A parent spoke at last night’s school board meeting about the issue of fight that has been taking place at Fillmore Middle School.

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Award Bid for Gymnasium Roofing Restoration at Fillmore High School
The Governing Board awarded the bid as follows:
Project #: 2019-25
Project Description: Gymnasium Roofing Restoration at Fillmore High School
Bid Date: April 24, 2019
Bid Results: Lowest Qualified Bidder: Western States Roofing, Inc.
Bid Amount: $378,000.00

Award Bid for Science Building Window Replacement at Fillmore High School
The Governing Board awarded the bid as follows:
Project #: 2019-026
Project Description: Window Replacement at Fillmore High School Science Building
Bid Date: April 24, 2019
Bid Results: Lowest Qualified Bidder: Bodagger Builders
Bid Amount: $412,425.00

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

Bob Crum

Last week I was intensively and arduously involved in the inaugural Art and Photography Exhibition. Sponsored by Fillmore's Arts Commission, the exciting art show was presented in city hall's council chamber. Fifteen artists and four photographers presented their artwork. Most visitors were surprised and delighted to see a wide variety of art and photos.

The artist reception was a smashing success. So many from the community attended, enjoying the opportunity to meet the artists and photographers and discuss their artwork, if so inclined. Some art was purchased.

The majority of visitors, with the People's Choice ballots in hand, took voting for their 1st, 2nd and 3rd favorite works of art and photographs seriously, reviewing the art two or three times before voting. Over 180 visitors cast People's Choice ballots.

As you'll note in another space or the website, my photo of the Fillmore & Western steam engine nighttime photo won People's Choice first place. My photo of the dazzling poppies that I featured here as the photo of the week a month ago won second place. Winning two awards out of three is a great honor. Furthermore, a collector purchased the print of my train photo.

Photography, i.e., fine art photography, was woefully underrepresented. Only four photographers participated. So depressing. I'd like to see a much larger contingency of photographers exhibiting in next year's show. I have to believe that there are many photographers in Fillmore. To be included in next year’s show, send me an email today!

At the art show, I learned that many would-be photographers simply haven't learned about photography. I'm not surprised. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my subconscious mind, a place deep in my brain, I sensed that I knew the reason the masses abandoned photography in exchange for phonetography, but I couldn't articulate my synopsis till now. Most phonetographers are lazy! While a would-be musician, or would-be golfer, knows that lessons and practice manifest a piano player or golfer, the majority of phonetographers avoid learning photography. After all, lessons and practice steal Facebook time. So much easier to whip out the cellphone, snap a photo and slap it up on Facebook or Instagram. But that's a snapshot, not a photo! Even while acknowledging photography's advantages, phonetographers effectuate a simile of Newton's First Law: Things not bothered to learn remain unlearned. The universal truth: Photography knowledge cannot be learned by osmosis!

Many would-be photographers I talked with at the art show universally agreed that they would participate in a photography group (club) for education & fun. However, as previously stated, I don't have a projector necessary for critiquing photos. Does anyone know anyone from whom I can borrow a projector one evening a month? Or where I might obtain a projector for a modest cost? Or just send me a check for $650. Just a thought!

One refrain I hear repeatedly is how do I find so much variety to photograph? Seriously? Remember my commentary about conscious awareness? It's as simple of being aware and learning to see as a photographer. Even phonetographers can learn this, I think.

One day I saw a unique and interesting accumulation of clouds over the backcountry north of Fillmore. Camera in hand, I drove up Goodenough Road looking for the best location to shoot from without overhead power lines in the frame. It took considerable moving around to find the best place from where to shoot that showed the avocado grove in the foreground, the mountains, and clouds. Location determines perspective for best composition. Happy photoing.

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

Katrionna Furness was two time first-team All Citrus Coast League champion. Photos courtesy Coach Cindy Blatt.
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Sam Guzman swimming the 100 yd. butterfly.
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Fillmore High teammates cheering for their swimmers at Thursday’s All Citrus Coast League championships.
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Submitted by Cindy Blatt

Fillmore High School swim team participated in the prelims and finals of the Citrus Coast League Swimming Championship on April 23 & 25, hosted by Malibu High School. The very competitive new league includes Fillmore, Malibu, Santa Paula High School, Carpinteria High School, Hueneme High School and Nordhoff High School.

