The Board of Trustees recognized the Rotary Club of Fillmore for their support of students, staff, and the district community. The Rotary Club of Fillmore is a service organization with deep roots in our community. The organization makes an annual donation of dictionaries to all students in 3rd grade in district elementary schools, awards scholarships to graduating seniors, and supports arts, activities, and athletics. Thank you Rotary Club of Fillmore for investing in Fillmore’s future.

The Board was provided with information the new State of California Model of Accountability. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

The Board was provided with an update on the district implementation of Safe and Civil Schools at all schools. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Stefan Cvijanovich.

The Board was provided with information on the Title I Program Evaluation. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

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

The Board approved a new four year contract with District Superintendent, Dr. Adrian E. Palazuelos, through June 30, 2020. Dr. Palazuelos expressed appreciation to the Governing Board for the opportunity to continue to serve the Fillmore Unified School District community.

PIRU, CA - Anticipated storm flows from Pacific storm Lucifer are being anticipated to trigger whitewater access opportunities for portage over the Santa Felicia Dam at Lake Piru to lower Piru Creek. Pursuant to the terms of United Water Conservation District’s (District) license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the operation of Santa Felicia Dam, whitewater boating access on Piru Creek below Santa Felicia Dam is available when at least 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) is released from the dam. Primarily, flows of 200 cfs or greater typically occur during the District's water conservation releases. These releases occur in most years and are conducted over a period of several weeks in the early fall. Due to drought conditions, however, the District has not conducted a conservation release since 2012 and, as a result, has not been able to provide recreational whitewater opportunities.

With Lucifer predicted to make landfall Friday, February 17, the powerful storm is likely to trigger flows of 200 cfs or greater. It is likely that the amount of rain combined with rising storm flows will trigger the District’s migration release, intended to provide natural migration flows for the endangered Southern California Steelhead which may attempt to migrate up the Santa Clara River from the ocean during such storm events. In the event of a migration release, the District is required to provide whitewater boating opportunities, which will be limited to portaging over the dam on Saturdays and Sundays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and only when the rate of release is above 200 cubic feet per second (cfs). Access will not be permitted without a reservation, which must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the requested portaging. This anticipated whitewater access opportunity is expected to last through at least Monday, February 20.

For details, please check the District’s website for updates on releases from Santa Felicia Dam (www.unitedwater.org). For current flow conditions in lower Piru Creek and on the Santa Clara River, check the US Geological Survey's website for USGS gauging station below Santa Felicia Dam.

For additional information of whitewater boating on lower Piru Creek, please refer to the American Whitewater webpage. To make reservations for whitewater boating, please contact the Lake Piru Park Service staff at (805) 320-3990 or (805) 625-4897

Froggy submitting his opponent with a Rear Naked Choke.

Jose "Froggy" Estrada fought George Hernandez (4-3 record) last Thursday February 16th at the Burbank Convention Center. Froggy said "I was there to make a statement and I did. A Couple of punches were in the exchange before putting me against the cage, which is where I was able to use my Wrestling techniques. I was in danger for a split second. I was caught in a Kimora arm lock, and had scrambled to get out.” Froggy was able to get on top of his opponent, hit him a few times until he turned around and gave up his back. Froggy won the fight 2 minutes and 9 seconds into the first round, declared submission victory, by Rear Naked Choke. Froggy now stands with a 3-0 undefeated record. Stay tuned on Azteca TV and UFC fight pass to watch more of Froggy’s fights.

Joshua Sandoval and Jonas Duran

Written By Valerie Sandoval

Last Saturday two locally grown teens were involved in a cause much bigger than their time on Buena Highschool baseball field. They were involved with raising money for the fight against Childhood Cancer. To conclude their fundraising efforts they along with over 60 other players including all their coaches Shaved their heads in support of all those children that have and will fight this horrible battle against children's cancer. During this event two local teens Joshua Sandoval 16 year old junior and Jonas Duran also a junior who both have lived in Fillmore Their whole lives, participated in this great event not only representing their school and baseball team but also representong their community and small town of Fillmore. Joshua also invited another local young man Phoenix , who is currently in remission, and has battled cancer since he was 10 months old to join in this celebration. Joshua had the honor of letting Phoenix make the first cuts of his newly shaved head. It was a day this baseball team will never forget and a wonderful way to bring awareness to childhood cancer. Showing others that amongst the negativity in our world there are young people out there doing great things that are bigger than just themselves.

