City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore is pleased to welcome our new Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards. Krista began working on Monday, July 30th and Sandra started Monday, August 27th.

Mrs. Martinez has experience working with facilities management and recreational programs through the United States Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. As the spouse of an enlisted sailor Krista traveled the world and gained a diverse background in recreation. Her husband was raised in Fillmore and after completing his service they moved to Fillmore to raise their family. Krista is currently working on her Bachelors degree.

Mrs. Edwards grew up in Fillmore and has her Associates of Science in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Ventura Community College. Most recently she was employed as a Programming and Promotions Manager for Ventura County’s largest radio station. She has extensive experience in social media and public/community relations and outreach.

“We found two high caliber individuals who will continue to move the Parks and Recreation Department forward. said David W. Rowlands, City Manager.

For more information on Fillmore, visit www.fillmoreca.com

California Highway Patrol

Saturday morning, August 25th at 9:55am California Highway Patrol received a report that the cab of a semi truck hauling lemons had caught fire on Highway 126 east of Piru. The truck reportedly burned to the ground by the time CHP arrived, traffic in both directions was affected by the fire. Ventura County Fire was able to extinguish the flames and CHP was able to reopen both westbound lanes an one eastbound lane by 11:15am. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Bob Crum

First, I enjoyed a whole weekend of much needed rest & relaxation. No assignments! After walking miles to photograph airplanes, bucking bulls or hurdling pigs my bones ached, my tendons taut. The deep seaweed massage by Mermaid Megan was delightful! Like the yogurt motto: Oui to me time. However, I got bored silly which is eminently and frightfully depressing. Faithful readers know that I thrive on photographic challenges. Even miscues are fantastic learning opportunities. But I digress.

Nikon finally released a pair of mirrorless cameras: Z6, 24.5MP (megapixels) and a Z7, 45.7MP with an ISO range of 64-25,600. Ho hum some say.

Some Nikon aficionados are already decrying the video recording limitations. They wonder why Nikon limits their latest, greatest camera to Ultra HD 4K at 30 frames per second? Shame on the scorners. Perhaps Nikon engineers preferred to design a mirrorless “camera”, not a super camcorder!

But the scorners have a point. Panasonic GH4 owners have been shooting at Nikon's present resolution and frame rate since 2014. “Going further into the video territory,” says David Murphy at PetaPixel, “let’s talk slow motion. Nikon is offering a measly 1080/120p. I’m not saying this won’t give you some buttery smooth slow motion, but again, when my two-year-old Panasonic GH5 can outclass this by giving me a stellar 1080/180p, I just find it hard to be impressed.”

A big misstep in my opinion is Nikon's requirement to use costly Sony QXD memory cards. A 32GB QXD card costs approx $90.00. My 32GB high speed SD cards for my Canon 7D2 cost me $25.00. I have 10 cards. Do the math.

There are some Nikon redeeming attributes: 45.7MP full-frame sensor (if you really need 45.7MP), touchscreen interface, 5-axis IS system (Sony and Olympus have this) and 493-point AF system.

Depending on your lens requirements, perhaps best to wait before rushing to buy either a Z6 or Z7. Remember, you don't merely buy a camera you buy into a “system”. A very important part of the system are lenses. Nikon is releasing only three lenses for their new mirrorless cameras: 24-70mm f/4 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, and 50mm f/1.8 S.

Want the trio of wide-angle, medium zoom and telephoto, you'll have to wait till 2021. If you're a Nikon shooter with Nikon lenses, an adapter will be available soon, says Nikon. But regular readers know that I think adapters are usually problematic. Nothing better than native lenses on a camera sans adapter.

Ready to get into a mirrorless camera system? Go for it! Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony and Panasonic make excellent mirrorless cameras. Again, lens availability should be your priority, not the camera brand. At this time, none have a universal 16-300mm or 18-400mm lens that allows me to shoot a ton of stuff without having to constantly change lenses. Because of lens availability, I continue to shoot with my trusty Canon 7D Mark II camera. For now!

