Bob Crum

Understandably, I received many emails asking: Why did you become ill? I don't know why, but I know how because I witnessed it in a dream. It began with the arrival of the Quadpulse Interplanetary SUV from the planet Hephaestus in the 5th galaxy of the constellation Triangulum Australe. Reverse thrusters roaring, the ship stopped abruptly and hovered over my bedroom. The metallic-looking Kenzyke wearing green-tinted diaphanous attire suddenly appeared at my bedside. With the precision of a Kia car-factory robot, it promptly injected a pathogen (pneumonia) into my arm and vanished. A small welt remains, umm, wait, it's a pimple. (Excerpts from the science-fiction book I'm writing: Kenzyke Irruption, Dreams Manifested.)

Print value redux. Recall that I recently exalted photographic prints citing digital-photography-school.com's blog. Paraphrasing, there is joy in taking photos and viewing them digitally. However, a photo that isn’t printed is like a script that is never performed or a musical composition that is never played. There's value in the digital photo, just as there is value in a script or musical composition but the real value is the print itself.

Paraphrasing photographer Huntington Witherill: “The electronic image could no more replace a fine photographic print than a synthesizer could replace a violin!”

Popular photography concludes: "A good, framed photo hanging on your wall is worth 50,000 shots sitting in the cloud doing nothing. They can remind you of your friends and family members, great times, and who you used to be in the good ol’ days, while digital photos just bit-rot away on a hard drive." That's very potent!

Paraphrasing photographer Christopher Burkett: “The fine print is much more than a mere reproduction of an image. It is the culmination of the inspiration and vision of the photographer. In its highest form, the fine print can be a transparent vehicle, boldly communicating with whispers and suggestions of worlds previously unseen and unknown. No other form of the image can convey as powerfully the subtleties, the presence and the luminosity which exists in the fine print.”

Not everyone agrees. I received emails from several phonetographers who insist that in this digital age making prints is a waste of money. Good point! I wouldn't waste money printing anything like a lot of the shoot-to-delete crap-shots I see on social media. When you make a print, you are making an art object. Has anyone tried hanging a jpeg digital file on their living room wall? Touché!

Last Sunday, friends camping at Faria Beach County Park invited me over for BBQ. The Fillmore sky looked promising for a glorious sunset, so of course I took my camera and Daryl Benson reverse graduated filters.

The reverse grads are darkest in the center, clear on the bottom and transition from dark to light above the horizon, ideal for sunsets and sunrises. Typically, these scenes feature a bright horizon, dark foreground and medium-bright sky above the horizon. Placing the darkest density on the horizon line will reduce the sun's brightness, lighten the foreground through the clear portion of the filter and add a subtle gradation of brightness to the sky — all in a single exposure.

With two 0.6 reverse ND grad filters in the Lee filter holder mounted on the lens, I was ready. However, with a two-thousand-foot thick cloud bank sitting on the horizon, the prospect of a spectacular sunset doomed. (sigh) However, spirits buoyed with the delightful sandpipers appearing as did Scarlet, a portly potbellied pig, the Queen of Faria Beach. Happy photoing!

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

In the face of a significant increase in the numbers of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus
(COVID-19) in mainland China and other Countries, many Ventura County residents are understandably worried and fearful. The Ventura County Department of Public Health (Public Health), out of an abundance of caution, is seeking to solidify the County's readiness should the COVID-19 virus be found here or in a nearby county.

Public Health is urging agencies, businesses, school districts, organizations and health care providers throughout the County to develop and/or update a plan for social distancing. “These groups are being asked to accomplish this within 24 to 48 hours,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer. “The discovery of community transmission elsewhere in the State makes me feel that COVIO-19 could arrive in our County at any time and we want to be prepared.” Community transmission means person-to-person spread. “Our first level of Protection comes from the quarantine and isolation of certain individuals,” said Dr. Levin. Levin stressed that these plans will not be put into effect immediately. “Once cases of COVID-19 are found in the community, it’s time to implement social distancing plans.” Social distancing means lessening contact between individuals throughout the County. Businesses, for instance, would review their staffing and identify workers who could work from home. This results in fewer people and less contact between people at the workplace as well. Members of the public should speak with their employer about whether they can still fulfill responsibilities of their jobs while working from home.

A population that is at particular risk from the COVID-19 is the elderly. Extended Care Facilities are being asked to write or update their plans for protecting their residents from interaction with those from outside their place of residence.