FHS Jr. Varsity Girls placed third in a five team field. Kodi Sieben won the 100 yd. Individual Medley and placed second in the 50 yd. breaststroke. Olivia Palazuelos, Stephanie Garcia, Hannah Fairall, Angie Mynatt, Isabela Regalado, Ximena Orozco all had strong individual performances. The 200 yd. Medley Relay and the 400 yd. Freestyle Relay placed second. Additionally Anahi Hernandez, Ramona Delgarn and Emma Myers helped to score points on the 200 yd. Freestyle Relay.

Varsity Boys placed 5th in a six team field. Ricky Cadena, Eddie Rodriguez, Ethan Gray, Sam Guzman, James Chandler, Jesus Ceballos and George Mooradian all placed in individual events and helped score team points on relays.

Varsity Girls placed 5th in a six team field. Katrionna Furness was a two-time Citrus Coast champion in the 50 yd. freestyle and the 100 yd. backstroke. Freshman Yazmeen Gonzales, Karen Trujillo, Zoe Avila, Erin Berrington, Isabella Palazuelos, Michelle Higuera, Abby Sanchez all placed in individual events and helped score team points on relays. Other relay swimmers include Melia Galindo, Faith DeRuchie, and Natalie Couse.

“We had a handful of really great swims”, stated Coach Cindy Blatt, “but most of our swimmers swam very flat swims, meaning they did not make time drops in their races. This was not a surprise to Coach Mike and me because our swimmers have been swimming in a cold pool (72-74 degrees) since the middle of March. Our swimmers were not able to put in the proper hard work and spend time in the pool that was needed due to the cold pool. We are very proud of all our swimmers for swimming hard and doing their best!”

Katrionna Furness has qualified in the 100 yd. freestyle and the 100 yd. backstroke at the CIF Div4 Swimming Championships in Riverside. Prelims are on Wednesday May 1st , Finals are Friday, May 3rd. FHS Varsity Girls have also qualified in the 200 yd. Medley Relay, the 200 yd. Freestyle Relay and they are first alternate in the 400 yd. Freestyle Relay. Relay team members are: Kat Furness, Yazmeen Gonzalez, Karen Trujillo, Zoe Avila, Erin Berrington and Natalie Couse.

To all of you fight fans out there, I hope you had the chance to see the Combate Americas fights on Univision or live at The Galen Center at U.S.C. If you missed it, you missed a true war between Adrian Guzman, now 4-1, and Fillmore’s own Jose “Froggy” Estrada, now with a record of 6-2.

The fight was made up of many battles. Both fighters came out slugging. Froggy struck first in the first round with a right hand that sent Guzman down on his backside. Guzman got up quickly and tagged Froggy with a right/left combo that knocked Froggy down. “Man he rocked me,” said Froggy. “I got up and took a deep breath and said to myself, don’t panic. I felt okay after that.”

After many more punches thrown by both fighters, in this reporter’s mind, Froggy getting the best of them, I saw a head butt that caused a big cut on the Frog Man. It did not seem to bleed much and Froggy did not seem to give it any thought. Then Guzman got Froggy in a guillotine hold (choke hold), but with some great moves Froggy got out of it. Before the five minute round was over both fighters knew they were in a real war.

Now the start of the second round, Froggy was cut above the right eye, and Guzman was bleeding from the mouth. The two fighters picked it up where they left off. The crowd of about 3,000 people were into the fight. The shouts of “FROGGY, FROGGY, FROGGY!” filling the arena, the fighters were slugging it out again. Both landing hard clean shots.

All at once Guzman got Froggy in the same choke hold he had earlier in the fight. It was on tight. I was worried for our man from Fillmore. But then, to the amazement of the crowd, Froggy picked up Guzman while in the choke hold and slammed him to the mat. The crowd went crazy, so did I! Then with his skill, Froggy put a rear-naked choke hold on Guzman. Guzman showed heart and worked his way out of the hold, but then Froggy slapped Guzman with another rear-naked choke hold. With blood spitting from his mouth Guzman had no choice but to tap out. This was a true war!