Credit to the boys coach Matt Villegas who also has family from Fillmore for teaching these boys to be great on and off the field.

Bob Crum

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Video by Bob Crum.

This week I planned to discuss lenses and mirrorless cameras. But recent happenings – a storm and a photo - dictate a detour. C'est la vie.

It was late Friday afternoon. Rain finally let up somewhat. I went to the Old Telegraph road bridge over the Sespe Creek overflow. Oh my, I haven't seen Sespe Creek flowing like this in years! Of course I shot several photos. One is... surprise... the Photo of the Week.

I emailed it to an out-of-town photography friend. Just trying to be helpful, she sent it back re-edited with reasons why I should consider her suggestions. A lively discussion ensued.

Paraphrasing some of her points: Too cloudy to display detail in the image, clouds, especially storm clouds will always be soft, not hard edges, noise removal will soften the clouds, the middle is never going to be as sharp as the foreground on a cloudy day, and the important part... where do you want the eyes to go... you do not want the eye to go all over the place which they will do if every detail is sharpened.

Nothing wrong with her suggestions, just different. You'll see that I processed the photo differently and explain the reasons why.

It was a gloomy and stormy day. Ominous clouds on the horizon. Rain poured forth in great quantities swelling Sespe Creek from bank to bank with a torrent of muddy water. The challenge: Portray the scene with a single photo! Hold that thought.

Normally it is a good idea to highlight a focal point. This time I didn't. From my perspective, no one item is more important than another except maybe the creek. It's mostly a scenic image. As such, I'd rather your eyes enjoy roaming over the entire image... taking it all in with glee.

Soft subtle storm clouds are not my style. In post processing (PP), I emphasized them to add character. Drama if you please. They're storm clouds - not cotton candy. Different interpretations of the same thing. Interesting.

For maximum depth of field (DOF) I selected f/11. I preferred that everything from foreground to the distant mountain be in focus. Instead of softening the middle to de-emphasize it as suggested, I added structure to the creek's ripples in the image center to emphasize the flowing water. Preferences rule.

ISO is the level of sensitivity of a camera to available light. ISO of 10,000 is very high but necessary due to rapidly decreasing light. Cameras generate undesirable noise, specks in the photo, at a high ISO. Opening the lens to it's widest aperture, f/3.5, would allow more light to enter the camera thus lower the ISO and noise but at the expense of decreasing the DOF. Not an option. Instead, I dealt with the noise in PP while preserving a reasonable amount of detail. Different ways to deal with an issue.

I polished the image by adding a little contrast and increased the exposure slightly (for publication purposes) while attempting to maintain the feeling of a gloomy, stormy afternoon. I like to think I succeeded.

This example illustrates that there are many ways of creating a photo. From camera settings to editing processes, creative opportunities abound. Tremendously stimulating! One reason why I'm so passionate about photography as well as delightfully addicted. Caution: It's contagious!

After last week's column, you rushed out and bought a 'real' camera... didn't you? Good! As a photographer, it's invaluable. Just sayin'.

Happy shooting.

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

American Red Cross of Ventura County

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need firsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Ventura County

Simi Valley
3/2/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Apollo High School, 3150 School Street
3/7/2017: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Simi Valley Hospital Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
3/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
3/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/8/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/15/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
3/9/2017: 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina

How to help
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

By Coach Javier Alcaraz

On Wednesday Feb. 8th 2017 we played the last league vs. our school rival Santa Paula in a game that Fillmore had to win or tie to claim Tri-Valley League champs or if Santa Paula won we would share the title. Our boy's didn't want to share any title and got the job doNE by finishing 1-1 in a double overtime game. Senior J.J. Gonzalez score the only goal in the second half on a cross from Joel Garza to give Fillmore a 1-0 lead, but minutes after Santa Paula gets a goal on a deflection to tie the game. Goalkeeper Kevin Galvan had some amazing stops to give the Flashes the Tri-Valley League Chas title. Now we play this Friday at 5 here in Fillmore our first round of CIF game. Please come out and support your Fillmore Flashes Boy's soccer team as we make another run at another CIF title. GO BLUE!

