The 106th Annual Fillmore High Alumni Dinner event will take place at the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday, June 8th.

One of the highlights of the event is the awarding of scholarships to each Alumni Association’s scholar recipient.

Dinner is catered by the award winning DJ’s Catering. The menu includes grilled Angus sirloin beef, roasted chicken breast with wild mushrooms (in Porcini Béchamel) served with field greens and vegetable salad, potatoes Mousseline, three cheese macaroni & cheese, and an assortment of freshly baked rolls with butter. Dessert menu includes choice of warm peach or apple cobbler (with McConnell’s of Santa Barbara vanilla bean ice cream).

There is still room available but reservations are going fast. Purchase your reservations ASAP online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (click on Events), At the FHS Alumni Store located at 559 Sespe Avenue, or Patterson Hardware located at 362 Central Avenue (open 7 days a week).

Let’s celebrate our alma mater, our community of Fillmore, and our graduating seniors!

It’s FREE to camp out with us! However, you must pre-register with the Parks and Recreation Department still! Email us to get the registration paperwork at recreation@ci.fillmore.ca.us

Join us as Fillmore, CA partakes in the Great American Campout from June 22nd-23rd at Two Rivers Park! We'll have camp activities throughout the day, a campfire & an evening movie in the park.

This is a FREE event to participate in; we'll have food trucks available for you to purchase treats & meals from.

Bring your own tent, sleeping bags etc. all tents must be secured with weights or sandbags NO STAKES IN THE GROUND. All youth under 18 years old must be registered with an attending adult.

Join us for a family-friendly event to kick-off the summer in Fillmore!

Email recreation@ci.fillmore.ca.us to register!

Fillmore Unified School District

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Fillmore Adult School 2018-2019 Year in Review
The Governing Board received a presentation on the 2018-2019 Fillmore Adult School Year in Review. Presentation was delivered by Assistant Superintendent, Stefan Cvijanovich and Director, Tom Chan

Proposed 2019-2020 Update to Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
The Governing Board received a presentation on the proposed update to the 2019-2020 LCAP. Presentation was delivered by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

2019-2020 Proposed Budget, Including Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Budget Overview for Parents and Proposition 30 Expenditure Plan
The Governing Board received a presentation on the 2019-2020 proposed budget and accompanying components. Presentation was delivered by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Award Bid for Electrical Yard Infrastructure Update at Fillmore High School
The Governing Board awarded the bid as follows:
Project#: 2019-035
Project Description: Electrical Yard Infrastructure Update at Fillmore High School
Contractor: Scott and Sons Electric
Amount: $1,606,000.00

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

Bob Crum

I won't deny feeling irritable — symptoms of cabin fever from long confinements indoors during weather unfit for even a duck. Don't understand the weather of late but I know that it's not conducive to photography: dismal light and damp environment.

To counter the symptoms, some well-meaning friends suggested that I start a new hobby (no time), try a new recipe (out of garlic), start scrapbooking (not enough scraps), do a puzzle (too puzzling), engage in late spring cleaning (to much like work), spend time reading the Gazette's entertainment section (the whole paper is entertaining ), or plan a summer vacation. That's it! On my bucket list: A cruise up the inland passage to Alaska. Anyway, by the time you read this, the weather will most likely turn delightful again. Moving along...

Ever harbor a thought about a particular subject and not ever needing to mention it until questioned? And, for vindication, wonder if anyone else thinks likewise?

A few years ago, I was asked to speak about my experiences as a photographer to a group of Thousand Oaks artists. I took several photos to show. One image, in particular, I made in August 2012, near Nicholas Pond, Leo Carrillo State Park. The photo: tall, wild, brown and dead grass backlit by the sun making the grass glow beautifully as if every stalk of grass was gold—a favorite photo. One in the audience asked: “Why take a boring photo of brown dead grass?” Nice guy! I paused, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. As I glanced around the room, I was thankful for the opportunity to express my passion for photography. Holding the photo, the scene, I explained, was beautiful, blissful in its unique way. After admiring the view a few moments, I made this photo. Look at how the grass glows! Within just a few minutes, the sun set behind the hill eliminating the majestic light. Please note that I made the photo for me! I explained that every time I look at the photo, I could vividly recall the awe and joy I felt at that moment! As I share this photo, I'm sharing a special moment in time and place. Your tastes, sir, may differ, and that's OK. The group applauded, and I continued with my presentation, knowing that the group of artists understood.

