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In the old days, centuries ago, no sooner had we shot a roll of film than we excitedly put it in the developer tank. Afterward we eagerly put the film in the enlarger to expose photo paper. Holding our breath (sometimes because of the developer fumes), we slid the exposed photo paper into the developer. Than the fixer. Always a thrill to see the image slowly appear.

Digital photography drastically changed all that. No more stinky chemicals that would make my hair kinky, ears wiggle and toes curl. The workflow has also changed tremendously and now much easier to be creative.

Most of today's digital cameras produce both jpegs and RAW files. Jpegs are RAW files processed by the camera's computer and compressed... in the process discarding a large percentage of image data. Jpegs at 72ppi (pixels per inch) are fine for the Internet but limit editing possibilities. Note that what the camera discards you can't enhance afterward.

Conversely, a RAW file is data direct from the sensor unmanipulated by the camera's computer. As such, a RAW file is not an image until it's processed. Many programs are available to convert a RAW file such as Camera Raw in Photoshop (PS) & Lightroom (LR).

Photoshop is a powerful editing program but I seldom use it. I don't have time nor need to do masking, play with multiple layers, or 'liquify' anything... except gold bullion now and then. Deadlines loom large! I need a fast, yet effective RAW file converting/editing workflow.

On assignment, there are no do overs. It's get the shot or cry. As I run and gun there's no time to adjust camera settings for perfect exposure. Using a RAW image file, as long as the exposure is reasonably good, I can make reasonable corrections using LR.

A distinctive advantage of LR is that it's a non-destructive processor/editor. It does not affect pixels directly. It simply edits the file tags. Click the reset button at any time and I'm back to the original file to work on anew.

After LR, I export the processed file as a tiff image to Adobe Photoshop Elements. Elements is a great baby PS program which is arguably the most underrated program on the market IMO. More importantly, within Elements I have NIK plugins. NIK plugins are a photojournalists salvation by providing an easy and powerful range of photo editing capabilities.

About 5 years ago, Google bought NIK. However, Google just announced that they are no longer going to support NIK. This means no upgrades going forward.Hence the alert. One wonders why Google would abandon such a Godsend to a gazillion photographers... enthusiasts and pros alike?

If you have a modicum of interest in photography and don't have NIK, I encourage you to go and download the FREE Collection and burn it onto two CDs or hard drives. Learn it, use it, and you will love it!

The plugins are at https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Note some limitations. Google claims NIK will only run on Windows Vista, 7 and 8. No mention that it will run on 10 but not sure why not. I'm still happily running Windows 7 Pro. Also, NIK will not run in PS Elements above 13 which is why I'm using them in Elements 11. MAC users, OS X 10.7.5 through 10.10 is OK.

Note that both Lightroom 6 and Photoshop Elements do not require an Adobe monthly subscription. Both are available as standalone programs. Look on eBay. BTW, send me an email if you're interested in a photo editing workflow workshop?

Happy photoing.

Email questions, comments, suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Isaac Gomez

U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Isaac Gomez son of Letica Gomez, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on May 26, 2017 and was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. 2nd Lt. Gomez successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in International Relations. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, 2nd Lt. Gomez completed a four-year, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic program, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps, is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills. Following graduation, 2nd Lt. Gomez has been assigned to Marine Corp Basic Officer School in Quantico, Virginia where he will continue training in a Ground Specialty and then proceed to duty station where he will begin service with U.S. Marine Corps.

Considered one of the top educational institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and has graduated more than 60,000 men and women as Naval and Marine Corps Officers. Its graduates include 4,000 Admirals and Generals, one President, 200 members of Congress, three Governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner, and 40 Astronauts.

The Naval Academy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen and who come from every state in the union.

2nd Lt. Gomez is a 2013 graduate of Fillmore High School.

Fillmore Volunteer Fireman Christopher Connolly awarded State Employee Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy California State Parks.

Governor Brown Tuesday awarded a Ventura lifeguard a State Employee Medal of Valor for a December 2015 rescue in the ocean off Faria Beach.

It was during one of the biggest El Nino driven surf events with 15-20 foot waves along a rocky shoreline.