Fillmore Chief of Police, Dave Wareham

A proclamation was offered to the Soroptimist Club of the Camino Real Region, at Tuesday's regular meeting, recognizing "Healthy Heart Month.

Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood provided an update on Fillmore's diminished drought conditions. Fillmore's ground water situation has greatly improved due to regular rains the town has experienced recently.

The city's three main wells are running without problems. Our wells usually average a depth of 300 feet. They are now producing at 170 feet due to recent rainy weather.

Fillmore resident Richard Torres asked the Council to alert Caltrans to the fact the traffic light at A Street and Highway 126 needs to be re-timed. Torres told the Council that the present timing does not allow pedestrians sufficient time to cross the street before the light turns red. The Council stated that it would ask Caltrans to investigate the alleged problem.

Two Fillmore residents spoke out against support of any kind for marijuana within the city limits. Reports stating that, for the first time, deaths from drug use have surpassed deaths caused by traffic accidents in the nation.

Fillmore Chief of Police, Dave Wareham, spoke to emphasize that the Ventura County Sheriff's Department is not, and has not, been targeting anyone for being an "illegal alien". He stated that the residents of Fillmore should feel safe at home. Wareham explained that recent raids in the city had nothing to do with any kind of immigration field work. The recent arrest of 3 persons was due to the fact that they were gang members with records for robbery, assault and other crimes. The arrests were of convicted criminals. Three guns were recovered.

Of 160 recent arrests made by the Sheriff's Department, 155 arrestees had previous criminal histories. One of the 3 arrestees in Fillmore was a MS13 gang member from El Salvador, one from Brazil with cocaine conviction, and an Australian with a child molestation record.

Bottom line: The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is not conducting immigration field work. So, we should all feel safe.

Despite strong opposition from Fillmore residents to any presence of marijuana in city limits, the Fillmore City Council is obligated to establish a fee for marijuana growing permits. Proposition 64 was recently passed and made recreational use of marijuana legal. Californian's are now permitted to grow up to 6 plants for their own use. The Council established the expense of growing permits to be $176. This cost is only established by determining the actual city's cost of administering marijuana cultivation within city limits, including such things as inspection, security, site plan, odor control, etc.

One resident insisted that the permit cost should be at least $1,000 considering the numerous control expenses. Permit costs cannot be arbitrary, by law.

The permit cost was approved by unanimous vote.

The Council approved the purchase of a new pickup truck and a wood chipper, for Public Works, to satisfy EPA requirements. The cost of $40,000 was settled through reallocation of funds. The vote was unanimous.

Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola asked for an application for a "FEMA Safer Grant" to hire additional fire department personnel. The request was also approved by unanimous vote.

On Tuesday, February 14th San Cayetano School was surprised with a donation of playground and PE Balls. The students and staff of San Cayetano School are very thankful for the donation. We want to give a big “shout out” to our wonderful Fillmore Fire Department and local Ventura County Sherriff’s department for their generous donation. We also thank School Board Member Scott Beylik and Chief Dave Wareham for coordinating the visit to San Cayetano School. Elementary school are always in need of new PE and Playground equipment making this a great Valentine’s Day Gift to our children.

Portobello Pizza Grand Opening Saturday February 4, 2017. Co-Owners Jose Orea and Bernardino Orea (center).
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FZ Tax Services Grand Opening February 4, 2017. Owner FZ Tax Services Frank Zamora (center).
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Written by Ari Larson, Board Director, Fillmore Chamber of Commerce

A Grand opening for Portobello Pizza and a grand re-opening (in a new location) for FZ Tax Services were celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 with music, food samples and giveaways. Fillmore City Council member Tim Holmgren, The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce President Irma Magana, Vice President Martin Guerrero and Ari Larson (Public Relations and Marketing) were on hand for the ribbon-cutting. Also, in attendance were Miss Fillmore Natalie Johnston, 1st Princess Emily Armstrong and Miss Teen Fillmore Grace Garnica. Both businesses are located in the Super A shopping center on Highway 126.

Bob Crum

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Did everyone see the rainbow last Saturday? I'm so excited. I got some exquisite photos with my $45,000 Hasselblad camera. Sorry, I can't share them with you. I pushed a wrong button and poof... accidentally deleted them all. I probably should sell the clunker... you think?