Froggy being the showman that he is, jumped on top of the cage, with his arms raised high, he showed his excitement to the crowd as they chanted his name over and over again. After Froggy got down, the ring announcer said the greatest words this reporter could hear, “THE WINNER FROM FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA, JOSE ‘’FROGGY” ESTRADA!”

After some T.V. interviews I met up with Froggy backstage. He was getting about five stitches above his eye. I asked Froggy how do you feel? “Great Coach Woods! That was a great fight.” Froggy went on to say,”He rocked me a little, but I landed more shots on him.” Let me tell you folks, this young man has great skills. He can fight! Froggy has the crowd on his side, with great skills, guts, and personality. His smile can light up an arena. He is a joy to watch. “I love doing this!” Froggy said. “This is what the Frog does!”

I would like to thank the people at Combate Americas for the V.I.P. treatment they show not only Froggy and his team, but also to me. Even though I am just a small time, sometime reporter, they treated me with respect. Also there were many great fights on this card. West Coast Jiu-Jitsu scored two wins when “Malicious” Michael Reyes 6-4 took out Oscar “Jacarei” Suarez now 4-3 in the second round on a T.K.O. Combata Americas has some great hungry, and up and coming fighters. They entertain and come out to fight.

What is next for Froggy? “Take a few days off, have some good food at Grandmas house, then back to work getting ready for the next fight,” said Froggy. “When the next fight comes around I will be ready for whoever they put up against me. I will always be ready!”

Congratulations to Froggy, Michael Reyes, and the West Coast Jiu-Jitsu team. And I am sure Froggy would want me to say God Bless Mose Aieti, and rest in peace, brother.

Battles make wars. The battles Froggy and Guzman fought went back and forth for the eight minutes they fought. But what matters most in the fight game is who won the most battles, and at the end, who wins the war. In this fight Froggy won most of the battles, and he for sure won the war.

Isaias Arana, 24, San Fernando.

A suspect has been arrested after kidnapping and threatening to kill a woman.

On the evening of April 24th, at approximately 7:52 pm, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Patrol Station responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the 100 Block of South Hopper Canyon Road, in the unincorporated area east of Fillmore. Upon arrival, deputies learned that Isaias Arana had come to the residence in an attempt to contact a female victim in violation of a restraining order. After being denied entry into the home, Arana used a pistol to shoot several bullets through the front door and a window while the victims were inside.

As Arana entered the residence through a broken window, one of the adult victims was able to flee the residence with a child through a back door. Once inside, Arana threatened to kill the other two female victims and forced them into another room at gunpoint. Soon after, one of those victims was able to successfully flee the residence.

When deputies arrived, the reporting parties believed that Arana and the final victim may still be inside the residence. Therefore, the Sheriff’s SWAT Team was activated and responded to the location believing Arana was armed and barricaded inside the residence with the final victim.

Further investigation determined that Arana had forced the victim out of the residence at gunpoint prior to the deputies’ arrival. Arana then drove the victim to the San Fernando Valley where he picked up a male acquaintance. After driving to the Pacoima area, the male acquaintance engaged in a physical altercation with Arana in an attempt to disarm him. The female victim used this opportunity to flee. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the location reference the physical disturbance and contacted the two men. Arana was subsequently arrested and the firearm was recovered.

Arana was transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for 664/187(a) PC - Attempted Murder, 207 PC - Kidnapping, 422 PC - Criminal Threats and 273.6 PC - Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Arana is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on April 29, 2019. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.00. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Frances Saleh at (805) 384-4729, or by email at frances.saleh@ventura.org.