California State Lifeguard Christopher Connolly "rescued a tiring surfer under the difficult conditions and at great peril to himself" according to the citation from the Governor's office.

It reads, "Lifeguard Connolly entered the water without hesitation. He swam to the victim, secured him to a life buoy, then fought wave sets while seeking a safe spot to exit the surf. Connolly traveled more than 3/4 of a mile in a swift current while attempts by first responders to reach the pair from shore failed. Connolly held the victim close for protection and talked the surfer through the ordeal. Eventually, Lifeguard Connolly was able to reach a sandy beach with his rescuee who was exhausted, but unhurt. Without the actions of Connolly, the surfer likely would have been lost to the pounding surf. Veteran State Parks lifeguards called Connolly’s efforts one of the most demanding and dynamic rescues ever witnessed."

Connolly, 44, is a seasonal lifeguard with California State Parks and has worked as a lifeguard for 16 years.

He is also a Spanish instructor at Ventura College and a volunteer with the Fillmore Fire Department, according to the Governor's Office.

Jesus Ballesteros - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Viviana Ceja - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Jessica Cobb - FHS Alumni Gloria McKitchens Music Scholar
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Colton Farrar - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
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Dillon Galarza - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Onofre Jauregui - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Reylene Martinez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Janet Mendez - FHS Alumni Scholar
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Luke Myers - Steve and Patricia Baum Science Scholar
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Connie Quintana - FHS Lemley Memorial Scholar
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Aviana Ramirez - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Marilyn Sandoval - FHS Alumni William Brisby Scholar
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Sarah Stewart - FHS Alumni Scholar
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George Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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Roman Tarango - Scanlin/Balden Scholar
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The Officers and Board of Directors of the Fillmore High Alumni Association is proud to announce awarding a total of $54,000 dollars to this years Alumni Scholarship winners. The Fillmore High Alumni Association's Scholarships are funded by proud FHS Alumni Association Members and anyone who donates to the Scholarship Fund. Donations to the Scholarship Fund also come in the form of Memorial's of Alumni members who are no longer with us, but will never be forgotten. We thank everyone for their contributions.

The 2017 Alumni Scholars will be introduced at the 104th FHS Alumni Dinner on June 10th. There are still open reservations available. You can purchase your reservation at Patterson Hardware store up to and including June 7th. You may also purchase your reservations online by visiting www.fillmorehighalumni.com an clicking on the Events link. This online reservation can be purchased up to and including June 7th. After June 7th, all dinner reservations must be purchased at the door on the night of the event at the door price of $45 dollars per person.

Lot's of surprises are planned at this years Alumni Dinner! Hope to see you all there!

Last week, the parade. Now, on to the other festivities. With giggling children everywhere, it's near impossible to attend the recent May Festival carnival and not get in a good mood. Furthermore, the music venue was alive with folks kicking up their heels... so to speak. Those not dancing were sipping brewskies in the beer garden. Judging by the nasty look I got I should not have asked for ice tea. But I digress.

On the carnival midway, I took advantage of the many opportunities to shoot using various methods to illustrate different ways to convey a particular point. For example, 'blur' can be accomplished two ways. Hold steady the camera set at a slow shutter speed of about 1/15 second and press the shutter button when the subject comes into the frame. The background remains in focus but the subject gets blurred illustrating movement. The other method is to increase the shutter speed and pan the subject... i.e. … follow the subject passing by which will result in the subject in focus but the background blurred. Most often requires a some trial and error. Accidentally, the blue Buffalo Bomber ended being a little of both. C'est la vie. There is no right or wrong method. Simply personal preference. Generally I prefer shooting at a higher shutter speed and blurring the background. Can you pick the photos I shot using either method and determine which method was used on each?

Oh, check out the gorgeous, vivacious May Festival carnival mermaid. Made my day! If it were not for so much darn security I would have kidnapped her! Maybe next year. (I'm thinking helicopter heist! )

Night scenes are most interesting because of various colors of light. But mixed lighting is a nightmare for the camera. Accordingly, I almost always set white balance on automatic (AWB). One of these days I'll delve into some of the technical stuff like white balance and its significance. Stay tuned. For now, let if suffice to say that even if the camera misinterprets the light creating color issues it's usually correctable in post processing. Post processing (PP) is another topic to be covered some day. But not yet because I'm still trying to wean all you phonetographers off your smart phones and into 'real' photography with a real camera (hint) so post processing (editing) can wait a little longer. Pardon my teasing.