I was returning from Ventura when I saw it and knowing how fleeting rainbows can be, I stopped a few miles out of town and shot a few photos. Back in town I got a few photos from here and there with mixed results. Results don't always satisfy expectations because cameras don’t always fulfill intentions. That explains why lousy photos are... ahem... never my fault!

Back to business. If you already have a respectable camera, dSLR or Point-&-Shoot, this week's column may, or may not be interesting but last week I said that I'd list my gear and why I use what I have. Must be done because a camera is an essential component of photography. Key word: Essential!

Nikon, Pentax and others make great cameras. I prefer Canon. My prime camera is a Canon 7D Mark II. I bought this camera because of the awesome 65 all cross-type AutoFocus (AF) points for high precision AF at remarkable speed. I need that!

Focus speed is not important when I'm shooting Sespe Creek mermaids but remember, as a photojournalist, my work entails shooting events. Fast and accurate focusing is very important. Otherwise, I don't get paid. That's not good. Are all the photos I shoot in focus? No! But isn't that what the delete button is for?

Another important feature is the ability to record on two memory cards simultaneously: On an SD card and on a CompactFlash (CF) card. But I don't do that. I prefer to record RAW images on the SD card and the backup jpegs on the CF card. I also record video on the SD card because I can buy a larger capacity less costly SD card than CF cards. Now you know.

The 7D2 is also sealed remarkably well against the elements. If I choose to, I can safely shoot crashing waves up close on the coast or desert tortoises on a windy day without concern. Lenses are a different matter. Among the many, those are the camera's main features. BTW, I still have my six-year old 7D that I take with me on assignments as a backup.

Which brings me to this important point. There are several great camera brands. They all do marvelous things photographically speaking. But they also all have a quirk or two. If you are intending to purchase a new camera, specifically a dSLR any time soon, take your time and explore all the options. Go to a camera store and fondle the camera. Are the controls and menus intuitive and easy to understand? Most importantly, exam the specifications. Does the camera allow you to do what you require? You must chose very carefully because you don't just buy a dSLR camera... you will be buying a system: A Canon system, or a Nikon system or a Pentax system. The system is comprised of camera, lenses, flash units and accessories of all kinds. Most components are not interchangeable. Choose carefully!

That's it for this week. Next week, the all important lenses. Also a brief overview of new crop of mirrorless cameras that are gaining in popularity. I'm even looking seriously at a couple of them. Ahem... just looking!
Happy shooting!

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

City of Fillmore

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
COUNTY OF VFNTURA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Gregory D. Trotten
District Attorney

November 10, 2016

The Honorable Diane McCall
Mayor. City of Fillmore
250 Central Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015

Re: Limits on Legalized Marijuana

Dear Mayor McCall:
As the district attorney of Ventura County. I write to encourage your city council to enact coordinated, uniform regulations preventing the marijuana industry from bringing harm to our communities. It is not my goal to prevent lawful marijuana use or to incarcerate or prosecute lawful marijuana users. However, experience here and elsewhere causes me serious concern about the negative impact the marijuana industry brings to communities in which it operates.

Throughout California and in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, law enforcement has witnessed serious, violent crime surrounding marijuana enterprises, which are almost exclusively cash based. First responders also have noted significant driving under the influence issues, with dramatically increasing numbers of marijuana- related traffic fatalities. Drug addiction and overdose emergencies have also increased, especially among children, who are most vulnerable to the physiological and psychological harm the drug causes. Homelessness has increased, particularly among drug users drawn to areas that have legalized marijuana sales.

Recently, the district attorney of Denver, Colorado, Mitchell R. Morrissey, noted a number of public health impacts that marijuana legalization has had in Colorado:

Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado in 2013 traffic related marijuana deaths have increased 48%, marijuana related emergency room visits have increased 49%, and marijuana related calls to the poison center have increased 100%.

Denver District Attorney Morrissey also described dramatic increases in violent crime, vehicle theft, and residential burglaries since marijuana was legalized. He also detailed a sharp rise in marijuana-related crime:
Besides the overall increases in crime we have experienced, the Denver police department is dealing with a 900% increase in the unlawful cultivation and manufacture of marijuana concentrate, and a 99% increase in the unlawful distribution of marijuana and marijuana concentrate. The quantity of illegal marijuana seized by the Denver police has increased 3,424% on average per case. The volume of marijuana seized per case has increased from an average of 162 pounds to 5,724 pounds. In Denver unlawful public consumption of marijuana citations has increased over 300% per rear since the legalization of recreational marijuana, The Denver police department is busier enforcing marijuana laws and investigating crimes directly related to marijuana, including murders, robberies, and home invasions, than am other time in the history of the city.