When not shooting on assignment, was I the only one who took photos for myself? No. William Neill, a photographer/writer for Outdoor Photographer magazine, recently wrote that a friend asked him: “‘Is my voice original at all, and does it matter?' Neill replied: “That depends on why you're doing your photography and for whom. I like to think that most of us make photographs for ourselves, for the enjoyment of experiencing nature and exploring the landscape, and not to please someone else.”

Vindication! Furthermore, with camera in hand, I've explored, enjoyed and photographed fabulous landscapes and waterscapes in places that I might not usually have even thought about. Montaña de Oro State Park comes to mind. Anyone else been there?

Did I ever mention timing? Making a zesty photo zing is a matter of critical timing. The photo of the week is an example of why the finger on the shutter-release button better be ready! Milliseconds matter. There are no do-overs. Get it or go home empty handed! Note that I'd be hard-pressed to make the photo with, ahem, a cellphone. C’mon folks, you know I had to say that! Happy photoing.

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

FILLMORE, California – People across the world can get up-close-and-personal with an endangered California condor chick in real-time through live streaming video of a cliff-side nest in a canyon on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Ventura County, California.

California condor chick #980 hatched on April 10. Its parents are nine-year-old female condor #563 and 19-year-old male condor #262. This is the pair’s first nesting attempt together and their first year on the live streaming Condor Cam as a pair. This is female condor #563’s second attempt at raising a chick, and the chick’s father, condor #262, fledged one other chick in the past with a previous mate.

Followers of the California Condor Cam watched a chick hatch live in the wild for the first time in history from another cliff-side nest on Hopper Mountain NWR in 2015. Since then, livestreaming video of California condor chicks have gained worldwide attention – attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers from all over the world.

“Today’s technology allows researchers like us to observe nests in remote locations without having to trek into the backcountry and wait for days, sometimes weeks, at observation blinds for a glimpse of the condors,” says Dr. Estelle Sandhaus, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s director of conservation and science. “With this live stream, the public can share in the thrill of seeing these rare and highly endangered birds care for their chick, and follow its development before it takes its first flight. What was once only seen by a few scientists is now available to anyone with an internet connection.”

In California, wild condors nest, roost or fly in the mountains of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare and Fresno counties, and the western Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The 2018 nesting season was a record-breaking one, with 12 nests in the mountains of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Kern counties. Six of those nests were successful, the most ever in the Southern California flock.

“The success of last year’s nesting season was really monumental for the condor recovery program and a testament to the hard work of all the partners involved in this effort,” said Nicole Weprin, wildlife biologist with the Service’s California Condor Recovery Program. “We’re hopeful for another successful nesting season this year, and thrilled that the public can share in our excitement by watching the Condor Cam.”

The number of California condors dropped dramatically in the mid-20th century, leading the Service to designate the species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. By 1982 there were only 22 of the iconic birds left in the wild. Today, due to intensive, ongoing captive breeding and recovery efforts led by the Service in conjunction with multiple public and private partners, the California condor population has grown to just under 490 birds worldwide, with more than half of the population flying free.

Today the number one killer of California condors is lead poisoning, caused by condors feeding on carcasses containing lead bullet fragments. Peer-reviewed research shows that lead poisoning is a serious health problem for both wildlife and humans, and the Service is working with partner organizations and the hunting community as it transitions to the use of non-lead ammunition alternatives. Hunters are continuing their proud tradition of wildlife conservation by using these non-lead alternatives.