Prepared by: Detective Frances Saleh
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

APRIL 30, 2019 Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

2019 Summer Projects Update
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill, Director of MOT, Phil Clark, and Maintenance Manager, Denise Berrington.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

To encourage an increase in bicycle safety in our community, the Fillmore Citizen Patrol will be holding a bicycle safety rodeo from 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, May 4th. The event will be near the BMX track at Two Rivers Park and will feature a safety course, bike tune-ups, free helmets and fitting assistance, bicycle registration and raffle prizes. The event will also feature displays from the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, SWAT team, K9 Unit, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Fillmore Fire Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Millions of Americans ride bicycles, but less than half wear bicycle helmets. For example, a national survey conducted in 2001-2003 found that only 48% of children ages 5-14 years wore bicycle helmets when riding. Further, older children were less likely to wear helmets than younger children. In 2010 in the U.S., 800 bicyclists were killed and an estimated 515,000 sustained bicycle-related injuries that required emergency department care. Roughly half of these cyclists were children and adolescents under the age of 20. Annually, 26,000 of these bicycle-related injuries to children and adolescents are traumatic brain injuries treated in emergency departments.” http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/ti... es.html

The Fillmore Police Department encourages all riders, regardless of age, to take advantage of modern safety equipment, and for parents to ensure their children are wearing helmets while riding bicycles and skateboards.

The safety of our children is a top priority in the city of Fillmore, and we encourage parents to attend this event with their children.

Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks #2409
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Bob Crum

Aah, the pain hurts so good. As I write this on Monday following the Railfest, I'm still recovering. Like some dogs are predisposed to chase cars nipping at the tires, I was compelled to chase the steam engine but not to [!@#$] at the hooves of the iron horse. Just that the steam engine is a photo op phenomenon.

A slowpoke the steam engine is not. Spewing steam and smoke, she rambles speedily. One must be equally speedy because there's very little time to drive from one shooting location to the next. Adding to the foreboding franticness, some motorists drive like they have nowhere to go and all day to get there. GET OUT OF MY WAY! (Yelled silently, of course.)

Fortunately, most of my shooting spots along the route were devoid of, ahem, “phonetographers.” However, there were several of “them” at the last location, one standing down the track 100 yards or so, in view of course. This necessitated taking a different position than planned. After the train passed, I waited for him whereby I cheerfully admonished him about proper protocol, i.e., GET OUT OF THE WAY of the shot for the rest of us. For the coup de gras, I pointed to the sign: “Private Property, No Trespassing.” Phonetographers!

True, photography is all about “light.” Great light makes a good photo better. But photographers don't control daylight, yet. The event happens regardless of the kind of light nature presents. It was cloudy all Railfest weekend presenting diffused soft light! A photography friend loves cloudy skies declaring soft light moody. Sure, if I'm photoing mermaids on the beach under cloudy skies, the soft light exudes a tantalizing, exotic mood. Conversely, I prefer sunlight creating contrast on the steam engine's metallic body expressing muscle. Regardless, as long as the light isn't dark, it's good!
As mentioned often, composition is a significant component of a compelling photo. I have predetermined locations specifically for obtaining compelling photos. But this year, Fillmore & Western Railway (FWRY) discombobulated my photoing plan. My locations are selected based on the steam engine pulling the train west, as in years past. This year, however, FWRY put the engine on the east end of the train pushing it west and pulling it back to Fillmore, ruining my planned shots. (sigh) There wasn't time to re-scout new locations based on the train configuration, so I still shot from my predetermined places. The problem? Smoke trails don't lie. Forward leaning smoke indicates a train in reverse — wrong perspective. To get the perspectives I wanted required shooting from a different location as the train approaches. Fix it in Photoshop? I could, but that would violate my photojournalism code of ethics so not an option.

The photo of the week is #14 on the 88-year-old turntable. The turntable, purchased from Capreo, Canada for $16,000, is operated by the Santa Clara Valley Railroad Historical Society. Notice the steam rising straight up? Truly an 'authentic' photo! More Railfest photos forthcoming.

Art and Photography Exhibition showing now through Sunday, May 5 in city hall. Hours: 5/3 noon to 7 pm, 5/4 noon to 5 pm, 5/5 noon to 4 pm. Yes, I have three photos on display. The Artist Reception on Friday, May 3, from 5 pm to 7 pm is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their art. Come by and buy! All art is for sale. Remember to vote and submit your People's Choice ballot for a $100 drawing! See you there!