While children seem to be faring better than other groups with COVID-19, schools have made significant advances in their planning for possible temporary closure. Some schools were closed for weeks during the HAN1 pandemic ten years ago. It is important that schools and childcare facilities have a plan in place and are communicating with parents.

Primary care medical sites are being asked to implement plans to communicate with patients via Skype, FaceTime and over the phone. Many patient visits can be dealt with distantly thus avoiding crowding of clinics and the resulting increased risk of close contact which might further spread COVID-19.

There is little evidence that pregnant women are at particularly increased risk from this virus, but special care should still be taken to decrease their social contacts.

Gatherings such as regular religious services might consider live streaming their service so that congregants can view the service from home, or they may consider modifying their service so that there can be at least two spaces between each congregant.

“The cancelation of large, non-essential gatherings is a possibility down the line,” said Dr. Levin, “implementation of social distancing plans should be handled with creativity, flexibility and sensitivity.”

Above all, people who are starting to feel ill or who are ill, should stay away from others and not go into crowded settings.

People should continue to practice the same habits they perform to prevent themselves from getting the flu.
They should wash their hands frequently, elbow or fist bump one another instead of shaking hands or hugging, sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow and maintain a six foot or greater distance between themselves and anyone who looks ill, Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season. The only two needs for face masks are the wearing of a surgical mask if you are ill and going out in public, such as going to the doctor's office or if you are a health care worker, wearing an N9S mask when you ae interacting with patients.

Preparedness information and up to date information about the situation in the County of ventura can be found at www.vcemergency.com. Updates will also continue to be provided on County of Ventura social media Facebook: @countyofventura, Twitter: @CountyVentura Nextdoor @County of Ventura Instagram: @Venutra_County_news

For the most up to date information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus on the national level, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and PreventiWQon at https://www.cdc gov/corenavirus/2019-ncov/index html.

Ari Larson, 2019 Citizen of the Year.

The Fillmore Community Awards Committee is proud to announce Ari Larson as the 2019 Citizen of the Year!

“Ari’s passion to serve in whatever capacity for the benefit of our community and Ventura County is nothing short of breathtaking” exclaimed former Fillmore Mayor Ernie Villegas. She sees the community as a whole and tries to help different organizations including those that help children, senior citizens, and those who face serious health issues. She is also involved with youth organizations, business advocacy, veterans, and our agricultural community.

Ari belongs to many local and county-wide organizations and serves in a leadership position including chair, and the executive board. Currently she is President of Fillmore Rotary, Region District Director for the Soroptimist International Camino Real Division, Board Member and Past President of the Boys & Girl’s Club of the Santa Clara Valley. She also sits on the boards of the Fillmore Association of Businesses, Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau, Santa Clara Valley Hospice (Vice President), is the City’s Representative on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Ms. Larson also volunteers her time on various committees including the Fillmore Veteran’s Parade, Relay for Life, St. Francis Dam 90th Commemorative Committee, and the California Women for Agriculture Ventura County Chapter just to name a few.

Ari is currently working in Public Relations for Diamond Realty and is a consultant to some local small businesses. She is married to Peter Larson and they have two Chihuahua dogs named Penelope and Cleo. In her spare time, she sleeps.

The Community Awards will take place on Saturday, April 11, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building. More information to follow.

Fillmore High School is proud to announce that senior student Isabella Palazuelos has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar.

The National Merit Scholar Program annually recognizes 16,000 students out of 1.6 million eligible students nationwide as semifinalists based on student performance for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude exam. Of those 16,000 students, only 15,000 are selected to receive a Certificate of Merit as a finalist. Finally, only 7,500 students out of the 15,000 finalists are granted scholarships that may include full college tuition. Miss Palazuelos was presented a Certificate of Merit from her high school principal on February 5, 2020 at Fillmore High School. Fillmore High School has not had a National Merit Scholar in recent memory.

Miss Palazuelos has applied to several prestigious universities, both in and out of California, and is expecting to receive notification of acceptance this spring. Isabella Palazuelos is a well-rounded student as she participates in several activities at Fillmore High School, which include: the Advanced Placement program; a medalist as part of the award winning 2020 Fillmore High School Academic Decathlon team; a three sport athlete (volleyball, water polo and swimming); the leader of the Fillmore High School Mock Trial team; Band and Jazz Ensemble; the Interact Club; MEChA; the Chess Club; and the Mentor Program.

Isabella is the daughter of Adrian and Julie Palazuelos and has three siblings in the Fillmore Unified School District: Olivia, grade 11; Nadia, grade 7; and Adrian Junior, Transitional Kindergarten.