Another threat specific to condor chicks is “micro trash.” Micro trash are small coin-sized trash items such as, nuts, bolts, washers, copper wire, plastic, bottle caps, glass, and spent ammunition cartridges. Condor parents collect these items and feed them to their chick, which can cause serious problems with the chick’s development. While it is not completely understood why this occurs, many biologists believe that the condor parents mistake these items for pieces of bone and shell which provides a source of calcium if fed to the chick.

Conservation efforts toward the recovery of the California condor are achieved only through partnerships amongst federal and state agencies, together with private landowners and organizations. The Pole Canyon Condor Cam is made possible through access provided by private landowners, and through the financial and technical support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Santa Barbara Zoo, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and Friends of California Condors Wild and Free.

"The condor cams are unlike any other offering on the internet. Each year we've streamed from a different site and pair, and the differences among all these nests and individuals have given viewers a unique opportunity to understand more of the richness and variability of the condor's life history,” said Charles Eldermire, Cornell Lab Bird Cams project leader. “That's not just good for viewers—it's good for the condors, too."

To watch the Condor Cam, visit: www.allaboutbirds.org/condors

A presentation on the history of winemaking in Ventura County, and wine tasting from a local vintner will highlight “The Days of Wine and Spirits at Rancho Camulos” on Saturday, June 15 at 4:00 PM.

Historian Judy Triem will share her extensive viniculture research. Most people do not realize that between 1850 and 1900 some of the finest wine and brandy in all of California was produced at Rancho Camulos (which was then actually part of Santa Barbara County).

Following the presentation, local vintner, Bruce Freeman of Clos des Amis near Santa Paula will provide wine tastings of his locally grown, locally produced fine wines.

The tastings will be complemented by a delectable charcuterie board.

Spend an afternoon in the beautiful Heritage Valley and support the non-profit Rancho Camulos Museum’s historic education and restoration efforts. Your $30 donation will include Museum membership. Reservations should be made at.URL:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/days-of-wine-spirits-at-rancho-camulos-muse....

Tens of thousands of public comments have already been submitted in response to the Trump Administration’s court-ordered study on the impacts of fossil fuel drilling and fracking across more than one million acres of federal land and mineral estate. The study covers nine central California counties, from Monterey County in the north to Ventura County in the south, and from the coast inland to the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The 45-day public comment period ends on June 10.

In its draft study of the environmental impacts of hydrologic fracturing, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed no changes to its 2015 plan to allow new oil drilling and fracking in and adjacent to national forests, parks and monuments, state, county and city parks, beaches, wildlife refuges, rivers, reservoirs, schools, and other areas especially sensitive to environmental and health impacts. Even parcels along the Pacific Crest Trail remain in the plan.

Over 150 people attended each of the three meetings last month, in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara, hosted by the BLM as part of the public comment period associated with the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Amid expressed concerns about water, schools, and health impacts like asthma, residents speaking at the meetings expressed outrage at the Bureau of Land Management’s refusal to record their comments and to add them to the project record. Moreover, the BLM refused to respond to a unanimous request by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to hold a public hearing in Ventura County. A similar request by Congresswoman Julia Brownley was similarly ignored.

“Apparently, the BLM is more concerned with the public feeling like they are heard than actually hearing from the public,” said Los Padres ForestWatch Public Lands Advocate Rebecca August. “The BLM is fast-tracking this process at the expense of public participation, and is refusing to make any changes to its plan to address the known environmental and public health impacts of fossil fuel drilling and fracking on public lands.”

The BLM considered just 211 of over 8,400 letters submitted during last year’s scoping period, claiming that 97.5% of public comment, which was overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal, was not what it deemed substantive and original.

The DEIS is subject to new guidelines, imposed by the Trump administration, which restrict the length of the study to no more than one year and 150 pages, regardless of the project’s scope and complexity. Environmental impact studies are critical to understanding how a project might impact water, air, soils, wildlife, archeological resources, other land uses, and public health. They also are meant to identify and explore project alternatives that may be more suitable to a particular site, and often take years to develop.