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

Pictured right is Jose “Froggy” Estrada during his training at his home gym, West Coast Jiu-Jitsus in Oxnard. Photo courtesy Joe Woods.
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It is fight time again sports fans! That’s right The Frog Man is about to fight again! Friday night, April 26th, on the campus of U.S.C. in Los Angeles, Ca. First fight starts at 7 p.m. I got a chance to go to West Coast Jiu-Jitsus in Oxnard where Jose “Froggy” Estrada trains, with the great coach Brian Espinoza in charge and teammate Michael Reyes, both getting ready to fight the same night. I had a sit down interview with Froggy, this is how it went:

Question: Are you ready?
Froggy: Yes Sir! Been ready since my last fight. The fire inside is burning.

Question: What’s the temperature?
Froggy: 200 degrees! I am ready to go all out in this fight. Training hard, eating good, ready to redeem myself after the last fight that I got robbed in Mexico. I’m back with a chip on my shoulder.

Question: What can you tell me about the guy you are fighting?
Froggy: Undefeated. His first fight at 145 pounds, record of 3-0. His name is Adrian Guzman. He is a striker, he is working on his wrestling. I need to show him my experience and skills I have.

Question: What are you going to do about this guy when you get him in the cage Friday night?
Froggy: I am going to out skill him, out class him, and do what Froggy does best. With my experience, and this not being my first rodeo, I will take him out.

Question: Do you ever have any fear before a fight?
Froggy: NO FEAR!

Question: What gets you going on fight night? What gets you excited?
Froggy: Being able to fight and perform in front of the crowd. To be able to back up what is being said on T.V., social media, the press, and knowing I am fighting on worldwide T.V. That is what brings me enjoyment, to give the viewer what they want on fight night.

Question: Do you respect Adrian Guzman?
Froggy: Right now, yes. But not when the cage door locks. It will be him against me then. And it will be me with my hand raised in victory when the fight ends.

Question: What about after the fight? Do you respect him then?
Froggy: Yes. Always respect. Respect for his team, his family and of course him.

Question: What do you want to say to your fans before the fight?
Froggy: Thank you, thank you for your support. I hope you all tune in to the fight on T.V. or on social media. Thank you to my hometown Fillmore! Thank you for the support over the years. Be ready to see the Frog do his thing!

Question: Who do you want to thank?
Froggy: My manger, my coaches, my teammates at West Coast Jiu-Jitsu. My family, my sponsors, and of course my fans. And I have a message to the kids out there; keep working hard, and never give up on your dreams!

Folks I have been covering Froggy Estrada since his first fight. This is a great man and a great role model for all of us out there. I have known him since he was in Middle School here in Fillmore, and I am so proud to be able to call Jose “Froggy” Estrada my friend. Thank you Froggy! Now DRIVE, DRIVE, DRIVE! The fight will be on Univision T.V. on Friday night, April 26th. Look up your local listing for the time.

Henry Mata, 67, Fillmore.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Henry Mata (DOB 6/13/51), of Fillmore, was convicted of molesting four children under the age of 14. Specifically, Mata was convicted of one count of oral copulation on a minor under age 10, one count of digital penetration on a child under age 10, seven counts of lewd acts upon a child under age 14, five counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under age 14, and one count of annoying or molesting a child. Additionally, the jury found true a special allegation that Mata committed lewd acts involving substantial sexual conduct upon multiple victims.

In April 2016, the first of four victims came forward to Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives stating Mata committed numerous lewd acts upon her in his Fillmore home when she was eight years old. After investigating, detectives arrested Mata and the District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges. Shortly thereafter, three additional victims came forward with information that Mata molested them numerous times between 2004 and 2014 while they were between the ages of 6 and 12. Two additional uncharged victims testified at trial that Mata committed lewd acts upon them while living in Santa Paula in the 1980s when they were between the ages of seven and ten years old. All victims were related to Mata.

Sentencing for Mata is scheduled May 15, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 23 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura. Mata faces a maximum possible sentence of over 300 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.

City of Fillmore

Fire Chief Keith Gurrola spoke to the Council concerning fire prevention measures and trash removal. He cautioned about the heavier than normal weed growth expected following this year’s exceptional rainfall. Chipper Day was announced for May 4 when the City will pick up hazardous materials, including palm fronds. Strong efforts should be made to clean-up fire-hazard growths before July 4.

