The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 4th quarter of 2018. Tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry totaled $103.3 million for 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019, which includes state cultivation, excise, and sales taxes. It does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction.

As of February 14, 2019, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $50.8 million in revenue reported on 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019. The cultivation tax generated $16.4 million and the sales tax generated $36.1 million in reported revenue. Retail sales of medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products are exempt from sales and use taxes if the purchaser provides a valid Medical Marijuana Identification card and valid government-issued identification card.

Previously reported revenue for 3rd quarter returns was revised to $100.8 million, which included $53.3 million in excise tax, $12.6 million in cultivation tax, and $34.9 million in sales tax.

Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.

In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax.

To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.

The production of last week’s edition of the Gazette was challenged by the fact that the printing company, where we have been printed for many years, decided suddenly to go out of business. No employee at that business, nor any of its customers, was given notice. We had to scramble to find a new printer and set-up a new schedule for printing and distribution.

At the present time, the newspaper will be in newsstands on Thursday, and delivered by the post office on Friday. This is the first time in 30-years that the Gazette has mailed for delivery on a Friday, of necessity. So please don’t be alarmed at the Friday receipt of you paper. We very much appreciate your patience and your loyal support.

Enlarge Photo

Santa Felicia Dam Constructed 1954 – 1955.
Enlarge Photo

As a result of the recent storms in January and February, United Water Conservation District has successfully harvested 18,000 acre-feet of water—enough to serve 72,000 households in Ventura County for a year.

United Water’s Lake Piru rose 24-feet over the last two months and is now 30% full. According to water experts at United Water, this is double the amount of water that was previously in the lake.

United Water Conservation District collects stormwater in Lake Piru and strategically releases it into the Santa Clara River and diverts it at the Freeman Diversion facility where it is used to replenish underground aquifers and to deliver surface water.

The storms of 2019 have been good for Ventura County. According to United Water Conservation District, the first two months of rain have provided 10% of the needed water volume for complete drought recovery within Ventura County.

But officials caution that Ventura County is still not out of the drought. In fact, it would take 10 more storm events like the ones that occurred during the first two months of 2019 for Ventura County to be out of the drought all-together.

“January and February storms have allowed United Water to harvest 18,000 acre- feet of water, which were collected in Lake Piru and diverted to our Freeman Diversion Facility,” explains Mauricio Guardado, General Manager for United Water Conservation District. “And while this is more rain than we have seen in a long while, we would need 180,000 acre-feet more water to be completely out of the drought,” he continued.

United Water Conservation District: Who we are, what we do and why it matters:
Since 1927 United Water Conservation District has served as a leader among water agencies by managing, protecting, enhancing and securing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain. The District works to protect the environment’s natural attributes and conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River including Piru, Hopper, Sespe and Santa Paula Creeks.

United Water Conservation District is committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems. The District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore, as well as several mutual water districts, farms and individual pumpers. United Water also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Pictured is Fillmore Chief of Police Eric Tennessen who spoke to the council addressing parking issues in the community and their plan to resolve the issues.

At the regular Tuesday City Council meeting the following actions were taken:
AN EASEMENT FOR ROADWAY OVER POLECREEK AND APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 5520 - WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION No. 19-3677, RESOLUTION OF CONSIDERATION
AND RESOLUTION No 19-3678, RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO INCUR BOND
INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIST. were unanimously approved.
PARKING ISSUES: An ordinance will be enacted to cite homeowner blockage of parking areas in front of their property. "There are several areas throughout the city where residents reserve public roadway parking by blocking off portions of the street in front of their homes in violation of the Fillmore Municipal Code. In effect, this prevents public parking by anyone other than the person who blocked the street. We’ve had numerous complaints of residents using various items, like orange cones, trash containers, lawn chairs and large water bottles to block portions of the public roadway to reserve parking." This presents a special danger if fire or police vehicles need to use the blocked space.
This new ordinance was unanimously approved by Council.
RESOLUTION 19- 3679 AMENDING RESOLUTION 14-3439, AS
PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT/MID-MANAGEMENT AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY
OF FILLMORE were approved unanimously by Council.
PAY SCHEDULE for all City of Fillmore employees was unanimously approved by Council.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 19- 3679 AMENDING RESOLUTION 14-3439, AS
PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED
MANAGEMENT/MID-MANAGEMENT AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY
OF FILLMORE was unanimously approved by Council.
Lynn Edmonds was appointed to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE -VENTURA
COUNTY, and Mark Austin was appointed secondary.
THE NORTH/SOUTH DIRECTION OF HERITAGE VALLEY PARKWAY IN
TRACT MAP 5520 (PHASE 2) was renamed: TRESTLE WAY