Colorado has also seen a number of overdose deaths resulting from the ingestion of edible marijuana products. Of tremendous concern is the skyrocketing use of marijuana by youth. According to the Denver Post, reports of marijuana in the middle and high schools have soared since legalization. Youth marijuana use in Colorado is 74 percent higher than the national average and is the highest in the nation among youths aged 12 to 17. Colorado is also ranked first in the nation in marijuana use among adults aged 18 to 25. These numbers are particularly disturbing in light of medical studies showing the permanent brain damage that people under 25 suffer as a result of regular marijuana use.

According to Ventura County Public Health Officer Robert Levin, M.D.

Persistent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with significant neuropsychological decline’ 1.2.3.4.5 It is clear that the earlier the persistent use begins, the greater the damage. A regular marijuana user who begins in his teens will lose up to 8 IQ points by 25 years of age / An 8 points IQ loss drops someone who is at the 50th percentile for intelligence down to the 29th percentile. In a review article on working and verbal episodic memory, 11 out of 12 studies showed a loss of IQ points among chronic cannabis users,8 A number of cognitive impairments will also occurs. These include diminished executive function; impaired short-term memory; and decreased concentration, attention span, problem solving, processing speed, perceptual reasoning and verbal comprehension. Diminished motor control, coordination, judgment, reaction time, and tracking ability have been shown as well.

These troubling developments are now directly implicated in decisions you will soon make concerning your own community. On November 8, 2016. California voters passed Proposition 64, legalizing personal, non-commercial cultivation, possession, and use of limited quantities of marijuana by adults over 21 years old. Proposition 64 also creates a structure for legalizing commercial marijuana activities from cultivation to retail sales. It is important to understand that while the proposition creates a path to legalization of commercial marijuana activities, it expressly authorizes cities and counties to prohibit or limit commercial and medical marijuana enterprises. The proposition does not affect federal law, under which all cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana is criminal.

Proposition 64 creates state-level regulations for commercial cultivation, distribution, and sales of recreational marijuana. However, no commercial marijuana enterprise may lawfully operate in California without local governmental approval and a local business license. Under this key aspect of Proposition 64, your city retains the authority to prohibit or limit the following marijuana activities, among others:
• Retail sales establishments, sometimes called dispensaries
• Medicinal sales establishments or dispensaries
• Commercial sales and distribution of marijuana, originating within the jurisdiction
• Outdoor cultivation of marijuana, whether commercial or personal
• Commercial indoor cultivation of marijuana
• Processing and manufacturing of marijuana and marijuana products
• Marijuana use within any government-occupied building
• Marijuana activity or enterprises within certain distances from schools, daycare centers, or youth centers

Local zoning authority is unaffected by Proposition 64 and your city may also impose reasonable regulations on personal indoor cultivation of marijuana.

Many cities have been enticed by the promise of substantial tax revenue from commercial marijuana interests. Experience has shown this promise to be illusory. Accurate tax collection from marijuana industries has been exceptionally difficult to achieve, in part because nearly all business is conducted in cash. Also, because medical marijuana is exempted from many taxes, a large number of users have simply avoided the tax by purchasing marijuana with a medical marijuana identification card. Finally, the societal costs associated with the marijuana industry’s public health and criminal justice impacts have far exceeded the benefits of marijuana tax revenue. As a result, tax revenue has not met the promises made by commercial marijuana interests.

To avoid the harms commercial marijuana causes to communities and residents, it is imperative that the marijuana industry not gain a foothold in Ventura County. 1 urge you to work with our fellow’ Ventura County governmental leaders to enact comprehensive and consistent regulations prohibiting the operation of commercial marijuana enterprises in our county. The health and safety of our residents depends upon it. I would he happy to discuss these matters with your council as it considers how to proceed regarding the marijuana industry.