“This is the public’s last chance to weigh in on this misguided proposal that threatens our region’s air, water, wildlife, and favorite outdoor recreation destinations,” said Jeff Kuyper, Executive Director of Los Padres ForestWatch. “The fate of our region’s iconic landscapes are at stake, and we need residents throughout the region to send a message loud and clear that our public lands belong to the people, not the oil industry.”

ForestWatch has posted the BLM’s GIS data on an easy-to-use interactive map showing the parcels open for drilling and fracking.

The BLM is accepting comments on its study of drilling and fracking until June 10. This is the only comment period on the agency’s study until a decision is issued, which is expected in September. The public can submit comments to BLM via an easy on-line portal at www.LPFW.org/fracking or directly through the BLM’s website.

According to the BLM data, the plan will open several key parcels in Ventura to drilling and fracking, including:

1. Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ilvento Preserve, a 80-acre parcel, the first land acquisition for OVLC, donated by the Ilvento Family in 1997. Located on a ridge near The Thacher School in the east end of Ojai Valley, the Preserve is host to diverse native plant communities and important wildlife corridors. The parcel is open to the public and features breathtaking views of the Ojai and Upper Ojai valleys, Topa Topa Bluffs, and Chief Peak.

2. The Thacher School in Ojai. The 40-acre parcel – located between Thacher and Reeves creeks – is on the eastern edge of campus, and the mineral rights below the parcel are owned by the federal government. The parcel contains a popular hiking trail near the school’s Gymkhana Field where students practice their horsemanship skills and participate in annual competitions and races.

3. A privately-owned 40-acre parcel is located between Sisar Canyon and Koenigstein Road in Upper Ojai.

4 .Nearly 1,500 acres of federal public land adjacent to and within one mile of the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as the hub for efforts to reintroduce endangered California condors into the wild Several parcels between Fillmore and Piru, a scattering of parcels on the ridge separating Lake Casitas from Highway 101 along the coast, several parcels in the hillsides behind the City of Ventura.

5. A small parcel on Boney Mountain in Point Mugu State Park.

6. A few parcels in the Upper Cuyama Valley and near Frazier Mountain in the far northern portion of the county.

7. Naval Base Ventura County: the Port Hueneme Naval CBC, the Pt. Mugu Naval Base, and all of San Nicolas Island (one of the eight Channel Islands located offshore Ventura County).

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Project Origins:
The Fillmore Unified School District completed a robust review of district facilities through a Facility Master Plan process in 2016 during which district stakeholders (students, parents, community members, and staff) provided input about facility needs. The Career Technical Education facility became a top priority for Fillmore USD as a result of the Facility Master Plan given the age of the current buildings and the needs of the programs (Transportation and Agriculture) moving forward. Additionally, the State of California announced the competitive process to fund career pathways for up to $3 Million in new construction. The Governing Board supported staff to prepare applications for each pathway, Transportation and Agriculture, with both receiving a reservation of funds for a total of $6 Million.

- The Fillmore USD Agriculture pathway is one of 70 applications approved by the State Allocation Board to receive $3 Million in reserved funds for new construction.

- Today's action has resulted in a total of $6 Million in matching funds from the State of California reserved for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus.

The State Allocation Board took action at their meeting held today in Sacramento to approve $125 Million in projects for the fifth funding cycle of the School Facility Program Career Technical Education Facilities Program. The Office of Public School Construction received 220 applications for consideration in the fifth funding cycle of which 70 applications were selected for approval.

The Fillmore Unified School District Agriculture Pathway project was one of the 70 projects awarded resulting in an additional $3 Million of matching dollars for the construction of the new Career Technical Education Facility.

