Bob Crum

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Being a U.S. Air Force veteran, I never attended an air show that I didn't enjoy. Well, until this past weekend. The L.A. County Air Show was awesome but the weather: Windy! Nevertheless, the show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds among other great events scheduled. I've seen the Navy's Blue Angels perform three times but never witnessed the Thunderbirds so not going was not an option, wind be damned. The Thunderbirds did not disappoint. GO Air Force!

Sunday weather was the worst. Sunny and warm at first. About noon, very windy... like 50 mph windy so it seemed. My Canon 7D MKII with the rented Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached weighs almost 6 pounds. Heavy! It was like photographing 500 mph jet planes with a camera-attached bazooka in gale force winds. And you thought photojournalism was a cake walk?

But y'all knew I'd have an ace up my jacket sleeve... right? I did. Arrive early and get the corner spot in the media area. In the howling wind, merely standing throughout the Thunderbirds performance was a challenge. So, for stability, I nonchalantly (important to be discrete among colleagues) leaned against the corner. Yesireebob, I was as steady as a mountain goat on a flat rock. Well, at least steadier than would have been otherwise but gale force winds blew my gear around as if it was a helium-filled balloon. I struggled mightily to control it and get some respectable photos. Feel my agony?

Wait... there's more! I usually attend both days of a weekend air show because the first day is to learn the routines to be better prepared for the photo ops the second day. Didn't matter this past weekend. Saturday's Thunderbird's performance included all six aircraft flying their regular awesome routine. Fantastic performance. But being my first time seeing them perform, I missed a few photo ops. No problem - I'll nail'em Sunday! However, an ill Thunderbird pilot and aircraft issues caused the number of aircraft and the performance to be scaled back. Some maneuvers, and the photo ops, canceled. Nevertheless, still a great improvised performance by some awesome pilots.

In spite of the wind, a great air show with great aerobatic performances, the always fabulous war birds of yesteryear (P-38, P-51 Mustang, B-25 bomber and others), and some runway antics – like a jet-powered truck racing a plane. Though I got a few respectable photos, I'm likely to wear out the “delete” key.

Kudos L.A. County Air Show people... staff and volunteers... for a monumental job done really well!

I checked the Antelope Valley poppy bloom. Good news, somewhat. Not as robust as in previous years but found some fields of poppies blooming.

Seems that most blooms this year are on the valley's eastern edge. Route 138 (Ave. D) between 170th Street W, and 90th Street W south between W. Ave. E to W. Av G. Got it?

Very windy weather is forecast all week for the Antelope Valley which could wreck havoc on the fragile blooms. Remember, poppies remain closed on windy days to protect themselves. Watch weather forecasts for a calm day and GO!

Quickest route: I-5 north to Quail Lake Rd. exit (Hwy. 138). East on 138 to 170th street, go south to Lancaster road towards the Poppy Reserve and just beyond, on the north side, lots of poppies. First timers, check the Poppy Reserve info center. The Reserve reports poppies blooming in the park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627
For more photo ops, head east. Lancaster road becomes Ave I. Check between the area between 120th Street W and 90th Street W between Hwy 138 and Ave G.

Happy photoing.

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

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore.

Brandon Leon, 31 of Fillmore, will stand trial in connection with a fatal 2015 crash. He was arrested by the CHP on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Leon fled the scene of the accident at Old Telegraph and Seventh Street which caused the death of the Santa Paula passenger in the other vehicle, and injuries to the driver. The CHP record shows the car was westbound on Old Telegraph when Leon entered the intersection at 7th Street colliding with it.

Leon is also charged with leaving the scene of the accident and driving with a suspended license due to prior DUI
convictions. Records show that Leon “had two prior DUI-related convictions and had been sentenced for the second one just ten days before the fatal crash.”

Corey Cole

Submitted By Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal

"When we set out to find a new leader for our football program, we wanted someone who shared our values, who had an understanding and appreciation of the community, who showed a true commitment to the overall student-athlete and who believed Fillmore High School Football could return to its past prominence. We found all of that and more in Corey Cole and I know that he will be a perfect fit with the Fillmore Family” said Principal Tom Ito.

Cole, a Fillmore High School graduate, was the Frontier League MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. He represented Fillmore High School as a quarterback in the Ventura County East-West Allstar Football Game. Corey attended Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota) on an athletic scholarship where he started as a quarterback and was voted team captain in 2015. It was during the 2014 and 2015 seasons that Cole suffered season ending injuries but in adversity he found a silver lining as a player-coach for Concordia University.