Very truly yours,
Gregory D. Totten
District Attorney
GDT;jdc

Bank of the Sierra donates $4,000 to Fillmore Condors Cross Country. Accepting the check is treasure, Francisco Velazquez, President, Erika Arana, Coach Rafael Laureano and Condor athletes.
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Fillmore Condors Cross Country youth running club would like to thank Bank of the Sierra for their generous donation of $4,000. The Condors is a non-profit organization that is managed by volunteers. Some volunteers ran as youth through the program in the 1980’s. In 2004 it slowly made a comeback with the dedication of coach and former athlete Rafael Laureano, who continues today to have a love and passion for the sport. The 2016 season was the club’s 12th year and has recently merged with Heritage Valley Blazers Inc., the local track & field program.

The purpose of the Condors club is to educate the youth with the fundamentals of the sport of cross country. The aim is to teach through the sport: sportsmanship, leadership, and bring local youth closer together through the love of the sport. Our organization is open to boys and girls ages 5-16 with all athletic abilities. The athletes compete on a course ranging from 2K to 4K depending on age. The club has been successful throughout the years in sending many talented local youth to compete at the National Junior Olympics.

The donation will be used for, clinics, races, national’s, senior high school scholarships to continue their running careers collegially and to help aid athletes who cannot financially afford expenses associated with cross country. Fillmore Condor’s Cross Country appreciates all your support, THANK YOU Bank of the Sierra!

For more information visit us at: fillmorecondors.org
President,
Erika Arana

You know, the device that consists of a computer with a lens for producing photographs. A must have!

But if you're shooting photos with anything less than a $45,000.00 100MP Hasselblad H5D-200c camera you'll never get great photos! So move along...nothing here to help you. (grin)

A frequent comment: You must have a great camera. Of course, I respond, and because I have a really great oven, all my pies are the best in the world! Whether photos or pies, quality ingredients and a little know-how are far more important than the device.

Last week I emphasized the importance of “composition”. If the “composition” (photo) is compelling, the exposure correct and the subject is in focus you have just incorporated the necessary quality ingredients for a great photo. Kudos!

Obviously a camera and lens are essential for photography. But it doesn't have to be an expensive dSLR camera with a detachable lens. Many good photos are shot with a respectable point-and-shoot camera. Some cell phones have respectable cameras. But Fillmore residents beware: Phonetography is prohibited by ordinance 17, section 2.5, paragraph 9. Tourists are exempted. Just kidding.

It's often said that the best camera is the one that you have with you when you need it. Sort of. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Low cost consumer cameras lack quality sensors which are the heart of a digital camera. Accurate colors suffer in low cost point-and-shoot cameras and the lenses lack quality for the most part. But will aunt Martha notice any lens distortion in the photos of Jimmy's birthday party?

If your goal is to produce technically good images, there are quantifiable advantages to having better cameras. But that doesn't mean limiting out a credit card. Review your goals and needs then decide. Some delightful photos have been shot on inexpensive cameras but it's not the rule. If you're thinking about a new camera, plan for the future. As your photography experience and knowledge increase, you will want a camera that responds to your dictates. It's very frustrating to see the potential for a magnificent photo and discover that the camera is incapable of adequately capturing it. I know the feeling!

Which is why every time I think about the $45,000.00 100MP Hasselblad H5D-200c camera, I drool. And buy lotto tickets.

No matter the kind of photography, it all starts with a camera. Or... ahem... a cell phone. Next week I'll tell you what I have and why.

Happy shooting.

Write me at bob@fillmoregazette.com and tell me your thoughts.

Name the column contest is over. For now, I decided on plain ole Photography Know-How, with a subtitle describing the column topic. But I'll still treat all of you who participated in the “name the column” contest to a scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream Friday night, Feb 10, 7 PM at the B/R store.

City of Fillmore

A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Fillmore on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 6:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, California, to consider the establishment of personal cultivation fee. This fee is intended to be used to pay for the processing of the Personal Cultivation Permit with the Planning Department, Building Department and Fire Department and reflect the actual cost or providing such services that include application review, construction plan review and inspections.

Interested persons are invited to attend and be heard at the Public Hearing. Testimony may be presented in person or submitted in written form prior to the hearing and made a part of the hearing record.

If you require special assistance in order to attend the meeting, including needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify the City at least 3 days prior to the meeting by calling (805) 524-3701.

Copies of the proposed fee schedule and further information on this subject may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.