medal recipient in this race. She was followed by teammate Diana Perez 30th in 20:17, Nicole Gonzalez 50th in 21:00, and the steadily improving Andrea Marruffo 54th in 21:05.

The final race of the day was the Division 4 and 5 Boys Sweepstakes race, where 21 of the top teams competed for top honors. The race was won by Page, a team from Arizona, Fillmore placed 6th overall in this race. They were led by Senior Nick Villela who finished in 27th place in a time of 16:49, he was followed by Fabian Del Villar 30th in 16:52, Rey Laureano 35th in 17:01, Erick Gutierrez 47th in 17:16, Alex Manzo 84th in 17:52, and Jesse Martinez 100th in 18:16.

The team will next prepare for the Citrus Coast League Finals on November 1st at Lake Casitas in Ojai. This meet will determine league champions in all 4 divisions and which varsity teams will represent the league at CIF Southern Section Division 4 Prelims in Riverside on November 10th.

Bob Crum

I'm behind answering many of the questions I get weekly so time to get with it!

Jason A. asked: I love the osprey photo but I don't have a 300mm lens so how can I get shots like that? Jason, because you're still shooting with a Kodax Brownie, get 30 feet leg extensions (stilts) to get you up close to the bird. Or call 1/884/397-Helicopter. Seriously, you really need to upgrade your gear and buy a telephoto lens. Don't forget the 'Honey' app for a $10.00 discount coupon.

Sam R. asked: I got a new point-and-shoot camera, but I can't figure out why it won't turn on. Sam, for Pete's sake, put the battery in the camera!

Malinda R. asked: You always list photo data for every photo of the week but what setting is the most important. Interesting question. Malinda, the aperture is not more important than shutter speed, and neither is more important than ISO. Rather than ask about what's more important, think of each setting relative to creativity. What kind of photo do you want to produce? If depicting motion is more important, then adjust shutter speed accordingly. If depth of field is paramount, then aperture is your best friend. If you're attempting to capture an action shot and the light varies significantly as you track the subject, auto ISO is the best setting. Happy photoing!

On the subject, Andy M. asked: Instead of camera settings, what's wrong with shooting in auto mode? Andy, nothing! Hey, I sometimes shoot in auto mode. Oh wait, that's when I use my cell phone. Seriously, it's more important to get the photo than how you get it.

Steve D. asked: My photos suck. Would buying a better camera produce better photos? Absolutely! But don't do it. I like this gig so don't want any competition. Truth be told, a $35,000 Hasselblad H6D-100 won't help you if you haven't learned what makes a compelling image. Photo composition is paramount. Forget the Hasselblad, send me a check for $3,500, and I'll email you some composition tips.

Sandie L asked: Reading your columns motivated me to buy my first dSLR. Now I'm wondering what lenses I should consider buying. Sandie, let's meet next Monday at noon and we'll go lens shopping. You do have about $27,000 to spend, right? My photography friends have camera bags full of lenses, primes and telephotos. I'd rather collect Lamborghinis. Have you seen what lens I used for the Photo of the Week the past year? Ever since I bought the Tamron 16-300mm lens, I parked my other lenses in the closet. On occasion, I need my Tokina 11-16m ultra-wide angle lens. That's it! I'm considering buying the Tamron 18-400mm lens for its extra reach for air shows etc. I rented that lens for the last two air shows and liked it. Sandie, consider the Tamron 16-300mm lens... one lens and done! Just a thought!

The photo of the week is a couple observing the Ventura sunset. This is another example of visualizing a potential photo ahead of time. As I was leaving the beach, a couple passed me walking up the sand dune to check out the sunset. I immediately visualized a potential silhouette. I programmed the camera and quickly made a test photo then waited. Finally, and better than I hoped for, not only were they side-by-side, they're holding hands! Photojournalism blessed with serendipity are awesome experiences!

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

At about 12:20 PM, on October 10th, 2018, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a residential burglary that had occurred in an apartment in the 300 block of “A” Street in Fillmore. The victim of the burglary reported that two handguns and other property had been stolen from his apartment while he was away that morning.

The investigation quickly identified a suspect and with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, (S) Chadwick Hope was arrested as he walked away from his residence later that afternoon. At the time of his arrest, Hope was in possession of one of the stolen handguns, which was loaded and hidden in his waistband. Hope also had a set of metal knuckles in his possession when arrested.

A search warrant was served at Hope’s residence later that evening and the second firearm, additional stolen property, and other evidence connecting him to the burglary was seized. Hope was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the charges listed below and remains in custody with bail set at $50,000.00:
- Penal Code §459 – Burglary
- Penal Code §21710 – Possession of composite knuckles
- Penal Code §487(d)(2) – Grant theft of a firearm (2 counts)
- Penal Code §25400(a)(2) – Carrying a concealed and loaded firearm

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis

At approximately 6:08 AM, October 11, 2018, deputies along with emergency personnel with the Fillmore Fire Department and American Medical Response, responded to a call of a vehicle versus-pedestrian traffic collision in the 700 block of Ventura Street (State Route 126) in Fillmore.

A 66-year-old male resident of Fillmore had been struck by a pickup truck in the westbound #2 lane (the lane closest to the curb). He suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver, a 62-year-old male resident of Castaic, was uninjured, and the preliminarily investigation did not indicate drug or alcohol impairment by the driver.

Anyone with information about the collision, which remains under investigation, is asked to contact Senior Deputy Shawn Holzberger at 805-388-5146.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

On the evening on Friday, October 12, 2018, eastern Ventura County experienced thunderstorm(s) and intermittent heavy rain for several hours. At approximately 10:35 PM, Ms. Lisa Kinsey (Party # 1 above), a 46 year old Moorpark resident was driving her black, 2003, Ford, F-350 pick-up truck eastbound on the Broadway Road portion of State Route 23, between Moorpark and Fillmore, approaching a right curve in the roadway as it changes to Walnut Canyon Road. Ms. Kinsey was reportedly the only occupant of her vehicle. Moises Paniagua, reportedly a resident of Fillmore, was driving his green, 2000, Honda, Accord sedan northbound on Walnut Canyon Road, approaching a left curve in the roadway ahead (at Broadway Road) and Ms. Kinsey’s vehicle (Vehicle 1 above). It is believed it was raining at this time and location, roadways were wet. In curve there was a head-on, or near head-collision. The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center began receiving 9-1-1 calls and dispatched personnel from the CHP’s Moorpark Area office and Ventura County Fire Department. Once emergency personnel arrived on scene it was determined the driver of the Honda (Vehicle 2 above) was badly injured and trapped by wreckage. The Ventura County Fire Department expanded their response with additional specialized equipment and personnel. It took approximately 25 minutes to cut away the damaged Honda from its driver in order to remove him from the car. All four occupants of the Honda were transported by multiple ground ambulances to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks for a variety of major and moderate injuries. Ms. Kinsey was examined and treated at the scene, declined further care and elected to seek further aid at a later time. Both vehicles were towed from the collision scene. State Route 23 was completely closed for approximately one hours to accommodate rescuers.
Unfortunately and despite aggressive medical care at the hospital, the driver of the Honda died overnight and his remains have been transferred to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office for the investigation into the medial cause of this death. The Medical Examiner’s Office will release his name once all family members have been notified. There is no indication at this time that impaired driving from alcohol, drugs or medication was a factor in this this collision. As of Saturday afternoon the collision investigation is continuing. Further information regarding the cause of the collision will likely be available not later than the afternoon of Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Anyone who witnessed the collision or either vehicle in the minutes before the collision, or has information they believe helpful regarding the collision is encouraged the telephone the CHP at (805) 553-0800 or (805) 477-4174.
Submitted by: Officer Johannesen, ID 21306 / Lt. / Commander R. Cohan

Submitted by Dave MacDonald

Fillmore Lady Flashes began the week with one goal in mind, to become the first ever Citrus Coast Girl's Golf League Champions. Fillmore came into the week involved in a tight battle with Nordhoff high school with two matches to play. Play opened on Tuesday, October 16th at Mountain View Golf course for league match #4 and Fillmore was again led by Alyssa and Sami Ibarra as well as the rest of the team and posted it's 3rd straight league victory with a low score of 232. This gave Fillmore some breathing room headed into Thursday's final league showdown. FHS needed only a 3rd place finish to clinch the title but as had happened in the three previous matches, the Flashes beat all other teams and finished with a 4 match wining streak to clinch the title of league champs.

The Flashes also placed three girls in the 1st team all league category not including having the league MVP, Alyssa Ibarra. She was joined by Sami Ibarra, Destiny Menjuga and April Lizarraga on 1st team. Rounding out the second team was 3 year senior Daisy Santa Rosa and Brianna Jimeniz was named an Honorable mention winner.

FHS had a great season and special thanks goes out to Elkins Ranch Golf Course who provided countless contributions to support our students. We could not have done it without their efforts and we are thankful for all they did for our team.

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges Californians to get the influenza (flu) vaccine to protect your health during the upcoming flu season.

In California, flu usually begins to increase in late November or December. It takes a couple of weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity, so now is the time to get vaccinated to have the best protection now the flu season has started.

“Getting vaccinated is the best line of defense against flu,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “You can prevent missing work or school, visits to the doctor or hospitalization, and protect others from coming down with the flu.”

A person with the flu may be contagious and infect others before they even feel sick.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2016–2017 season, flu immunization prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States.

Flu vaccines are administered as a shot or nasal spray. For the 2018-19 flu season, the CDC recommends vaccination with no preference for any one vaccine over another.

CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. While anyone can get flu, pregnant women, children under five, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma are particularly at risk for flu-related complications. Flu vaccinations are needed every year to maintain the greatest protection because the vaccine changes each year to match circulating viruses and annual vaccination boosts immunity.

For pregnant women, flu complications can include premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth of the baby. Besides helping prevent flu complications, flu vaccine given during pregnancy also helps protect babies from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can be immunized, which is a time that babies are at high risk for flu complications.

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, you should also:
• Stay home while sick and limit contact with others.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with your sleeve or disposable tissue.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

CDPH encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician’s office or clinic about getting the flu vaccine. When flu vaccine is in stock, adults with Medi-Cal can also get immunized at the pharmacy where they generally pick up their prescriptions. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.

For more information about the flu, visit CDPH’s website. For the flu vaccine location nearest you, visit www.flu.gov.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Bob Crum

As much as I might find the reality perplexing, it's evident that for many people, smartphones have become the de facto device for taking photos. (sigh) Will smartphones make cameras go the way of dinosaurs? Not yet!

Visiting from San Luis Obispo, my friend Jed and I met for lunch. He shoots weddings and teaches workshops. As we pondered the photographic state of discombobulation, a few things came to mind. First, a little history.

Back in the days of film, most cameras included an exposure meter which worked reasonably well. Load the film, select Auto or Program mode, frame the shot and mash the shutter button. Then pray! Afterward, the photographer took the film to wherever to develop. Return some time later for the prints. Sometimes prayers worked, sometimes they didn't. Delightful or lousy, you got what you got.

Sure, film cameras were OK because most people were not enthusiastic photo makers. Most were no more interested in 'creating' a photo than today's... ahem... phonetographers. Most needed merely to record an event, or an activity or a particular subject such as a stunning flower or glorious sunset. Only two considerations: Exposure and composition. Same as a smartphone. Exposure basically automatic, and composition was rarely, if ever, considered.

Digital changed all of that. Whether a point-and-shoot or an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), there's still aperture and shutter speed controls and much more. The digital camera offers a photographer many creative possibilities. Today's digital cameras are so good that even in 'auto' mode, excellent photos are produced. Instead of dealing with a film canister, digital photos are transferred to a thumb drive and taken to a processor for prints. Costco, using real photo processing, produces fine prints. So why are those that previously used a film camera reluctant to transition to a digital camera?

Perhaps confusion is a factor. Pick up a digital camera and you'll see several buttons & dials. Menus operate the internal computer. One push of the menu button reveals dozens of options. Who has the time to learn what they all do? No wonder many a would-be digital photographer quickly puts the camera back on the counter and promptly exits the camera store.

Fear not! Those camera menus are like the various brushes an artist uses for creating a painting. It's a big part of creativity. But with a digital camera, you're painting with pixels. And the choices the camera menus give you are what you use to fulfill your vision!

I'd be remiss not to mention one other learning curve: The computer software programs essential to convert pixels into an image for the Internet or prints. But if one doesn't have a computer to run the software, well, there's always quilting.

We topped off our lunch with pumpkin pie and Jed departed to return to SLO with another wedding on the books. I seldom shoot weddings. Too many relatives have too much to say resulting in too much frustration. Much more tranquil shooting puppies and poppies.

Many times a photo can be anticipated like the photo of the week. As the boat approached the harbor, I saw the brown pelican. I predicted it would take flight as we came closer. I quickly dialed a fast shutter speed but didn't have time to select burst mode. As expected, it stretched out its long wings and quickly flew by in front of me. CLICK! Got it! In one shot! Love the challenge! Love the thrill! Love photography!!! Buy a camera and experience such thrills yourself. Warning: It's delightfully addictive!

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