Chris Balden speaking to the council about the importance of affordable housing.

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting the following actions were taken:
Staff recommendations involving KB Home were approved unanimously: the Amended and Restated Offsite Improvement Agreement with KB Home for assurance of completion of public improvements for Citrus Grove, Development Permit No. 15-03 Mod4 Tract 5353/Lot Merger No. 17-01 Parcel A and authorize the mayor to sign the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney and City Manager and upon receipt of required improvement bonds.2)Approve the exoneration of Bond Nos. SU5018830 and SU5018831 for TTR5353 street improvements and grading, respectively.3)Approve the reduction of Bond Nos. SU5018832, SU5018834 and SU5018835 to Warranty Amount of 25% of original cost for the as-built TTR5353 public water, storm drain and sewer improvements, respectively.

Staff submitted for review the 1) Mid-Year Financial Report, which is the fiscal year to date through mid-year financial results, and the Financial Forecast through the remainder of the fiscal year for the General, Water, Sewer, Recreation, Community Pool and Street Funds; 2) a summary of the Fund Balance by Fund (Attachment A) starting with FY 2014-15 plus the forecast for the current fiscal year impact on fund balance and the ending fund balance; 3) request to approve a Supplemental Budget Request (Attachment B), and 4) list of the Accomplishments (Attachment C) achieved for each department in Year 2018. For complete details please consult: City of Fillmore Agenda for 2-27-2019 online.

The City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 19-900, limiting oversized vehicle parking on River Street between D Street and the treatment plant and on E Street south of State Route 126 to 2 hours or less.

A request has been made that Council members serve as official representatives of the City to various intergovernmental agencies. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) allows each member City to appoint a delegate to vote at the General Assembly business meeting. At this meeting, the SCAG membership considers and takes action on resolutions that establish SCAG policy. In order to vote at the General Assembly business meeting the City Council must designate a voting delegate and alternate, who may vote in the event that the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. The Regional Conference and General Assembly is scheduled: Date: Thursday and Friday, May 2-3, 2019Time9:00 a.m. Location: JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Each Delegate or Alternate will receive a complimentary one-night hotel accommodation at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa for the night of May 2nd; validated overnight parking and meals during the conference. Councilman Tim Holmgren was designated primary voting delegate.

A discussion concerning affordable housing, led by City Manager David Rowlands, took place.

Earth moving machines preparing the lower RV lot for paving.
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Why is there fencing protruding into A and 1st streets? It's due to an extensive expansion and improvement project at Nova Storage. Inside, 120 new self-storage units are being built. Also, to improve customer service, a new rental office is being built on the A Street side of the building.

Like the existing storage units, the newly built storage units will be individually alarmed. Cameras inside and outside will provide additional security. New interior lighting includes state-of-the-art sensors that regulate the intensity of the new LED lights according to the ambient light in the building. Outside, the new sidewalk and soon to be paved parking lot will complete the building front.

At the rear of the property, accessed off Landeros Lane, big earth moving machines are tearing up the lower RV parking lot. With the grading done, the area gets beautifully paved for the first time in its history. New perimeter lighting and security cameras will complete the RV parking lot improvements.

If all goes according to plan, Fillmore residents can expect the exciting grand opening of a first-class storage facility sometime in April.

Bob Crum

I didn't foresee last weeks mild-mannered column disturbing so many readers. Mention of recently announced cameras seemed innocuous. HA! I was besieged with a barrage of emails haranguing me on the folly of my topics. Some writers were obstinately defiant. Given forethought, I would have discussed how to boost your euphoric level of dopamine by re-reading a camera's operating manual while snacking on baked brussels sprouts. But I digress.

A typical email came from reader Jon (not his real name) who wrote: “I had a peaceful life until I read your column discussing the new Canon RP camera. “Excitedly, I told my wife that I'm going to buy one. A skirmish ensued. The doctor said I could remove the head bandage next week and I'm still sleeping in the garage, with the cat.”

Men: Never talk about buying a new camera without renewing your lady's spa membership - for a year! Ladies: the quickest way to delight your significant other is to buy him a spanking new camera - and two lenses. Oh, and don't forget a camera bag that matches your purse. Just a thought.

And there's this admonishment from Larry K. (again not his real name): “Why do you continue promoting a dead methodology? I take great photos with my (brand name deleted to protect the manufacturer) smartphone. You need to get up to date, sir!” The 'sir' part endeared me to Larry K. Sir, I replied, thanks for writing. However, have you ever photographed the Blue Angels with your cellphone? How'd that work out? How about a rodeo?

Given that selfie-afflicted phonetographers seem to outnumber photographers 7,392,802 to 1, I receive a continuous stream of emails touting phenomenal cellphone photos. Yes, the cameras in cellphones are getting better, BUT, (listen carefully) who would dare say that a cellphone can always match the capabilities of a dedicated camera?

I don't suggest that everyone tote a camera along with their cellphone. Phonetography has merit! I shoot cellphone snapshots when circumstances allow, and I need to email or text a snapshot quickly. But in many situations, a dedicated camera undeniably smokes a cellphone! Before emailing me objecting vehemently, let's briefly explore a few cellphone limitations.