Photo of the week is a BMX stunt rider at the Ventura County Fair. Two riders performed several jumps but I didn't want a ho-hum photo of rider in the air. Even a phonetographer can get that shot. I wanted the rider in the air and in the smoke burst. This didn't come easily. Again, it's about being ready and timing. I think it was the 7th or 8th jump when the photo op materialized. BAM! Got it! Aaaaaah. BTW, I pre-visualized this shot after watching them perform last year. Joy is absolute when visualization manifests. Any wonder why I love photography? Happy photoing!

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

Ventura County Department of Public Health

As students return to school, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges parents and guardians to ensure immunizations are on their back-to-school checklist. Many vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough and measles, can easily spread in child care and school settings.

“Immunization can help keep our children healthy, in school and ready to learn,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “If you haven’t done so already, check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs. Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that students are protected against serious and preventable diseases.”

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for getting sick and spreading diseases to students in their classrooms, and children and adults within their communities. Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions are especially susceptible.

California law requires students to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report students’ immunization statuses to CDPH.

Families that are having difficulty obtaining required immunizations prior to the start of school can contact their local health department for assistance in finding other local immunization providers.

Visit www.ShotsforSchool.org for more information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Courtesy Mike Van De Mheen, Fillmore Air Conditioning & Heating

For those that haven’t heard my work van full of all the tools I use to make a living was stolen from in front of my home at 4:41 a.m., on 8-15-18. Having been in business for 23 years and surviving through tough times like the recession and new competitors, I knew I would make it through this.

What surprised me was how much support I would receive from this community. As soon as the news spread, I starting getting calls of support. People have offered to loan their work trucks, tools, money and a secured yard to store my truck. Several have offered a reward. Many have just said they would do whatever they can to help and are keeping an eye out for my van. Several neighbors offered security footage of the suspect’s car.

Thanks to Patrick Maynard for checking city video. The Sheriff’s Department has been great. Deputy Peterson was very thorough in taking the report. Detective Meixner has called daily with any updates. He seemed to have taken it personally since he had a family member who was in the construction business and knew how important the tools were to make a living.

At this point we have a very poor video of the suspect walking around my van and stealing it, as well as the suspect’s car making a U-turn at the corner of Mountain View and Second Street at 4:18 a.m. before he steals it. I know the tools are gone. It’s a waiting game to see if my van shows up and in what condition.

I have heard some people complain about the crime in this town. People have to realize that the population hasn’t grown that much compared to most cities but the amount of strangers driving past us on Hwy 126 has seemed to have gone up 500% in the last 10 years.

I have never been prouder to have Fillmore in large letters as my Logo.

If you have any information on this theft you can contact Detective Meixner at the Sheriff’s office 805-524-2233.

Thank you,
Mike Van De Mheen

UPDATE:
I originally wrote this last night and sent it to the Gazette and was going to have my wife post it today. At 8:45 this morning I was at my shop still numb and trying to figure out what to do for a van. Then I get a call from a 626 number and I crossed my fingers it was the call I have been waiting for since Wednesday morning. It was. The office manager from Assembly Automation called to inform me that a suspect drove around their parking lot with my van for around 10 minutes, parked after a few minutes and walked away. If it wasn’t for her and her co-workers paying attention to this suspicious activity and taking the time to call me there could have been more damage done to the van (unlocked and didn’t need a key anymore to start it). The investigation continues so hopefully they can catch the thief so maybe they won’t visit this little town we all love so much. Once again THANK YOU FILLMORE!
Mike Van De Mheen

Any information on this crime please Contact Detective Meixner at 805-524-2233

Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D launched an enormous number of school improvements during the summer break. The synthetic track was resurfaced at a cost of $372,822. Site-wide exterior painting at Mountain Vista Elementary School and the Middle School was completed. Projects extended to paving, striping, carpeting, roofing, and renovation of bathrooms. A slide presentation of improvements was given by Andrea McNeill at Tuesday’s School Board meeting.