The district was previously awarded $3 Million in matching dollars in May of 2018 for the Transportation SDSR (Systems Diagnostics Service and Repair) Pathway bringing the total amount of funds for Fillmore USD to $6 Million in matching funds. The matching funds are identified for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus. The project is currently under review by the Division of the State Architect and staff is eagerly anticipating final approval in the coming weeks. Construction on this project is anticipated to begin in the Summer/Fall of 2019. The Fillmore USD's partner in this process is the professional architectural firm of West Group Design.

Fillmore Unified was the only Ventura County school district to receive $3 Million in matching funds for new construction as part of the fifth funding cycle. District Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, shared, “we are especially proud of the contributions by district staff and our Agriculture Advisory in their work to complete an application that stood out at the state level in this process. The application accurately captured the current practices in our district community to support Agriculture and the compelling vision for the program’s future. The matching funds from the state and Measure V, $35 Million General Obligation Bond approved by voters in November 2016, will enable us to realize our dream for the educational facility our students deserve.”

ABOUT FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is a preschool, TK-12, and adult education public school district located in Ventura County. Fillmore USD Is an integral part of the city of Fillmore, population 15,420, and is the area’s single largest employer. The unincorporated community of Piru, population 2,114, is located seven miles east of the city of Fillmore and is also served by the Fillmore Unified School District.

VISION Fillmore Unified School District provides a culture of high expectations where every student achieves future success.

MISSION Every day we develop high performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.

ABOUT WESTGROUP DESIGNS
Westgroup Designs (WD) is a comprehensive Planning, Architecture, Interior Design and Branding firm with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Founded in 1989, WD values passion, integrity, execution, teamwork and an enthusiasm for discovery. We specialize in educational, civic, healthcare, and commercial facilities, ranging from tenant improvement, reinvestment and renovations to new ground-up buildings and campuses. WD is forefront in the industry with its dedication to Innovative Design, Client-Focused Solutions and Reliable Service.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two suspects were arrested for robbery and shoplifting charges after stealing laundry detergent and other items from a local merchant. The two suspects were also found to be suspects in similar cases in Fillmore and in Santa Barbara County throughout the week.

On May 23rd, 2019, deputies responded to a robbery in progress at the Dollar General store located at 1154 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore. Deputies learned two females entered the store and selected multiple laundry detergent containers and exited the store without paying. An alert store employee observed the crime and confronted the two, identified as Kayla Gularte and Kathryn Weaver, in the parking lot. When contacted, Gularte sprayed the employee in the face with pepper spray and assaulted him in order to escape. Gularte ran to the parking lot where Weaver was waiting in a getaway car. The subjects fled the area westbound on the 126 Highway.

Sheriff Dispatchers were able to obtain precise information from the reporting party and relay the suspect description to patrol deputies. A Sheriff’s sergeant observed the vehicle travelling on the highway towards the city of Santa Paula. The sergeant and other deputies conducted a high risk stop on the suspect vehicle and the females were taken into custody. A search of the car revealed nearly 100 items that appeared to be stolen. Deputies recovered the stolen goods from
Dollar General, along with additional laundry soap, women’s undergarments, razors, and fragrances.

Detectives learned Gularte and Weaver are suspects in a theft that occurred in Fillmore earlier in the week and one that occurred in Santa Barbara county earlier in the day. The investigation is ongoing.

Gularte was arrested and booked for the following charges; 211PC- Robbery, 182 (a)(1) PCConspiracy, 273 a(a) Child Endangerment, and 22810 (g)(1) PC- Use of Tear Gas.

Weaver was arrested and booked for 459.5 (a) PC- Shoplifting and 182 (a)(1) PC- Conspiracy.

There is a current trend of thieves stealing laundry detergent from stores across the region.

Investigators discovered that the popular and recognizable laundry detergents are being stolen and traded on the street for cash and/or drugs.

Nature of Incident: Laundry Detergent Thieves Apprehended
Report Number: 19-79368
Location: 1154 W Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 23, 2019 1:00 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department Patrol / Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Gularte, Kayla, Santa Barbara, 21
(S) Weaver, Kathryn, Bakersfield, 22

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Three Fillmore residents, who have gang ties, were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after attacking a subject at a Fillmore restaurant and bar.

