Pictured is Micheline G. Milglis who spoke to the board about the Low-Performing Students Block Grant and the progress that has been made thus far.

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Approve Restricted Lottery Budget Allocation for TK-5 English Language Arts Instructional Materials, $325,000
The Governing Board approved a $200,000 allocation of Restricted Lottery funds in 2018-19, and an additional allocation of $125,000 in 2019-20 for the purchase of English Language Arts instructional materials adoption for Transition Kindergarten through 5th grade. These materials will be vetted through a curriculum adoption process, inclusive of teachers, site administrators and district office representatives, with the intention of having materials available no later than the 2020-2021 school year.

School Accountability Report Cards
The Governing Board were presented with information regarding the School Accountability Report Cards. Information presented by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis

Low Performing Students Block Grant Plan
The Governing Board were presented with information and approved the Low Performing Students Block Grant Plan. Information presented by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis

Adopt Resolution No. 18-19-10 Authorizing the Issuance of Fillmore Unified School District (Ventura County, California) 2016 Election, General Obligation Bonds, Series B, and Actions Related Thereto
The Governing Board adopted Resolution No. 18-19-10

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

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Submitted by Jan Lee

Again this year, Fillmore residents, both young and old, will share the beauty of their gardens with the community. Plan to attend and participate in the Fillmore Flower Show on April 13 and 14, 2019.

First, a correction from the article last week and an apology to all baseball fans who know that it was the Boston Red Sox who traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919.

As your garden begins to bloom and you think about what you might enter in the Flower Show, here are a few of the categories: Single stem cut roses, single stem cut iris, other single stem cut flowers, bouquets and arrangements. In other words, look around your garden, find a pretty bloom, cut it off and bring it to the Active Adult Center to enter the Fillmore Flower Show. It really is just that easy!

To quote from the Fillmore Herald, May 4, 1926, “the floral exhibits are always a magnet for lovers of seasonal blooms of all kinds which grow in such luxuriance here and in the country.” The rain we have enjoyed recently should produce lush, abundant flowers. The Civic Pride Committee has planned many special activities for the Flower Show this year. You will want to attend.

This is the 1st Annual City of Fillmore 5k Shamrock Run/Walk + Beer Garden, & Cornhole Tournament partnered with the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department!

It’s all happening on March 16 2019 in Central Park, 250 Central Avenue Fillmore CA 93015. 5K starts at 9am in front of
Central Park, Beer Garden & Cornhole Tournament begin at 10am.. there will also be live entertainment, food trucks, shop vendors, a kids fun zone area!

Register for the 5k & cornhole tournament at Fillmore City Hall, registration packets are available upstairs with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Pricing: $35 dollars to register for the 5k run/walk, it is $50 a person to register for the cornhole tournament (2 person
team), Kids Fun Zone allaccess/all-day wristbands available for purchase at $15 a wristband; prices guaranteed until March 14th. Day-of prices may be raised.

Please call 524-1500 ext. 713 for more information.

Bob Crum

If camera talk is of little interest, I won't be disappointed if you prefer to read the legals.

Well, no sooner did I present the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X Camera last week, along comes Canon announcing their latest EOS-RP mirrorless camera. In addition, Fujifilm and Sony announced new cameras. Harrumph! Seems like as soon as I write about new gear, it's old news!

A brief review. Convinced the micro four-thirds sensor size offers particular advantages, Olympus is content to perpetuate the format. Because of the smaller sensor size, their new M. Zuiko Ed 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens on the M1X is the equivalent to 24-400mm on a full-frame camera at half the weight! Advantage indeed!

The new Canon EOS RP camera is a full-frame mirrorless camera featuring a revolutionary RF lens mount. The latest EOS RP camera comes to market at a lower price than the “R” model to appeal to new-to-photography photographers. For full-frame fanatics, the RP uses a 26.2MP full-size sensor with a body-only MSRP of only $1,300. Hurry and preorder!
Canon says the EOS RP is designed to take advantage of future large 54mm RF mount lenses. A 12-pin communication system optimizes data transfer between camera and lens for sharp, stable and responsive performance in a wide variety of applications. Good news because fast & accurate focus is imperative!