FUSD Summer Projects Update
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

FUSD Enrollment by Site
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve Resolution No. 18-19-01 Assignments of Teachers Who Are Teaching Outside of Their Credential Authorization or on an Emergency Permit
The Governing Board approved Resolution No. 18-19-01.

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

Soroptimist International of Fillmore installed Cathy Krushell as the new president on August 15, 2018. The 2018-2019 Officers also include: Vice President, Jane David, Recording Secretary, Marianne Crane, Correspondence Secretary, Betty Carpenter, Treasurer, Patti Walker and One Year Director, Darlene Lorenz. SI of Fillmore celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that economically empowers women and girls by providing access to education, the single most effective anti-poverty intervention. If you would like more information on scholarships or would like to become a member please contact Membership Chair Darlene Lorenz at 805.524.9929 or email Languages33@aol.com

On Thursday, August 9th at approximately 3:40pm a crash occurred on Highway 126 outside of Piru killing a man from Bakersfield. Troy Jackson was driving a 2002 Jeep and it had been reported to CHP that the Jeep was swerving in and out of lanes. Shortly after CHP received calls reporting the Jeep had crashed into an avocado tree on the northbound side of the highway. The driver received fatal injuries. Cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Submitted by Ari Larson, President Elect

Scott’s program was on the Bardsdale Cemetery, which was formed by the people, in 1895. It is an independent Special District separate from the City or County, governed by a five member Board, of local residents, appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Scott stated that people are unprepared for what they want when they pass away. There are many options now for burial traditional, stacking, in-ground cremations and niche wall. Plots can also be purchased ahead of time.

Bardsdale Cemetery is not funded by the state, county or by the city of Fillmore, but is primarily funded through burial fees, which are declining and supplemented through a small portion of local property taxes and a special $5 annual parcel tax approved by the voters in 1981 and has never been increased. In order to continue operating and maintaining this cemetery, as it has in the past, the cemetery district considered proposing a new ballot measure, but prior to that a survey was taken, by voters within his district and a majority said they didn’t want a higher tax. So until this can happen the cemetery will continue on as best they can and people who complain about things there need to realize why it’s the way it is.

On Tuesday, August 4th, Saint Bonaventure High School football coach reported equipment was missing from the boys’ locker room. Police conducted an investigation and found that approximately $3,000 worth of football gear had been stolen. Between interviewed witnesses and surveillance footage police learned that three male suspects from Fillmore had scaled a fence in order to get on school grounds. Ventura police department was able to get two of the suspects’ faces on camera, contacted their parents, and on August 5th the two suspects returned the equipment and admitted to the burglary. By August 14th the two 16 year olds and the 14 year old were arrested on suspicion of felony burglary and conspiracy and were all released to their parents.

A poetry reading event to raise money for the Ventura County Arts Council was held August 17, 2018 in the Fillmore office of Diamond Realty. Approximately 15 poets read original poetry, several about the theme of the event “Scuffed Diamonds.”

The event was sponsored by Diamond Realty and hosted by Fernando Albert Salinas, Ventura County Arts Council Board Member and professor at Brooks College. Fillmore Middle School art teacher Doris Nichols painted while poetry was in motion.

Contributors to the event included Vallartas Mexican Restaurant, Starbucks, Fidelity National Title, Stewart Title, First American Title, Lawyers Title & Nickelodeon. The amount raised exceeded expectations and will be used to fund the publishing of book containing a collection of student poetry.

Theresa Robledo, owner of Diamond Realty said, “It was an honor to host such a diverse group of poets from cities throughout Ventura County. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated, thank you to the businesses that contributed, and thank you to all the wonderful poets who created beautiful art from the power and beauty of spoken word.”