On May 7th, 2019, patrol deputies responded to a fight at a restaurant located in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Fillmore. Deputies learned three subjects attacked a patron who they perceived as having a gang affiliation. Deputies were able to identify the suspects as Joshua Lopez, Victor Orozco and Raul Martinez, all Fillmore residents. Deputies learned that Lopez struck the victim multiple times with a chair and Orozco and Martinez continued the assault by hitting and kicking the victim, who sustained minor injuries. The suspects fled the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival.

Investigators obtained additional information about the crime and were able to locate the suspects’ and take them into custody. Lopez, Orozco and Martinez were arrested for 245 (a)(1) PC-assault with a deadly weapon, 182 (a)(1) PC- conspiracy and 186.22 (a) PC- street terrorism.

All three subjects remain in custody at the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Nature of Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrests
Report Number: 19-70545
Location: 300 Block of Central Ave, Fillmore
Date & Time: May 7, 2019 9:10 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Lopez, Joshua, 24, Fillmore
(S) Orozco, Victor, 28, Fillmore
(S) Martinez, Raul, Fillmore, 22

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

Bob Crum

As an Air Force veteran, Memorial Day is especially relevant. While based at Kadina Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, I experienced the loss of two crew members who were also dear friends. The term “ultimate sacrifice” didn't mean much until I experienced it firsthand. I welcome the assignment to photograph the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony and also to honor the fallen military service men and women who, in defense of our country, paid with the ultimate price--their lives.

This assignment is perfect for describing the advantages of an all-in-one zoom lens spanning an ultra-wide spectrum of focal lengths. The Tamron 16-300mm lens is a supremely versatile photographic tool. Frequent readers know that I use it because 1) as a photojournalist, I seldom have time to change lenses and 2) Not having to change lenses helps keep my camera's sensor clean. Every time a lens is removed from an interchangeable lens camera, dSLR or mirrorless, dust can enter. It will show up in photos!

Photographing the Bardsdale Memorial Day ceremony is not particularly difficult. But it's not an airshow featuring fast-flying jet planes, or Indy-race cars, or even mermaids sunbathing, so creating interesting photos is challenging.

Review the photos, newsprint and online, and you'll notice I move a lot. Always moving changes the perspectives. Stuck feet = stagnant photos (remember that the next time you go to London, Paris or Rome). I then only need to concentrate on the photo composition. Photo composition is one of those mysterious intangibles. I can teach the craft of photography, but creativity, well, that's a subject for another day.

Two parts of the ceremony are challenges. One is the rifle volley. It consists of the honor guard firing blank cartridges three times. Even in burst mode, I have yet to capture a muzzle flash. The challenge is exacerbated because the honor guards use low-volume powder cartridges. Best I can do is get discharged cartridges flying in the air after being fired. Still not an easy photo capture.

The other is the beautiful white doves. They fly FAST! I put the camera in a slow-burst mode, which is about one frame per second. In fast burst mode, the camera would fire about seven frames per second. But the images are a tad slow going from the camera computer to the SD memory card. Which means it begins to buffer after about three seconds. Anyway, this year I was in position, the dove box in front of me, the birds flying from left to right. As the handler released the birds, I began shooting. Well, wouldn't you know that some of the doves didn't get the memo? "When the box door opens, take off and fly away." The handler opened the box door, and only half flew out. Now I'm confused. Do I photograph the ones flying away or wait, and maybe the others will catch up and make a great flock? I didn't wait. I began firing. The photo of the week is the second frame of a six-series burst. Then I started tracking the second bunch leaving the box. Remember, these magnificent birds fly really fast. No problem. Wrong! Following them was a problem. Remember the discussion about blur? Pan (track) with the subject to blur the background. At the Memorial Day ceremony, blurring the background meant blurry people!!! Wrong procedure in the wrong place. Anyway, I caught my mistake just in time to capture one photo with doves without blurring the ceremony participants. Next year!!!