Are full-frame frame mirrorless cameras superior to M-4/3 cameras? Yes and no! One advantage of a larger sensor is its ability to gather more light meaning the camera can produce images made in dim light with lower digital noise. Technically speaking: A better signal-to-noise ratio. That may or may not be important depending on your photographic genre and requirements. Candlelight boudoir shoots?

Canon also introduced new lens mount adapters for the EOS R and RP cameras. To paraphrase Canon, the mount adapter 'EF-EOS R' delivers seamless connections between the EOS RP camera and existing EF and EF-S lenses with all functions intact! That's slicker than silicone on Teflon! It means that I can use all my existing EF & EF-S lenses on the 'RP' saving me a ton of money. Hallelujah!

I previously said that I was without budget-busting GAS (Gear Accumulation Syndrome). For now. Besides the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the new Canon EOS RP, there are two other exciting new entries: Fujifilm XT-30 and Sony A6400. A shopping spree is becoming more tempting than beloved salted caramel butter pecan ice cream. Only a lack of funds is preventing GG (Ghastly GAS).

Specifications are one thing, hands-on experience is another. I look forward to field tests and reviews of the new cameras. My trusty Canon 7DII is field proven. However, if something should go awry, Canon has a company-owned service facility in Costa Mesa, CA. Service is second to none. When I needed my seven-year-old 7D camera sensor cleaned, I shipped it UPS on a Monday, got it back on Thursday. No other camera manufacturer that I know of can provide competent service in less time. It's important to me because no camera-no assignments, no assignments-no pay! Y'all know that I enjoy getting paid as much as, well, salted caramel butter pecan ice cream!

The photo of the week is a follow up to the hawk visit last week. After the hawk's portrait session, it promptly flew away. I couldn't see where it went. But within a couple of minutes, it swiftly reappeared about 50 feet away where it found and captured a chubby mouse (see hawk's left foot?). The pounce was swift and exciting to witness. The photo proves that serendipity is prodigious. Stay vigilant! Happy photoing.

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

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 4th quarter of 2018. Tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry totaled $103.3 million for 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019, which includes state cultivation, excise, and sales taxes. It does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction.

As of February 14, 2019, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $50.8 million in revenue reported on 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019. The cultivation tax generated $16.4 million and the sales tax generated $36.1 million in reported revenue. Retail sales of medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products are exempt from sales and use taxes if the purchaser provides a valid Medical Marijuana Identification card and valid government-issued identification card.

Previously reported revenue for 3rd quarter returns was revised to $100.8 million, which included $53.3 million in excise tax, $12.6 million in cultivation tax, and $34.9 million in sales tax.

Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.

In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax.

To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.

The production of last week’s edition of the Gazette was challenged by the fact that the printing company, where we have been printed for many years, decided suddenly to go out of business. No employee at that business, nor any of its customers, was given notice. We had to scramble to find a new printer and set-up a new schedule for printing and distribution.

At the present time, the newspaper will be in newsstands on Thursday, and delivered by the post office on Friday. This is the first time in 30-years that the Gazette has mailed for delivery on a Friday, of necessity. So please don’t be alarmed at the Friday receipt of you paper. We very much appreciate your patience and your loyal support.

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Santa Felicia Dam Constructed 1954 – 1955.
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As a result of the recent storms in January and February, United Water Conservation District has successfully harvested 18,000 acre-feet of water—enough to serve 72,000 households in Ventura County for a year.

United Water’s Lake Piru rose 24-feet over the last two months and is now 30% full. According to water experts at United Water, this is double the amount of water that was previously in the lake.

United Water Conservation District collects stormwater in Lake Piru and strategically releases it into the Santa Clara River and diverts it at the Freeman Diversion facility where it is used to replenish underground aquifers and to deliver surface water.