Our sincere congratulations go out to Isabella Palazuelos!

Fillmore Unified School District

Public Hearing and Receipt of Initial Proposal
Public hearing and receipt of initial proposal of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) to the Fillmore
Unified School District (FUSD) for reopener negotiations for the contract commencing on July 1, 2020 (Materials).

Network Infrastructure Update
The Governing Board received an update on the Fillmore USD network infrastructure.

Approval of the Second Interim Report through January 31, 2020, Including Amendments to the 2019-2020 Budget
The Governing Board approved the Second Interim Report.

Approval of Resolution No. 19-20-14 for Relief from Penalties for Piru Preschool Program Closure Due to Wear Main Repairs
The Governing Board approved Resolution 19-20-14.

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

Gerardo Uribe, 39, of Santa Paula.

On February 10, 2020 at approximately 1247 hours, the Santa Paula Police Department received a call of a robbery that just occurred at the Metro PCS store located at 328 E Harvard Blvd. Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the scene. Through the investigation it was discovered a suspect had entered the store, brandished a weapon at the clerk and demand the register be emptied. The suspect then fled the location.

On February 18, 2020 at approximately 1010 hours, the Santa Paula Police Department received a call of a robbery that just occurred at the Metro PCS store located at 919 E Main St. SPPD Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the scene. Through the investigation it was determined a suspect had entered the business, brandished a weapon, went behind the counter and took money from the register. The suspect then fled the location. Responding officers were able to obtain video of the robbery as well as the suspect fleeing the scene.

SPPD Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Gerardo Uribe of Santa Paula. On Thursday February 27th 2020, the SPPD Detective Bureau, Special Enforcement Unit and VCSO Fillmore Detectives executed a search warrant on Uribe’s residence related to the robberies. Uribe, who was already in custody for a commercial burglary that occurred in the City of Fillmore, was arrested for the robberies at the Ventura County Main Jail.

Anyone with information regarding the robberies is urged to contact Detective Dan McCarthy at (805) 525-4474 x282 or dmccarthy@spcity.org.

Bob Crum

So disappointed that no one correctly described how I made last week's photo of the week. No problem. I'll treat myself to the scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

One day I was fine, the next my health ambushed. It started a few weeks ago as a chest cold but men don't go to the doctor for a mere chest cold. But incessant chest congestion and coughing grew worse over time like a cat sneaking up on a mouse ready to pounce. On Tuesday, 2/25/20, gasping for breath, I left denial in the parking lot and drove to the Santa Paula Hospital, the Hilton on the hill. Parked the truck and s____l____w_____l____y walked into ER gasping. I didn't make it to the counter, collapsing on a chair in the ER lobby. CODE BLUE!

Medical staff whisked me into the ER room and began to execute their much-appreciated expertise: EKG, blood was drawn for lab testing, chest X-Ray, an IV placed in my right arm, and a face mask applied to force oxygen into my lungs. Diagnosis: A debilitating case of pneumonia on top of COPD on top of asthma - proof that I don't get half-way sick!

A week later, I returned home. Because COPD is a chronic disease, recovery, to whatever degree, is likely going to be a long slog. Run-and-gun photojournalism waylaid, I'm considering turtles as subjects to chase. Furthermore, compromised lungs mean that I need supplemental oxygen provided by oxygen concentrators at home and when out and about. Obviously, my grizzly bear wrestling career is doomed. But I have my doctor's permission to continue with my photographic specialty: Mermaid boudoir photography.

Ill health does not prevent me from being creative. Last week's photo of the week, starry night roses, was a creative project. To create the photo, I clipped a rose from one of my rose bushes, put it in a vase, and put the vase in front of my TV. When the TV is off, the screen is black. I turned on the room's overhead lights to create a shadow of the rose on the TV. Yes, the dark rose on the right is a shadow. But the shadow was too dark. So I programmed my Canon 7D MKII 'real' camera for HDR (High Dynamic Range), fixed aperture at f/ll, shooting seven brackets in 1/3 stops. I then elected to have the seven shots combined in-camera to create the HDR image. Viola!

During post-processing (editing), I lightened the shadow rose slightly and also brightened the background oh-so-slightly to accentuate the stars. You did notice the stars, right? Ahem, the stars are dust particles on the TV screen. Oh, 'tis so easy, and such fun, to fool the eye!

As a creative medium, photography is replete with a plethora of possibilities and options! Limitations exist only from a lack of imagination!