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

Ventura County Department of Public Health

Every year, on May 31, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed, encouraging 24-hour abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption.

On May 31, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) is inviting the community to join the effort to go tobacco free by sharing the smoke-free message with friends, family, classmates, co-workers and community members.

Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths annually, including nearly 42,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. Additionally, more than 16 million Americans are living with a tobacco-related diseases. While traditional smoking may be on the decline, e-cigarettes are on a rapid incline, especially among youth.

The goal of VCPH is to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses and deaths, and influence social norms towards a tobacco-free County.

“Our mission is to protect the public’s health by building leadership skills among adult and youth leaders, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and educating the public about the benefits and resources available to achieve tobacco-free living”, explains Selfa Saucedo, MPH, Director of Health Education at Ventura County Public Health. “Our vision is to be one of the healthiest counties in the nation and this educational outreach campaign is designed to help amplify the message to the community, especially our vulnerable youth.”

ISSUES FOR YOUTH:

The use of e-cigarettes among youth has dramatically increased. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.

As of 2018, three out of five eleventh graders had tried vaping in Ventura County.

A 2018 survey* shows a 60 percent jump in eleventh graders now admitting to using these products in Ventura County.

Middle schoolers are proving most vulnerable as use has increased by 49 percent in one year.

Electronic cigarettes are battery operated devices that convert nicotine, additives and chemicals into vapor, and this vapor is thought to be safer to inhale. This is misleading because the cloud emitted is not vapor but an aerosol (a gas containing ultra-fine particles) that contain varying levels of toxicants and heavy metals. “Besides the large aerosol clouds that can be made with e-cigarettes/vape pens, the 15,500 e-juice flavor options are a marketing strategy to lure new, young customers, said Saucedo. “It's no coincidence that flavorings in tobacco products add to their appeal.”

The VCPH Tobacco Policy is a program within the Community Health Equity and Promotion unit of Ventura County Public Health. It is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive tobacco control plan for Ventura County.

Funds for the program have been made available through passage of the 1988 Tobacco Tax Initiative or Proposition 99 as well as the 2016 Tobacco Tax Increase or Proposition 56. The comprehensive tobacco control plan follows state guidelines and addresses the following three state mandated priorities:

Reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;

Reduce youth access to tobacco; and

Promote Smoke-free Multi-Unit Housing (Apartments)

Build a diverse coalition to address tobacco issues in Ventura County

“Education is the key to increase awareness of the harms of tobacco use, secondhand smoke and engage the community to become involved in tobacco control issues in their communities”, said Saucedo. “The public is invited to join a variety of programs that educate and engage the public on the dangers of tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and preventing youth access of tobacco products in a retail setting.”

Community members are encouraged to volunteer -- visit SmokeFreeVC.org for more information and educational links. Or connect on Facebook at Ventura County Action on Smoking & Health.

You can also contact the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Policy Program to get more information on county, city or state of California laws regarding tobacco products or secondhand smoke by calling 805-981-6656 or if you are ready to quit smoking and need help, call 805-201-STOP (7867).

Source: The latest California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) from 2018

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

By Dawn Lindsay & Amber McCalister

Simoore Grange is a local community youth organization that is under the umbrella of The National Grange of the Order of Patrons and Husbandry, which is a fraternal organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture. This organization is of interest to all who are growers, processors, and consumers of agricultural products. The Grange Youth Fair Program is a sanctioned body of The National Grange, made up of young people from the age of 5 through 19 years old. Since 1873, the mission of the California State Grange has been to serve, steward, and teach the virtues of the land to our children and community. They maintain their commitment to grassroots advocacy, supporting farmland preservation, farm development, community service, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and the consumer’s role in the food production system.