The storms of 2019 have been good for Ventura County. According to United Water Conservation District, the first two months of rain have provided 10% of the needed water volume for complete drought recovery within Ventura County.

But officials caution that Ventura County is still not out of the drought. In fact, it would take 10 more storm events like the ones that occurred during the first two months of 2019 for Ventura County to be out of the drought all-together.

“January and February storms have allowed United Water to harvest 18,000 acre- feet of water, which were collected in Lake Piru and diverted to our Freeman Diversion Facility,” explains Mauricio Guardado, General Manager for United Water Conservation District. “And while this is more rain than we have seen in a long while, we would need 180,000 acre-feet more water to be completely out of the drought,” he continued.

United Water Conservation District: Who we are, what we do and why it matters:
Since 1927 United Water Conservation District has served as a leader among water agencies by managing, protecting, enhancing and securing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain. The District works to protect the environment’s natural attributes and conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River including Piru, Hopper, Sespe and Santa Paula Creeks.

United Water Conservation District is committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems. The District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore, as well as several mutual water districts, farms and individual pumpers. United Water also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Pictured is Fillmore Chief of Police Eric Tennessen who spoke to the council addressing parking issues in the community and their plan to resolve the issues.

At the regular Tuesday City Council meeting the following actions were taken:
AN EASEMENT FOR ROADWAY OVER POLECREEK AND APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 5520 - WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION No. 19-3677, RESOLUTION OF CONSIDERATION
AND RESOLUTION No 19-3678, RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO INCUR BOND
INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIST. were unanimously approved.
PARKING ISSUES: An ordinance will be enacted to cite homeowner blockage of parking areas in front of their property. "There are several areas throughout the city where residents reserve public roadway parking by blocking off portions of the street in front of their homes in violation of the Fillmore Municipal Code. In effect, this prevents public parking by anyone other than the person who blocked the street. We’ve had numerous complaints of residents using various items, like orange cones, trash containers, lawn chairs and large water bottles to block portions of the public roadway to reserve parking." This presents a special danger if fire or police vehicles need to use the blocked space.
This new ordinance was unanimously approved by Council.
RESOLUTION 19- 3679 AMENDING RESOLUTION 14-3439, AS
PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT/MID-MANAGEMENT AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY
OF FILLMORE were approved unanimously by Council.
PAY SCHEDULE for all City of Fillmore employees was unanimously approved by Council.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 19- 3679 AMENDING RESOLUTION 14-3439, AS
PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT/MID-MANAGEMENT AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY
OF FILLMORE was unanimously approved by Council.
Lynn Edmonds was appointed to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE -VENTURA
COUNTY, and Mark Austin was appointed secondary.
THE NORTH/SOUTH DIRECTION OF HERITAGE VALLEY PARKWAY IN
TRACT MAP 5520 (PHASE 2) was renamed: TRESTLE WAY

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held next Friday, February 15, 2019 to honor Search and Rescue Team Member Jeff Dye. The ceremony will take place at the Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village at 11:00 am, and is open to the public. Jeff Dye is survived by his wife, Sandra Dye, of Thousand Oaks.

Dye was killed last Saturday when he was struck by a vehicle while he and his fellow team members had stopped to rescue the driver of another vehicle that had rolled over on the Grapevine near Lake Pyramid. As the team was treating the driver for major injuries, another vehicle traveling northbound lost control and plowed through the scene, killing Dye and injuring several other people, including three other members of Dye’s SAR team and two Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.

The team had been traveling north toward Mount Pinos to conduct winter training in snow conditions.

Nature of Incident: Memorial for Search & Rescue Team Member Jeff Dye
Location: Calvary Community Church 5495 Via Rocas Westlake Village, Ca.
Date & Time: February 15, 2019 @ 11:00 am

Prepared by: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Approved by: Captain Eric Hatlee

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Sunday, February 10, 2019, Sheriff’s detectives conducted compliance checks at the residences of thirty (30) registered sex offenders throughout the Fillmore area. The compliance checks were funded through the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE / ELEAS) program.