City Council approved the adoption of Ordinance 19-908 to add Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 11.13 to regulate Small Cell Wireless Facilities (SWF) in the public right-of-way, and determine the project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.

TOWNE THEATRE
Staff has recommended that the City Council/Successor Agency Board authorize staff solicit offers from private parties to purchase the Towne Theatre. Council chose to wait until all Council members were present before making a decision on this matter.

8-C.
Staff’s recommendation that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 19-3698 declaring its intention to levy the annual assessment, approve the preliminary Annual Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2019/20, and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2019 to receive public comments on the proposal to increase the assessments, was approved.

HOSPICE
8-G. Staff’s request that the City Council approve a new real property agreement for the use of the Store Front located at 642 Lemon Way by Santa Clara Valley Hospice was approved.

The Packinghouse Creative (341 A Street Fillmore) will be one of two Fillmore locations featured on the 34th Annual Barn Tour on Saturday April 27, 2019. Packinghouse Creative founder, David Storrs, likes to think outside the box. He came to Fillmore and fell in love with the town about five years ago. He purchased the one-time orange packinghouse facility and converted it into a creative space for luthiers and other skilled artisans. A portion of the 8,000 square foot facility currently houses an array of private collection items celebrating Americana culture. Unique vintage items include cars, hundreds of antiques, movie props, old signs, and full-size vignettes of days gone by. The facility is seldom open to the public. The other four locations on the Barn Tour include: The Bunny Hill Farm (2206 Grand Ave. Fillmore); The Agriculture Museum (c. 1888) (926 Railroad Ave. Santa Paula); Ranch Rodoro (c. 1870) (14732 W. Telegraph Rd. Santa Paula); and The Fig Tree Farm (c. 1919) (1372 1W. Telegraph Rd. Santa Paula). Tickets are $25 per person and include lunch (12 and under are $5 per person). Hours are 10am-3pm. The event will benefit the Santa Clara Valley Hospice/The Home Support Group Inc. To purchase tickets in advance please call 805.330.0093, or visit the Sana Clara Valley Hospice/The Home Support Group Inc. at 217 10th St., Santa Paula. Tickets will also be sold on the day of the event at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Hospice is pleased to announce that they will be better serving the Fillmore and Piru communities when they open their satellite office in Fillmore. The grand opening is scheduled for May 15, 2019.

Submitted By Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola

Annual notices to abatement hazardous weeds and brush are being mailed out this week and next by the Fillmore Fire Department. The last date to remove the weeds is June 1st but the Fire Department encourages everyone to have their weeds removed as soon as possible due to the dry conditions that have persisted this past month. Heavy rainfall this last winter has contributed to a bumper crop of weeds throughout the region; some properties in the city have had weeds grow as tall as shoulder high. When clearing dry brush and weeds take precautions to ensure accidental fires are not started by hot exhaust from weed eaters and lawn mowers. The Fire Department suggests that weed clearing occur in the mornings when humidity's are higher and temperatures are cooler. Dead wood from trees and brush should be removed. Dead palm fronds are also encouraged to be removed. To help facilitate early hazardous weed and brush removal, the City with help from Harrison Industries and the local Fire Safe Council, is hosting a free "Yard Waste Disposal Day" on May 4 (see announcement in the Gazette). There will also be a Weed Abatement Question and Answer session on Tuesday April 30 from 5 - 7 PM on the steps of City Hall. Fire Department personnel will be available to answer questions in both English and Spanish.

Submitted by Fillmore Historical Museum

Prior to 1887, Royce Surdam and Thomas Bard were developing the property south of the Santa Clara River. The development included lots for a church, school, college, stores and, of course, a post office. Royce Surdam was appointed the first postmaster in May, 1887, and it was probably located in the store he built in Bardsdale. However, by then, the Southern Pacific Railroad had laid track on the north side of the river. Surdam would come to the depot, pick up the mail sack and return to Bardsdale. Often he would have to return with mail for the few residents in Fillmore in his coat pocket. It is believed that the Bardsdale post office remained in the Surdam store when James R. McKee became postmaster in February, 1891, and when Mrs. Elizabeth “Grandma” Chadsey took the post in December, 1891.