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held next Friday, February 15, 2019 to honor Search and Rescue Team Member Jeff Dye. The ceremony will take place at the Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village at 11:00 am, and is open to the public. Jeff Dye is survived by his wife, Sandra Dye, of Thousand Oaks.

Dye was killed last Saturday when he was struck by a vehicle while he and his fellow team members had stopped to rescue the driver of another vehicle that had rolled over on the Grapevine near Lake Pyramid. As the team was treating the driver for major injuries, another vehicle traveling northbound lost control and plowed through the scene, killing Dye and injuring several other people, including three other members of Dye’s SAR team and two Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.

The team had been traveling north toward Mount Pinos to conduct winter training in snow conditions.

Nature of Incident: Memorial for Search & Rescue Team Member Jeff Dye
Location: Calvary Community Church 5495 Via Rocas Westlake Village, Ca.
Date & Time: February 15, 2019 @ 11:00 am

Prepared by: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Approved by: Captain Eric Hatlee

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Sunday, February 10, 2019, Sheriff’s detectives conducted compliance checks at the residences of thirty (30) registered sex offenders throughout the Fillmore area. The compliance checks were funded through the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE / ELEAS) program.

Twenty Nine (29) of the sex registrants were confirmed to be in compliance with their registration requirement. One (1) registrant was unable to be contacted. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the lone registrant not contacted is out of compliance.

The Sheriff’s Office aggressively pursues prosecution of those sex registrants who fail to comply with their registration requirements. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps on an ongoing basis, to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and in compliance with any probation or parole terms.

Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Prepared by: Sergeant Ryan Clark, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau / Sexual Assault Unit
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

Did you know that the Fillmore Flower Show has been a tradition since 1919? Even though there have been years that the flower show did not happen, like during war years and when there were not enough volunteers to hold the show, it has been a beloved event in Fillmore. The show this year on April 13 and 14 will celebrate 100 years of flowers.

Just for fun, here are some events that happened in the United States in 1919 other than the Fillmore Flower Show!

Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States

William Stephens was Governor of California

The 5th Rose Bowl, known at the time as the Tournament East-West Football Game, was played between the Mare Island Marines of California and the Great Lakes Navy from Great Lakes, Illinois

The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, Prohibition, went into effect

The Grand Canyon was established as a National Park

The University of California, Los Angeles was established

The US Congress approved the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed suffrage to women, and sent it to the states for ratification

The Black Sox Scandal

The Treaty of Versailles was signed to end WWI, but failed to be ratified by the Senate

Babe Ruth was traded to the Boston Red Sox

The Patterson Hardware Store at 362 Central Avenue was established. Harvey S. Patterson was the manager.

Make your own history by participating in the Fillmore Flower Show this year.

Bob Crum

I don't know the total number of camera models and lenses presently on the market. I do know that the majority of my photography-minded friends have camera bags full of photographic gear. Owning seven cameras and 14 lenses, one friend has an admitted GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) issue. Anyway, when we gather around a campfire, rare is the photog who is devoid of glowing adjectives hyping their favorite camera or lens. Without GAS, I have little to add to the conversation.

Without a new camera purchase in over three years, I feel like that I'm missing out on the latest technology. Of course, making a quality photo doesn't require the latest greatest camera. Many photographers can make great photos with whatever camera is at hand. However, the recently announced Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera grabbed my attention. Digital Camera World says: “In an industry where innovation is often limited to ‘more megapixels’, this camera has more brilliant new features than we’ve seen in a very long while. And if you ignore the narrative about sensor size, this is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera, period.” Hmmm. Though I don't presently have GAS, I can't deny a proclivity to some variant of camera lust.