Twenty Nine (29) of the sex registrants were confirmed to be in compliance with their registration requirement. One (1) registrant was unable to be contacted. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the lone registrant not contacted is out of compliance.

The Sheriff’s Office aggressively pursues prosecution of those sex registrants who fail to comply with their registration requirements. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps on an ongoing basis, to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and in compliance with any probation or parole terms.

Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Prepared by: Sergeant Ryan Clark, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau / Sexual Assault Unit
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

Did you know that the Fillmore Flower Show has been a tradition since 1919? Even though there have been years that the flower show did not happen, like during war years and when there were not enough volunteers to hold the show, it has been a beloved event in Fillmore. The show this year on April 13 and 14 will celebrate 100 years of flowers.

Just for fun, here are some events that happened in the United States in 1919 other than the Fillmore Flower Show!

Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States

William Stephens was Governor of California

The 5th Rose Bowl, known at the time as the Tournament East-West Football Game, was played between the Mare Island Marines of California and the Great Lakes Navy from Great Lakes, Illinois

The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, Prohibition, went into effect

The Grand Canyon was established as a National Park

The University of California, Los Angeles was established

The US Congress approved the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed suffrage to women, and sent it to the states for ratification

The Black Sox Scandal

The Treaty of Versailles was signed to end WWI, but failed to be ratified by the Senate

Babe Ruth was traded to the Boston Red Sox

The Patterson Hardware Store at 362 Central Avenue was established. Harvey S. Patterson was the manager.

Make your own history by participating in the Fillmore Flower Show this year.

Bob Crum

I don't know the total number of camera models and lenses presently on the market. I do know that the majority of my photography-minded friends have camera bags full of photographic gear. Owning seven cameras and 14 lenses, one friend has an admitted GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) issue. Anyway, when we gather around a campfire, rare is the photog who is devoid of glowing adjectives hyping their favorite camera or lens. Without GAS, I have little to add to the conversation.

Without a new camera purchase in over three years, I feel like that I'm missing out on the latest technology. Of course, making a quality photo doesn't require the latest greatest camera. Many photographers can make great photos with whatever camera is at hand. However, the recently announced Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera grabbed my attention. Digital Camera World says: “In an industry where innovation is often limited to ‘more megapixels’, this camera has more brilliant new features than we’ve seen in a very long while. And if you ignore the narrative about sensor size, this is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera, period.” Hmmm. Though I don't presently have GAS, I can't deny a proclivity to some variant of camera lust.

As a photojournalist, I don't get coveted assignments like boudoir shoots featuring sensual lady bugs posing nude on double winky blue columbine flowers. Instead, I'm asked to shoot action-packed rodeos, fast-flying airplanes at airshows, rapid-paced parades and speedy Fillmore & Western trains. I can fix minor exposure issues, but not out-of-focus photos. Thus, it's exciting to note that the M1X features dual F.A.S.T. AF (Contrast & Phase Detection AF) 121 Point (All Cross Type) On-Chip phase detection” focusing. Wow!

Blurry photos are another nemesis. My hand is not as steady as yesteryear, and my heavy Canon 7DII doesn't have built-in stabilization. I have to rely on barely adequate lens stabilization for hand-held shots. Therefore, equally exciting is that the M1X has a staggering built-in 5-axis image stabilization with up to 7.5 shutter speed steps compensation. Again: Wow!

OK, let's get to the nitty-gritty. When is a new camera purchase justified particularly when the M1X MSRP is $2,999.00? I know that a new camera's value quickly diminishes considerably. So what? My old 7D served me admirably for six years. I still have it. After Canon cleaned the sensor, it works like new making it a valuable backup and the used camera value irrelevant. Then why did I buy the latest, greatest 7DII? Because Canon significantly improved important camera functions like quicker and more accurate focusing. In practice, Canon took a good camera (7D) and made it a significantly better camera. Isn't that what new technology does? The 7DII is working fine so at the risk of GAS, do I need a new camera? No! But it's a safe bet that I'll buy an MX1... just as soon as I win the lotto.