Recall a previous column whereby I discussed seeing an image in your mind before making the photo? Consider it a form of pre-visualization. Observe an object, in this case the rose, or scene and then experiment with various perspectives, always aligning the composition with your mind's image. It works, but it requires patience. Most photographers struggle with composition because they shoot too fast. Hence, they end up with so much crap that I call it 'shoot-to-delete' photography. Slow down and enjoy creating!

The photo of the week is another opportunity for a lucky reader to win two scoops of Baskin Robins ice cream. Yes, two scoops! Send an email naming the subject and how I made the photo. The first correct response wins! Hurry! Happy photoing!

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

Three Santa Paula residents were taken into custody for their role in a commercial burglary that occurred at the Domino’s Pizza restaurant in December 2019.

On 12/16/19, the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant in Fillmore was burglarized. When employees responded to the store to open it for business that day, they noticed the safe was open and cash was missing. An undisclosed amount of US Currency was removed. There were no signs of forced entry. It appeared someone with knowledge of the inner workings of the business was responsible for the burglary.

The investigation led to the recovery of vital surveillance footage. Through video images, detectives were able to identify the getaway vehicle and its owner. In addition, investigators obtained information which revealed an employee of the restaurant, Angelina Perez was involved in the crime. Investigators were able to collect intelligence that led to the identification of Gerardo Uribe and a male juvenile.

On 02/18/20, Perez and the juvenile were located in a vehicle in the city of Santa Paula. They were immediately taken into custody. Later the same day, investigators located Uribe in his vehicle in the city of Fillmore. With the assistance of patrol personnel, Uribe was apprehended as well. Perez and Uribe were booked in the Pre Trail Detention Facility for PC 459-Burglary and PC 182 (a)(1)- Conspiracy. The male juvenile was booked at the Juvenile Justice Center for probation warrant as well as PC 459-Burglary and PC 182 (a)(1)- Conspiracy.

Perez and Uribe remain in custody with bail set at $50,000.00

Nature of Incident: Domino’s Pizza Burglary Suspects Arrested
Report Number: 19-194750
Location: 529 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/18/20 at 1600 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigative Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent - City of Residence – Age
S- Gerardo Uribe, 39, of Santa Paula
S- Angelina Perez, 19, of Santa Paula
S- Male Juvenile, 17, of Santa Paula

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Fillmore Chief of Police Garo Kuredjian spoke regarding the addition of a second School Resource Officer for the next 2.5 fiscal years. It was approved by Council.

Council Approves Second School Resource Officer

8-A At the February 11th City Council meeting members of the City Council requested the placement of a discussion regarding the possibility of having the agenda translated into Spanish on a future agenda. Councilwoman Lynn Edmonds stated that she would like the City Council to consider having the agenda translated, not the staff reports or other agenda items, and made available at each City Council meeting.

Three transcription services were contacted to determine costs. The average cost would be about $3,000 per year, not including staff costs.

Following discussion, council failed to pass this motion.

8-B Mid Year Financial/Budget Analysis and Fund Balance by Fund Submitted for review is the 1) Mid-Year Financial Report, which is the fiscal year to date through mid-year financial results, and the Financial Forecast through the remainder of the fiscal year for the General, Water, Sewer, Recreation, Community Pool and Street Funds; 2) a summary of the Fund Balance by Fund (Attachment A) starting with FY 2014-15 plus the forecast for the current fiscal year impact on fund balance and the ending fund balance; and 3) request to approve a Supplemental Budget Request.

It was reported that "The overall financial position of the City is stable. Property taxes are down , and sales tax revenue continues to decline. Fortunately development permit revenue is up and is currently offsetting the reduction in sales tax. However, development permit revenue is considered one-time revenue and therefore not a reliable source of revenue to meet ongoing expenses in future years."

8-C The City Council approved the addition of one (1) deputy sheriff position to the existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in order to add a second School Resource Officer (SRO) for fiscal years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22.

8-E The City Council is being requested to approve a new contract with Owl Tek, LLC, to provide information technology and film permitting services. This contract will cover a two year time period. The City will have the ability to extend the term for two addition alone-year periods. The decision to exercise an option to extend the contract would require a contract amendment approved by the City Council and notice to Owl Tekat least 90 days before expiration.

FISCAL IMPACT: The base cost of this contract is for 32 hours of services for all services other than the film permitting work at $2,000 per month. Additional hours above the 32 base hours will require the approval of the City Manager and will be charged at a rate of $45 per hour.