"I am truly honored and humbled to join the Fillmore Family," said Cole, "and I can't thank Mr. Ito enough for this incredible opportunity. Fillmore High School is a tremendous institution with a history of football success and I know the passion that so many have for the Flashes will help bring the community together to reach even greater heights. I am excited to get started."

"This is a great day for Fillmore High School Football and the beginning of a new chapter in our football program," said Ito “Corey is the right man at the right time to lead us forward and I am confident that his values are our values and that his teams and student-athletes will make Fillmore proud, on and off the field."

Fillmore Unified School District

Parents or Guardians if you allow your child to walk to and from school on their own, please remember these tips:

• Walk with a friend when possible.

• Ask your parents or guardians to help you pick a safe route to school; one that avoids dangers.

• Stick to the route you picked with your parents or guardians. Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.

• When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other.

• Never accept rides from people not arranged by your parents or guardians.

• Talk to your parents or guardians and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk.

Bob Crum

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Welcome Miss Vernal Equinox. You have finally returned. I missed you. As always, you put.. ahem... a 'spring' in my step. Though spring usually brings warmer weather, it may be wishful thinking. Old man winter often has to have a last blast. Have at it Winter. Eventually you will have to leave. Be nice and leave sooner than later.
Spring is an exciting time of the year for wildlife and wildflower photographers. Regarding wildlife, always a thrill to capture a yawing bear coming out of hibernation from under a Pole Creek boulder. Be sure to use a long focal-length lens. Bear breath is ferocious.

Equally thrilling is the bloom of wildflowers. I can't resist photoing wildflowers... from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the Carrizo Plain National Monument and every wildflower bloom in between. It's addictive! Always a delight to see large vistas of California poppies... the state flower. Visualize a sea of gorgeous orange flowers... eye candy... swaying in the spring breeze.

Come spring the hills at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve are sometimes covered by a blanket of orange. There are eight miles of trails through gentle rolling hills and on a good year, poppies galore.

As of March 17th, the Reserve reports: "Poppies have started blooming on the east half of the park. They suddenly exploded into color this week, and can even be seen from across the valley! Due to the late rains, we won't be getting a solid carpet of poppies across the park but the bloom is already better than we were expecting. It will likely be getting a little better over the next couple of weeks, with the peak spread out over late March/early April.” Check the Reserve website for updates."

If you have a poppy itch to scratch, I'll tell y'all a secret on the condition you don't tell anyone because I hate crowds. Take I-5 north to CA-138 E. In previous good years, poppies were prolific in fields on both sides of 138 beginning about 3-5 miles east of Neenach. Best fields of poppies between 190th Street W and 170th Street W as you travel east. Take 170th Street south to Lancaster Road and then east to the Poppy Reserve. In a good year, you'll see fields full of poppies to the south of Lancaster Road.

I haven't been out that way yet this year but planning to shoot the L.A. Air Show this weekend at the Wm. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, weather permitting. If I go, I'll have a report on this year's poppy bloom next week.

In the meantime, why not photograph the patches of poppies off Goodenough road? (see Photo of the Week) Use a polarizing filter for more color pop but remember, a polarizing filter works best at a 45° angle to the sun. Also, because the poppies are on a west facing hill, consider a photo shoot during the golden hour... one hour before sundown. However, because poppies close up under windy conditions and chilly temperatures so they may not be open to photograph during the golden hour. Everything has to be just right for the plan to come together. Might have to wait for a day of calm winds and shoot during the warmer part of the day. Persistence pays dividends. Just sayin'.

Happy photoing.

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

A public hearing was held at Tuesday's regular meeting concerning transportation needs and priorities as part of a service evaluation currently underway. A community survey is open to all who live or work in the Heritage Valley (Santa Clara River Valley). It can be accessed online at www.HVCommunitySurvey.com. Responses are requested by March 17, 2017.

FILLMORE FLASHES basketball team was recognized by the Council for good sportsmanship and as an example to the youth of our community.

A RESOLUTION determining that modification #1 to tentative Tract Map 5520 for Heritage Valley Parks Specific Plan is a minor modification which can be processed administratively, was approved unanimously.

EL DORADO GETS BACK DOOR ACCESS
The Hearthstone construction company's future housing development will soon provide El Dorado mobile home park its long awaited roadway at the rear of the park. This will greatly facilitate the safe entry and exit from the park, avoiding existing exiting dangers from Highway 126.