About The Ventura County Arts Council
The Ventura County Arts Council advocates for the arts and for increased arts instruction in schools. We foster community development through the arts, serving county artists, arts organizations and the general public through partnerships with arts supporters, businesses, foundations, and community leaders. We embrace the diversity of our county and strive to reach low income and minority communities with programs designed to engage these diverse populations. Learn more at http://vcartscouncil.org

About Diamond Realty
Diamond Realty is a full service real estate agency servicing Ventura and North Los Angeles Counties. Diamond Realty prides itself on establishing long term relationships based on mutual respect and trust with our clients, customers and agents. Diamond Realty is located at 460 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. (805) 524-2121. https://www.diamondrealtyteam.com

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On Sunday, August 19, 2018 an open house was held at Beylik Family Farms in Fillmore. The event was held in appreciation of Beylik Family Farm’s farmer’s market customers throughout southern California.

The event included food, a farmer’s market style produce stand, and tours of the farm starting every half-hour. Attendees were treated to pulled pork BBQ, hot dogs, and Laura Beylik's world famous salsa.

If you would like to buy locally grown produce from Beylik Family Farms, you can visit any of the farmers market's they regularly attend listed on their website at www.beylikfarms.com/where-to-buy.

About Beylik Family Farms
Beylik Family Farms produces the highest quality hydroponically grown tomatoes, cucumbers & other produce sold exclusively through Certified Farmers Markets from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles since 1971. Please visit us at any of the Farmers Markets listed here https://www.beylikfarms.com/where-to-buy

Bob Crum

I'm tired of walking. Walked 35 miles at the County Fair... so it seemed. More walking at the Wings Over Camarillo (WOC) air show this past weekend. I'm considering buying a donkey as a service animal!

Tracking fast flying airplanes with a camera is more challenging than capturing a bronc rider tossed off a bucking horse. Besides tracking fast enough to get the plane properly composed, focus is also a huge issue. Learning ballet to replace photography is being considered.

I hereby declare, as usual, that experience and practice are invaluable. More so when shooting fast flying aircraft. Note also that if one practices a lot, one obtains experience. Funny how that works.

For example, last spring at the Los Angeles County air show I had just photographed a jet fighter demo. Thus my shutter speed was set at 1/1000th of a second. Fast shutter speeds help reduce slight blurs that, for me, normally results when tracking fast planes with a heavy telephoto lens. The jet fighter was followed by a prop plane and a jet flying together. It was thrilling to watch two warplanes of vastly different generations. I started shooting. The camera shutter speed was still 1/000th of a second. This is best for the jet but freezes the prop on the other plane. Scientific fact: Prop planes can't fly unless the props are turning. Lesson learned: Best not to get so involved in the event that you forget to properly program the camera.

I applied that lesson to the WOC photo shoot. First, I shot the entire air show in Tv mode. That does not mean I watched the show on a TV. Tv mode is shutter priority mode which means the shutter is adjusted according to circumstances. ISO and aperture left in auto mode. This all means that if I set the shutter speed at 1/60th of a second, the camera's exposure meter will adjust the aperture and the ISO for appropriate exposure.

The air show opened with an F-18 fighter jet. I quickly set shutter speed to 1/1250th of a second. Good grief, I had trouble turning my head fast enough to keep up with that speed demon let alone photography it. See it coming... poof... GONE!

That performance was followed by a jet and prop plane duo. Oh oh! Click... click... shutter speed reset to 125th of a second. Alas I got the prop action perfect and with lens stabilization on and holding the camera steady, tracking blur minimized. BINGO! No gotcha this time!

The process was the same throughout the show... adjusting only the shutter speed according to the plane flying at the time. Hint: The advantage of shooting in Tv mode is that shutter speed can be adjusted very quickly by the thumb-wheel on top of the camera. Aperture is unimportant because depth-of-field is irrelevant.