The City of Fillmore has been utilizing Patrick Maynard to provide IT Consulting Services since August 15, 2015. Since then, Patrick Maynard is now part of a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), Owl Tek. Owl Tek will continue to provide the City with computer desktop application support; server and work station administrative services; microwave network support; network administration services; assistance with email, security and backup efforts, channel 10 broadcast live streaming, telephone systems, physical security at City Facilities, film permitting, and any additional project that may be added by the discretion of the City Manager as needed for the City’s efficiency and business practice improvement.

Staff is recommending that the City Council: 1. Approve the contract for two years with Owl Tek, LLC, to provide consulting services as stipulated in the scope of work of the contract.

Council unanimously approved the recommendation.

Submitted by Jan Lee.

The Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee has selected a really fun theme for the Flower Show this year. It is “Fairy Tales and Flowers”. The theme should inspire some beautiful displays of bouquets, arrangements, potted plants and single stem flowers.

Again this year, the Flower Show will be held at the Active Adult Center (533 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore) on May 2nd and 3rd. There will be youth and adult categories. Pull those weeds. Plant those seeds. Nurture those roses and other garden plants. Now is the time to plan to participate in the flower show. Every year, we invite the town to participate and view the flower show. It is so much fun!

The 2020 Civic Pride Committee does numerous things in Fillmore. They plant and maintain many of the planters around town. They also award a Yard of the Month recognition to Fillmore yards. That is how they know many people have gorgeous flowers and plants surrounding their homes. Yes we have many rose entries. But one category is “Any Other Unlisted Flower”. That means anybody could enter at least one bloom to share with the rest of us. You don’t have to be a botanist to grow a flower or plant. Nature does most of the work. Once you take a chance and enter the flower show, you will discover that gardeners are friendly, helpful people. We sincerely hope you will enter something in the flower show this May.

For more information go to fillmoreflowershow.org

Bob Crum

The digital age has infiltrated our lives in many ways--some good, others aggravating. Digital devices from audio recorders, TVs, cameras and of course, cellphones. Ah yes, cellphones, the prolific pocket-size devices that render cognitive-behavioral therapy for the gazillions of people who have a narcissistic personality disorder. And of course, to occasionally make a phone call.

While the plethora of digital devices presents many appealing conveniences, it has also caused yet another photographic demise: The print! Remember prints? We shot some photos on a 36 exposure roll of film, and before we finished the whole roll, we rushed to the one-hour photo facility. After relishing a Starbucks iced dirty chai latte, we dashed back to pick up the prints.

Back at Starbucks, LOOK at Johnny at his first birthday party putting the whole cupcake in his little mouth. OMG, here's a photo of Aunt Julie falling off the picnic table. And one of the cute little puppy, but who is the idiot who named him Wigglebutt? Ah, the wonder of prints!

Photographic prints used to document everything from anniversaries, to birthday parties, to graduations, to family reunions and get-togethers on holidays. Cellphones killed all of that. Phonetographers take snapshots all day to plaster on Instagram and or charm their Facebook (FB) friends and watch to see how many 'likes' their masterpiece collects. What? Only 12 likes? Com'on people. It's a gorgeous photo of my trophy pumpkin! When was the last time you had a print made from a photo you took on your cellphone? Never? I'm not surprised considering that 53% of consumers haven't printed a photo in more than 12 months, 70% don’t have photo albums and 42% no longer print photos at all!

Let's briefly consider technology. You presently back up your photos on hard drives. Good. But did you forget that hard drives crash! Poof, photos all gone. Oh, you are one up on me, eh? You have your photos stashed up in a cloud. Good for you. Wait, are you sure that 'cloud' company is going to be around in 10 years? Or what if they hike the storage price to a point you can't afford? Gotcha! And BTW, have you heard about HEIF? HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File, pronounced 'heef' as in beef) is a new file format. The MPEG group developed it. The HEIF format is used by Apple as a modern replacement for JPEG . But to view a HEIF, you have to first convert it to a jpeg. Egad! Point being that all those great jpegs from your cellphone might not open on state-of-the-art computers of the future. More about this important subject later.

In the meantime, the digital-photography-school.com website sums up the topic perfectly. "While there is joy in taking photos and viewing them digitally, our satisfaction is not properly realized until we have printed our photos. A photo that isn’t printed is like a script that is never performed or a musical composition that is never played. There is still value in the digital photo, just as there is value in a script or musical composition. But the value is mainly the hope that one day the digital photo will be printed and share a bodily life with us – to inspire us, cheer us, and remind us."

If the paper edition is not in color, be sure to check the photo of the week at fillmoregazette.com. The first person who can briefly describe how I made the photo wins one free scoop of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. Happy photoing!

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