As a photojournalist, I don't get coveted assignments like boudoir shoots featuring sensual lady bugs posing nude on double winky blue columbine flowers. Instead, I'm asked to shoot action-packed rodeos, fast-flying airplanes at airshows, rapid-paced parades and speedy Fillmore & Western trains. I can fix minor exposure issues, but not out-of-focus photos. Thus, it's exciting to note that the M1X features dual F.A.S.T. AF (Contrast & Phase Detection AF) 121 Point (All Cross Type) On-Chip phase detection” focusing. Wow!

Blurry photos are another nemesis. My hand is not as steady as yesteryear, and my heavy Canon 7DII doesn't have built-in stabilization. I have to rely on barely adequate lens stabilization for hand-held shots. Therefore, equally exciting is that the M1X has a staggering built-in 5-axis image stabilization with up to 7.5 shutter speed steps compensation. Again: Wow!

OK, let's get to the nitty-gritty. When is a new camera purchase justified particularly when the M1X MSRP is $2,999.00? I know that a new camera's value quickly diminishes considerably. So what? My old 7D served me admirably for six years. I still have it. After Canon cleaned the sensor, it works like new making it a valuable backup and the used camera value irrelevant. Then why did I buy the latest, greatest 7DII? Because Canon significantly improved important camera functions like quicker and more accurate focusing. In practice, Canon took a good camera (7D) and made it a significantly better camera. Isn't that what new technology does? The 7DII is working fine so at the risk of GAS, do I need a new camera? No! But it's a safe bet that I'll buy an MX1... just as soon as I win the lotto.

A surprise visit from a Cooper's hawk provided a fantastic photo and the photo of the week. A great example of having a camera handy. I didn't initially see the hawk approach, but I heard it. Looked out the window and saw her. Promptly grabbed my camera, stepped outside and (click) made the photo. As quickly as she appeared, she flew off. A few minutes later I saw her reappear 50 feet away with a mouse (lunch) in her talons. Proof that exciting photo ops can occur anywhere at any moment. BE READY! Happy photoing.

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

U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers will participate in Exercise Pacific Blitz at various training facilities and at sea in the southern California region March 12 - 26, 2019. The exercise is designed to test our forces' ability to plan, communicate, and conduct combined amphibious operations over great distances. Forces will enhance expeditionary logistic capabilities and rehearse concepts in simulated contested environments. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times before and during the exercise with increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise starting at the end of February.

For more information, follow us on Facebook @NavalBaseVenturaCounty or call NBVC Public Affairs at 805-989-9234.

By Susan Cox

Customers may be able to lower their electricity bill by taking part in money-saving programs at Southern California Edison.

About one-third of SCE’s residential customers are enrolled in income-qualified programs that offer bill discounts and low cost/no cost energy-efficiency products and services. These programs help to not only reduce electricity usage, but may also lower the amount customers pay.

“All of our income-qualified programs are designed to assist customers who live in our service territory and we want to encourage them to seek assistance if needed,” said Michael K. Bushey, director of SCE Program Operations.

“SCE keeps all customers’ information confidential. We want our customers to have confidence with all aspects of our customer service and we encourage those who qualify to apply for assistance if they need it– we are here to help wherever we can.”

In addition, SCE does not inquire about the citizenship or legal status of customers in the provision of services, does not share customer information with outside groups or agencies without consent, and does not require proof of residency for customers to participate in customer assistance programs.

Customers ineligible for income-qualified programs can work with SCE staff on payment arrangements that could spread out their payments and help during difficult times.

“Everyone needs help from time-to-time, and at Edison we want our customers, especially our most vulnerable customers, to feel free to reach out to us so we can be of assistance,” said Bushey. “We want to provide safe, reliable and affordable service for all of our customers.”