Photographing such fast moving aircraft makes composition a constant challenge. Some times I anticipated incorrectly and only got an image of the nose of the plane. Other times, I tracked too late and got only the the tail of the plane. I suppose I could put the two parts together in Photoshop, you know, digitally pin the tail on the nose. You wouldn't tell, right?

Photo of the week is my first photo of an F-18 fighter jet with a vapor cone. Conditions were perfect! A vapor cone is a visible cloud of condensed water which usually forms around an aircraft moving at high speed through moist air. Another bucket list shot done! Color me thrilled!

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

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the extension of the nomination period to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, for 25 offices that are scheduled to be voted upon at the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election. The extension applies to the offices of:

CITIES
Moorpark City Council
Ojai City Council
Port Hueneme City Council
Santa Paula City Council
Simi Valley Mayor
Simi Valley City Council
Thousand Oaks City Council

SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Ventura County Community College District, Area 1
Conejo Valley Unified School District
Cuyama Joint Unified School District*
El Tejon Unified School District*
Simi Valley Unified School District, Short Term
Simi Valley Unified School District, Full Term
Ventura Unified School District, Area 4
Hueneme School District
Mesa Union School District*
Mupu School District
Pleasant Valley School District
Somis Union School District, Short Term

SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Channel Islands Beach Community Services District
Montalvo Community Services District*
Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council*
Conejo Recreation and Park District
Saticoy Sanitary District*
United Water Conservation District, Division 2
Casitas Municipal Water District, Division 1*

The extension is only applicable to candidates other than the incumbent. Nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices may be obtained from either the District Office or from the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

*Candidates for these districts must obtain and file nomination documents with the County Elections Division.

Nomination documents for city offices must be obtained and filed with the City Clerk. Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures for city offices may be obtained from your respective City Clerk’s office.

Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), a local non-profit community economic development organization, has created a disaster recovery assistance grant program for Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire and/or Montecito Mudslides. The funds come from an $800,000 commitment made by Wells Fargo to assist with economic recovery for those affected by the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslide. The initial $300,000 in grant funds were awarded to five local non-profits, including VCCDC, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), Red Cross and Food Share, Inc. The remaining $500,000 will be distributed to nonprofits in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties over the course of the year, as plans and programs are developed to address current and emerging community needs.

VCCDC plans to use the funds it was awarded through this grant to provide individual grants of up to $1,000 for households affected by the disasters. Applicants must be residents of Ventura or Santa Barbara County and must demonstrate a financial loss due to the fire and/or mudslides. The funds will be given directly to the applicant to be used for existing needs ranging anywhere from housing to living expense needs caused by loss of wages or business losses caused by disasters. There are no income or household size limits. One grant per eligible household or business will be awarded. Additional criteria and requirements apply.

“Although eight months have passed since the Thomas Fire began its destructive path in Ventura County and attention has shifted, the need for financial assistance for those affected is still very much present. We are grateful to our community partner, Wells Fargo, for stepping up to show their support for our community during the recovery period. Our hope is that through these small individual grants we can lessen the financial burden that the affected families are still feeling,” says VCCDC Executive Director, Bertha Garcia.

Full application, document requirements, eligibility criteria, and submission details can be found at www.vccdc.org/wfgrant starting on Monday, August 27th at 10am. Applications will be accepted until all qualified recipients have been identified.

For questions please contact Keily Victoria, Administration Support Manager for VCCDC, at 805-273-7800 or kvictoria@vccdc.org.

About VCCDC
Since it was founded in 2001 as a local non-profit organization, VCCDC has worked to increase homeownership and economic stability in underserved communities of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. VCCDC is dedicated to ensuring that homebuyers are prepared for homeownership with the support of certified professionals who provide education and guidance, assisting with planning and problem solving. All VCCDC staff is bilingual, proudly serving the community. VCCDC accomplishes its work in partnership with other community organizations, and is financially supported by private and public funds. Visit us at www.vccdc.org and www.facebook.com/vccdc

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today the highest annual number of new Valley Fever cases on record in California was reported in 2017.