Back to photography. Just prior to the seven-gun salute by the honor guard, I set the camera on burst mode and fired off a series of photos upon hearing the word: FIRE! Well, out of 27 images, not one photo with a muzzle flash. NOT ONE! Again, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have none! Wait! If you look closely, you'll see brass casings flying. That counts... right? To capture muzzle flash maybe I need to get a camera that can fire bursts of 50 photos/second. Yep, that'll do it! No it won't. Can't afford that camera so flying brass casings will have to suffice. For now.

Moving along, I selected the raising of the U. S. flag during the Memorable Day Ceremony at the Bardsdale Cemetery as the Photo of the Week. Indulge me while I briefly go off topic.

I've been photographing the Bardsdale Memorable Day Ceremony for many years yet the symbolic act of raising the U.S. flag is always an emotional experience. It profoundly demonstrates and acknowledges that our cherished freedoms that brave men and women fought and died for endures. One day... one act... to remind us of their ultimate sacrifice. See you next year, same place, to honor all those who shall forever be remembered.

Happy photoing!

Email comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

A fire in the 1300 block of Blue Jay Street in Fillmore displaced five people, four adults and one child. The fire took place on Thursday, May 18th at 6:35pm.

Fillmore Fire, Santa Paula Fire, City of Ventura and Ventura County Fire Departments were called in and the blaze was knocked down by 6:58pm.

The fire was confined to the garage of the two-story home. Red Cross was assisting the victims.

Jorge Izarraraz, 23 of Fillmore, who was charged with murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in Fillmore in 2015 has been allowed by prosecutors to plead guilty to the lessor charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Izarraraz killed 24-year-old Edgar Torres of Fillmore during an involved in an altercation on November 2, 2015 in the area of Third and B Streets.

Torres died later at the hospital with a stab wound. Izarraraz had been facing a murder charge but the DA’s office allowed him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter instead.

Izarraraz remains in jail pending sentencing on August 1, 2017.

At the regular Tuesday City Council meeting a resolution authorizing and directing the execution of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement creating the Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency and adoption of a Resolution appointing a City Council Representative to the Board of Directors was unanimously approved. Mayor Carrie Broggie was appointed to the Board.

Ordinance No. 17-879 adopting changes to clarify the City Manager's contracting authority and thresholds for formal and informal bidding requirements for consistency with the state's Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (ACT) was unanimously approved.

The contract for the construction of the Dog Park fence project at Two Rivers Park was approved for $16,221.00. The Park will allow areas for both large and small dogs.

The adoption of Resolution 17-3598 approving the 2015 Ventura County Multihazard Mitigation Plan was unanimously approved. The document runs to 700 pages and can be accessed at County records.

The adoption of City Council Resolution 17-3597 adjusting several of the fees collected by Community Services was also unanimously approved.

The new Parks and Recreation Coordinators have worked to streamline the reservation and payment process for usage of City parks and fields. When community organizations, such as sports groups, reserve a City facility for the season they are required to pay the full use fee and/or deposit at the time the reservation is made. However, the current fee schedule does not have a deposit amount for reserving fields.

In order to ease the financial burden of full payment, City staff is recommending that the City Council establish a 20% deposit for all field reservations. Additionally, as staff was reviewing the fees for the upcoming pool season, they noticed some fees were unclear and/or wrong. Staff is requesting the following changes to the adopted fee schedule.

AQUATIC CENTER
Program Details Notes Current Proposed Adult Splash Pass 20 Visits No incentive for purchasing 20 instead of 10 $90.00 $85.50 (5% discount) Splash Pass Senior Discount (62+)10 Visits No discount is being provided & the discount would violate Prop 26 $45.00 Eliminate Splash Pass Senior Discount (62+) 20 Visit No discount is being provided & the discount would violate Prop 26 $90.00 Eliminate Group Swim Lessons

Session Per Person (no discount for group fee) $120.00 $75.00 Private Swim Lessons Session Per Person $120.00.
The City currently offers a Splash Pass which allows one adult 20 visits to the pool for $90. The City believes that they can recover their costs to provide this service for the reduced fee of $85.50. There is also a “Senior Discount (62+)” Splash Pass– however the rate does not actually provide a discount.