CHEVRON letter. The Council approved, by a vote of 2-3, to send a letter approving of the partial release from the Chevron super fund site list. The complete history and reason for this move is to be found in today's Gazette on page 2, by Chevron representative Leslie Klinchuch. Chevron was praised for its continuous efforts to complete the super fund cleanup. Ground water cleanup continues and will take many more years to complete. Out of an abundance of caution, the site can never be used for hospital or residential occupation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue its oversight. This action will free the city of any historical stigma of chemical dangers and provide valuable space for industrial use.

BLOCKED PARKING SPACES. The problem of blocked parking spaces in housing areas was recognized by Council. A serious problem with the household blocking of parking spaces by such things as basketball stands and cones is recognized. One councilmember stated that 3 parking spaces in front of his home, both sides of the street, were constantly blocked by neighbors. Police Captain Dave Wareham agreed blocking of public parking was a problem. The council will concentrate on public notices with possible future fines after warning offending members.

Submitted By Martha Gentry, Executive Director, Fillmore Historical Museum

Monday, March 13, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Fillmore Historical Museum hosted a luncheon celebrating the museum docents whose donations of their time and expertise make possible the operations and activities of the museum. Docents lead tours, do research, provide programs for organizations in the community and perform a wide variety of activities in their efforts to bring to the community an appreciation of the history of Fillmore, Piru, Sespe and Bardsdale. In 2016 these docents donated 2000 hours of their time to the museum. Also invited were individuals who have an interest in becoming a museum docent. Besides lunch the attendees heard an explanation of museum activities and were able to view the Hinckley House, Depot and Bunkhouse.

On March 10, 2017, at approximately 2:45 P.M., Mr. Anthony A. Becerra of Fillmore was driving a 2002, Tan, Chevrolet Avalanche in the driveway of his residence near State Route 126 (East Telegraph Road) and Powell Road. Rochelle Beserra, Mr. Beserra's 3 year old daughter, his daughter's mother and other family member were at the residence. Sadly, Rochelle Beserra was able to avoid adult supervision and wonder into the driveway. Mr. Becerra failed to observe his daughter ahead of his vehicle and collided with her. The parents picked up Rochelle Beserra, placed her in the vehicle and began driving toward Fillmore. Just east of Fillmore Mr. Becerra's vehicle became disabled. The parents were able to contact a relative in the area who responded and then transported all three of them to the Fillmore City Fire Department, Station 91. They arrived at the Fillmore Fire Department a few minutes after 3:00 P.M. and 3 year old Rochelle Besera was in respiratory and cardiac arrest (non-breathing and pulseless). Fire department personnel immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Rochelle Beserra was transported by AMR ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. Hospital staff worked feverishly in an attempt to resuscitate Rochelle Beserra, but were unsuccessful and she died.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) located and impounded the vehicle Mr. Becerra was driving as evidence.

The collision remains under investigation by the CHP Moorpark Area office. Anyone with information they believe might be helpful is encouraged to call the CHP Moorpark Area office at (805) 553-0800 or the CHP's anonymous "tip line" at (800) TELL CHP.

Upcoming Senior Nutrition Program Distributions In Fillmore:
1) Wednesday March 22nd from 9am-11am at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Fillmore, CA 93015.
2) Tuesday April 4th from 9am-11am at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Fillmore, CA 93015.

FOOD Share of Ventura County is one of just four California food banks recently selected in a competitive bid process to administer a USDA-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors 60 years of age and older. FOOD Share anticipates enrolling a monthly caseload of 3,500 seniors in the CSFP program and serving them through various distribution points across the county.

One in 12 seniors in Ventura County is hungry, a staggering statistic that is consistent with national numbers detailing the challenges faced by the nation’s fastest growing demographic group. Seven million seniors age 60 and older are served by the Feeding America network each year (Feeding America Senior Hunger Facts). 63% of this population reports choosing between medical care and food, 60% must sacrifice basic utilities or go hungry, and 58% forego transportation in order to eat (Baby Boomers and Beyond: Facing Hunger After 50, 2013). Perhaps even more poignant is that 77% buy cheap, unhealthy food in an attempt to meet their basic caloric needs (Baby Boomers and Beyond: Facing Hunger After 50, 2013).

FOOD Share’s administration of the CSFP nutrition program will address these specific senior challenges on a local level by providing “Senior Kits” on a once-monthly basis to qualifying participants age 60 and older whose income is equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty level, or $15,444 per year. Food items included in the Senior Kits are specifically selected to fill the most common nutritional gaps experienced by hungry seniors. Working in collaboration with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, the regional food bank currently has five CSFP distribution sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Fillmore, and Thousand Oaks. Additional distribution sites across the county are expected in the coming months.