From January through December 2017, 7,466 new cases of Valley Fever were reported to CDPH, making 2017 the highest annual incidence reported in California since coccidioidomycosis became individually reportable in 1995. It was also the second consecutive record year for reported Valley Fever cases.

Consistent with previous years, the highest coccidioidomycosis incidence in 2017 were reported in counties in the Central Valley and central coast regions, including Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Tulare, Madera, and Monterey counties. Nearly 64% of the 2017 case-patients resided in one of these counties, with 37% residing in Kern County.

“With the continued increase in Valley Fever, people living and working in the Central Valley and central coasts regions should take steps to avoid breathing in dusty air,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “If individuals develop flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, lasting two weeks or more, they should ask their health care provider about Valley Fever.”

Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, or cocci, is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus that grows in certain types of soil. The fungal spores can be present in dust that gets into the air when it is windy or when soil is disturbed, such as through digging in dirt during construction.

Most infected people will not show signs of illness. Those who do become ill with Valley Fever may have flu-like symptoms that can last for two weeks or more. While most people recover fully, some may develop more severe complications which include pneumonia, or infection of the brain, joints, bone, skin, or other organs. There is currently no vaccine, but antifungal medications are available. Individuals should specifically ask their health care provider about Valley Fever if they think they may be infected.

While anyone can get Valley Fever, those most at-risk for severe disease include people 60 years or older, African-Americans, Filipinos, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or conditions that weaken their immune system. People who live, work, or travel in Valley Fever areas are also at higher risk of getting infected, especially if they work outdoors or participate in activities where soil is disturbed.

A person can reduce the risk of illness by avoiding breathing in dirt or dust in areas where Valley Fever is common. In these areas, when it is windy outside and the air is dusty, stay inside and keep windows and doors closed. While driving, keep car windows closed and use recirculating air conditioning, if available. If individuals must be outdoors, they should consider wearing a properly fitted mask when the air is dusty (such as an N95 respirator mask which is widely available in retail stores), and refrain from disturbing the soil whenever possible.

Employers should train workers about Valley Fever symptoms and take steps to limit workers’ exposure to dust, such as watering down the soil before digging.

It is unclear why there has been such a large increase in reported Valley Fever cases in California since 2014. Possible contributing factors include heavy rainfall after years of drought as well as other climatic and environmental factors, increased number of susceptible people in areas where the fungus is present, and increased awareness, testing, and diagnosis by health care providers. It is unknown if or how the relatively dry 2017-2018 winter in California will impact the number of Valley Fever cases this year.

For additional information on Valley Fever, please visit the CDPH website. www.cdph.ca.gov

Adam Zavala, age 15 of Fillmore FFA, with his swine Cisco who was named Reserve Grand Champion/4-H Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine.
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Jordyn Blankenship, age 15 of Fillmore FFA, with her swine Dallas who was named FFA Champion Market Swine at this year’s Ventura County Fair.
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Alexis Van Why, age 16 of Fillmore FFA, with Bubba who was named FFA Reserve Champion/Champion Barrow at this year’s Ventura County Fair.
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Many enjoyed this year’s Livestock Show that was held at the Ventura County Fair. Friends and families from all over came out to support and enjoy the show.
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Join me at the Judge William P. Clark Pavilion featuring the Junior Livestock Auction at the County Fair. The auction is the culmination of months of time and energy youngsters spent raising an animal for the auction. This year, four kids – three Fillmore FFA students and a Sespe 4-H member raised exceptional animals – three market swine and one market steer - thus were awarded with special merits. In no particular order, the following are the four winners and their comments from my interviews:

Alexis Van Why, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a FFA Reserve Champion/Champion Barrow. The champion pigs name? “Bubba.” Why I asked? “Just a name,” she said. Bubba was Alexis' eighth pig. Are you about to retire I inquired? “Almost,” she said. “Eligible only two more years.” Aside from winning showmanship several times, this was her first market swine champion.