The cellphone's thin form factor prohibits an optical zoom lens. Digital zoom (cropping) degrades photo quality. Has anyone seen a 'professional phonetographer' at a pro sports event? How about photographing a fast-flying osprey skimming a lake on a bright sunny day with a cellphone? Or grandson Lenny kicking a soccer goal! Good luck!

Also, while cameras in current top-end cellphones are continually improving, they still struggle in low-light situations because of their ultra-small sensors. The larger sensors of dedicated camera's increase light gathering abilities.

Another cellphone disadvantage is the fixed aperture that prevents controlling depth-of-field (DOF) when desired. Some cellphones are trying to emulate DOF with firmware, but it's still woefully deficient.

Essentially, shutter speed, aperture and ISO control exposure. A dedicated camera offers extensive exposure control, and creative DOF options, whereas cellphones have minimal options.

Last, there's therapeutic value in 'creating' a photo with a dedicated camera. Tapping an icon on a cellphone to take a snapshot is hardly creative. Just a thought. Bottom line: The best camera is the one you have with you, as the cliché goes, even if it's a cellphone. Peace!

The photo of the week is the last of the hawk series. Anticipating a fast flight, I quickly increased the shutter speed to 1/800th of a second for stability during panning and still illustrate some wingtip blur to indicate motion. Creativity in action.

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

More than two dozen local high schools will field 30 teams in the Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which begins Monday in Ventura. Courtroom drama comes to life as students take on the major roles of a criminal case, including attorneys, witnesses and even bailiffs. The students will present their cases before actual local judges who volunteer for the competition. Local attorneys serve as coaches.

WHAT: 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial

WHEN: The competition runs Monday, February 25 to Thursday, February 28. The Wednesday semi-finals and Thursday finals are open to the public and the media. Competition begins each evening at 5:00 pm and is expected to conclude by 11:00 pm.

• Monday, February 25 – Rounds 1 and 2
• Tuesday, February 26 – Rounds 3 and 4
• Wednesday, February 27 – Semi-finals – OPEN TO PUBLIC AND MEDIA
• Thursday, February 28 – Finals – OPEN TO PUBLIC AND MEDIA

WHERE: Ventura County Superior Court - 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California 93009

CHECK IN: Members of the media are asked to check in at the registration desk upon arrival

Awards Ceremony
The Mock Trial awards ceremony will be held on Monday, March 4 at 6:00 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 Hobson Way. The public is invited to attend and media coverage is welcomed.

About the 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial
The competition is coordinated annually by the Ventura County Office of Education. This year’s fictitious case is People v. Klein, which involves a defendant accused of making threats on social media and making a false report of an emergency to police.

High schools participating this year are: Adolfo Camarillo High School, Agoura High School, Buena High School, Calabasas High School, Channel Islands High School, Fillmore High School, Grace Brethren Jr/Sr High School, La Reina High School, Newbury Park High School, Nordhoff High School, Oak Park High School, Oaks Christian School, Oxnard High School, Rio Mesa, Royal High School, Saint Bonaventure High School, Santa Paula High School, Santa Susana High School, Simi Valley High School, St. Augustine Academy, Thousand Oaks High School, Trinity Pacific Christian School, Ventura High School, Villanova Preparatory School and Westlake High School.

The winner of the county competition will go on to the state mock trial contest March 22-24 in Sacramento. Ventura County has taken first place at the state level in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

This year’s Ventura County Mock Trial logo artwork was created by Alexandra Clark from La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks.

Additional information about the 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial is available at vcoe.org/mocktrial.

By John Wilber, Fillmore High School Principal.

A historic first, Fillmore High School wrestler Adrian Bonilla, has advanced to the State Wrestling Tournament in Bakersfield this Thursday.

Adrian is a Fillmore High School senior, 195 pound wrestler, who was also the Citrus Coastal League Champion in his weight class. He placed 5th in the Southern Section California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Finals two weeks ago which earned him a trip to the CIF Masters Wrestling Tournament last weekend. At the Masters Tournament Adrian was 3-2 after two days of wrestling which was good for an 8th place, qualifying him for the State Tournament. Adrian is the first Fillmore High wrestler to advance to the State Tournament since the wrestling program started at Fillmore High School in 1987.

Fillmore High School Coach, Manual Ponce shared that Adrian exemplifies the ideal wrestler because he is very coachable, a very smart wrestler and he is all about work ethic. Adrian has had to overcome a knee injury his junior year on his path to success this year.

Adrian is the third wrestling son of Jorge and Lurdes Bonilla. Mr. Bonilla mentioned that Adrian has been around wrestling since he was seven years old, when he would hang around the wrestling practices of his older brothers Robert and Andres.

His years of hard work and commitment have definitely paid off. Adrian is very excited about his opportunity to wrestle at the State level and to represent Fillmore High School and the Fillmore Community. He stated, “I have been motivated to do well since I last went to Masters my sophomore year.” “I am in great shape and I have the desire to compete.”

We wish Adrian the best of luck in Bakersfield.

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.