This little building may have been built by William Dorman sometime between 1887 and 1897 and, according to Harold Dorman his son, was located somewhere between the Bardsdale church and Owen St. It certainly was ready for business when Mr. Dorman was appointed postmaster in December 1897. Mail was stacked neatly on a table and given out from there. The building remained in use through several more postmasters including George Cutler, George Hoagland, Nathan Huff and Amanda Sherrard until 1906 when it was discontinued and mail was distributed through the Fillmore post office.

Over the years, the little building was moved several times and served as a storage shed, wood shed, garage, and chicken coop finally ending up on the corner of Bardsdale and Sespe Avenues. In 1988, Harold Dorman, founder of the Fillmore Historical Society, approached the owners of the building, Don and Jesse Wileman, who donated the building to the Fillmore Historical Museum. Mr. Dorman provided the funds to move and restored the building. The little post office now stands on the grounds of the Fillmore Historical Museum due to the efforts of Harold Dorman.

The Bardsdale post office and all the buildings at the Fillmore Historical Museum will be open this weekend, April 27th and 28th for Railfest.

Bob Crum

Gene is a photography friend whose company I missed since he moved to Portland, OR. While in Santa Barbara for a client shoot, we got together for lunch to catch up on our respective photographic activities.

Previously a photojournalist, he's now primarily a commercial photographer who was a Nikon shooter. (Notice past tense.) Like all of us steeped in photography, over time we buy a lot of gear - cameras, lenses, flash units, batteries, remote triggers, etc. Gene calculated that he bought about $7,200 worth of photographic stuff.

Because we have so much money invested in our gear, it's catastrophic to switch brands on a whim. Selling all of our existing equipment, no matter how good it may be, results in a substantial financial hit. This is what keeps most of us locked into our gear status quo.

On a recent shoot, Gene found his gear lacking. There is the first sign it's time to reevaluate. His cameras are five years ancient. In today's world of continually evolving camera technology, five years is a very long time. My Canon 7DMKII is approaching four years of age; my older 7D is almost nine years old. But even my ancient 7D still works like new! Same with my 7DMKII. But older gear lacks the advantages of technically advanced cameras.

He determined it was time to look for a new system. Not an easy task considering the various physical formats, i.e., dSLR, mirrorless ILCs, full frame, APS-C, and micro-four-thirds sensors. Regarding cameras, so many advancements including improved autofocus, enhanced camera stabilization, increased dynamic range, better noise reduction at high ISO, and a variety of resolution options from 16MP to 50MP make gear purchase decisions challenging.

Another photography friend who shoots air shows sold all his Canon gear last year and bought into the Sony system. (Remember, you don't just buy a camera, you buy a system: camera, lenses, accessories, etc.) At last years Wings over Camarillo air show he did everything short of threatening me with a charging rhinoceros to do likewise. Didn't work. Perhaps if he had employed a mermaid to do the persuading, I might now be shooting with a Sony camera.

There are many camera brands and models all with different attributes. Selecting the right one is easier by first defining the primary use. Also essential to review the lens options for a given camera. Excepting point-and-shoot cameras, lenses are a vitally important component. In Gene's case, commercial photography is primary, but he also shoots sports events. Those two genres require different technological requirements challenging to reconcile. Ultimately he bought the recently introduced Olympus OM-D E M1X which, based on specifications, met his needs best. Surprised? I'm not.

Again, be sure to highlight May 1-5, dates of Fillmore's first and exciting Art & Photography exhibition in the city hall council chamber. It's free to attend. Twenty-one great hometown artists are exhibiting over 50 beautiful works of art of various genres. Meet & chat with the artists at the reception Friday, 5/3, 5-7 pm.

Exhibit hours: 5/1 & 5/2, 10 am to 5 pm; 5/3, noon to 7 pm; 5/4, noon to 5 pm and 5/5, noon to 4 pm.

Attend and vote. The People's Choice ballot is on the back of the entry ticket. Tickets available at several Fillmore stores and the exhibition. Submit your ballot by 3 pm Sunday 5/5/19 for a $100.00 drawing.
Photo of the week: Another photo of the ever so delightful California poppies. Happy photoing.

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