All the years covering this event, I had not encountered a “barrow” champion. Obviously I asked. “A barrow pig,” explained Alexis, “is a pig that has been castrated before sexual maturity.” Adding, “it's a class of it's own which I won.” Now we know.

The winning bid: $20.00 per pound. If my math is correct, her 265 pound barrow pig awarded her a cool $5,300.00. What do you think about that, I asked? “I think it's amazing,” she said. What did you expect I asked? “About $8.00 a pound”. And what are the plans for the money? “Saving for college, either Cal Poly Pomona or San Luis Obispo where I plan to study psychology and be a forensic psychologist.”

Why this course of study? “I got it from the TV show ‘Criminal Minds’.” Interesting. But it's a scripted show I said. “I know, but it's awesome,” her reply.

What's the easiest part of raising a pig like Bubba? “Probably the maintenance of him... keeping him clean and feeding him.” The hardest part? “Training him to walk good,” adding, “they don't come trained so it takes a while getting him used to the whip and walking around.” How long did it take? “About two months to get him to respond the way I wanted,” she said.

Pigs have a reputation for being hoggish, as in gluttonous, so I asked about Bubba's diet. “What about it?” asked Alexis, grinning. OK, I meant what do you feed Bubba? “Oh. I fed him Morman's feed for pigs, some oats and a couple of supplements,” said Alexis. No donuts, cookies, apple pie? “None, never!” she quickly said. How come no treats, I asked? “I wanted to keep him lean and not get a lot of fat on him.” By design? “Yes,” she answered. “Because of his bone structure I kept him on a high protein diet.” Well, Bubba was obviously deprived of gormandizing but considering his championship status, Alexis knew best. And next year? “Another pig,” said Alexis. Once a pig farmer...

Jordyn Blankenship, 15, of the Fillmore FFA raised the FFA Champion market swine. Her pig, Dallas, weighed in at a robust 273 pounds. Why the name Dallas I asked? “Well, I didn't really know what to name her and after looking at names I chose Dallas and it seemed to fit her pretty well.” Having obtained Dallas from a pig farmer in Bakersfield one would think... nah, Bakersfield would have been a lousy name.

What about the easiest part of raising Dallas? “Just the whole experience. Winning, seeing all my hard work pay off, the whole entire experience was great,” said Jordyn. Did any of that have to do with Dallas' personality I wondered? “Yes, she's sweet. She knows her name and comes when I call her. She loves belly rubs. She's a sweet hog.”

Next, the most difficult part of raising Dallas? “Getting her weight to where we wanted it. And getting her to walk the way I wanted her to walk,” she said. Although, Jordyn added, “I think pigs are smarter than dogs and easy to train.” And that's that.

Speaking of weight, were there any weight issues that concerned you? “Yes,” she said. “She was a little heavy at the beginning so had to get that dialed in. We made weight for the fair. What's the maximum allowed? “Max 285 and Dallas weighed in at 273 pounds.” Dallas' diet? “Feed and special supplements to help her body structure and make her look the best. Feed plays a huge role. The feed can make or break a pig,” Jordyn emphasized.

Last year? “I won first in class but not a championship,” she said. Next year? “A hog”. Why another hog? “I love it,” said Jordy, adding, “I've been showing since I was ten years old. It's one of my favorite things to do.” Remaining eligible for another five years, what's the plan? “Hogs!” came the prompt response. I knew that... once a pig farmer.....

The winning bid for Dallas was $9.00/pound for a total of $2,457.00. The money? “College,” she said. Where? “Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.” To study? “Animal science.” The goal? “Large livestock veterinarian.”