The local Simoore Grange club is a non-profit organization that serves youth and families in Ventura County. The members of Simoore Grange are a unique brand of today’s youth. For several months (up to 11 months for cattle!), they feed, clean up after, train, and groom their market animals in preparation for the Ventura County Fair in August. They spend hours each week with their animals. The animals are their priority right along-side school, homework, chores, sports, church, and family. Their expenses while raising a project animal include the cost of the animal, feed, bedding, grooming materials, show fees, and sometimes medical expenses. They also prepare for the Ventura County Fair by participating in several practice shows throughout the spring and summer months.

This past Saturday, May 18th, the Simoore Grange organization hosted the first annual Citrus Classic Livestock Show at the home of Michael & Amber McCalister of Santa Paula. This show allowed local youth, who are planning to take their market goats, lambs, and cattle to the Ventura County Fair, an opportunity to practice their showmanship skills, as well as gain valuable feedback about the marketability of their animal from the knowledgeable and experienced judge, Clemente Ayon from Santa Maria. Belt buckles for 1st place in Senior, Junior, and Novice Showmanship were awarded, as well as a buckle for the Grand Market Champion. The award for the Reserve Champion goat and lamb were Pro Cool Blankets and the cattle was a leather show halter.

The Citrus Classic winners for Showmanship were: Brooke Allen, Sespe 4H (Senior Goat), Joseph Deniz, South West 4H (Junior Goat), Brett Bowman, Santa Rosa Valley 4H (Novice Goat), Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H (Senior Lamb), Breonna Alvarez, Briggs 4H (Junior Lamb), Jayleen Arballo, Briggs 4H (Novice Lamb), Kodi Sieben, Fillmore FFA (Senior Steer), Amber Watkins, Simoore Grange (Junior Steer), and Jadyn Pinneo, Mira Monte 4H (Novice Steer).

The Citrus Classic winners for Market were: Joseph Deniz, South West 4H (Market Champion and Reserve Market Champion Goat), Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H (Market Champion Lamb), Jayleen Arballo, Briggs 4H (Reserve Market Champion Lamb), Tyler Evans, Simoore Grange (Market Champion Steer), and Ashley Watkins, Simoore Grange (Reserve Market Champion Steer).

This show, and others like it, is not possible without the generous support of local sponsors. The members of Simoore Grange and organizers of the Citrus Classic Livestock Show would like to express their gratitude to the following sponsors: Iwasiuk Ranch, RaboBank, Sharpe Plumbing, Evans Excavating, Warwar Medical Group, Ojai Valley Feed, Stagecoach Market, Haley Ranch and American Hay. We would also like to thank our sponsors from the Topa Creek Ranch Show (held in April) who were: LBL Equipment Repair, MO Town Fitness, Wachter Hay & Grain and Bill & Dawn Lindsay.

There is one more Livestock show coming up on Saturday, June 22, 2019, the Amber Leon Memorial Show. It is free to the public to view, and is open to any youth in Grange, 4H, FFA, or Independent raising market goats, lamb, and/or cattle. It will take place at the Fillmore Equestrian Center, located at 308 Chamberlain Road in Fillmore, CA. Buckles will be awarded for 1st place in Senior, Junior, Novice Showmanship, and Market Champion, and the Reserve Champion will receive a leather show halter (cattle) and Pro Cool blankets (goats & lambs). Goats sign in/weigh in at 3:00pm for a 4:00pm show; lambs sign in/weigh in at 4:00pm (show starts after goats finish); and cattle sign in/weigh in at 5:00pm (show starts after lambs finish). There is a $25 entry fee for the first animal, and a $15 entry fee for any additional animals.

If you have any questions, would like to get involved with the Simoore Grange club, and/or if you are interested in providing a tax-deductible sponsorship for a future show, please contact Joe Long (805-317-1854) or Dawn Lindsay (805-625-1143).

1) Goat Market Champion - Joseph Deniz, South West 4H

2) Lamb Market Champion - Kaitlyn Prado, Briggs 4H

3) Steer Market Champion - Tyler Evans, Simoore Grange

4) Steer Senior Showmanship Winner – Kodi Sieben, Fillmore FFA