Wholesome, quality nutrients are essential for overall health and wellness for people of every age. Conversely, a lack of access to the foods that provide these crucial vitamins and minerals can lead to the development of health issues and/or the exacerbation of existing conditions. Such adverse side-effects of hunger are even more detrimental for men and women over the age of 60. Feeding America’s study, Spotlight on Senior Health: Adverse Health Outcomes of Food Insecure Older Americans reports that hungry seniors are “60% more likely to experience depression; 53% more likely to report a heart attack; 52% more likely to develop asthma, and 40% more likely to experience congestive heart failure.”

“Seniors have always been a high priority for FOOD Share because we understand the significant challenges they face accessing the quality food sources and nutrition they need to live healthy lives,” said Susan Haverland, FOOD Share’s Vice President of Programs and Services. “The CSFP program will allow us to expand our outreach to this cherished population and to continue serving them with dignity.”

Seniors can enroll in the program during a distribution event and receive food immediately. Participation in the program requires a simple application, verification of age and residence using a photo ID and utility or other bill, and self-certification of income (no additional documentation required). Seniors who receive food from FOOD Share’s CSFP program are still eligible for CalFresh food stamp benefits. For more information on upcoming distribution dates and locations, seniors can contact their local senior center or visit www.foodshare.com.

Bob Crum

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I should know better but... sometimes even I miscalculate. You'll see.

I received an email from Sespe Creek Mermaid Chantel telling me that she was swimming in from Hawaii and appearing at the Ventura Harbor Village on the 11th. Beautiful as ever and I could tell from the unmistakable aroma of her breath that she enjoyed a lunch of sardines and anchovies. Indeed.

In line were dozens of children waiting to chat with Mermaid Chantel. The Village put her in cramped quarters severely limiting a shooting position. My miscalculation? I had the 18-135mm STM lens on the camera because, please note, I planned to shoot video later. But for such close quarters, the 16-300mm lens would have been better. The difference between 16 & 18mm at the wide-angle end in such situations is often significant.

Though I had my camera bag, a great photo op was happening right then and there upon my arrival. I was ready to shoot but no time to change lenses. Rule #47: A photo op never waits for a photographer! Get some photos any way possible or go home. Going home not an option.

Did you know that mermaids are such fashionistas... seaweed-green tails are 'in' this year along with lovely tops of Tahiti beach sea shells. Very interesting.

Back to business. You now know that I have just five zoom lenses. They also work very well for all my beloved outdoor photography. To enhance landscape and nature photography, I often use a screw-on polarizing filter to reduce glare and/or enhance color. On occasion, for creative affects, I also use neutral density (ND) filters of varying strengths... screw-on types as well as slide-in 4” X 6” NDs in a Lee holder. You are listening, I hope.

Here's another mistake I made once. Not all lenses are suited for outdoor photography. Bought a zoom lens whereby the front element turned when zooming. Mount a circular polarizing filter and every time you adjust the zoom to adjust for composition, you have to readjust the filter. #Frustrating. Immediately sold that clunker.

Another issue is that all of my lenses require a different size screw-on filter. #Expensive! One size fits all is the cheap alternative. My Tokina ultra-wide 11-16mm lens requires the largest size filter of 77mm. So, all my screw-on filters are 77mm. For the lenses that require smaller filter sizes, I bought cheap step-down, or if you prefer, step-up rings. Thus, for about $32.00 for four adapter rings I can use all of my 77mm filters on ALL of my lenses saving me hundreds of dollars. I like frugal... not to mention the extra money with which to... ahem... wine and dine mermaids.

As you might imagine, mermaids need a minimum amount of water to frolic in. Lacking a snow pack on Ojai's Topa Topa Mountains (again!), there's no chance of a spring melt sufficiently filling Sespe creek. So, the infamous Sespe Creek mermaids can't return to Fillmore this spring. So sad! Wait... what if..... hmmm... I might have a plan. Stay tuned.

Ariel fans, take note. You know, Ariel, the mermaid princess who makes a bargain with an unscrupulous sea-witch in order to meet a human prince on land. Well, not Ariel herself but a look alike will appear this Saturday, 3/18, 1-4 PM at the Ventura Harbor Village. Very cool!

Happy photoing.

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

The Board of Trustees recognized the Fillmore Lions Club for their support of students, staff, and the district community. The Fillmore Lions Club was chartered almost 90 years ago in August 1927. During the last five years
they have averaged over $8,000 per year in monetary donations to directly benefit our students. Some of the activities the Lions Club has supported are; Band, Drama, Art Show, Athletic Booster, Student Speaker Contest, Peace Poster Contest, College Scholarships, Elementary PTA, Leo Club, Mock Trial and others. The Lions Club has donated over one-third of their spending budget the last five years to school activities.
Thank you Fillmore Lions Club!