Erin Berrington, 17, and a member of Fillmore FFA, raised a market steer that was awarded Reserve Grand Champion/FFA Reserve Champion. The name of the 1,379 pound behemoth? “Leroy”, said Erin. Hmmm, why Leroy? “Because my dad liked the name,” she said. Did dad select Leroy? “Yes.” You didn't veto the name? “I like the name,” she conceded.

Were did you get Leroy? “Silver Cattle, Kingsburg,” she said. I looked it up on the Net. Silver Cattle has a prestigious record of breeding championship steer. Very interesting. I digress.

What was the best thing about raising Leroy, I asked? He wasn't crazy like all the other steer that I raised. He was very easy,” she said. What was the most difficult about raising Leroy, I asked? After a long pause she said, “Washing him because of his light color. He has white on his legs so when he'd get poop on his legs it was harder to wash off.” Any additional challenges? “Sometimes,” Erin said, “because he's so heavy he was lazy and didn't want to walk.”

Leroy is huge so I wondered how a young girl walks such a large animal. “Basically you have a halter that goes on his head,” Erin explained, adding that you need to be on his left side and keep him close to you so you have control of him. ”However, if you wanted to go to the left but Leroy wanted to go to the right, are you going to be able to stop him? “It depends,” she said. “When he weighed 500 pounds when I got him, yes. I don't know about now. He might be the one in charge.”

The diet? Erin was reluctant to say. Tell me a something about what he ate for supper. After some coaxing, she finally said, “three-way hay.” Three-way hay? Pause. Finally, she said, “It's a secret.” I must respect that.

What's it like attending to Leroy? “During school, I'd be at the (School) Farm at 6 a.m. to feed him and return at 5 p.m. to feed him again and wash him every other day.” Not at all easy raising a large animal.

Next year? “I plan to raise another market steer but it will be my last year,” said Erin. How do you feel about that? “I'm sad,” she said, “but also kind of happy because I'll have a life,” she said giggling.

The winning bid was $8.00 a pound... for a total of $11,032. The plan? “Save it for nursing school,” she said. School selected yet? “Yes. I really want to try to go to Montana State.”

Fillmore FFA Adam Zavala, 15, raised a Reserve Grand Champion/4-H Reserve Grand Champion market swine. The handsome hog's name? “Cisco,” said Adam.

What was the best part of raising Cisco? “Umm... being able to take care of him and make him a better pig,” said Adam. How did you do that? “Feeding him good, walking him every day and making sure he's OK.” Any problems making weight I asked? “Ummm... yes because he got sick for a while and he held back his weight a lot but he made up a lot at the end.”

To help Cisco gain the weight back, Adam said he fed Cisco more than normally. Was a diet change required? “Yes,” he said. In addition to supplements, what did you add to his diet? Perhaps donuts? “Yes, said Adam. “He got donuts, yogurt, and cookies. Loves peach yogurt.” His favorite cookie? “Wafer cookies”, he said. Aha, a pig with discerning taste.

This was Adam's fifth year raising a pig but the first year he won a championship. Surprised? “Yes”, he said. And where did you get your prize pig? “Billy Barnes in Bakersfield,” he said. Seems like a lot of champion pigs come from Bakersfield. What are you going to raise next year? “Another pig.” I knew that. Once a pig farmer....

But why only pigs? “A little easier and less expensive”, said Adam. Alas, the secret is outed. The winning bid for Adam's pig was $13.00 a pound. For 249 pounds of bacon the winner paid $3,237.00. What are your plans for the money? “Save it up for college,” he said. At 15, Adam does not have any particular career plans. In the meantime, he's actively participating in baseball at Fillmore High.

The animals were judged championship quality but the real champions are the kids who raised the magnificent animals. They did their parents, their teachers and the community proud. Kudos to all the parents and teachers who support the children in the 4-H and FFA programs for a job well done. To all the youngsters who raised an animal, congratulations from the Fillmore Gazette staff for your hard-earned achievements. On to next year!