SCE Customer Assistance Programs
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Provides a discount of about 30 percent on monthly electric bills for eligible customers. Household of two would be eligible if the household income is below $32,920/per yr. Customers who qualify for CARE may be referred to the Energy Savings Assistance Program for additional help and savings.
For more information: http://sce.com/care.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
Provides a reduced monthly discount of 18 percent for income-qualified households of three or more. Households of three would be eligible if the household income is below $51,950/yr.
For more information: http://sce.com/fera

Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP)
Helps income-qualified customers save money on their bill and conserve energy. Customers may be eligible for free replacement appliances such as an energy-efficient refrigerator, air conditioner and more, as well as home efficiency solutions like weatherization and LED bulbs that help save energy and money.
For more information: http://sce.com/esap

SCE’s Energy Assistance Fund (EAF)
In partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, SCE’s nonprofit Energy Assistance Fund program, funded by customers and SCE employees, provides up to $100 to help customers pay their SCE energy bills when they meet the program’s income qualifications. Assistance is available once during a 12-month period.
Visit and click http://sce.com/eaf and click the “How to Get Assistance” link.

Budget Assistant
This free, easy-to-use tool will allow you to set monthly spending goals and receive proactive alerts either weekly, mid-month or when they have exceeded the spending goal. This tool will track costs in close to real time and send alerts via email, phone or text.
For more information: http://sce.com/budgetassistant

Level Pay Plan
SCE’s Level Pay Plan offers eligible customers the opportunity to pay for their annual electricity service across 11 equal monthly payments. The Level Pay Plan does not reduce the amount of the bill. Customers are responsible for paying the full cost of the energy they use, however they can split the cost into equal payments throughout the year.
Visit http://sce.com/customer-service/billing-payment

VC Sheriff’s SAR Member Jef Dye, 50, of Thousand Oaks.

A member of the VC Sheriff's Volunteer Search-and-Rescue team was killed Saturday, February 2nd, on the north-bound I-5 freeway, south of Vista Del Lago Road, near Lake Pyramid. Members of the Fillmore SAR Team were on their way to Frazier Park at 7:15am for a training mission when they stopped to help at the scene of an earlier accident, involving a roll-over, which came to rest in the 150-foot wide median that separates the north and south-bound traffic. While assisting Los Angeles County Fire Dept. crew members, a Ford Expedition SUV left the freeway, traveling up the median embankment and drove into the group of first responders. Fillmore SAR member Jef Dye, 50, was killed on scene. Three other SAR members were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Brian Alcantar and Marshall Laminen were reported in critical condition and remain hospitalized but are expected to recover; Joe Martinez was treated and released. The driver of the initial accident roll-over was a 63 year old Canoga Park man; he suffered major injuries. The driver of the SUV, a 42 year old Los Angeles man and his female passenger, were apparently uninjured. The incident is under investigation by the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation team.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 12/24/2018, at approximately 9:30 PM, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a shooting that occurred in the 800 block of 4th Street in Fillmore. Two adult male victims were shot by unknown suspect(s). The suspect(s) are believed to be associated with a white sedan.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s). If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Beau Rodriguez at 805-384-4723 or at Beau.Rodriguez@ventura.org.

Prepared by: Detective Beau Rodriguez #3591
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

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).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Thursday 01/31/19, three friends went on a backpacking trip in the Los Padres National Forest. The hikers intended to go from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead in Rose Valley to the Willett Hot Springs and hike back out by Saturday evening 02/02/19. On Saturday evening when the hikers had not checked in with their families, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a call for the overdue hikers.

Two resident deputies from Lockwood Valley responded to the trailhead battling heavy mixed rain and snow conditions, debris filled creek crossings, and Highway 33 which was closed due to the dangerous road conditions from ice, rocks, and mud in the roadway.

Upon arrival, the deputies located the overdue hiker’s vehicle at the trailhead indicating the hikers were in fact out on the trail – somewhere.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit responded utilizing Copter 9. The pilot and crew chiefs were wearing night vision goggles to safely fly in nighttime conditions and locate the overdue hikers.