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced on March 2, 2017 that David Joseph Wirsing of Ventura pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede enforcement by Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Official, a felony offense.

Wirsing was the former transportation manager for Santa Clara Waste Water Company (“SCWWC”) located at 815 Mission
Rock Road in Santa Paula. He was indicted for his role in events leading up to an explosion that occurred on November 18, 2014, at the SCWWC facility. In July 2014, Wirsing and others at SCWWC negotiated a lease for an off-site storage yard located near Palm Avenue in Santa Paula. Wirsing’s indictment and guilty plea reflect his role in moving chemicals from the SCWWC plant to this offsite storage yard just prior to CUPA officials arriving to conduct inspections.

Wirsing is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:00 a.m. on August 28, 2017. It is expected that Wirsing will be placed on formal probation and face a maximum of 365 days in local custody.

Ari Larson from the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce presented the Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore their chamber
membership plaque. Greenfield will be offering Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in the near future. They are situated at 118 B St. in Fillmore. For more information contact: Business Development Manager-Sandra Smith 805.524.5250

Fillmore Civic Pride and Theresa Reese partnered to donate a nice wood bench for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (Fillmore site) to complete the large Ventura County Garden Club plant and garden donation. “The kids are doing a great job keeping the plants healthy. With the addition of the bench, they will be able to further enjoy the pretty garden,” stated Ari Larson Board President of the BGC of SCV. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of SCV (serving the areas of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula) call 805.525.7910. For information on Fillmore Civic Pride or the VC Garden Club call 805.794.7590.

Bob Crum

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As I go lightly into lenses, a caveat: There is not much here of interest this week if your camera is a point-and-shoot type with a fixed lens. But if I've got you so excited about photography that you're ready to step up to a dSLR interchangeable lens camera, pour some tea and let me entertain you!

There are essentially five types: Standard zoom, super telephoto, wide angle, macro and prime. Also various levels of quality within each class.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. Because they don't have moving parts they generally produce higher quality photos. But primes are not always the best choice. You, or the subject, has to move in order to fill the frame meaning your feet do the zooming. That's not quite doable while shooting a mountain goat from a cliff edge.

There are standard zooms and super telephoto zooms. Standard zooms like a 24-70mm are considered walk around lenses. Super zooms range from 55-200 and 150-600mm. I have photos of mermaids on Venus shot with a super zoom. But I digress. Note that I would not own a telephoto zoom lens that didn't have image stabilization (IS).

A popular lens category is wide angle. The smaller the number for focal length, the wider, i.e., 15mm is super wide. Any wider is considered a fish-eye lens. Macro lenses discussed another time.

I own only five lenses which are: Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD, Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD and a Tokina ultra wide AT-X 116 PRO DX, 11-16 F2.8. All have IS except the Tokina. I use my Tokina lens a lot for landscapes. The 18-135 works well for my Sespe Creek mermaid boudoir photography.

Good as they are, I don't own a prime lens. Because of the challenges of photojournalism, i.e., nothing is within my control except my camera, I have to have the flexibility of zoom lenses. Lenses are tools and your specific needs (and budget) should dictate the best lens for the job.

Canon and Nikon are the lens behemoths but there are many great third party lenses. Tamron, Sigma and Tokina produce quality lenses of great value and often fill a void left by the big two.

Budget wise, a general rule is when funds are tight buy the best quality lens you can afford. A quality lens will generally outlast 2 or 3 camera upgrades. However, my lens collection does not include of top-of-the line lenses. Call me frugal if you will, but I'm about value. If a lens is reasonably well built, produces quality images and reasonably affordable, it has a place in my camera bag.

When not sure about one lens vs another, rent them first. When I shoot an air show, I rent a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II. A great lens that costs $2,200.00. A tad too much to spend for a lens I use only 4-5 times a year. Rent to try then buy it if you like it.

Also, research before you buy. There are many reputable websites that test photography gear. After checking a few websites, you'll know whether or not the questionable lens will fulfill your expectations and needs. BTW, all lens have some distortion of some type. Most times not noticeable so don't obsess about it.

When you buy a new lens, please don't buy and use a cheap "UV" protective filter. It will not only degrade your photos, they're useless for digital cameras. Secret: I have “clear” glass protective filters on all of my lenses.
Happy photoing!

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