As Proposition 26 prohibits providing discounted fees to a certain classification of people when the discount is subsidized by other people paying that fee, staff recommends eliminating the two line items 01148.0001/376563.5 for senior discounted splash passes from the fee schedule. Group swim lessons and private swim lessons are currently offered at the same rate of $120.00 per Session. As group lessons are typically provided a lower fee than private lessons, staff is recommending that the fee for group swim lessons be reduced to $75.00 per session. With respect to the reservation of a City facility for a season of sports all field reservations for each park require a 20% deposit for the dates booked and will be billed monthly, in advance, in even installment payments. Any organization seeking to make a season long reservation can either elect to pay via the deposit and monthly billing option or pay in full at the time of the reservation.

DOG PARK
The City received a total of two (2) bids for the subject project. Bids were opened on May 18, 2017 at 10 AM in Council Chambers. The following bids were received: 1 C&W Construction Specialties, Inc. $16,221.20 2; Fence Factory $19,633.00. The engineer’s estimate of probable construction cost was $24,865. C&W Construction Specialties, Inc. submitted the low bid of $16,221.20, which is 34.7% below the engineer’s estimate.

The construction work includes installation of chain link fencing and gates surrounding the existing dirt area between “C” Street and the existing fencing west of “C” Street at Two Rivers Park. City Council award the contract to C&W Construction Specialties, Inc. in the amount of $16,221.20 for the construction of the Dog Park Fence Installation Project at Two Rivers Park, Issuance of the Wastewater Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2017, to refinance outstanding 2007 bonds of the Public financing Authority were unanimously approved.

Resolutions 17-3601 and 17-01 were approved for the recommended fiscal year 20-17-18 Budgets for the City of Fillmore and the Successor Agency to the City of Fillmore Redevelopment Agency.

The Budget for 2017-18 can be seen in its entirety online at fillmoregazette.com.

City Resolution 17-3595 to set the APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT for fiscal year 2017-18 was unanimously approved.

Resolution No. 17-3596 to allow collection of the delinquent water and sewer utility by placing them on the Property Tax Roll was unanimously approved by the Council.

Medical Marijuana Listening Session is set for Sunday, June 25, at 3:30 PM. Location: Memorial Building. 4TH

ANNUAL CHIEF RIGO LANDEROS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
This year’s four person scramble will take place Saturday, June 3 with a noon start at Elkins Ranch Golf
Course. Tournament fees are $120 per player and includes, golf, cart, drinks, lunch, gift bag, awards dinner
and raffle. Proceeds benefit the Fillmore Volunteer Firefighter Foundation in their efforts to provide important funding for personal protective equipment, safety and rescue gear, emergency medical supplies
and continuing education and training for the membership. If anyone would like to sponsor the event there are seven categories:Platinum$10,000 16 Entries Diamond $5,000 12 Entries Gold $2,500 8 Entries Silver $1,000 4 Entries Bronze$500 2 Entries Sterling $Any Tee Sponsor $30. Register online at www.fillmorefirefoundation.org/golf

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The Class of 1962 will hold their 55th class reunion at the 104th Annual Fillmore High Alumni Association Dinner/Dance on Saturday June 10th, 2017 from 3pm to midnight at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 511 2nd Street, Fillmore, CA. 93015. Class of ’62 reunion questions may be answered by calling Maria “Diaz” Kilgore at 805-647-6274.

Please make your dinner reservations early to confirm seating with your class. Your paid dinner reservation guarantees entry to the event, an award-winning catered dinner, and access to the bar, social lounge, and dance.
Reserve your seats online now by visiting our website and clicking on the Events link at the top. www.fillmoregazette.com

You may also reserve your seats in person or by mail. To reserve by mail, visit our website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com, click on the Events link, click on the reservation form, print it out, fill it out, and mail it to the Fillmore High Alumni Association 559 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA. 93015. To reserve in person, visit Patterson Hardware store in Fillmore. They are open 7 days a week. Both in person and by mail reservations must be received by Thursday June 7th. After June 7th, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $45 dollars per person.