While Copter 9 was enroute, the Lockwood Deputies located the three overdue hikers about one mile east of the trailhead. The hikers were stranded on the north side of the raging Sespe River and the deputies were unable to safely access their location. Copter 9 quickly arrived on scene and was directed to the lost hikers by the deputies on the ground. Copter 9 located the hikers, landed the airship near the river, and sent crew members to rescue and medically evaluate the hikers. Air squad members reported the hikers were wet and cold. Due to limited space on the helicopter, two of the crew chiefs gave up their seats and remained by the river in the inclement weather so that all three hikers could fly out together. At the time of the rescue, the temperature was 37 degrees with colder conditions and heavy rain and snow expected in the area.

Copter 9 transported the hikers back to the trailhead. The first hiker to step out of the helicopter was wearing wet clothes and was barefoot. The second was wearing boxers only. The third was also wearing completely soaked clothing. All three subjects were medically evaluated and offered warm clothing, food, and water. After warming up, the hikers did not need any additional medical attention and drove home.

When preparing for outdoor recreational activities, it is imperative to be familiar with current and forecasted weather conditions and how those conditions will affect the area you will be in (i.e. flooding). One of the things these hikers did well was to share their hiking plan with family or friends. If they had not shared their specific plans this story could have ended much differently. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office cannot emphasize enough the importance of proper planning for your outdoor recreation for the safety of all, including our first responders.

Prepared by: Deputy Sam Moss
Approved by: Captain J. Fryhoff

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

2018-2019 First Semester Progress Monitoring
The Governing Board received a presentation of the 2018-2019 first semester assessment data by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

2018-2019 Comprehensive School Safety Plan
The Governing Board received a presentation regarding district actions to address the Comprehensive School Safety Plan by Assistant Superintendent, Stefan Cvijanovich

Information on the Resolution of the Board of Education of the Fillmore Unified School District, Ventura County, California, Authorizing the Issuance of Fillmore Unified School District (Ventura County, California) 2016 Election, General Obligation Bonds, Series B, and Actions Related Thereto
The Governing Board received a presentation regarding a potential resolution for future consideration by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve the 2019-2020 School Calendar
The Governing Board approved the 2019-2020 FUSD school calendar.

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

Alejandro Valadez, Fillmore, Age 29.

On 01/27/19, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a vehicle theft in the 400 block of Ventura Street. The victim reported his vehicle was stolen while getting gas at a local station. The deputies’ investigation led to the arrest of Alejandro Valadez, who is identified as a local gang member with an extensive criminal history. During the investigation, deputies contacted the victim and obtained information. Deputies learned the victim parked his vehicle near a gas pump and went inside the establishment to pay. While inside, he observed a subject enter his vehicle and drive away. He quickly called the Sheriff’s Office. He was able to provide deputies with a physical description of the suspect. In addition, deputies were able to view video footage that captured the crime. Based on the information obtained, deputies were able to identify Valadez as the suspect in the case. They quickly alerted other officers who were in the area.

While driving in the 700 block of Santa Clara Street, a deputy observed Valadez walking. The deputy lost sight of Valadez momentarily. Other deputies responded to the area and completed an extensive search. In addition to finding the stolen vehicle abandoned in the area, Valadez was found hiding in the backyard of a nearby residence. He was taken into custody without incident. Valadez was booked into the county jail for 10851 (a) VC- vehicle theft. The victim’s vehicle was recovered

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Anthony Casillas, 21, of Fillmore.

On January 08, 2019, two victims were approached by a known and documented local gang member, Anthony Casillas. The victims were threatened by Casillas with violence in addition to gang slogans being used. Patrol deputies responded and were able to quickly identify Casillas as the suspect.

On January 25, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Casillas’ residence. During the execution of the search warrant, gang indicia and two illegally possessed firearms were located and seized. Casillas was arrested in conjunction with the search warrant and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

On January 29, 2019, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office charged Casillas with PC 422 - Criminal Threats and PC 186.22(a) – Street Terrorism with additional charges pending. Casillas is currently being held in custody on a $125,000.00 bail.

Anyone with further information regarding this investigation or information related to gang activity is encouraged to contact Detective Erik Hernandez at 805-654-2856.

Prepared by: Detective Erik Hernandez
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis