At last night’s City Council meeting a Ventura County Health Care Agency representative invited everyone to the Santa Clara Valley Town Hall Meeting on February 5th from 6pm – 7:30pm at the Fillmore Active Adult Center.

City Council asked staff to meet with representatives of the various sports leagues to get their comments on the proposed policy. City staff met with the leaders of the various youth organizations within the City that use the City’s recreational fields on December 18, 2019 and January 8, 2020 to discuss the City’s proposed field rental policy. After explaining the policy, the youth organization representatives all stated that they understood and supported the policy with an implementation date of January 1, 2021. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Coordinators have each been assigned specific organizations to serve as the main point of contact, to conduct pre-season, mid-season and end of season meetings and address any concerns throughout the year. These liaison designations will result in the “ownership” of each program by the Parks and Recreation Coordinators.

Council adopted the proposed City policy for reserving baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields throughout the city, unanimously.

8C. That the City Council was asked to adopt the proposed City policy for reserving baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields throughout the city.

8.A - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STATE ROUTE 126 AND STATE HWY 23 UTILITY COVER ADJUSTMENT PROJECT, SPEC NO. 18-01

Caltrans completed asphalt concrete paving projects on State Route 126 (Ventura Street) and State Route23 (A-Street) that covered the manhole and valve covers that serve as access points to City of Fillmore-owned water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain utilities. The City, as the utility owner, is now required to raise the covers to match the new grade as a City project under an encroachment permit from Caltrans.

This project includes exposing and raising to the new finished grade the City-owned utility covers affected by the paving projects. The contract documents also include a scope of work for the contractor to prepare a traffic control plan for approval by Caltrans. The City has already obtained an Encroachment Permit from Caltrans for this project. The contractor will obtain approval of the traffic control plan as a part of obtaining a double permit off of the City’s permit.

Council unanimously approved the award of a contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc for the construction of the State Route 126 and State Hwy23 Utility Cover Adjustment Project, Spec. No. 18-01. and for allocation of additional funds to the respective budget accounts for this work.

8B. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 20-3746 TO IMPLEMENT AN INCREASE IN POTABLE WATER RATES TO AN AMOUNT LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM
PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT FOR 2020 AS AUTHORIZED BY THE 2016 PROPOSITION 218 PROCESS; AND CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 20-3745 TO MAINTAIN THE SEWER RATES AT AN AMOUNT LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT FOR 2020 AS AUTHORIZED BY THE 2016 PROPOSITION 218 PROCES.

Motion was unanimously approved.

8D. City Staff recommended that the City Council conduct the public hearing and directed staff to submit the Clean Air Fund proposal to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District for the electric vehicle and two charging stations as detailed in Exhibit 1. Alternatively, the City Council could direct staff to submit a proposal for a portion of the items included in the draft proposal.

8E. Council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 20-925 to adopt the 2019 Uniform Building and Fire Codes, with amendments.

REQUEST - From: Tiffany J. Israel, City Attorney that the City Council listen to the 2020 Housing Legislation Update and discuss these changes and any questions with staff.

DISCUSSION
In October, Governor Newsom signed into law 18 State housing bills aimed at addressing the State’s housing affordability crisis. All 18 bills became effective on January 1, 2020. The intent of these new laws is to break down legal barriers to housing production and to create more affordable housing. One of the consequences is, however, the State’s erosion of the city’s police powers to regulate land use. The new laws also make it more difficult to deny affordable housing projects.

Some of the bills will require the city to revise their ordinances or have them be deemed void, due to a conflict with statutory law. Staff has begun drafting some of the ordinances necessary to update the Fillmore Municipal Code.

Fillmore Unified School District

2018-2019 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Financial Audit
The Governing Board received a report and approved the audit.

Measure V General Obligation Bonds Financial and Performance Audit
The Governing Board received a report and approved the audit.

Governor's Budget Proposal
The Governing Board received information from Andrea McNeill, Assistant Superintendent of Business
Services, regarding the Governor's Budget Proposal.

Approve Change Orders #2-3 for Electrical Yard Infrastructure Upgrade at Fillmore High School, 555 Central
Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015, Project 2019-035
The Governing Board approved Change Orders #2-3.

Approve Division of State Architect (DSA) Construction Inspector Recommendation
The Governing Board accepted the DSA Construction Inspector Recommendation to approve Vernier Construction
Services for the CTE Building

Award Bid for RFP# 2020-003 for Special Inspection and Material Testing Services for Fillmore High School
Existing CTE Building Demolition Project and CTE New Building Construction Project
The Governing Board awarded the bid to Lowest Qualified Bidder: CTE South, Inc.

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

Bob Crum

I'm experiencing ongoing respiratory issues, among other things. Last Thursday, I underwent a pulmonary function test (PFT) at the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). That's an ordeal when breathing is a challenge. Last Sunday I needed another breathing treatment. A breathing treatment involves inhaling a medication (Albuterol) turned into a fine mist and inhaled for about 20 minutes. Some may know this therapy as a nebulizer treatment and may contain steroids to decrease inflammation and secretions. I now have a nebulizer at home to use when I need it. But why can't a pharmacy lab make strawberry margarita flavored Albuterol?

Of course I took my camera and tripod with me thinking that after the respiratory therapy, I might be able to get out in the fresh air at Faria Beach and make a few photos, something I hadn't been able to do for too long. But why the beach?

It's reported that ocean waves create delightful negative ions, which are small molecules that's gained a negative electrical charge. These negative ions are found in extremely high concentrations at the beach. These microscopic molecules can pass through our skin cells and through our lungs via the air we breathe making breathing easier. But wait, there's more! Studies have also shown that negative ions possess not only an anti-microbial element but also mood enhancers. Research seems to indicate that negative ions can - I love this - influence serotonin levels in the brain. Wonderful! If a hefty dose of negative ions can kick up my serotonin level, bring'em on!

So, going to the beach following a breathing treatment is like a doctors' prescription that reads: Spend three hours at the shore of your choice for medicinal purposes. Who would dare suggest that I ignore medical orders? I ignored the part that said roguery with mermaids is forbidden.

Along with my camera, I also took my lens filter bag. Among the many filters in my filter bag, I have a very special 150mm X 100mm Singh-Ray Daryl Benson (D.B.) reverse graduated filter. Remember, the sun setting on the horizon is extremely bright. Without filtration of some type, photos of the sun at sunset exhibit a big overexposed blob. Ugh! The D.B. reverse graduated filter is darkest where it needs to be, at the center. It's clear on the bottom (for proper exposure of foregrounds which are generally darker at sunset) and transitions from dark to light above the horizon. This filter makes it perfect for sunrises and sunsets with flat defined horizons such as the seashore, prairie or desert. Accordingly, I was eager to capture a sunset photo with the D.B. filter for this week's photo of the week. I could hardly wait for the sunset.

About 15 minutes before the sun dropped down out of sight, I brought out my Lee filter holder in which I slide the D.B. filter. OH OH! The filter size on my Tamron 16-300mm lens is 67mm. The Lee filter holder that screws on to the lens is 77mm. The problem? My 67mm to 77mm step-up adapter for mounting the Lee holder was back home. Bummer! At that moment, my body was not generating sufficient serotonin to overcome instant depression.

Plan ruined, I sat down on the steps, dejected, and watched the ten-foot waves roll in. Then I heard the familiar chirp, looked up, and there he was, on a boulder overhead, posing for me. I programmed the camera (real cameras have dials and buttons) and made a few headshots of grungy J.P. Seagull for the photo of the week. Happy photoing.

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday, January 18th, 2020 at approximately 1452 hours, Officers of the Santa Paula Police Department were contacted by a female victim in the parking lot of K-Mart. It was reported that a female suspect had brandished a knife at the victim. The suspect reported to be armed with a knife and still in the area. While officers were still investigating, the female suspect was located vandalizing a van. Officers made contact with the female who dropped to her knees and would not comply with officers commands while speaking incoherently. A Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy was in the area and responded to assist SPPD officers. Once on scene he was able to advise the suspect was possibly involved in an arson in the city of Fillmore earlier in the day at the 1300 block of Waterford Lane. Additional resources were requested from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and a Ventura Police Department K9 team. After numerous attempts to gain compliance from the suspect officers approached the suspect utilizing a police shield to subdue the suspect and safely take her into custody. The suspect was found to be in possession of a fixed blade knife and a folding pocket knife. The suspect was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the vandalism.

The investigation is currently ongoing and anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Allen Macias at 805-525-4474 Ext 220.

Officer Preparing Press Release: Sergeant Michael Hoppin #1027
Approved by: Commander Scott Varner #1022

Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Fire and Sheriff’s Department along with FUSD Board Member Scott Beylik stopped by San Cayetano to meet with ASB Student Members for the “great ball giveaway.” Playground balls were donated to the school and to all FUSD elementary schools for the children to enjoy during recess. It also happened to be the kick-off for San Cayetano’s “Be A Buddy-Kindness Matters Week,” hence the timing of this amazing gesture of kindness was fitting. The students and staff of San Cayetano thank community leaders for serving as great role models of kindness and generosity, and on behalf of our San Cayetano staff, students and families, we thank you from the bottom of our heart! Courtesy San Cayetano School Website.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Stolen Vehicles:
Case # 2019-194908
Date/Time: 10/02/2019
Location: 2800 Block of Telegraph Road, Fillmore
Year: 2010
Make/model: Red/White Kubota KX41-3VR1
Vin: 20628

Hemp Thefts:
Thefts of Hemp in Ventura County were prevalent in 2019 with 10 reported incidents where hemp plants were stolen from local agricultural fields. Arrests were made in several of the cases and several more are being investigated. The crimes, other than Etting Road, do not appear to be related. The following is a summary of the crimes:

Case # 2019-175065
Date/Time: 11/08/2019
Location: 4000 Block of E. Telegraph Rd., Piru
Summary: Investigation ongoing

Case # 2019-175370
Date/Time: 11/08/2019
Location: 4000 Block of E. Telegraph Rd., Piru
Summary: One subject arrested.

Owner Applied Number "OAN" Program
In an effort to deter crime; farmers, ranchers, rural businesses, and commercial businesses can be assigned a 5-digit identification number, which is unique to each property owner. This number is combined with a five-digit FBI number (CA056) to create a ten digit Owner Applied Number (OAN), e.g. CA0560000M.

Owner Applied Numbers are meant for use on large equipment, such as farm machinery, trailers, etc. They can also be applied to commercial business equipment; such as construction, rental yard or landscaping equipment. Residential belongings, such as electronics, appliances, sporting goods, cameras, tools, etc. are best marked with the owner’s California Driver’s License number, e.g. A1234567 CA.

These OAN’s, and correlating property ownership information, are entered into a Sheriff’s Department computer database, which allows property owner data to be retrieved immediately by law enforcement personnel. Stolen property marked with an OAN is entered into a national database, which is accessible by law enforcement throughout the United States.

OAN’s serve two basic purposes:
- By placing an OAN sign at each entrance of rural property, we can immediately establish owner information. We can then contact the owner or agent to clarify or notify them of any suspicious or criminal activities.
- Marking valuable property with the ten-digit OAN not only discourages theft, but also enables law enforcement to identify and return the property in the event it is stolen. Identifiable property is crucial to the successful prosecution of thieves.
For OAN application and additional information contact Detective Aaron Grass at (805) 384-4726 or aaron.grass@ventura.org.

General Crime Prevention Tips
- Create/maintain/inventory list of all equipment with serial numbers, make/model, year, color, capacity and any other information that would help in identifying lost/stolen items.
- Bring major equipment/tools in from fields/orchards each night and lock in a barn or shed. If equipment must be left in a field/orchard overnight, consider placing in a location where it can be seen by staff.
- Keep farm equipment/vehicles away from road where it can become susceptible to theft and vandalism.
- Keep equipment/other items locked in a building or secured to a stationary object with case hardened chains and padlocks.
- Do not leave equipment and tools in open cargo compartments of vehicle.
- Lock tool boxes and other storage compartments.
- Keep storage areas clean and organized to keep track of equipment and tools.
- Lock up chemicals in secure storage areas.
- Request that chemicals be delivered when they are needed to prevent long term storage/theft problems.
- Install GPS tracking devices on equipment and vehicles which may assist in locating the items if stolen.
- Note any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice on or around your property and send the information to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.