A surprise visit from a Cooper's hawk provided a fantastic photo and the photo of the week. A great example of having a camera handy. I didn't initially see the hawk approach, but I heard it. Looked out the window and saw her. Promptly grabbed my camera, stepped outside and (click) made the photo. As quickly as she appeared, she flew off. A few minutes later I saw her reappear 50 feet away with a mouse (lunch) in her talons. Proof that exciting photo ops can occur anywhere at any moment. BE READY! Happy photoing.

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

U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers will participate in Exercise Pacific Blitz at various training facilities and at sea in the southern California region March 12 - 26, 2019. The exercise is designed to test our forces' ability to plan, communicate, and conduct combined amphibious operations over great distances. Forces will enhance expeditionary logistic capabilities and rehearse concepts in simulated contested environments. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times before and during the exercise with increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise starting at the end of February.

For more information, follow us on Facebook @NavalBaseVenturaCounty or call NBVC Public Affairs at 805-989-9234.

By Susan Cox

Customers may be able to lower their electricity bill by taking part in money-saving programs at Southern California Edison.

About one-third of SCE’s residential customers are enrolled in income-qualified programs that offer bill discounts and low cost/no cost energy-efficiency products and services. These programs help to not only reduce electricity usage, but may also lower the amount customers pay.

“All of our income-qualified programs are designed to assist customers who live in our service territory and we want to encourage them to seek assistance if needed,” said Michael K. Bushey, director of SCE Program Operations.

“SCE keeps all customers’ information confidential. We want our customers to have confidence with all aspects of our customer service and we encourage those who qualify to apply for assistance if they need it– we are here to help wherever we can.”

In addition, SCE does not inquire about the citizenship or legal status of customers in the provision of services, does not share customer information with outside groups or agencies without consent, and does not require proof of residency for customers to participate in customer assistance programs.

Customers ineligible for income-qualified programs can work with SCE staff on payment arrangements that could spread out their payments and help during difficult times.

“Everyone needs help from time-to-time, and at Edison we want our customers, especially our most vulnerable customers, to feel free to reach out to us so we can be of assistance,” said Bushey. “We want to provide safe, reliable and affordable service for all of our customers.”

SCE Customer Assistance Programs
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Provides a discount of about 30 percent on monthly electric bills for eligible customers. Household of two would be eligible if the household income is below $32,920/per yr. Customers who qualify for CARE may be referred to the Energy Savings Assistance Program for additional help and savings.
For more information: http://sce.com/care.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
Provides a reduced monthly discount of 18 percent for income-qualified households of three or more. Households of three would be eligible if the household income is below $51,950/yr.
For more information: http://sce.com/fera

Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP)
Helps income-qualified customers save money on their bill and conserve energy. Customers may be eligible for free replacement appliances such as an energy-efficient refrigerator, air conditioner and more, as well as home efficiency solutions like weatherization and LED bulbs that help save energy and money.
For more information: http://sce.com/esap

SCE’s Energy Assistance Fund (EAF)
In partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, SCE’s nonprofit Energy Assistance Fund program, funded by customers and SCE employees, provides up to $100 to help customers pay their SCE energy bills when they meet the program’s income qualifications. Assistance is available once during a 12-month period.
Visit and click http://sce.com/eaf and click the “How to Get Assistance” link.

Budget Assistant
This free, easy-to-use tool will allow you to set monthly spending goals and receive proactive alerts either weekly, mid-month or when they have exceeded the spending goal. This tool will track costs in close to real time and send alerts via email, phone or text.
For more information: http://sce.com/budgetassistant

Level Pay Plan
SCE’s Level Pay Plan offers eligible customers the opportunity to pay for their annual electricity service across 11 equal monthly payments. The Level Pay Plan does not reduce the amount of the bill. Customers are responsible for paying the full cost of the energy they use, however they can split the cost into equal payments throughout the year.
Visit http://sce.com/customer-service/billing-payment