Bob Crum

Have I mentioned that photojournalism is fraught with hardships and hazards? I ran into more of the same the past weekend at the May Festival parade. The plan: Shoot still photos and video. I thought I had it figured out. I didn't! I should have have killed the plan the second it was conceived. Or at least had a glass of Merlot before the parade started.

I decided to try to shoot some video because a still photo of a marching band lacked oompah oompah! Isn't a photo of a marching band in a parade without oompah like pizza without flavor?

I hand-held the camera to shoot the still photo then quickly mount the camera on the tripod... switch the camera to video – focus - check the composition - press the record button and pan the camera to follow the parade participant. Then remove the camera from the tripod – compose - shoot a still photo of the next parade participant. Then quickly remount the camera on the tripod - switch the camera over to video – focus - check the composition - press the record button and pan to follow the parade participant. Then remove the camera... well, got the idea?

Another problem was that even the slow moving parade participants moved too fast!!! I needed roller skates and wheels on the tripod to keep up. Politely speaking, it was frustrating. Remember that my specialty is mermaid boudoir photography. Shooting video with my dSLR camera is a new process.

Even though my Canon 7D MKII shoots excellent quality video, the physical form factor is terrible. It's easier to pull teeth from a hippopotamus. There is no button to push for zooming the lens, no follow focus when zooming and other issues. Everything has to be done quickly. But my hands just don't do quickly so quickly these days.

Forget the video for a moment and let's get back to 'still' photos. Remember, composition rules. A photo exhibiting good composition reflects a story told by the photograph! Great composition is testament to a great story! To execute the plan, I used my Tamron 16-300mm lens. For the hand-held photos I could shoot from a afar and zoom in, compose and shoot. That supposedly would give me time to mount the camera on the tripod to shoot video of the oncoming parade participant so long as they don't move too fast. Accordingly, I could crop the image later when post processing the stills. Splendid concept... execution not so much. I need clemency!

Regardless of the obvious challenges learning to shoot video, I persevere because it seems appropriate that moving people warrant motion pictures... so to speak. In the meantime, you get to witness my metamorphosis, as it were, from shooting just still photos to still photos and video. It'll probably be a tad messy initially so I hope that you don't become too distraught before I get proficient. Your indulgence will be appreciated as I dilly dally with video. BTW, when was the last time you dilly dallied at anything? You should, it's fun! I do it a lot!

Happy photoing.

Send your comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

(l-r) Tom Mayhew, FFA President, Scott Beylik, in his role as President of the FUSD Board of Education, and Keith Gurrola, FFA President.
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(l-r) Scott Beylik, Board President, and Connie Quintana, Student Representative.
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Board Recognition
The Board of Trustees recognized the Fillmore Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster Club. The Fillmore FFA Booster Club supports the Fillmore High School Agriculture and FFA program with generous financial support and volunteers. The organization supports student participation in regional, state, and national leadership conferences offered by FFA. The Fillmore community supports Booster Club annual fundraising efforts such as the pancake breakfasts and fireworks sales. Thank you Fillmore FFA Booster Club for your support of Fillmore youth!

Fillmore USD Retirees
The Board of Trustees recognized eight employees for their distinguished service to the Fillmore Unified School District.
The individuals are:
Gamaliel Aguilar, 21 years Janet Bergamo, 24 years
Jane Brunton-Munoz, 20 years Sammy Cardona, 10 years
Joan Moseley, 12 years Susan Pina, 31 years
Linda Root, 32 years Enedina Vasquez-Garcia, 35 years

College and Career Access Pathways Partnership Agreement
The Board received a report on the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership Agreement. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez and Ventura College President and incoming Ventura County Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Greg Gillespie.

Fillmore USD ASES Update
The Board received an update on the ASES program. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Stefan Cvijanovich, and Director of Special Projects and Student Services, Tom Chan.

Assessment Update
The Board received an Assessment Update. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez and Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction.

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